As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, anticipation for the annual Spring Festival Gala, the most-watched television event in China, continues to mount. In recent news, it has been revealed that six language-based programs are currently undergoing review for inclusion in the Gala, with popular comedians Yue Yunpeng and Sun Yue making their presence felt during the review process.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), as well as members of the North Carolina congressional delegation, in sending a bipartisan letter to the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) urging the Pentagon to establish an OnRamp Hub in North Carolina to bolster the state’s defense innovation ecosystem. Representatives Deborah Ross, Virginia Foxx, Greg Murphy, Don Davis, Patrick McHenry, Alma Adams, Kathy Manning, David Rouzer, Wiley Nickel, and Chuck Edwards all co-signed the letter. The Letter : Dear Ms. McNally, We write in support of the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) efforts to strengthen its integration with the North Carolina defense innovation ecosystem. Specifically, we write to express our support for North Carolina to host a DIU OnRamp Hub to streamline how our state’s companies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs access government programming and funding to better support warfighters. As our April 2023 North Carolina delegation letter stated, North Carolina possesses strengths and capabilities contributing to a state-wide defense innovation ecosystem, including defense-related research at our top-notch academic institutions and our culture of collaboration making it a prime location for future DIU engagement. We are grateful for DIU’s current integration within the North Carolina innovation ecosystem, to include a National Security Innovation Network regional presence, partnerships with North Carolina small businesses, and awards for project prototypes to support unmanned aerial system projects and communication technologies. We also understand DIU has participated in events across North Carolina, including the DIU Regional Roadshow and Federal Technology Symposium. As you know, DIU has five OnRamp Hubs in Arizona, Ohio, Hawaii, Kansas and Washington State, and forthcoming locations in Kentucky and Montana. With this in mind, we urge you to consider establishing an OnRamp Hub in North Carolina during the next round of expansions to further strengthen the relationship between the Department of Defense and North Carolina’s defense innovation ecosystem. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and we look forward to your response. Contact U.S. Rep Richard Hudson at 2112 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-3715.Ideas for reducing electric vehicle charging costs
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In a concerning turn of events, a recently opened bath center located in the heart of the city has faced backlash as multiple patrons reported feeling unwell after visiting the establishment. Several individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, prompting an investigation by local health authorities and subsequent closure of the facility for further evaluation and thorough disinfection.
Moreover, the customer experience and service quality play a vital role in the profitability of a hotel. Providing excellent customer service, personalized experiences, and top-notch amenities can help create a loyal customer base and attract positive reviews, leading to increased bookings and revenue. Investing in staff training, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards, and continuously improving guest satisfaction are essential for hotels in county towns to stay competitive and profitable in the long run.Ant and Dec blasted by I’m A Celebrity fans as they say ‘this is hard to watch’
The Executive Director of the Development Specs Academy, Abuja, Okey Ikechukwu while shedding light on the topic of land ownership in the South East of Nigeria, has debunked the idea that Igbos deliberately restrict land sales to outsiders. During an interview on ARISE NEWS on Sunday, he made it clear that such an idea is a misconception, instead, the challenges stem from broader systemic issues such as limited presence of national infrastructure which make the South East less attractive for business and in turn for land acquisition by non-indigenes. Ikechukwu pointed out that for someone to invest in land, there must be a clear economic incentive, such as access to markets, industrial activities, or infrastructure like rail systems and ports. For instance, in Lagos, Igbos and other Nigerians frequently purchase land due to the immense business opportunities available. In contrast, the absence of similar economic prospects in the South East diminishes the likelihood of non-indigenes seeking to buy land there. “Why would anybody come to the South East to buy land? If I’m a non-Easterner there’s no reason why I would go there to buy land. Quite frankly, what for? What business would warrant my going there to buy land?” Ikechukwu asked rhetorically. “If you go to the east, you don’t have too many people who are not easterners who have land. And the question is, why is it that people have land elsewhere? Because there’s business elsewhere. Tell me what federal establishments do you have in Enugu, in all over the southeast that will make me leave my place in Yoruba land to come and buy land? Is it to be a villager? “So we must also see the connection between national infrastructure, national institutions, national political headquarters, etc. The limited absence of that in the southeast makes the land there totally unattractive for anybody to procure. Why are Igbos buying up lands in Lagos? Because they need it.” He added, “Why