text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ryan Howard has entered fall camp in one fashion or another for years, so the first day of practice in Arkansas is no unique occasion for the first-year Central Arkansas Christian coach.
From leading Vestavia Hills (Ala.) High School to spending time as a reserve, starter and coach at the University of Central Arkansas -- Howard has seen and done it all.
At the high school level, today is not the "welcome back" practice that it is in the college ranks; it's the next step in a months-long build-up to the season that began in the spring.
"I've done a lot of fall camps before so [I'm] not really nervous about anything, just excited to get started," Howard said. "The fall camp deal, I mean, it's kind of overrated a little bit in high school. Just because you're able to do so much in the summertime. You obviously put on pads and stuff, that's really the biggest thing."
While Howard and the Mustangs utilized their 10 practice days during the spring and practiced throughout the summer, the next four weeks before they open their season against Lonoke will have a different look to the earlier practices.
"There's a lot of work [to do], and there are even parts of the game that we hadn't even gotten into yet with our guys," Howard said. "And so that's what we'll really start harping on now. You know, for spring and summer, we're more worried about just getting in our base offense and stuff. And now, once fall comes, we'll kind of be [focused on] more situational awareness of the different situations that come up in games."
Howard, 31, spent the last two seasons as an offensive analyst at the University of Missouri where he assisted with the quarterbacks on Coach Eli Drinkwitz's staff.
At CAC, he is teaming up with junior quarterback Grayson Wilson who committed to the University of Arkansas in April. Wilson threw for 1,778 yards and 19 touchdowns with 13 interceptions.
Wilson showcased his talent as one of the state's top underclassmen quarterbacks last season. Howard is now trying to fine-tune that talent and help the Mustangs to their first winning season since 2020.
"I think just number one, the biggest thing is just his understanding and processing of what we're asking him to do on offense," Howard said of Wilson's areas for improvement. "I think as time goes on, he's starting to get really, really comfortable in what we're asking him to do and understand what he needs to do to help us be successful with his reads and decision making."
CAC finished 2-8 each of the last two seasons under Coach Tommy Shoemaker. Howard said he isn't worried about preseason predictions or win totals, instead focusing on the day-to-day output of his players.
"Nobody going into the year wants to win two games, everyone wants to win every game," Howard said. "Everybody across the country, no matter what level football is being played, is everybody's talking about, you know, 'This is our year, we're going undefeated, blah, blah, blah and all that,' I think all we're trying to focus on is us and getting better each day at a time and learning everything that we can and doing that and then kind of seeing where the results go.
"I think throughout the summer, guys have pointed out the good and pointed out the bad in the days, and just pointed out the consistent effort that we need on a day-to-day approach to put ourselves in [a position] to not win two games." | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/prep-football-howard-brings-experience-in-first/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:06 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/prep-football-howard-brings-experience-in-first/ |
HOUSTON -- Quarterback C.J. Stroud, taken second overall in this year's draft, isn't worried that the Panthers picked No. 1 selection Bryce Young as their starter on Day 1 of training camp while the Houston Texans are making him compete for the job.
"I'm happy for him, but his situation is his situation, and my situation is mine," Stroud said Sunday. "So, I know that I've got to work on my end and do whatever I've got to do to make this team better. It's not about the starter [or] who's not the starter, it's about getting better for Week 1 against Baltimore."
Stroud is competing with Davis Mills to be the team's quarterback. The Texans have split first-team snaps between the two in the first few days of camp.
Houston drafted Stroud after Mills struggled as the team's starter for the past two years. He took the starting role while Deshaun Watson sat out following a trade request before being shipped to Cleveland before last season.
Mills went 5-22-1 in 28 games, including 26 starts, as the Texans were among the NFL's worst teams.
Stroud is just the third quarterback the Texans have drafted in the first round, joining Watson, taken 12th in 2017, and David Carr, the team's first draft pick who was taken first overall in 2002.
After using such a high pick on Stroud it's hard to imagine that he won't end up as the team's starter. But for now, new Coach DeMeco Ryans is adamant that it's an open competition between the former Ohio State star and Mills.
While Ryans won't answer questions about what Stroud will have to do to win the job, he's had plenty to say about the dedication the 21-year-old has shown since joining the team.
"What you see about C.J. is the work and preparation that he does when he's not here," Ryans said. "He's a true football junkie. He loves football, always watching football, always asking for extra cut-ups from our coaches. I'm so impressed with the mental part of him and just how much he loves the game of football. When a guy has that much love for the game of football, he's [only] going to continue to get better."
Stroud was a two-year starter for Ohio State, where he threw for 8,123 yards with 85 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions as the Buckeyes went 21-4. His 85 touchdowns over two seasons broke a Big Ten record held by Drew Brees.
Despite competing with Mills for the job, the rookie said that he and fellow quarterback Case Keenum have both helped him a lot as he's made the jump from college to the pros.
"I've learned everything from Davis," Stroud said. "Davis and Case are great vets. And just because we may be competing against each other, doesn't mean that we're not going to learn from each other. I've had a really great time being in the room with those guys."
Stroud certainly knows what's at stake for him in this camp, but he's trying not to let the competition change how he approaches his job day to day.
"I feel like when you try to have a different mindset you confuse yourself," he said. "So, for me, I just try to keep my head down and I work -- just try to work harder and harder every day. Just trying to ... be the best person I can be on and off the field."
As Stroud prepares for his first NFL season, he has plenty of goals. However, his approach to goals has never been to list only lofty, far down the road ones.
"I have goals written down," he said. "I did it in college and I'll do it now. But I have a lot of things that I put down, like really small goals. I think the more you can accomplish small goals in your life, the big ones can come kind of natural. And they come as you get the small ones checked off." | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/stroud-not-worried-by-qb-competition/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:12 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/stroud-not-worried-by-qb-competition/ |
NEW YORK -- Justin Verlander earned his 250th career victory in what could be his final start for the New York Mets, who beat the Washington Nationals 5-2 on Sunday after trading Max Scherzer to Texas.
Francisco Lindor homered and had three hits for the fourth-place Mets (50-55), who took three of four from last-place Washington. Pete Alonso drove in two runs.
With Scherzer and closer David Robertson traded away in the past few days, it's possible Verlander could be next as the disappointing Mets look to get younger and improve their farm system. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is signed through next season with a potential option for 2025. He also has a no-trade clause.
Verlander said he intended to speak with General Manager Billy Eppler after being surprised by the Scherzer trade.
"I think it largely depends on how the organization views next year. I think Max is a tough sign for trying to go back at it," Verlander said. "So I'm committed to trying to win a championship here, but if the organization decides that that's not exactly the direction that they think is a best fit for next year and go for it again next year then yeah, I would be more open to it."
Verlander (6-5) allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings to become the 49th major leaguer to reach 250 wins.
"It's pretty special," he said. "You don't play the game for accomplishments. You don't play it for big, flashy numbers or whatever. But as this game has a way of doing, sometimes you get a little kick in the butt.
"It's a moment that you kind of have to take a step back and appreciate, and this is one of those for me. It's pretty cool."
BRAVES 8, BREWERS 6 Matt Olson drove in five runs with two home runs and Atlanta beat Milwaukee to cap its sweep.
CARDINALS 3, CUBS 0 Steven Matz (2-7) and two relievers combined on a five-hitter, and St. Louis snapped Chicago's eight-game winning streak.
PIRATES 6, PHILLIES 4 (10) Josh Palacios hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning, and Pittsburgh rallied twice from two runs down to clinch the three-game series with Philadelphia.
REDS 9, DODGERS 0 Elly De La Cruz, Joey Votto and Matt McLain homered, and Cincinnati took over sole possession of first place in the NL Central by beating Los Angeles.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
ANGELS 3, BLUE JAYS 2 (10) Hunter Renfroe hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning and Los Angeles beat Toronto to avoid a three-game sweep.
GUARDIANS 5, WHITE SOX 0 Jose Ramirez homered twice as Cleveland earned a split of the four-game series with Chicago.
ORIOLES 9, YANKEES 3 Adam Frazier hit a three-run home run during a seven-run first inning as Baltimore defeated New York.
RAYS 8, ASTROS 2 Brandon Lowe hit a two-run home run and drove in three, Josh Lowe capped a four-run first with a three-run double and Tampa Bay beat Houston.
ROYALS 2, TWINS 1 Freddy Fermin hit a home run, Ryan Yarbrough (4-5) gave up one run over seven innings and Kansas City completed a sweep of Minnesota.
INTERLEAGUE
GIANTS 4, RED SOX 3 (11) Joc Pederson singled in Patrick Bailey in the 11th inning, and San Francisco earned its first home series win against Boston since 2004.
MARINERS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 0 Luis Castillo threw six sharp innings, J.P. Crawford connected for a home run and Seattle took two of three games over Arizona.
MARLINS 8, TIGERS 6 Garrett Cooper and Jean Segura homered, newly acquired relievers Jorge Lopez (5-2) and David Robertson played key roles and Miami beat Detroit.
PADRES 5, RANGERS 3 Gary Sanchez homered twice, Juan Soto doubled in Fernando Tatis Jr. from first base and left-hander Blake Snell (8-8) had another strong start for San Diego, who beat Texas for a three-game sweep.
ROCKIES 2, ATHLETICS 0 Ty Blach (1-0) tossed five innings, Ryan McMahon drove in both runs, and Colorado salvaged the final game of the three-game series with Oakland. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/verlander-may-be-packing-bags-after-win-no-250/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:18 | 1 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/verlander-may-be-packing-bags-after-win-no-250/ |
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen enters the mid-season break in unstoppable form, after emphatically winning the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday for an eighth consecutive win and 10th overall of a crushingly dominant season.
Despite starting from sixth place he finished 22.3 seconds ahead of teammate Sergio Perez to give Red Bull an easy 1-2. It moved Verstappen ominously closer to a third consecutive world title and his own F1 record of 15 wins from last year.
Verstappen is 125 points ahead of Perez after just 12 races, and his next target is matching Sebastian Vettel's F1 record of nine consecutive wins with a victory at the Dutch GP when the lopsided season resumes on Aug. 27.
"I just want to have a nice time now, have a bit of time with family and friends," Verstappen said.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished in third spot for a third podium of the season, with Lewis Hamilton in fourth for Mercedes ahead of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.
George Russell was sixth for Mercedes, with Lando Norris (McLaren), Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) completing the top 10.
Leclerc started on pole ahead of Perez, with Hamilton and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. behind them. McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri was on the next row alongside Verstappen -- who was fastest in Friday's qualifying but took a five-place grid penalty for a gearbox change and had to avoid early traffic.
"It was just about surviving turn one. I could see it was all getting really tight," Verstappen said. "I've been in that position before myself so I am just going to stay out of that and it worked out. From there onwards I made the right overtakes."
Last year Verstappen won from 14th, and once he overtook Perez on Lap 17 of 44 his 45th career win was seemingly inevitable.
"Really enjoyable to drive once I got in the lead," Verstappen said. "It was again a great race."
Red Bull extended its record to 13 consecutive wins, including the final race of last season.
Hamilton came in on the penultimate lap for a tire change and the move paid off as he took the bonus point for fastest lap from Verstappen -- a very minor blip for the dominant Dutchman.
It was yet another stellar weekend for Verstappen, who also won Saturday's sprint race. The only issue was some more bickering with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over radio, as they continued their spat from Friday's qualifying.
"Don't forget Max, use your head, please," Lambiase told Verstappen when he questioned why Perez was making his first tire change on Lap 14.
Verstappen defused any talk of tension with Lambiase.
"It's fine. We know each other very well and we have a very good relationship," he said. "I think it's really important."
With some rain in the forecast, Verstappen boxed on the next lap and came out about 2 seconds behind Perez. Just minutes later he cruised past Perez and, as so often this season, the rest was just about control.
Perez, meanwhile, pledged to stay on the podium for the rest of the season.
"It's been a bit of a rough patch," the 33-year-old Mexican said. "I really need this summer break, it's been really intense. I'll come back really strong for Zandvoort."
Conditions were dry for the race start, in stark contrast to the two previous days, which were impacted by heavy rain at the 4.3-mile Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Leclerc, who won his first F1 race here in 2019, made a solid start but Perez's extra pace soon put him in front.
"I knew it was quite crucial for my race to get Charles on Lap 1," Perez said.
Verstappen rose two places to fourth after Sainz bumped into Piastri on the first corner.
Piastri had to retire, while Verstappen overtook Hamilton on Lap 6, Leclerc three laps later and made short work of Perez just before some rain fell briefly.
Some good overtaking from Ocon moved the Frenchman up from 10th to eighth in the closing stages. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/verstappens-streak-climbs-to-8/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:24 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/verstappens-streak-climbs-to-8/ |
Woman who died during hiking trip remembered for adventurous, selfless spirit
LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Rosalie Rhodes was one of two women found dead in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park after going missing from a hiking trip on July 22.
The temperature in the park that day reached a high of approximately 113 degrees.
“It could’ve happened to any of us, doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, how prepared you are,” said Julie Johnston, Jessica Rhodes’ friend and owner of Camp Rhino, where she regularly exercised. “Nobody really knows what actually happened, but nobody could’ve been in better shape or more prepared to do something like that.”
Jessica Rhodes and 29-year-old Diana Matienzo Rivera were found separated, one on the trails and the other in a canyon. They were first reported missing by another group of hikers.
Her mother, Josephine Rhodes, said she believes her daughter was trying to help her friend.
“They were trying to get back, but they just didn’t make it and she didn’t want to leave her friend down there, so she tried to help her friend,” Josephine Rhodes said. “And that’s just the type of child she is.”
Family remembered Jessica Rhodes for her strength, smile and selflessness.
“Jessica, as a child, everybody is going to tell you, was always smiling. I don’t care what it is, she was always smiling,” Jessica Rhodes’ mother said.
Jessica Rhodes was a certified nursing assistant at Summerlin Hospital and in school to become a nurse. She was also a fitness enthusiast who competed and won often.
She even won a medal for her work as a first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking care of people, that’s what she loved to do,” Hannah Ariolae, Jessica Rhodes’ sister, said. “Her patients and stuff, she’d go above and beyond for them.”
Rhodes’ siblings, mother and her fitness family in Las Vegas are now remembering her for her adventurous spirit, and they want to encourage others to embrace the joys of life like she did.
“She just loved life. So when she went on the trail there, that’s what she liked to do,” Josephine Rhodes said.
Copyright 2023 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:47 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ |
BEIJING, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture and art can bring minds and the world together. With this in mind, the second episode of season three of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Unlocking the power of art: How cultural exchanges can connect the world," was broadcast online on July 30.
Gen Zers from China, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Thailand gathered at the Dalian campus of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and discussed how artistic beauty can bring the world together and how to face the challenges that artificial intelligence present to art.
What is the essence of beauty? What unique influence does Chinese art have on Gen Zers? What spiritual pursuits are reflected in Chinese art and aesthetics?
In this episode of Youth Power, each Gen Z guest brought an art piece that they believed would best represent the Chinese concept of art and beauty. In doing so they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics, philosophy and culture.
Giacomo Bruni, an Italian studying at the China Academy of Art in Beijing, said brushes are the most important tools in expressing Chinese culture because they are central to calligraphy, writing poetry and painting.
"Like the hardness of the handle and the softness of the hair, the brush encapsulates the idea of yin and Yang," Bruni said. The brush not only encapsulates the creativity of the world, but also epitomizes the profound ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, he said.
Song De'ao, a Chinese Gen Zer, chose the official mascots for Chinese winter sports designed by a team at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts as his ideal representation of Chinese aesthetics.
Song, a member of the design team, recalled the inspiration for the mascot Xue Wa, which wears tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloud patterns and longevity locks on the clothing. "The mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics in modern China," Song said.
Jiratchaya Phinyoworakul, a Thai studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, highlighted two features that distinguish Chinese artworks from those of other countries and cultures: cultural extensiveness and profoundness as well as a philosophy centering on harmony between humankind and nature.
The program host, Zhong Yutong, said it is through exchanges that Chinese arts increase in vibrancy and vitality.
"Chinese arts have so much to offer. And we've had wonderful exchanges with different arts and civilizations across the world."
Bruni said art Chinese art is all-encompassing, perfectly merging all types of art. He cited Chinese literati paintings, a kind of painting that expresses feelings and aspirations through natural scenery, as an example, illustrating that "they unify the intellectual world and the practical art world, which is something that is missing in Western countries".
Program guests said there is no absolute definition of art and no universally recognized standard of beauty. Lian Liia, a student from Russia, said "the standard of art is changing in the art history, but there is one thing that has never changed, namely people's pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty".
Phinyoworakul said art is tantamount to comfort. "Even little things can be art. A smile on your face, a flower, sunshine, everything can be art. Art is in our everyday life."
Concerning the combination and contradiction of traditional art and fast-developing AI art creation, Bruni said artists screen information like filters of society. They find beauty and create art, but do not mechanically record and present everything around them. However, this is not true of AI, because it cannot grasp the concept of beauty.
Sun Yuxin of China said AI could positively influence the development of art. "AI saves a lot of time for artists, and it helps them with a lot of basic work."
Gen Zers have also contributed their wisdom in helping the world appreciate the beauty of Chinese art. Promoting Chinese aesthetics through social media could help people understand it more directly, Phinyoworakul said.
Lian Liia, a student at the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University in Beijing, said, "We can promote Chinese culture as a lifestyle. For example, doing calligraphy or drinking tea to experience Chinese culture in our daily life."
Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Daily | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:53 | 0 | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ |
HANZHONG, China, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanzhong in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on his way back to Beijing on Saturday. During his visit to the municipal museum, Xi emphasized making good use of museums. He also called for efforts to expand the influence of Chinese culture.
"I was in Hanzhong in 2008 after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake to oversee the relief work. Hanzhong has always been in my heart over the years," Xi told local residents. Xi said he was delighted to see huge changes of the city since then.
With an exhibition area of nearly 2,000 square meters, the Hanzhong Museum in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is not the grandest museum in China, but it is a historical telescope allowing visitors to have a retrospective view of Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history dating back to as far as 2,000 years ago.
Unlike many other museums across the country built to house more recent historical relics, the Hanzhong Museum itself embodies the history that encompasses three heritage sites with the ancient Hantai (Lit: Han palace), once the royal residence of the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, at its core.
Heritage sites-turned museum
Including the ruin of ancient Hantai, a notable feature of the Hanzhong Museum was it built in 1985 consisting of two other Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) heritage sites, the Baijiang altar and the "Yin Ma Chi," a pool facility common in ancient times for accommodating horses.
Visitors are first greeted by the ancient Hantai once they enter the museum, which is seven meters high. The millennium-old architecture was constructed using typical man-made rammed earth and its design characters show architectural aesthetics prominent in China's Qin (221BC-206BC), Han and Southern Song (1127-1279) dynasties.
Liao Shuguang, an architectural expert of ancient Chinese buildings, told the Global Times that the ancient Hantai's functions would change "according to history's change." It was once home to Liu Bang, but was later renovated in the Southern Song Dynasty to become a backyard garden with a gazebo on the building's roof.
Although the ancient Hantai changed roles, its historical importance remained unchanged as it witnessed Liu's founding of the Han Dynasty, one of the powerful dynasties in the Chinese history to have "unified yet diverse" cultural and political beliefs, historian Tao Zhongjun, told the Global Times.
"Including the belief of a 'unified country,' the Han Dynasty left behind a diverse legacy including the governing Confucius mindset and Silk Road exchanges with the western region of Asia and the world. They continue to inspire us today," Tao noted.
Aside from the ancient Hantai, the Baijiang altar, another major element of the museum, was built in 206BC. It was where the then governor Liu Bang would praise the talent and wisdom of his loyal officer Han Xin.
Museum expert Li Zhiming told the Global Times that such heritage sites turned cultural spaces are "living proof of Chinese history," and a good way of making use of the museum is to "properly maintain it while enriching its collection that possesses local cultural characters."
The art of Shudao
Hanzhong was a major stop along the ancient road system Shudao that connected China's Guanzhong Plain with the Chengdu Plain.
The Baoxie plank road, an ancient mountain road that traversed the Qinling Mountain, was also located in Hanzhong and brought an abundant supply of Shudao cultural artifacts.
Inside the Hanzhong Museum, there is a gallery dedicated to the ancient plank road. Shi Men Shi San Pin, also known as the 13 cliff stone carvings of the Shi Men, are a part of the museum's collection.
As an important section of the Shudao, Shi Men was a tunnel at the southern end of the Baoxie plank road. The walls of the tunnel as well as the cliffs of the Baoxie river, were carved with numerous historical inscriptions among which the 13 pieces collected by the museum were the "rarest of the rare," relic expert Xiang Zhengming told the Global Times.
Amongst the 13 carving pieces, the Shi Men Song (Lit: the Eulogy of Shi Men) is a highlight. It embodies the aesthetic essence of Han Dynasty's clerical script calligraphic style. In 1936, China's large-scale encyclopedia Cihai (lit: the sea of the words) took the two Chinese characters for "sea" and "word" discovered from the carving stones to be used on the cover.
"The collection at the Hanzhong Museum holds value in which one can look into China's calligraphic art and can be useful to historians in understanding the then social and cultural scenes," Xiang told the Global Times.
Some other carved pieces have also revealed the secrets of Han Dynasty's water project construction.
Including the 13 treasures, the Hanzhong Museum holds over 5,000 pieces of cultural artifacts that tell the changing cultural history of the city and the nation.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ | 2023-07-31T08:07:59 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ |
- LGES' ESG Report 2022 published today, announcing a string of sustainable business management progress made in the previous year
- 61 percent of the electricity used in the company's global production sites was generated from renewable sources… 56 percent when including non-manufacturing business sites
- The firm has strengthened the disclosure of information in scope and depth to better address growing demands from global authorities including ISSB and TCFD
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) today released ESG report 2022, sharing the progress of the company's ESG management including climate change mitigation achievements. Consisting of a total of 107 pages, the third annual report details the company's vision, efforts, and progress in environmental, social, and governance areas.
As a part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality company-wide by 2040, LGES announced that it has managed to source 61 percent of the electricity used in its global production sites from renewable energy in 2022. In terms of the company-wide electricity usage, which includes non-manufacturing business sites, 56 percent was delivered from renewable sources. LGES has been rapidly advancing the transition to renewable energy, supplying 33 percent of its electricity use from renewable sources in 2020 and 44 percent in 2021.
Previously, LGES has set a phased roadmap to successfully complete the mid-to long-term initiative to realize carbon neutrality. The company plans to supply all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Furthermore, LGES intends to achieve carbon neutrality by converting all energy sources aside from electricity, including fuels and gas, to renewable energy sources at all of its business sites by 2040, and across the entire value chain by 2050.
One of the other priority tasks identified by LGES is establishing a closed-loop system of resources by reusing or recycling end-of-life batteries and managing waste generated at business sites. To this end, the company signed a contract with Li-Cycle, the largest battery recycling company in North America, to provide scrap generated during the battery manufacturing process, and in turn receive recycled nickel that can be used in manufacturing cathode materials for batteries. Furthermore, in China, LGES has completed the establishment of recycling system in 2022. Its Nanjing facility has also developed a new technology to recycle NMP solvent waste (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), which accounts for about 85 percent of the hazardous waste, and improved the NMP recycling rate from 80 percent to 97 percent.
Furthermore, LGES is actively taking part in major global ESG initiatives. In May 2022, it became the first Korean company to join the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), joining the global efforts to eradicate forced labor and child labor issues in Congolese mines of cobalt, a major raw material for batteries, and secure fair minerals. Also participating as a member of the Alliance's Steering Committee, LGES is actively pursuing community improvement activities such as helping young children enroll in school, supplying solar power to local schools, and executing safety education in mines.
LGES emphasized that the company has strengthened the information disclosure throughout this year's report in line with the growing call for more transparent ESG information from various stakeholders including investors around the world. LGES is responding quickly to the demands of the international community, following the recommendations from renowned global ESG disclosure standards such as the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
In addition, the report's cover design reflects the characteristics of LGES as a battery company as well as its ESG slogan "Plus for Minus, Minus for Plus." The phrase represents the company's determination to realize a better future by reducing unnecessary elements and adding necessary ones in each area of Environment, Society, and Governance, like the natural flow of electrodes moving between the plus and minus poles.
"LG Energy Solution will continue to relentlessly innovate ourselves in order to contribute to the global carbon neutrality and the future of mankind," said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. "By making a difference, we will meaningfully realize our goal of becoming the 'global No.1 company' that is trusted and beloved by customers."
To view the full ESG Report 2022, go to: https://www.lgensol.com/upload/file/sustainability/2022_LGES_ESG_Report_Eng.pdf
About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
View original content:
SOURCE LG Energy Solution | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ | 2023-07-31T08:08:06 | 1 | https://www.kmvt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ |
Portugal vs. United States: Women’s World Cup Group E Odds, Stats and Live Stream - August 1
In each team's third matchup in Group E action at the 2023 Women's World Cup, The United States (4 points) and Portugal (3 points) match up on Tuesday, August 1 at 3:00 AM ET.
The moneyline odds for the United States to win this game are -383, with the draw at +458 and Portugal at +1017. The over/under for this match is 2.5 goals.
Bet on the result of United States vs. Portugal at DraftKings! Bet now to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
- Time: 3:00 AM ET
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Venue: Eden Park
- TV Channel: FOX US,Fox Sports 1
- Total: 2.5
- United States Moneyline: -383
- Portugal Moneyline: +1017
United States vs. Portugal World Cup Betting Insights
- The two teams average three goals per game combined, 0.5 more than this match's total.
- Opponents of these two teams combine to average one goal per game, 1.5 fewer than this game's total.
- The United States has been a moneyline favorite only two other times so far this tournament, and went 1-1-0 in those games.
- The United States has played as a moneyline favorite of -383 or shorter in only one game this tournament, which they won.
- Portugal lost the only game it has played as an underdog this tournament.
- Portugal has not been a bigger underdog this tournament than the +1017 moneyline set for this game.
United States World Cup Stats
Portugal World Cup Stats
- In Women's World Cup, Telma Encarnacao has one goal (in two matches) and one assist for Portugal.
- In two Women's World Cup matches, Lucia Alves does not have a goal but has recorded one assist (fourth in the 2023 Women's World Cup).
- In Women's World Cup play, Francisca Nazareth has one goal (but no assists).
Take your pick for United States vs. Portugal on DraftKings! Use our link to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Recent Performance
- The United States is 8-1-0 this year versus fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +19. In 2022, it was 10-0-3 in such matches (+24 goal differential).
- The United States' last game was a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, taking 10 shots and outshooting by seven.
- Horan scored the lone goal for her side in the match against .
- So far this year, Portugal is 2-1-2 against fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +5. In 2022, it was 3-2-4 in such matches (-4 goal differential).
- Portugal secured a 2-0 win versus Vietnam on July 27 in its last game. Portugal outshot Vietnam 28 to five.
- Nazareth and Encarnacao lifted Portugal with a goal apiece.
United States Roster
Get your Women's World Cup gear at Fanatics!
Portugal Roster
Not all offers available in all states, please visit DraftKings for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ | 2023-07-31T08:08:12 | 0 | https://www.kmvt.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ |
Balloon release held in remembrance of 3 Cass Co.,Texas sisters
Published: Jul. 29, 2023 at 10:29 PM CDT
ATLANTA, Texas (KSLA) - A balloon release was held for three girls found dead in pond in Cass County, Texas one year ago.
Community members gathered in honor of Zi’Ariel Robinson-Oliver, 9, A’Miyah Hughes, 8, and Te’Mari Robinson-Oliver, 5.
The event took place Saturday, July 29 at 7 p.m. at 59 County Road 3319 in Atlanta, Texas.
In August of 2022, the three girls were reported missing; later, their bodies were pulled from a private pond.
Their deaths were first thought to be drownings but were later ruled as homicides.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved. | https://www.ktre.com/2023/07/30/balloon-release-held-remembrance-3-cass-cotexas-sisters/ | 2023-07-31T08:08:24 | 0 | https://www.ktre.com/2023/07/30/balloon-release-held-remembrance-3-cass-cotexas-sisters/ |
HONG KONG — (AP) — Fans of singer and songwriter Coco Lee, who was known for her powerful voice and live performances, were gathering with flowers to pay their respects to their idol at her funeral in Hong Kong on Monday.
The evening services were expected to be attended by her family, friends and supporters. Lee died July 5 at age 48.
She was born in Hong Kong and attended school in San Francisco before releasing her first album in 1994 at age 19. She began her career as a Mandopop singer but branched out to release albums in Cantonese and English.
She was the first Chinese singer to break into the American market, and her English song “Do You Want My Love” climbed to #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999. In 2001, she sang “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at the Academy Awards, becoming the first Chinese American to perform at the Oscars.
Lee was also the voice of heroine Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s “Mulan,” and sang the Mandarin version of the movie’s theme song “Reflection.”
Lee was married to Bruce Rockowitz, former CEO of Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. She had two stepdaughters.
He death had shocked fans. Her siblings posted on Facebook that she had depression for years and had attempted suicide at home on July 2. She died a few days later.
In Lee's recent social media posts, she kept spreading positivity. In March, she posted about having to relearn how to walk after undergoing surgery for an old leg injury.
“Successful surgery. Even though I’m in a lot of pain and I have to re-learn how to walk again, I know I can do it,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Yes I can and I will!”
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/fans-pay-tribute/UDYPEPK6ELOKQFSJFYO4TR733E/ | 2023-07-31T08:10:15 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/fans-pay-tribute/UDYPEPK6ELOKQFSJFYO4TR733E/ |
VATICAN CITY — (AP) — When Pope Francis made the first foreign trip of his papacy, to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in 2013, he urged young people to make a "mess" in their local churches, to shake things up even if it ruffled the feathers of their bishops.
As he embarks this week on another edition of World Youth Day, in Lisbon, Portugal, Francis in many ways has taken his own advice to heart. After 10 years as pope, Francis is accelerating his reform agenda and making revolutionary changes in personnel and policy that are definitely shaking things up.
Unencumbered by the shadow of Pope Benedict XVI, who died seven months ago, and despite recovering from a second intestinal surgery in as many years, the 86-year-old Francis is opening a frenetic second half of the year with his Portugal visit. He seems aware that he has a limited sweet spot of time to solidify the changes he believes are necessary for the 21st century church, and is looking to the next generation of faithful and leaders to execute them.
“The sense I get is that this is the consolidation phase of the pontificate,” said papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. “He’s laying the basis now, laying the ground, for the future.”
And no better place to put it on display than at a World Youth Day. The international rally, which St. John Paul II launched in 1986 to galvanize young Catholics in their faith, is expected to draw up to 1 million people for the first post-pandemic event of its kind. Francis’ perennial social justice concerns about climate change, social inequality and fraternity, as well as Russia's war in Ukraine, are expected to be major themes.
Beyond Portugal, though, Francis’ multifold strategy for laying the groundwork for the future is coming together and will hit significant marks in the coming months.
His global canvassing of rank-and-file Catholics about their vision for the future comes to fruition this October with a big synod at the Vatican. The meeting is intended to give direction on such hot-button issues as the place of LGBTQ+ Catholics and women in the church, and for the first time will feature women and young people voting on proposals alongside bishops.
"I really think that for Pope Francis, he felt that 'OK, now it's mature' and it would be good really to involve all the members, all the people in the synod as members" with the right to vote, said Sister Nathalie Becquart, who is one of the key synod organizers.
To then implement the vision that emerges from the synod, Francis has been naming a slew of unusually young bishops for key archdioceses — in his native Buenos Aires, Madrid and Brussels, among others. At the same time, he’s elevated several cardinals in their 50s — and in some cases their 40s — including the auxiliary bishop of Lisbon who is organizing World Youth Day.
Putting such young clerics in such important positions ensures a generation’s worth of likeminded leadership in the Vatican and archdioceses around the world. While not all are cookie-cutter proteges of Francis, many are seen as similarly pastorally minded and thus more game to implement his reforms, especially as the older generation of bishops and cardinals dies out.
After Francis is gone, the youngest of these new cardinals will have some three decades' worth of local leadership and conclave votes to select future popes, suggesting a generational and ideological shift in the church leadership is very much underway.
Francis' most important young "legacy" appointment was that of the Vatican's new doctrinal czar, Argentine Cardinal-elect Victor Manuel Fernandez ,61. Francis' theological ghostwriter ran into Vatican problems in the past over questions about his doctrinal orthodoxy, and his appointment sent shockwaves through the conservative and traditionalist wings of the church.
Fernandez sees his appointment as part of Francis' longer-term agenda: “He is proposing a more inclusive church, more respectful of different ways of living, even of thinking,” Fernandez said in an interview.
Portuguese Cardinal-elect Americo Aguiar, who is in charge of World Youth Day, is another young churchman who also understands his appointment as part of a generational turning point for the Catholic hierarchy.
At age 49 he will become the second-youngest member of the College of Cardinals when he is installed Sept. 30. He is just six months older than the current youngest cardinal, whom Francis elevated this time last year: Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, head of the church in Mongolia where Francis will travel at the end of August.
“My reading of it is that this has to do with young people, it has to do with youth, it has to do with Portugal, it has to do with World Youth Day, it has to do with all of that,” Aguiar said in an interview. “I think that his objective and his underlining was exactly to send a signal to the young people, to every young person who is preparing the day, whether in Portugal or in the world, to feel identified with this decision.”
Francis said as much in his monthly prayer intentions for August, this time dedicated to the Lisbon event.
“In Lisbon, I would like to see a seed for the world’s future,” Francis said. “A world where love is at the center, where we can sense that we are sisters and brothers.”
His words at the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio now seem prescient in outlining many of the key pastoral messages Francis has emphasized over the past decade. Delivering a spontaneous, off-the-cuff exhortation to a gathering of Argentine pilgrims that was organized at the last minute, Francis urged the young to get out into the streets, spread their faith and "make a mess."
“I want to see the church get closer to the people,” Francis said then, speaking in his native Spanish. “I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures.”
Realizing the radical nature of his message, Francis apologized to the bishops for what was about to come, even though in the 10 years since, he has only gone farther than anyone could have imagined at the time.
“The true reform of the church, you know, is not a revolution bringing something completely from outside,” said Becquart, the French nun, as she reflected on Francis' agenda. “It’s a path of change that is a way to unfold tradition, but in a very dynamic way.”
___
AP reporters Helena Alvez in Lisbon, Portugal, and Almudena Calatrava in Buenos Aires contributed.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/news/pope-heads-portugal/AEARHPZ7GTZOHXUA3LJ5JWN4PI/ | 2023-07-31T08:10:21 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/pope-heads-portugal/AEARHPZ7GTZOHXUA3LJ5JWN4PI/ |
CANBERRA, Australia — (AP) — The Australian army helicopter that crashed Friday during a multinational exercise hit the water with a “catastrophic impact” and there is no chance its four crew members survived, officials said Monday.
Australia’s fleet of more than 40 of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, made by French Airbus, has been grounded since the crash and there are doubts any will fly again.
