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People dine at a hotpot restaurant in Jiulongpo District, southwest China's Chongqing, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Chan) CHONGQING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 54 individuals, including 19 foreigners, received their vocational skill certificates as "hotpot chefs" on Friday, becoming the first batch of professionals to be officially accredited for this occupation in China. After passing previous cooking exams, these skilled workers from countries such as Poland, Pakistan and Ghana were awarded certificates of various levels during the Launch Ceremony of the Belt and Road International Skills Certification, held in southwest Chongqing Municipality on Friday. "I am happy to pass the certification exam and receive my certificate as a junior-level hotpot chef," said Claudia Katarzyna Bzyl, a Polish student at the School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University. She added that after undergoing systematic training, she now has a deeper understanding of Chongqing's hotpot and has developed a fondness for its food culture. "I will continue learning and plan to open a Chongqing hotpot restaurant in Poland. Thus, people can savor Chongqing flavor," Bzyl said. Apprentices learn to cook hotpot at a hotpot restaurant in Nan'an District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 9, 2024. (Xinhua) The role of hotpot chef was officially recognized in the 2022 edition of China's occupational classification code. A detailed standard outlining the profession's definition, skill levels and vocational training requirements was jointly published in February by China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Commerce. Renowned nationwide for its spicy hotpots, Chongqing took the lead in formulating the industry standard. As of June 2024, the municipality was home to around 37,000 hotpot restaurants, with the total output of the hotpot industry chain reaching 300 billion yuan (about 41.7 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce. Chongqing has made significant progress in establishing an international evaluation system for skilled talent, according to Xie Liguo, head of the Chongqing Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, the organizer of the ceremony. During the event, Chongqing also launched other international skills certifications across various sectors, including catering, logistics, the internet and new energy. Furthermore, Chongqing institutions also signed a memorandum of understanding on skills certification cooperation with TüV Rheinland (China) Ltd., a leading testing and certification service provider headquartered in Germany.
Sunday, December 8, 2024 Macao’s iconic light art festival, “Light up Macao 2024,” kicked off on December 7, 2024, with a spectacular display of lights and creativity to mark two significant anniversaries—the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region. Running through February 28, 2025, this captivating festival promises to reinforce Macao’s position as a premier global destination for tourism, culture, and art, while boosting the city’s vibrant nighttime economy. A Global Fusion of Artistic Vision The grand opening ceremony took place at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, with key figures including Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR Government, and Ku Mei Leng, Chief of the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, in attendance. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes highlighted the international collaboration behind the event, showcasing light installations and 3D mapping shows created by artists from both Macao and across the globe. The event transforms Macao into a sprawling outdoor art gallery, where creativity and cultural expression meet in a stunning fusion of past and present. Festivities Across the Seasons Spanning 84 days, “Light up Macao 2024” offers an extended celebration that aligns with a range of major festive events. From Winter Solstice and Christmas to New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and the Lantern Festival, the festival ensures a year-end and New Year celebration full of lights, joy, and community spirit. The event is a call to action for both residents and visitors to explore Macao’s diverse districts, embrace the festive atmosphere, and support local businesses. As the streets glow with dazzling lights, the festival not only celebrates the city’s creative vibrancy but also energizes Macao’s thriving tourism and nightlife scene. A Stunning Journey Through Six Districts This year’s theme, “Symphony of Time and Space,” is a journey through Macao’s evolving history, blending the old and the new. The festival unfolds across six districts, each reflecting a distinct subtheme: Each district offers a unique experience, inviting participants to immerse themselves in a sensory celebration of light, art, and innovation. These immersive installations combine modern technology with traditional elements, offering a truly unforgettable experience for all who visit. As Macao embraces the future while honoring its rich heritage, “Light up Macao 2024” promises to be a landmark event that captivates audiences and highlights the city’s position as a global center for culture and leisure.Union blasts comments by Quebec minister mulling law to intervene to end strikesBethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Prosecutors find workers in 'slavery like' conditions at Chinese car company site in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — A task force led by Brazilian prosecutors says it has rescued 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office released videos of the dorms where the construction workers were staying, which showed beds with no mattresses and rooms without any place for the workers to store their personal belongings. In a statement issued Monday, the prosecutor’s office said the workers had been hired in China by Jinjian Group, one of the contractors on the site, which is located in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador metropolitan region. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano HONOLULU (AP) — Lava is erupting from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano for the second straight day. The eruption has stayed within Kilauea’s summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and no homes are threatened. Molten rock began spewing out of the volcano before dawn on Monday when fissures opened in the caldera floor and shot lava high into the air. It then oozed across the caldera floor. Scientists expect activity to fluctuate in coming days. The lava paused Monday afternoon but fountains reemerged Tuesday morning. The eruption has occurred in an area that’s been closed to the public since 2007 due to hazards including crater wall instability and rockfalls. Haiti gang attack on journalists covering a hospital reopening leaves 2 dead, several wounded PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s online media association confirms that two reporters were killed and others wounded in a gang attack on the re-opening of Port-au-Prince’s biggest public hospital. