Month: November 2024

Luke Evans, recently photographed in Portland, Oregon, opens up about his journey from a devout Jehovah’s Witness upbringing to becoming a well-known Hollywood actor. At just 13 years old, Evans found himself caught in a life-altering conflict: embrace his identity as a gay man or remain loyal to his faith. Telling his Jehovah’s Witness parents would mean exposure, shunning, and a life devoid of affection from his family, while hiding his truth would lead to a life filled with lies. Ultimately, he chose to prioritize his faith.

He became the youngest boy in his South Wales congregation to be baptized, publicly committing himself to Jehovah. This choice meant that coming out as gay would result in his expulsion from the church, cutting ties with everyone he knew, including his parents.

Now, Luke Evans shines brightly in Hollywood, renowned for his roles in blockbusters like “Fast and Furious 6,” “The Hobbit” trilogy, and “Immortals.” Yet, his path has been anything but easy. It includes running away from home at 16, living under the weight of fear and deceit, and coming out publicly not once but twice—first in the UK’s musical theatre scene and later in the U.S. as he gained fame.

In his memoir, “Boy from the Valleys,” Evans recounts his astounding and often painful story. Growing up in Aberbargoed, a small Welsh town known for its massive colliery waste tip and a large congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Evans reflects on how his early life was filled with love from his parents but also marred by the stress of door-to-door evangelism. He recalls his childhood as simultaneously nurturing and terrifying, with memories of knocking on strangers’ doors to convert them to their faith—a task he deeply disliked.

As a child, Evans faced bullying not only for his religious beliefs but also for being different. At school, he was taunted with names like “Jovey” and “Bible-basher” before the insults escalated to more hurtful labels like “Bender” or “Gay boy.” The rejection from peers left deep scars, making him feel isolated and questioning his worth.

Evans knew he was gay by secondary school but felt he couldn’t confide in his parents about the bullying. He feared they would find out about his struggles, an anxiety that haunted him throughout his adolescence.

While attending Jehovah’s Kingdom Hall, he occasionally found a semblance of joy in public speaking and performing, but it never masked the internal conflict he faced regarding his identity. A pivotal moment came at 16 when he decided to leave his home and pursue a new life in Cardiff. There, he started to explore his true self, ultimately leading to a career shift and the chance encounter that would propel him into the performing arts.

Moving through life-changing moments, Evans shared that he had to be crafty about his romantic relationships, even fabricating stories about his living arrangements to protect his parents’ feelings. However, once immersed in London’s vibrant musical theatre scene, he finally started to break free from the constraints of his childhood, discovering a world filled with opportunity and celebration of self.

Though he enjoyed success in his career, Evans faced challenges when a past interview about his sexuality resurfaced, leading to a summons from the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This event prompted him to finally come out to his parents, resulting in a painful disfellowshipping that placed a strain on their relationship, yet paradoxically brought them closer.

Despite the ordeal, Evans emphasizes his parents’ unwavering support. Their steadfast love became a reprieve from the rigid expectations imposed by their faith. He describes his parents as heroes who managed to navigate their religious beliefs alongside their relationship with him.

His experience with Jehovah’s Witnesses, he remarks, shaped his resilience and his approach to life’s challenges—particularly in an industry fraught with rejection. Reflecting on his journey, Evans believes that his ability to remain grounded stems from his experiences growing up, including the hardships of door-to-door preaching.

Today, as he embraces his identity, he finds solace in love, creativity, and a supportive circle of friends. He’s content both personally and professionally, having combined his artistic talents in acting and music. He has found a partner in Spanish architect Fran Tomas and is open to the possibility of a family.

Luke Evans advocates for the importance of being true to oneself and recognizes that his journey has been one of survival and transformation. He reflects thoughtfully on how different his life would have been had he chosen to stay within the confines of his childhood faith and what that would mean for his mental health and personal happiness. His memoir captures not just the struggle but the victory of living authentically in a world that still wrestles with acceptance.

Freddie Freeman’s unforgettable walk-off grand slam in extra innings on Friday night kicked off a highly anticipated World Series that is already brimming with excitement. As the nation grapples with electoral chaos, potential civil unrest, and nuclear threats, the rekindling of America’s most storied baseball rivalry offers a much-needed diversion.