They will be grounded until crash investigators determine what caused the tragedy. The government announced in January it plans to replace them with 40 U.S. Black Hawks. The Taipans’ retirement date of December 2024 would be 13 years earlier than Australia had initially planned.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue effort changed Monday to a victim recovery operation with no chance that Capt. Danniel Lyon, Lt. Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock or Cpl. Alexander Naggs had survived.
“There was a catastrophic incident and with every passing hour, it is now clear that any hope of finding (the four crew) alive has been lost,” Marles told reporters.
The helicopter crashed during a nighttime exercise with the United States and other nations near the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marles had said on Saturday the helicopter “ditched,” which refers to an emergency landing. But on Monday he would not rule our pilot error or disorientation in the dark causing the crash into the water. He urged against speculation about potential causes.
“There was a catastrophic impact on the helicopter when it hit the water,” Marles said.
“We will move through the process of putting the Black Hawks into service as quickly as we can ... and we will not be flying MRH90s until we understand what has happened,” Marles added.
The lost Taipan had been taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland state. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
The exercise was continuing on Monday with some changes near the recovery operation, Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said.
Campbell thanked the United States and Canada for their help in the search and recovery efforts, which he said was “not an easy operation.”
The wreckage lay in the path of strong currents and tidal movements. It was too deep for standard diving operations.
Part of the airframe had been retrieved by Monday but most of the helicopter remained on the seabed, Campbell said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan since March. The fleet was grounded after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast near the naval base at Jervis Bay during a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Fergus McLachlan was involved in integrating the Taipan into the Australian army when they arrived in 2007 and had been responsible for keeping them airworthy. He said the Taipan did not have the proven record of the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks.
“We bought into an unproven system. In real terms, it was a developmental aircraft and it has never really matured,” McLachlan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It was always a battle to maintain it and keep it flying,” McLachlan added.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/news/world/4-crew-members/ZAPOPFSRCVJ6QTJGQPMKIDYVNI/ | 2023-07-31T08:10:28 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/world/4-crew-members/ZAPOPFSRCVJ6QTJGQPMKIDYVNI/ |
BEIJING — (AP) — A zoo in eastern China is denying suggestions some of its bears might be people in costumes after photos of the animals standing like humans circulated online.
The sun bears from Malaysia are smaller than other bears and look different but are the real thing, the Hangzhou Zoo said Monday on its social media account.
“Some people think I stand like a person," said the posting, written from the bear’s point of view. “It seems you don’t understand me very well.”
An employee who answered the phone at the zoo declined to talk about the bears but said visits were being arranged for reporters Monday to see them.
Internet users questioned whether the zoo’s bears were real after photos circulated showing one standing upright on slender hind legs.
“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise,’” the newspaper Hangzhou Daily said.
Sun bears are the size of large dogs, standing at most 1.3 meters (50 inches) tall on their hind legs, compared with up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) for grizzlies and other species, according to the zoo.
Other Chinese zoos have been accused of trying to pass off dogs dyed to look like wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/news/world/our-bears-are-real/V44SWYS3Q5ERPQ4ISI45KHJELM/ | 2023-07-31T08:10:35 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/world/our-bears-are-real/V44SWYS3Q5ERPQ4ISI45KHJELM/ |
KHAR, Pakistan — (AP) — Pakistan held funerals on Monday for victims of a massive suicide bombing that targeted a rally of a pro-Taliban cleric the previous day as the death toll climbed to at least 45 and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people. Police said their initial investigation suggests the Islamic State group's regional affiliate could be behind the attack.
The victims were all from the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which is headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman. He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
The IS regional affiliate — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — is based in neighboring Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban. Bajur was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan's Taliban government — before several Pakistani army offensives that ended in 2016 claimed to have driven them out of the area.
The cleric's supporters had gathered in Bajut on Sunday as part of their party's preparations for the next parliamentary elections, expected sometime in October or November after the current parliament's five-year term ends.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve the parliament in August to pave the way for the vote. Rehman’s party is part of Sharif’s coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Khan later on Sunday also condemned the bombing, as condolences continued to pour in from across the country. Dozens of people who received minor injuries were discharged from hospital while the critically wounded were taken to the city of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll on Sunday was reported to be 44 but rose to 45 on Monday as a critically wounded person died at a hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. The bombing has also drawn nationwide condemnation, with ruling and opposition parties offering condolences to the families of the victims. The U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack.
Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman's party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that “such attacks cannot deter our resolve.”
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the attack. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said the attack aimed to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where on Monday he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were "investigating this attack in all aspects.”
Sunday's bombing was one of the four worst attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/news/world/pakistan-holds/NRVTT2XDIBTUM2UKTE3TR3FUNI/ | 2023-07-31T08:10:41 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/world/pakistan-holds/NRVTT2XDIBTUM2UKTE3TR3FUNI/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — (AP) — The United States arrived at the Women's World Cup as the favorites to win an unprecedented third consecutive title. But after an underwhelming draw against the Netherlands, there's a real chance the Americans can be eliminated in group play for the first time in tournament history.
The U.S. plays Portugal in the third and final match of Group E play, and if Portugal pulls off an upset Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland, the Americans could be in big trouble.
The United States needs to either win or draw against Portugal, one of eight teams playing in its first World Cup, to ensure the Americans continue to play in this tournament.
“I think we feel like we have to win everything all the time,” said American star Megan Rapinoe. “That’s the expectation for ourselves. That’s the expectation playing for U.S. national team. It’s just kind of like, ‘Why would you come into the World Cup if you don’t think that you should win it, and if you don’t think that you can win it?’”
The United States sits atop the group after a 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last Thursday in Wellington. The Dutch are tied with the U.S. on points, but the Americans have the tie-breaker on goals scored.
Portugal lost to the Dutch in its opener but then beat Vietnam 2-0. So if the Portuguese beat the United States, they'll move on, and the Americans would then need Vietnam to beat the Dutch in Dunedin — while keeping their advantage on goal differential — to advance.
“One thing is for sure, that we have a job to do and that’s first and foremost to take care of our game, so our main focus right now it our performance, our team, and Portugal," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. "What happens on the other side is something we can’t control. We have to stay focused on the things we can control.”
Portugal could use a swarming defense to try to prevent the United States from scoring the way Vietnam — unsuccessfully — played the Americans in the opener.
Portugal defender Ana Borges said her team will be prepared.
“This is the stage where we want to be. It’s against these teams that we want to play because we’re going to learn and grow from them,” Borges said. “Not saying anything about the other team, but if we weren’t prepared for this challenge, we wouldn’t be playing football.”
CHINA-ENGLAND
England is in very good shape headed into its Group D finale against China, needing only a draw Tuesday night in Adelaide, Australia to win the group and advance to the round of 16.
Even a loss would be OK and push England through as group winners so long as Denmark doesn't beat Haiti. If Denmark won and England lost, the group winner would be decided by FIFA tiebreakers.
England edged out a 1-0 victory over Haiti to open the tournament, then beat Denmark by the same score.
China lost 1-0 to Denmark in the opener but rebounded with a 1-0 win over Haiti and is now trying to keep its streak intact of advancing out of group play in all eight of its World Cup appearances.
It will be a tough task: China can advance to the round of 16 if the Chinese beat England. But if Denmark beats Haiti, coupled with a China win, then FIFA tiebreakers would come into a play. A loss would mean China's only chance at advancing would be if Haiti beat Denmark.
England and China meet for just the fifth time, but first since a 2-1 China victory in 2015.
England has scored in each of its last 15 matches at the Women’s World Cup for a tally of 25 goals since 2015. A goal against China would make England the first team to score in 16 consecutive matches in the tournament.
China is looking to win consecutive World Cup games for the first time since 1999.
VIETNAM-NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands want to win every match in the Women's World Cup but none more so than Tuesday's game against Vietnam.
At stake: avoiding Sweden in the knockout round.
The Dutch, the tournament runner-up in 2019, need only a win or a draw in the Group E match played in Dunedin, New Zealand. And even a loss would be OK so long as the United States beats Portugal in a game being played simultaneously.
But the Netherlands has mapped out the tournament and wants no part of Sweden anytime soon.
“The first aim is always to win and get to the last 16 and then after that if we can score goals we will, of course,” said Dutch coach Andries Jonker. “But looking at our colleagues from the U.S. and Portugal, we’ve noticed it’s not all that easy. We’ve never shown any kind of arrogance, but if we get chances to score goals we will. We would prefer to play against the number two in this group and not Sweden.”
The Netherlands are tied with the United States for the top spot in the group after playing to a 1-1 draw against the Americans and a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Vietnam has already been eliminated from its first Women's World Cup following losses to the United States and Portugal. Vietnam has lost its last five internationals by a combined score of 18-1.
“The Netherlands tries to have as many goals as possible, and I have to say we are at a low level," said Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung. "If we compare with Asia, we’re still at a low level. So if we compare with the world, we are still quite behind. It is a success for us already. In the past two matches we have tried our best. Great effort already.”
HAITI-DENMARK
First-time Women's World Cup participant Haiti would like to stick around a bit longer but needs a miracle against in the Group D finale against Denmark to have any shot to advance.
Haiti needs to beat Denmark in the Tuesday match played in Perth, Australia, and hope England beats China. If both those things happen, Haiti's only chance would still come down to FIFA's tiebreaker system.
It's very long odds for Haiti, which has played better in this tournament than its 0-2 record shows. Haiti held both England and China to one goal each in the first two matches.
Haiti is on a six-game losing streak headed into what is probably its final game of this tournament.
Denmark, meanwhile, is trying to advance to the group stage for the first time since 1995. Denmark was a 1-0 winner over China to start the tournament, then lost 1-0 to England and heads into the game tied for second in the group with China with three points each.
A win over Haiti pushes Denmark through to the next round so long as England doesn't lose to China. That scenario would put tiebreakers into play.
The Danes, in the tournament for the first time since 2007, can also get through with a draw, but again, only if England beats China.
Denmark has won five of its last seven international matches.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wpxi.com/sports/us-needs-win-ensure/TEIDYEFV5YNRT6MDPNVWAMEFEY/ | 2023-07-31T08:10:48 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/sports/us-needs-win-ensure/TEIDYEFV5YNRT6MDPNVWAMEFEY/ |
HONG KONG – Fans of singer and songwriter Coco Lee, who was known for her powerful voice and live performances, were gathering with flowers to pay their respects to their idol at her funeral in Hong Kong on Monday.
The evening services were expected to be attended by her family, friends and supporters. Lee died July 5 at age 48.
She was born in Hong Kong and attended school in San Francisco before releasing her first album in 1994 at age 19. She began her career as a Mandopop singer but branched out to release albums in Cantonese and English.
She was the first Chinese singer to break into the American market, and her English song “Do You Want My Love” climbed to #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999. In 2001, she sang “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at the Academy Awards, becoming the first Chinese American to perform at the Oscars.
Lee was also the voice of heroine Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s “Mulan,” and sang the Mandarin version of the movie’s theme song “Reflection.”
Lee was married to Bruce Rockowitz, former CEO of Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. She had two stepdaughters.
He death had shocked fans. Her siblings posted on Facebook that she had depression for years and had attempted suicide at home on July 2. She died a few days later.
In Lee's recent social media posts, she kept spreading positivity. In March, she posted about having to relearn how to walk after undergoing surgery for an old leg injury.
“Successful surgery. Even though I’m in a lot of pain and I have to re-learn how to walk again, I know I can do it,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Yes I can and I will!” | https://www.clickorlando.com/entertainment/2023/07/31/fans-pay-tribute-to-coco-lee-hong-kong-singer-who-had-international-success/ | 2023-07-31T08:12:19 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/entertainment/2023/07/31/fans-pay-tribute-to-coco-lee-hong-kong-singer-who-had-international-success/ |
CANBERRA – The Australian army helicopter that crashed Friday during a multinational exercise hit the water with a “catastrophic impact” and there is no chance its four crew members survived, officials said Monday.
Australia’s fleet of more than 40 of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, made by French Airbus, has been grounded since the crash and there are doubts any will fly again.
They will be grounded until crash investigators determine what caused the tragedy. The government announced in January it plans to replace them with 40 U.S. Black Hawks. The Taipans’ retirement date of December 2024 would be 13 years earlier than Australia had initially planned.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue effort changed Monday to a victim recovery operation with no chance that Capt. Danniel Lyon, Lt. Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock or Cpl. Alexander Naggs had survived.
“There was a catastrophic incident and with every passing hour, it is now clear that any hope of finding (the four crew) alive has been lost,” Marles told reporters.
The helicopter crashed during a nighttime exercise with the United States and other nations near the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marles had said on Saturday the helicopter “ditched,” which refers to an emergency landing. But on Monday he would not rule our pilot error or disorientation in the dark causing the crash into the water. He urged against speculation about potential causes.
“There was a catastrophic impact on the helicopter when it hit the water,” Marles said.
“We will move through the process of putting the Black Hawks into service as quickly as we can ... and we will not be flying MRH90s until we understand what has happened,” Marles added.
The lost Taipan had been taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland state. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
The exercise was continuing on Monday with some changes near the recovery operation, Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said.
Campbell thanked the United States and Canada for their help in the search and recovery efforts, which he said was “not an easy operation.”
The wreckage lay in the path of strong currents and tidal movements. It was too deep for standard diving operations.
Part of the airframe had been retrieved by Monday but most of the helicopter remained on the seabed, Campbell said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan since March. The fleet was grounded after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast near the naval base at Jervis Bay during a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Fergus McLachlan was involved in integrating the Taipan into the Australian army when they arrived in 2007 and had been responsible for keeping them airworthy. He said the Taipan did not have the proven record of the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks.
“We bought into an unproven system. In real terms, it was a developmental aircraft and it has never really matured,” McLachlan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It was always a battle to maintain it and keep it flying,” McLachlan added. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/world/2023/07/31/4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/ | 2023-07-31T08:12:26 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/world/2023/07/31/4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/ |
KHAR – Pakistan held funerals on Monday for victims of a massive suicide bombing that targeted a rally of a pro-Taliban cleric the previous day as the death toll climbed to at least 45 and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people. Police said their initial investigation suggests the Islamic State group's regional affiliate could be behind the attack.
The victims were all from the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which is headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman. He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
The IS regional affiliate — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — is based in neighboring Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban. Bajur was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan’s Taliban government — before several Pakistani army offensives that ended in 2016 claimed to have driven them out of the area.
The cleric's supporters had gathered in Bajut on Sunday as part of their party's preparations for the next parliamentary elections, expected sometime in October or November after the current parliament's five-year term ends.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve the parliament in August to pave the way for the vote. Rehman’s party is part of Sharif’s coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Khan later on Sunday also condemned the bombing, as condolences continued to pour in from across the country. Dozens of people who received minor injuries were discharged from hospital while the critically wounded were taken to the city of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll on Sunday was reported to be 44 but rose to 45 on Monday as a critically wounded person died at a hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. The bombing has also drawn nationwide condemnation, with ruling and opposition parties offering condolences to the families of the victims. The U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack.
Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman's party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that “such attacks cannot deter our resolve.”
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the attack. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said the attack aimed to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where on Monday he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were "investigating this attack in all aspects.”
Sunday's bombing was one of the four worst attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/world/2023/07/31/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-government-vows-to-hunt-down-those-behind-the-weekends-suicide-bombing/ | 2023-07-31T08:12:28 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/world/2023/07/31/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-government-vows-to-hunt-down-those-behind-the-weekends-suicide-bombing/ |
AUCKLAND – The United States arrived at the Women's World Cup as the favorites to win an unprecedented third consecutive title. But after an underwhelming draw against the Netherlands, there's a real chance the Americans can be eliminated in group play for the first time in tournament history.
The U.S. plays Portugal in the third and final match of Group E play, and if Portugal pulls off an upset Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland, the Americans could be in big trouble.
The United States needs to either win or draw against Portugal, one of eight teams playing in its first World Cup, to ensure the Americans continue to play in this tournament.
“I think we feel like we have to win everything all the time,” said American star Megan Rapinoe. “That’s the expectation for ourselves. That’s the expectation playing for U.S. national team. It’s just kind of like, ‘Why would you come into the World Cup if you don’t think that you should win it, and if you don’t think that you can win it?’”
The United States sits atop the group after a 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last Thursday in Wellington. The Dutch are tied with the U.S. on points, but the Americans have the tie-breaker on goals scored.
Portugal lost to the Dutch in its opener but then beat Vietnam 2-0. So if the Portuguese beat the United States, they’ll move on, and the Americans would then need Vietnam to beat the Dutch in Dunedin — while keeping their advantage on goal differential — to advance.
“One thing is for sure, that we have a job to do and that’s first and foremost to take care of our game, so our main focus right now it our performance, our team, and Portugal," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. "What happens on the other side is something we can’t control. We have to stay focused on the things we can control.”
Portugal could use a swarming defense to try to prevent the United States from scoring the way Vietnam — unsuccessfully — played the Americans in the opener.
Portugal defender Ana Borges said her team will be prepared.
“This is the stage where we want to be. It’s against these teams that we want to play because we’re going to learn and grow from them,” Borges said. “Not saying anything about the other team, but if we weren’t prepared for this challenge, we wouldn’t be playing football.”
CHINA-ENGLAND
England is in very good shape headed into its Group D finale against China, needing only a draw Tuesday night in Adelaide, Australia to win the group and advance to the round of 16.
Even a loss would be OK and push England through as group winners so long as Denmark doesn't beat Haiti. If Denmark won and England lost, the group winner would be decided by FIFA tiebreakers.
England edged out a 1-0 victory over Haiti to open the tournament, then beat Denmark by the same score.
China lost 1-0 to Denmark in the opener but rebounded with a 1-0 win over Haiti and is now trying to keep its streak intact of advancing out of group play in all eight of its World Cup appearances.
It will be a tough task: China can advance to the round of 16 if the Chinese beat England. But if Denmark beats Haiti, coupled with a China win, then FIFA tiebreakers would come into a play. A loss would mean China's only chance at advancing would be if Haiti beat Denmark.
England and China meet for just the fifth time, but first since a 2-1 China victory in 2015.
England has scored in each of its last 15 matches at the Women’s World Cup for a tally of 25 goals since 2015. A goal against China would make England the first team to score in 16 consecutive matches in the tournament.
China is looking to win consecutive World Cup games for the first time since 1999.
VIETNAM-NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands want to win every match in the Women's World Cup but none more so than Tuesday's game against Vietnam.
At stake: avoiding Sweden in the knockout round.
The Dutch, the tournament runner-up in 2019, need only a win or a draw in the Group E match played in Dunedin, New Zealand. And even a loss would be OK so long as the United States beats Portugal in a game being played simultaneously.
But the Netherlands has mapped out the tournament and wants no part of Sweden anytime soon.
“The first aim is always to win and get to the last 16 and then after that if we can score goals we will, of course,” said Dutch coach Andries Jonker. “But looking at our colleagues from the U.S. and Portugal, we’ve noticed it’s not all that easy. We’ve never shown any kind of arrogance, but if we get chances to score goals we will. We would prefer to play against the number two in this group and not Sweden.”
The Netherlands are tied with the United States for the top spot in the group after playing to a 1-1 draw against the Americans and a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Vietnam has already been eliminated from its first Women's World Cup following losses to the United States and Portugal. Vietnam has lost its last five internationals by a combined score of 18-1.
“The Netherlands tries to have as many goals as possible, and I have to say we are at a low level," said Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung. "If we compare with Asia, we’re still at a low level. So if we compare with the world, we are still quite behind. It is a success for us already. In the past two matches we have tried our best. Great effort already.”
HAITI-DENMARK
First-time Women's World Cup participant Haiti would like to stick around a bit longer but needs a miracle against in the Group D finale against Denmark to have any shot to advance.
Haiti needs to beat Denmark in the Tuesday match played in Perth, Australia, and hope England beats China. If both those things happen, Haiti's only chance would still come down to FIFA's tiebreaker system.
It's very long odds for Haiti, which has played better in this tournament than its 0-2 record shows. Haiti held both England and China to one goal each in the first two matches.
Haiti is on a six-game losing streak headed into what is probably its final game of this tournament.
Denmark, meanwhile, is trying to advance to the group stage for the first time since 1995. Denmark was a 1-0 winner over China to start the tournament, then lost 1-0 to England and heads into the game tied for second in the group with China with three points each.
A win over Haiti pushes Denmark through to the next round so long as England doesn't lose to China. That scenario would put tiebreakers into play.
The Danes, in the tournament for the first time since 2007, can also get through with a draw, but again, only if England beats China.
Denmark has won five of its last seven international matches.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2023/07/31/us-needs-win-to-ensure-americans-avoid-elimination-in-group-play-for-first-time-in-womens-world-cup/ | 2023-07-31T08:12:35 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/sports/2023/07/31/us-needs-win-to-ensure-americans-avoid-elimination-in-group-play-for-first-time-in-womens-world-cup/ |
If you see an error in the Journal Star's news coverage, we want to know. Call the city desk at (402) 473-7306 or (800) 742-7315 after 9 a.m. Monday-Saturday and after 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Email the city editor at citydesk@ journalstar.com. Or write to Corrections, P.O. Box 81689, Lincoln, NE 68501.
CORRECTIONS
- Updated
- 0
Related to this story
Most Popular
A Lincoln man went to prison Wednesday for recording a video of consensual sex with a 16-year-old girl, which qualified as child pornography.
A ticket worth $120,000 was sold in Saunders County, and a ticket worth $22,000 was bought in Lincoln.
With about 30 minutes left in the flight, the pilot announced that they were unable to land the plane in Grand Island.
Red Way will have its final flights to Austin, Texas, on Aug. 5 and to Atlanta and Minneapolis on Aug. 7.
AMain Hobbies on Wednesday announced that it has an agreement to acquire Lincoln-based HobbyTown, the largest hobby/specialty toy retailer in … | https://journalstar.com/corrections/article_d12e3f63-8fe5-59e1-a21c-3870a3c598e0.html | 2023-07-31T08:12:58 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/corrections/article_d12e3f63-8fe5-59e1-a21c-3870a3c598e0.html |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Empowerment" is the core competence of PE/VC institutions after investment. Asia Green Fund (AGF) has always adhered to the investment strategy of "pursuing both financial returns and environmental benefits", focused on the logic of "technology empowerment", grasped the development trend of SRDI industries, and promoted technological innovation to empower industrial convergence and innovative development. AGF continues to practice the "sustainable investment strategy" and has now formed an industrial ecosystem with deep linkage among the capital side (LPs), investment side (AGF), and industry side (science and technology enterprises), which realized the bidirectional empowerment between capital and industry.
AGF adheres to the principle of "30% investment and 70% management" and provides all-round services for portfolios in accordance with the investment and post-investment management mechanism of international head PE funds. AGF emphasizes proactive and personalized post-investment management, builds a unique team of customized services and post-investment supporting experts, provides "adaptive" solutions to various problems and demands of portfolios, and passes them the management methodology.
AGF has appended a professional marketing consultant department in the post-investment side, which is under the responsibility of Nison Yao, the new Operating Director. Mr. Yao has been deeply involved in the manufacturing industry since his employment. He has been in important positions in Marketing of local and multinational companies and delivered great results. He has rich practical experience in strategic positioning, marketing, and operation of enterprises. AGF helps portfolios to build specific clear business paths and market expansion plans, integrate green ecosystem resources for precise docking, and create sustainable value.
View original content:
SOURCE Asia Green Fund | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ | 2023-07-31T08:13:04 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ |
BEIJING, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture and art can bring minds and the world together. With this in mind, the second episode of season three of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Unlocking the power of art: How cultural exchanges can connect the world," was broadcast online on July 30.
Gen Zers from China, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Thailand gathered at the Dalian campus of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and discussed how artistic beauty can bring the world together and how to face the challenges that artificial intelligence present to art.
What is the essence of beauty? What unique influence does Chinese art have on Gen Zers? What spiritual pursuits are reflected in Chinese art and aesthetics?
In this episode of Youth Power, each Gen Z guest brought an art piece that they believed would best represent the Chinese concept of art and beauty. In doing so they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics, philosophy and culture.
Giacomo Bruni, an Italian studying at the China Academy of Art in Beijing, said brushes are the most important tools in expressing Chinese culture because they are central to calligraphy, writing poetry and painting.
"Like the hardness of the handle and the softness of the hair, the brush encapsulates the idea of yin and Yang," Bruni said. The brush not only encapsulates the creativity of the world, but also epitomizes the profound ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, he said.
Song De'ao, a Chinese Gen Zer, chose the official mascots for Chinese winter sports designed by a team at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts as his ideal representation of Chinese aesthetics.
Song, a member of the design team, recalled the inspiration for the mascot Xue Wa, which wears tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloud patterns and longevity locks on the clothing. "The mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics in modern China," Song said.
Jiratchaya Phinyoworakul, a Thai studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, highlighted two features that distinguish Chinese artworks from those of other countries and cultures: cultural extensiveness and profoundness as well as a philosophy centering on harmony between humankind and nature.
The program host, Zhong Yutong, said it is through exchanges that Chinese arts increase in vibrancy and vitality.
"Chinese arts have so much to offer. And we've had wonderful exchanges with different arts and civilizations across the world."
Bruni said art Chinese art is all-encompassing, perfectly merging all types of art. He cited Chinese literati paintings, a kind of painting that expresses feelings and aspirations through natural scenery, as an example, illustrating that "they unify the intellectual world and the practical art world, which is something that is missing in Western countries".
Program guests said there is no absolute definition of art and no universally recognized standard of beauty. Lian Liia, a student from Russia, said "the standard of art is changing in the art history, but there is one thing that has never changed, namely people's pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty".
Phinyoworakul said art is tantamount to comfort. "Even little things can be art. A smile on your face, a flower, sunshine, everything can be art. Art is in our everyday life."
Concerning the combination and contradiction of traditional art and fast-developing AI art creation, Bruni said artists screen information like filters of society. They find beauty and create art, but do not mechanically record and present everything around them. However, this is not true of AI, because it cannot grasp the concept of beauty.
Sun Yuxin of China said AI could positively influence the development of art. "AI saves a lot of time for artists, and it helps them with a lot of basic work."
Gen Zers have also contributed their wisdom in helping the world appreciate the beauty of Chinese art. Promoting Chinese aesthetics through social media could help people understand it more directly, Phinyoworakul said.
Lian Liia, a student at the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University in Beijing, said, "We can promote Chinese culture as a lifestyle. For example, doing calligraphy or drinking tea to experience Chinese culture in our daily life."
Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Daily | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ | 2023-07-31T08:13:10 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ |
HANZHONG, China, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanzhong in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on his way back to Beijing on Saturday. During his visit to the municipal museum, Xi emphasized making good use of museums. He also called for efforts to expand the influence of Chinese culture.
"I was in Hanzhong in 2008 after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake to oversee the relief work. Hanzhong has always been in my heart over the years," Xi told local residents. Xi said he was delighted to see huge changes of the city since then.
With an exhibition area of nearly 2,000 square meters, the Hanzhong Museum in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is not the grandest museum in China, but it is a historical telescope allowing visitors to have a retrospective view of Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history dating back to as far as 2,000 years ago.
Unlike many other museums across the country built to house more recent historical relics, the Hanzhong Museum itself embodies the history that encompasses three heritage sites with the ancient Hantai (Lit: Han palace), once the royal residence of the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, at its core.
Heritage sites-turned museum
Including the ruin of ancient Hantai, a notable feature of the Hanzhong Museum was it built in 1985 consisting of two other Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) heritage sites, the Baijiang altar and the "Yin Ma Chi," a pool facility common in ancient times for accommodating horses.
Visitors are first greeted by the ancient Hantai once they enter the museum, which is seven meters high. The millennium-old architecture was constructed using typical man-made rammed earth and its design characters show architectural aesthetics prominent in China's Qin (221BC-206BC), Han and Southern Song (1127-1279) dynasties.
Liao Shuguang, an architectural expert of ancient Chinese buildings, told the Global Times that the ancient Hantai's functions would change "according to history's change." It was once home to Liu Bang, but was later renovated in the Southern Song Dynasty to become a backyard garden with a gazebo on the building's roof.
Although the ancient Hantai changed roles, its historical importance remained unchanged as it witnessed Liu's founding of the Han Dynasty, one of the powerful dynasties in the Chinese history to have "unified yet diverse" cultural and political beliefs, historian Tao Zhongjun, told the Global Times.
"Including the belief of a 'unified country,' the Han Dynasty left behind a diverse legacy including the governing Confucius mindset and Silk Road exchanges with the western region of Asia and the world. They continue to inspire us today," Tao noted.
Aside from the ancient Hantai, the Baijiang altar, another major element of the museum, was built in 206BC. It was where the then governor Liu Bang would praise the talent and wisdom of his loyal officer Han Xin.
Museum expert Li Zhiming told the Global Times that such heritage sites turned cultural spaces are "living proof of Chinese history," and a good way of making use of the museum is to "properly maintain it while enriching its collection that possesses local cultural characters."
The art of Shudao
Hanzhong was a major stop along the ancient road system Shudao that connected China's Guanzhong Plain with the Chengdu Plain.
The Baoxie plank road, an ancient mountain road that traversed the Qinling Mountain, was also located in Hanzhong and brought an abundant supply of Shudao cultural artifacts.
Inside the Hanzhong Museum, there is a gallery dedicated to the ancient plank road. Shi Men Shi San Pin, also known as the 13 cliff stone carvings of the Shi Men, are a part of the museum's collection.
As an important section of the Shudao, Shi Men was a tunnel at the southern end of the Baoxie plank road. The walls of the tunnel as well as the cliffs of the Baoxie river, were carved with numerous historical inscriptions among which the 13 pieces collected by the museum were the "rarest of the rare," relic expert Xiang Zhengming told the Global Times.
Amongst the 13 carving pieces, the Shi Men Song (Lit: the Eulogy of Shi Men) is a highlight. It embodies the aesthetic essence of Han Dynasty's clerical script calligraphic style. In 1936, China's large-scale encyclopedia Cihai (lit: the sea of the words) took the two Chinese characters for "sea" and "word" discovered from the carving stones to be used on the cover.
"The collection at the Hanzhong Museum holds value in which one can look into China's calligraphic art and can be useful to historians in understanding the then social and cultural scenes," Xiang told the Global Times.
Some other carved pieces have also revealed the secrets of Han Dynasty's water project construction.
Including the 13 treasures, the Hanzhong Museum holds over 5,000 pieces of cultural artifacts that tell the changing cultural history of the city and the nation.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ | 2023-07-31T08:13:17 | 0 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ |
- LGES' ESG Report 2022 published today, announcing a string of sustainable business management progress made in the previous year
- 61 percent of the electricity used in the company's global production sites was generated from renewable sources… 56 percent when including non-manufacturing business sites
- The firm has strengthened the disclosure of information in scope and depth to better address growing demands from global authorities including ISSB and TCFD
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) today released ESG report 2022, sharing the progress of the company's ESG management including climate change mitigation achievements. Consisting of a total of 107 pages, the third annual report details the company's vision, efforts, and progress in environmental, social, and governance areas.
As a part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality company-wide by 2040, LGES announced that it has managed to source 61 percent of the electricity used in its global production sites from renewable energy in 2022. In terms of the company-wide electricity usage, which includes non-manufacturing business sites, 56 percent was delivered from renewable sources. LGES has been rapidly advancing the transition to renewable energy, supplying 33 percent of its electricity use from renewable sources in 2020 and 44 percent in 2021.
Previously, LGES has set a phased roadmap to successfully complete the mid-to long-term initiative to realize carbon neutrality. The company plans to supply all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Furthermore, LGES intends to achieve carbon neutrality by converting all energy sources aside from electricity, including fuels and gas, to renewable energy sources at all of its business sites by 2040, and across the entire value chain by 2050.
One of the other priority tasks identified by LGES is establishing a closed-loop system of resources by reusing or recycling end-of-life batteries and managing waste generated at business sites. To this end, the company signed a contract with Li-Cycle, the largest battery recycling company in North America, to provide scrap generated during the battery manufacturing process, and in turn receive recycled nickel that can be used in manufacturing cathode materials for batteries. Furthermore, in China, LGES has completed the establishment of recycling system in 2022. Its Nanjing facility has also developed a new technology to recycle NMP solvent waste (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), which accounts for about 85 percent of the hazardous waste, and improved the NMP recycling rate from 80 percent to 97 percent.
Furthermore, LGES is actively taking part in major global ESG initiatives. In May 2022, it became the first Korean company to join the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), joining the global efforts to eradicate forced labor and child labor issues in Congolese mines of cobalt, a major raw material for batteries, and secure fair minerals. Also participating as a member of the Alliance's Steering Committee, LGES is actively pursuing community improvement activities such as helping young children enroll in school, supplying solar power to local schools, and executing safety education in mines.
LGES emphasized that the company has strengthened the information disclosure throughout this year's report in line with the growing call for more transparent ESG information from various stakeholders including investors around the world. LGES is responding quickly to the demands of the international community, following the recommendations from renowned global ESG disclosure standards such as the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
In addition, the report's cover design reflects the characteristics of LGES as a battery company as well as its ESG slogan "Plus for Minus, Minus for Plus." The phrase represents the company's determination to realize a better future by reducing unnecessary elements and adding necessary ones in each area of Environment, Society, and Governance, like the natural flow of electrodes moving between the plus and minus poles.
"LG Energy Solution will continue to relentlessly innovate ourselves in order to contribute to the global carbon neutrality and the future of mankind," said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. "By making a difference, we will meaningfully realize our goal of becoming the 'global No.1 company' that is trusted and beloved by customers."
To view the full ESG Report 2022, go to: https://www.lgensol.com/upload/file/sustainability/2022_LGES_ESG_Report_Eng.pdf
About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
View original content:
SOURCE LG Energy Solution | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ | 2023-07-31T08:13:24 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ |
The Vehicle, Merchandise and Accessories Collaboration is part of Gogoro and MUJI's Joint "Recycling for Good" Sustainability Initiative that Enables the Public to Recycle Polypropylene Plastic (PP) Waste for use in the new Gogoro MUJI Smartscooters.
TAIPEI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogoro Inc. (Nasdaq: GGR), a global technology leader in battery swapping ecosystems that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities, today announced a collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa and MUJI, the Tokyo-based consumer goods and lifestyle company. The newly designed Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME along with a range of merchandise and accessories were launched today at a press event in Taipei.
Created by Gogoro and MUJI, the Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME offer simplified Smartscooter designs that utilize recycled polypropylene (PP) body elements. Personally curated by Fukasawa, the Smartscooters adopt the classic MUJI design elements, unique rustic color palette and simple color tone philosophy to create a new urban mobility experience that is simple and comfortable yet unique.
"The most important thing in design is that it must always uphold the spirit of integrity towards people, the environment and life," said Naoto Fukasawa, world-renowned designer, author, educator and MUJI's advisory board member. "Both Gogoro and MUJI are quite popular brands, and it is very natural for them to cooperate in this way. It's not just one plus one equals two. Instead, let one plus one see a greater value."