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and they forced the closure of the General Hospital early this year. Authorities had pledged to reopen the facility Tuesday but as journalists gathered to cover the event, suspected gang members opened fire in a vicious Christmas eve attack. The killed journalists were identified as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. An unspecified number of reporters had also been wounded in the attack, which was blamed on the Viv Ansanm gang. Hurricane-force winds bear down on California, latest in stretch of extreme weather LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has been hit hard by extreme weather over the past several weeks. Atmospheric rivers, which are long stretches of wet air that can produce heavy rains, brought a record-setting rainfall before Thanksgiving. A series of atmospheric rivers are producing strong waves and storms near Santa Cruz this week. Thousands were left under evacuation warnings and orders because of a fire around Malibu. Climate change means that strong storms will be responsible for a greater share of the state's yearly precipitation and the periods between those events will be drier. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled.NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Girl Scouts of the USA has received a $30 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help more girls across the country build confidence, understand their worth, and strengthen character traits that will help them thrive. Expanding character development programs and increasing the number of girls who have access to them is being made possible through Character Development Through Youth Programs, a Lilly Endowment initiative designed to help youth-serving organizations create, test, implement and sustain strategies that support character development in the young people they serve in chapters and affiliates throughout the nation. Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is one of eight organizations being funded through the initiative. Through its 111 Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, Girl Scouts offers a fun and safe environment where girls gain the skills necessary to navigate life with purpose and joy, explore their interests, discover their strengths, and grow in character. GSUSA's grant-funded efforts include improving access to Girl Scouts, removing barriers to participation, and supporting the cultural competency needed to serve all girls equitably. Through a variety of experiences and leadership development programming, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves and strengthen their own personal character development. "We are grateful for Lilly Endowment's generosity and the commitment to helping Girl Scouts amplify our character-building programs to further our reach and impact across the country," said Bonnie Barczykowski , CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. "This support will help us accelerate and deliver on our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place." "From the earliest days of its grantmaking, the Endowment has supported projects to encourage character development, especially among young people," said Ted Maple , the Endowment's vice president for education and youth programs. "We are heartened by the thoughtful and strategic approaches these youth-serving organizations are taking to support children and youth in developing character traits that will be important for them in their future roles as individuals, family members and citizens." About Lilly Endowment Inc. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis -based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although gifts of stock remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. The Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. About Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Join us , volunteer , reconnect , or donate. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/girl-scouts-receives-30m-grant-from-lilly-endowment-inc-to-support-character-development-initiatives-that-will-help-girls-thrive-302326625.html SOURCE GIRL SCOUTS OF THE U.S.A.
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Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretchBy Lizette Chapman | Bloomberg Software company Palantir Technologies and Costa Mesa-based weapons maker Anduril Industries plan to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence in the US military and are inviting other companies to join the effort. Under an agreement announced Friday, battlefield information created by sensors, vehicles, robots and weapons will be collected by Anduril’s Lattice software and then pulled into a secure Palantir platform that will prepare the data for use in AI training and development. The data gathered would include information classified at the highest levels of secrecy. The move is the latest in a series of partnerships announced by defense tech companies this week seeking to put AI technology to greater use in military applications. On Wednesday, Anduril unveiled plans to work with OpenAI on anti-drone systems, and Palantir on Thursday signed an accord with Shield AI to collaborate on autonomous flight systems. The agreements highlight the growing importance of artificial intelligence to the US military as it seeks to maintain an edge over China and other adversaries, creating an opening for contractors to deliver new technology. Palantir’s partnership with Anduril builds on years of coordination between the two companies backed by billionaire venture investor Peter Thiel and signals an expansion of Silicon Valley’s role in reshaping the US defense industry. Earlier this year, Palantir won the US Army’s Titan contract, making it the first software company to win a prime contract and propelling its government business past analyst estimates. The Denver-based company, co-founded by Thiel in 2003, has seen huge demand for its AI products from both commercial and government customers, sending its shares soaring. At more than $173 billion, its market capitalization now surpasses that of Lockheed Martin Corp. Co-founded by early Palantir employee and Founders Fund General Partner Trae Stephens, Anduril sells its reusable rockets, drones and submarines and related software platform Lattice to the US and allied countries. Investors last valued it at $14 billion on expectations of continued growth in those sectors as it builds a factory to increase production while exploring new growth areas. Last month, it won a contract with the US Space Command. Despite progress by startups like Anduril in winning defense dollars, venture-backed startups are far from replacing legacy defense contractors. Elon Musk’s SpaceX won more than 80% of all government spending awarded to startups tracked by the Silicon Valley Defense Group, according to a report earlier this year that doesn’t include Palantir because it is public. Executives from companies including Palantir and Anduril along with Musk have called for changes in how the Defense Department purchases weapons and other technology to be faster, cheaper and more streamlined. Musk, the world’s richest man, was asked by President-elect Donald Trump to co-chair an advisory panel to make the US government more efficient. In announcing their new AI effort Friday, Palantir and Anduril described it as a consortium they intend to eventually expand to other industry partners. “No single company is capable of delivering on the promise of AI for national security,” they said in their announcement. “It takes a team of companies that are willing and able to ensure that the U.S. government remains the world leader in fielding advanced technologies that keep our citizens safe.” Related Articles Business | Can AI chatbots make your holiday shopping easier? Business | OpenAI Sam Altman ‘not that worried’ about rival Elon Musk’s influence in the Trump administration Business | Apple readies more conversational Siri in bid to catch up in AI Business | Siri gets smarter as Apple adds AI to iPhone Business | How Big Tech won big against regulation in California this year