China on Friday slapped sanctions on seven US companies after Washington's approval last week of a $571.3 million military aid package to Taiwan, which Beijing said infringed on its "sovereignty and territory". Last Friday, US President Joe Biden authorised the drawdown of up to $571.3 million for defence assistance to the self-ruled island, which China regards as its own territory. Washington's actions "interfere in China's internal affairs, and undermine China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", the Chinese foreign ministry said as it announced the sanctions. The statement also hit out at Washington's 2025 defence budget, which includes a security cooperation initiative with Taiwan, as well as calls for strengthened defence industrial cooperation with Taipei. Beijing will freeze the China assets of US defence companies Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm and Oceaneering International, as well as Raytheon's Canada and Australia subsidiaries, the ministry said. The sanctions, which kick in on Friday, also prohibit the targeted companies from doing business with organisations and individuals inside China. The United States does not officially recognise Taiwan diplomatically but it is the self-ruled island's strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons. China, which has said it will use force to bring Taiwan under its control if necessary, has intensified pressure on the island in recent years. It has staged three rounds of major military drills since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te came to power in May. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning warned the United States' support for Taiwan "will only burn itself" COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourNearly every autopsy of Vice President Kamala Harris’s stinging White House defeat begins with some variation of the phrase, “Voters pointed to the rising price of food as their chief concern...” True or not–and more on that later–the Trump campaign tied that tin can so tightly to Harris that everywhere she went complaints like “the high price of eggs,” “failed Bidenomics,” and “wouldn’t change a thing” got there long before she did. ADVERTISEMENT Try as she might, the Harris campaign didn’t mount an effective response–either in person or through its unprecedented $1.4 billion advertising budget–to counter the damaging claims. And the complaints had traction; for a month they rolled right over Harris. The Trump campaign wasn’t wrong about rising food costs in the Biden years; it was wrong, however, to blame it entirely on Biden Administration policies. The stage was set for higher prices–and not just in food–during the first Trump Administration's painfully slow initial response to the Covid-19 pandemic that took root in Jan. 2020. At least that’s what the best food price analysts on the planet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS), noted in their latest “Food Prices and Spending” report on Nov. 1. According to ERS, “From 2019 to 2023, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 25.0 percent–a higher increase than the all-items CPI, which grew at 19.2 percent over the same period.” While food prices increased less than transportation costs, “(T)hey rose faster than housing, medical care, and all other major categories.” So, yes, food prices soared during the Biden Administration but the rise wasn’t because Democrats lived in the White House, the ERS report continues. Instead, “Food price increases in 2020-21 were largely driven by shifting consumption patterns and supply chain disruptions resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic,” explains ERS. Recall the spring of 2020 when Covid hit the food market like a meteor. It knocked everything–production, delivery, sales, worker safety–miles from any semblance of normal. Hoarding then quickly undermined the food sector even more. ADVERTISEMENT Then two big shocks, neither related to American politics, slammed the slowly recovering food sector in 2022: an outbreak of deadly avian influenza (which, to date, has killed 71 million egg-laying hens and 14 million turkeys in the U.S.) and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a global leader in food exports. “In 2022, food prices increased faster than any year since 1979,” given the impact of both events, “which compounded other economy-wide inflationary pressures,” ERS says. Afterwards, however, “Food price growth slowed in 2023 and wholesale food prices and these other inflationary factors eased.” So, according to ERS, food prices spiked 25 percent between President Trump’s second to last year, 2019, and President Biden’s second year, 2022, due to a human pandemic, a poultry pandemic, and a bloody regional war between a global food superpower, Ukraine, and a global nuclear superpower, Russia. And that’s just one side–the grocery side–of a fluid, worldwide ag commodity market that “regularly rises or falls by more than 10 percent from one year to the next,” explains ERS’s food price report. For example, “In 2023 the production-weighted price” of corn, soybeans, and wheat “fell by 12.1 percent, while food prices increased by 5.8 percent.” In other words, food sellers boosted their prices by almost 6 percent while the collective price for “the top three U.S. field crops (that) comprise the majority of field crop inputs” in U.S. food dropped more than twice that amount. If the Trump campaign knew these facts, they simply ignored them and, instead, wisely began stockpiling tin cans and string.