Gogoro pioneered the mass market manufacturing of recyclable polypropylene plastics for vehicle body panels in 2019 with the Gogoro 3 Smartscooter and then across its full range of Gogoro Viva Smartscooters including Gogoro VIVA, Gogoro VIVA MIX and Gogoro VIVA XL. This innovative manufacturing process led to Gogoro's collaboration with MUJI.
"Naoto Fukasawa offers such a fresh and unique approach to simplicity, functionality and beauty in everything he creates, so it was an honor to work with him on our new Smartscooter designs and accessories," said Horace Luke, founder, and CEO of Gogoro. "This collaboration between Gogoro, MUJI and Naoto Fukasawa establishes a strong unified voice in promoting sustainable lifestyles in Taiwan and across the region, not just for transportation but across all aspects of life. Our joint 'Recycling for Good' initiative promotes the reduction of urban pollution through encouraging the public to recycle plastics at Gogoro and MUJI stores and their reuse in our new Smartscooters."
Recycling for Good - A Joint Sustainability Initiative
Gogoro and MUJI share a vision for sustainability and a core philosophy of giving back to the Earth. In response to this year's World Environment Day theme #BeatPlasticPollution, the companies joined together on June 5, 2023 to launch the "Recycling for Good" initiative in Taiwan. "Recycling for Good" encourages people in Taiwan to participate in recycling PP (polypropylene) plastic waste at Gogoro and MUJI stores and empower them to take small actions toward building a more sustainable future.
Polypropylene objects recovered during the Recycling for Good initiative are screened, cut, granulated, reshaped and regenerated into the body panels of the newly unveiled Gogoro Smartscooters. The polypropylene body material is also made of the same material as MUJI's PP storage series.
"MUJI and Gogoro are continuing the concept of a sustainable lifestyle and together have created this new series of Gogoro Smartscooters that are optimized for life and the environment. Gogoro's commitment to being a sustainable business is aligned with MUJI's business philosophy," said Akihiro Yoshida, general manager of MUJI Taiwan. "MUJI is not just a store that sells goods, but it creates a simple and pleasant life through comprehensive sustainable thinking and takes practical action for sustainability of society and the earth."
Gogoro Sustainability
Today, more than 2.5 million Gogoro users have reduced carbon emissions by more than 680 million kilograms, and 100% recyclable polypropylene PP (Polypropylene) is used as the Smartscooter shell material to promote resource regeneration and friendly recycling. In addition, Gogoro has introduced 40% renewable energy in factories since 2022, and 100% use of green electricity in designated Gogoro stores, gradually moving towards the goal of fully using renewable energy by 2050.
Naoto Fukasawa / Product Designer
Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1956. Graduated from Tama Art University's Product Design Department in 1980. In the same year, he joined Seiko Epson, where he was responsible for advanced development design. In 1989, he moved to the United States, where he joined ID Two (now IDEO San Francisco). Having honed his craft for seven years, focusing mainly on Silicon Valley industries, he returned to Japan in 1996. Fukasawa established and headed up IDEO's Tokyo office, creating a Japanese design consultant base for the company. He went independent in 2003 and founded NAOTO FUKASAWA DESIGN. For more information on Naoto Fukasawa, visit https://naotofukasawa.com.
About MUJI
Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI in Japanese, translates as "no-brand quality goods." MUJI was founded in Japan in 1980 and now has more than 800 stores around the world, carrying more than 7,000 items. With the goal of making people's daily life pleasant, MUJI is globally recognized for its high-quality products that are functional, well designed and reasonably priced. Find us online at www.MUJI.com or Instagram: @muji_global and Twitter: @muji_net.
About MUJI Taiwan
MUJI Taiwan has been operating in Taiwan since 2004, and it has been nearly 20 years. MUJI Taiwan has always been committed to connecting with Taiwan and producing local products in Taiwan, hoping to provide customers with a good life. Find us online at www.muji.com/tw/zh_tw/store, Instagram: @muji_taiwan or Facebook: www.facebook.com/muji.tw.
About Gogoro
Founded in 2011 to rethink urban energy and inspire the world to move through cities in smarter and more sustainable ways, Gogoro leverages the power of innovation to change the way urban energy is distributed and consumed. Recognized and awarded by Frost & Sullivan as the "2023 Global Company of the Year for battery swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles", Gogoro's battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart, proven, and sustainable long-term ecosystem for delivering a new approach to urban mobility. Gogoro has quickly become an innovation leader in vehicle design and electric propulsion, smart battery design, battery swapping, and advanced cloud services that utilize artificial intelligence to manage battery availability and safety. The challenge is massive, but the opportunity to disrupt the status quo, establish new standards, and achieve new levels of sustainable transportation growth in densely populated cities is even greater. For more information, visit https://www.gogoro.com/news and follow Gogoro on Twitter: @wearegogoro.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Gogoro | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ | 2023-07-31T08:13:30 | 1 | https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ |
Woman who died during hiking trip remembered for adventurous, selfless spirit
LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Rosalie Rhodes was one of two women found dead in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park after going missing from a hiking trip on July 22.
The temperature in the park that day reached a high of approximately 113 degrees.
“It could’ve happened to any of us, doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, how prepared you are,” said Julie Johnston, Jessica Rhodes’ friend and owner of Camp Rhino, where she regularly exercised. “Nobody really knows what actually happened, but nobody could’ve been in better shape or more prepared to do something like that.”
Jessica Rhodes and 29-year-old Diana Matienzo Rivera were found separated, one on the trails and the other in a canyon. They were first reported missing by another group of hikers.
Her mother, Josephine Rhodes, said she believes her daughter was trying to help her friend.
“They were trying to get back, but they just didn’t make it and she didn’t want to leave her friend down there, so she tried to help her friend,” Josephine Rhodes said. “And that’s just the type of child she is.”
Family remembered Jessica Rhodes for her strength, smile and selflessness.
“Jessica, as a child, everybody is going to tell you, was always smiling. I don’t care what it is, she was always smiling,” Jessica Rhodes’ mother said.
Jessica Rhodes was a certified nursing assistant at Summerlin Hospital and in school to become a nurse. She was also a fitness enthusiast who competed and won often.
She even won a medal for her work as a first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking care of people, that’s what she loved to do,” Hannah Ariolae, Jessica Rhodes’ sister, said. “Her patients and stuff, she’d go above and beyond for them.”
Rhodes’ siblings, mother and her fitness family in Las Vegas are now remembering her for her adventurous spirit, and they want to encourage others to embrace the joys of life like she did.
“She just loved life. So when she went on the trail there, that’s what she liked to do,” Josephine Rhodes said.
Copyright 2023 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ | 2023-07-31T08:14:36 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Empowerment" is the core competence of PE/VC institutions after investment. Asia Green Fund (AGF) has always adhered to the investment strategy of "pursuing both financial returns and environmental benefits", focused on the logic of "technology empowerment", grasped the development trend of SRDI industries, and promoted technological innovation to empower industrial convergence and innovative development. AGF continues to practice the "sustainable investment strategy" and has now formed an industrial ecosystem with deep linkage among the capital side (LPs), investment side (AGF), and industry side (science and technology enterprises), which realized the bidirectional empowerment between capital and industry.
AGF adheres to the principle of "30% investment and 70% management" and provides all-round services for portfolios in accordance with the investment and post-investment management mechanism of international head PE funds. AGF emphasizes proactive and personalized post-investment management, builds a unique team of customized services and post-investment supporting experts, provides "adaptive" solutions to various problems and demands of portfolios, and passes them the management methodology.
AGF has appended a professional marketing consultant department in the post-investment side, which is under the responsibility of Nison Yao, the new Operating Director. Mr. Yao has been deeply involved in the manufacturing industry since his employment. He has been in important positions in Marketing of local and multinational companies and delivered great results. He has rich practical experience in strategic positioning, marketing, and operation of enterprises. AGF helps portfolios to build specific clear business paths and market expansion plans, integrate green ecosystem resources for precise docking, and create sustainable value.
View original content:
SOURCE Asia Green Fund | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ | 2023-07-31T08:14:42 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ |
BEIJING, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture and art can bring minds and the world together. With this in mind, the second episode of season three of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Unlocking the power of art: How cultural exchanges can connect the world," was broadcast online on July 30.
Gen Zers from China, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Thailand gathered at the Dalian campus of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and discussed how artistic beauty can bring the world together and how to face the challenges that artificial intelligence present to art.
What is the essence of beauty? What unique influence does Chinese art have on Gen Zers? What spiritual pursuits are reflected in Chinese art and aesthetics?
In this episode of Youth Power, each Gen Z guest brought an art piece that they believed would best represent the Chinese concept of art and beauty. In doing so they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics, philosophy and culture.
Giacomo Bruni, an Italian studying at the China Academy of Art in Beijing, said brushes are the most important tools in expressing Chinese culture because they are central to calligraphy, writing poetry and painting.
"Like the hardness of the handle and the softness of the hair, the brush encapsulates the idea of yin and Yang," Bruni said. The brush not only encapsulates the creativity of the world, but also epitomizes the profound ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, he said.
Song De'ao, a Chinese Gen Zer, chose the official mascots for Chinese winter sports designed by a team at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts as his ideal representation of Chinese aesthetics.
Song, a member of the design team, recalled the inspiration for the mascot Xue Wa, which wears tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloud patterns and longevity locks on the clothing. "The mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics in modern China," Song said.
Jiratchaya Phinyoworakul, a Thai studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, highlighted two features that distinguish Chinese artworks from those of other countries and cultures: cultural extensiveness and profoundness as well as a philosophy centering on harmony between humankind and nature.
The program host, Zhong Yutong, said it is through exchanges that Chinese arts increase in vibrancy and vitality.
"Chinese arts have so much to offer. And we've had wonderful exchanges with different arts and civilizations across the world."
Bruni said art Chinese art is all-encompassing, perfectly merging all types of art. He cited Chinese literati paintings, a kind of painting that expresses feelings and aspirations through natural scenery, as an example, illustrating that "they unify the intellectual world and the practical art world, which is something that is missing in Western countries".
Program guests said there is no absolute definition of art and no universally recognized standard of beauty. Lian Liia, a student from Russia, said "the standard of art is changing in the art history, but there is one thing that has never changed, namely people's pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty".
Phinyoworakul said art is tantamount to comfort. "Even little things can be art. A smile on your face, a flower, sunshine, everything can be art. Art is in our everyday life."
Concerning the combination and contradiction of traditional art and fast-developing AI art creation, Bruni said artists screen information like filters of society. They find beauty and create art, but do not mechanically record and present everything around them. However, this is not true of AI, because it cannot grasp the concept of beauty.
Sun Yuxin of China said AI could positively influence the development of art. "AI saves a lot of time for artists, and it helps them with a lot of basic work."
Gen Zers have also contributed their wisdom in helping the world appreciate the beauty of Chinese art. Promoting Chinese aesthetics through social media could help people understand it more directly, Phinyoworakul said.
Lian Liia, a student at the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University in Beijing, said, "We can promote Chinese culture as a lifestyle. For example, doing calligraphy or drinking tea to experience Chinese culture in our daily life."
Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Daily | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ | 2023-07-31T08:14:48 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ |
HANZHONG, China, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanzhong in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on his way back to Beijing on Saturday. During his visit to the municipal museum, Xi emphasized making good use of museums. He also called for efforts to expand the influence of Chinese culture.
"I was in Hanzhong in 2008 after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake to oversee the relief work. Hanzhong has always been in my heart over the years," Xi told local residents. Xi said he was delighted to see huge changes of the city since then.
With an exhibition area of nearly 2,000 square meters, the Hanzhong Museum in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is not the grandest museum in China, but it is a historical telescope allowing visitors to have a retrospective view of Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history dating back to as far as 2,000 years ago.
Unlike many other museums across the country built to house more recent historical relics, the Hanzhong Museum itself embodies the history that encompasses three heritage sites with the ancient Hantai (Lit: Han palace), once the royal residence of the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, at its core.
Heritage sites-turned museum
Including the ruin of ancient Hantai, a notable feature of the Hanzhong Museum was it built in 1985 consisting of two other Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) heritage sites, the Baijiang altar and the "Yin Ma Chi," a pool facility common in ancient times for accommodating horses.
Visitors are first greeted by the ancient Hantai once they enter the museum, which is seven meters high. The millennium-old architecture was constructed using typical man-made rammed earth and its design characters show architectural aesthetics prominent in China's Qin (221BC-206BC), Han and Southern Song (1127-1279) dynasties.
Liao Shuguang, an architectural expert of ancient Chinese buildings, told the Global Times that the ancient Hantai's functions would change "according to history's change." It was once home to Liu Bang, but was later renovated in the Southern Song Dynasty to become a backyard garden with a gazebo on the building's roof.
Although the ancient Hantai changed roles, its historical importance remained unchanged as it witnessed Liu's founding of the Han Dynasty, one of the powerful dynasties in the Chinese history to have "unified yet diverse" cultural and political beliefs, historian Tao Zhongjun, told the Global Times.
"Including the belief of a 'unified country,' the Han Dynasty left behind a diverse legacy including the governing Confucius mindset and Silk Road exchanges with the western region of Asia and the world. They continue to inspire us today," Tao noted.
Aside from the ancient Hantai, the Baijiang altar, another major element of the museum, was built in 206BC. It was where the then governor Liu Bang would praise the talent and wisdom of his loyal officer Han Xin.
Museum expert Li Zhiming told the Global Times that such heritage sites turned cultural spaces are "living proof of Chinese history," and a good way of making use of the museum is to "properly maintain it while enriching its collection that possesses local cultural characters."
The art of Shudao
Hanzhong was a major stop along the ancient road system Shudao that connected China's Guanzhong Plain with the Chengdu Plain.
The Baoxie plank road, an ancient mountain road that traversed the Qinling Mountain, was also located in Hanzhong and brought an abundant supply of Shudao cultural artifacts.
Inside the Hanzhong Museum, there is a gallery dedicated to the ancient plank road. Shi Men Shi San Pin, also known as the 13 cliff stone carvings of the Shi Men, are a part of the museum's collection.
As an important section of the Shudao, Shi Men was a tunnel at the southern end of the Baoxie plank road. The walls of the tunnel as well as the cliffs of the Baoxie river, were carved with numerous historical inscriptions among which the 13 pieces collected by the museum were the "rarest of the rare," relic expert Xiang Zhengming told the Global Times.
Amongst the 13 carving pieces, the Shi Men Song (Lit: the Eulogy of Shi Men) is a highlight. It embodies the aesthetic essence of Han Dynasty's clerical script calligraphic style. In 1936, China's large-scale encyclopedia Cihai (lit: the sea of the words) took the two Chinese characters for "sea" and "word" discovered from the carving stones to be used on the cover.
"The collection at the Hanzhong Museum holds value in which one can look into China's calligraphic art and can be useful to historians in understanding the then social and cultural scenes," Xiang told the Global Times.
Some other carved pieces have also revealed the secrets of Han Dynasty's water project construction.
Including the 13 treasures, the Hanzhong Museum holds over 5,000 pieces of cultural artifacts that tell the changing cultural history of the city and the nation.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ | 2023-07-31T08:14:55 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ |
Charming 3/2 home with guest quarters! 10 acres of natural beauty! Mountain Views! Pasture Views! Stunning Sunsets! Can you imagine waking up every morning is such a breathtaking place. That dream can be yours! This home has lots of natural light. Custom Southwestern kitchen cabinets! Large living room. Primary suite has a cozy gas fireplace, large closet, jetted bathtub, separate walk-in shower. In addition- don't miss out the guest quarters. 390 square feet - with a little TLC- you can be proud to host anyone!
3 Bedroom Home in Arivaca - $259,000
Related to this story
Most Popular
Well preserved, 1908. 1 1/2- Story adobe home with Commercial zoning. Located in highly sought after Armory Park neighborhood..Great Northeast…
Great Central location! Tastefully remodeled sprawling ranch home with 5 bedrooms/ 3 baths on over1/4 acre lot. Newly remodeled kitchen with c…
Rare opportunity to own this southwest custom home located in the unique Bosque Ranch Estates. Positioned on three lots (.85 acres) the privac…
Stunning mid-Century 1950'S Burnt-Adobe property on over two acres, fabulously updated with mountain and city views. Single-level main home (4…
Do not miss this classic craftsman bungalow in the West University Historic District. Lovely wood floors and original woodwork throughout. Kit… | https://tucson.com/online/3-bedroom-home-in-arivaca---259-000/article_35d66482-33ab-506e-9e90-dbc2460f14ee.html | 2023-07-31T08:14:58 | 0 | https://tucson.com/online/3-bedroom-home-in-arivaca---259-000/article_35d66482-33ab-506e-9e90-dbc2460f14ee.html |
- LGES' ESG Report 2022 published today, announcing a string of sustainable business management progress made in the previous year
- 61 percent of the electricity used in the company's global production sites was generated from renewable sources… 56 percent when including non-manufacturing business sites
- The firm has strengthened the disclosure of information in scope and depth to better address growing demands from global authorities including ISSB and TCFD
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) today released ESG report 2022, sharing the progress of the company's ESG management including climate change mitigation achievements. Consisting of a total of 107 pages, the third annual report details the company's vision, efforts, and progress in environmental, social, and governance areas.
As a part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality company-wide by 2040, LGES announced that it has managed to source 61 percent of the electricity used in its global production sites from renewable energy in 2022. In terms of the company-wide electricity usage, which includes non-manufacturing business sites, 56 percent was delivered from renewable sources. LGES has been rapidly advancing the transition to renewable energy, supplying 33 percent of its electricity use from renewable sources in 2020 and 44 percent in 2021.
Previously, LGES has set a phased roadmap to successfully complete the mid-to long-term initiative to realize carbon neutrality. The company plans to supply all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Furthermore, LGES intends to achieve carbon neutrality by converting all energy sources aside from electricity, including fuels and gas, to renewable energy sources at all of its business sites by 2040, and across the entire value chain by 2050.
One of the other priority tasks identified by LGES is establishing a closed-loop system of resources by reusing or recycling end-of-life batteries and managing waste generated at business sites. To this end, the company signed a contract with Li-Cycle, the largest battery recycling company in North America, to provide scrap generated during the battery manufacturing process, and in turn receive recycled nickel that can be used in manufacturing cathode materials for batteries. Furthermore, in China, LGES has completed the establishment of recycling system in 2022. Its Nanjing facility has also developed a new technology to recycle NMP solvent waste (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), which accounts for about 85 percent of the hazardous waste, and improved the NMP recycling rate from 80 percent to 97 percent.
Furthermore, LGES is actively taking part in major global ESG initiatives. In May 2022, it became the first Korean company to join the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), joining the global efforts to eradicate forced labor and child labor issues in Congolese mines of cobalt, a major raw material for batteries, and secure fair minerals. Also participating as a member of the Alliance's Steering Committee, LGES is actively pursuing community improvement activities such as helping young children enroll in school, supplying solar power to local schools, and executing safety education in mines.
LGES emphasized that the company has strengthened the information disclosure throughout this year's report in line with the growing call for more transparent ESG information from various stakeholders including investors around the world. LGES is responding quickly to the demands of the international community, following the recommendations from renowned global ESG disclosure standards such as the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
In addition, the report's cover design reflects the characteristics of LGES as a battery company as well as its ESG slogan "Plus for Minus, Minus for Plus." The phrase represents the company's determination to realize a better future by reducing unnecessary elements and adding necessary ones in each area of Environment, Society, and Governance, like the natural flow of electrodes moving between the plus and minus poles.
"LG Energy Solution will continue to relentlessly innovate ourselves in order to contribute to the global carbon neutrality and the future of mankind," said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. "By making a difference, we will meaningfully realize our goal of becoming the 'global No.1 company' that is trusted and beloved by customers."
To view the full ESG Report 2022, go to: https://www.lgensol.com/upload/file/sustainability/2022_LGES_ESG_Report_Eng.pdf
About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
View original content:
SOURCE LG Energy Solution | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ | 2023-07-31T08:15:02 | 0 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ |
The Vehicle, Merchandise and Accessories Collaboration is part of Gogoro and MUJI's Joint "Recycling for Good" Sustainability Initiative that Enables the Public to Recycle Polypropylene Plastic (PP) Waste for use in the new Gogoro MUJI Smartscooters.
TAIPEI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogoro Inc. (Nasdaq: GGR), a global technology leader in battery swapping ecosystems that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities, today announced a collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa and MUJI, the Tokyo-based consumer goods and lifestyle company. The newly designed Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME along with a range of merchandise and accessories were launched today at a press event in Taipei.
Created by Gogoro and MUJI, the Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME offer simplified Smartscooter designs that utilize recycled polypropylene (PP) body elements. Personally curated by Fukasawa, the Smartscooters adopt the classic MUJI design elements, unique rustic color palette and simple color tone philosophy to create a new urban mobility experience that is simple and comfortable yet unique.
"The most important thing in design is that it must always uphold the spirit of integrity towards people, the environment and life," said Naoto Fukasawa, world-renowned designer, author, educator and MUJI's advisory board member. "Both Gogoro and MUJI are quite popular brands, and it is very natural for them to cooperate in this way. It's not just one plus one equals two. Instead, let one plus one see a greater value."
Gogoro pioneered the mass market manufacturing of recyclable polypropylene plastics for vehicle body panels in 2019 with the Gogoro 3 Smartscooter and then across its full range of Gogoro Viva Smartscooters including Gogoro VIVA, Gogoro VIVA MIX and Gogoro VIVA XL. This innovative manufacturing process led to Gogoro's collaboration with MUJI.
"Naoto Fukasawa offers such a fresh and unique approach to simplicity, functionality and beauty in everything he creates, so it was an honor to work with him on our new Smartscooter designs and accessories," said Horace Luke, founder, and CEO of Gogoro. "This collaboration between Gogoro, MUJI and Naoto Fukasawa establishes a strong unified voice in promoting sustainable lifestyles in Taiwan and across the region, not just for transportation but across all aspects of life. Our joint 'Recycling for Good' initiative promotes the reduction of urban pollution through encouraging the public to recycle plastics at Gogoro and MUJI stores and their reuse in our new Smartscooters."
Recycling for Good - A Joint Sustainability Initiative
Gogoro and MUJI share a vision for sustainability and a core philosophy of giving back to the Earth. In response to this year's World Environment Day theme #BeatPlasticPollution, the companies joined together on June 5, 2023 to launch the "Recycling for Good" initiative in Taiwan. "Recycling for Good" encourages people in Taiwan to participate in recycling PP (polypropylene) plastic waste at Gogoro and MUJI stores and empower them to take small actions toward building a more sustainable future.
Polypropylene objects recovered during the Recycling for Good initiative are screened, cut, granulated, reshaped and regenerated into the body panels of the newly unveiled Gogoro Smartscooters. The polypropylene body material is also made of the same material as MUJI's PP storage series.
"MUJI and Gogoro are continuing the concept of a sustainable lifestyle and together have created this new series of Gogoro Smartscooters that are optimized for life and the environment. Gogoro's commitment to being a sustainable business is aligned with MUJI's business philosophy," said Akihiro Yoshida, general manager of MUJI Taiwan. "MUJI is not just a store that sells goods, but it creates a simple and pleasant life through comprehensive sustainable thinking and takes practical action for sustainability of society and the earth."
Gogoro Sustainability
Today, more than 2.5 million Gogoro users have reduced carbon emissions by more than 680 million kilograms, and 100% recyclable polypropylene PP (Polypropylene) is used as the Smartscooter shell material to promote resource regeneration and friendly recycling. In addition, Gogoro has introduced 40% renewable energy in factories since 2022, and 100% use of green electricity in designated Gogoro stores, gradually moving towards the goal of fully using renewable energy by 2050.
Naoto Fukasawa / Product Designer
Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1956. Graduated from Tama Art University's Product Design Department in 1980. In the same year, he joined Seiko Epson, where he was responsible for advanced development design. In 1989, he moved to the United States, where he joined ID Two (now IDEO San Francisco). Having honed his craft for seven years, focusing mainly on Silicon Valley industries, he returned to Japan in 1996. Fukasawa established and headed up IDEO's Tokyo office, creating a Japanese design consultant base for the company. He went independent in 2003 and founded NAOTO FUKASAWA DESIGN. For more information on Naoto Fukasawa, visit https://naotofukasawa.com.
About MUJI
Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI in Japanese, translates as "no-brand quality goods." MUJI was founded in Japan in 1980 and now has more than 800 stores around the world, carrying more than 7,000 items. With the goal of making people's daily life pleasant, MUJI is globally recognized for its high-quality products that are functional, well designed and reasonably priced. Find us online at www.MUJI.com or Instagram: @muji_global and Twitter: @muji_net.
About MUJI Taiwan
MUJI Taiwan has been operating in Taiwan since 2004, and it has been nearly 20 years. MUJI Taiwan has always been committed to connecting with Taiwan and producing local products in Taiwan, hoping to provide customers with a good life. Find us online at www.muji.com/tw/zh_tw/store, Instagram: @muji_taiwan or Facebook: www.facebook.com/muji.tw.
About Gogoro
Founded in 2011 to rethink urban energy and inspire the world to move through cities in smarter and more sustainable ways, Gogoro leverages the power of innovation to change the way urban energy is distributed and consumed. Recognized and awarded by Frost & Sullivan as the "2023 Global Company of the Year for battery swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles", Gogoro's battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart, proven, and sustainable long-term ecosystem for delivering a new approach to urban mobility. Gogoro has quickly become an innovation leader in vehicle design and electric propulsion, smart battery design, battery swapping, and advanced cloud services that utilize artificial intelligence to manage battery availability and safety. The challenge is massive, but the opportunity to disrupt the status quo, establish new standards, and achieve new levels of sustainable transportation growth in densely populated cities is even greater. For more information, visit https://www.gogoro.com/news and follow Gogoro on Twitter: @wearegogoro.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Gogoro | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ | 2023-07-31T08:15:08 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ |
Portugal vs. United States: Women’s World Cup Group E Odds, Stats and Live Stream - August 1
In each team's third matchup in Group E action at the 2023 Women's World Cup, The United States (4 points) and Portugal (3 points) match up on Tuesday, August 1 at 3:00 AM ET.
The moneyline odds for the United States to win this game are -383, with the draw at +458 and Portugal at +1017. The over/under for this match is 2.5 goals.
Bet on the result of United States vs. Portugal at DraftKings! Bet now to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
- Time: 3:00 AM ET
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Venue: Eden Park
- TV Channel: FOX US,Fox Sports 1
- Total: 2.5
- United States Moneyline: -383
- Portugal Moneyline: +1017
United States vs. Portugal World Cup Betting Insights
- The two teams average three goals per game combined, 0.5 more than this match's total.
- Opponents of these two teams combine to average one goal per game, 1.5 fewer than this game's total.
- The United States has been a moneyline favorite only two other times so far this tournament, and went 1-1-0 in those games.
- The United States has played as a moneyline favorite of -383 or shorter in only one game this tournament, which they won.
- Portugal lost the only game it has played as an underdog this tournament.
- Portugal has not been a bigger underdog this tournament than the +1017 moneyline set for this game.
United States World Cup Stats
Portugal World Cup Stats
- In Women's World Cup, Telma Encarnacao has one goal (in two matches) and one assist for Portugal.
- In two Women's World Cup matches, Lucia Alves does not have a goal but has recorded one assist (fourth in the 2023 Women's World Cup).
- In Women's World Cup play, Francisca Nazareth has one goal (but no assists).
Take your pick for United States vs. Portugal on DraftKings! Use our link to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Recent Performance
- The United States is 8-1-0 this year versus fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +19. In 2022, it was 10-0-3 in such matches (+24 goal differential).
- The United States' last game was a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, taking 10 shots and outshooting by seven.
- Horan scored the lone goal for her side in the match against .
- So far this year, Portugal is 2-1-2 against fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +5. In 2022, it was 3-2-4 in such matches (-4 goal differential).
- Portugal secured a 2-0 win versus Vietnam on July 27 in its last game. Portugal outshot Vietnam 28 to five.
- Nazareth and Encarnacao lifted Portugal with a goal apiece.
United States Roster
Get your Women's World Cup gear at Fanatics!
Portugal Roster
Not all offers available in all states, please visit DraftKings for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wagmtv.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ | 2023-07-31T08:15:15 | 1 | https://www.wagmtv.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ |
Texas A&M and state leaders join forces to strengthen semiconductor industry
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Microchips, also known as semiconductors, play a crucial role in powering electronic devices such as computers, cars, and cell phones. To strengthen the semiconductor industry and meet the growing demand, Texas A&M University, in collaboration with federal and state leaders, is actively working to develop advanced technology and enhance the semiconductor workforce.
Texas has earmarked $1.4 billion for semiconductor research and manufacturing, intending to secure state and federal grants and create high-paying job opportunities in the coming decade. Lawmakers in the state emphasize that semiconductor production remains a top priority for them.
District 18 Senator Lois Kolkhorst praised the Texas Chips Act, which aims to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States, reducing dependence on foreign sources and strengthening national security.
“Chips are everywhere in our life, and it’s really become very critical for our national security and so the Texas Chips Act, big money, big vision, and I think it’s going to produce big results,” said Kolkhorst.
The Texas CHIPS Act, signed by Governor Greg Abbott during the recent legislative session, establishes the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium to safeguard the state’s competitive standing for future federal funding. Additionally, it authorizes the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to support semiconductor manufacturing and design projects. The fund will receive contributions from the state’s General Revenue to provide matching funding to state entities, including higher education institutions, as well as grant awards to business entities for semiconductor-related economic development.
Senator Kolkhorst emphasized that both state and federal lawmakers are keen on bringing manufacturing jobs back to the United States and safeguarding national security. She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, prompting a reevaluation of the nation’s dependence on foreign semiconductor production.
“The federal law is bringing that manufacturing of producing chips back to the United States. We we’re overly dependent on Taiwan, and everyone knows the tension between Taiwan and China,” said Kolkhorst. “We saw a breakdown in our supply chain when COVID hit, and I think it was a wake-up call for all of us,” said Kolkhorst.
At Texas A&M University, efforts are already underway to develop the next generation of semiconductor technology while preparing future engineers and industry leaders. David Staack, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at Texas A&M University, emphasized the significance of semiconductor manufacturing for national security.
“The semiconductor industry is a unique industry in that it is some of the most complicated manufacturing that happens,” said Staack.
“The manufacturing of high resolution, high fidelity semiconductors in Texas and in the U.S. is very important to our national security and we are putting our brains and putting our financial resources that we’re getting from the state and hopefully from the federal government behind it,” Staack added.
Adriana Cruz, the State’s Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism, underscored the significance of collaboration with universities like Texas A&M in driving economic and national security.
“They are the source of our workforce. They are going to be where the workforce of our future is educated and trained. They’re also the source for the research and development in the cutting edge research,” said Cruz.
Cruz praised the state’s leading position in the semiconductor industry with Texas currently exporting more semiconductors than California, Arizona, and New York combined. The semiconductor industry in Texas employs around 43,000 people, making it a critical contributor to the state’s economic growth and prosperity.
“We have the right business climate. We have the right regulatory climate. We have the workforce, and we have the higher education institutions that are doing the research and development necessary for the future of this very important industry,” said Cruz. “At the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, our mission is to grow the economy of the state and ensure economic prosperity for all Texans.”
“The semiconductor industry is certainly a very important one for the state of Texas. Texas is the birthplace of the integrated circuit and is really leading the nation and the world in terms of the future of semiconductors,” Cruz added.
In October, Texas A&M will host the Texas Semiconductor Summit, which will bring together stakeholders from industries, universities, and workforce development programs in the state. Representatives from the federal CHIPS and Science Act, the Secretary of Commerce, and state officials will attend the summit to discuss Texas’ support for the act.
TEEX also recently unveiled its latest offering, the online, self-paced course titled “Introduction to Semiconductor Processing.” This new course is designed to assist the workforce in enhancing production efficiency and elevating product quality.
The current semiconductor R&D fabrication facilities are on the first floor of the Giesecke Engineering Research Building, which is currently undergoing construction on the Texas A&M campus. Officials say the new planned facilities will be a significant expansion of capabilities and will be on the RELLIS campus, pending approval by the board of regents in August.
Copyright 2023 KBTX. All rights reserved. | https://www.kbtx.com/2023/07/31/texas-am-state-leaders-join-forces-strengthen-semiconductor-industry/ | 2023-07-31T08:15:36 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/2023/07/31/texas-am-state-leaders-join-forces-strengthen-semiconductor-industry/ |
Woman who died during hiking trip remembered for adventurous, selfless spirit
LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Rosalie Rhodes was one of two women found dead in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park after going missing from a hiking trip on July 22.
The temperature in the park that day reached a high of approximately 113 degrees.
“It could’ve happened to any of us, doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, how prepared you are,” said Julie Johnston, Jessica Rhodes’ friend and owner of Camp Rhino, where she regularly exercised. “Nobody really knows what actually happened, but nobody could’ve been in better shape or more prepared to do something like that.”
Jessica Rhodes and 29-year-old Diana Matienzo Rivera were found separated, one on the trails and the other in a canyon. They were first reported missing by another group of hikers.
Her mother, Josephine Rhodes, said she believes her daughter was trying to help her friend.
“They were trying to get back, but they just didn’t make it and she didn’t want to leave her friend down there, so she tried to help her friend,” Josephine Rhodes said. “And that’s just the type of child she is.”
Family remembered Jessica Rhodes for her strength, smile and selflessness.
“Jessica, as a child, everybody is going to tell you, was always smiling. I don’t care what it is, she was always smiling,” Jessica Rhodes’ mother said.
Jessica Rhodes was a certified nursing assistant at Summerlin Hospital and in school to become a nurse. She was also a fitness enthusiast who competed and won often.
She even won a medal for her work as a first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking care of people, that’s what she loved to do,” Hannah Ariolae, Jessica Rhodes’ sister, said. “Her patients and stuff, she’d go above and beyond for them.”
Rhodes’ siblings, mother and her fitness family in Las Vegas are now remembering her for her adventurous spirit, and they want to encourage others to embrace the joys of life like she did.
“She just loved life. So when she went on the trail there, that’s what she liked to do,” Josephine Rhodes said.
Copyright 2023 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kbtx.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ | 2023-07-31T08:15:42 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ |
Portugal vs. United States: Women’s World Cup Group E Odds, Stats and Live Stream - August 1
In each team's third matchup in Group E action at the 2023 Women's World Cup, The United States (4 points) and Portugal (3 points) match up on Tuesday, August 1 at 3:00 AM ET.
The moneyline odds for the United States to win this game are -383, with the draw at +458 and Portugal at +1017. The over/under for this match is 2.5 goals.
Bet on the result of United States vs. Portugal at DraftKings! Bet now to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
- Time: 3:00 AM ET
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Venue: Eden Park
- TV Channel: FOX US,Fox Sports 1
- Total: 2.5
- United States Moneyline: -383
- Portugal Moneyline: +1017
United States vs. Portugal World Cup Betting Insights
- The two teams average three goals per game combined, 0.5 more than this match's total.