The Dodgers and Yankees, hailing from the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles, have spent over eight decades crafting an anthology of iconic moments in their World Series face-offs. The latest chapter began at Dodger Stadium on Friday, making history with Freeman’s slam that secured a 6-3 victory, marking the first time a player has ever won a World Series game with a walk-off grand slam.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his awe: “It might be the greatest baseball moment I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve witnessed some great ones.”

In terms of star power, this series is exceptional. With six former MVPs combined across the rosters, including Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the Yankees—both of whom have previously clinched AL MVP awards—the talent pool is impressive. Other baseball luminaries like Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, and Gerrit Cole add to the star-studded lineup.

However, prior to the first pitch of Game 1, the sellout crowd of 52,394 shifted its focus to a somber note. Dodger fans mourned the passing of beloved former pitcher and broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela, who succumbed to cancer at 63. Flags in the stadium flew at half-mast, and a makeshift memorial adorned with flowers and candles was created at the entrance.

A tribute video accompanied by live Mariachi music celebrated Valenzuela’s legacy, showcasing him pitching, signing autographs, and engaging with fans. Players wore black patches featuring his name and number on their uniforms, while former teammates Steve Yeager and Orel Hershiser honored him by placing a ball at the “34” on the mound before a moment of silence, which was met with fans chanting his nickname, “Toro, toro!”

True to Los Angeles form, the crowd was filled with celebrities, including Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Lawrence, John Legend, Billie Eilish, and Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Game 1 showcased the expected drama of a classic World Series, featuring tense pitching duels between the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole and the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty. Amidst this, Judge—who dominated the league in various statistical categories—struggled at the plate, striking out three times. Momentum swung back and forth throughout the game.

In a typical LA twist, the crowd exhibited its laid-back vibe when fans near the left-field foul pole tossed a beach ball around during the sixth inning after the Yankees took a 2-1 lead with Giancarlo Stanton’s two-run homer. The home team’s video hosts even urged fans to rise to the occasion, reminding them they were at the World Series.

The crowd finally ignited in the bottom of the eighth when Ohtani doubled off the right-field wall, advancing to third after a mishap by second baseman Gleyber Torres. Betts then tied the game with a sacrifice fly.

The Yankees regained the lead in the top of the 10th, but the night belonged to Freeman. With the bases loaded and two outs, he faced Nestor Cortes’s first pitch—a 92 mph fastball—and launched it into the right-field bleachers, delivering a dramatic walk-off grand slam.

As the stadium erupted, Freeman held his bat high and leisurely made his way to first base. Once the ball sailed out, he broke into a trot, sharing a moment of celebration with first-base coach Clayton McCullough and his teammates.

Freeman expressed the dreamlike nature of the moment, reflecting on how he had envisioned these scenarios since childhood. He credited his father, who has been his lifelong batting practice partner, with shaping his love for the game. “If he didn’t throw me batting practice—if he didn’t love the game of baseball—I wouldn’t be here playing this game,” Freeman stated.

Three days before his moment in the spotlight, Flaherty reminded everyone that one home run is just one piece of the puzzle in a World Series: “It’s going to be a grind. It’s going to be hard-fought, and we’re going to give everything we’ve got.”

As fans celebrated along the left-field concourse, high-fiving strangers and chanting, “Fred-dee, Fred-dee, Fred-dee!” it was clear that the collaboration of history, emotion, and thrilling competition was only just beginning in this iconic series.

On the morning of October 17, a bomb was discovered in a busy area of Nagoya, Japan, according to a report by the Asahi Shimbun. The device was identified as a 250-kilogram unexploded American incendiary bomb.

The bomb was found at a demolition site in central Nagoya, just 750 meters from the Aichi Prefectural Government office in a bustling commercial district.

A worker operating heavy machinery unearthed a rusty, cylindrical object approximately three meters underground and promptly alerted the authorities.

In response, members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Aichi Prefectural Police were dispatched to the scene, confirming that the device was an incendiary bomb manufactured in the United States, measuring 36 centimeters in diameter, 123 centimeters in length, and weighing around 250 kilograms. However, the timing of when the bomb was dropped has not yet been disclosed.

Additionally, the Self-Defense Force has begun coordinating efforts to defuse the bomb.

On October 21, a job fair specifically for the Northeast Five School Employment Cooperation System, focusing on Jilin University graduates, took place at Jilin University. Over 810 employers participated, offering nearly 50,000 job positions, attracting a large number of graduates.

