Podcasts about Hong Kong

Every crew member knows that being friendly can open doors - and sometimes, champagne bottles. But on one unforgettable flight from Hong Kong to London, curiosity led two flight attendants somewhere they never expected: straight onto a yacht… and into very deep water.What starts as a conversation with a mysterious passenger with a bodyguard, turns into a high-stakes escape story when one nosy peek reveals a stash of drugs and cash hidden below deck. Suddenly, the perks of people skills come with a price - and getting off the boat becomes the only priority.Based on a true story shared with The Red Eye, “The Mysterious Passenger” is a tale of charm, curiosity, and the fine line between hospitality and hazard. Fasten your seatbelt, this one sails dangerously close to the edge.Send us a text! If you'd like a reply, please leave an email or numberWe would really appreciate it if you take 1 minute to leave a quick review. It really helps our podcast become more visible on all the platforms so we can reach more people! Thank you. Kaylie has written 6 other fictional novels about the lives of cabin crew! Amazon UKAmazon USABarnes and NobleSupport the showThe Red Eye Podcast is written by Kaylie Kay, and produced and narrated by Ally Murphy.To subscribe to the monthly newsletter and keep up to date with news, visit www.theredeyepod.com. Or find us on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok & Instagram @theredeyepod, for behind the scenes stories and those funny short stories that only take a minute or less!If you'd like to support the podcast you can "buy us a beer" and subscribe at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2310053/support, we'd be happy to give you a shout out on our newsletter!Ally Murphy is a former flight attendant, and a British voice over artist based in the USA, visit www.allymurphy.co.ukKaylie Kay is a flight attendant and author based in the UK. You can find more of her work at www.kayliekaywrites.comTo buy The Red Eye's first book click on the following links:Amazon UK Amazon USABarnes and Noble Other E Book Platforms

Books and Brews: the place where beer and literature meet! Jake Needham is an American lawyer who became a screen and television writer through a series of coincidences too ridiculous for anyone to believe. When he realized how little he actually liked movies and television, he started writing crime novels. Jake has lived in Asia and Australia since 1980, first in Sydney, then in Hong Kong, and from 1992, in Bangkok. He and his wife, an Oxford graduate and prematurely retired concert pianist, have been married for thirty-two years and have two adult sons. Jake has published seventeen novels that have collectively sold over a million copies. You see? The great tradition of the American expat novelist isn't entirely dead yet. We talked about masks (psychological, not covid), childhood trauma, plastic surgery…and Aquanet wiggling into tight pants in the 80! (And more!)  00:00 START 05:30 Drink 1: Mango Cinnamon Margarita 08:11 Reading 1: Charlie and the Dogs 13:48 From law to writing for film & TV 24:27 Character-driven fiction 25:05 Drink 2: Singapore Sling 28:24 Reading 2: A Hot Day in Singapore 33:31 Misbehaving Characters: Plotting and Pantsing 41:20 Cultural differences and life in Singapore  44:40 Drink 3: The Zombie 48:18 Reading 3: Charlie Trust 56:16 Living next door to Farrah Fawcett 58:01 Law, the legal system, and justice   Visit our PATREON for our extended AFTER HOURS with Ashley and Andrea Www.booksandbrews.net www.lauravosika.com www.gabrielshornpress.com www.glenmirrilfarms.wordpress.com Www.jakeneedhamnovels.com  ~ ~ If you enjoy our interviews or have benefitted from them, we invite you to help us continue our work. It takes a great deal of time and money to produce Books and Brews. We've been doing interviews since January 2017 as a free service to authors. We continue to promote those authors on our social media for years after their interviews. Subscribing, following, liking, commenting and sharing all help us to keep doing what we do. A $5 tip helps us pay for our many expenses: Libsyn hosting, web hosting, Google meets, providing the drinks for the interview and the many hours of preparation and editing that go into each episode. Patreon: patreon.com/BooksandBrewswithLauraVosika  Tip Jar: paypal.me/booksandbrewsMN * Books and Brews products: https://www.zazzle.com/store/books_an… (more to come) Sponsor an episode to promote your product or service: contact us booksandbrewslive@gmail.com COMING NEXT MONTH:  Kristie Wolf, thrillers UPCOMING EVENTS: Gabriel's Horn is accepting submissions for its anthology NEW THEMES: CHILDREN  See Laura's interview at Central Valley Talk Our theme music is from www.bensound.com. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to get notifications of all our new videos. We have now interviewed more than 115 authors! Would you like to be featured? Leave a comment. https://www.youtube.com/@booksandbrews

Eric welcomes Michael Hunzeker, associate director of the Center for Security Policy Studies at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, to discuss his new book America's Taiwan Dilemma, co-authored with Mark Christopher. They explore why a nation's reputation for credibility matters for deterrence and alliance management, and whether U.S. treaty allies in East Asia truly want Washington to defend Taiwan at all costs. The conversation also examines Taiwan's globally essential semiconductor industry, the fate of Hong Kong following its integration into China, and how the Trump Administration is reshaping America's East Asian system of bilateral alliances. America's Taiwan Dilemma: Allies' Reactions and the Stakes for US Reputation: https://a.co/d/6sgYh3D Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