- Opponents of these two teams combine to average one goal per game, 1.5 fewer than this game's total.
- The United States has been a moneyline favorite only two other times so far this tournament, and went 1-1-0 in those games.
- The United States has played as a moneyline favorite of -383 or shorter in only one game this tournament, which they won.
- Portugal lost the only game it has played as an underdog this tournament.
- Portugal has not been a bigger underdog this tournament than the +1017 moneyline set for this game.
United States World Cup Stats
Portugal World Cup Stats
- In Women's World Cup, Telma Encarnacao has one goal (in two matches) and one assist for Portugal.
- In two Women's World Cup matches, Lucia Alves does not have a goal but has recorded one assist (fourth in the 2023 Women's World Cup).
- In Women's World Cup play, Francisca Nazareth has one goal (but no assists).
Take your pick for United States vs. Portugal on DraftKings! Use our link to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Recent Performance
- The United States is 8-1-0 this year versus fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +19. In 2022, it was 10-0-3 in such matches (+24 goal differential).
- The United States' last game was a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, taking 10 shots and outshooting by seven.
- Horan scored the lone goal for her side in the match against .
- So far this year, Portugal is 2-1-2 against fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +5. In 2022, it was 3-2-4 in such matches (-4 goal differential).
- Portugal secured a 2-0 win versus Vietnam on July 27 in its last game. Portugal outshot Vietnam 28 to five.
- Nazareth and Encarnacao lifted Portugal with a goal apiece.
United States Roster
Get your Women's World Cup gear at Fanatics!
Portugal Roster
Not all offers available in all states, please visit DraftKings for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kbtx.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ | 2023-07-31T08:15:43 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ |
Woman who died during hiking trip remembered for adventurous, selfless spirit
LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Rosalie Rhodes was one of two women found dead in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park after going missing from a hiking trip on July 22.
The temperature in the park that day reached a high of approximately 113 degrees.
“It could’ve happened to any of us, doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, how prepared you are,” said Julie Johnston, Jessica Rhodes’ friend and owner of Camp Rhino, where she regularly exercised. “Nobody really knows what actually happened, but nobody could’ve been in better shape or more prepared to do something like that.”
Jessica Rhodes and 29-year-old Diana Matienzo Rivera were found separated, one on the trails and the other in a canyon. They were first reported missing by another group of hikers.
Her mother, Josephine Rhodes, said she believes her daughter was trying to help her friend.
“They were trying to get back, but they just didn’t make it and she didn’t want to leave her friend down there, so she tried to help her friend,” Josephine Rhodes said. “And that’s just the type of child she is.”
Family remembered Jessica Rhodes for her strength, smile and selflessness.
“Jessica, as a child, everybody is going to tell you, was always smiling. I don’t care what it is, she was always smiling,” Jessica Rhodes’ mother said.
Jessica Rhodes was a certified nursing assistant at Summerlin Hospital and in school to become a nurse. She was also a fitness enthusiast who competed and won often.
She even won a medal for her work as a first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking care of people, that’s what she loved to do,” Hannah Ariolae, Jessica Rhodes’ sister, said. “Her patients and stuff, she’d go above and beyond for them.”
Rhodes’ siblings, mother and her fitness family in Las Vegas are now remembering her for her adventurous spirit, and they want to encourage others to embrace the joys of life like she did.
“She just loved life. So when she went on the trail there, that’s what she liked to do,” Josephine Rhodes said.
Copyright 2023 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kswo.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:14 | 0 | https://www.kswo.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ |
Woman who died during hiking trip remembered for adventurous, selfless spirit
LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Rosalie Rhodes was one of two women found dead in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park after going missing from a hiking trip on July 22.
The temperature in the park that day reached a high of approximately 113 degrees.
“It could’ve happened to any of us, doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, how prepared you are,” said Julie Johnston, Jessica Rhodes’ friend and owner of Camp Rhino, where she regularly exercised. “Nobody really knows what actually happened, but nobody could’ve been in better shape or more prepared to do something like that.”
Jessica Rhodes and 29-year-old Diana Matienzo Rivera were found separated, one on the trails and the other in a canyon. They were first reported missing by another group of hikers.
Her mother, Josephine Rhodes, said she believes her daughter was trying to help her friend.
“They were trying to get back, but they just didn’t make it and she didn’t want to leave her friend down there, so she tried to help her friend,” Josephine Rhodes said. “And that’s just the type of child she is.”
Family remembered Jessica Rhodes for her strength, smile and selflessness.
“Jessica, as a child, everybody is going to tell you, was always smiling. I don’t care what it is, she was always smiling,” Jessica Rhodes’ mother said.
Jessica Rhodes was a certified nursing assistant at Summerlin Hospital and in school to become a nurse. She was also a fitness enthusiast who competed and won often.
She even won a medal for her work as a first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking care of people, that’s what she loved to do,” Hannah Ariolae, Jessica Rhodes’ sister, said. “Her patients and stuff, she’d go above and beyond for them.”
Rhodes’ siblings, mother and her fitness family in Las Vegas are now remembering her for her adventurous spirit, and they want to encourage others to embrace the joys of life like she did.
“She just loved life. So when she went on the trail there, that’s what she liked to do,” Josephine Rhodes said.
Copyright 2023 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.kalb.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:24 | 1 | https://www.kalb.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ |
Portugal vs. United States: Women’s World Cup Group E Odds, Stats and Live Stream - August 1
In each team's third matchup in Group E action at the 2023 Women's World Cup, The United States (4 points) and Portugal (3 points) match up on Tuesday, August 1 at 3:00 AM ET.
The moneyline odds for the United States to win this game are -383, with the draw at +458 and Portugal at +1017. The over/under for this match is 2.5 goals.
Bet on the result of United States vs. Portugal at DraftKings! Bet now to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
- Time: 3:00 AM ET
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Venue: Eden Park
- TV Channel: FOX US,Fox Sports 1
- Total: 2.5
- United States Moneyline: -383
- Portugal Moneyline: +1017
United States vs. Portugal World Cup Betting Insights
- The two teams average three goals per game combined, 0.5 more than this match's total.
- Opponents of these two teams combine to average one goal per game, 1.5 fewer than this game's total.
- The United States has been a moneyline favorite only two other times so far this tournament, and went 1-1-0 in those games.
- The United States has played as a moneyline favorite of -383 or shorter in only one game this tournament, which they won.
- Portugal lost the only game it has played as an underdog this tournament.
- Portugal has not been a bigger underdog this tournament than the +1017 moneyline set for this game.
United States World Cup Stats
Portugal World Cup Stats
- In Women's World Cup, Telma Encarnacao has one goal (in two matches) and one assist for Portugal.
- In two Women's World Cup matches, Lucia Alves does not have a goal but has recorded one assist (fourth in the 2023 Women's World Cup).
- In Women's World Cup play, Francisca Nazareth has one goal (but no assists).
Take your pick for United States vs. Portugal on DraftKings! Use our link to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Recent Performance
- The United States is 8-1-0 this year versus fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +19. In 2022, it was 10-0-3 in such matches (+24 goal differential).
- The United States' last game was a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, taking 10 shots and outshooting by seven.
- Horan scored the lone goal for her side in the match against .
- So far this year, Portugal is 2-1-2 against fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +5. In 2022, it was 3-2-4 in such matches (-4 goal differential).
- Portugal secured a 2-0 win versus Vietnam on July 27 in its last game. Portugal outshot Vietnam 28 to five.
- Nazareth and Encarnacao lifted Portugal with a goal apiece.
United States Roster
Get your Women's World Cup gear at Fanatics!
Portugal Roster
Not all offers available in all states, please visit DraftKings for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.kalb.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:34 | 1 | https://www.kalb.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ |
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Australian army helicopter that crashed Friday during a multinational exercise hit the water with a “catastrophic impact” and there is no chance its four crew members survived, officials said Monday.
Australia’s fleet of more than 40 of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, made by French Airbus, has been grounded since the crash and there are doubts any will fly again.
They will be grounded until crash investigators determine what caused the tragedy. The government announced in January it plans to replace them with 40 U.S. Black Hawks. The Taipans’ retirement date of December 2024 would be 13 years earlier than Australia had initially planned.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue effort changed Monday to a victim recovery operation with no chance that Capt. Danniel Lyon, Lt. Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock or Cpl. Alexander Naggs had survived.
“There was a catastrophic incident and with every passing hour, it is now clear that any hope of finding (the four crew) alive has been lost,” Marles told reporters.
The helicopter crashed during a nighttime exercise with the United States and other nations near the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marles had said on Saturday the helicopter “ditched,” which refers to an emergency landing. But on Monday he would not rule our pilot error or disorientation in the dark causing the crash into the water. He urged against speculation about potential causes.
“There was a catastrophic impact on the helicopter when it hit the water,” Marles said.
“We will move through the process of putting the Black Hawks into service as quickly as we can ... and we will not be flying MRH90s until we understand what has happened,” Marles added.
The lost Taipan had been taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland state. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
The exercise was continuing on Monday with some changes near the recovery operation, Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said.
Campbell thanked the United States and Canada for their help in the search and recovery efforts, which he said was “not an easy operation.”
The wreckage lay in the path of strong currents and tidal movements. It was too deep for standard diving operations.
Part of the airframe had been retrieved by Monday but most of the helicopter remained on the seabed, Campbell said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan since March. The fleet was grounded after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast near the naval base at Jervis Bay during a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Fergus McLachlan was involved in integrating the Taipan into the Australian army when they arrived in 2007 and had been responsible for keeping them airworthy. He said the Taipan did not have the proven record of the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks.
“We bought into an unproven system. In real terms, it was a developmental aircraft and it has never really matured,” McLachlan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It was always a battle to maintain it and keep it flying,” McLachlan added.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/T3YPE6PAQJFMFK5HA5FMXVZDTQ/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:34 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/T3YPE6PAQJFMFK5HA5FMXVZDTQ/ |
DEAR ABBY: I am 49 and have been divorced for 20 years. When we first separated, my ex moved in with my parents while I struggled to raise my four kids. He stayed there for seven years. He moved out until a year and a half ago. Again, my parents have allowed him back in!
While I understand that they shouldn’t have had to cease contact because of the divorce, I don’t feel it’s right for him to be living there. This has caused an ongoing rift between my family and me because I have let them know that it hurts me.
My parents pretty much told me my feelings don’t matter. I was homeless living in my car for a few weeks while it was bitter cold and snowing. But I’m not supposed to be upset that he’s nice and warm, eating prepared meals, showering and using their vehicles for next to nothing? He has had a full-time job for 10 years.
I feel my parents are disrespectful, hurtful and rude toward me. What are your thoughts about what I should do or how to handle this? -- PERTURBED IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR PERTURBED: My thought is that when you and your ex-husband divorced, your parents sided with him, and you have every right to your feelings. Being told that your feelings do not matter had to have been devastating.
The way to handle this would be to stay as far from your parents as possible and figure out how to have a rewarding life on your own. Take that path -- and spend as little time as possible looking backward because you really have no other choice. Success would be the best revenge.
***
MORE FROM DEAR ABBY:
Dear Abby: Woman expecting quadruplets is devastated when her fiancé unexpectedly leaves her
Dear Abby: I’m madly in love with a man who only wants to drink when not sleeping or working
Dear Abby: Father fails to show up for teen son
Dear Abby: Painting is a painful reminder of a former friend
Dear Abby: I want out, but he has nowhere to go. I feel guilty.
***
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
***
To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable -- and most frequently requested -- poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby -- Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
COPYRIGHT 2023 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500 | https://www.nj.com/advice/2023/07/dear-abby-when-i-got-separated-my-ex-moved-in-with-my-parents-while-i-struggled-to-raise-the-kids.html | 2023-07-31T08:16:40 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/advice/2023/07/dear-abby-when-i-got-separated-my-ex-moved-in-with-my-parents-while-i-struggled-to-raise-the-kids.html |
HONG KONG (AP) — Fans of singer and songwriter Coco Lee, who was known for her powerful voice and live performances, were gathering with flowers to pay their respects to their idol at her funeral in Hong Kong on Monday.
The evening services were expected to be attended by her family, friends and supporters. Lee died July 5 at age 48.
She was born in Hong Kong and attended school in San Francisco before releasing her first album in 1994 at age 19. She began her career as a Mandopop singer but branched out to release albums in Cantonese and English.
She was the first Chinese singer to break into the American market, and her English song “Do You Want My Love” climbed to #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999. In 2001, she sang “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at the Academy Awards, becoming the first Chinese American to perform at the Oscars.
Lee was also the voice of heroine Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s “Mulan,” and sang the Mandarin version of the movie’s theme song “Reflection.”
Lee was married to Bruce Rockowitz, former CEO of Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. She had two stepdaughters.
He death had shocked fans. Her siblings posted on Facebook that she had depression for years and had attempted suicide at home on July 2. She died a few days later.
In Lee's recent social media posts, she kept spreading positivity. In March, she posted about having to relearn how to walk after undergoing surgery for an old leg injury.
“Successful surgery. Even though I’m in a lot of pain and I have to re-learn how to walk again, I know I can do it,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Yes I can and I will!” | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/fans-pay-tribute-to-coco-lee-hong-kong-singer-who-had-international-success/FS4SHZII2NBLVNAAGVLJCFOSFI/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:40 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/fans-pay-tribute-to-coco-lee-hong-kong-singer-who-had-international-success/FS4SHZII2NBLVNAAGVLJCFOSFI/ |
The following is a listing of all home transfers in Atlantic County reported from July 24 to July 30. There were 49 transactions posted during this time. During this period, the median sale for the area was a 1,876-square-foot home on North Little Rock Avenue in Ventnor City that sold for $300,000.
Atlantic City
108 S. Montpelier Ave., Atlantic City, $72,000, 264 square feet, $273 per square-foot. | https://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2023/07/see-all-homes-sold-in-atlantic-county-july-24-to-july-30.html | 2023-07-31T08:16:46 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2023/07/see-all-homes-sold-in-atlantic-county-july-24-to-july-30.html |
BEIJING (AP) — A zoo in eastern China is denying suggestions some of its bears might be people in costumes after photos of the animals standing like humans circulated online.
The sun bears from Malaysia are smaller than other bears and look different but are the real thing, the Hangzhou Zoo said Monday on its social media account.
“Some people think I stand like a person," said the posting, written from the bear’s point of view. “It seems you don’t understand me very well.”
An employee who answered the phone at the zoo declined to talk about the bears but said visits were being arranged for reporters Monday to see them.
Internet users questioned whether the zoo’s bears were real after photos circulated showing one standing upright on slender hind legs.
“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise,’” the newspaper Hangzhou Daily said.
Sun bears are the size of large dogs, standing at most 1.3 meters (50 inches) tall on their hind legs, compared with up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) for grizzlies and other species, according to the zoo.
Other Chinese zoos have been accused of trying to pass off dogs dyed to look like wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras. | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/our-bears-are-real-a-chinese-zoo-says-denying-they-are-humans-in-disguise/X5F5444KBNEO7IBTUFAA2ZYDS4/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:47 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/our-bears-are-real-a-chinese-zoo-says-denying-they-are-humans-in-disguise/X5F5444KBNEO7IBTUFAA2ZYDS4/ |
The following is a listing of all home transfers in Gloucester County reported from July 24 to July 30. There were 81 transactions posted during this time. During this period, the median sale for the area was a 1,720-square-foot home on Iannelli Road in Clarksboro that sold for $330,000.
Blackwood
216 Scarlet Oak Road, Blackwood, $270,000, 2,726 square feet, $99 per square-foot. | https://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2023/07/see-all-homes-sold-in-gloucester-county-july-24-to-july-30.html | 2023-07-31T08:16:52 | 1 | https://www.nj.com/realestate-news/2023/07/see-all-homes-sold-in-gloucester-county-july-24-to-july-30.html |
KHAR, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan held funerals on Monday for victims of a massive suicide bombing that targeted a rally of a pro-Taliban cleric the previous day as the death toll climbed to at least 45 and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people. Police said their initial investigation suggests the Islamic State group's regional affiliate could be behind the attack.
The victims were all from the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which is headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman. He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
The IS regional affiliate — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — is based in neighboring Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban. Bajur was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan's Taliban government — before several Pakistani army offensives that ended in 2016 claimed to have driven them out of the area.
The cleric's supporters had gathered in Bajut on Sunday as part of their party's preparations for the next parliamentary elections, expected sometime in October or November after the current parliament's five-year term ends.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve the parliament in August to pave the way for the vote. Rehman’s party is part of Sharif’s coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Khan later on Sunday also condemned the bombing, as condolences continued to pour in from across the country. Dozens of people who received minor injuries were discharged from hospital while the critically wounded were taken to the city of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll on Sunday was reported to be 44 but rose to 45 on Monday as a critically wounded person died at a hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. The bombing has also drawn nationwide condemnation, with ruling and opposition parties offering condolences to the families of the victims. The U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack.
Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman's party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that “such attacks cannot deter our resolve.”
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the attack. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said the attack aimed to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where on Monday he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were "investigating this attack in all aspects.”
Sunday's bombing was one of the four worst attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-government-vows-to-hunt-down-those-behind-the-weekends-suicide-bombing/VKODHR3F5VACVHSM72ERMLJL5E/ | 2023-07-31T08:16:54 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-government-vows-to-hunt-down-those-behind-the-weekends-suicide-bombing/VKODHR3F5VACVHSM72ERMLJL5E/ |
Canada faces Australia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday, July 31, 2023 (7/31/23) at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
The game starts at 6 a.m. ET on FOX and Telemundo.
HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch the match for free via a trial to fuboTV or via a subscription to Sling TV, which offers 50% off the first month.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Who: Canada vs. Australia
When: Monday, July 31, 2023
Time: 6 a.m. ET
Where: AAMI Park
TV: FOX and Telemundo
Channel finder: Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling.
Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), Sling TV (which offers 50% off the first month)
***
Here’s a recent AP story on the FIFA Women’s World Cup:
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Megan Rapinoe is adjusting to her new role at the Women’s World Cup, even if it means she’s not on the field as much as she’d like to be.
The outspoken 38-year-old known for her eclectic hair colors and the iconic victory pose she struck at the 2019 World Cup is the oldest player on the team. She already announced that her fourth World Cup would be her last.
“Ultimately, we’re at the World Cup. This is where everybody wants to be, whether you’re playing 90 minutes, whether you’re a game changer, whatever,” she said Sunday. “I think it’s a lot similar to what I thought it would be — bringing all the experience that I can, all the experience that I have, and ultimately being ready whenever my number is called up.”
Rapinoe has played limited minutes so far, coming in as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, which was her 200th career appearance for the team.
She was available but didn’t play in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday in Wellington. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski made just one substitution in the match, bringing in midfielder Rose Lavelle after the first half.
“I think all of us on the bench, it’s like we think we should be on the field as much as the players on the field believe that they should be on the field,” Rapinoe said. “Every player on the field that starts the game thinks that they should play 90 minutes, and every player who doesn’t, who is a sub, thinks that they should be on at some point.”
The United States has won the last two World Cups, but the players find themselves in a more precarious position as they chase an unprecedented third consecutive title. The Americans need at least a draw going into the final group match against Portugal on Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Americans top Group E, even on points with the Netherlands, but hold the edge because of goal difference. Portugal, which beat Vietnam, could send the United States home early with a win over the Americans.
“We’re unsatisfied with the way we played, but we know there are areas that we can be better and I think there’s some really simple fixes we can do to put ourselves in a better position to have more joy on the ball, especially in the final third,” Rapinoe said. “I think everybody’s looking at this like `Let’s go.’”
At the 2019 World Cup in France, Rapinoe scored six goals over the course of the tournament, including a penalty in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. She also finished with three assists and claimed both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball for the best overall player.
Rapinoe, who is engaged to former WNBA star Sue Bird, has been a leader on and off the field.
She made headlines during the 2019 tournament when she said she wouldn’t visit the White House if the United States won. Her decision was based on her disdain for then-President Donald Trump, and the team did not go to the White House after winning its second World Cup.
And in the midst of a dispute with U.S. Soccer over equal pay with the men’s national team, Rapinoe helped the women hold firm on their position.
“I just think back to 2019 in particular. We didn’t really talk about it a lot as a group but we were like, `Well, we have to win. This is kind of like a must-win World Cup for us.’ And I think it did give us confidence,” she said. “It pressured us, but I think we also knew that we could handle it and it was almost a mandatory upping of our level to be able to match everything that we were saying off the field. I think in so many ways we were betting on ourselves.”
Rapinoe has won two Women’s World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal with the United States. She also took home the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Women’s Player awards — the game’s top individual honors — for her play in 2019.
As a fierce advocate for social justice issues, including gender equity and LGBTQ rights, she was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Joe Biden last year.
The team also won a new contract that pays the players the same as their male counterparts.
“I’ve always tried to use whatever platform we have, and this platform was built long before I got here. We just continue to add to to it, to grow the game, to make the world a better place, to use our voices, to advocate for more,” she said.
At this World Cup, she’s passing that legacy on to younger generation. Fourteen of the U.S. players are playing in their first World Cup. In 2019, Carli Lloyd was in a similar role of a player who was also something of a coach who led by example.
Rapinoe is doing that now.
“Still every day in training I’m like, `I’m gonna try to bust your ass,’ and that makes them better, that makes me better,” she said. “That makes the whole team better. So I think it’s been really rewarding. And I think ultimately, and I think that this gets lost, but I get to play in another World Cup.”
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Cayden Steele may be reached at CSteele@njadvancemedia.com | https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/07/canada-vs-australia-free-live-stream-73123-watch-womens-world-cup-2023-online-time-tv-channel.html | 2023-07-31T08:16:58 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/07/canada-vs-australia-free-live-stream-73123-watch-womens-world-cup-2023-online-time-tv-channel.html |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The United States arrived at the Women's World Cup as the favorites to win an unprecedented third consecutive title. But after an underwhelming draw against the Netherlands, there's a real chance the Americans can be eliminated in group play for the first time in tournament history.
The U.S. plays Portugal in the third and final match of Group E play, and if Portugal pulls off an upset Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland, the Americans could be in big trouble.
The United States needs to either win or draw against Portugal, one of eight teams playing in its first World Cup, to ensure the Americans continue to play in this tournament.
“I think we feel like we have to win everything all the time,” said American star Megan Rapinoe. “That’s the expectation for ourselves. That’s the expectation playing for U.S. national team. It’s just kind of like, ‘Why would you come into the World Cup if you don’t think that you should win it, and if you don’t think that you can win it?’”
The United States sits atop the group after a 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last Thursday in Wellington. The Dutch are tied with the U.S. on points, but the Americans have the tie-breaker on goals scored.
Portugal lost to the Dutch in its opener but then beat Vietnam 2-0. So if the Portuguese beat the United States, they'll move on, and the Americans would then need Vietnam to beat the Dutch in Dunedin — while keeping their advantage on goal differential — to advance.
“One thing is for sure, that we have a job to do and that’s first and foremost to take care of our game, so our main focus right now it our performance, our team, and Portugal," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. "What happens on the other side is something we can’t control. We have to stay focused on the things we can control.”
Portugal could use a swarming defense to try to prevent the United States from scoring the way Vietnam — unsuccessfully — played the Americans in the opener.
Portugal defender Ana Borges said her team will be prepared.
“This is the stage where we want to be. It’s against these teams that we want to play because we’re going to learn and grow from them,” Borges said. “Not saying anything about the other team, but if we weren’t prepared for this challenge, we wouldn’t be playing football.”
CHINA-ENGLAND
England is in very good shape headed into its Group D finale against China, needing only a draw Tuesday night in Adelaide, Australia to win the group and advance to the round of 16.
Even a loss would be OK and push England through as group winners so long as Denmark doesn't beat Haiti. If Denmark won and England lost, the group winner would be decided by FIFA tiebreakers.
England edged out a 1-0 victory over Haiti to open the tournament, then beat Denmark by the same score.
China lost 1-0 to Denmark in the opener but rebounded with a 1-0 win over Haiti and is now trying to keep its streak intact of advancing out of group play in all eight of its World Cup appearances.
It will be a tough task: China can advance to the round of 16 if the Chinese beat England. But if Denmark beats Haiti, coupled with a China win, then FIFA tiebreakers would come into a play. A loss would mean China's only chance at advancing would be if Haiti beat Denmark.
England and China meet for just the fifth time, but first since a 2-1 China victory in 2015.
England has scored in each of its last 15 matches at the Women’s World Cup for a tally of 25 goals since 2015. A goal against China would make England the first team to score in 16 consecutive matches in the tournament.
China is looking to win consecutive World Cup games for the first time since 1999.
VIETNAM-NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands want to win every match in the Women's World Cup but none more so than Tuesday's game against Vietnam.
At stake: avoiding Sweden in the knockout round.
The Dutch, the tournament runner-up in 2019, need only a win or a draw in the Group E match played in Dunedin, New Zealand. And even a loss would be OK so long as the United States beats Portugal in a game being played simultaneously.
But the Netherlands has mapped out the tournament and wants no part of Sweden anytime soon.
“The first aim is always to win and get to the last 16 and then after that if we can score goals we will, of course,” said Dutch coach Andries Jonker. “But looking at our colleagues from the U.S. and Portugal, we’ve noticed it’s not all that easy. We’ve never shown any kind of arrogance, but if we get chances to score goals we will. We would prefer to play against the number two in this group and not Sweden.”
The Netherlands are tied with the United States for the top spot in the group after playing to a 1-1 draw against the Americans and a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Vietnam has already been eliminated from its first Women's World Cup following losses to the United States and Portugal. Vietnam has lost its last five internationals by a combined score of 18-1.
“The Netherlands tries to have as many goals as possible, and I have to say we are at a low level," said Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung. "If we compare with Asia, we’re still at a low level. So if we compare with the world, we are still quite behind. It is a success for us already. In the past two matches we have tried our best. Great effort already.”
HAITI-DENMARK
First-time Women's World Cup participant Haiti would like to stick around a bit longer but needs a miracle against in the Group D finale against Denmark to have any shot to advance.
Haiti needs to beat Denmark in the Tuesday match played in Perth, Australia, and hope England beats China. If both those things happen, Haiti's only chance would still come down to FIFA's tiebreaker system.
It's very long odds for Haiti, which has played better in this tournament than its 0-2 record shows. Haiti held both England and China to one goal each in the first two matches.
Haiti is on a six-game losing streak headed into what is probably its final game of this tournament.
Denmark, meanwhile, is trying to advance to the group stage for the first time since 1995. Denmark was a 1-0 winner over China to start the tournament, then lost 1-0 to England and heads into the game tied for second in the group with China with three points each.
A win over Haiti pushes Denmark through to the next round so long as England doesn't lose to China. That scenario would put tiebreakers into play.
The Danes, in the tournament for the first time since 2007, can also get through with a draw, but again, only if England beats China.
Denmark has won five of its last seven international matches.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Credit: AP | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/us-needs-win-to-ensure-americans-avoid-elimination-in-group-play-for-first-time-in-womens-world-cup/5FKL4Y3YE5FZ5GJ5FZLKEDMX4A/ | 2023-07-31T08:17:00 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/nation-world/us-needs-win-to-ensure-americans-avoid-elimination-in-group-play-for-first-time-in-womens-world-cup/5FKL4Y3YE5FZ5GJ5FZLKEDMX4A/ |
Republic of Ireland faces Nigeria in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday, July 31, 2023 (7/31/23) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
The game starts at 6 a.m. ET on FS1 and NBC Universo.
HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch the match for free via a trial to fuboTV or via a subscription to Sling TV, which offers 50% off the first month.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
Who: Republic of Ireland vs. Nigeria
When: Monday, July 31, 2023
Time: 6 a.m. ET
Where: Suncorp Stadium
TV: FS1 and NBC Universo
Channel finder: Verizon Fios, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling.
Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), Sling TV (which offers 50% off the first month)
***
Here’s a recent AP story on the FIFA Women’s World Cup:
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Megan Rapinoe is adjusting to her new role at the Women’s World Cup, even if it means she’s not on the field as much as she’d like to be.
The outspoken 38-year-old known for her eclectic hair colors and the iconic victory pose she struck at the 2019 World Cup is the oldest player on the team. She already announced that her fourth World Cup would be her last.
“Ultimately, we’re at the World Cup. This is where everybody wants to be, whether you’re playing 90 minutes, whether you’re a game changer, whatever,” she said Sunday. “I think it’s a lot similar to what I thought it would be — bringing all the experience that I can, all the experience that I have, and ultimately being ready whenever my number is called up.”
Rapinoe has played limited minutes so far, coming in as a substitute in the 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, which was her 200th career appearance for the team.
She was available but didn’t play in the disappointing 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday in Wellington. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski made just one substitution in the match, bringing in midfielder Rose Lavelle after the first half.
“I think all of us on the bench, it’s like we think we should be on the field as much as the players on the field believe that they should be on the field,” Rapinoe said. “Every player on the field that starts the game thinks that they should play 90 minutes, and every player who doesn’t, who is a sub, thinks that they should be on at some point.”
The United States has won the last two World Cups, but the players find themselves in a more precarious position as they chase an unprecedented third consecutive title. The Americans need at least a draw going into the final group match against Portugal on Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Americans top Group E, even on points with the Netherlands, but hold the edge because of goal difference. Portugal, which beat Vietnam, could send the United States home early with a win over the Americans.
“We’re unsatisfied with the way we played, but we know there are areas that we can be better and I think there’s some really simple fixes we can do to put ourselves in a better position to have more joy on the ball, especially in the final third,” Rapinoe said. “I think everybody’s looking at this like `Let’s go.’”
At the 2019 World Cup in France, Rapinoe scored six goals over the course of the tournament, including a penalty in a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final. She also finished with three assists and claimed both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball for the best overall player.
Rapinoe, who is engaged to former WNBA star Sue Bird, has been a leader on and off the field.
She made headlines during the 2019 tournament when she said she wouldn’t visit the White House if the United States won. Her decision was based on her disdain for then-President Donald Trump, and the team did not go to the White House after winning its second World Cup.
And in the midst of a dispute with U.S. Soccer over equal pay with the men’s national team, Rapinoe helped the women hold firm on their position.
“I just think back to 2019 in particular. We didn’t really talk about it a lot as a group but we were like, `Well, we have to win. This is kind of like a must-win World Cup for us.’ And I think it did give us confidence,” she said. “It pressured us, but I think we also knew that we could handle it and it was almost a mandatory upping of our level to be able to match everything that we were saying off the field. I think in so many ways we were betting on ourselves.”
Rapinoe has won two Women’s World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal with the United States. She also took home the Ballon d’Or and the Best FIFA Women’s Player awards — the game’s top individual honors — for her play in 2019.
As a fierce advocate for social justice issues, including gender equity and LGBTQ rights, she was awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Joe Biden last year.
The team also won a new contract that pays the players the same as their male counterparts.
“I’ve always tried to use whatever platform we have, and this platform was built long before I got here. We just continue to add to to it, to grow the game, to make the world a better place, to use our voices, to advocate for more,” she said.
At this World Cup, she’s passing that legacy on to younger generation. Fourteen of the U.S. players are playing in their first World Cup. In 2019, Carli Lloyd was in a similar role of a player who was also something of a coach who led by example.
Rapinoe is doing that now.
“Still every day in training I’m like, `I’m gonna try to bust your ass,’ and that makes them better, that makes me better,” she said. “That makes the whole team better. So I think it’s been really rewarding. And I think ultimately, and I think that this gets lost, but I get to play in another World Cup.”
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Cayden Steele may be reached at CSteele@njadvancemedia.com | https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/07/republic-of-ireland-vs-nigeria-free-live-stream-73123-watch-womens-world-cup-2023-online-time-tv-channel.html | 2023-07-31T08:17:04 | 0 | https://www.nj.com/sports/2023/07/republic-of-ireland-vs-nigeria-free-live-stream-73123-watch-womens-world-cup-2023-online-time-tv-channel.html |
For the second year, Black-owned businesses in Springfield will come together to grow and encourage entrepreneurship and patronage in the city’s own rendition of national Black Business Month.
Rose City Black Business Month, formerly named Champ City Black Business Month, will support and celebrate Black-owned businesses while giving entrepreneurs the chance to learn, said Camille Hall, co-director of the Young Black Professionals and Businesses of Springfield and The Conscious Connect community navigator.
The month aims to inspire people to patronize Black-owned businesses not only throughout August but also the rest of the year, Hall said.
The name of the month was changed to avoid confusion, but Hall said a rose is more symbolic of what it is like to pursue a business as a Black person.
“When we think about a rose being a flower and growing and essentially being able to exist in adverse conditions or circumstances, I mean it’s a beautiful flower but it also has thorns on it, so it has this layer of protection,” Hall said. “When we think bout the Black community and as we’ve existed specifically in the entrepreneurial space ... we’ve constantly had to exist in a space of having a barrier of protection around us.”
This effort will continue outside of the dedicated month, with the Southside Incubator aiming to help businesses grow and thrive, Karlos Marshall, co-founder of Conscious Connect, said in a release.
“Over the last year and a half, we’ve made significant strides in providing support services and technical assistance to business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs,” Marshall said. “However, we recognize that persistent gaps still exist in our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the Southside Incubator is a critical solution to fill the void.”
Conscious Connect bought a building at 515 S. Yellow Springs St. earlier this year to serve as an on-site physical location and co-working space. It will be renovated with funds it is currently raising before being open to the public.
“The physical facility will come in due time, but building a thriving culture and community to support southside businesses cannot wait,” Marshall said.
Dorian Hunter, community navigator for the Conscious Connect, said the having no Black-owned businesses in downtown Springfield is an “absolute atrocity,” and reflective of many of the challenges Black entrepreneurs face that the events of August hope to address.
“You can’t talk about a vibrant downtown if there’s no diversity,” Hunter said.
Hall said some of these common barriers are a lack of access to business-related programming like is available in Dayton and Columbus, struggles with getting commercial real estate for business spaces instead of residential and a lack of collaborative spaces.
Some of the events that seek to address these issues are an AI educational event on Aug. 10 to teach business owners how to use technology to advance their craft, a coworking day on Aug. 15 to bring social and business interaction together, and a business certification class on Aug. 24 to help businesses complete certification applications, Hunter said.
This year has a more streamlined calendar than last, leaning on some existing events and featuring partner organizations, Black entrepreneurs and allies, Hall said. She said this year builds on last year’s success, and she hopes the month’s offerings and impact continue to grow each year.
Hall said organizers are hoping to create a “utopian experience” for participants in the month’s programming that inspires people to make these kinds of events more typical throughout the year.
Given support and care, Black business owners could “continue to multiply and spread and help beautify” the city, Hall said.
“Don’t judge us for our thorns; our environment made us this way,” Hunter said.