The Northeast Five School Employment Cooperation System, established in 2004, comprises Northeast University, Dalian University of Technology, Jilin University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Harbin Engineering University. These institutions not only co-host job fairs but also collaborate closely in areas such as job market development and information resource sharing to improve students’ employment rates and quality.

The job fair featured a diverse range of employers, including 332 private companies, 227 state-owned enterprises and central government enterprises, 46 governmental and public institutions, 36 higher education institutions, and 34 healthcare organizations.

In terms of geographic distribution, there were 336 employers from Northeast China, 175 from the Yangtze River Delta, 92 from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and 32 from the Pearl River Delta. Compared to last year’s job fair for the 2024 graduates, the proportion of Northeast employers increased by 10%, while the proportions from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and Pearl River Delta regions decreased.

Manufacturing firms made up the largest segment of participating employers, with substantial job offerings in scientific research and technical services, as well as information transmission and software services. The demand for positions predominantly favored graduates from information technology and engineering disciplines, while areas such as humanities, social sciences, geology, agriculture, and medicine saw relatively lower demand.

Zuo Fangyi, a recruitment manager from China First Automobile Group Corporation, noted that as the company pivots towards renewable energy, their hiring needs have evolved. They are now focusing more on candidates with expertise in renewable energy and smart connectivity rather than solely on those from vehicle and mechanical engineering backgrounds, aiming to recruit more versatile talent.

When asked for advice regarding employment for university students, Zuo emphasized the importance of seeking practical opportunities during their studies to understand employer needs better, suggesting that students adjust their academic and career plans accordingly.

Gan Jiaxin, a master’s student in accounting at the School of Business and Management at Jilin University, shared her success in securing a position with a state-owned enterprise. She highlighted that her university provided ample resources and platforms that boosted her confidence in finding a suitable job, urging her peers to pay close attention to job postings from their universities, as they can be highly beneficial.

In the afternoon, Jilin University hosted a “Supply-Demand Matching Employment Discussion Forum” inviting recruitment representatives from various companies. This initiative aimed to enhance communication and collaboration between the university and key employers, exploring effective pathways for high-quality graduate employment and fostering comprehensive engagement in high-level employment education.

Sun Zhuo, head of the Employment and Entrepreneurship Guidance Service Center at Jilin University, mentioned that in recent years, the university has encouraged students to prioritize career planning and stay informed about industry trends to identify suitable positions for themselves.

On October 27, the 11th China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum concluded with a signing ceremony held in Yinchuan. This year’s forum resulted in 35 collaborative projects totaling 11.2 billion RMB, spanning various sectors including trade, agriculture, and technology.

During the ceremony, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China signed agreements to establish friendly regional relations with Samarkand and Khorezm regions of Uzbekistan. Additionally, Shizuishan City in Ningxia formalized a friendly city relationship with Nurobod District in Samarkand.

In her speech, Cui Li, Vice Chairwoman of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Neighborly Friendship and Cooperation Committee, emphasized that this forum is dedicated to expanding green development in the digital economy, promoting smart agriculture, enhancing cultural exchanges, and bolstering think tank collaborations, thereby broadening the scope of interactions between China and Central Asian countries.

The China-Central Asia Cooperation Forum serves as a national-level cooperative platform for structured exchanges between China and Central Asian nations. Since its inception in 2012, it has created channels for cooperation in various areas, including connectivity, poverty alleviation, ecological protection, digital economy, health, and technological innovation, receiving widespread support and response.

On October 23, in an interview, He Jun, the Deputy General Manager of the Shanghai Futures Exchange, highlighted the impressive trading volume and activity of the shipping index at the exchange, which greatly surpasses other markets. He noted that from January to September of this year, the trading volume reached 6.3 times that of over 200 contracts from four other overseas futures exchanges.

The occasion was the 2024 North Bund International Shipping Forum and Financial and Insurance Forum held in Shanghai. During the conference, He emphasized the achievements of China’s first shipping futures product, the Euroline Container Index futures, which has yielded significant results in its first year of trading.

China, being a major shipping nation, completes over 90% of its import and export trade by sea. Since 2002, China’s port container throughput has remained the highest in the world for over two decades. However, He pointed out that there is considerable room for improvement in China’s shipping services, particularly in shipping finance. On August 18, 2023, the Shanghai Futures Exchange collaborated with the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to launch the Euroline Container Index futures, based on the shipping rate index published by the latter, filling a significant gap in China’s shipping derivatives market.