Is telling the truth becoming dangerous? From China to the U.S. border, Shemane sits down with guests who've lived through censorship, persecution, and political pressure to reveal what really happens when you refuse to stay quiet. These stories pull back the curtain on oppression, courage, and the kind of faith that doesn't flinch. 0:40 – 23:42 | Janice Trey — From China to Champion of Truth What happens when asking questions could cost you your life? Janice shares her childhood under Mao, surviving forced labor and brutal state control before escaping to Hong Kong, then America. Now as CEO of The Epoch Times, she talks about giving a voice to those who are silenced and why freedom is always one generation away from disappearing.   23:42 – 34:39 | JJ Carrell — Exposing the Crisis at America's Border What if the biggest threat to a nation comes from inside its own borders? With 24 years in the Border Patrol, JJ breaks down the dangers of unchecked illegal immigration, trafficking networks, and political leaders who refuse to act. His message is simple: without truth, there is no safety.   34:39 – 44:05 | Shemane Nugent — Prayer, Hope And Restoration Shemane closes the episode with a powerful prayer from Pastor Anthony Thomas, followed by a heartfelt message from Hannah Keeley. Together they remind us that when the world feels dark, God is still restoring, strengthening, and guiding every step.   Resources Janice Trey —  Website: https://www.theepochtimes.com/  Twitter/X: @EpochTimes JJ Carrell —  Instagram: @jjcarrellpolitics Website: jjcarrell.com    Hannah Keeley — Website: hannahkeeley.com Mom Mastery University: mommastery.com Instagram: @hannahkeeley   Pastor Anthony Thomas —  Website: TipOfTheSpearChurch.org Rumble: Tip of the Spear Church    Sponsors Watch Faith & Freedom every Sunday,  10 am EST on Real America's Voice https://americasvoice.news/playlists/faith-and-freedom-with-shemane/   Protect yourself with EMP Shield  Use the promo code "SHEMANE"    Activate stem cells & reset your body's clock  at https://lifewave.com/shemane  Please send product inquiries to: shemane.lifewave@gmail.com    Organic natural products to help your family thrive with  https://www.rowecasaorganics.com/Shemane and use the promo code FAITH   Use promo code "FAITH" To Purchase "My Pillow" at  https://www.mypillow.com/  or call 800-933-6972 Use promo code "FAITH"    Use promo code "FREEDOM" to receive 20% off your first order at https://brickhousenutrition.com/collections/field-of-greens    Check out Shemane's new programs https://shemanenugent.rocks/fit-n-fabulous-starter-pack https://shemanenugent.rocks/faith-fuel-21day-daily-devo    Check out Shemane's books: Purchase Shemane's New Book 'Abundantly Well' on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Abundantly-Well-Bible-Based-Increased-Vibrant/dp/1680999249   Purchase Shemane's new #1 Bestseller 'Killer House': https://www.amazon.com/Killer-House-Air-Your-Killing/dp/B0C5GK5RB7 4 Minutes to Happy: https://www.amazon.com/Minutes-Happy-Happier-Healthier-Dreams/dp/1642795895 Kill It and Grill It Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Grill-Guide-Preparing-Cooking/dp/1621575829   Connect with Shemane: Send your questions, suggestions, hunting photos & funny pet videos to shemane.chat@gmail.com  Watch Killer House Documentary: https://www.killerhouse.org Get Wildly Well at https://www.shemanenugent.rocks Shemane's Social Media: Instagram: @shemanenugent Youtube: /shemane Truth Social @Shemane Facebook: @shemane.nugent

WAZ UUUUUUUPPP!!!! Just like that 90's seminal ad campaign, we are the MOOOOVIES ON THE ROCKS and we are what's up!! And just on how amazing that commercial was, this movie was a turning point in the career of Jackie Chan here in the states. But not just that, it brought the beauty of Hong Kong action movies to the mainstream here in the US also. But enough of that cinephil BS, let's get to the movie. So if you are interested in listening to a few dudes wax poetically of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, give us a listen. As always, we do this with a song in our hearts and a drink in our hands. Cheers!! INTRO: PEG & THE REJECTED -- ALL SING ALONG REFILL: SHAOLIN DUB -- SKANKING IT EASY DUB OUTRO: DISTEMPER -- HAPPY END EMAIL : MOVIESONTHEROCKS2020@GMAIL.COM INSTAGRAM: @moviesrockpodcast

In today's episode, I was planning to start a new action figure project - attempting to turn a Rocketeer figurine that I found on eBay in to an articulated action figure.  A number of years ago, my brother encouraged me to use the social media platform Blue Sky as an alternative to Twitter/X.  I did make a profile and processed to do nothing with it other than do what I often do when I find a new platform - I start looking for Rocketeer stuff.  One of the first things I posted was the discovery of a Rocketeer theme gashapon set that was available in Japan.  Gashapon are little toys or souvenirs you can buy in plastic capsules from vending machines.  These sorts of things were all over the place in the 80s, though what you got there was of generally pretty low quality.  Still, the idea of a little toy in a capsule stuck with me long enough to inspire me to want to make little resin figurines of Logan and Aurora from The Thirteenth Hour.  Their diminutive size was no surprise!  There is also something alluring about the fact toys like this comes from a machine and that you don't exactly know what you will get.  The more common US equivalent - the blind bag / box concept - is essentially the same thing with more expense and less flair (no machine involved).I was able to find a set of all the Rocketeer gashapon via a retailer in Hong Kong, I believe, which was cheaper.  My favorite piece of the set was a GI Joe sized figurine of Cliff about to take off to chase the zeppelin:Go to https://13thhr.wordpress.com/2025/11/17/the-thirteenth-hour-podcast-536-and-like-a-hood-ornament-83-starting-a-new-rocketeer-resin-casting-project-and-making-a-new-rocketeer-theme/ for pictures.I remember thinking at the time - wouldn't this make a good articulated figure?  And the idea never really went away.  So I've decided to try first to make a duplicate of the figure that I can cut up and modify.  The figure does split in half, so in these pictures, I have planned some vents in places I thought might not fill.And that was going to be this week's episode ... but the silicone I had bought for the project turned out to be bad (one bottle leaked and the other was solid).So I pivoted midway back to music and decided to make a Rocketeer marching tune for the Rocketeer 8bit style game I have been making.  I tapped out the tune initially on the keyboard and then made the track itself on Bandlab.   You can hear the track towards the end of the episode.  It's not quite done, but it's pretty much what I was looking for to accompany the flying / running parts of the game.I have been fortunate to have been on a few podcasts lately - both about the process of becoming an author, starting a podcast, making toys, making music, etc.  This clip from the Planet Texas Podcast on toymaking is pretty much what we were talking about above.  You can listen/watch the whole conversation over on Youtube.   Thanks, Javier, for having me on!I was also on Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri for another fun conversation.  Check out the episode on Spotify.  Thanks, Vedant, for having me on!∞∞∞∞∞∞∞Once Upon a Dream, the second Thirteenth Hour soundtrack, is now out in digital form and on CD!   It is out on most major streaming services such as Bandcamp, Spotify, and YouTube Music.  (If you have no preference, I recommend Bandcamp since there is a bonus track there and you will eventually be able to find tapes and special editions of the album there as well.)  The CDs are out now!-Check out the pixelart music videos that are out so far from the album:-->Logan's Sunrise Workout: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7SM1RgsLiM-->Forward: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9VgILr1TDc-->Nightsky Stargazing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S0p3jKRTBo-->Aurora's Rainy Day Mix: https://youtu.be/zwqPmypBysk