A full list of events is available at theconsciousconnect.org/entrepreneurship.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/black-entrepreneurship-to-be-celebrated-cultivated-in-rose-city-black-business-month/UR77K6QC5VBI5CRDBFJ42VJGYA/ | 2023-07-31T08:17:07 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/black-entrepreneurship-to-be-celebrated-cultivated-in-rose-city-black-business-month/UR77K6QC5VBI5CRDBFJ42VJGYA/ |
A new sports bar and restaurant has arrived in Springfield.
Mango’s Lounge, located at 1805 W. First St., will have a grand opening today following several soft opening nights this month. Owned by Limary Nunez Flores and her husband, the restaurant serves a variety of appetizers, specialty dishes and cocktails.
“We’ve had this dream to start something on our own after working 15, 16 years in the service business,” Nunez Flores said. “This idea came to us because when my husband and I always wanted to go out to eat, have a drink or something, my kids couldn’t enjoy themselves where we had our children. So we wanted to come up with an idea where the parents can enjoy themselves and there’s games for the kids.”
Manuel Lopez, a community navigator for the Springfield Small Business Development Center (SBDC) who helped guide Nunez Flores, said the bar stems from the family restaurant business. The family owns Los Mariachis.
Nunez Flores’ brother, Armando Nunez, opened taco truck then brick-and-mortar location Chido’s Tacos with the help of the SBDC.
“They saw the perfect time to branch out and expand to their own families, and their dream is becoming reality,” Lopez said.
The Mango’s Lounge menu features traditional appetizers, or tapas, plus seven house specialty dishes, including chimichangas, tacos and flatbread pizzas. Wings, quesadillas, sandwiches and Santa Fe egg rolls also are on the menu.
It has separate cocktail and mocktail menus as well. Nunez Flores said the mocktail menu allows kids to be included.
Mango’s will adjust its current hours after the opening today, Nunez Flores said.
The building, which once housed Ryan’s buffet restaurant and Bay Breeze seafood restaurant, allows the Mango’s Lounge owners space for a large multi-sided bar, a game room and a stage for live music.
The renovated space includes brightly-colored wall decor inside and a mural on the outside with two hands and the words “Never Give Up” on it.
Lopez said the restaurant is a long time coming, and COVID-19 served as an eye-opener that they were never going to be “fully ready” to jump into the new endeavor. Finding the right location, finishing an extensive remodel and obtaining all the necessary permits took a lot of time, he said.
Nunez Flores said the soft openings have been successful, and she hopes people continue to support the business. She said she was nervous at first but is now excited to be fully open.
The SBDC helped Nunez Flores through the preparations and learning important business practices, and Lopez said he hopes the community supports the restaurant.
“I’m really very proud of them that they decided to branch out and seek out their own dream, and it’s finally becoming a reality so as much as the community can support them ... they have lived in the Springfield community for many years so they are part of the community,” Lopez said. | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/new-lounge-opens-today-in-springfield-at-site-of-former-first-street-restaurants/YGWZ72J7AVHXTFAYJHAXO7YWUY/ | 2023-07-31T08:17:13 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/new-lounge-opens-today-in-springfield-at-site-of-former-first-street-restaurants/YGWZ72J7AVHXTFAYJHAXO7YWUY/ |
Cleveland Guardians (53-53, second in the AL Central) vs. Houston Astros (59-47, second in the AL West)
Houston; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Guardians: Noah Syndergaard (0-0); Astros: J.P. France (6-3, 2.87 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 58 strikeouts)
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Astros -189, Guardians +160; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros open a three-game series at home against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.
Houston has a 59-47 record overall and a 28-25 record in home games. The Astros have a 40-9 record in games when they out-hit their opponents.
Cleveland has gone 25-29 in road games and 53-53 overall. The Guardians have a 38-13 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.
Monday's game is the fourth time these teams meet this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Yordan Alvarez leads Houston with 18 home runs while slugging .585. Alex Bregman is 12-for-37 with five home runs and 10 RBI over the last 10 games.
Jose Ramirez has 26 doubles, four triples, 18 home runs and 63 RBI for the Guardians. David Fry is 8-for-27 with two doubles, three home runs and seven RBI over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 6-4, .246 batting average, 4.55 ERA, outscored opponents by two runs
Guardians: 6-4, .263 batting average, 3.34 ERA, outscored opponents by six runs
INJURIES: Astros: Jose Urquidy: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Michael Brantley: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Lance McCullers Jr.: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Guardians: Noah Syndergaard: 15-Day IL (finger), Shane Bieber: 60-Day IL (elbow), Triston McKenzie: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cal Quantrill: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Peyton Battenfield: 60-Day IL (shoulder)
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/astros-play-the-guardians-in-first-of-3-game-series/7Y7RIIUHEVEVTCNEAT34YR4CEI/ | 2023-07-31T08:17:20 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/astros-play-the-guardians-in-first-of-3-game-series/7Y7RIIUHEVEVTCNEAT34YR4CEI/ |
Cincinnati Reds (58-49, first in the NL Central) vs. Chicago Cubs (53-52, third in the NL Central)
Chicago; Monday, 8:05 p.m. EDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: Andrew Abbott (6-2, 1.90 ERA, .96 WHIP, 66 strikeouts); Cubs: Marcus Stroman (10-7, 3.51 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 109 strikeouts)
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cubs -123, Reds +103; over/under is 8 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds play the Chicago Cubs after Elly De La Cruz had four hits against the Dodgers on Sunday.
Chicago is 53-52 overall and 27-26 at home. The Cubs are ninth in the NL with 119 total home runs, averaging 1.1 per game.
Cincinnati has a 30-23 record in road games and a 58-49 record overall. Reds hitters have a collective .331 on-base percentage, the fourth-ranked percentage in the NL.
The matchup Monday is the sixth time these teams meet this season. The Reds have a 4-1 advantage in the season series.
TOP PERFORMERS: Patrick Wisdom leads the Cubs with 18 home runs while slugging .488. Yan Gomes is 14-for-38 with five doubles, two triples, a home run and eight RBI over the past 10 games.
Jake Fraley ranks fourth on the Reds with 29 extra base hits (14 doubles and 15 home runs). Matt McLain is 11-for-34 with two doubles, three home runs and seven RBI over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cubs: 8-2, .279 batting average, 3.54 ERA, outscored opponents by 19 runs
Reds: 7-3, .260 batting average, 2.79 ERA, outscored opponents by 19 runs
INJURIES: Cubs: Brad Boxberger: 60-Day IL (forearm), Brandon Hughes: 60-Day IL (knee), Nick Burdi: 60-Day IL (appendicitis), Codi Heuer: 60-Day IL (elbow), Ethan Roberts: 60-Day IL (elbow)
Reds: Jonathan India: 10-Day IL (heel), Curt Casali: 10-Day IL (foot), Casey Legumina: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Hunter Greene: 15-Day IL (hip), Nick Lodolo: 60-Day IL (calf), Reiver Sanmartin: 60-Day IL (elbow), Connor Overton: 60-Day IL (elbow), Justin Dunn: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Tejay Antone: 60-Day IL (elbow), Vladimir Gutierrez: 60-Day IL (elbow)
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/reds-take-on-the-cubs-after-de-la-cruzs-4-hit-game/PGRUVAICVVGD3ODAGLJZZI7JIQ/ | 2023-07-31T08:17:26 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/ohio/reds-take-on-the-cubs-after-de-la-cruzs-4-hit-game/PGRUVAICVVGD3ODAGLJZZI7JIQ/ |
KHAR, Pakistan — Pakistan held funerals on Monday for victims of a massive suicide bombing that targeted a rally of a pro-Taliban cleric the previous day as the death toll climbed to at least 45 and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people. Police said their initial investigation suggests the Islamic State group's regional affiliate could be behind the attack.
The victims were all from the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which is headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman. He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
The IS regional affiliate — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — is based in neighboring Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban. Bajur was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan's Taliban government — before several Pakistani army offensives that ended in 2016 claimed to have driven them out of the area.
The cleric's supporters had gathered in Bajut on Sunday as part of their party's preparations for the next parliamentary elections, expected sometime in October or November after the current parliament's five-year term ends.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve the parliament in August to pave the way for the vote. Rehman's party is part of Sharif's coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Khan later on Sunday also condemned the bombing, as condolences continued to pour in from across the country. Dozens of people who received minor injuries were discharged from hospital while the critically wounded were taken to the city of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll on Sunday was reported to be 44 but rose to 45 on Monday as a critically wounded person died at a hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. The bombing has also drawn nationwide condemnation, with ruling and opposition parties offering condolences to the families of the victims. The U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack.
Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman's party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that "such attacks cannot deter our resolve."
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the attack. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said the attack aimed to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that "such crimes cannot be justified in any way."
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where on Monday he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were "investigating this attack in all aspects."
Sunday's bombing was one of the four worst attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.wlrn.org/npr-breaking-news/npr-breaking-news/2023-07-31/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-the-government-vows-to-find-those-behind-a-deadly-bombing | 2023-07-31T08:18:19 | 1 | https://www.wlrn.org/npr-breaking-news/npr-breaking-news/2023-07-31/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-the-government-vows-to-find-those-behind-a-deadly-bombing |
The annual Fill the Bus event in Bismarck to collect school supplies for students in need is scheduled Aug. 14.
Bismarck Public Schools and the Bismarck Public Schools Foundation will host the event from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tri-Energy Cenex locations. Online donations are accepted at bit.ly/4577HJC. That site also lists requested supplies. The biggest needs are backpacks, pencil boxes or bags, facial tissue, markers, colored pencils and earbuds.
Parents in need of school supplies for their children should contact their children’s school in mid-August with their grade level. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/annual-fill-the-bus-event-helps-students-in-need/article_7fa1c476-2d72-11ee-ab50-77960f220395.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:19 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/annual-fill-the-bus-event-helps-students-in-need/article_7fa1c476-2d72-11ee-ab50-77960f220395.html |
The North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education will hold three sessions to gather public opinion ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
SBARE will use the comments to shape recommendations on how the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and North Dakota State University Extension can address state issues.
Sessions are Sept. 14 at the North Central Research Extension Center in Minot, Nov. 9 at the Dickinson Research Extension Center in Dickinson, and Dec. 12-13 at the NDSU Harry D. McGovern Alumni Center in Fargo. Attendees can schedule up to 15 minutes of testimony by contacting Eric McCall at 701-231-7656 or erin.mccall@ndsu.edu.
Members of the public may also send written comments to SBARE, NDSU Dept. 7520, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050. SBARE accepts emails at sbare@ndsu.edu and online submissions at bit.ly/43GLT6J. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-regional/ag-research-board-seeks-public-input-for-2025-legislature/article_7e92ea16-2d7b-11ee-aa47-9b9511f27f4e.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:25 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-regional/ag-research-board-seeks-public-input-for-2025-legislature/article_7e92ea16-2d7b-11ee-aa47-9b9511f27f4e.html |
Construction of a roundabout east of Watford City is prompting the closure of a portion of North Dakota Highway 73.
The closure runs from about 5 miles east of Johnsons Corner to the intersection of state Highway 22, according to the Department of Transportation. It will be in place until mid-September.
A detour is in place for eastbound traffic on N.D. 73 to use N.D. 23 at Johnsons Corner. Westbound traffic on N.D. 73 should use N.D. 22 and take N.D. 23 west back to N.D. 73.
The future roundabout will be at the intersection of highways 73 and 22, north of Mandaree. Construction began last spring. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-regional/portion-of-oil-patch-highway-closed/article_3b8c2358-2d63-11ee-8f55-cfbfb97420dd.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:31 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-regional/portion-of-oil-patch-highway-closed/article_3b8c2358-2d63-11ee-8f55-cfbfb97420dd.html |
This is Up and Down, where we give a brief thumbs up or thumbs down on the issues from the past week.
Up
Thousands of people turned out -- twice -- to help lay to rest slain Fargo Police Officer Jake Wallin. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who gave his life in the line of duty when he was killed by a gunman while responding to a routine traffic crash. People lined the highways between Fargo and Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, where his funeral was held, to pay their respects. Then they did the same when a public memorial was held a few days later at Scheels Arena in Fargo. The services were attended by Wallin's loved ones, dignitaries and law enforcement officers from across the country. Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski was among those who spoke during the funeral. Zibolski said of Wallin: “His final act of valor was to selflessly face the shooter and attempt to neutralize him to save others. His actions were valorous and exemplify the highest standards of the policing profession.”
People are also reading…
Down
The western oil patch hub of Williston no longer has helicopter air medical services based in the city. Guardian Flight has shut down its service, citing an inability to fulfill flight requests due to weather and inflation. Williston Fire Department Assistant Chief Corey Johnson says he was shocked. The helicopter base had been operating in Williston since 2012, servicing an area that saw significant population growth during the state’s oil boom. Its loss is significant. First responders in the region will now have to turn to Trinity Health in Minot for air support, and that's more than 100 miles away. That could mean life or death for someone.
Up
The North Dakota Legislature in 2021 approved $5 million for establishing residential addiction treatment programs of 16 beds or fewer in underserved areas of North Dakota. The move is starting to pay off. Bismarck-based Heartview Foundation is opening a 16-bed residential substance abuse treatment facility in Dickinson, with the help of a $1.6 million state grant. The facility starts taking patients today, meeting a need in western North Dakota. The facility is taking over what was once the maternity floor of the old hospital in the city. Heartview Executive Director Kurt Snyder says that "perfectly reflects our mission of providing individuals a new life."
Down
The Native American community lost a champion this month with the death of Nicole “Nikki” Ducheneaux. The Lakota lawyer spent her career fighting to protect Indigenous rights, and she represented the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in its fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. She died on July 14 at age 44. The cause of death hasn't been released. Ducheneaux advocated for tribes and tribal entities across the country. She argued cases before state, tribal, federal and appellate courts, even the U.S. Supreme Court. She was known as a "warrior lawyer," but she also took time to mentor young Native American attorneys. Activist Dallas Goldtooth said she was one of the best Native lawyers in the country. | https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/editorial/tribune-editorial-fitting-tributes-for-slain-fargo-officer/article_817d941c-2cca-11ee-8434-6ffae6ab74bf.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:38 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/editorial/tribune-editorial-fitting-tributes-for-slain-fargo-officer/article_817d941c-2cca-11ee-8434-6ffae6ab74bf.html |
In the September 1987 National Geographic, there’s an article about carbon dioxide (CO2) causing the instant death of 1,746 people and more than 3,000 cattle. This occurred in August 1986 in Cameroon, Africa coming from Lake Nyos. Another deadly CO2 incident occurred near Rome in 2011. It killed one man and left another with permanent brain damage. Scientists believe that, “Similar accidents will unfortunately occur again in the future.”
Is the state of North Dakota or the pipeline company prepared for such a catastrophic and instantaneous CO2 death? CO2 does not care if you are a conservative or a liberal. Should we be concerned about CO2?
Wayne Fisher, Dickinson | https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/letters/letter-co2-instantaneous-death/article_53dc34b0-2a3a-11ee-85b4-eb6fa345f294.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:44 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/letters/letter-co2-instantaneous-death/article_53dc34b0-2a3a-11ee-85b4-eb6fa345f294.html |
As a man with four rigs who spends a lot of time on the road, I burn through a considerable amount of gasoline. It behooves me to pay attention to prices as I travel. The Bismarck/Mandan monopoly on inflated prices of fuel, to me, is indicative of pure, simple greed, when as little as 21 miles north of Bismarck it's a dime cheaper at Wilton. And good old Sam's Club and Costco are a full 30 cents cheaper.
It did my heart good to see cars lined up back to the street to fill at Sam's when out there today to do the same; I'm glad the public is paying attention.
I wonder what the Bis/Man Gasoline Cartel will do when Farm Fleet gets established north of Costco? It's my understanding they well fuel to all, not just members.
Gene Zahursky-Klein, Mandan | https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/letters/letter-public-paying-attention-to-fuel-prices/article_1059ff44-2808-11ee-b634-a33da470cd68.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:50 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/opinion/letters/letter-public-paying-attention-to-fuel-prices/article_1059ff44-2808-11ee-b634-a33da470cd68.html |
North Dakota's Game and Fish Department is accepting online applications for swan hunting licenses through Aug. 16.
There are 2,200 licenses. They're available to North Dakota residents and nonresidents. Applications are accepted on the Game and Fish website, at gf.nd.gov. The fee is $10 for residents and $30 for nonresidents.
The statewide tundra swan hunting season opens Sept. 30. | https://bismarcktribune.com/outdoors/swan-hunting-licenses-available/article_677ae7d2-2d64-11ee-97ae-0b22e6e80b6b.html | 2023-07-31T08:18:56 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/outdoors/swan-hunting-licenses-available/article_677ae7d2-2d64-11ee-97ae-0b22e6e80b6b.html |
10 YEARS AGO (2013): Facing the top competition in the nation after forgoing competing in Greco-Roman-style wrestling and focusing on freestyle wrestling, Bismarck High's Ryan Blees won 10 straight matches to win the 152-pound junior freestyle title, beating Minnesota's Jake Short, named his state's top high school wrestler as a senior, by a 12-9 margin in the championship match. Blees was the first North Dakota wrestler to win a national freestyle title since 1996.
20 YEARS AGO (2003): For the second straight week, turnovers did in the Bismarck Roughriders, this time in a playoff loss to the Omaha Beef, 72-49. The Riders gave up 37 fourth-quarter points, well more than the margin of victory. Their two turnovers, both coming on picks by quarterback Charles Schwab, were both quickly turned into touchdowns and the Beef pulled away behind their impressive homefield advantage.
People are also reading…
50 YEARS AGO (1973): Bismarck golfers took home the top three spots in the Mandan Invitational Golf Tournament with Lee DeForest winning with a 103, four strokes up on runner-up Jay Uhlman and an extra stroke up on third-placer Steve Woodcox. DeForest also won medalist honors, scratching a first-round 66. | https://bismarcktribune.com/playback/article_9b760334-6787-500c-918e-6a5bae143a89.html | 2023-07-31T08:19:02 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/playback/article_9b760334-6787-500c-918e-6a5bae143a89.html |
"I didn't start that good, to be honest. I missed the first three greens but got a good break on 2 and was able to chip in. Then I just had really good chances on the two par-fives, seven and nine, and was able to take advantage of that," Celine Boutier, who shot a 4-under 67 to take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the LPGA Evian Championship on Sunday.
SPEAKING
- Updated
- 0
Related to this story
Most Popular
The five Dan's Supermarket grocery stores in Bismarck-Mandan are being rebranded as Family Fare.
More than 2,500 deer licenses that remain available in five hunting units for North Dakota’s 2023 deer gun season will be available beginning …
Tuttle father and son Steven and Weston Weisenburger have been trying for 20 years to win the North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup tournament. …
My friend and colleague Albert Wolf died on July 24. He was 92 years old.
A male Washburn teacher accused of sexual contact with a female student last year is serving about five years in the North Dakota State Penite… | https://bismarcktribune.com/speaking/article_48d5447f-e964-5d94-8021-ecaeb1cf0941.html | 2023-07-31T08:19:08 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/speaking/article_48d5447f-e964-5d94-8021-ecaeb1cf0941.html |
Matthew Wolff was the winner of the first 3M Open in 2019, winning by one stroke over Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa.
TRIVIA ANSWER
- Updated
- 0
Related to this story
Most Popular
The five Dan's Supermarket grocery stores in Bismarck-Mandan are being rebranded as Family Fare.
More than 2,500 deer licenses that remain available in five hunting units for North Dakota’s 2023 deer gun season will be available beginning …
Tuttle father and son Steven and Weston Weisenburger have been trying for 20 years to win the North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup tournament. …
My friend and colleague Albert Wolf died on July 24. He was 92 years old.
A male Washburn teacher accused of sexual contact with a female student last year is serving about five years in the North Dakota State Penite… | https://bismarcktribune.com/trivia-answer/article_8ac91f72-2ede-58fd-b79c-a32550500436.html | 2023-07-31T08:19:15 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/trivia-answer/article_8ac91f72-2ede-58fd-b79c-a32550500436.html |
Who was the winner of the first 3M Open?
TRIVIA
- Updated
- 0
Related to this story
Most Popular
The five Dan's Supermarket grocery stores in Bismarck-Mandan are being rebranded as Family Fare.
More than 2,500 deer licenses that remain available in five hunting units for North Dakota’s 2023 deer gun season will be available beginning …
Tuttle father and son Steven and Weston Weisenburger have been trying for 20 years to win the North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup tournament. …
My friend and colleague Albert Wolf died on July 24. He was 92 years old.
A male Washburn teacher accused of sexual contact with a female student last year is serving about five years in the North Dakota State Penite… | https://bismarcktribune.com/trivia/article_39e9bf26-2d4d-54ce-9efb-559d1442fde7.html | 2023-07-31T08:19:21 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/trivia/article_39e9bf26-2d4d-54ce-9efb-559d1442fde7.html |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Empowerment" is the core competence of PE/VC institutions after investment. Asia Green Fund (AGF) has always adhered to the investment strategy of "pursuing both financial returns and environmental benefits", focused on the logic of "technology empowerment", grasped the development trend of SRDI industries, and promoted technological innovation to empower industrial convergence and innovative development. AGF continues to practice the "sustainable investment strategy" and has now formed an industrial ecosystem with deep linkage among the capital side (LPs), investment side (AGF), and industry side (science and technology enterprises), which realized the bidirectional empowerment between capital and industry.
AGF adheres to the principle of "30% investment and 70% management" and provides all-round services for portfolios in accordance with the investment and post-investment management mechanism of international head PE funds. AGF emphasizes proactive and personalized post-investment management, builds a unique team of customized services and post-investment supporting experts, provides "adaptive" solutions to various problems and demands of portfolios, and passes them the management methodology.
AGF has appended a professional marketing consultant department in the post-investment side, which is under the responsibility of Nison Yao, the new Operating Director. Mr. Yao has been deeply involved in the manufacturing industry since his employment. He has been in important positions in Marketing of local and multinational companies and delivered great results. He has rich practical experience in strategic positioning, marketing, and operation of enterprises. AGF helps portfolios to build specific clear business paths and market expansion plans, integrate green ecosystem resources for precise docking, and create sustainable value.
View original content:
SOURCE Asia Green Fund | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:30 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ |
BEIJING, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture and art can bring minds and the world together. With this in mind, the second episode of season three of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Unlocking the power of art: How cultural exchanges can connect the world," was broadcast online on July 30.
Gen Zers from China, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Thailand gathered at the Dalian campus of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and discussed how artistic beauty can bring the world together and how to face the challenges that artificial intelligence present to art.
What is the essence of beauty? What unique influence does Chinese art have on Gen Zers? What spiritual pursuits are reflected in Chinese art and aesthetics?
In this episode of Youth Power, each Gen Z guest brought an art piece that they believed would best represent the Chinese concept of art and beauty. In doing so they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics, philosophy and culture.
Giacomo Bruni, an Italian studying at the China Academy of Art in Beijing, said brushes are the most important tools in expressing Chinese culture because they are central to calligraphy, writing poetry and painting.
"Like the hardness of the handle and the softness of the hair, the brush encapsulates the idea of yin and Yang," Bruni said. The brush not only encapsulates the creativity of the world, but also epitomizes the profound ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, he said.
Song De'ao, a Chinese Gen Zer, chose the official mascots for Chinese winter sports designed by a team at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts as his ideal representation of Chinese aesthetics.
Song, a member of the design team, recalled the inspiration for the mascot Xue Wa, which wears tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloud patterns and longevity locks on the clothing. "The mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics in modern China," Song said.
Jiratchaya Phinyoworakul, a Thai studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, highlighted two features that distinguish Chinese artworks from those of other countries and cultures: cultural extensiveness and profoundness as well as a philosophy centering on harmony between humankind and nature.
The program host, Zhong Yutong, said it is through exchanges that Chinese arts increase in vibrancy and vitality.
"Chinese arts have so much to offer. And we've had wonderful exchanges with different arts and civilizations across the world."
Bruni said art Chinese art is all-encompassing, perfectly merging all types of art. He cited Chinese literati paintings, a kind of painting that expresses feelings and aspirations through natural scenery, as an example, illustrating that "they unify the intellectual world and the practical art world, which is something that is missing in Western countries".
Program guests said there is no absolute definition of art and no universally recognized standard of beauty. Lian Liia, a student from Russia, said "the standard of art is changing in the art history, but there is one thing that has never changed, namely people's pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty".
Phinyoworakul said art is tantamount to comfort. "Even little things can be art. A smile on your face, a flower, sunshine, everything can be art. Art is in our everyday life."
Concerning the combination and contradiction of traditional art and fast-developing AI art creation, Bruni said artists screen information like filters of society. They find beauty and create art, but do not mechanically record and present everything around them. However, this is not true of AI, because it cannot grasp the concept of beauty.
Sun Yuxin of China said AI could positively influence the development of art. "AI saves a lot of time for artists, and it helps them with a lot of basic work."
Gen Zers have also contributed their wisdom in helping the world appreciate the beauty of Chinese art. Promoting Chinese aesthetics through social media could help people understand it more directly, Phinyoworakul said.
Lian Liia, a student at the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University in Beijing, said, "We can promote Chinese culture as a lifestyle. For example, doing calligraphy or drinking tea to experience Chinese culture in our daily life."
Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Daily | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:36 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ |
Woman who died during hiking trip remembered for adventurous, selfless spirit
LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Rosalie Rhodes was one of two women found dead in Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park after going missing from a hiking trip on July 22.
The temperature in the park that day reached a high of approximately 113 degrees.
“It could’ve happened to any of us, doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, how prepared you are,” said Julie Johnston, Jessica Rhodes’ friend and owner of Camp Rhino, where she regularly exercised. “Nobody really knows what actually happened, but nobody could’ve been in better shape or more prepared to do something like that.”
Jessica Rhodes and 29-year-old Diana Matienzo Rivera were found separated, one on the trails and the other in a canyon. They were first reported missing by another group of hikers.
Her mother, Josephine Rhodes, said she believes her daughter was trying to help her friend.
“They were trying to get back, but they just didn’t make it and she didn’t want to leave her friend down there, so she tried to help her friend,” Josephine Rhodes said. “And that’s just the type of child she is.”
Family remembered Jessica Rhodes for her strength, smile and selflessness.
“Jessica, as a child, everybody is going to tell you, was always smiling. I don’t care what it is, she was always smiling,” Jessica Rhodes’ mother said.
Jessica Rhodes was a certified nursing assistant at Summerlin Hospital and in school to become a nurse. She was also a fitness enthusiast who competed and won often.
She even won a medal for her work as a first responder during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Taking care of people, that’s what she loved to do,” Hannah Ariolae, Jessica Rhodes’ sister, said. “Her patients and stuff, she’d go above and beyond for them.”
Rhodes’ siblings, mother and her fitness family in Las Vegas are now remembering her for her adventurous spirit, and they want to encourage others to embrace the joys of life like she did.
“She just loved life. So when she went on the trail there, that’s what she liked to do,” Josephine Rhodes said.
Copyright 2023 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:43 | 0 | https://www.wistv.com/2023/07/31/woman-who-died-during-hiking-trip-remembered-adventurous-selfless-spirit/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rhythmic hum of spinning blades slicing through the salty sea breeze, rows of white giants stick out of the Yellow Sea like something out of a science fiction novel. This is the world's first crop of offshore wind turbines in an intertidal zone - the Longyuan Rudong Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm - in East China's Jiangsu Province, an area characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization.
For senior engineer Ji Xiaoqiang, this crop of windmills is not only a technological marvel, but a childhood dream come true. Today, a total of 150 turbines generate 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power more than 223,000 households. Such results bring comfort to Ji, whose childhood memories are filled with occasional large-scale blackouts.
Each turbine is a testament to China's unwavering commitment to stably harnessing the power of nature while serving industrialization needs, and China's wise solutions to a cleaner future for many developing countries in the world.
China has accelerated its pace in implementing clean energy solutions, building the world's largest clean power generation system, exporting successful lessons, becoming an important force in promoting global clean energy development, and committing to making green, affordable electricity truly accessible to millions of households.
Huge potential to be tapped
Visiting the Longyuan Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm, Global Times reporters were impressed by the colossal turbines fitted to each windmill, as well as the size of the blades, each of which is half the size of the Eiffel Tower.
How did Chinese engineers manage to transport these giants from land to sea using domestically innovated technologies?
Ji Xiaoqiang, deputy director of the offshore engineering department at the Jiangsu Longyuan Offshore Wind Power Co, Ltd (Longyuan Power), affiliated with the China Energy Investment Corporation, explained that the turbines are partially assembled on shore, and then shipped out to sea where each blade is attached with surgical precision to the top of a turbine. Every angle must be accurate to generate maximum power.
On a narrow 90-meter-high operating platform hanging over the Yellow Sea, Ji makes his rounds at the wind farm, carefully inspecting and servicing the turbines - a job not for the faint of heart.
"Sticking chopsticks in tofu" is the most vivid metaphor for the intertidal wind power foundation construction.
China has abundant offshore wind energy storage. According to China's National Meteorological Bureau's estimates, the sea area within the 5 to 25-meter water depth line, or intertidal zone, has a potential generating capacity of about 200 million kilowatts. That means one hour of electricity generation could power at least 92 million homes for a year, according to calculation.
Take Jiangsu as an example. Its coastal area has abundant, peaceful wind resources, and strong grid structures, making it a great choice for the development of a wind power industry, Ji told the Global Times. But offshore exploration is far more difficult than onshore.
China's offshore wind power development lagged in the early stages. Ji and his fellow engineers have long been trying to figure out how to change the game.
It wasn't until 2011 that Ji and his team finally found the answer which marked the start of the era of large-scale Chinese offshore wind power generation.
A difficult conquest
Initially, Ji and his colleagues attempted to choose concrete-poured foundations as they typically would for onshore windfarms. However, experience on land is hard to transfer. Even a millimeter-level deviation in verticality could pose a risk of hundreds of tons of generator towers collapsing into the sea, Ji said.
"We learned that the mainstream foreign solution was to put a sleeve at the connection between the foundation and the tower, fill it with the grouting material, and use the sleeve to balance the inclination. This sleeve acts as a key piece of equipment, like a 'waist,' for balancing the entire body of the generator. However, high-strength grouting material for the sleeve was not available domestically at that time, and relying on imports was too expensive and not wise for commercial use," Ji explained.
Against this backdrop, Ji and his team deliberated with experts, brainstormed multiple solutions, and finally created an innovative pile driver, which is like a giant hand that can grip a single pile and keeps it vertical when it is hammered into the seabed, maintaining the verticality error rate at below 0.2 percent.
This eliminates the need for a transition sleeve and grouting material, dramatically reduces overall costs, and increases construction speed, fully meeting the needs of large-scale construction.
"It's a historic moment for our offshore wind power in China, and this innovative solution is now widely used in the domestic market. This can be learned by many countries that are eager to develop clean energy at a high speed," Ji said.
Such innovative attempts are never smooth sailing. This plan encountered failures in its first two attempts. It nearly cost the project all early investment, and Ji was also dogged by doubts expressed at home and abroad.
But it did not deter this young engineer. He quickly made adjustments to the solution, and polished the details with his team. It wasn't until days later, when cheers erupted after a successful third pile drive, that Ji set off firecrackers that he'd been saving for that very moment.
Ji looked at the wind turbines, which his team nicknamed "white dolphins," emerging from the seaside in front of him and sighed with relief that people would not experience power outages caused by unstable voltage and industrial power overloads as he did as a child.
Ji told the Global Times that the marginal cost of wind power is relatively low, and China's solution is a good reference for coastal countries.
Harmony with nature
Along the coast of Rudong, flying birds and sea windmills decorate the distant skyline. Bird watching enthusiasts from across the country gather here as the sun sets, to observe rare birds such as the spoon-billed Snipe, armed with state-of-the-art cameras, a beautiful and impressive scene.
Harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature is a basic principle in China's ecological civilization construction and a distinct feature of China's vivid and effective practice along its path to modernization.
Moreover, ecological civilization is a new requirement in the realization of harmonious development between humanity and nature. Such a principle is also upheld by China's offshore wind power development.
In 2012, Longyuan Power, for example, signed China's earliest marine ecological restoration agreement with local governments for offshore wind farms. At present, it has made an investment of about 56 million yuan in ecological conservation in Jiangsu Province, for Yellow Sea breeding and release efforts, wetland environmental improvement, bird protection facility construction, and marine environment tracking and monitoring.
Technology export
On June 28, with the completion of the final blade's mounting, the world's first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine was successfully installed in East China's Fujian Province on the offshore wind farm owned by the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).
China's approach to offshore wind from scratch offers a solution to many countries, especially with regard to coastal regions, on how they can personalize their own energy development with innovative technologies, to achieve harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, which are part of a global community of shared future.
In 2022, China's wind power installed capacity reached 365 million kilowatts, ranking first in the world for the 13th consecutive year. The figure was about 1.4 times that of the EU at the end of 2020 and 2.6 times that of the US, according to data released by China's National Energy Administration.
China's cost-effective offshore wind power technology marks a historic leap in the country's wind power from following others to be a world leader. China has also exported some homemade wind turbines to countries including Thailand, Turkey, and Kazakhstan.
China's efforts to promote sustainable development and energy security for all nations demonstrate a commitment to global well-being.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-chinas-offshore-wind-power-facilitates-harmonious-human-nature-coexistence-contributes-wisdom-worlds-carbon-reduction-goals/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:43 | 0 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-chinas-offshore-wind-power-facilitates-harmonious-human-nature-coexistence-contributes-wisdom-worlds-carbon-reduction-goals/ |
Portugal vs. United States: Women’s World Cup Group E Odds, Stats and Live Stream - August 1
In each team's third matchup in Group E action at the 2023 Women's World Cup, The United States (4 points) and Portugal (3 points) match up on Tuesday, August 1 at 3:00 AM ET.
The moneyline odds for the United States to win this game are -383, with the draw at +458 and Portugal at +1017. The over/under for this match is 2.5 goals.
Bet on the result of United States vs. Portugal at DraftKings! Bet now to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
- Time: 3:00 AM ET
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Venue: Eden Park
- TV Channel: FOX US,Fox Sports 1
- Total: 2.5
- United States Moneyline: -383
- Portugal Moneyline: +1017
United States vs. Portugal World Cup Betting Insights
- The two teams average three goals per game combined, 0.5 more than this match's total.
- Opponents of these two teams combine to average one goal per game, 1.5 fewer than this game's total.
- The United States has been a moneyline favorite only two other times so far this tournament, and went 1-1-0 in those games.
- The United States has played as a moneyline favorite of -383 or shorter in only one game this tournament, which they won.
- Portugal lost the only game it has played as an underdog this tournament.
- Portugal has not been a bigger underdog this tournament than the +1017 moneyline set for this game.
United States World Cup Stats
Portugal World Cup Stats
- In Women's World Cup, Telma Encarnacao has one goal (in two matches) and one assist for Portugal.
- In two Women's World Cup matches, Lucia Alves does not have a goal but has recorded one assist (fourth in the 2023 Women's World Cup).
