None(ECNS) -- On December 20, 2024, Macao celebrates the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. On this occasion, Yonghua Song, rector of the University of Macau (UM), shared his views on how Macao can better serve as a link between China and Portuguese-speaking countries and better integrate into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Song highlighted that Macao, with its historical ties to Portuguese-speaking countries, is strategically positioned as an economic and trade platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao also hosts the Permanent Secretariat of the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Therefore, Macao plays a unique role in China’s opening-up, especially in fostering exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries. He added that universities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao should leverage their strengths in international cooperation and exchanges, so as to promote deeper cooperation within the region, and help develop the Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology center, as well as an international higher education demonstration zone. (Xue Lingqiao)
Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite,” the players' association said in its statement . The Braves said Carty left an indelible mark on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise's first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBFood manufacturers are urging the Government to help avoid price rises amid fears growing costs and tax hikes could add to higher bills at the checkout. Global prices for basic goods such as vegetable oil, wheat and sugar have risen while poor weather in the UK threatens to increase the cost of dairy products. Manufacturers are also facing pressure from decisions in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget, including increases in employer National Insurance contributions and the minimum wage, which supermarkets have already warned will force them to put up prices. The Food and Drink Federation, which represents more than 1,000 firms, says investment in skills and digital technology is needed to help the industry improve productivity. Balwinder Dhoot, its director of industry growth and sustainability, said: “The Budget has seen business costs increase and there’s also a range of global factors – from weather events to energy prices – that will have an impact on the cost of producing food and drink. “The best way to mitigate against this is the government doubling down on its growth agenda. There’s currently an untapped £14billion growth opportunity for UK food and drink manufacturers which can be achieved through productivity gains and investing in technology. “Working with industry through its Industrial Strategy, the government can unlock this growth opportunity, helping keep prices low for consumers while generating good quality jobs in communities across the UK.” The price of food on the shelves shot up when the cost of living crisis was at its height, with official figures showing the inflation rate specifically for food and non-alcoholic drinks reached a high of 19.2 per cent in March last year. The rate has fallen significantly since then but is now creeping back up, and food and drink inflation rose from 1.3 per cent in September to 1.9 per cent last month. But experts warn price increases could continue, partly due to global increases in the cost of basic commodities such as vegetable oils, wheat and sugar. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations says prices rose 5.5 per cent over 12 months, with vegetable oil up 7.3 per cent. Global wheat prices have been hit by poor weather and the ongoing war in Ukraine . In addition, regulator Ofgem last week announced the cost of energy is to rise again, which will hit energy-intensive industries such as food manufacturing. And manufacturers will be hit by the same cost increases affecting retailers, including an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions and a major increase in the minimum wage, up 6.7 per cent, from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 from April 2025 for people over 21. A letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves signed by representatives for firms such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons last week warned: “The sheer scale of new costs and the speed with which they occur create a cumulative burden that will make job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty.” Research by charity the Food Foundation shows that food prices are still 25 per cent higher than two years ago and a basket of basic food products that would have cost £40.99 at a supermarket checkout in April 2022 would now cost £51.51.
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Students from Tendring Technology College have visited Colchester Fitness Centre to take their first steps into the world of CrossFit. The session, led by coaches Mark Maher and Sam Cowler, introduced students to the concept of CrossFit physical skills. They include cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy—key components of what it means to “be fit”. The visit provided a mix of theory and practical application. After learning about the philosophy behind CrossFit, students were put through their paces with an energetic workout. They got hands-on with barbell work, experienced the unique challenges of the Assault Runners, and tackled the famously gruelling burpees. The visit marks another successful community initiative by the gym to promote health and fitness among youngsters. Mark and Sam praised the students’ enthusiasm and determination throughout the session, calling them “superstars” for their willingness to embrace new challenges. They said the experience allowed students to push their limits.
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Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Seven losses in a season is unfamiliar territory for the San Francisco 49ers. With two Super Bowl appearances in five seasons, general manager John Lynch openly admits the 49ers haven't earned the right to be called "as good" as the 2023 NFC championship group. San Francisco is 5-7 but only two games behind NFC West-leading Seattle with five games remaining as the Chicago Bears (4-8) arrive Sunday. "I've found the whole discussion on Kyle rather comical," Lynch said in an interview Friday with KNBR in San Francisco. "We have won four of the last five division championships. We've been to two Super Bowls. The standard here is to win championships, and we've fallen short of that, I understand. "But we have an excellent head coach, and the fact that people are talking about stuff like that, I do find it comical. We're 100 percent behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization. Like I said, our focus is really on the Bears and doing everything we can. That's where Kyle's focus is, and that's where all our focus is." San Francisco lost 35-10 in the snow at Buffalo last Sunday night and the 49ers placed their top two running backs on injured reserve due to injuries in that game. Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Jordan Mason (ankle) could return for Week 18 at Arizona if the 49ers are still fighting for a playoff spot. In a top-down ranking of NFC teams by record and playoff position, the 49ers are No. 11 entering Week 14. "You are what your record says you are in this league, and that isn't very good. So I think we've been through a lot as a team, this current team with a lot of stuff that has happened to members of our organization. Injuries, tragic circumstances, ultimately those are just excuses. One thing I can tell you is I'm proud of how this group has stuck together, had each other's back. The other thing I can tell you is the story's not written yet. We're still grinding, and we're still playing." The 49ers last missed the postseason in 2020 with a record of 6-10 that followed an appearance in the Super Bowl -- San Francisco's first title game loss of two to the Kansas City Chiefs. San Francisco's upcoming schedule after Sunday includes a short week before playing the division rival Rams on Thursday, at Miami (Dec. 22), a Monday night matchup with the Detroit Lions on Dec. 30 and the finale against the Cardinals. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowStudents from Tendring Technology College have visited Colchester Fitness Centre to take their first steps into the world of CrossFit. The session, led by coaches Mark Maher and Sam Cowler, introduced students to the concept of CrossFit physical skills. They include cardiovascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy—key components of what it means to “be fit”. The visit provided a mix of theory and practical application. After learning about the philosophy behind CrossFit, students were put through their paces with an energetic workout. They got hands-on with barbell work, experienced the unique challenges of the Assault Runners, and tackled the famously gruelling burpees. The visit marks another successful community initiative by the gym to promote health and fitness among youngsters. Mark and Sam praised the students’ enthusiasm and determination throughout the session, calling them “superstars” for their willingness to embrace new challenges. They said the experience allowed students to push their limits.Wireless Weighing Module Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030