Chinas Aufstieg ist nicht dem freien Markt, sondern der Unterdrückung grundlegender Rechte und des fairen Wettbewerbs zu verdanken. Das sagt Qin Hui, Professor in Hongkong. Wie sehen Ökonomen die aktuelle chinesische Wirtschaft?

The reopening of the U.S. government will allow the release of backlogged economic data, especially jobs data, helping us take stock of our pro-risk view. Nicholas Fawcett, Chief Investment Strategist at the BlackRock Investment Institute, breaks down the implications. General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2025 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BIIM1125U/M-4994914

Wong Kar Wai brings us - way back - to lovelorn Hong Kong.  Upon discovering that their spouses are having an affair with with one another, two neighbors strike up a sad acquaintance that soon blossoms into an unrequited affair of their own.  Of course, this makes no sense because who would ever cheat on Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung?  But that's not really the point.  The point is cigarette smoke and silk dresses. Join the Random Acts of Cinema Discord server here! *Come support the podcast and get yourself or someone you love a random gift at our merch store.  T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, stickers, and more! If you'd like to watch ahead for next week's film, we will be discussing and reviewing Alexander Payne's Election (1999). 

Hong Kong pedal ace Ceci Lee Sze-wing's successful title defense in the women's road cycling individual event during the ongoing 15th National Games has once again turned the spotlight on the city's cycling team, which is known for its stellar show in premier tournaments.在正在进行的第十五届全运会上，中国香港自行车名将李思颖成功卫冕女子公路自行车个人赛冠军。这一成绩再次让以顶尖赛事出色表现闻名的中国香港自行车队成为焦点。Lee's gold is the second for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region so far in this year's games, and she is also the third athlete from the SAR to triumph more than once at the National Games after Asian cycling legend Wong Kam-po and Olympian Sarah Lee Wai-sze.李思颖的这枚金牌是中国香港特别行政区在本届全运会上斩获的第二枚金牌。她也成为继亚洲自行车传奇人物黄金宝、奥运冠军李慧诗之后，第三位在全运会上多次夺冠的香港特区运动员。While hard work and discipline form the mainstay of Hong Kong cycling team's medal-winning performances, the application of cutting-edge sports technologies developed through the joint efforts of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong has been a significant contributor to its success.香港自行车队的奖牌成就固然以刻苦训练和严格自律为核心，但内地与香港联合研发的尖端体育科技应用，同样是其成功的重要助力。A central research facility at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, which specializes in developing high-tech aerodynamic and acoustic surroundings, boasts a low-noise wind tunnel that can simulate a cycling race environment.香港科技大学的一处核心研究设施专注于研发高科技气动与声学环境，其中拥有一座低噪音风洞，可模拟自行车比赛场景。This facility, when further empowered by the nation's Tianhe 2 supercomputer in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, can not only improve cyclists' riding postures, but also assist in the development of the most suitable bike design and cycling bodysuit for them.该设施借助广东省广州市的国家“天河二号”超级计算机进一步赋能，不仅能优化运动员的骑行姿态，还能协助研发最适配他们的自行车设计与骑行服。Zhang Xin, director of the university's Aerodynamics and Acoustics Facility, highlighted the importance of using a supercomputer to develop sports technologies. As human muscle tissues and physical conditions constantly change, the computation process is complex and requires the use of a supercomputer, he said.香港科技大学气动与声学实验室主任张欣（音译）强调了利用超级计算机研发体育科技的重要性。他表示，人体肌肉组织和身体状态不断变化，计算过程复杂，必须借助超级计算机完成。Athletes of the Hong Kong cycling team have worn aero-speed suits developed and tested in the wind tunnel to compete at various major sports events, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. These bodysuits, tailor-made for each athlete, are estimated to reduce wind drag by an impressive 3 percent.香港自行车队运动员已身着经风洞研发测试的气动速干服，参与了包括2020年东京奥运会、2022年杭州亚运会在内的多项重大体育赛事。这些为每位运动员量身定制的服装，预计可显著降低3%的风阻。Other sports disciplines, such as windsurfing and triathlon, have also employed simulations developed using the supercomputer and the wind tunnel to optimize the postures and movements of athletes.帆板、铁人三项等其他体育项目也运用了超级计算机和风洞研发的模拟技术，优化运动员的动作姿态。During training sessions in Stanley on Hong Kong Island, sensors developed by the university recorded athletes' physical data, which was subsequently analyzed using the supercomputer.在香港岛赤柱的训练期间，该校研发的传感器记录下运动员的身体数据，随后通过超级计算机进行分析。According to Zhang, the Tianhe 2 simulated the wind conditions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and provided the information to head coaches of the windsurfing and sailing teams. The supercomputer helped to enhance athletes' posture optimization, as well as design and select equipment, he said.张欣透露，“天河二号”曾模拟2024年巴黎奥运会的风力条件，并将相关数据提供给帆板队和帆船队主教练。超级计算机为运动员的姿态优化、装备设计与选型提供了有力支持。Sports technology cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong has deepened in recent years, with more agreements signed for further development, serving both professional athletes and the public.近年来，内地与香港的体育科技合作不断深化，签署了更多合作协议推动后续发展，惠及专业运动员与普通民众。In September, Hong Kong Polytechnic University and mainland sportswear brand Li-Ning signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Li-Ning-PolyU Joint Research Centre for Sports Science, which aims to enhance technological application and promote industrial transformation in the sports and health sectors.9月，香港理工大学与内地运动服装品牌李宁签署合作备忘录，成立“李宁-理大体育科学联合研究中心”，旨在加强体育健康领域的技术应用与产业转型。In Guangzhou, the Nansha Sub-Center of National Supercomputer Center provides the mainland's first supercomputer direct network line for Hong Kong. A dedicated high-speed fiber-optic network from the Tianhe 2 supercomputer is used to link Guangdong and Hong Kong's scientific innovation capabilities, enabling Hong Kong users to swiftly utilize the nation's supercomputing resources. The center has continuously provided support for technological innovation in Hong Kong and Macao.在广州，国家超级计算中心南沙分中心为香港开通了内地首条超级计算机直连网络专线。依托“天河二号”的专用高速光纤网络，链接粤港两地科创力量，让香港用户可快速调用国家超级计算资源。该中心持续为港澳地区的技术创新提供支持。For athletes from Macao and Hong Kong, traveling to the mainland for training and using sports technologies to improve their skills have become common.对于港澳运动员而言，赴内地训练并运用体育科技提升竞技水平已成为常态。Macao athlete Chan Man-hin, who participated in the National Games sailing event last month, said he was equipped with a high-end GPS tracker when he trained on the mainland. The device collected his performance data, including instantaneous speed and direction during sailing, for further analysis to help improve performance, he said.澳门运动员陈敏轩（音译）上月参与了全运会帆船项目，他表示在内地训练时配备了高端GPS追踪器。该设备收集了他航行中的瞬时速度、航向等表现数据，通过进一步分析助力成绩提升。"The piece of equipment allowed me to analyze all the training data and adjust my strategy for the day of the competition," Chan said.“这款设备让我能分析所有训练数据，调整比赛当天的策略，”陈敏轩说。The nation's support for sports development in its special administrative regions extends beyond hardware to include talent cultivation.国家对特区体育发展的支持不仅限于硬件层面，还涵盖人才培养。At Guangzhou Zhongshan Whampoa School for Hong Kong and Macao Students, a base has been established to provide a professional training platform for students from Hong Kong. Selected student athletes receive targeted training in five disciplines — fencing, swimming, equestrian, shooting and running.广州中山黄埔港澳子弟学校设立了专项基地，为香港学生提供专业训练平台。入选的学生运动员将接受击剑、游泳、马术、射击、跑步五个项目的针对性训练。These athletes also get more opportunities to participate directly in competitions at provincial, national and even international levels. By undergoing scientific and systematic training, they can gain recognition of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and have the chance to register as Hong Kong athletes, potentially becoming the city's elite sports representatives.这些运动员还能获得更多直接参与省、国家乃至国际级赛事的机会。通过科学系统的训练，他们有望获得中国香港体育协会暨奥林匹克委员会的认可，注册成为香港运动员，进而成为特区的精英体育代表。aerodynamic/ˌeərəʊdaɪˈnæmɪk/adj.空气动力学的；流线型的optimize/ˈɒptɪmaɪz/v.优化；使最优化