- In Women's World Cup play, Francisca Nazareth has one goal (but no assists).
Take your pick for United States vs. Portugal on DraftKings! Use our link to get a first deposit bonus of up to $1,000!
United States vs. Portugal Recent Performance
- The United States is 8-1-0 this year versus fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +19. In 2022, it was 10-0-3 in such matches (+24 goal differential).
- The United States' last game was a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, taking 10 shots and outshooting by seven.
- Horan scored the lone goal for her side in the match against .
- So far this year, Portugal is 2-1-2 against fellow 2023 Women's World Cup squads, with a goal differential of +5. In 2022, it was 3-2-4 in such matches (-4 goal differential).
- Portugal secured a 2-0 win versus Vietnam on July 27 in its last game. Portugal outshot Vietnam 28 to five.
- Nazareth and Encarnacao lifted Portugal with a goal apiece.
United States Roster
Get your Women's World Cup gear at Fanatics!
Portugal Roster
Not all offers available in all states, please visit DraftKings for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved. | https://www.wistv.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:49 | 0 | https://www.wistv.com/sports/betting/2023/08/01/2023-womens-world-cup-portugal-united-states-betting-preview-odds/ |
HANZHONG, China, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanzhong in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on his way back to Beijing on Saturday. During his visit to the municipal museum, Xi emphasized making good use of museums. He also called for efforts to expand the influence of Chinese culture.
"I was in Hanzhong in 2008 after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake to oversee the relief work. Hanzhong has always been in my heart over the years," Xi told local residents. Xi said he was delighted to see huge changes of the city since then.
With an exhibition area of nearly 2,000 square meters, the Hanzhong Museum in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is not the grandest museum in China, but it is a historical telescope allowing visitors to have a retrospective view of Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history dating back to as far as 2,000 years ago.
Unlike many other museums across the country built to house more recent historical relics, the Hanzhong Museum itself embodies the history that encompasses three heritage sites with the ancient Hantai (Lit: Han palace), once the royal residence of the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, at its core.
Heritage sites-turned museum
Including the ruin of ancient Hantai, a notable feature of the Hanzhong Museum was it built in 1985 consisting of two other Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) heritage sites, the Baijiang altar and the "Yin Ma Chi," a pool facility common in ancient times for accommodating horses.
Visitors are first greeted by the ancient Hantai once they enter the museum, which is seven meters high. The millennium-old architecture was constructed using typical man-made rammed earth and its design characters show architectural aesthetics prominent in China's Qin (221BC-206BC), Han and Southern Song (1127-1279) dynasties.
Liao Shuguang, an architectural expert of ancient Chinese buildings, told the Global Times that the ancient Hantai's functions would change "according to history's change." It was once home to Liu Bang, but was later renovated in the Southern Song Dynasty to become a backyard garden with a gazebo on the building's roof.
Although the ancient Hantai changed roles, its historical importance remained unchanged as it witnessed Liu's founding of the Han Dynasty, one of the powerful dynasties in the Chinese history to have "unified yet diverse" cultural and political beliefs, historian Tao Zhongjun, told the Global Times.
"Including the belief of a 'unified country,' the Han Dynasty left behind a diverse legacy including the governing Confucius mindset and Silk Road exchanges with the western region of Asia and the world. They continue to inspire us today," Tao noted.
Aside from the ancient Hantai, the Baijiang altar, another major element of the museum, was built in 206BC. It was where the then governor Liu Bang would praise the talent and wisdom of his loyal officer Han Xin.
Museum expert Li Zhiming told the Global Times that such heritage sites turned cultural spaces are "living proof of Chinese history," and a good way of making use of the museum is to "properly maintain it while enriching its collection that possesses local cultural characters."
The art of Shudao
Hanzhong was a major stop along the ancient road system Shudao that connected China's Guanzhong Plain with the Chengdu Plain.
The Baoxie plank road, an ancient mountain road that traversed the Qinling Mountain, was also located in Hanzhong and brought an abundant supply of Shudao cultural artifacts.
Inside the Hanzhong Museum, there is a gallery dedicated to the ancient plank road. Shi Men Shi San Pin, also known as the 13 cliff stone carvings of the Shi Men, are a part of the museum's collection.
As an important section of the Shudao, Shi Men was a tunnel at the southern end of the Baoxie plank road. The walls of the tunnel as well as the cliffs of the Baoxie river, were carved with numerous historical inscriptions among which the 13 pieces collected by the museum were the "rarest of the rare," relic expert Xiang Zhengming told the Global Times.
Amongst the 13 carving pieces, the Shi Men Song (Lit: the Eulogy of Shi Men) is a highlight. It embodies the aesthetic essence of Han Dynasty's clerical script calligraphic style. In 1936, China's large-scale encyclopedia Cihai (lit: the sea of the words) took the two Chinese characters for "sea" and "word" discovered from the carving stones to be used on the cover.
"The collection at the Hanzhong Museum holds value in which one can look into China's calligraphic art and can be useful to historians in understanding the then social and cultural scenes," Xiang told the Global Times.
Some other carved pieces have also revealed the secrets of Han Dynasty's water project construction.
Including the 13 treasures, the Hanzhong Museum holds over 5,000 pieces of cultural artifacts that tell the changing cultural history of the city and the nation.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:49 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ |
- LGES' ESG Report 2022 published today, announcing a string of sustainable business management progress made in the previous year
- 61 percent of the electricity used in the company's global production sites was generated from renewable sources… 56 percent when including non-manufacturing business sites
- The firm has strengthened the disclosure of information in scope and depth to better address growing demands from global authorities including ISSB and TCFD
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) today released ESG report 2022, sharing the progress of the company's ESG management including climate change mitigation achievements. Consisting of a total of 107 pages, the third annual report details the company's vision, efforts, and progress in environmental, social, and governance areas.
As a part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality company-wide by 2040, LGES announced that it has managed to source 61 percent of the electricity used in its global production sites from renewable energy in 2022. In terms of the company-wide electricity usage, which includes non-manufacturing business sites, 56 percent was delivered from renewable sources. LGES has been rapidly advancing the transition to renewable energy, supplying 33 percent of its electricity use from renewable sources in 2020 and 44 percent in 2021.
Previously, LGES has set a phased roadmap to successfully complete the mid-to long-term initiative to realize carbon neutrality. The company plans to supply all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Furthermore, LGES intends to achieve carbon neutrality by converting all energy sources aside from electricity, including fuels and gas, to renewable energy sources at all of its business sites by 2040, and across the entire value chain by 2050.
One of the other priority tasks identified by LGES is establishing a closed-loop system of resources by reusing or recycling end-of-life batteries and managing waste generated at business sites. To this end, the company signed a contract with Li-Cycle, the largest battery recycling company in North America, to provide scrap generated during the battery manufacturing process, and in turn receive recycled nickel that can be used in manufacturing cathode materials for batteries. Furthermore, in China, LGES has completed the establishment of recycling system in 2022. Its Nanjing facility has also developed a new technology to recycle NMP solvent waste (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), which accounts for about 85 percent of the hazardous waste, and improved the NMP recycling rate from 80 percent to 97 percent.
Furthermore, LGES is actively taking part in major global ESG initiatives. In May 2022, it became the first Korean company to join the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), joining the global efforts to eradicate forced labor and child labor issues in Congolese mines of cobalt, a major raw material for batteries, and secure fair minerals. Also participating as a member of the Alliance's Steering Committee, LGES is actively pursuing community improvement activities such as helping young children enroll in school, supplying solar power to local schools, and executing safety education in mines.
LGES emphasized that the company has strengthened the information disclosure throughout this year's report in line with the growing call for more transparent ESG information from various stakeholders including investors around the world. LGES is responding quickly to the demands of the international community, following the recommendations from renowned global ESG disclosure standards such as the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
In addition, the report's cover design reflects the characteristics of LGES as a battery company as well as its ESG slogan "Plus for Minus, Minus for Plus." The phrase represents the company's determination to realize a better future by reducing unnecessary elements and adding necessary ones in each area of Environment, Society, and Governance, like the natural flow of electrodes moving between the plus and minus poles.
"LG Energy Solution will continue to relentlessly innovate ourselves in order to contribute to the global carbon neutrality and the future of mankind," said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. "By making a difference, we will meaningfully realize our goal of becoming the 'global No.1 company' that is trusted and beloved by customers."
To view the full ESG Report 2022, go to: https://www.lgensol.com/upload/file/sustainability/2022_LGES_ESG_Report_Eng.pdf
About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
View original content:
SOURCE LG Energy Solution | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ | 2023-07-31T08:19:56 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ |
The Vehicle, Merchandise and Accessories Collaboration is part of Gogoro and MUJI's Joint "Recycling for Good" Sustainability Initiative that Enables the Public to Recycle Polypropylene Plastic (PP) Waste for use in the new Gogoro MUJI Smartscooters.
TAIPEI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogoro Inc. (Nasdaq: GGR), a global technology leader in battery swapping ecosystems that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities, today announced a collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa and MUJI, the Tokyo-based consumer goods and lifestyle company. The newly designed Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME along with a range of merchandise and accessories were launched today at a press event in Taipei.
Created by Gogoro and MUJI, the Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME offer simplified Smartscooter designs that utilize recycled polypropylene (PP) body elements. Personally curated by Fukasawa, the Smartscooters adopt the classic MUJI design elements, unique rustic color palette and simple color tone philosophy to create a new urban mobility experience that is simple and comfortable yet unique.
"The most important thing in design is that it must always uphold the spirit of integrity towards people, the environment and life," said Naoto Fukasawa, world-renowned designer, author, educator and MUJI's advisory board member. "Both Gogoro and MUJI are quite popular brands, and it is very natural for them to cooperate in this way. It's not just one plus one equals two. Instead, let one plus one see a greater value."
Gogoro pioneered the mass market manufacturing of recyclable polypropylene plastics for vehicle body panels in 2019 with the Gogoro 3 Smartscooter and then across its full range of Gogoro Viva Smartscooters including Gogoro VIVA, Gogoro VIVA MIX and Gogoro VIVA XL. This innovative manufacturing process led to Gogoro's collaboration with MUJI.
"Naoto Fukasawa offers such a fresh and unique approach to simplicity, functionality and beauty in everything he creates, so it was an honor to work with him on our new Smartscooter designs and accessories," said Horace Luke, founder, and CEO of Gogoro. "This collaboration between Gogoro, MUJI and Naoto Fukasawa establishes a strong unified voice in promoting sustainable lifestyles in Taiwan and across the region, not just for transportation but across all aspects of life. Our joint 'Recycling for Good' initiative promotes the reduction of urban pollution through encouraging the public to recycle plastics at Gogoro and MUJI stores and their reuse in our new Smartscooters."
Recycling for Good - A Joint Sustainability Initiative
Gogoro and MUJI share a vision for sustainability and a core philosophy of giving back to the Earth. In response to this year's World Environment Day theme #BeatPlasticPollution, the companies joined together on June 5, 2023 to launch the "Recycling for Good" initiative in Taiwan. "Recycling for Good" encourages people in Taiwan to participate in recycling PP (polypropylene) plastic waste at Gogoro and MUJI stores and empower them to take small actions toward building a more sustainable future.
Polypropylene objects recovered during the Recycling for Good initiative are screened, cut, granulated, reshaped and regenerated into the body panels of the newly unveiled Gogoro Smartscooters. The polypropylene body material is also made of the same material as MUJI's PP storage series.
"MUJI and Gogoro are continuing the concept of a sustainable lifestyle and together have created this new series of Gogoro Smartscooters that are optimized for life and the environment. Gogoro's commitment to being a sustainable business is aligned with MUJI's business philosophy," said Akihiro Yoshida, general manager of MUJI Taiwan. "MUJI is not just a store that sells goods, but it creates a simple and pleasant life through comprehensive sustainable thinking and takes practical action for sustainability of society and the earth."
Gogoro Sustainability
Today, more than 2.5 million Gogoro users have reduced carbon emissions by more than 680 million kilograms, and 100% recyclable polypropylene PP (Polypropylene) is used as the Smartscooter shell material to promote resource regeneration and friendly recycling. In addition, Gogoro has introduced 40% renewable energy in factories since 2022, and 100% use of green electricity in designated Gogoro stores, gradually moving towards the goal of fully using renewable energy by 2050.
Naoto Fukasawa / Product Designer
Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1956. Graduated from Tama Art University's Product Design Department in 1980. In the same year, he joined Seiko Epson, where he was responsible for advanced development design. In 1989, he moved to the United States, where he joined ID Two (now IDEO San Francisco). Having honed his craft for seven years, focusing mainly on Silicon Valley industries, he returned to Japan in 1996. Fukasawa established and headed up IDEO's Tokyo office, creating a Japanese design consultant base for the company. He went independent in 2003 and founded NAOTO FUKASAWA DESIGN. For more information on Naoto Fukasawa, visit https://naotofukasawa.com.
About MUJI
Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI in Japanese, translates as "no-brand quality goods." MUJI was founded in Japan in 1980 and now has more than 800 stores around the world, carrying more than 7,000 items. With the goal of making people's daily life pleasant, MUJI is globally recognized for its high-quality products that are functional, well designed and reasonably priced. Find us online at www.MUJI.com or Instagram: @muji_global and Twitter: @muji_net.
About MUJI Taiwan
MUJI Taiwan has been operating in Taiwan since 2004, and it has been nearly 20 years. MUJI Taiwan has always been committed to connecting with Taiwan and producing local products in Taiwan, hoping to provide customers with a good life. Find us online at www.muji.com/tw/zh_tw/store, Instagram: @muji_taiwan or Facebook: www.facebook.com/muji.tw.
About Gogoro
Founded in 2011 to rethink urban energy and inspire the world to move through cities in smarter and more sustainable ways, Gogoro leverages the power of innovation to change the way urban energy is distributed and consumed. Recognized and awarded by Frost & Sullivan as the "2023 Global Company of the Year for battery swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles", Gogoro's battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart, proven, and sustainable long-term ecosystem for delivering a new approach to urban mobility. Gogoro has quickly become an innovation leader in vehicle design and electric propulsion, smart battery design, battery swapping, and advanced cloud services that utilize artificial intelligence to manage battery availability and safety. The challenge is massive, but the opportunity to disrupt the status quo, establish new standards, and achieve new levels of sustainable transportation growth in densely populated cities is even greater. For more information, visit https://www.gogoro.com/news and follow Gogoro on Twitter: @wearegogoro.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Gogoro | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:03 | 1 | https://www.1011now.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Empowerment" is the core competence of PE/VC institutions after investment. Asia Green Fund (AGF) has always adhered to the investment strategy of "pursuing both financial returns and environmental benefits", focused on the logic of "technology empowerment", grasped the development trend of SRDI industries, and promoted technological innovation to empower industrial convergence and innovative development. AGF continues to practice the "sustainable investment strategy" and has now formed an industrial ecosystem with deep linkage among the capital side (LPs), investment side (AGF), and industry side (science and technology enterprises), which realized the bidirectional empowerment between capital and industry.
AGF adheres to the principle of "30% investment and 70% management" and provides all-round services for portfolios in accordance with the investment and post-investment management mechanism of international head PE funds. AGF emphasizes proactive and personalized post-investment management, builds a unique team of customized services and post-investment supporting experts, provides "adaptive" solutions to various problems and demands of portfolios, and passes them the management methodology.
AGF has appended a professional marketing consultant department in the post-investment side, which is under the responsibility of Nison Yao, the new Operating Director. Mr. Yao has been deeply involved in the manufacturing industry since his employment. He has been in important positions in Marketing of local and multinational companies and delivered great results. He has rich practical experience in strategic positioning, marketing, and operation of enterprises. AGF helps portfolios to build specific clear business paths and market expansion plans, integrate green ecosystem resources for precise docking, and create sustainable value.
View original content:
SOURCE Asia Green Fund | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:06 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ |
BEIJING, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture and art can bring minds and the world together. With this in mind, the second episode of season three of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Unlocking the power of art: How cultural exchanges can connect the world," was broadcast online on July 30.
Gen Zers from China, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Thailand gathered at the Dalian campus of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and discussed how artistic beauty can bring the world together and how to face the challenges that artificial intelligence present to art.
What is the essence of beauty? What unique influence does Chinese art have on Gen Zers? What spiritual pursuits are reflected in Chinese art and aesthetics?
In this episode of Youth Power, each Gen Z guest brought an art piece that they believed would best represent the Chinese concept of art and beauty. In doing so they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics, philosophy and culture.
Giacomo Bruni, an Italian studying at the China Academy of Art in Beijing, said brushes are the most important tools in expressing Chinese culture because they are central to calligraphy, writing poetry and painting.
"Like the hardness of the handle and the softness of the hair, the brush encapsulates the idea of yin and Yang," Bruni said. The brush not only encapsulates the creativity of the world, but also epitomizes the profound ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, he said.
Song De'ao, a Chinese Gen Zer, chose the official mascots for Chinese winter sports designed by a team at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts as his ideal representation of Chinese aesthetics.
Song, a member of the design team, recalled the inspiration for the mascot Xue Wa, which wears tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloud patterns and longevity locks on the clothing. "The mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics in modern China," Song said.
Jiratchaya Phinyoworakul, a Thai studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, highlighted two features that distinguish Chinese artworks from those of other countries and cultures: cultural extensiveness and profoundness as well as a philosophy centering on harmony between humankind and nature.
The program host, Zhong Yutong, said it is through exchanges that Chinese arts increase in vibrancy and vitality.
"Chinese arts have so much to offer. And we've had wonderful exchanges with different arts and civilizations across the world."
Bruni said art Chinese art is all-encompassing, perfectly merging all types of art. He cited Chinese literati paintings, a kind of painting that expresses feelings and aspirations through natural scenery, as an example, illustrating that "they unify the intellectual world and the practical art world, which is something that is missing in Western countries".
Program guests said there is no absolute definition of art and no universally recognized standard of beauty. Lian Liia, a student from Russia, said "the standard of art is changing in the art history, but there is one thing that has never changed, namely people's pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty".
Phinyoworakul said art is tantamount to comfort. "Even little things can be art. A smile on your face, a flower, sunshine, everything can be art. Art is in our everyday life."
Concerning the combination and contradiction of traditional art and fast-developing AI art creation, Bruni said artists screen information like filters of society. They find beauty and create art, but do not mechanically record and present everything around them. However, this is not true of AI, because it cannot grasp the concept of beauty.
Sun Yuxin of China said AI could positively influence the development of art. "AI saves a lot of time for artists, and it helps them with a lot of basic work."
Gen Zers have also contributed their wisdom in helping the world appreciate the beauty of Chinese art. Promoting Chinese aesthetics through social media could help people understand it more directly, Phinyoworakul said.
Lian Liia, a student at the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University in Beijing, said, "We can promote Chinese culture as a lifestyle. For example, doing calligraphy or drinking tea to experience Chinese culture in our daily life."
Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Daily | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:12 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rhythmic hum of spinning blades slicing through the salty sea breeze, rows of white giants stick out of the Yellow Sea like something out of a science fiction novel. This is the world's first crop of offshore wind turbines in an intertidal zone - the Longyuan Rudong Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm - in East China's Jiangsu Province, an area characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization.
For senior engineer Ji Xiaoqiang, this crop of windmills is not only a technological marvel, but a childhood dream come true. Today, a total of 150 turbines generate 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power more than 223,000 households. Such results bring comfort to Ji, whose childhood memories are filled with occasional large-scale blackouts.
Each turbine is a testament to China's unwavering commitment to stably harnessing the power of nature while serving industrialization needs, and China's wise solutions to a cleaner future for many developing countries in the world.
China has accelerated its pace in implementing clean energy solutions, building the world's largest clean power generation system, exporting successful lessons, becoming an important force in promoting global clean energy development, and committing to making green, affordable electricity truly accessible to millions of households.
Huge potential to be tapped
Visiting the Longyuan Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm, Global Times reporters were impressed by the colossal turbines fitted to each windmill, as well as the size of the blades, each of which is half the size of the Eiffel Tower.
How did Chinese engineers manage to transport these giants from land to sea using domestically innovated technologies?
Ji Xiaoqiang, deputy director of the offshore engineering department at the Jiangsu Longyuan Offshore Wind Power Co, Ltd (Longyuan Power), affiliated with the China Energy Investment Corporation, explained that the turbines are partially assembled on shore, and then shipped out to sea where each blade is attached with surgical precision to the top of a turbine. Every angle must be accurate to generate maximum power.
On a narrow 90-meter-high operating platform hanging over the Yellow Sea, Ji makes his rounds at the wind farm, carefully inspecting and servicing the turbines - a job not for the faint of heart.
"Sticking chopsticks in tofu" is the most vivid metaphor for the intertidal wind power foundation construction.
China has abundant offshore wind energy storage. According to China's National Meteorological Bureau's estimates, the sea area within the 5 to 25-meter water depth line, or intertidal zone, has a potential generating capacity of about 200 million kilowatts. That means one hour of electricity generation could power at least 92 million homes for a year, according to calculation.
Take Jiangsu as an example. Its coastal area has abundant, peaceful wind resources, and strong grid structures, making it a great choice for the development of a wind power industry, Ji told the Global Times. But offshore exploration is far more difficult than onshore.
China's offshore wind power development lagged in the early stages. Ji and his fellow engineers have long been trying to figure out how to change the game.
It wasn't until 2011 that Ji and his team finally found the answer which marked the start of the era of large-scale Chinese offshore wind power generation.
A difficult conquest
Initially, Ji and his colleagues attempted to choose concrete-poured foundations as they typically would for onshore windfarms. However, experience on land is hard to transfer. Even a millimeter-level deviation in verticality could pose a risk of hundreds of tons of generator towers collapsing into the sea, Ji said.
"We learned that the mainstream foreign solution was to put a sleeve at the connection between the foundation and the tower, fill it with the grouting material, and use the sleeve to balance the inclination. This sleeve acts as a key piece of equipment, like a 'waist,' for balancing the entire body of the generator. However, high-strength grouting material for the sleeve was not available domestically at that time, and relying on imports was too expensive and not wise for commercial use," Ji explained.
Against this backdrop, Ji and his team deliberated with experts, brainstormed multiple solutions, and finally created an innovative pile driver, which is like a giant hand that can grip a single pile and keeps it vertical when it is hammered into the seabed, maintaining the verticality error rate at below 0.2 percent.
This eliminates the need for a transition sleeve and grouting material, dramatically reduces overall costs, and increases construction speed, fully meeting the needs of large-scale construction.
"It's a historic moment for our offshore wind power in China, and this innovative solution is now widely used in the domestic market. This can be learned by many countries that are eager to develop clean energy at a high speed," Ji said.
Such innovative attempts are never smooth sailing. This plan encountered failures in its first two attempts. It nearly cost the project all early investment, and Ji was also dogged by doubts expressed at home and abroad.
But it did not deter this young engineer. He quickly made adjustments to the solution, and polished the details with his team. It wasn't until days later, when cheers erupted after a successful third pile drive, that Ji set off firecrackers that he'd been saving for that very moment.
Ji looked at the wind turbines, which his team nicknamed "white dolphins," emerging from the seaside in front of him and sighed with relief that people would not experience power outages caused by unstable voltage and industrial power overloads as he did as a child.
Ji told the Global Times that the marginal cost of wind power is relatively low, and China's solution is a good reference for coastal countries.
Harmony with nature
Along the coast of Rudong, flying birds and sea windmills decorate the distant skyline. Bird watching enthusiasts from across the country gather here as the sun sets, to observe rare birds such as the spoon-billed Snipe, armed with state-of-the-art cameras, a beautiful and impressive scene.
Harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature is a basic principle in China's ecological civilization construction and a distinct feature of China's vivid and effective practice along its path to modernization.
Moreover, ecological civilization is a new requirement in the realization of harmonious development between humanity and nature. Such a principle is also upheld by China's offshore wind power development.
In 2012, Longyuan Power, for example, signed China's earliest marine ecological restoration agreement with local governments for offshore wind farms. At present, it has made an investment of about 56 million yuan in ecological conservation in Jiangsu Province, for Yellow Sea breeding and release efforts, wetland environmental improvement, bird protection facility construction, and marine environment tracking and monitoring.
Technology export
On June 28, with the completion of the final blade's mounting, the world's first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine was successfully installed in East China's Fujian Province on the offshore wind farm owned by the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).
China's approach to offshore wind from scratch offers a solution to many countries, especially with regard to coastal regions, on how they can personalize their own energy development with innovative technologies, to achieve harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, which are part of a global community of shared future.
In 2022, China's wind power installed capacity reached 365 million kilowatts, ranking first in the world for the 13th consecutive year. The figure was about 1.4 times that of the EU at the end of 2020 and 2.6 times that of the US, according to data released by China's National Energy Administration.
China's cost-effective offshore wind power technology marks a historic leap in the country's wind power from following others to be a world leader. China has also exported some homemade wind turbines to countries including Thailand, Turkey, and Kazakhstan.
China's efforts to promote sustainable development and energy security for all nations demonstrate a commitment to global well-being.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-chinas-offshore-wind-power-facilitates-harmonious-human-nature-coexistence-contributes-wisdom-worlds-carbon-reduction-goals/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:19 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-chinas-offshore-wind-power-facilitates-harmonious-human-nature-coexistence-contributes-wisdom-worlds-carbon-reduction-goals/ |
HANZHONG, China, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Hanzhong in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on his way back to Beijing on Saturday. During his visit to the municipal museum, Xi emphasized making good use of museums. He also called for efforts to expand the influence of Chinese culture.
"I was in Hanzhong in 2008 after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake to oversee the relief work. Hanzhong has always been in my heart over the years," Xi told local residents. Xi said he was delighted to see huge changes of the city since then.
With an exhibition area of nearly 2,000 square meters, the Hanzhong Museum in Northwest China's Shaanxi Province is not the grandest museum in China, but it is a historical telescope allowing visitors to have a retrospective view of Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) history dating back to as far as 2,000 years ago.
Unlike many other museums across the country built to house more recent historical relics, the Hanzhong Museum itself embodies the history that encompasses three heritage sites with the ancient Hantai (Lit: Han palace), once the royal residence of the founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, at its core.
Heritage sites-turned museum
Including the ruin of ancient Hantai, a notable feature of the Hanzhong Museum was it built in 1985 consisting of two other Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD25) heritage sites, the Baijiang altar and the "Yin Ma Chi," a pool facility common in ancient times for accommodating horses.
Visitors are first greeted by the ancient Hantai once they enter the museum, which is seven meters high. The millennium-old architecture was constructed using typical man-made rammed earth and its design characters show architectural aesthetics prominent in China's Qin (221BC-206BC), Han and Southern Song (1127-1279) dynasties.
Liao Shuguang, an architectural expert of ancient Chinese buildings, told the Global Times that the ancient Hantai's functions would change "according to history's change." It was once home to Liu Bang, but was later renovated in the Southern Song Dynasty to become a backyard garden with a gazebo on the building's roof.
Although the ancient Hantai changed roles, its historical importance remained unchanged as it witnessed Liu's founding of the Han Dynasty, one of the powerful dynasties in the Chinese history to have "unified yet diverse" cultural and political beliefs, historian Tao Zhongjun, told the Global Times.
"Including the belief of a 'unified country,' the Han Dynasty left behind a diverse legacy including the governing Confucius mindset and Silk Road exchanges with the western region of Asia and the world. They continue to inspire us today," Tao noted.
Aside from the ancient Hantai, the Baijiang altar, another major element of the museum, was built in 206BC. It was where the then governor Liu Bang would praise the talent and wisdom of his loyal officer Han Xin.
Museum expert Li Zhiming told the Global Times that such heritage sites turned cultural spaces are "living proof of Chinese history," and a good way of making use of the museum is to "properly maintain it while enriching its collection that possesses local cultural characters."
The art of Shudao
Hanzhong was a major stop along the ancient road system Shudao that connected China's Guanzhong Plain with the Chengdu Plain.
The Baoxie plank road, an ancient mountain road that traversed the Qinling Mountain, was also located in Hanzhong and brought an abundant supply of Shudao cultural artifacts.
Inside the Hanzhong Museum, there is a gallery dedicated to the ancient plank road. Shi Men Shi San Pin, also known as the 13 cliff stone carvings of the Shi Men, are a part of the museum's collection.
As an important section of the Shudao, Shi Men was a tunnel at the southern end of the Baoxie plank road. The walls of the tunnel as well as the cliffs of the Baoxie river, were carved with numerous historical inscriptions among which the 13 pieces collected by the museum were the "rarest of the rare," relic expert Xiang Zhengming told the Global Times.
Amongst the 13 carving pieces, the Shi Men Song (Lit: the Eulogy of Shi Men) is a highlight. It embodies the aesthetic essence of Han Dynasty's clerical script calligraphic style. In 1936, China's large-scale encyclopedia Cihai (lit: the sea of the words) took the two Chinese characters for "sea" and "word" discovered from the carving stones to be used on the cover.
"The collection at the Hanzhong Museum holds value in which one can look into China's calligraphic art and can be useful to historians in understanding the then social and cultural scenes," Xiang told the Global Times.
Some other carved pieces have also revealed the secrets of Han Dynasty's water project construction.
Including the 13 treasures, the Hanzhong Museum holds over 5,000 pieces of cultural artifacts that tell the changing cultural history of the city and the nation.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:25 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-heritage-sites-turned-hanzhong-museum-enrich-han-dynastys-cultural-abundance/ |
- LGES' ESG Report 2022 published today, announcing a string of sustainable business management progress made in the previous year
- 61 percent of the electricity used in the company's global production sites was generated from renewable sources… 56 percent when including non-manufacturing business sites
- The firm has strengthened the disclosure of information in scope and depth to better address growing demands from global authorities including ISSB and TCFD
SEOUL, South Korea, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (LGES; KRX: 373220) today released ESG report 2022, sharing the progress of the company's ESG management including climate change mitigation achievements. Consisting of a total of 107 pages, the third annual report details the company's vision, efforts, and progress in environmental, social, and governance areas.
As a part of its plan to achieve carbon neutrality company-wide by 2040, LGES announced that it has managed to source 61 percent of the electricity used in its global production sites from renewable energy in 2022. In terms of the company-wide electricity usage, which includes non-manufacturing business sites, 56 percent was delivered from renewable sources. LGES has been rapidly advancing the transition to renewable energy, supplying 33 percent of its electricity use from renewable sources in 2020 and 44 percent in 2021.
Previously, LGES has set a phased roadmap to successfully complete the mid-to long-term initiative to realize carbon neutrality. The company plans to supply all its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Furthermore, LGES intends to achieve carbon neutrality by converting all energy sources aside from electricity, including fuels and gas, to renewable energy sources at all of its business sites by 2040, and across the entire value chain by 2050.
One of the other priority tasks identified by LGES is establishing a closed-loop system of resources by reusing or recycling end-of-life batteries and managing waste generated at business sites. To this end, the company signed a contract with Li-Cycle, the largest battery recycling company in North America, to provide scrap generated during the battery manufacturing process, and in turn receive recycled nickel that can be used in manufacturing cathode materials for batteries. Furthermore, in China, LGES has completed the establishment of recycling system in 2022. Its Nanjing facility has also developed a new technology to recycle NMP solvent waste (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone), which accounts for about 85 percent of the hazardous waste, and improved the NMP recycling rate from 80 percent to 97 percent.
Furthermore, LGES is actively taking part in major global ESG initiatives. In May 2022, it became the first Korean company to join the Fair Cobalt Alliance (FCA), joining the global efforts to eradicate forced labor and child labor issues in Congolese mines of cobalt, a major raw material for batteries, and secure fair minerals. Also participating as a member of the Alliance's Steering Committee, LGES is actively pursuing community improvement activities such as helping young children enroll in school, supplying solar power to local schools, and executing safety education in mines.
LGES emphasized that the company has strengthened the information disclosure throughout this year's report in line with the growing call for more transparent ESG information from various stakeholders including investors around the world. LGES is responding quickly to the demands of the international community, following the recommendations from renowned global ESG disclosure standards such as the International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
In addition, the report's cover design reflects the characteristics of LGES as a battery company as well as its ESG slogan "Plus for Minus, Minus for Plus." The phrase represents the company's determination to realize a better future by reducing unnecessary elements and adding necessary ones in each area of Environment, Society, and Governance, like the natural flow of electrodes moving between the plus and minus poles.
"LG Energy Solution will continue to relentlessly innovate ourselves in order to contribute to the global carbon neutrality and the future of mankind," said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO of LG Energy Solution. "By making a difference, we will meaningfully realize our goal of becoming the 'global No.1 company' that is trusted and beloved by customers."
To view the full ESG Report 2022, go to: https://www.lgensol.com/upload/file/sustainability/2022_LGES_ESG_Report_Eng.pdf
About LG Energy Solution
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 25,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.
View original content:
SOURCE LG Energy Solution | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:31 | 0 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/lg-energy-solution-crosses-halfway-mark-its-journey-reach-carbon-neutrality/ |
The Vehicle, Merchandise and Accessories Collaboration is part of Gogoro and MUJI's Joint "Recycling for Good" Sustainability Initiative that Enables the Public to Recycle Polypropylene Plastic (PP) Waste for use in the new Gogoro MUJI Smartscooters.
TAIPEI, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gogoro Inc. (Nasdaq: GGR), a global technology leader in battery swapping ecosystems that enable sustainable mobility solutions for cities, today announced a collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa and MUJI, the Tokyo-based consumer goods and lifestyle company. The newly designed Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME along with a range of merchandise and accessories were launched today at a press event in Taipei.
Created by Gogoro and MUJI, the Gogoro VIVA ME and Gogoro VIVA MIX ME offer simplified Smartscooter designs that utilize recycled polypropylene (PP) body elements. Personally curated by Fukasawa, the Smartscooters adopt the classic MUJI design elements, unique rustic color palette and simple color tone philosophy to create a new urban mobility experience that is simple and comfortable yet unique.
"The most important thing in design is that it must always uphold the spirit of integrity towards people, the environment and life," said Naoto Fukasawa, world-renowned designer, author, educator and MUJI's advisory board member. "Both Gogoro and MUJI are quite popular brands, and it is very natural for them to cooperate in this way. It's not just one plus one equals two. Instead, let one plus one see a greater value."
Gogoro pioneered the mass market manufacturing of recyclable polypropylene plastics for vehicle body panels in 2019 with the Gogoro 3 Smartscooter and then across its full range of Gogoro Viva Smartscooters including Gogoro VIVA, Gogoro VIVA MIX and Gogoro VIVA XL. This innovative manufacturing process led to Gogoro's collaboration with MUJI.
"Naoto Fukasawa offers such a fresh and unique approach to simplicity, functionality and beauty in everything he creates, so it was an honor to work with him on our new Smartscooter designs and accessories," said Horace Luke, founder, and CEO of Gogoro. "This collaboration between Gogoro, MUJI and Naoto Fukasawa establishes a strong unified voice in promoting sustainable lifestyles in Taiwan and across the region, not just for transportation but across all aspects of life. Our joint 'Recycling for Good' initiative promotes the reduction of urban pollution through encouraging the public to recycle plastics at Gogoro and MUJI stores and their reuse in our new Smartscooters."