12. Lack of Accountability:Dear Annie: I work at a school as a teacher and have struggled over the years with how cliquey the other teachers have been. Shortly after I started there, the pandemic happened, and many people friended each other on Facebook. Because that was the only source for a sense of community as we went through those first few dark months, I accepted many of the friend requests, and that felt good. However, a couple of years later I couldn’t help but notice how people commented on each other’s posts and tagged each other like they were friends in real life but never with me. I had gone through cancer during the pandemic, which few people know about, and I missed out on many of the social events that solidified those friendships. So I had some understanding, but I figured after a while I would be invited in. That never happened, and I felt excluded by the number of posts that would show up in my feed between co-workers. I made the decision after a couple of years to unfriend/block many people on Facebook from my work so I didn’t have to see that and feel bad. When staff functions or happy hours are advertised, I go and socialize and ask questions of others and show that I am interested in what they have to say and in them as people. However, people generally do not seem interested in me in any way, and I often leave feeling dissed. Over the years, I have invited people who I have gotten to know from work over for dinner at my home with my husband (and even to our wedding), and although the couples gladly accepted our invitations and we had a pleasant and fun time, a return invitation has never occurred. This week I found out that there was a celebration for one of the teacher’s birthdays last weekend, and many other teachers were invited, but I was not. I sit near this teacher at lunch at the break table most days and converse pleasantly with him and listen to his stories, so it stung a bit that I wasn’t invited. The office staff is no better. They don’t smile or say hello to me except for one of the women. I am beginning to think I am some sort of pariah at my work, and I don’t know why. I have made friends through other avenues, hobbies and organizations, and have other long-lasting friendships and have a happy and healthy home life, but it is troubling that my workplace feels so cold and exclusive. I am considering looking for a job elsewhere, but I like the school, the leadership and the students, so I would like to stay. But deep down, I am also wondering if I am the problem and have some sort of off-putting characteristic or some reputation that drives would-be-work-friends away. I have started therapy for other reasons but plan to discuss this as well and am wondering what advice you have for how I might go about understanding how to perceive this feedback at work. — Not Welcome in Washington Dear Not Welcome: It’s completely understandable that you feel hurt by the way your co-workers have treated you. My guess is that this may have more to do with the fact that you’re new and joined during a challenging time, making it harder to integrate yourself. Building relationships takes time, and it’s natural for people to need a while to get to know one another. If you love the school, the leadership and the students, that’s a great reason to stay. Faculty dynamics can change, and you may meet new colleagues or form connections with the existing ones over time. Remember, we can’t control other people’s actions — only how we react to them. Sometimes, what feels like rejection is actually redirection. Perhaps you weren’t meant to be part of that group or party, and that’s OK. Congratulations on taking the step to go to therapy and staying curious about yourself! By continuing this journey of self-growth, you’ll likely find that meaningful friendships will naturally come into your life. Try not to get too fixated on how those friendships should look or where they need to come from. You don’t have to be friends with your coworkers; you can build connections outside of work. For now, focus on what you enjoy about your job: the students, the leadership and the school itself. Those are excellent reasons to stay and thrive in your role.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola denied he has a “personal problem” with Kevin De Bruyne and insisted Tuesday the playmaker's absence from the team in recent weeks was down to his fitness issues. City has not won in seven games in all competitions — its worst run under Guardiola — and De Bruyne has featured only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury. The Belgium midfielder was injured during City’s Champions League match with Inter Milan on Sept. 18 and hasn't started since. A number of prominent pundits, including former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards, have questioned why De Bruyne has not been starting games amid the champions’ dramatic slump. Richards said on “The Rest is Football” podcast that it appeared “there’s some sort of rift going on” between De Bruyne and Guardiola. Guardiola responded in his news conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, saying: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play? “The guy who has the most talent in the final third — I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year). He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.” Both De Bruyne and Guardiola have spoken since of the pain De Bruyne was in after his injury against Inter and the need to ease him back into action. De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract. “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it too — but he is not 26 or 27 anymore," Guardiola said. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. You think I’m complaining? It’s normal, it’s nature. He’s played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games and I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have." ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated Press
Title: Exciting Real-Life Romance Interactive Drama "Beauty Overload" Set to Launch on Multiple Platforms, with You as the Love Protagonist!
LOUISIANA TECH 85, SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 79, OTThe resolution to arrest President Yin Xi-yue has been passed and an investigation into internal unrest has been initiated.