Defence, security, Russia and China are on the agenda in the latest Lord Speaker's Corner. Former Nato Secretary General, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, and former First Sea Lord, Lord West of Spithead, speak to Lord McFall of Alcluith.In this episode, Lord Robertson, who was also Defence Secretary from 1997 to 1999, warns that the UK is “under-prepared and under attack”. He also discusses Russian-organised sabotage in Europe, explaining “They can't do it themselves. So they are now contracting out, a good capitalist principle, to organised crime. Our undersea cables, which carry 99% of all the data we use, are vulnerable and they're watching them and, in some cases, attacking them.” Lord West, the UK's first Security Minister from 2007 to 2010, reflects on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying “It's quite difficult to see how one's going to get out of this [conflict] because one doesn't want a full war between Nato and Russia. They [Russia] would lose it. And the danger with them losing it is – would they then make that stupid mistake of going nuclear?” Both also share their thoughts and experience of dealing with China. Lord West discusses his experience commanding a battle group as he dealt with a challenging Chinese navy during the handover of Hong Kong: “out at sea it was very different from the pictures coming from Hong Kong. The Chinese Navy were trying to ram our ships. They were opening missile doors.”Lord Robertson suggests a careful approach, saying “We've got to engage with China, but recognise that it is going to be the future challenge - militarily, commercially and diplomatically - and therefore be very, very cautious about what we do... I think it's probably better to call the Chinese a problem rather than a threat at the present moment.” Lord West also discusses his experience in the nuclear chain of command on 9/11, sharing “I remember getting a phone call from our nuclear firing cell, the guys who finally - when all the codes go - press the buttons, and they said, unbelievably, on my red phone [linking to the UK deterrent]: ‘Sir... the Americans are starting to move to immediate readiness for nuclear weapon release in all three systems.' That's strategic air, intercontinental ballistic missiles and subsurface ...'What do you want me to do?'” See more from the series https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wall St saw a pullback to open this week, with the losses once again lead by the recently struggling tech sector. The Dow Jones lost 1.2%, the S&P500 dropped 1% while the Nasdaq slipped 0.9%. Nvidia was a big factor weighing down the market, dropping 3% ahead of its Q3 results which are scheduled for Thursday morning Sydney time, as investors remain anxious about stretched evaluations. The results are expected to shape the trajectory of the entire sector for the next few weeks.In other overseas markets, Europe and Asia saw similar results to the US, with a sea of red across all the major indexes, including the European Stoxx600, Chinese CSI and Hong Kong's Hang Seng which all dropped over half a percent.Locally yesterday, the ASX technically did buck the global trend and close in the green, although it was only 1.9 points or 0.02% up. This result did however ensure that the ASX avoided what would have been its longest losing streak since June, had it closed down again. What to watch today:Today however, the ASX is expected to follow the slip we saw abroad overnight, with the SPI futures indicating a 0.6% drop at the open. Crude Oil is trading down 0.64% at 59 USD and 71 cents per barrelPrecious metals have also seen similar drops, with gold down 1% to 4042USD per ounce, and silver down 0.76% to 50USD per ounce. Iron ore is trading up 0.45% at 104.42USD per tonne. Trading ideas:Bell Potter has maintained its Buy rating on agricultural chemicals supplier Elders (ASX:ELD) with a 12-month price target of $9.45, after the company reported strong results and positive guidance for FY26. And Trading Central have identified a Bearish signal in Aussie Broadband Ltd (ASX:ABB), indicating that the price may fall from the close of $5.51 to the range of $4.80 to $4.95 over a period of 60 days, according to the standard principles of technical analysis. 

With close to 300 caps between them, Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin are undoubtedly the leaders in the Lions' pack. And ahead of Singapore's 'winner-takes-all' AFC Asian Cup qualification clash against Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Stadium, the duo sat down with Sports Minutes to talk about their winding roads of ups and downs that have led them to stand on the cusp of making history. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across China, unregistered house churches are facing growing pressure from the authorities as the Chinese Communist Party tightens control over religious life. The Chinese Communist Party says citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. We've a report from the BBC's Correspondent in Hong Kong, Danny Vincent. Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco died 50 years ago on the 20th of November. We explore the legacy of his system of National Catholicism and how a far right party is gaining popularity in the country today. A religious theme is finding its way into the music charts thanks to the latest album from Rosalia. The Spanish singer herself appears on the cover in the guise of a nun - part of a phenomenon which has now been defined as "nunmania". Sister Gemma Simmonds from the Congregation of Jesus gives her thoughts on the trend.PRESENTER: EDWARD STOURTON PRODUCERS: KATY BOOTH & KATY DAVIS STUDIO MANAGERS: AMY BRENNAN & BEN HOUGHTON EDITOR: CATHERINE MURRAY

He’s found scoring form for club and country, secured his spot on the wing for the National Team, and is running at defenders with confidence. Now, Glenn Kweh joins Sports Minutes for an heartfelt chat about goals, growth, Gavin’s demands and the dream of making history with the Lions. Got a story to tell? Get in touch!raushan@sph.com.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 11. "ASTROMAN: the Dark Sky Guardian" is a podcast channel that aims to explore popular science in multiple disciplines and research on interdisciplinary approaches, such as sustainability, dark-sky protection, astrophotography, space exploration, astronomy innovation, inclusive science communication, and STEAM Education by integrating science and arts.   Exodus CL Sit, also known as the ASTROMAN, is a transmedia astronomy educator, popular science author, STEAM educator, and science communicator in Hong Kong. He is recently the National Astronomy Education Coordinator (Chair of Hong Kong, China) of the International Astronomical Union and President of Starrix. He was also an International Committee Member of the Dark Sky International, regularly organizing public lectures at the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Science Museum. He was also the author of a popular science book "Decoding the Starry Night: A Guide to Stargazing and Astrophotography".   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Debbie sits down with Michael Cox who writes about horses in Hong Kong and Japan. Michael attended a Monty's Special Training to learn what the renowned trainer knows about the direction of horse racing. Listen in on his provocative findings...Horsemanship Radio 291:Show Host: Debbie LoucksTitle Sponsor: HandsOn Gloves, All-In-One Shedding/Bathing/Grooming GlovesPhotos used with permissionLearn more about Good Horsemanship at Monty Roberts EQUUS Online University Monty's CalendarPlease follow Monty Roberts on FacebookFollow Monty Roberts on Twitter or on InstagramSee more at: MontyRoberts.comHear all the shows on the Horse Radio NetworkSupport the show

Debbie sits down with Michael Cox who writes about horses in Hong Kong and Japan. Michael attended a Monty's Special Training to learn what the renowned trainer knows about the direction of horse racing. Listen in on his provocative findings...Horsemanship Radio 291:Show Host: Debbie LoucksTitle Sponsor: HandsOn Gloves, All-In-One Shedding/Bathing/Grooming GlovesPhotos used with permissionLearn more about Good Horsemanship at Monty Roberts EQUUS Online University Monty's CalendarPlease follow Monty Roberts on FacebookFollow Monty Roberts on Twitter or on InstagramSee more at: MontyRoberts.comHear all the shows on the Horse Radio NetworkSupport the show

All aboard, Culture Kids! In this week's magical adventure, Mom and Asher hop on the Culture Train and travel to Beijing, China, a city filled with history, color, and stories that stretch back thousands of years. Together with special guest Ms. Dan Song, author of the My City Adventures series, they step through the mighty red gates of the Forbidden City, where emperors once ruled and legends were born. You'll hear the echoes of ancient footsteps, learn what the color red means in Chinese culture, and even discover why the Forbidden City was once “forbidden.” From dragons and phoenixes to royal bedrooms and bronze cranes, this episode brings China's past to life in a way kids can see, hear, and imagine. And of course, no Culture Kids adventure would be complete without food!