Recycling for Good - A Joint Sustainability Initiative
Gogoro and MUJI share a vision for sustainability and a core philosophy of giving back to the Earth. In response to this year's World Environment Day theme #BeatPlasticPollution, the companies joined together on June 5, 2023 to launch the "Recycling for Good" initiative in Taiwan. "Recycling for Good" encourages people in Taiwan to participate in recycling PP (polypropylene) plastic waste at Gogoro and MUJI stores and empower them to take small actions toward building a more sustainable future.
Polypropylene objects recovered during the Recycling for Good initiative are screened, cut, granulated, reshaped and regenerated into the body panels of the newly unveiled Gogoro Smartscooters. The polypropylene body material is also made of the same material as MUJI's PP storage series.
"MUJI and Gogoro are continuing the concept of a sustainable lifestyle and together have created this new series of Gogoro Smartscooters that are optimized for life and the environment. Gogoro's commitment to being a sustainable business is aligned with MUJI's business philosophy," said Akihiro Yoshida, general manager of MUJI Taiwan. "MUJI is not just a store that sells goods, but it creates a simple and pleasant life through comprehensive sustainable thinking and takes practical action for sustainability of society and the earth."
Gogoro Sustainability
Today, more than 2.5 million Gogoro users have reduced carbon emissions by more than 680 million kilograms, and 100% recyclable polypropylene PP (Polypropylene) is used as the Smartscooter shell material to promote resource regeneration and friendly recycling. In addition, Gogoro has introduced 40% renewable energy in factories since 2022, and 100% use of green electricity in designated Gogoro stores, gradually moving towards the goal of fully using renewable energy by 2050.
Naoto Fukasawa / Product Designer
Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1956. Graduated from Tama Art University's Product Design Department in 1980. In the same year, he joined Seiko Epson, where he was responsible for advanced development design. In 1989, he moved to the United States, where he joined ID Two (now IDEO San Francisco). Having honed his craft for seven years, focusing mainly on Silicon Valley industries, he returned to Japan in 1996. Fukasawa established and headed up IDEO's Tokyo office, creating a Japanese design consultant base for the company. He went independent in 2003 and founded NAOTO FUKASAWA DESIGN. For more information on Naoto Fukasawa, visit https://naotofukasawa.com.
About MUJI
Mujirushi Ryohin, MUJI in Japanese, translates as "no-brand quality goods." MUJI was founded in Japan in 1980 and now has more than 800 stores around the world, carrying more than 7,000 items. With the goal of making people's daily life pleasant, MUJI is globally recognized for its high-quality products that are functional, well designed and reasonably priced. Find us online at www.MUJI.com or Instagram: @muji_global and Twitter: @muji_net.
About MUJI Taiwan
MUJI Taiwan has been operating in Taiwan since 2004, and it has been nearly 20 years. MUJI Taiwan has always been committed to connecting with Taiwan and producing local products in Taiwan, hoping to provide customers with a good life. Find us online at www.muji.com/tw/zh_tw/store, Instagram: @muji_taiwan or Facebook: www.facebook.com/muji.tw.
About Gogoro
Founded in 2011 to rethink urban energy and inspire the world to move through cities in smarter and more sustainable ways, Gogoro leverages the power of innovation to change the way urban energy is distributed and consumed. Recognized and awarded by Frost & Sullivan as the "2023 Global Company of the Year for battery swapping for electric two-wheel vehicles", Gogoro's battery swapping and vehicle platforms offer a smart, proven, and sustainable long-term ecosystem for delivering a new approach to urban mobility. Gogoro has quickly become an innovation leader in vehicle design and electric propulsion, smart battery design, battery swapping, and advanced cloud services that utilize artificial intelligence to manage battery availability and safety. The challenge is massive, but the opportunity to disrupt the status quo, establish new standards, and achieve new levels of sustainable transportation growth in densely populated cities is even greater. For more information, visit https://www.gogoro.com/news and follow Gogoro on Twitter: @wearegogoro.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Gogoro | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:38 | 1 | https://www.wkyt.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/muji-gogoro-naoto-fukasawa-collaborate-new-gogoro-smartscooters-new-range-merchandise-accessories/ |
HONG KONG — (AP) — Fans of singer and songwriter Coco Lee, who was known for her powerful voice and live performances, were gathering with flowers to pay their respects to their idol at her funeral in Hong Kong on Monday.
The evening services were expected to be attended by her family, friends and supporters. Lee died July 5 at age 48.
She was born in Hong Kong and attended school in San Francisco before releasing her first album in 1994 at age 19. She began her career as a Mandopop singer but branched out to release albums in Cantonese and English.
She was the first Chinese singer to break into the American market, and her English song “Do You Want My Love” climbed to #4 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Breakouts chart in December 1999. In 2001, she sang “A Love Before Time” from Ang Lee’s movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at the Academy Awards, becoming the first Chinese American to perform at the Oscars.
Lee was also the voice of heroine Fa Mulan in the Mandarin version of Disney’s “Mulan,” and sang the Mandarin version of the movie’s theme song “Reflection.”
Lee was married to Bruce Rockowitz, former CEO of Hong Kong supply chain company Li & Fung. She had two stepdaughters.
He death had shocked fans. Her siblings posted on Facebook that she had depression for years and had attempted suicide at home on July 2. She died a few days later.
In Lee's recent social media posts, she kept spreading positivity. In March, she posted about having to relearn how to walk after undergoing surgery for an old leg injury.
“Successful surgery. Even though I’m in a lot of pain and I have to re-learn how to walk again, I know I can do it,” she wrote in a Facebook post. “Yes I can and I will!”
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/entertainment/fans-pay-tribute/UDYPEPK6ELOKQFSJFYO4TR733E/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:46 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/entertainment/fans-pay-tribute/UDYPEPK6ELOKQFSJFYO4TR733E/ |
VATICAN CITY — (AP) — When Pope Francis made the first foreign trip of his papacy, to Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day in 2013, he urged young people to make a "mess" in their local churches, to shake things up even if it ruffled the feathers of their bishops.
As he embarks this week on another edition of World Youth Day, in Lisbon, Portugal, Francis in many ways has taken his own advice to heart. After 10 years as pope, Francis is accelerating his reform agenda and making revolutionary changes in personnel and policy that are definitely shaking things up.
Unencumbered by the shadow of Pope Benedict XVI, who died seven months ago, and despite recovering from a second intestinal surgery in as many years, the 86-year-old Francis is opening a frenetic second half of the year with his Portugal visit. He seems aware that he has a limited sweet spot of time to solidify the changes he believes are necessary for the 21st century church, and is looking to the next generation of faithful and leaders to execute them.
“The sense I get is that this is the consolidation phase of the pontificate,” said papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. “He’s laying the basis now, laying the ground, for the future.”
And no better place to put it on display than at a World Youth Day. The international rally, which St. John Paul II launched in 1986 to galvanize young Catholics in their faith, is expected to draw up to 1 million people for the first post-pandemic event of its kind. Francis’ perennial social justice concerns about climate change, social inequality and fraternity, as well as Russia's war in Ukraine, are expected to be major themes.
Beyond Portugal, though, Francis’ multifold strategy for laying the groundwork for the future is coming together and will hit significant marks in the coming months.
His global canvassing of rank-and-file Catholics about their vision for the future comes to fruition this October with a big synod at the Vatican. The meeting is intended to give direction on such hot-button issues as the place of LGBTQ+ Catholics and women in the church, and for the first time will feature women and young people voting on proposals alongside bishops.
"I really think that for Pope Francis, he felt that 'OK, now it's mature' and it would be good really to involve all the members, all the people in the synod as members" with the right to vote, said Sister Nathalie Becquart, who is one of the key synod organizers.
To then implement the vision that emerges from the synod, Francis has been naming a slew of unusually young bishops for key archdioceses — in his native Buenos Aires, Madrid and Brussels, among others. At the same time, he’s elevated several cardinals in their 50s — and in some cases their 40s — including the auxiliary bishop of Lisbon who is organizing World Youth Day.
Putting such young clerics in such important positions ensures a generation’s worth of likeminded leadership in the Vatican and archdioceses around the world. While not all are cookie-cutter proteges of Francis, many are seen as similarly pastorally minded and thus more game to implement his reforms, especially as the older generation of bishops and cardinals dies out.
After Francis is gone, the youngest of these new cardinals will have some three decades' worth of local leadership and conclave votes to select future popes, suggesting a generational and ideological shift in the church leadership is very much underway.
Francis' most important young "legacy" appointment was that of the Vatican's new doctrinal czar, Argentine Cardinal-elect Victor Manuel Fernandez, 61. Francis' theological ghostwriter ran into Vatican problems in the past over questions about his doctrinal orthodoxy, and his appointment sent shockwaves through the conservative and traditionalist wings of the church.
Fernandez sees his appointment as part of Francis' longer-term agenda. “He is proposing a more inclusive church, more respectful of different ways of living, even of thinking,” Fernandez said in an interview.
Portuguese Cardinal-elect Americo Aguiar, who is in charge of World Youth Day, is another young churchman who also understands his appointment as part of a generational turning point for the Catholic hierarchy.
At age 49 he will become the second-youngest member of the College of Cardinals when he is installed Sept. 30. He is just six months older than the current youngest cardinal, whom Francis elevated this time last year: Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, head of the church in Mongolia where Francis will travel at the end of August.
“My reading of it is that this has to do with young people, it has to do with youth, it has to do with Portugal, it has to do with World Youth Day, it has to do with all of that,” Aguiar said in an interview. “I think that his objective and his underlining was exactly to send a signal to the young people, to every young person who is preparing the day, whether in Portugal or in the world, to feel identified with this decision.”
Francis said as much in his monthly prayer intentions for August, this time dedicated to the Lisbon event.
“In Lisbon, I would like to see a seed for the world’s future,” Francis said. “A world where love is at the center, where we can sense that we are sisters and brothers.”
His wish in many ways echoed his words at the 2013 World Youth Day in Rio, which now seem prescient in outlining many of the key pastoral messages Francis has emphasized over the past decade. Delivering a spontaneous, off-the-cuff exhortation to a gathering of Argentine pilgrims that was organized at the last minute, Francis urged the young to get out into the streets, spread their faith and "make a mess."
“I want to see the church get closer to the people,” Francis said then, speaking in his native Spanish. “I want to get rid of clericalism, the mundane, this closing ourselves off within ourselves, in our parishes, schools or structures.”
Realizing the radical nature of his message, Francis apologized to the bishops for what was about to come, even though in the 10 years since, he has only gone further than anyone could have imagined at the time.
“The true reform of the church, you know, is not a revolution bringing something completely from outside,” said Becquart, the French nun, as she reflected on Francis' agenda. “It’s a path of change that is a way to unfold tradition, but in a very dynamic way.”
___
AP reporters Helena Alvez in Lisbon, Portugal, and Almudena Calatrava in Buenos Aires contributed.
___
Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/news/pope-heads-portugal/AEARHPZ7GTZOHXUA3LJ5JWN4PI/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:52 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/pope-heads-portugal/AEARHPZ7GTZOHXUA3LJ5JWN4PI/ |
CANBERRA, Australia — (AP) — The Australian army helicopter that crashed Friday during a multinational exercise hit the water with a “catastrophic impact” and there is no chance its four crew members survived, officials said Monday.
Australia’s fleet of more than 40 of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, made by French Airbus, has been grounded since the crash and there are doubts any will fly again.
They will be grounded until crash investigators determine what caused the tragedy. The government announced in January it plans to replace them with 40 U.S. Black Hawks. The Taipans’ retirement date of December 2024 would be 13 years earlier than Australia had initially planned.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue effort changed Monday to a victim recovery operation with no chance that Capt. Danniel Lyon, Lt. Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock or Cpl. Alexander Naggs had survived.
“There was a catastrophic incident and with every passing hour, it is now clear that any hope of finding (the four crew) alive has been lost,” Marles told reporters.
The helicopter crashed during a nighttime exercise with the United States and other nations near the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marles had said on Saturday the helicopter “ditched,” which refers to an emergency landing. But on Monday he would not rule our pilot error or disorientation in the dark causing the crash into the water. He urged against speculation about potential causes.
“There was a catastrophic impact on the helicopter when it hit the water,” Marles said.
“We will move through the process of putting the Black Hawks into service as quickly as we can ... and we will not be flying MRH90s until we understand what has happened,” Marles added.
The lost Taipan had been taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland state. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
The exercise was continuing on Monday with some changes near the recovery operation, Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said.
Campbell thanked the United States and Canada for their help in the search and recovery efforts, which he said was “not an easy operation.”
The wreckage lay in the path of strong currents and tidal movements. It was too deep for standard diving operations.
Part of the airframe had been retrieved by Monday but most of the helicopter remained on the seabed, Campbell said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan since March. The fleet was grounded after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast near the naval base at Jervis Bay during a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Fergus McLachlan was involved in integrating the Taipan into the Australian army when they arrived in 2007 and had been responsible for keeping them airworthy. He said the Taipan did not have the proven record of the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks.
“We bought into an unproven system. In real terms, it was a developmental aircraft and it has never really matured,” McLachlan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It was always a battle to maintain it and keep it flying,” McLachlan added.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/news/world/4-crew-members/ZAPOPFSRCVJ6QTJGQPMKIDYVNI/ | 2023-07-31T08:20:58 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/world/4-crew-members/ZAPOPFSRCVJ6QTJGQPMKIDYVNI/ |
KHAR, Pakistan — Pakistan held funerals on Monday for victims of a massive suicide bombing that targeted a rally of a pro-Taliban cleric the previous day as the death toll climbed to at least 45 and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people. Police said their initial investigation suggests the Islamic State group's regional affiliate could be behind the attack.
The victims were all from the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which is headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman. He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
The IS regional affiliate — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — is based in neighboring Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban. Bajur was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan's Taliban government — before several Pakistani army offensives that ended in 2016 claimed to have driven them out of the area.
The cleric's supporters had gathered in Bajut on Sunday as part of their party's preparations for the next parliamentary elections, expected sometime in October or November after the current parliament's five-year term ends.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve the parliament in August to pave the way for the vote. Rehman's party is part of Sharif's coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Khan later on Sunday also condemned the bombing, as condolences continued to pour in from across the country. Dozens of people who received minor injuries were discharged from hospital while the critically wounded were taken to the city of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll on Sunday was reported to be 44 but rose to 45 on Monday as a critically wounded person died at a hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. The bombing has also drawn nationwide condemnation, with ruling and opposition parties offering condolences to the families of the victims. The U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack.
Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman's party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that "such attacks cannot deter our resolve."
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the attack. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said the attack aimed to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that "such crimes cannot be justified in any way."
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where on Monday he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were "investigating this attack in all aspects."
Sunday's bombing was one of the four worst attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-07-31/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-the-government-vows-to-find-those-behind-a-deadly-bombing | 2023-07-31T08:21:01 | 0 | https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-07-31/pakistan-holds-funerals-as-the-government-vows-to-find-those-behind-a-deadly-bombing |
BEIJING — (AP) — A zoo in eastern China is denying suggestions some of its bears might be people in costumes after photos of the animals standing like humans circulated online.
The sun bears from Malaysia are smaller than other bears and look different but are the real thing, the Hangzhou Zoo said Monday on its social media account.
“Some people think I stand like a person," said the posting, written from the bear’s point of view. “It seems you don’t understand me very well.”
An employee who answered the phone at the zoo declined to talk about the bears but said visits were being arranged for reporters Monday to see them.
Internet users questioned whether the zoo’s bears were real after photos circulated showing one standing upright on slender hind legs.
“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise,’” the newspaper Hangzhou Daily said.
Sun bears are the size of large dogs, standing at most 1.3 meters (50 inches) tall on their hind legs, compared with up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) for grizzlies and other species, according to the zoo.
Other Chinese zoos have been accused of trying to pass off dogs dyed to look like wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/news/world/our-bears-are-real/V44SWYS3Q5ERPQ4ISI45KHJELM/ | 2023-07-31T08:21:05 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/world/our-bears-are-real/V44SWYS3Q5ERPQ4ISI45KHJELM/ |
KHAR, Pakistan — (AP) — Pakistan held funerals on Monday for victims of a massive suicide bombing that targeted a rally of a pro-Taliban cleric the previous day as the death toll climbed to at least 45 and the government vowed to hunt down those behind the attack.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombing, which also wounded nearly 200 people. Police said their initial investigation suggests the Islamic State group's regional affiliate could be behind the attack.
The victims were all from the Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which is headed by hard-line cleric and politician Fazlur Rehman. He did not attend the rally, held under a large tent close to a market in Bajur, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province that borders Afghanistan.
The IS regional affiliate — known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province — is based in neighboring Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and is a rival of the Afghan Taliban. Bajur was a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban — a close ally of Afghanistan's Taliban government — before several Pakistani army offensives that ended in 2016 claimed to have driven them out of the area.
The cleric's supporters had gathered in Bajut on Sunday as part of their party's preparations for the next parliamentary elections, expected sometime in October or November after the current parliament's five-year term ends.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to dissolve the parliament in August to pave the way for the vote. Rehman’s party is part of Sharif’s coalition government, which came to power in April 2022 by ousting former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in the legislature.
Khan later on Sunday also condemned the bombing, as condolences continued to pour in from across the country. Dozens of people who received minor injuries were discharged from hospital while the critically wounded were taken to the city of Peshawar by army helicopters. The death toll on Sunday was reported to be 44 but rose to 45 on Monday as a critically wounded person died at a hospital, physician Gul Naseeb said.
Sharif called Rehman to express his condolences and assure the cleric that those who orchestrated the attack would be punished. The bombing has also drawn nationwide condemnation, with ruling and opposition parties offering condolences to the families of the victims. The U.S. and Russian embassies in Islamabad also condemned the attack.
Abdul Rasheed, a senior leader in Rehman's party said the bombing was aimed at weakening the party but that “such attacks cannot deter our resolve.”
The Pakistani Taliban also distanced themselves from the attack. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, said the attack aimed to set Islamists against each other. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the Afghan Taliban, posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that “such crimes cannot be justified in any way.”
The bombing came hours before the arrival of Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Islamabad, where on Monday he was to participate in an event to mark a decade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a sprawling package under which Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan.
In recent months, China has helped Pakistan avoid a default on sovereign payments. Some Chinese nationals have also been targeted by militants in northwestern Pakistan and elsewhere.
Feroz Jamal, the provincial information minister, said police were "investigating this attack in all aspects.”
Sunday's bombing was one of the four worst attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014, when 147 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed in a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
In January, 74 people were killed in a bombing at a mosque in Peshawar. And in February, more than 100 people, mostly policemen, died in a bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/news/world/pakistan-holds/NRVTT2XDIBTUM2UKTE3TR3FUNI/ | 2023-07-31T08:21:11 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/world/pakistan-holds/NRVTT2XDIBTUM2UKTE3TR3FUNI/ |
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — (AP) — The United States arrived at the Women's World Cup as the favorites to win an unprecedented third consecutive title. But after an underwhelming draw against the Netherlands, there's a real chance the Americans can be eliminated in group play for the first time in tournament history.
The U.S. plays Portugal in the third and final match of Group E play, and if Portugal pulls off an upset Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland, the Americans could be in big trouble.
The United States needs to either win or draw against Portugal, one of eight teams playing in its first World Cup, to ensure the Americans continue to play in this tournament.
“I think we feel like we have to win everything all the time,” said American star Megan Rapinoe. “That’s the expectation for ourselves. That’s the expectation playing for U.S. national team. It’s just kind of like, ‘Why would you come into the World Cup if you don’t think that you should win it, and if you don’t think that you can win it?’”
The United States sits atop the group after a 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the tournament opener, and a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last Thursday in Wellington. The Dutch are tied with the U.S. on points, but the Americans have the tie-breaker on goals scored.
Portugal lost to the Dutch in its opener but then beat Vietnam 2-0. So if the Portuguese beat the United States, they'll move on, and the Americans would then need Vietnam to beat the Dutch in Dunedin — while keeping their advantage on goal differential — to advance.
“One thing is for sure, that we have a job to do and that’s first and foremost to take care of our game, so our main focus right now it our performance, our team, and Portugal," said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. "What happens on the other side is something we can’t control. We have to stay focused on the things we can control.”
Portugal could use a swarming defense to try to prevent the United States from scoring the way Vietnam — unsuccessfully — played the Americans in the opener.
Portugal defender Ana Borges said her team will be prepared.
“This is the stage where we want to be. It’s against these teams that we want to play because we’re going to learn and grow from them,” Borges said. “Not saying anything about the other team, but if we weren’t prepared for this challenge, we wouldn’t be playing football.”
CHINA-ENGLAND
England is in very good shape headed into its Group D finale against China, needing only a draw Tuesday night in Adelaide, Australia to win the group and advance to the round of 16.
Even a loss would be OK and push England through as group winners so long as Denmark doesn't beat Haiti. If Denmark won and England lost, the group winner would be decided by FIFA tiebreakers.
England edged out a 1-0 victory over Haiti to open the tournament, then beat Denmark by the same score.
China lost 1-0 to Denmark in the opener but rebounded with a 1-0 win over Haiti and is now trying to keep its streak intact of advancing out of group play in all eight of its World Cup appearances.
It will be a tough task: China can advance to the round of 16 if the Chinese beat England. But if Denmark beats Haiti, coupled with a China win, then FIFA tiebreakers would come into a play. A loss would mean China's only chance at advancing would be if Haiti beat Denmark.
England and China meet for just the fifth time, but first since a 2-1 China victory in 2015.
England has scored in each of its last 15 matches at the Women’s World Cup for a tally of 25 goals since 2015. A goal against China would make England the first team to score in 16 consecutive matches in the tournament.
China is looking to win consecutive World Cup games for the first time since 1999.
VIETNAM-NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands want to win every match in the Women's World Cup but none more so than Tuesday's game against Vietnam.
At stake: avoiding Sweden in the knockout round.
The Dutch, the tournament runner-up in 2019, need only a win or a draw in the Group E match played in Dunedin, New Zealand. And even a loss would be OK so long as the United States beats Portugal in a game being played simultaneously.
But the Netherlands has mapped out the tournament and wants no part of Sweden anytime soon.
“The first aim is always to win and get to the last 16 and then after that if we can score goals we will, of course,” said Dutch coach Andries Jonker. “But looking at our colleagues from the U.S. and Portugal, we’ve noticed it’s not all that easy. We’ve never shown any kind of arrogance, but if we get chances to score goals we will. We would prefer to play against the number two in this group and not Sweden.”
The Netherlands are tied with the United States for the top spot in the group after playing to a 1-1 draw against the Americans and a 1-0 win over Portugal.
Vietnam has already been eliminated from its first Women's World Cup following losses to the United States and Portugal. Vietnam has lost its last five internationals by a combined score of 18-1.
“The Netherlands tries to have as many goals as possible, and I have to say we are at a low level," said Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung. "If we compare with Asia, we’re still at a low level. So if we compare with the world, we are still quite behind. It is a success for us already. In the past two matches we have tried our best. Great effort already.”
HAITI-DENMARK
First-time Women's World Cup participant Haiti would like to stick around a bit longer but needs a miracle against in the Group D finale against Denmark to have any shot to advance.
Haiti needs to beat Denmark in the Tuesday match played in Perth, Australia, and hope England beats China. If both those things happen, Haiti's only chance would still come down to FIFA's tiebreaker system.
It's very long odds for Haiti, which has played better in this tournament than its 0-2 record shows. Haiti held both England and China to one goal each in the first two matches.
Haiti is on a six-game losing streak headed into what is probably its final game of this tournament.
Denmark, meanwhile, is trying to advance to the group stage for the first time since 1995. Denmark was a 1-0 winner over China to start the tournament, then lost 1-0 to England and heads into the game tied for second in the group with China with three points each.
A win over Haiti pushes Denmark through to the next round so long as England doesn't lose to China. That scenario would put tiebreakers into play.
The Danes, in the tournament for the first time since 2007, can also get through with a draw, but again, only if England beats China.
Denmark has won five of its last seven international matches.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. | https://www.wftv.com/sports/us-needs-win-ensure/TEIDYEFV5YNRT6MDPNVWAMEFEY/ | 2023-07-31T08:21:18 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/sports/us-needs-win-ensure/TEIDYEFV5YNRT6MDPNVWAMEFEY/ |
General Daily Insight for July 31, 2023
Calling all trendsetters! Today kicks off with the emotional Moon trining eccentric Uranus, encouraging us to embrace what's unique about us and our dreams. Big changes are around the corner when the Moon conjoins transformative Pluto at 10:13 pm EDT, inviting our hidden feelings to rise up from the depths and make themselves known. Finally, the Moon dances into offbeat Aquarius, helping us to tap into the inner rebel that we all have in one form or another. How we feel can't be hidden anymore.
Get your FREE cosmic profile at Tarot.com.
Aries
March 21-April 19
Your dreams of creating a stable foundation for yourself are within reach. At times, it may feel like stability is impossibly distant -- you might even want to maintain your freedom and flexibility in most areas of life, but you can still build an anchor that you can rely on and come back to. You could encounter career or long-term goal revelations at any moment, so be open to what they can give you. You can have the best of both worlds.
Taurus
April 20-May 20
There's something that you can teach people at this time. You may worry that you need to become more of an expert before you can share your knowledge and life lessons with others, but in reality, we're all learning personal lessons at different times. Many mentors didn't wait to be at the summit before they started sharing what they'd learned. As long as you're always open to deepening and growing your own knowledge while teaching others, it's hard to go wrong.
Gemini
May 21-June 20
Your soul's goals are calling your name, Gemini. Whether you want to keep a dream diary, meditate, spend time in nature, or find a spiritual community to call home, there's something that keeps reaching out to you from beyond. It's okay if you can't quite put your finger on what exactly it is! Do your best to create space in your routine for your philosophy to find you. Then you can feel more in tune with your inner self and the world around you.
Cancer
June 21-July 22
You may be finding yourself in other people today. Someone who inspires you could be giving a talk or a performance near you, or you might be watching them online. It's possible that they're a friend or a family member that you've patterned yourself after, and you're finally capable of finding your own way to experiment after a long period of following in their footsteps and doing what they did. It's okay to find inspiration, as long as you don't copy completely.
Leo
July 23-August 22
Your leonine leadership capabilities are ready to shine! You understand that being a leader doesn't mean solely standing on a stage and telling other people what to do or being showered with accolades -- it takes hard work and dedication to lead others. Taking on such a task can be daunting, especially if it's a situation that you haven't been in before, but you have the tools to succeed. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but your spine is strong enough.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Someone may tell you that your dreams are too lofty. They could feel that they're protecting you from trying and failing, but in reality, they don't know what you're capable of. Their vantage point for your life likely doesn't align with yours, which can cause problems if you start letting them dictate how you see yourself. Remember how hard you work and what you've done in the past. Know that you didn't give up then, and you don't have to give up now!
Libra
September 23-October 22
Your shadow side is particularly bold today. Feelings are rising to the surface -- specifically ones that you've been hiding away out of guilt or shame, even from yourself. You could feel like you've hurt or irritated people in the past, then internalized these emotions to the point where they remain even now. While you don't have to share your private thoughts with everyone else, you owe it to yourself to work through this ache and sit with your desires without judging yourself.
Scorpio
October 23-November 21
People you can learn from are everywhere at the moment. A group that you're getting to know or have recently been invited to meet by a mutual friend could spark a flame in you that warms your soul and encourages you to be YOU! This circle may not be in your life forever, as these are more likely to be people who are there for a season, but what you glean from them could become a part of you. Be open to fresh, unique influences.
Sagittarius
November 22-December 21
The results of your hard work are right around the corner. You may have been afraid to give yourself a chance to rest, since this might have not been a luxury that you had until very recently, but it's okay to recognize when you've made enough progress for the time being. The areas in which the sky was falling in your life have likely stabilized, giving you an opportunity to recharge. It would be best to honor this gift of stillness while it's here.
Capricorn
December 22-January 19
Creativity comes from a particularly personal place at this moment. You might be working on a project that is near and dear to your heart and soul. When something speaks to who you are on a very true level, it could be nerve-wracking to show it to other people -- especially if it's an interactive work of art or a performance that you have to put on. You may feel very vulnerable, but vulnerability is a strength, and should be treated as such.
Aquarius
January 20-February 18
You're about to dive into your cultural heritage! Whatever there is to learn about your ancestors or your culture, you are likely to be fascinated and want to spend more time delving into who they were when they were around. At times, it could be painful to hear what they went through. Remember that hardship befalls everyone and try to let this bring you closer to their souls. Whether you're learning about your grandmother or your great-great-great-great grandmother, pay close attention.
Pisces
February 19-March 20
You might be speaking your future into reality. The conversations that you're having now may be instrumental in your future, and the things that you say could come back to you in another form sooner rather than later. Make sure that you're speaking about what you want to happen and things that you love, because complaining or talking negatively about yourself or others could negatively reflect. When you act as a light to others, light should then shine back onto you. | https://www.capitalgazette.com/horoscopes/sns-daily-horoscopes-07312023-20230731-76xtoepupnfe5coznb7pqwqok4-story.html | 2023-07-31T08:21:27 | 1 | https://www.capitalgazette.com/horoscopes/sns-daily-horoscopes-07312023-20230731-76xtoepupnfe5coznb7pqwqok4-story.html |
Fort Pierce - Monday July 31, 2023: A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Indian River State College School of Nursing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, at 10 a.m. at the IRSC Pruitt Campus at 500 N.W. California Blvd.
The event is open to the public and will feature remarks, a ribbon-cutting photo opportunity and tours and demonstrations in the nearly 12,000-square-foot high-fidelity simulation center, an 11-bed simulated nursing unit replete with a surgical suite, labor and delivery rooms, pediatric rooms, medical/surgical rooms, emergency room/ICU room, nursing stations, home-health suite and more.
The event site, Building G, is one of two buildings—more than 50,521 square feet in total—repurposed into high-tech nursing classrooms and simulated clinical settings. Students will begin the Fall 2023 semester in these immersive learning environments.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare,” said IRSC President Dr. Timothy Moore. “In December 2021, in response to the critical need for more nurses in Florida, we announced our intent to double the number of graduates from our Nursing programs. We are well on our way with the opening of this best-in-class facility, and I look forward to celebrating with all who shared our vision and helped make this project a reality.”
The IRSC School of Nursing offers students multiple pathways to pursue careers in nursing. Programs include Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.), Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.), Registered Nurse (A.D.N.), and Bachelor of Science Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N.).
Those interested in joining IRSC at the School of Nursing Grand Opening event should R.S.V.P. to Nina Jewett, Pruitt Campus Coordinator, at 772-336-6210 or njewett@irsc.edu by Thursday, August 3. | https://www.wqcs.org/wqcs-news/2023-07-31/grand-opening-for-irsc-school-of-nursing-set-for-august-8 | 2023-07-31T08:21:27 | 1 | https://www.wqcs.org/wqcs-news/2023-07-31/grand-opening-for-irsc-school-of-nursing-set-for-august-8 |
Port St. Lucie - Monday July 31, 2023: The Oxbow Eco-Center, in partnership with the Indian River State College Pruitt Campus Library, is hosting a free, nature-play workshop based on Oxbow’s popular ‘Little Acorns’ toddler programs on Thursday, Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Designed for early childhood educators, homeschool leaders, parents and adult caregivers of pre-K children, participants will learn the science behind nature play and the benefits of outdoor learning. A complete activity and curriculum guide will be provided to attendees. Discover the world of nature play, boost your child’s imagination and learn to be safe and comfortable while playing outdoors.
The free workshop will be held in the Veteran's Center of Excellence Auditorium at the Pruitt Campus of Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd. in Port St. Lucie. Pre-registration is required at https://irsc.libguides.com/littleacorns. Contact Sara Johnson at sjohnso2@irsc.edu or 772-336-6382 for more information.
Located at 5400 NE St. James Drive in Port St. Lucie, the Oxbow Eco-Center is an environmental learning center and a 225-acre nature preserve and is home to the Environmental Education and Community Outreach Division of St. Lucie County’s Environmental Resources Department. More information about the Oxbow Eco-Center can be found at www.oxboweco.com. | https://www.wqcs.org/wqcs-news/2023-07-31/oxbow-partners-with-ircs-to-bring-nature-home-to-youngsters-thursday-august-3 | 2023-07-31T08:21:33 | 0 | https://www.wqcs.org/wqcs-news/2023-07-31/oxbow-partners-with-ircs-to-bring-nature-home-to-youngsters-thursday-august-3 |
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Australian army helicopter that crashed Friday during a multinational exercise hit the water with a “catastrophic impact” and there is no chance its four crew members survived, officials said Monday.
Australia’s fleet of more than 40 of the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, made by French Airbus, has been grounded since the crash and there are doubts any will fly again.
They will be grounded until crash investigators determine what caused the tragedy. The government announced in January it plans to replace them with 40 U.S. Black Hawks. The Taipans’ retirement date of December 2024 would be 13 years earlier than Australia had initially planned.
Defense Minister Richard Marles said the search and rescue effort changed Monday to a victim recovery operation with no chance that Capt. Danniel Lyon, Lt. Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Joseph Laycock or Cpl. Alexander Naggs had survived.
“There was a catastrophic incident and with every passing hour, it is now clear that any hope of finding (the four crew) alive has been lost,” Marles told reporters.
The helicopter crashed during a nighttime exercise with the United States and other nations near the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marles had said on Saturday the helicopter “ditched,” which refers to an emergency landing. But on Monday he would not rule our pilot error or disorientation in the dark causing the crash into the water. He urged against speculation about potential causes.
“There was a catastrophic impact on the helicopter when it hit the water,” Marles said.
“We will move through the process of putting the Black Hawks into service as quickly as we can … and we will not be flying MRH90s until we understand what has happened,” Marles added.
The lost Taipan had been taking part in Talisman Sabre, a biennial U.S.-Australian military exercise that is largely based in Queensland state. This year’s exercise involves 13 nations and more than 30,000 military personnel.
The exercise was continuing on Monday with some changes near the recovery operation, Australian Defense Force Chief Gen. Angus Campbell said.
Campbell thanked the United States and Canada for their help in the search and recovery efforts, which he said was “not an easy operation.”
The wreckage lay in the path of strong currents and tidal movements. It was too deep for standard diving operations.
Part of the airframe had been retrieved by Monday but most of the helicopter remained on the seabed, Campbell said.
It was the second emergency involving an Australian Taipan since March. The fleet was grounded after one ditched into the sea off the New South Wales state coast near the naval base at Jervis Bay during a nighttime counterterrorism training exercise. All 10 passengers and crew members were rescued.
Retired Maj. Gen. Fergus McLachlan was involved in integrating the Taipan into the Australian army when they arrived in 2007 and had been responsible for keeping them airworthy. He said the Taipan did not have the proven record of the Lockheed Martin-designed Black Hawks.
