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Students of speed skating team participate in training at the Shuixigou middle school in Urumqi County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. — Xinhua photo BEIJING (Nov 25): With her roller skates on, elbow and knee pads secured, and helmet snugly fastened, 7-year-old Yunkai was ready for her lesson. Sitting on a park bench near their Beijing home, Yunkai’s father, Yang Yesheng, watched as his daughter skillfully weaved through cones in a precise S-pattern. “She loves roller skating and won’t stop pestering her mother and me to take her out to exercise after school,” Yang said. Yang takes pride in his daughter’s passion for sports. “I’m glad she has developed a habit of exercising,” he said. In China, access to university education largely depends on achieving high exam scores. As a result, parents feel compelled to invest significantly in their children’s academic performance from a young age, motivated by the common belief of “not losing at the starting line.” As more education experts and parents realize, this belief is somewhat misguided, especially when “winning at the starting line” is narrowly defined as academic success. Many Chinese parents have been redrawing the “starting line” to include physical education. This shift has been reinforced by government initiatives balancing academic focus with physical activity to help children achieve holistic development, equipping them for long-term success and well-being. China has around 150 million primary and secondary school students. Though their overall physical health has improved in recent years, surveys and research also found significant challenges persist. In 2022, nearly one in five children aged 6 to 17 were overweight or obese; half of children and adolescents were nearsighted, though the share had been constantly declining. “These issues didn’t arise overnight. Their causes are complex, and addressing them will require a long-term, systematic approach,” said Wu Jian, a research fellow at the China National Academy of Educational Sciences. To address these challenges, China has implemented various initiatives, including a mandate requiring two hours of daily exercise for all students — one during school hours and one off-campus. Another, the 2021 “double reduction” policy, aimed to alleviate the burdens of homework and off-campus tutoring, freeing up time for sports, arts and other extracurricular activities. In particular, the government has placed greater emphasis on physical education (PE) in schools. The revised Law on Physical Culture and Sports, which took effect in 2023, clearly states that “schools must ensure that students take part in no less than one hour of physical exercise every day.” Yang, 34, contrasts his daughter’s experience with his own school days in the 1990s. “Back then, PE classes were often replaced by Chinese, math, or English, sometimes without explanation,” he said. Now, at Yunkai’s school, PE teachers attend parent-teacher meetings to discuss students’ progress — a dramatic shift from Yang’s childhood. Over the past decade, schools have significantly improved on-campus sports programs by recruiting more PE teachers and providing better sports facilities and equipment. The focus on fitness in some schools even exceeds the mandate. At a primary school in the northeastern city of Shenyang, students enjoy at least three hours of sports daily, with activities ranging from rock climbing to unicycling. The results speak for themselves: In 2023, less than 3 percent of Hunnan No.9 Primary School’s students were classified as obese, and just 13.8 percent were myopic, far below national averages. “Each activity is chosen for its specific benefits,” said Hou Mingfei, the school’s principal. “Rock climbing, for example, helps with scoliosis, while unicycling improves coordination of the body and mind.” Education specialists have encouraged parents, in collaboration with schools, to help children explore their interests and guide them toward a sport they love, as interests help build lasting fitness habits. Across the country, children’s sports training institutions have grown rapidly, offering diverse and innovative programs to meet the rising demand. Nationwide, there are now over 30,000 such institutions. For Yang and his daughter, professional training complements their family’s commitment to fitness. “Signing up for the roller skating course was entirely her choice, and we support her,” Yang said. “We also enjoy exercising together as a family.” But maintaining a regular exercise routine can be more challenging for junior and senior high school students and their parents. Zheng Qian, the mother of an eighth-grader from Beijing, is worried about increasing academic pressure. Yet, Zheng ensures her daughter maintains regular exercise, partly because of the PE component in the high school entrance exams. “The goal of including PE in exams is to emphasize the importance of health and exercise,” said Zhang Shuang, an education professor at Beijing-based Capital Normal University. While some parents may encourage their children to exercise primarily to boost their exam scores, educational authorities are actively seeking ways to reduce such pressures. One key initiative involves developing scientific and fair standards for evaluating PE performance. Under Beijing’s latest rules for high school entrance exams, PE scores contribute 50 out of 510 total points. Test performance is assessed under the rule that “achieving a ‘good’ rating earns a full score.” This approach reduces score disparities, thereby alleviating exam pressure for students, explained Wang Pan, a senior official from Beijing’s education authorities, adding that the measure is designed to encourage students to engage in physical activities. — Xinhua
By JESSICA DAMIANO Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Related Articles Things To Do | Beer pairings for your holiday feasts Things To Do | Make these Tahini-Roasted Sweet Potatoes for Thanksgiving Things To Do | Fun to Do: Pierce the Veil, Grand Illuminations and more winter events Things To Do | How to watch and stream the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Things To Do | Review: Generic Theater’s ‘A Beautiful Day in November’ spoofs turkey days and family ways If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.