Marketing that converts isn't about louder posts or cut-and-paste avatars. It's about words that work like assets—clear, human, and grounded in what buyers actually care about. We sit down with copywriter and strategist Rachel Allen, whose globe-trotting path from a Hong Kong hustle to a thriving practice shaped a no-nonsense approach to positioning, storytelling, and using AI without losing your voice.We start by dismantling the half-page “ideal client” myth and replace it with psychographics and lived context—beliefs, pressures, and change moments that drive decisions. Rachel lays out the four essentials behind every saleright thing, right person, right time, right wayand explains why you only control a couple of them. • shifting from demographics to psychographics• the four rights and why control is limited• positioning that states what it is and why it matters• storytelling as a memory and trust tool• AI as research and drafting support, not a crutchTo connect with Rachel Allen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelallenwrites/https://instagram.com/boltfromthebluecopywritingWebsite: https://www.boltfromthebluecopywriting.com/Hello from your host, Carol Clegg – your accountability business coach for women coaches, entrepreneurs and small teams! As a coach or heart led entrepreneur, you know all the right tools and strategies to support your clients—but when it comes to applying them to yourself, it's easy to get stuck. You might find it hard to prioritize self-care, stay motivated, or maintain a positive mindset, especially when juggling the demands of your business. That's where I come in. I love helping women reconnect with their own practices. Together, we'll explore what's getting in the way, reignite your motivation, and put the right tools in place to support your well-being. Visit carolclegg.com for more details. BOOK your ✅ 30-minute complimentary exploration call HERE Let's connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

In this episode of Hong Kong and China Compliance Essentials, host Kristina Koehler-Coluccia breaks down China's 2026 public holiday calendar — and why it's far more than just a schedule of days off.From Golden Weeks to Chinese New Year compliance checkpoints, Kristina explores how public holidays can create both operational challenges and compliance risks for foreign-invested companies in China.

What happens when food travels with a diaspora? Reporter Kat Chow thought her family's corned beef stew was a Chinese take on an Irish dish...until she discovered its true origins. In this episode of Proof, Kat traces the unexpected route that luo song tong—Hong Kong-style Borscht—took across continents and generations. Craving a hearty beef stew? Check out this recipe on our website. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rula.com/proof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From pizza delivery to emergency aid, are autonomous aircraft the future? Ruth Alexander looks into whether drones are a feasible alternative to delivery drivers and traditional air drops. We hear how fast food and groceries are being delivered into suburban back gardens in Helsinki and Dublin and to a waterside collection point in Hong Kong. Is this technology something we might see everywhere soon? Ruth looks at its advantages and limitations and finds out how drones are carrying essential food to remote communities in Madagascar.Taking part were Danny Vincent, BBC Hong Kong reporter, Ville Lepalä, the CEO and co-founder of Huuva foodhall, Bobby Healy, the CEO of Manna Aero, Santanu Chakraborty, chief executive officer of Bal Raksha Bharat – Save the Children India and Hedley Tah from the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service, which is run by the World Food programme.Produced by Rumella Dasgupta.Image: A drone is flying against a stylised blue sky background. It is holding a white box which says Food Delivery on it in black letters. (Credit Getty Images/ sarawuth702)

The 80-page diary was discovered in an abandoned Hong Kong flat, and details Lam Ping Yu's brush with death during the world's largest-ever sea, land and air armada on D Day during World War Two. - Il diario di 80 pagine è stato ritrovato in un appartamento abbandonato di Hong Kong e descrive in dettaglio l'incontro con la morte di Lam Ping Yu durante la più grande armata navale, terrestre e aerea mai vista al mondo nel D-Day durante la Seconda guerra mondiale.

In November 2008, 30-year-old Ani Ashekian landed in Hong Kong—jet-lagged, excited, and ready for her next adventure. She sent a quick birthday text to her niece, withdrew cash from an ATM… and then vanished without a trace. No calls. No bank activity. No confirmed sightings.  Just a few seconds of CCTV showing Ani standing calmly in a crowded terminal—moments before she disappeared into a city of seven million people. Was she the victim of a robbery, a scam, or something far darker? Or did Ani choose to disappear on her own terms? Her journal, later discovered in Canada, hinted at secret plans—but also a growing undercurrent of fear. Listen as we dive into Hong Kong, the case of Ani Ashekian, and how to stay alive on vacation. Do you have a story to share? Send your email to lasttrippodcast@gmail.com We're on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLastTripPodcast Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/ And join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcast Theme Music by Roger Allen Dexter Sources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/54077259736/ https://truecrimediva.com/ani-ashekian/ https://websleuths.com/threads/china-ani-ashekian-31-hong-kong-11-nov-2008-canadian-tourist.104205/ https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1065968/ani-ashekians-journal-offers-new-clues-after-four-years-silence https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canadian-woman-feared-missing-in-china-1.714555 https://www.toronto.com/news/search-continues-for-missing-toronto-woman-in-hong-kong/article_8b549fea-1aa7-5482-b643-1d303e5ada6f.html https://web.archive.org/web/20151105180831/http://www.findani.com/ https://www.reddit.com/r/HongKong/comments/18b64d1/where_is_ani_ashekian/ https://time.com/archive/6948538/u-s-crime-writer-tackles-a-real-hong-kong-cold-case/ https://windsorstar.com/news/sister-to-pick-up-search-in-china

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The 80-page diary was discovered in an abandoned Hong Kong flat, and details Lam Ping Yu's brush with death during the world's largest-ever sea, land and air armada on D Day during World War Two. - Il diario di 80 pagine è stato ritrovato in un appartamento abbandonato di Hong Kong e descrive in dettaglio l'incontro con la morte di Lam Ping Yu durante la più grande armata navale, terrestre e aerea mai vista al mondo nel D-Day durante la Seconda guerra mondiale.