“We bought into an unproven system. In real terms, it was a developmental aircraft and it has never really matured,” McLachlan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
“It was always a battle to maintain it and keep it flying,” McLachlan added. | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/ | 2023-07-31T08:21:39 | 1 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-4-crew-members-on-australian-army-helicopter-that-crashed-off-coast-didnt-survive-officials-say/ |
BEIJING (AP) — A zoo in eastern China is denying suggestions some of its bears might be people in costumes after photos of the animals standing like humans circulated online.
The sun bears from Malaysia are smaller than other bears and look different but are the real thing, the Hangzhou Zoo said Monday on its social media account.
“Some people think I stand like a person,” said the posting, written from the bear’s point of view. “It seems you don’t understand me very well.”
An employee who answered the phone at the zoo declined to talk about the bears but said visits were being arranged for reporters Monday to see them.
Internet users questioned whether the zoo’s bears were real after photos circulated showing one standing upright on slender hind legs.
“Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise,’” the newspaper Hangzhou Daily said.
Sun bears are the size of large dogs, standing at most 1.3 meters (50 inches) tall on their hind legs, compared with up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) for grizzlies and other species, according to the zoo.
Other Chinese zoos have been accused of trying to pass off dogs dyed to look like wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras. | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-our-bears-are-real-a-chinese-zoo-says-denying-they-are-humans-in-disguise/ | 2023-07-31T08:21:45 | 1 | https://www.wdtn.com/news/u-s-world/ap-international/ap-our-bears-are-real-a-chinese-zoo-says-denying-they-are-humans-in-disguise/ |
SocietyPolandGermany and Poland: The 'Culture Train'To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoSocietyPoland55 minutes ago55 minutes agoEvery weekend, a special train offering various cultural programs runs between Berlin and Wroclaw. It is meant to peak German interest in Poland and vice versa while encouraging people to travel more consciously.https://p.dw.com/p/4UJPSAdvertisement | https://www.dw.com/en/the-culture-train-connecting-germany-and-poland/video-66329798 | 2023-07-31T08:23:51 | 0 | https://www.dw.com/en/the-culture-train-connecting-germany-and-poland/video-66329798 |
SocietyTurkeyTurkey: Wrestling your way out of miseryTo view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 videoSocietyTurkey43 minutes ago43 minutes agoBrothers Aydincan and Bayram Gümüsdag are Romani Turks with a special talent for oil wrestling, a very popular sport in Turkey. When they compete, they are also fighting to better their social standing.https://p.dw.com/p/4UJPsAdvertisement | https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-wrestling-your-way-out-of-misery/video-66329824 | 2023-07-31T08:23:58 | 1 | https://www.dw.com/en/turkey-wrestling-your-way-out-of-misery/video-66329824 |
RICHMOND, Va. -- Chris Buescher pulled away on a restart with three laps to go to win at Richmond Raceway on Sunday and snag one of the final spots in NASCAR's playoff field.
Buescher led 88 laps and was ahead by nearly six seconds when a caution came out with under 10 laps to go. That erased his lead over Virginia native Denny Hamlin, who was booed by his hometown crowd in pre-race.
But Hamlin got a poor final restart and Buescher easily pulled away for his first Cup Series win of the season, third of his career.
"I knew that last restart was going to be tough, but I knew we had the speed in this thing," Buescher said.
He and RFK Racing teammate Brad Keselowski led a combined 190 of the 400 laps in their Fords. Keselowski, now a part owner of the team, led 102 laps on the 0.75-mile oval.
Buescher started 26th and had to drive the field for the win that locked him into the 16-driver playoff field with four races remaining in the regular season. Buescher became the 13th race winner this year and there are three playoff spots up for grabs over the next month.
It was the 139th Cup win for primary team owner Jack Roush, second since Keselowski joined the ownership group.
Ford now has 723rd wins in NASCAR's top Cup Series.
"Everybody at RFK Racing who has worked so hard to get us to this point," said Buescher.
Hamlin, winner last week at Pocono, finished second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Kyle Busch was third in a Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, followed by the Fords of Joey Logano from Team Penske and Ryan Preece of Stewart-Haas Racing.
"One win is good, but you get three or four or five and then you feel a lot better," said Keselowski. "It sure beats not having any at all, but we want to keep going. It's nice to have one car locked in the playoffs. We need to get both cars locked in the playoffs. We have a good points gap, but we want wins and this is where we need to be."
Keselowski, despite being winless this season, is still mathematically in contention for the playoffs.
The race was slowed just three times by caution flags, with the final yellow sending the leaders to pit road for four tires with eight laps to go. When the green flag was shown again, Buescher used the inside line to pull away for his third career victory.
Hamlin's bid for the victory ended on the second lap of the final sprint when he drove in too deep in the first turn and slid up the track. He finished 0.549-seconds behind Buescher.
"I got a bad restart," Hamlin said. "I had to recover too much ground from what I lost on the frontstretch. Almost got to the outside, and then in turn four, almost got to the outside again, and then in turn one, I was like 'I'm just going to ship it in there and try to get to the outside one more time' and I just carried way too much speed and locked up the left front tires."
LARSON-HAMLIN
Kyle Larson, angered last week when Hamlin caused him to hit the wall while leading while Hamlin went on to win, was running a few laps down when he nudged Hamlin out of the way with 70 laps to go during Sunday's race.
Larson, who won at Richmond in April, finished 19th.
"I think he was having a frustrating day," Hamlin said. "It's all good."
SCORCHER
With temperatures in the mid-80s, it was about 15 degrees cooler than Saturday, when the temperature approached 100 and the heat index was at least 105.
Nevertheless, points leader Martin Truex Jr. still struggled.
"It was definitely really, really hot," he said. "It felt longer than 400 laps. I'll be honest, when we got to the end of stage two -- I thought there was no way. I thought that was the checkered flag. It just felt really, really long."
Truex finished seventh. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/buescher-secures-a-spot-in-playoffs/ | 2023-07-31T08:24:18 | 1 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/buescher-secures-a-spot-in-playoffs/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- "Empowerment" is the core competence of PE/VC institutions after investment. Asia Green Fund (AGF) has always adhered to the investment strategy of "pursuing both financial returns and environmental benefits", focused on the logic of "technology empowerment", grasped the development trend of SRDI industries, and promoted technological innovation to empower industrial convergence and innovative development. AGF continues to practice the "sustainable investment strategy" and has now formed an industrial ecosystem with deep linkage among the capital side (LPs), investment side (AGF), and industry side (science and technology enterprises), which realized the bidirectional empowerment between capital and industry.
AGF adheres to the principle of "30% investment and 70% management" and provides all-round services for portfolios in accordance with the investment and post-investment management mechanism of international head PE funds. AGF emphasizes proactive and personalized post-investment management, builds a unique team of customized services and post-investment supporting experts, provides "adaptive" solutions to various problems and demands of portfolios, and passes them the management methodology.
AGF has appended a professional marketing consultant department in the post-investment side, which is under the responsibility of Nison Yao, the new Operating Director. Mr. Yao has been deeply involved in the manufacturing industry since his employment. He has been in important positions in Marketing of local and multinational companies and delivered great results. He has rich practical experience in strategic positioning, marketing, and operation of enterprises. AGF helps portfolios to build specific clear business paths and market expansion plans, integrate green ecosystem resources for precise docking, and create sustainable value.
View original content:
SOURCE Asia Green Fund | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ | 2023-07-31T08:24:18 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/asia-green-fund-post-investment-management-method-nurtured-service-help-portfolios-with-high-quality-development/ |
Editor's Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Tuesday, Aug. 1
Urban Renewal board to meet
The Pine Bluff Urban Renewal Board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., according to a news release. Details: (870) 209-0323.
Police to host National Night Out
The Pine Bluff Police Department will present National Night Out and the community is invited to bring the entire family to enjoy free food, activities, and fellowship, according to the police department's Facebook page. National Night out will be held Aug. 1 from 6-9 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The free program will include bounce houses, games and prizes for youth, door prizes, live music, public awareness booths, and refreshments.
Early voting begins in PBSD election
The Pine Bluff School District Special Election will be held Aug. 8 and polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early voting will be held Aug. 1-7 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,according to a news release. Voters will decide whether to increase the existing millage rates to 47.7, which would represent a 6-mill increase in the old PBSD and 6.9-mill increase in the old Dollarway School District. Proceeds will go toward construction of a new high school, according to a recent article in The Commercial. Aug. 1 is also the last day to receive applications for absentee voting by mail, fax, or email. Voters must contact the county clerk's office for a new absentee ballot application if they want to vote absentee. People may also visit the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/elections-voter-registration to download an application. Details: Jefferson County Clerk's Office, (870) 541-5322.
Underway
Watson District holds congress
The Watson District Congress of Christian Education will be held at Union Missionary Baptist Church at Dumas. Monday through Thursday sessions will begin with 4 p.m. registration and classes from 4:30-6 p.m. The lecture will be by the Rev. Larry Alexander at 6:10 p.m. and evening worship at 7:15 p.m. On Monday there will be youth classes at 9 a.m. and an evening program. Tuesday will feature the Dean's Address. Wednesday features the President's Address. Thursday will feature the Commencement Address by the Rev. Johnny Smith Jr. The moderator is the Rev. Edward Demery. The president is the Rev. Isom Cross Jr. The dean is Barbara Williams Dixon.
Redfield court offers amnesty
The Redfield District Court will offer an amnesty period to people with active Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay warrants. The amnesty period began July 24. Until Aug. 4, people will be able to resolve outstanding warrants without the risk of being arrested or having to post a professional bond, according to a news release. People with active Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay warrants may go to the Redfield District Court Clerk's office, 113 River Road at the Redfield Police Department from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or call (501) 397-6111. They may schedule a new appearance for court on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon to resolve their outstanding warrant. Tickets can also be paid online at www.arcourtpay.org or by calling 1-844-507-3631.
LIHEAP available for utility bill help
Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their summer utility bills can apply now for up to $475 through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program's application period is open through Sept. 30 or until funds are depleted, according to a news release. The program is offered in all 75 counties in the state through community-based organizations, which can be found online at https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx, along with a complete list of eligibility and required documentation to complete the application. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment manages the program, but applications for assistance must be made through a community-based organization. Eligibility is determined by household size and income. For example, a single individual with a maximum monthly countable income of $1,859 and a family of four with $3,574 would both be eligible.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
PBSD chief, board to discuss millage
The community is invited to hear Pine Bluff School District Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree and Pine Bluff School Board members answer questions on the Aug. 8 millage election for the proposed high school. The meeting will be held from 6-7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Dollarway High School, 2602 Fluker St. Details: (870) 543.4203.
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com or shope@pbcommercial.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 4
Martin/Altheimer School Reunion set
Alumni and Friends of the Martin/Altheimer schools will celebrate their 2023 All School Reunion the weekend of Aug. 4-6, according to a news release. Activities will include: A meet and greet reception Aug. 4 from 7 p.m. to midnight at PJ's Event Center in Pine Bluff. A community picnic at Jones Park in Altheimer Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The reunion banquet will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at PJ's Event Center. The Rev. William "Sonny" Scales (Altheimer Class of 1972) will be the featured speaker. Scales is an associate pastor of the True Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, Calif.The memorial worship service will be held Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church at Altheimer. The featured speaker will be the Rev. Bobby W. Jones (Altheimer Class of 1979), a retired Army colonel and pastor of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church in Savannah, Ga.A farewell reception will be held Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. at PJ's Event Center.
Through Friday, Aug. 4
Redfield court offers amnesty
The Redfield District Court will offer an amnesty period to people with active Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay warrants. The amnesty period began July 24. Until Aug. 4, people will be able to resolve outstanding warrants without the risk of being arrested or having to post a professional bond, according to a news release. People with active Failure to Appear or Failure to Pay warrants may go to the Redfield District Court Clerk's office, 113 River Road at the Redfield Police Department from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or call (501) 397-6111. They may schedule a new appearance for court on Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon to resolve their outstanding warrant. Tickets can also be paid online at www.arcourtpay.org or by calling 1-844-507-3631.
Saturday, Aug. 5
Local woman to be honored
Dee Clay, the Gospel Angel, will be honored in an Appreciation Program at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 900 S. Grant St. The theme is "My Job is Working for Jesus" (John 9:4.) "Guests are coming from near and far to honor this great woman of God. Let's show our love," a spokesman said. The community is invited to attend. The Rev. Anthony Craig is pastor of Mt. Carmel.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 5
UAPB alumni set conference
The 2023 National Alumni Association Summer Conference will be hosted by the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association. Registration is $150. The conference will take place Aug. 3-5 at Pine Bluff and the theme is "UAPB EVERYDAY: One Alumni, One University." A reception at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Pine Bluff will kick off the three-day event. Informative workshops presented by various speakers will take place at the STEM Conference Center at UAPB. Participants will receive updates about the National Alumni Association and UAPB. The conference will be accentuated by a tour of the UAPB Athletic Department and semi-formal Gala at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Details: UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Office at (870) 536-2309 or summerconference@uapbalumni.org.
Blues concert series gets 2nd season
The "Blues By Budweiser" concert series will be back for a second season. In collaboration with MK Distributors and RJ's Grill & Bar, Port City Blues Society will again host live blues concerts the first Saturday of the month at RJ's Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. It's a $5 cover charge for non-members. The 2023-2024 concerts include: Aug. 5 -- Fonky Donkey; Sept. 2 -- Robert Kimbrough Sr. Bluesconnection; Oct. 7 -- Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 4 -- Big "A" and the Allstars Blues Band; Dec. 2 -- Johnie B and Queen Iretta Sanders Blues Review; Jan. 6, 2024 -- Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain; and Feb. 3 -- Chad Marshall Band. Details: pc-blues.com or facebook.com/PCBluesSociety.
Sunday, Aug. 6
Art league to feature water color artist
The Pine Bluff Art League will host its monthly meeting from 2-4 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Artist Marlene Gremillion will demonstrate how to do a mini abstract in watercolor and mixed media. The public is invited to attend.
Tuesday, Aug. 8
Business After Hours set
Business After Hours will be held at the Pine Bluff Country Club from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 8. Hosts are Southeast Arkansas College and the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce, according to the Chamber newsletter.
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS (Targeting Our People's Priorities with Service) Inc., 1000 Townsend Drive, will hold a drive-thru food giveaway Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. until all boxes are distributed. Only one food box per household is allowed. Individuals must complete a registration form and must be present to receive the food, according to a news release. Details: Annette Howard Dove, TOPPS founder/director, (870) 850-6011.
PBSD holds special election
The Jefferson County Clerk's Office reminds all voters that they must contact the clerk's office for a new absentee ballot application if they want to vote absentee. The Pine Bluff School District Special Election will be held Aug. 8 and polls will be open at polling sites 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters in the district will decide whether to increase the existing millage rates to 47.7, which would represent a 6-mill increase in the old PBSD and 6.9-mill increase in the old Dollarway School District. Proceeds will go toward construction of a new high school, according to a recent article in The Commercial. The county clerk's office has absentee ballot applications available to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. People may also visit the website at www.jeffersoncountyar.gov/elections-voter-registration to download an application.The application can be mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed to the Jefferson County Clerk's Office at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 101 W. Barraque Ave., Ste. 101, Pine Bluff, AR, 71601. Details: County Clerk's office, (870) 541-5322.
Friday, Aug. 10
GOP to host senator
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will host U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., as the guest speaker during the 2023 Lincoln-Reagan Dinner. The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the White Hall Community Center. Ticket are $60 each. Reserved tables for 8 guests are $480 or tables for 10 guests are $600, according to a news release. For tickets, contact Mandi Martin, (870) 510-4183 or Susan Over, (870) 692-1804. Checks should be payable to JCRC. Mail payments to 5602 Shannon Road, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603. Tickets can also be purchased at Cycle and Marine Super Center or directly from committee members. Catering will be by The Wood Shed. Details: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064939320107.
Through Thursday, Aug. 10
Community foundation seeks grant requests Nonprofits in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County may download an application for Giving Tree Grants through the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of Arkansas Community Foundation. Applications are available at arcf.org/givingtree. The application period began July 10. The deadline to submit applications is Aug. 10, according to a news release.
Through Friday, Aug. 11
Trinity sets summer camp
Registration is underway for Trinity's Learning Center Summer Camp 2023 to be held at Trinity's Annex Building, 2900 W. Sixth Ave. The camp will take place Monday through Friday, June 5 through Aug. 11. Daily sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and a snack will be served, according to a news release. There is a participant limit of 30 to 40 students. The registration fee is $25 per child plus $10 weekly. Details: (870) 534-5669 or (870) 692-1127.
Thursday, Aug. 17
Christian Women's luncheon set
The Christian Women's Connection luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Pine Bluff Country Club.The speaker will be Shannon Roberts of Family Church, Pine Bluff. Lauren Robertson, a health coach of LBR Fitness of Pine Bluff will make a presentation. The luncheon costs $21, which includes the meal, tax and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations not kept, according to a news release.
Saturday, Aug. 19
Sounds of Blue to feature DK Harrell
Port City Blues Society will host a special presentation, "Sounds of Blue--Blues Along the Bayou Bartholomew," at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at RJ's Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The event is free for all. The event will feature the award winning blues artist, DK Harrell. Harrell recently released an album on Little Village Records, signed with Intrepid Artists International and is now touring in Brazil. At 7 p.m. before the concert, there will be an informal meet and greet, followed by a special Delta art exhibit and presentation on the blues and bayou culture of the region with updates on various cultural projects.
Tuesday, Aug. 22
Civic panel to meet
The Civic Auditorium Complex Commission's regularly scheduled meeting will be held Aug. 22 at noon. The July 25 meeting has been cancelled, according to a news release. Details: Pine Bluff Convention Center, (870) 536-7600.
Town Hall to address GVI plans for youth
The community is invited to a special town hall on the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Program and how it connects to law enforcement and the community to help youth. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The city of Pine Bluff is hosting GVI in partnership with the Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel school districts, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Sixth Division Juvenile Court, Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Health, and the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. GVI will be responsible for going into schools, juvenile court, and streets to connect with young people. GVI workers and volunteers aim to find out the needs of youth on a personal case-by-case basis, and guide them to resources they need, according to the mayor's office.
Tuesday, Aug. 29
Active shooter topic at free seminar
Ed Monk will host a free educational presentation on "The Active Shooter Problem & How to Minimize Victims" from 6-9 p.m. Aug. 29 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road.Monk has been researching and providing training on countering the active shooter threat for more than 15 years, according to a news release. The event is free, but attendees must reserve their seats on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lecture-the-active-shooter-problem-how-to-reducevictims-tickets-624099958777.
Friday, Sept. 29
Taste of Southeast Arkansas set
The Taste of Southeast Arkansas will be held Sept. 29 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The cocktail hour is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and tasting starts at 6:30 p.m., according to the newsletter from the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event features dishes from southeast Arkansas chefs. The Jefferson County Young Professionals host the fundraiser. For tickets or details, call the Chamber, (870) 535-0110 or visit www.jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Saturday, Oct. 14
ASC hosts Rosenzweig exhibition
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is hosting the 2023 Irene Rosenzweig Biennial Juried Exhibition. The exhibition will be on view in ASC's William H. Kennedy Jr. Gallery through Oct. 14. Admission to ASC's galleries is always free, according to a news release.
Friday, Oct. 20
UAPB alumni plan ceremonies
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association will recognize its Hall of Fame Class of 2023 and hold other ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place in conjunction with the Alumni Luncheon and General Membership Meeting and Alumni King and Queen Presentation, according to a news release. Details: https://uapbalumni.org/
Underway
I-530 work requires lane closures
Overnight lane closures were scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. July 9 as crews work to resurface a section of Interstate 530. The estimated completion date is early fall, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation. The project (Job # 020734) includes resurfacing 11 miles of I-530 from Stagecoach Road in Jefferson to Highway 65B in Pine Bluff. The contract was awarded to Cranford Construction Co. for $9.6 million. Lane closures will be in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until the job is complete. All lanes northbound and southbound are part of this project, but only one lane will be closed at a time.Additional travel information can be found at IDriveArkansas.com.
Covid-19 vaccines, testing available
The Arkansas Department of Health, various pharmacies and healthcare providers offer the covid-19 vaccine, tests and other information about coronavirus. Details: Call the Arkansas Department of Health at (800) 985-6030, visit the website at healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-vaccination-plan or contact area medical professionals, according to spokesmen.
Tuesdays
Unity Christian offers free financial classes
Unity Christian Fellowship Church (UCFC), 2712 S. Bay St., invites the community to its free Small Business and Personal Financial Education classes at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Recent subjects included "The Importance of Having a Financial Plan" and "Financial Literacy," according to Stuff in the Bluff website. "You cannot afford to miss out on these life-changing classes. We are practicing social distancing and will have hand sanitizer wipes available," according to the site. Anthony Armstrong is the senior pastor. Details: unitychristianfellowship@live.com or (870) 329-1182. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/calendar/ | 2023-07-31T08:24:22 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/calendar/ |
BEIJING, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Culture and art can bring minds and the world together. With this in mind, the second episode of season three of the China Daily series Youth Power, "Unlocking the power of art: How cultural exchanges can connect the world," was broadcast online on July 30.
Gen Zers from China, Italy, Russia, South Korea and Thailand gathered at the Dalian campus of the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts and discussed how artistic beauty can bring the world together and how to face the challenges that artificial intelligence present to art.
What is the essence of beauty? What unique influence does Chinese art have on Gen Zers? What spiritual pursuits are reflected in Chinese art and aesthetics?
In this episode of Youth Power, each Gen Z guest brought an art piece that they believed would best represent the Chinese concept of art and beauty. In doing so they gained a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics, philosophy and culture.
Giacomo Bruni, an Italian studying at the China Academy of Art in Beijing, said brushes are the most important tools in expressing Chinese culture because they are central to calligraphy, writing poetry and painting.
"Like the hardness of the handle and the softness of the hair, the brush encapsulates the idea of yin and Yang," Bruni said. The brush not only encapsulates the creativity of the world, but also epitomizes the profound ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, he said.
Song De'ao, a Chinese Gen Zer, chose the official mascots for Chinese winter sports designed by a team at the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts as his ideal representation of Chinese aesthetics.
Song, a member of the design team, recalled the inspiration for the mascot Xue Wa, which wears tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloud patterns and longevity locks on the clothing. "The mascots reflect the lively and cheerful aesthetics in modern China," Song said.
Jiratchaya Phinyoworakul, a Thai studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, highlighted two features that distinguish Chinese artworks from those of other countries and cultures: cultural extensiveness and profoundness as well as a philosophy centering on harmony between humankind and nature.
The program host, Zhong Yutong, said it is through exchanges that Chinese arts increase in vibrancy and vitality.
"Chinese arts have so much to offer. And we've had wonderful exchanges with different arts and civilizations across the world."
Bruni said art Chinese art is all-encompassing, perfectly merging all types of art. He cited Chinese literati paintings, a kind of painting that expresses feelings and aspirations through natural scenery, as an example, illustrating that "they unify the intellectual world and the practical art world, which is something that is missing in Western countries".
Program guests said there is no absolute definition of art and no universally recognized standard of beauty. Lian Liia, a student from Russia, said "the standard of art is changing in the art history, but there is one thing that has never changed, namely people's pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty".
Phinyoworakul said art is tantamount to comfort. "Even little things can be art. A smile on your face, a flower, sunshine, everything can be art. Art is in our everyday life."
Concerning the combination and contradiction of traditional art and fast-developing AI art creation, Bruni said artists screen information like filters of society. They find beauty and create art, but do not mechanically record and present everything around them. However, this is not true of AI, because it cannot grasp the concept of beauty.
Sun Yuxin of China said AI could positively influence the development of art. "AI saves a lot of time for artists, and it helps them with a lot of basic work."
Gen Zers have also contributed their wisdom in helping the world appreciate the beauty of Chinese art. Promoting Chinese aesthetics through social media could help people understand it more directly, Phinyoworakul said.
Lian Liia, a student at the Academy of Arts and Design of Tsinghua University in Beijing, said, "We can promote Chinese culture as a lifestyle. For example, doing calligraphy or drinking tea to experience Chinese culture in our daily life."
Youth Power, organized by China Daily and first broadcast in June 2021, aims to build a global platform of communication and exchange, focusing on the interests and ideas of Generation Z. The program comes in the form of interviews, forums and speeches, with topics related to anything of current interest in the world.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE China Daily | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ | 2023-07-31T08:24:23 | 0 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/gen-zers-see-power-art-connecting-world/ |
The Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance, and the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County National Heritage Trails Task Force plan to revitalize downtown Pine Bluff by transforming a portion of it into the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District.
The cultural district boundaries established by the Pine Bluff City Council in 2018 extend from points between Second and Fourth avenues. The district's epicenter will include: the nation's only park honoring the Chitlin' Circuit (the entertainment network for Black performers during the years of segregation); a memorial and plaza honoring more blues greats than any other outdoor gallery in the nation; a unique outdoor cinema plaza honoring regional greats in film, television, and theater; and a food truck park designed to bring the best regional cuisine to tourists.
The vision is to package a core of activities in a central area where people can spend their leisure time walking and exploring, said Jimmy Cunningham, executive director of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance.
The first portion of this four-phase plan, to be completed over the next two years, features the Blues Memorial & Wellness Plaza, which will sit on two vacant properties across the street from the Jefferson County District Court Building. Along with a multi-purpose area for concerts, festivals, and other activities, it will also include a wellness area along with recreational and workout amenities.
"We have tons of well-known blues/R&B legends who will be represented, like Bobby Rush, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Winter, Mary Wilson, Sippie Wallace, Little Milton and many others," Cunningham said.
The Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District will capitalize on the area's culture, arts, creativity, and historical significance to increase tourism.
In November 2022, during a standing-room-only Pine Bluff City Council Planning Committee meeting, plans were presented for the development of the district to a crowd of citizens and public officials. Pine Bluff City Council members ultimately approved the plans with an 8-0 vote. The Council also approved $2 million in funding for the district from an existing five-eighths-cent sales tax designed to help fund the first phase.
The entire project was estimated to cost just over $6 million in November of 2022, though the price tag will increase, as the footprint of the district's focus area has doubled in 2023. Foundation and other grant sources are currently being sought to supplement the project's development.
The national consulting firm used by the Advertising and Promotion Commission, Tourism Economics, estimated that the district could attract 128,000 visitors, with 88,000 being non-local. Many of these visitors are expected to boost Pine Bluff's local economy as they shop in nearby stores, eat in restaurants, and stay at hotels.
Tourism Economics also projected that the district would garner $180 million over 10 years, create 250 jobs, and collect $1.9 million per year in state and local taxes.
"We wanted to do two or three things," Cunningham said when describing the first phase.
"First, we wanted to get a cultural engagement specialist who would help us facilitate programming for the district. We also wanted to have money to start acquiring property in the four-block area of the district's epicenter. Finally, we wanted to build out one venue, the blues and wellness plaza," he said.
Cunningham presented a summary highlighting the progress that the Delta Rhythm & Bayous project had made since the City Council approved the $2 million for the first portion of the district, the Blues Memorial & Wellness Plaza.
Thus far, A&P funds have been spent on the architect's 3D designs, an economic impact study, and revised architectural plans. The city has applied for the Transportation Alternatives Grant of $500,000, which requires a $450,000 match. It is currently applying for a $250,000 match through the Arkansas Outdoor Recreation Grant of $250,000.
Thanks to a grant in conjunction with the Winrock Foundation and the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance, four cities (Gould, Dumas, McGehee, and Dermott) on the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway are developing placemaking plans related to music and culture.
There's a 3-D animated visual of the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District, so you can learn more about the project, on Explore Pine Bluff's website at: https://www.explorepinebluff.com/delta-rhythm-bayous-cultural-district.
This article is from ExplorePineBluff.com, a program of the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission. Sources: www.arkansasonline.com -- Cultural projects for Pine Bluff compete; www.arkansasonline.com -- Presentation set on project to tap into city's vibrant history, culture. Image Courtesy: www.explorepinebluff.com -- Delta Rhythm & Bayous Cultural District.
Ninfa O. Barnard wrote this article for ExplorePineBluff.com. | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/city-cultural-district-plan-underway/ | 2023-07-31T08:24:24 | 0 | https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2023/jul/31/city-cultural-district-plan-underway/ |
BEIJING, July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With the rhythmic hum of spinning blades slicing through the salty sea breeze, rows of white giants stick out of the Yellow Sea like something out of a science fiction novel. This is the world's first crop of offshore wind turbines in an intertidal zone - the Longyuan Rudong Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm - in East China's Jiangsu Province, an area characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization.
For senior engineer Ji Xiaoqiang, this crop of windmills is not only a technological marvel, but a childhood dream come true. Today, a total of 150 turbines generate 900 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power more than 223,000 households. Such results bring comfort to Ji, whose childhood memories are filled with occasional large-scale blackouts.
Each turbine is a testament to China's unwavering commitment to stably harnessing the power of nature while serving industrialization needs, and China's wise solutions to a cleaner future for many developing countries in the world.
China has accelerated its pace in implementing clean energy solutions, building the world's largest clean power generation system, exporting successful lessons, becoming an important force in promoting global clean energy development, and committing to making green, affordable electricity truly accessible to millions of households.
Huge potential to be tapped
Visiting the Longyuan Offshore Demonstration Wind Farm, Global Times reporters were impressed by the colossal turbines fitted to each windmill, as well as the size of the blades, each of which is half the size of the Eiffel Tower.
How did Chinese engineers manage to transport these giants from land to sea using domestically innovated technologies?
Ji Xiaoqiang, deputy director of the offshore engineering department at the Jiangsu Longyuan Offshore Wind Power Co, Ltd (Longyuan Power), affiliated with the China Energy Investment Corporation, explained that the turbines are partially assembled on shore, and then shipped out to sea where each blade is attached with surgical precision to the top of a turbine. Every angle must be accurate to generate maximum power.
On a narrow 90-meter-high operating platform hanging over the Yellow Sea, Ji makes his rounds at the wind farm, carefully inspecting and servicing the turbines - a job not for the faint of heart.
"Sticking chopsticks in tofu" is the most vivid metaphor for the intertidal wind power foundation construction.
China has abundant offshore wind energy storage. According to China's National Meteorological Bureau's estimates, the sea area within the 5 to 25-meter water depth line, or intertidal zone, has a potential generating capacity of about 200 million kilowatts. That means one hour of electricity generation could power at least 92 million homes for a year, according to calculation.
Take Jiangsu as an example. Its coastal area has abundant, peaceful wind resources, and strong grid structures, making it a great choice for the development of a wind power industry, Ji told the Global Times. But offshore exploration is far more difficult than onshore.
China's offshore wind power development lagged in the early stages. Ji and his fellow engineers have long been trying to figure out how to change the game.
It wasn't until 2011 that Ji and his team finally found the answer which marked the start of the era of large-scale Chinese offshore wind power generation.
A difficult conquest
Initially, Ji and his colleagues attempted to choose concrete-poured foundations as they typically would for onshore windfarms. However, experience on land is hard to transfer. Even a millimeter-level deviation in verticality could pose a risk of hundreds of tons of generator towers collapsing into the sea, Ji said.
"We learned that the mainstream foreign solution was to put a sleeve at the connection between the foundation and the tower, fill it with the grouting material, and use the sleeve to balance the inclination. This sleeve acts as a key piece of equipment, like a 'waist,' for balancing the entire body of the generator. However, high-strength grouting material for the sleeve was not available domestically at that time, and relying on imports was too expensive and not wise for commercial use," Ji explained.
Against this backdrop, Ji and his team deliberated with experts, brainstormed multiple solutions, and finally created an innovative pile driver, which is like a giant hand that can grip a single pile and keeps it vertical when it is hammered into the seabed, maintaining the verticality error rate at below 0.2 percent.
This eliminates the need for a transition sleeve and grouting material, dramatically reduces overall costs, and increases construction speed, fully meeting the needs of large-scale construction.
"It's a historic moment for our offshore wind power in China, and this innovative solution is now widely used in the domestic market. This can be learned by many countries that are eager to develop clean energy at a high speed," Ji said.
Such innovative attempts are never smooth sailing. This plan encountered failures in its first two attempts. It nearly cost the project all early investment, and Ji was also dogged by doubts expressed at home and abroad.
But it did not deter this young engineer. He quickly made adjustments to the solution, and polished the details with his team. It wasn't until days later, when cheers erupted after a successful third pile drive, that Ji set off firecrackers that he'd been saving for that very moment.
Ji looked at the wind turbines, which his team nicknamed "white dolphins," emerging from the seaside in front of him and sighed with relief that people would not experience power outages caused by unstable voltage and industrial power overloads as he did as a child.
Ji told the Global Times that the marginal cost of wind power is relatively low, and China's solution is a good reference for coastal countries.
Harmony with nature
Along the coast of Rudong, flying birds and sea windmills decorate the distant skyline. Bird watching enthusiasts from across the country gather here as the sun sets, to observe rare birds such as the spoon-billed Snipe, armed with state-of-the-art cameras, a beautiful and impressive scene.
Harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature is a basic principle in China's ecological civilization construction and a distinct feature of China's vivid and effective practice along its path to modernization.
Moreover, ecological civilization is a new requirement in the realization of harmonious development between humanity and nature. Such a principle is also upheld by China's offshore wind power development.
In 2012, Longyuan Power, for example, signed China's earliest marine ecological restoration agreement with local governments for offshore wind farms. At present, it has made an investment of about 56 million yuan in ecological conservation in Jiangsu Province, for Yellow Sea breeding and release efforts, wetland environmental improvement, bird protection facility construction, and marine environment tracking and monitoring.
Technology export
On June 28, with the completion of the final blade's mounting, the world's first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine was successfully installed in East China's Fujian Province on the offshore wind farm owned by the China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).
China's approach to offshore wind from scratch offers a solution to many countries, especially with regard to coastal regions, on how they can personalize their own energy development with innovative technologies, to achieve harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, which are part of a global community of shared future.
In 2022, China's wind power installed capacity reached 365 million kilowatts, ranking first in the world for the 13th consecutive year. The figure was about 1.4 times that of the EU at the end of 2020 and 2.6 times that of the US, according to data released by China's National Energy Administration.
China's cost-effective offshore wind power technology marks a historic leap in the country's wind power from following others to be a world leader. China has also exported some homemade wind turbines to countries including Thailand, Turkey, and Kazakhstan.
China's efforts to promote sustainable development and energy security for all nations demonstrate a commitment to global well-being.
View original content:
SOURCE Global Times | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-chinas-offshore-wind-power-facilitates-harmonious-human-nature-coexistence-contributes-wisdom-worlds-carbon-reduction-goals/ | 2023-07-31T08:24:24 | 1 | https://www.kbtx.com/prnewswire/2023/07/31/global-times-chinas-offshore-wind-power-facilitates-harmonious-human-nature-coexistence-contributes-wisdom-worlds-carbon-reduction-goals/ |