Month: November 2024

On October 22, President Xi Jinping arrived in Kazan on a special flight, responding to an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

As the plane touched down at Kazan International Airport, Xi was warmly welcomed by several high-ranking officials, including Rustam Minnikhanov, the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan; Prime Minister Alexey Pesoshin; Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin; and senior officials from the Russian Foreign Ministry. A military honor guard stood at attention on either side of the red carpet, while young women dressed in traditional Russian attire extended their greetings to the Chinese leader.

Accompanying Xi on the flight were senior officials such as Cai Qi and Wang Yi, along with Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese Ambassador to Russia, who was also present to greet the President upon his arrival.

This visit marks a significant moment in diplomatic relations, highlighting the importance of international cooperation among BRICS nations.

On October 12, the Annual Pink Patch Project Car Show, organized by the Monterey Park Police Department, took place at Barnes Park. The event showcased a stunning collection of antique cars and motorcycles, ranging from the 1920s to the early 2000s, all gleaming under the sun. Many car enthusiasts displayed their cherished and customized vehicles, sharing their passion while raising funds for breast cancer research and treatment through the City of Hope.

The atmosphere was festive, with some owners creatively decorating their cars with skeletons and Halloween dolls to celebrate the holiday. Others showcased their individual styles with unique themes, including a luxurious rose-themed motorcycle and even a car transformed to resemble a shar-pei dog. In addition to the police department, the Alhambra Police Department and various local businesses joined in the celebrations. Starbucks contributed by providing 600 complimentary drinks to attendees and organized a raffle to help raise funds for the event. A dessert vendor traveled from San Bernardino County specifically to sell cookies shaped like pink ribbons, expressing their support for breast cancer awareness and research.

Monterey Park’s Vice Mayor, Vinh T. Ngo, emphasized the event’s significance, noting that the police department’s Pink Patch Project aims to raise public awareness about breast cancer and support research efforts against this devastating disease. As part of the initiative, the police department sold challenge coins, pink patches, and T-shirts, with all proceeds benefiting cancer research and treatment at the City of Hope.

The event also featured fundraising efforts for children with autism. Officer Corona mentioned that the Monterey Park Police Department works alongside the MERCI Autism Assistance Organization, which has been supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since its establishment in 1955.

One attendee, Ms. Li, expressed her excitement while photographing the antique cars with her child. She shared her understanding of the importance of breast cancer prevention, purchasing a pink patch in her child’s name to support the charitable cause.

Community members interested in supporting the Pink Patch Project are encouraged to visit the city hall to purchase merchandise, which ranges in price from $10 to $25. The city hall is located at 320 W. Newmark Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754.

On October 15th, during a press briefing, Major General Wu Qian, Director of the Ministry of National Defense News and Spokesperson for the Ministry, addressed several recent military-related issues.

A reporter raised a question regarding a recent allegation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which accused Raytheon of fraud in relation to the Taiwan arms deals for the “Patriot” missile system in 2013 and radar systems in 2017. The accusation suggests that Raytheon sold overpriced missiles and radar equipment to Taiwan, prompting criticism from Taiwanese Nationalist Party representatives, who likened the actions of U.S. arms dealers to a scam operation. The reporter asked for Wu’s comments on the matter.

Wu firmly stated that China strongly opposes U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. He emphasized that the reports merely scratch the surface of a much larger issue. In recent years, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has gone to great lengths to curry favor with the United States, exhausting vast amounts of taxpayer money in an attempt to procure weapons, only to receive outdated and inferior equipment in return. Meanwhile, corrupt officials and arms dealers are the ones profiting from this situation, leading to growing dissent and dissatisfaction among the people of Taiwan.

Wu remarked that “exorbitant prices” and “obsolete equipment” are two well-known characteristics of U.S. military sales to Taiwan. From moldy bulletproof vests to expired ammunition and grossly overpriced missiles and radars, it’s clear that the U.S. is primarily focused on its own interests. He warned that pursuing “Taiwan independence” is a dead end, cautioning that reliance on external forces is futile. Those who attempt to “lean on the U.S. for independence” will ultimately lead themselves to ruin.