Eyes on the skies
As Europe seeks to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, the importance of its relationship with China cannot be overstated. By deepening economic ties with China, Europe can tap into new growth opportunities, access innovative technologies, and strengthen its position in the global marketplace. Cooperation between Europe and China is not just beneficial for both parties but also essential for driving global economic recovery and sustainable development.None
The collaboration between Zhang Yimou and Sophie Marceau on "The Promise" exemplifies the power of cinema to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people across continents. By bringing together talents from different countries and backgrounds, filmmakers have the opportunity to create works that resonate with a global audience and foster cross-cultural understanding. Sophie Marceau's presence in a Chinese epic like "The Promise" not only brought her immense popularity in China but also introduced Chinese cinema to a wider international audience.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Allowing two kickoff return touchdowns and missing an extra point all in the final few minutes added up to the Washington Commanders losing a third consecutive game in excruciating fashion. The underlying reason for this slide continuing was a problem long before that. An offense led by dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that was among the NFL's best for a long stretch of the season put up just nine points and 169 yards for the first three-plus quarters against Dallas before falling behind 20-9 and teeing off on the Cowboys' conservative defense. “We just couldn’t really get it going,” said receiver Terry McLaurin , whose lengthy touchdown with 21 seconds left masked that he had just three catches for 16 yards through three quarters. “We’ve got to find a way to start faster and sustain drives, and that’s everybody: the whole coaching staff and the offensive players just going out there and figuring out ways that we can stay on the field.” This is not a new problem for Washington, which had a season-low 242 yards in a Nov. 10 home loss to Pittsburgh and 264 yards four days later in a defeat at Philadelphia. Since returning from a rib injury that knocked him out of a game last month, Daniels has completed just under 61% of his passes, after 75.6% over his first seven professional starts. Daniels and coach Dan Quinn have insisted this isn't about injury. The coaching staff blamed a lack of adequate practice time, but a full week of it before facing the Cowboys did not solve the problem. It is now fair to wonder if opponents have seen enough film of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's system to figure it out. “I think teams and coordinators are going to see what other teams have success against us and try to figure out how they could incorporate that into their scheme," Daniels said after going 12 of 22 for 80 yards passing through three quarters in the Dallas game. "We’ve been in third and longer a lot these past couple games, so that’s kind of where you get into the exotic pressures and stuff like that. We’ve just got to be better on first and second downs and stay ahead of the chains.” Daniels has a point there, and it predates this losing streak. The Commanders have converted just 36% of third-down opportunities (27 for 75) over their past seven games after 52% (31 for 60) in their first five. That challenge doesn't get any easier with Tennessee coming to town Sunday. The Titans, despite being 3-8, have the second-best third-down defense in the league at 31.6%. What’s working The defense kept the Commanders in the game against Dallas, allowing just 10 points until the fourth quarter and 20 total before kickoff return touchdowns piled on to the other side of the scoreboard. Even Cooper Rush's 22-yard touchdown pass to Luke Schoonmaker with five minutes left came after a turnover that gave the Cowboys the ball at the Washington 44. The defense spending more than 35 minutes on the field certainly contributed to fatigue as play wore on. What needs help The running game that contributed to a 7-2 start has taken a hit, in part because of injuries to top back Brian Robinson Jr. The Commanders got 145 yards on the ground because Daniels had 74 on seven carries, but running backs combined for just 57. Daniels could not say how much the rushing attack stalling has contributed to the offense going stagnant. “You’ve got to be able to run the ball, keep the defense honest,” he said. "We got to execute the plays that are called in, and we didn’t do a good job of doing that.” Stock up Linebacker Frankie Luvu keeps making the case to be first-year general manager Adam Peters' best free agent signing. He and fellow offseason addition Bobby Wagner tied for a team-high eight tackles, and Luvu also knocked down three passes against Dallas. Stock down Kicker Austin Seibert going wide left on the point-after attempt that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left was his third miss of the game. He also was short on a 51-yard field goal attempt and wide left on an earlier extra point. Seibert, signed a week into the season after Cade York struggled in the opener, made 25 of 27 field goal tries and was 22 of 22 on extra points before injuring his right hip and missing the previous two games. He brushed off his health and the low snap from Tyler Ott while taking responsibility for not connecting. “I made the decision to play, and here we are,” Seibert said. “I just wasn’t striking it well. But it means a lot to me to be here with these guys, so I just want to put my best foot moving forward.” Injuries Robinson's sprained ankle and fellow running back Austin Ekeler's concussion from a late kickoff return that led to him being hospitalized for further evaluation are two major immediate concerns. Quinn said Monday that Ekeler and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie are in concussion protocol. It's unclear if Robinson will be available against Tennessee, which could mean Chris Rodriguez Jr. getting elevated from the practice squad to split carries with Jeremy McNichols. The Commanders still have not gotten cornerback Marshon Lattimore into a game since acquiring him at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Lattimore is trying to return from a hamstring injury, and the secondary could use him against Calvin Ridley, who's coming off a 93-yard performance at Houston. Key number 17 — Handoffs to a running back against Dallas, a significant decrease from much of the season before this losing streak. Next steps Don't overlook the Titans with the late bye week coming immediately afterward. The Commanders opened as more than a touchdown favorite, but after the results over the weekend, BetMGM Sportsbook had it as 5 1/2 points Monday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
The outcome of the EU investigation could have significant implications for the future of online advertising and the competitive landscape of the digital economy. If evidence of anticompetitive behavior is found, Google could face hefty fines and be required to make changes to its business practices to ensure fair competition in the marketplace.