Nuño Domínguez, recién llegado de Hong Kong, explica que China (donde ahora mismo están los reyes estrechando lazos) ya es líder indiscurible en producción científica de calidad, y Jaime García Cantero comenta que también en IA: en el último congreso sobre esta disciplina celebrado en Santiago, más de la mitad de participantes eran chinos. También comentamos las noticias que salen de la COP30, la figura de Antonio García Bellido, recientemente fallecido, la "gamificación" de la guerra en Ucrania y la multa que la CNMV ha puesto a Twitter por permitir anuncios de criptomonedas que usaban fraudulentamente las caras de famosos: 5 millones de euros que no le hacen mella alguna. Está bien denunciar que las redes sociales son perniciosas, que hacen daño a los niños y que las grandes tecnológicas tendrían que tomar medidas contra la desinformación... pero también estaría bien, sugiere Jaime, que los políticos y los partidos no las usasen en todas sus comunicaciones como si fueran neutras.

Is 2026 the year to rethink your China strategy?In this episode of Hong Kong and China Compliance Essentials, host Kristina Koehler-Coluccia explores how global investors are reassessing their approach to doing business in China amid a shifting regulatory, economic, and geopolitical landscape.China remains a powerhouse for opportunity — but the rules of the game have changed. Kristina breaks down:The new trends shaping foreign investment in 2026Why companies are shifting from expansion to optimizationHow policy updates are driving both encouragement and enforcementThe rise of resilience and trust as the new pillars of successIf you're a foreign entrepreneur, CFO, or business leader, this episode will help you understand how to align your operations with China's evolving priorities — and how to stay compliant, strategic, and future-ready.

BUFFALO, NY — November 13, 2025 — A new #research paper was #published in Volume 17, Issue 10 of Aging-US on October 3, 2025, titled “The role of phenylalanine and tyrosine in longevity: a cohort and Mendelian randomization study.” In this study led by Jie V. Zhao, Yitang Sun, Junmeng Zhang, and Kaixiong Ye from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia, researchers investigated whether two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, affect how long people live (lifespan). The results suggest that higher levels of tyrosine are linked to shorter life expectancy in men, pointing to potential sex-specific approaches to promoting longevity. Phenylalanine and tyrosine are amino acids involved in metabolism and brain function. Both are found in protein-rich foods and dietary supplements, but their long-term effects on aging are not well understood. Tyrosine, in particular, is a building block of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, which regulate mood and cognitive function, making it a molecule of interest in aging research. The study analyzed data from more than 270,000 individuals in the UK Biobank. Using both observational and genetic methods, the researchers examined the associations between blood levels of phenylalanine and tyrosine with overall mortality and predicted lifespan. Although both amino acids were initially linked to higher mortality risk, only tyrosine showed a consistent and potentially causal association with reduced life expectancy in men. Genetic analyses estimated that elevated tyrosine levels could shorten men's lifespan by nearly one year. No significant effect was observed in women. These findings remained consistent even after adjusting for related factors, including the role of phenylalanine. This suggests that tyrosine may independently influence aging. The researchers also observed that men tend to have higher tyrosine levels than women, which could partly explain the gender gap in lifespan. “Phenylalanine showed no association with lifespan in either men or women after controlling for tyrosine.” The exact mechanisms behind this effect are still under investigation. However, tyrosine's involvement in insulin resistance and the production of stress-related neurotransmitters may be contributing factors. Insulin resistance is associated with many age-related diseases, and hormone-related pathways influenced by tyrosine may differ between men and women, potentially explaining the sex-specific outcomes. Although tyrosine is commonly marketed as a supplement for enhancing focus and mental performance, the study raises concerns about its long-term impact on lifespan. While the researchers did not directly study tyrosine supplementation, their findings suggest that people with high tyrosine levels may benefit from dietary adjustments. Strategies such as protein restriction could help reduce tyrosine levels and support healthier aging. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore whether diet and lifestyle changes can safely lower tyrosine levels to promote longevity. DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206326 Corresponding author - Jie V. Zhao - janezhao@hku.hk Abstract video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr0G44TD36M Subscribe for free publication alerts from Aging - https://www.aging-us.com/subscribe-to-toc-alerts To learn more about the journal, please visit https://www.Aging-US.com​​ and connect with us on social media: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AgingUS/ X - https://twitter.com/AgingJrnl Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agingjrnl/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Aging-US LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aging/ Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/aging-us.bsky.social Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AgingUS/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1X4HQQgegjReaf6Mozn6Mc MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unwrap a stocking full of Marvel mayhem in this fourth episode of the Marvel Us Disney reboot — a show equal parts MCU, theme-park history, and pop-culture cheer. They start with LEGO's new Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails (yes, that's T-A-I-L-S), plus a check-in on Jeremy Renner, David Harbour, and this year's Marvel merch blitz, Unwrap the Universe. From there it's on to the big one: Avengers: Doomsday. The Russos return, Robert Downey Jr. re-enters the MCU — as Doctor Doom — and the franchise looks to reset the board ahead of Secret Wars. Later, Jim and Dan explore Simu Liu's “love letter to superhero movies,” Patrick Stewart's possible farewell, and a “What If” worth debating — would Marvel even exist without the MCU? Finally, Jim opens the vault for Theme Park Archaeology, uncovering the Marvel attractions that never were — from Hong Kong's Oscorp Tower of Terror to Disneyland's unbuilt Wakanda expansion — and a first look at Rocket & Groot's Galaxy Spin coming to Disney Cruise Line. HIGHLIGHTS LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails debuts Nov 14 on Disney+ Avengers: Doomsday trailer drops Dec 19 with Avatar: Fire & Ash Simu Liu's “love letter” to superhero movies & Patrick Stewart's rumored retirement MCU legacy talk: Kang, Shuri, and the future of Black Panther Theme Park Archaeology: the Marvel rides that never made it to the parks Rocket & Groot's Galaxy Spin sets sail March 10, 2026 aboard the Disney Adventure Hosts Jim Hill — @JimHillMedia | @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.comDan Graney — @TheHubbubbery | @TheHubbubbery | thehubbubbery.com Support the Show Enjoy Marvel Us Disney? Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early-access episodes:patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Production Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — the smarter way to book Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, with real discounts up to 12% off, including after-hours events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TO BUY SILVER & GOLD, contact Andy's firm at info@milesfranklin.comThe precious metals appear to have recovered from their recent pullback as gold futures vaulted over $4,200/oz today while silver futures surpassed $53/oz.So, is the precious metals rally back on?I asked this question to Andy Schectman in today's livestream. He think it very well may be.We discuss this plus a host of other PM-related topics. To hear it all, click here or on the video below.FYI: if you're looking to purchase bullion online, Thoughtful Money recommends Miles Franklin, co-founded, owned and operated by Andy. The firm has been in operation since 1989, and is a full-service precious metals broker with a mission to educate the masses on the benefits & principles of sound money and deliver fair pricing.Given the important of the partnership between Thoughtful Money and his firm, Andy himself has offered to give Thoughtful Money followers the “white glove” treatment. So if you're interested in learning more about their services, email them directly at info@milesfranklin.com and Andy or one of his lieutenants will give you personal attention, answer all your questions and work to get you the products that best meets your needs at the best possible price.#goldprice #silver #preciousmetals 00:00:00 — Is the rally back on? — initial take00:02:53 — How the price was knocked down (overnight dump, low liquidity)00:03:38 — Who bought the dip (Bank of America, Morgan Stanley)00:08:35 — Concern: inventory squeeze — intro to supply question00:09:56 — Tether and stablecoin buying of gold explained00:11:19 — Retail premiums and US Mint supply issues00:13:53 — Thesis: revaluing gold to devalue the dollar and reshore manufacturing00:18:01 — Kystan USD stablecoin backed by gold — broader trend00:20:22 — Tether at mining summit / disintermediation of miners00:23:14 — Silver as a strategic battleground (industrials vs investors vs states)00:24:32 — Silver added to US critical minerals list — implications00:26:04 — Primary silver production challenges; byproduct supply issues00:28:13 — Will silver become an heirloom metal again?00:38:44 — Shanghai futures, Russia, Hong Kong vaults — repo facility theory00:46:04 — Institutional positioning: $96M GLD call block (December bets)00:52:16 — User questions: selling bullion — process overview01:00:16 — Shipping & insurance details (USPS vs FedEx; insurance limits)01:06:24 — Confiscation risk discussion — likelihood and institutional focus_____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It's important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer's unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security's or a firm's past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2025 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.