In a recent statement, the Israeli military announced the elimination of a newly appointed commander responsible for financial operations within Hezbollah while he was in Syria.

Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated that the unnamed commander was in charge of Hezbollah’s Unit 4400, which is reportedly backed by Iran. This unit plays a crucial role in transferring funds from the oil sales of Tehran to Hezbollah.

Unit 4400 is tasked with transporting Iranian oil to Syria for subsequent sale in Lebanon, with operations valued at “tens of millions of dollars,” according to Hagari.

He also mentioned that the commander was “eliminated just hours ago” in Syria.

Hagari further elaborated that the leadership of Unit 4400 was previously held by Mohammed Jafar Ksir, also known as Sheikh Salah. “Ksir managed the main revenue stream for this terrorist organization for years, until we targeted and eliminated him in an attack earlier this month in Beirut,” he said.

Earlier today, the Syrian Ministry of Defense reported that an Israeli airstrike in Damascus targeted a vehicle, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that the airstrike’s target was a non-Syrian man, who was driving near a venue commemorating Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas, who was killed by Israel last week in the Gaza Strip.

Since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, the group’s ally Hezbollah has been firing rockets into northern Israel nearly every day to show support for Hamas.

Over the past month, Israel has intensified its ground operations, aiming to drive Hezbollah away from its northern borders, with a recent focus on undermining the group’s financial capabilities.

On October 25, the Chongqing Public Security Bureau held a large-scale event to destroy illegal firearms and explosives. Simultaneously, four destruction sites were set up in the districts of Jiangjin, Wanzhou, Changshou, and Xiushan. In total, 840 illegal guns, 1,913 imitation guns, 702 firearm components, and 4,397 restricted knives confiscated in recent years were destroyed.

According to officials, this initiative is part of an ongoing effort to eliminate threats posed by illegal weapons and to combat various crimes related to guns and explosives. The Chongqing police have maintained a high-pressure stance against gun-related offenses, consistently pursuing leads and investigating cases rigorously. Since the beginning of this year, law enforcement has filed 126 criminal cases and handled 924 administrative cases involving firearms and explosives, resulting in 148 individuals being subjected to criminal penalties and 817 facing administrative sanctions. Furthermore, police have conducted safety inspections of institutions related to firearms and explosives 6,009 times and have rectified 91 safety issues, effectively mitigating various risks associated with these dangerous items.

The Chongqing police reaffirmed their commitment to strict management and control over firearms and explosives while consistently cracking down on related crimes. Authorities encourage residents to voluntarily surrender any illegal firearms, ammunition, explosives, and control items. Those who do so may be eligible for leniency or reduced penalties under the law.

A few weeks ago, police in India uncovered a scam operation in which fraudsters had established a fake bank branch in a village in Chhattisgarh state. The branch included everything from a logo to office furniture and even employed individuals like Jyoti Yadav, who believed she had landed a legitimate job.

Can you tell us about your experience of getting hired at this branch?

“I was thrilled when I got the offer to work as an office assistant at the new bank,” Jyoti Yadav shared. “After four years of job-hunting and dealing with mounting financial pressures, it felt like a dream come true. They told me it was the State Bank of India (SBI)—one of the country’s most reputable banks—so I jumped at the opportunity. They urged me to start immediately, and I did.”

What happened shortly after you started your job?

“Just a week into my new role, everything changed. Police officers and staff from a legitimate SBI branch arrived at the bank, informing us that it was a fake establishment. I was in disbelief. The interview process felt real; they had provided me with an appointment letter and even an identity card, promising a salary of 30,000 rupees (about $357). Along with five others, I thought I had finally found my footing in the workforce.”

How did the authorities respond to this situation?