Gharibabadi issued the call while addressing the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CSP-29) opened in The Hague on Monday. During his speech, the Iranian diplomat outlined his country’s stance on chemical weapons, the crimes and violations of the Zionist regime, and the West's support for this regime's past and present crimes against the people in the region. Emphasizing that Iran has been the greatest victim of chemical weapons in contemporary times, Gharibabadi strongly condemned the Zionist crimes against the people of Palestine and Lebanon. "This regime, with the unconditional support of some Western countries, especially the United States, continues its crimes and enjoys immunity." Gharibabadi called for immediate action by the UN Security Council to impose effective sanctions on the Zionist regime in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN Charter and stressed that all states must refrain from any economic, military and arms cooperation with this regime. He also condemned the Zionist regime’s use of chemical weapons and other dangerous substances, including white phosphorus and depleted uranium, against the defenseless people of Palestine and Lebanon, and called on the OPCW chief to conduct a comprehensive investigation into this matter and take the necessary measures to protect the victims. While urging member states to spare no effort to end the Israeli crimes against the Palestinian and Lebanese people, Gharibabadi once again warned against the threats of the Israeli chemical weapons arsenal to regional and international peace and security. There is the need to achieve the universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the international community must pile up pressure on the Zionist regime to join it and place all its chemical facilities under the supervision of the OPCW, he said. Gharibabadi also described as baseless, undocumented, and repetitive the accusations of the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying Tehran has always adhered to its obligations within the framework of the Chemical Weapons Convention and has placed all its related chemical facilities under the supervision and inspection. Gharibabadi criticized the US for its fabricated accusations against the main victim of chemical weapon attacks in modern times and said that it is Washington, the largest holder of chemical weapons stockpiles, that has become the main violator of the convention. The United States has a history of non-compliance with the convention, and in 2003, after the invasion of Iraq under the pretext of destroying weapons of mass destruction, Washington and its allies, after a six-year delay, proceeded to transfer and destroy chemical weapons discovered in Iraq without informing the OPCW, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran emphasized. He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly conveyed to members about the violation of the convention by the United States and its allies, including their help to the Zionist regime’s secret chemical weapons arsenal as well as other weapons prohibited under the convention. Gharibabadi also expressed regret that the United States accuses other countries in order to divert public opinion from the Zionist regime’s extensive use of American-made white phosphorus and other prohibited weapons against the people of Gaza and Lebanon as well as their repeated use by US-backed terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq. Elsewhere in his speech, the Deputy Foreign Minister referred to the West’s support for the regime of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in its war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. As the main suppliers of chemicals to the Iraqi regime under Saddam, Germany and the United States were complicit in chemical crimes against the Iranian people, he noted, adding that “these countries must be held accountable for their illegal actions and take steps to compensate Iran’s chemical victims.” While emphasizing that victims of chemical weapons in Iran are still suffering from illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries on the supply of medicine and medical equipment, Gharibabadi called for the efforts of the OPCW to help support these victims. He also called for preventing the politicization of the OPCW and strengthening international cooperation in the field of new technologies to advance the peaceful goals of the Convention. 4399
One of the key findings of the report is that Yunnan's labor force support burden, which measures the ratio of dependent population (children and elderly) to the working-age population, is lower than the national average. This suggests that Yunnan's workforce is better positioned to support the dependents in the population, allowing for greater economic productivity and growth.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arclin, a leading material science company, officially launched its new brand on November 12, 2024 . This modern rebranding reflects the company's evolution as a material science provider with a focus on protective and mission-critical products and its expanded presence as a global leader across key market sectors. To better align its brand with its evolving vision, Arclin embarked on a year-long research, strategy, and creative development process. The initial months focused on gathering insights from internal stakeholders, existing customers, and industry experts to identify key strengths, value propositions, and areas for growth. "The research phase was pivotal in helping us sharpen our focus and align internally so that we could better represent our true value and potential to different internal and external audiences," said Mark Glaspey , Arclin's Chief Operating Officer. A key partner in