will I leave Kano to come and buy land in Imo state or in Anambra state? Am I on drugs? There is nothing going on in those places. So the political economy of the Nigerian state is also partly responsible for the things we are blaming on other things.” He added that another factor contributing to the perception of exclusivity is the communal land ownership system prevalent in the South East. In many cases, land is collectively owned by families or communities, making individual sales complex and often contentious. Negotiating land transactions typically involves multiple parties, some of whom may refuse outright, further complicating the process. He said, “The communal ownership thing presents a problem from the angle of having land that’s big enough for anything big. So to do something you find negotiations with three or four families. Somebody may even refuse. But as for a conscious deliberate attitude towards outsiders, no. Not at all. Let’s look around.” Okechukwu also highlighted that land scarcity exacerbates the issue. The South East has a high population density and limited arable land. This scarcity has led many families to reserve land for agricultural use, family inheritance, or even burial plots, leaving little available for outright sale. He stated, “The southeast is land choked. The land is not available. You go to most places in the southeast, you find that people bury in their compounds. My parents are no more. One of my sisters is no more. They are buried in the old family compound. My cousin has a section of his land he uses for that. So there are other things to be understood. First the land is not available. Where it is available and you want to buy it, you buy.” He therefore emphasised, “Let’s not mistake an economically and socio-political determined variable, let’s not take it to be a conscious conspiracy. Let’s not delude ourselves. There is no incentive for any Nigerian outside the southeast to go there and buy land. There’s incentive in Abuja. There is incentive all over the place because if you buy you make a lot of money with it. “The rentals in Lagos, the purchases in Lagos for the same reason. So let’s contextualise it properly and end this controversy. There is nothing about outsiders. There is just no land. So we need not drive a narrative that does not exist. If you say that you don’t have too many non-Easterners owning land in the South East that’s absolutely correct.” Melissa Enoch Follow us on:
Customers of UK energy firms who drive electric vehicles are facing higher electricity costs to recharge their cars . This follows the latest rise in the energy price cap by the regulator Ofgem. Marc Dal Cin, energy expert at EV Charger Installation, has told Digital Journal that charging an electric vehicle at home increases the home electricity bill, since the overall energy consumption goes up. The average UK energy tariff is around 32p per kWh for home charging. A full charge for a popular model like the Nissan Leaf 3.ZERO e+ will cost approximately £17, while a larger vehicle such as the Mercedes-Benz EQE will cost £24.50. Over the course of a year, this could add up to around £884 for weekly charges, following the energy price cap increase. Cin advises that charging at home is remains more economical than using public charging stations, which average 48p per kWh. Cin offers several tips for EV drivers looking to reduce their charging costs: Switch to a Time-of-Use Tariff Cin explains: “Many energy providers offer tariffs with cheaper rates during off-peak hours, usually at night. By scheduling your EV charging during these hours, you can significantly lower your costs.” Use Smart Charging Cin states: “Investing in a smart charger allows you to set charging times and optimise energy use. This helps avoid peak energy prices, and some systems even adapt to use renewable energy when it’s most available.” Monitor Your Charging Habits Cin adds: “Only charge your EV when necessary and avoid overcharging the battery. Charging too frequently or unnecessarily can lead to higher electricity bills.” Compare Energy Tariffs Cin outlines: “Regularly review your energy provider and compare tariffs to ensure you’re on the best deal. With prices fluctuating, switching providers can lead to significant savings.” By following these steps, Cin expects electric vehicle drivers to be able to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices and ensure they continue to enjoy the savings associated with driving electric vehicles. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Is Opening a Hotel in a County Town Profitable? Chain Brands Rush into the New Blue Ocean
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EXCLUSIVE How a chance meeting got former Tottenham star Sandro out of retirement to play for seventh-tier Harborough Town in the biggest game in their history Ex-Spurs and Brazil midfielder Sandro joined Harborough Town on November 5 Seventh-tier Harborough will play Reading in round two of the FA Cup on Sunday This Man City team is DONE and Pep Guardiola has been sleeping on the job - LISTEN NOW to It's All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday By DAVID COVERDALE Published: 17:30 EST, 30 November 2024 | Updated: 17:39 EST, 30 November 2024 e-mail View comments The effervescent manager of Harborough Town is holding court at a press conference when he is interrupted by 'The Beast' strolling through the door of the members' bar, which is serving as a media room. 'Sorry I'm late,' says Sandro, the 6ft 2in tall former midfielder for Brazil and Tottenham , where fans gave him his nickname, who had arrived half-an-hour behind schedule after driving from London to Leicestershire. 