“One person has been arrested so far, and authorities are on the lookout for at least eight more individuals implicated in this operation. Employment scams are distressingly common in India, especially with so many young people desperate for stable jobs. Just last year, individuals seeking roles with Indian Railways were misled into counting trains for days instead.”

What about the other employees at the fake bank?

“The six employees at the fake bank were from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Some even resorted to illegal bribes to secure their positions,” Jyoti explained.

What was the investigation able to uncover about the motives of the scammers?

“According to a police officer involved in the investigation, the main motive for these fraudsters appeared to be swindling job-seekers out of their money. Many were lured with promises of employment and sent to the fake branch for ‘training.’ After several weeks, they were told they would be appointed to a legitimate SBI branch.”

How did you feel when you realized you had been duped?

“I never imagined that I was falling victim to a scam. I filled out an online application, uploaded my educational certificates, and submitted biometric information—common requirements for many jobs in India. Now, everything feels shattered. I had to scrape together 250,000 rupees as a bribe, a sum that put me under immense strain.”

Another victim, Rohini Sahu, who was also scammed, recounted her experience: “I received an offer as a marketing officer, with an appointment letter stating that I would work at the Raipur SBI branch but had to undergo training there. The whole atmosphere—the letter, the signage, the infrastructure—convinced me it was a legitimate operation. No one could have imagined it wasn’t a genuine bank.”

How did the local villagers react to the establishment of the fake bank?

“Villagers were initially excited about the new bank branch, thinking it would make banking services more accessible. However, when some tried to open accounts, they were told the bank was still setting up servers and that they should return later. For others like Ajay Agarwal, there were hopes of business opportunities through kiosks, under a legitimate SBI scheme.”

What ultimately led to the bank’s downfall?

“Ajay became suspicious when his kiosk application wasn’t approved and decided to ask a nearby SBI branch about the legitimacy of the operation. Soon after, the local police raided the bank, but by then, the alleged ‘manager’ had already fled. The man in custody is reportedly linked to another job scam in the state, but he has not yet made a statement.”

This troubling case highlights the desperation among job seekers in India and the lengths to which some will go to find employment.

“Can you help protect this little hedgehog?” With a knee on the ground, Hsiao Chao-Hung kneels in front of a shy elementary school student, holding a cardboard prop he made for the lesson. As the child remains still, Hsiao gently guides and encourages interaction, often finishing classes with his shirt soaked in sweat.

Hsiao, originally from Taichung, began his education in linguistics and worked as a part-time actor in a theater group during his spare time. At just over 20, he was on a path to a performance career until a transformative experience teaching a drama class at a rural kindergarten in Taiwan changed everything. He recalls a boy grieving the loss of a parent who found solace in their drama session. “He said, ‘Teacher Hsiao, like in our play, my dad has become a star in the sky. When I look up and talk to him, he can hear me.'”

This profound moment made Hsiao understand the significance of drama in life. It compelled him to transition from the stage to the classroom and become a children’s drama educator. “Drama mirrors life. By experiencing the joys and sorrows of different characters, it encourages people to do more joyful things and fewer regrettable ones.”

In the early 2000s, Taiwan’s children’s education sector was booming, but the looming issue of declining birth rates left Hsiao feeling uncertain as he entered the field. He authored books, held workshops, and taught, despite friends questioning why he would invest in what seemed to be a fading industry. His simple response? Working with children and leveraging his skills brought him immense joy.

In 2007, Hsiao moved from Taiwan to mainland China, continuing his role as a children’s drama teacher. “Taiwan’s training industry matured earlier, so parents in both regions share similar anxieties and pressures,” he observed. Upon arriving in mainland China, he noticed that parents were initially hesitant about drama education. To bridge this gap, he introduced children’s English drama classes, which attracted parents seeking English learning. Many of them were surprised by the positive changes drama brought to their children, far beyond just language skills.