this transformation has been Matchstic, a brand identity firm based in Atlanta, GA. Collaborating closely with the Arclin team, Matchstic helped transform the company's narrative from a chemical and applications company to that of a global leader in formulated technologies that are essential to meeting worldwide demand. As part of its overall rebranding effort, Arclin also worked with Whiteboard, a Chattanooga, TN , based company, to completely overhaul its website onto a more robust, easier-to-navigate platform that more clearly represents the depth and breadth of the company's offerings. Inspired by the Arclin out-of-the-box approach to thinking and innovating, the new brand symbol is a nod to a deconstructed cube. The shape of the panels implies movement and momentum that speaks to the company's continued innovation and commitment to bringing life-changing products to the world. "The selection of a vibrant orange as our primary color represents a bold departure from our previous brand," said Jana Wright , Arclin's Vice President of Brand & Marketing. "This change signals a confident transition, positioning Arclin as a leading material science company. Our new logo reflects our philosophy of technological precision and innovation." The stenciled wordmark visualizes the relationship between the seen and the unseen with intentional gaps inside the letterforms. This idea highlights the seemingly invisible science that is the backbone of Arclin products—technologies that are vital and found in essential protective products across numerous industries, enhancing our lives in ways that many people do not realize. "We've been around for many years, but never have we been able to fully articulate or capture what we do," stated Bradley Bolduc , Arclin's President and Chief Executive Officer. "It's a complex process, producing polymers and materials that touch so many products and areas of life. We've always taken a back seat in that story. But now is the time to change that, highlighting our transformation over the past five years, by making a bold change in how we present ourselves to our employees, customers and industry as a whole." About Arclin Arclin is a leading materials science company and manufacturer of polymer technologies, engineered products and specialized materials for the construction, agriculture, transportation infrastructure, weather & fire protection, pharmaceutical, nutrition, electronics, design, and other industries. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia , Arclin has offices and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., Canada , and U.K. and manufactures for customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.arclin.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arclin-unveils-striking-new-brand-that-stands-out-in-the-material-science-industry-with-exacting-precision-and-a-bold-new-look-302315751.html SOURCE Arclin
ISLAMABAD — Pakistani police Monday fired tear gas canisters at supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to stop them from entering the capital, where they hoped to stage a sit-in to demand his release, officials said. The firing of tear gas came shortly after demonstrators — who traveled 93 miles from the restive northwest — began arriving and gathering near Islamabad. They defied a lockdown, previous tear gas and widespread arrests despite a ban on rallies in the city. The development came a day after the leadership of Khan’s party went ahead with the “long march” even as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived for a three-day visit. He was received at an airport near the capital by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday evening. Authorities said at least one police officer was killed and several officers and demonstrators were injured in clashes. The marchers appeared determined to enter Islamabad, where the lockdown, which has been in place for two days, has disrupted daily life. The government was in talks with Khan’s party to avoid any further violence, officials said. Khan, who has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases, remains popular. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated. A convoy of vehicles carrying protesters was expected to enter the capital Monday night. Security officials say they expect between 9,000 and 11,000 demonstrators, while the PTI says the number will be much higher. Video on social media showed Khan supporters donning gas masks and protective goggles. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible. Ambulances and cars were seen turning back from areas along the key Grand Trunk Road highway in Punjab province, where shipping containers were used to block roads. Video circulating online showed some protesters operating heavy machinery to remove the containers.IOC needs to take a binary position on transgender participation in women’s sportVikings right guard Dalton Risner says he’ll continue to get better at new position
Resilience-oriented therapy, a promising approach to addressing mental health
The FA, as the governing body of football in England, has a responsibility to address the health and well-being of its former players. While the risks of head injuries have been known for some time, the association must take more decisive action to protect the long-term health of athletes and provide adequate support for those suffering from brain diseases.In addition to its environmental initiatives, Guangyu Mingdao has also been at the forefront of technological innovation. By investing in research and development, collaborating with top universities and research institutions, and partnering with leading tech companies, Guangyu Mingdao has been able to develop cutting-edge technologies that have helped drive China's industrial transformation.