Since its introduction, the shipping index futures market has seen robust trading activity. As of October 22 this year, the cumulative trading volume reached 42.44 million contracts, with a total trading value of 3.48 trillion yuan (approximately $482 billion), and an average daily trading value of 12.3 billion yuan. The end-of-period open interest stood at 70,000 contracts, with an average daily open interest of 80,000 contracts.

Furthermore, the shipping index futures have been tested with significant market events, including the unforeseen incident in the Red Sea at the end of 2023 and the continuous price increases in the spot market from March to June 2024. Despite spot and futures prices soaring fivefold within a year and exhibiting three times the volatility of typical commodities, the index has effectively mitigated extreme market risks.

Looking ahead, He Jun affirmed that the Shanghai Futures Exchange will prioritize risk prevention, diligently fulfill its market oversight and risk management responsibilities, and work to maintain the stable operation of the shipping index futures market. The exchange also aims to establish several financial service hubs covering national container shipping industry clusters, innovate a range of price risk management products, and attract new shipping industry clients to participate in trading.

On October 24th, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) of the Philippines reported that Typhoon “Tammy” has affected over 2.36 million people across the country, with more than 250,000 individuals forced to evacuate their homes.

As of 8 PM on October 24th, NDRRMC data indicated that the typhoon has led to 12 confirmed deaths and 4 injuries, with 7 individuals reported missing. However, local police from the Bicol region noted earlier that the number of fatalities there alone has reached 20. Reuters cited Philippine officials stating that the storm has caused at least 26 deaths nationwide.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Tammy” made landfall in the municipality of Diffun, Isabela province, in the early hours of October 24th. The typhoon has resulted in heavy rainfall across multiple areas, leading to flooding and landslides, which have caused both casualties and significant property damage. The Bicol region has been hit the hardest, with the number of affected individuals reaching approximately 1.86 million.

The report further revealed that the typhoon has damaged 1,323 houses and 9 infrastructure sites nationwide to varying degrees. At least 252 roads and 40 bridges remain impassable. In addition, 90 sea ports across the country are experiencing operational disruptions, leaving 7,516 passengers and 1,901 vessels stranded.

As a response to the impact of the typhoon, the Presidential Office announced on the evening of October 23rd that all government offices and schools on Luzon Island would suspend operations on October 24th, marking the second consecutive day of such measures. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine Central Bank) also announced the suspension of foreign exchange trading for the day.

PAGASA anticipates that “Tammy” will leave the Philippine area of responsibility on October 25th.

According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), a staggering 1,344 birds of prey, including majestic golden eagles, have been illegally killed in the UK from 2009 to 2023. The RSPB describes this ongoing tragedy as a “national disgrace,” attributing the majority of these incidents to rogue gamekeepers intent on protecting game stocks like pheasant, partridge, and grouse on shooting estates.

While discussing this issue, a rare witness to an illegal shooting in the Peak District expressed his deep disgust, stating that the killings were “wrong on every level.” This sentiment echoes the growing concern among conservationists.

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) maintains that its members have “absolutely zero tolerance” for the illegal shooting of birds of prey. However, the RSPB emphasizes that the reported 1,344 killings likely represent just a fraction of the actual number, as many incidents occur in remote areas where detection is challenging.

One birdwatcher, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, recounted a particularly disturbing experience. He described witnessing a short-eared owl being shot while he was observing it in the Peak District. His shock turned to horror as he shared, “I instantly knew what had happened. At that point, I was in utter… disgusted by what I had seen.”

Despite reporting the incident to the police and assisting in locating the owl’s body, he was dismayed to find that no prosecution followed the shooting, which occurred two years ago. This reflects a broader concern about accountability, as the RSPB notes that three-quarters of individuals prosecuted for killing birds of prey over the past 15 years had connections to shooting estates or were gamekeepers.

The shooting industry argues that it significantly contributes to the UK economy, valued at approximately £3.3 billion annually. Supporters claim that estate owners and land managers play a vital role in conserving wildlife and protecting the countryside. Gareth Dockerty from BASC asserted, “We can provide valuable habitats for a multitude of species, including birds of prey,” emphasizing the conservation efforts made by the shooting sector.

However, the responses from various organizations highlight a divide. A representative from the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation stated that birds of prey are thriving on lands managed for shooting and expressed disappointment at the RSPB’s refusal to collaborate with them for the greater good of all bird species. The Moorland Association, which represents grouse moor estate owners, dismissed the RSPB’s report as “completely disingenuous,” suggesting that the number of birds killed is negligible compared to the overall population.