When asked which child has left the most lasting impression on him, Hsiao pauses thoughtfully. After over a decade of teaching, choosing one student is a challenge. He reflects on his first collaboration with a kindergarten in mainland China fourteen years ago; those children are now in college, and their connection remains strong. On birthdays, he often receives well-wishes from far and wide, reinforcing his belief that “educators’ fulfillment often comes from the smallest things.”

Currently, Hsiao promotes drama education through partnerships with local schools and educational institutions, frequently traveling to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Rizhao, and Lianyungang. “There’s tremendous potential for growth in the education sector on the mainland,” he notes. With the implementation of policies aimed at reducing pressure on students, more parents are embracing high-quality companionship and scientific parenting concepts, which opens up promising opportunities for fields like drama and aesthetic education.

Looking ahead, Hsiao doesn’t envision a large commercial empire. “Education isn’t measured by scale; stability is the fastest path to growth. I just want to focus on being a good teacher and treating every student and parent who believes in me with care.”

“Perhaps a public class might reach 50 parents and children, with 5 wanting to give it a shot. Then we’ll dedicate ourselves to teaching those 5 children well. For the remaining 45, at least we’ve planted a seed of drama education,” he concludes, rising to greet parents waiting at the door, ready to discuss enrollment with new families.

Argentina’s president Javier Milei has become the latest dignitary to be rumbled borrowing from a Jed Bartlet speech. It wouldn’t happen here though … would it?
Stuart HeritageTue 8 Oct 2024 02.00 EDTLast modified on Tue 8 Oct 2024 12.49 EDTShareLast week, Argentina’s president Javier Milei gave an address to a group of world leaders. His speech was stirring, inspirational and soaringly eloquent. “We believe all people should live free from tyranny and oppression, whether in the form of political oppression, economic slavery or religious fanaticism,” he said. “This fundamental idea must not be mere words – it has to be supported by deeds: diplomatically, economically and materially.”
The speech was well received by all. That is, except for those who had watched The West Wing, because they might have remembered an episode in the fourth season where President Bartlet said the following: “We are for freedom from tyranny, everywhere, whether in the guise of political oppression … or economic slavery … or religious fanaticism … That most fundamental idea cannot be met with merely our support. It has to be met with our strength: diplomatically, economically, materially.”
The near word-for-word similarities were easy to spot. After all, those who follow politics for a living are much more likely to have obsessed over Aaron Sorkin’s political drama than the average viewer. And even the average viewer probably had a good idea that it was ripped off, given that The West Wing is generally regarded as one of the most influential – and popular – shows of its time.
The gaffe has left egg on Milei’s face, and now nobody can take Argentina seriously as a country. Or at least that would be the case if this was an isolated incident. But it isn’t. Far from it. Because when it comes to public speaking, it’s hard for any politician from any country to resist a little of the Sorkin sparkle.
View image in fullscreenEasy to spot … Argentina’s president Javier Milei and vice-president Victoria Villarruel arrive at the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, May 2024. Photograph: Luis Robayo/AFP/Getty ImagesIn 2020, as the threat of Covid meant that our leaders had to raise their levels of oration, Australian Labor party member Will Fowles addressed parliament to praise healthcare workers. “We did not expect, nor did we invite, this confrontation with a ferocious and feckless enemy,” he said of the disease, adding that: “If we think we have reached the limit of our resolve, we need only to look to these heroes and decide that our resolve may well be limitless.”
Stirring stuff, not least because President Bartlet said extremely similar things during the season four episode 20 Hours in America: Part II. Bartlet’s words were: “We did not expect nor did we invite a confrontation with evil … But every time we think we have measured our capacity to meet a challenge, we look and we are reminded that that capacity may well be limitless.”
In Fowles’s favour, he had the decency to leave out the part of the speech where Bartlet said: “The streets of heaven are too crowded with angels,” because even Sorkin would have to agree that would probably qualify as overkill. However, again, it looks extremely sloppy. Thank goodness we don’t do that here.
Except in 2018, the then NUS president Shakira Martin used a conference speech to say things like: “There is evil in the world, there always has been, and we can’t do nothing about that. But there’s violence in our colleges, racism in our universities, there’s bullying in our workplaces, and we can do something about that … we can do better, we must do better, and we will do better.”
This, of course, has eerie parallels with: “There’s evil in the world, there’ll always be, and we can’t do anything about that. But there’s violence in our schools, too much mayhem in our culture, and we can do something about that … we can do better, and we must do better, and we will do better,” as spoken by Bartlet in the aptly titled West Wing episode College Kids.
However, when the similarities were pointed out, Martin tweeted: “I have never watched The West Wing … I am me and there is only 1 Shakira and I can’t be compared to anyone but myself. Bloop!!” This, at least, appears to be original, since no transcripts appear to show President Bartlet using the word “bloop” with two exclamation marks.
View image in fullscreenRip off … Theresa May at the Conservative Party conference in 2017. Photograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPABut this is fine. An NUS president is a work in progress, and nobody can expect them to get everything right all the time. Certainly nobody who actually held high office in this country would be naive enough to think they could rip off something as culturally significant as The West Wing. That is, unless you count the time Theresa May did.
In her 2017 Conservative party conference speech, May said: “It is when tested the most that we reach deep within ourselves and find that our capacity to rise to the challenge before us may well be limitless.” Which is the exact quote from the exact speech from 20 Hours in America: Part II that Fowles ripped off. Again, at the time few people noticed the similarities, because this was the speech where May also lost her voice, was interrupted by a prankster holding her P45 and watched in dismay as the letters of her backdrop slogan “Building a country that works for everyone” slowly dropped off until it ended up reading “Building a country that works or everyon”.
Obviously it makes sense that politicians will crib from The West Wing from time to time – it remains one of the most spectacularly written television shows of all time, thanks to Sorkin’s ability to elevate the workaday administrative role of politics to a level of high art – but this is getting silly now. Perhaps it’s time to move on to Sorkin material that isn’t so well worn. After all, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is sitting right there.