'That's a fine!' bellows his beaming boss Mitch Austin to much laughter, as his new signing sheepishly blames the traffic before finding a space to stand next to the bricklayer, gas engineer and glazier who he now calls his team-mates. After observing the rest of Austin's entertaining pre-match conference, Sandro heads to the dressing room to get ready for his first training session with the Southern League Premier Division Central club — more than two years after he last played competitive football. 'I think I can do it,' jokes the 35-year-old as he ambles on to the 4G pitch in near-freezing temperatures, the last player to join the group following a massage and his own interview commitments. 'He just said to me, "Have you got any gloves?" Austin said as he follows Sandro out of the tunnel. 'I said, "No, get out there".' Former Tottenham and Brazil midfielder Sandro signed for Harborough Town on November 5 Sandro spoke to Mail Sport this week ahead of his first appearance in the FA Cup since 2016 Sandro played in 106 first-team games for Spurs between 2010 and 2014, scoring three goals But if his late arrival, massage and gloves request appear to paint the ex-Premier League star as a prima donna, that could not be further from reality. No, this is a man who has come out of retirement to play for free for the seventh-tier Midlands club in the biggest match in their history — Sunday's FA Cup second-round tie at Reading. And all as a goodwill gesture following a chance meeting with Tottenham season ticket-holder Austin in a hospitality box earlier this season. 'It's a funny story,' starts Sandro, who later poses for pictures with a replica of the FA Cup, which Austin was given when Harborough — who had never previously gone past the second qualifying round — reached the first-round proper. 'I work for Tottenham at home games, talking to the fans. Mitch was in the restaurant and was saying, "Sandro, you look good, you should play for my team." I said, "Yeah, why not, man, let's go." It was just like that.' Sandro looks as trim as ever and signed for the Bees on November 5, but was banned from playing for two matches, having been sent off in his last pro appearance, for Belenenses in Portugal's top flight in April 2022. He is, though, eligible to make his debut on Sunday for the lowest-ranked club left in the world's oldest cup competition. 'I thought I was finished and that I was never going to play again,' Sandro says. 'It is so magical for me after two years of just watching football and missing it. 'Now I have an opportunity to express myself again in one tackle, one header. I used to play against Reading in the Premier League and now I am going to face them in the FA Cup. His shock move to Harborough came more than 12 months after he had retired from football Sandro pictured training with his team-mates ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash with Reading As well as winning 17 senior caps for Brazil, Sandro played at the Olympic Games in 2012 'To be part of this and to enjoy myself and try to help them, it is just what I want. I know they are living the dream — and I am living the dream as well.' Sandro's retirement U-turn is perhaps the most eccentric act yet in a life that has been full of them. Famously, he became hooked on darts after moving to Tottenham for £8million from Internacional in Brazil in 2010, striking up an unlikely friendship with former world finalist Bobby George. When Mail Sport interviewed him at his home in Essex in 2012, he stunned our reporter by singing and strumming his guitar to Coldplay and the Black Eyed Peas. Twelve years on, Sandro breaks into song again when asked what tune he performed in front of Harborough's players for his initiation. 'Nossa, nossa, assim voce me mata,' he sings tunefully in his native tongue. 'In Brazil, it is a good song,' Sandro says. If his dressing-room singing helped him integrate into the Harborough squad, so too did his attitude at training on Wednesday night, when he could be heard celebrating every tackle won by a team-mate in the small-sided games. That is not to say, though, that Sandro was not apprehensive about playing again after so long out of the game. 'When I said yes to playing, I needed to start to run because I was just doing strength work in the gym, not running,' he admits. 'My body wasn't ready to go again after two years. 'I was back in Brazil last week and I called my friends and said, "You have to help me out here because I have a game coming up." So we arranged a seven-a-side with friends and it was good.' Midfielder Sandro looked fit and appeared to be training very hard ahead of Sunday's match Sandro has refused to be paid by Harborough - even rejecting offers to cover his expenses The next match he plays will be at Reading, where Sandro played for Tottenham in the Premier League in 2012, when he enjoyed a 3-1 win, thanks to two goals from Jermain Defoe and one from Gareth Bale. 'Gareth, I always said that he was the best player I played with. He could do everything, anything,' says Sandro, who spends most of his time in Portugal and has completed his UEFA B Licence as he bids to become a manager. Sandro also played alongside Brazilian superstars Ronaldinho, Neymar and Ronaldo, who he calls 'Phenomenon', during his 17-cap international career. 'I enjoyed my time and I want to enjoy it again.' His enjoyment could only be topped if Harborough — who have won two promotions in three seasons — beat Reading and are drawn away at Spurs in the third round. 'How amazing that would be,' he says, with another huge grin. 'If that happens, count me in.' Reading Tottenham Hotspur Brazil FA Cup Share or comment on this article: How a chance meeting got former Tottenham star Sandro out of retirement to play for seventh-tier Harborough Town in the biggest game in their history e-mail Add comment
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