Despite the legal protections in place for birds of prey, the RSPB pointed out that, out of 62 prosecutions in the last 15 years, only one person has faced jail time. The organization is advocating for the implementation of a licensing system for grouse moor estates, similar to what exists in Scotland. Mark Thomas, head of investigations at the RSPB, explained that such licensing would allow for the revocation of shooting rights on estates where offenses occur.

While the administrations in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland assert that strong penalties exist for crimes against birds of prey, they have no immediate plans for new licensing regulations. In the meantime, Thomas urges birdwatchers and countryside enthusiasts to report any illegal activities they witness, stating, “This has to stop. The killing has to stop.”

On October 25, the “Dear You, Hello – Exhibition of Traditional Chinese Family Letters” opened in Leipzig, hosted by the Renmin University of China Museum and the Confucius Institute in Leipzig. This marks the first time Chinese family letters have been displayed abroad. The exhibition features 36 letters from 15 sets dating back to the late Qing Dynasty, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese family letter culture to the German audience.

One poignant letter from a father in Shanxi, written during the late Qing period, includes advice to his son who was away on business: “Be cautious in your dealings, be harmonious with others, observe the actions of those with ambition, and do not imitate those lacking perseverance. Enduring hardship today will surely lead to enjoying sweetness tomorrow. In interactions with others, be forgiving, and approach tasks with kindness, even when they do not proceed as you wish.”

Among the significant pieces on display are letters from prominent figures like Chen Duxiu and Liang Qichao to Hu Shi from the 1920s. The exhibition also features eight letters exchanged between the celebrated writer and translator Zhao Ruihong and his younger daughter Zhao Heng, dating from 1953 to 1956 when Zhao was teaching in Leipzig. Zhao Heng shared the story behind these letters with visitors, explaining how her father, a professor at Nanjing University, was invited to serve as a guest professor in the East Asian Languages Department at the university in Leipzig, formerly known as Karl Marx University of Leipzig. The correspondence reflects the connections between families during that era, offering insights into the social conditions in China and East Germany, as well as the friendship between their peoples. In 1956, Zhao Heng and her brother joined their mother to reunite with their father in Leipzig, where they lived together for a year.

The exhibition is complemented by a collection of old photographs featuring young Zhao Heng with her parents and brother in Leipzig, sparking great interest among local visitors.

Family letters are an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage and serve as a lively medium for cultural exchange between China and the world. According to Li Zhenshi, the director of the Renmin University Museum, the institution houses China’s first family letter museum, boasting a collection of over 80,000 letters from both famous individuals and ordinary families. This exhibition represents a significant milestone, not just in showcasing the emotional depth and historical context of family letters, but also in highlighting the genuine connections and profound friendship shared between the Chinese and German peoples.

In a recent interview, Louis Partridge and Leila George, stars of the thrilling new series “Disclaimer,” shared their experiences working alongside the acclaimed Cate Blanchett. Leila, who portrays Cate’s younger self, had high praise for the actress, describing her as incredibly warm and down-to-earth. “She made it clear that I could ask her anything about my role, and I knew she would respond thoughtfully,” Leila said.

Despite working in different timelines, Leila and Louis didn’t get the chance to share the screen with Cate; however, they noted that Cate was always attentive to their needs during script readings and promotions. “Cate is so graceful and kind; she truly sets an example for fellow actors,” Louis admired.

Louis, who has risen to fame for his role in the “Enola Holmes” series, recalled the opening scene of “Disclaimer,” which features a bold intimate moment. He laughed while discussing it, saying, “We premiered the series at the Venice Film Festival, and I thought I was used to seeing myself nude. But watching with a crowd on a big screen was quite shocking, although a bit exciting as well!”

In his role as a backpacker in the series, Louis revealed his genuine love for solo travel. “After filming wrapped, I literally threw a bag on my back and traveled to Thailand without any plans. I met amazing people and saw beautiful places; it was an incredible experience.”

When discussing their time filming in Italy, both Louis and Leila couldn’t contain their excitement. “It felt like a vacation!” they exclaimed. “After work, the entire crew would hit the beach and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine. Just the thought of finishing work and immediately diving into pizza and pasta brought us such happiness—it’s a job like no other.”