Exiting the Tianlong Road station on Shanghai’s Metro Line 12, you can’t miss the bustling shops of the Qipu Road Wholesale Market. In a compact area of just 0.5 square kilometers, there are 10 large shopping malls, over 3,000 clothing retail shops, and around 4,000 employed individuals—numbers that don’t even account for the street vendors.

This location is often referred to as the “golden area” of Shanghai. A short 500-meter walk along the Suzhou River takes you to the iconic Waibaidu Bridge, which offers a perfect view of the three skyscrapers of Pudong. If you continue another 800 meters, you’ll reach the Bund, and after yet another 500 meters, you arrive at Nanjing East Road pedestrian street.

Recently, a video surfaced on social media featuring the caption “Qipu Road in Shanghai is failing,” showcasing numerous shuttered storefronts and an overall sense of desolation. A reporter from China Youth Daily visited this largest clothing distribution center in East China to provide an updated firsthand account. Is the Qipu Road market, a traditional wholesale hub, genuinely struggling in the age of online shopping?

“Over 80% of the workforce here is under the age of 35,” revealed Wang Yu, a staff member at the Qipu Road commercial office. “The video shared by netizens is indeed accurate; our market sees a dip in foot traffic every June, July, and August. Additionally, January and February lack visitors as well, leading many shops to close temporarily. However, they are not shutting down for good.” Wang noted that while the traditional wholesale market has faced challenges from online shopping, local retailers are actively seeking new strategies to adapt their businesses.

Historically, Qipu Road has been synonymous with “cheap deals,” with stalls offering three items for just 100 yuan. Nowadays, retailers are diversifying into independent design and brand management. The summer months become critical for them to explore designs, develop products, and prepare for the peak sales season that arrives in September, October, and November—often considered the slow sales months due to the heat.

Wang further explained that January and February may seem quiet, particularly after the frenetic December sales, as many vendors take time off to return home for the New Year.