Donald Trump threatens 100% tariff on BRICS countriesPrior to today's game against the Michigan Wolverines, Ryan Day had lost three straight games to the Buckeyes' arch-rival in increasingly embarrassing fashion. But while the final score of today's 13-10 loss may have been close, it's probably the most brutal loss by far. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.
Tannery owner Sylvanus Reynolds was not only a business leader but magistrate, member of Warrington Borough Council and active and prominent Conservative. He help to build the former Conservative Club on Sankey Street and lived at Raddon Court – formerly the site of the well-known furniture shop. Yet one of the most remarkable things about his life was his death on November 13, 1887. According to reports at the time, it occurred the day after a shooting incident in which, while climbing a fence, his gun was accidentally discharged, causing extensive injury to a leg which had to be amputated at a nearby house. His funeral was an impressive occasion, with hundreds of people lining the road from his home at Raddon Court to watch the procession to St Wilfrid’s CE Church in Grappenhall. Taken by carriage, the mourners included Sir Gilbert and Lady Greenall, together with other dignitaries from politics and industry. He became the sole owner of Latchford Tannery in 1868 and by 1878 was also chairman of companies: Arthur Waring & Co, also tanners, in Winwick Street; the Castle Rubber Company in Bridge Street. He built the Raddon Court mansion in 1883 and he also erected a row of cottages for the workforce. The house has been demolished now and replaced by the current Raddon Court business. A former captain of the Warrington Volunteers force, he also presented the stain glass east window to Christ Church in Latchford, along with wife Jane, a month before his death. Tragically, to mark his services to the Conservative Association, members had subscribed for a marble bust to be sculpted in Italy. But it came in the week that he died. Donated by his wife Jane in 1888, the bust was placed in the foyer of the Conservative Club’s Sankey Street premises, where it remained until 1970 when the building was vacated before it was demolished as part of town centre works. It was later given back to the current Warrington Conservative Club back in 1992.
KINSELLA: Pierre Poilievre has evolved into a different politicianConsumers will be hit with another steep rise in their household and car insurance premiums this year as general insurers push revenue growth ahead of rising inflation costs. Actuarial group Finity is forecasting a 12 per cent jump in premiums this year for two of the biggest general insurance sectors – home and car insurance – based on industry statistics and recent forecasts from the industry including listed insurers like IAG and Suncorp. It says the big price rises have helped ensure that insurer’s profit margins are at the top of the curve, although that could change rapidly thanks to the volatility of climate change. The 2020 floods in northern NSW and southern Queensland provided a financial shock for insurers that is still being felt by customers across Australia. Credit: Josh Dye Rising premiums are just one of the fronts where general insurers have been coming under pressure over their actions in the $100 billion market – including an inquiry into their tardy response to flooding in Queensland and northern NSW in 2022. “The insurance sector has been under significant scrutiny, following the reviews into the devastating flood events, the challenges associated with affordability and accessibility and the media commentary on insurers’ strong financial results of the latest reporting season,” APRA’s Suzanne Smith told an insurance industry conference in October. “Consumers have now faced multiple years of substantial premium increases, driven by the rising costs of these natural disasters along with inflationary pressures, increased re-insurance costs, higher building standards and advanced technologies, to name just a few.” The soaring premiums provide a double-whammy for struggling households. The first hit is the direct cost of soaring insurance bills, the second is its outsized impact on inflation – ensuring interest rates also stay higher for longer. The cost of vehicle and household insurance has risen by $11.7 billion over three years, Finity estimates. So any suggestion that investors are profiting from customers’ financial pain is sensitive to say the least. “Profitability for the industry (last year) was towards the top end of the target range ... that was largely due to strong premium growth,” Finity principal Pravesh Ponna, says. This year is expected to be another stellar year for the owners of our big insurers with Finity forecasting that return on equity (ROE), a key measure of financial returns, is expected to be at the top end of the sector’s long-term average at 15 per cent. And it is reflected in the share prices of Australia’s listed insurers like the $20 billion IAG – the company behind brands like NRMA and CGU – which has only traded higher than its current share price for a brief period in 2018. IAG chief executive Nick Hawkins says insurance costs are easing but not enough to prevent premium increases well above the inflation rate. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Suncorp – which owns AAMI, GIO and still tips the scales at a valuation of $25 billion despite the recent sale of its banking business to ANZ – has not traded this high since 2007. Both have said recently that their overall general insurance premiums are set to rise mid-to-high single digit amounts this year – above inflation but below the increases of recent years. IAG chief executive Nick Hawkins also said inflation is easing in motor vehicle policies, but double-digit inflation in costs for housing insurance will be reflected in its pricing. “We continue to see labour rates in the high single, or early double-digits, and we are seeing building supply costs still high,” he told analysts and investors. Loading The group is forecasting an insurance profit margin of up to 15.5 per cent this year. But following the release of Finity’s report on the sector last month, Ponna warned against reading too much into these fat financial margins. For one, investment returns on funds retained for potential insurance payouts – which hit a decade high of 6 per cent last year – helped boost financial returns. But more importantly, general insurers benefited from a respite from the perilous weather events that could quickly swamp this financially sunny outlook. Macquarie Research noted the Australian September quarter results for global insurer, Allianz, which reported a “benign NatCat” (natural catastrophe) experience, not just “very strong” premium rate rises. Catastrophe events are defined by the industry as an occurrence “which is sudden and widespread and which causes substantial damage to property over a large area”. To get an idea of the impact of catastrophe events, you only have to look back to the 2022 floods which triggered a fundamental restructure of the general insurance cost base in Australia. “That was a really big event for the industry,” Ponna says. “It caused a lot of losses for insurers, and caused a lot of losses for reinsurers.” Reinsurers – global financial giants which allow insurers to take out their own insurance against catastrophes – recalibrated both their costs and risk appetite in a manner which has filtered all the way through to consumer costs. Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather across the globe. Credit: AP Reinsurers increased the costs of their service significantly, says Ponna, and they also reduced their exposure to these perils in Australia. This means local insurers have had to take on significantly more risk for the next big catastrophe event. They have had to increase pricing significantly to both cover the higher reinsurance costs and build the financial buffers to protect themselves from higher financial exposure. “That happened over the course of two years. There were two pretty tough renewals for the insurance industry, and that obviously plays out in terms of more volatility for direct insurers to accept, and also higher reinsurance costs which flow through to the prices that consumers pay,” Ponna says. The issue for investors is that local insurers won’t really know how well protected they are until the next catastrophe occurs. IAG cites a recent reinsurance deal with Warren Buffett-backed National Indemnity Company as a significant mitigator for its business. Loading “The deal will provide greater certainty over the cost of natural perils cover for our customers, stabilise our earnings and reduce our capital requirements,” Hawkins says. While this year’s reinsurance increases are more benign, the growing weather volatility due to global warming means there is no assurance the new status quo will remain for any significant length of time. “What we’ve learned with climate change, and the impact of natural catastrophes, is there’s more volatility associated, and you get a more unique sort of events now that you haven’t seen in the past, which might trigger reinsurers to rethink those models again,” Ponna says. “We now think we’re in a steady state with the reinsurance market, but time will tell.” Unusually catastrophic weather is not the only cloud on the horizon for some insurers. IAG is still in a legal battle with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) which has alleged the insurer deliberately pumped up premiums for loyal customers. The matter, which IAG is defending, is now the subject of a class action. But this is a small problem next to the rising issue of insurance stress for cash-strapped households. A report in August from the Actuaries Institute detailed the growing problem which is leading to an insurance gap as more homes effectively become uninsurable. It said more than 1.6 million households were experiencing home insurance affordability stress as at March 2024 – defined as paying premiums equal to more than 4 weeks gross pay – up 30 per cent on the prior year. “The most significant driver of affordability stress is exposure to flood risk,” the report said. Across the country, the average flood premium paid by these stressed households is around 16 times higher than non-stressed households. The affordability problem is also on the radar of the prudential regulator, APRA. “What comes through loud and clear is that Australians continue to face significant challenges with the affordability and accessibility of insurance. Much more needs to be done to reduce the widening protection gap for consumers, who already struggle with the increased cost of living,” APRA’s Smith says. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each weekday afternoon . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article General insurance IAG Suncorp Colin Kruger is a senior business reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Most Viewed in Business Loading