During our visit on September 28, the Qipu Road market was bustling with activity. The overpass, streets, and shops were alive with shoppers. Around 1 PM, many merchants were enjoying a late lunch while packaging various clothing items. Bags filled with products ready for shipping were neatly labeled.

Inside some stores, the lights shone brightly as two livestream hosts enthusiastically promoted the latest autumn collections. With outside temperatures hovering around 34°C, Qipu Road was already showcasing fall apparel. Wu Xueqiang, the owner of the MyShow shop, shared that the two livestream hosts, both staff members, gradually transitioned their roles since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

“This is what peak season looks like at Qipu Road,” he noted.

“This is a classic ‘three highs’ market,” said Lu Di, the Secretary of the Jing’an District Committee of the Communist Youth League in Shanghai. After conducting research on the Qipu Road market, her team identified its features: a high youth demographic, high fluidity, and high external engagement. “Many believe the wholesale clothing market is struggling because of online shopping, but over 80% of the workforce here consists of young individuals below the age of 35.”

The Jing’an District Youth League is currently conducting extensive research on the Qipu Road clothing market, aiming to find new development pathways for its youthful workforce.

Can fashion influencers truly take business away from Qipu Road?

“1, 2, 3, link it up!” This phrase is a familiar chant he heard frequently at the Qipu Road market today, working wonders for boosting sales. Clothing salespeople have transformed into livestream hosts, showcasing their outfits and embodying a “style expert” in various livestreams.

Since its inception in the 1980s, the Qipu Road market has evolved and continues to engage with today’s youth in new ways. Emily Hendricks, in her book “The Influencer Industry: The Quest For Authenticity On Social Media,” notes that one in four Gen Z individuals plans to become a social media influencer, striving to build followers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to turn content into a full-time income.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, online retail sales in 2023 reached 14 trillion yuan in the first 11 months, showing an 11% increase from the previous year. E-commerce accounted for a 31.4% contribution to retail growth, a record high.

A recent report from a domestic social platform highlighted the top 100 influencers, most focusing on content related to beauty, fashion, and fitness. But can these influencers truly steal the spotlight from Qipu Road?

“Our customers mainly consist of fashion influencers and small shop owners, but I don’t personally do livestream sales,” said Huang Xiaohua, a store owner at Qipu Road who has been in the industry for nearly 20 years. She has built a community where only those spending over 5,000 yuan a month can join. “I manage my social media presence daily—whether it’s about being busy, new arrivals, or exclusive designs—all done with a stylish photo and product close-ups.”

Huang explained that during peak season, her store can generate sales of up to 4 million yuan, while seasonal fluctuations mean the second half of the year can be unpredictable. “For us, the physical store is crucial; customers want to see the goods in person before purchasing.”

Though Huang is savvy with her online strategy, she refrains from selling directly on the internet. “I have many exclusive items at competitive prices, and if I sell them online, it would disrupt the market and undercut my clients,” she commented.

Being digitally savvy doesn’t equate to compromising retail integrity. Huang invests 6,000 yuan monthly for professional photography and modeling sessions, ensuring her products are showcased attractively to her community. “These days, customers want both a physical presence and high-quality visuals and videos. My clientele also requires these for their sales efforts,” she explained.

Young people entering the fashion industry shouldn’t feel ashamed.

While some might view joining the sales side of the fashion industry after college as a setback, the reality is starkly different. Even at a traditional wholesale market like Qipu Road, numerous university students can be spotted, leveraging modern techniques and fresh ideas.

Some shops hire students as designers, while others are operated by entrepreneurial graduates. Staff often include university students adept at photography, styling, video editing, and utilizing contemporary marketing language—skills that are in high demand among store owners willing to pay for them.

Recently, the Shanghai government unveiled a “Three-Year Action Plan for Promoting High-quality Development of Livestreaming Economy (2024-2026),” aiming for a livestreaming retail sales target of 600 billion yuan by 2026. The plan seeks to nurture 10 leading livestream platforms with international competitiveness and establish 100 distinctive livestream scenarios, striving to create a globally influential livestream economy.

In this transformation, the youth of Qipu Road are stepping into the limelight.

“I won’t sell cheap goods! I want to build my brand into a century-old legacy!” declared Liu Xiao Jin, owner of the Haripol men’s clothing store. Formerly a chef, Liu now runs a brand-focused store with a graduate from Tongji University. His shop features brands, designs, logos, and price tags—every article of clothing comes with detailed fabric specifications, and he can elaborate on the design intricacies of zippers and plackets. Even the ringtone on his phone is the Haripol customer service notification.

Liu shared he has over 100,000 followers on Douyin. When he noticed a reporter preparing for a video shoot, he reminded them to be cautious, mentioning that many designs are copyright-protected. When the camera was on him, he quickly switched to his “business persona,” standing tall, presenting his best side to the lens. “This is vital for our livestreaming; we have to maintain a steady appearance, looking good on-screen while being interviewed.”

The “basics of livestreaming,” a course offered during the market’s off-peak season, is supported by the Communist Youth League’s local branch in the Qipu Road market. This team is engaged in outreach and support for young individuals and also offers courses on protecting minors and after-school programs.

Recently, to highlight the importance of a “career development community,” the Youth League partnered with the district’s cybersecurity office, media centers, and MCN companies to conduct training on livestreaming skills, sales techniques, and platform visits, assisting young people in uncovering new opportunities. A youth community called the Qipu Road Youth Livestream Alliance has also been established.

— Wang Ye Jie, China Youth Daily

In Game 2 of the World Series, held by Major League Baseball (MLB), Japanese star Shohei Ohtani was notably injured while attempting to steal second base in the seventh inning. After being tagged out, he didn’t immediately get up; instead, he lay on the ground in apparent pain and called for the trainer. Eventually, he stood up, visibly favoring his left arm, and slowly made his way off the field. Post-game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that the team doctor’s initial assessment suggested a dislocated shoulder, but more detailed examinations will follow.

Dr. Chen Wen-hsiao, the chief orthopedic surgeon at New Taipei City Tucheng Hospital, emphasized the crucial role shoulders play for baseball players in hitting and throwing, stating, “The shoulder is a player’s lifeline.” He added that any injury could significantly impact a player’s professional career, making it a major concern for both the athlete and the organization.

After reviewing footage of the incident, Dr. Chen speculated that when Ohtani slid towards second base, his left shoulder appeared to be in a vulnerable position. However, he believed that such a maneuver should not typically result in a dislocation. Instead, a shoulder strain seems to be more likely. He acknowledged that there’s still a lack of concrete information regarding Ohtani’s condition, indicating that continuous observation and assessment of potential ligament injuries will be necessary.

Regarding the team’s perspective, Dr. Chen remarked that Ohtani’s arm health is crucial to the franchise’s prospects, suggesting they would proceed with extreme caution. If it turns out that Ohtani’s injury is not severe, there could still be an opportunity for him to participate in the rest of the championship series, though this would ultimately depend on the team’s decisions and plans.

Dr. Chen further explained that if the team concludes that Ohtani has indeed suffered a dislocation, the severity could vary, potentially involving ligament tears as well. The medical staff would assess for any ligament damage and the integrity of the bone structures. Additionally, they will observe whether the ligaments can heal on their own. Should surgical intervention be deemed necessary, particularly for ligament reconstruction, any player, regardless of the procedure, would need a period of recovery.

Typically, shoulder dislocations in athletes often occur due to collisions on the field. However, since Ohtani was injured during a slide without any contact from another player, Dr. Chen suspects the injury might not be severe. He noted, “From the footage, Ohtani’s expression indicated significant pain,” but it could also reflect his cautious attitude towards the injury, which prompted him to seek assistance from the medical team.

Source of the footage: YouTube@Brian Sutterer MD