After a wild spooky season, Trevin and Amanda slow things down with a laid-back episode full of laughs, pets, and petty crimes. Trevin opens up about his chaotic October — from grief and illness to missing everything from his anniversary to Saw: The Parody Musical and Amanda's Halloween party. Amanda catches him up with stories from her “Frights & Bites” cook-off, sharing what he missed and tying it to the bizarre 2019 case of Jacob William Rogge, who robbed a High's convenience store in Baldwin, Maryland, while dressed as a unicorn. To turn his luck around, Trevin shares how he rescued two Shelties, Sammy and October, finding healing through puppy love. The headlines this week include:

Nick is joined by ITV's Oli Bell to canter through this morning's racing headlines. With a whole host of stars set to take to the stage this weekend in Ireland and the UK, Nick talks to Charlie McCarthy - owner of Kopek des Bordes - about the return of last season's star novice hurdler, set for his chasing debut at Navan this weekend. Also on the show, James Owen spins through a host of smart horses bound for Cheltenham, including Ambiente Friendly, Trad Jazz, Hallelujah U, Burdett Road and more. In Bahrain, Nick catches up with Thady Gosden, Ralph Beckett and Dan and Clare Kubler, while JA McGrath has the latest from Hong Kong, including a tribute to jockey Brian Rouse, who has died aged 85.

S&P futures are up +0.3% and pointing to higher open today. Asian markets ended Wednesday trading mostly higher, with gains seen in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. European equities are also higher in early trades, following a strong close on Tuesday. Risk sentiment is firm as the U.S. government appears close to reopening, with the House set to vote on a funding compromise. Softer ADP payrolls have sharpened concerns about a cooling labor market, pushing markets to price roughly a 70% chance of a December Fed rate cut. Media reports suggest policymakers remain divided, leaving the December decision finely balanced.Companies Mentioned: Blackstone, Bill Holdings, Teck Resources

The Transformation Ground Control podcast covers a number of topics important to digital and business transformation. This episode covers the following topics and interviews:   The Big Gemma Pullback The Future of Manufacturing Tech (Sanjay Brahmawar, CEO of QAD Software) Big Tech Monopolies   We also cover a number of other relevant topics related to digital and business transformation throughout the show.  

Thousands of people across Australia gathered to share a minute's silence at Remembrance Day services across the country on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. SBS Nepali spoke with veterans about the significance of this day and how younger generations reflect on it. Currently a defence analyst in private practice, Ranjit Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, who has been living in Adelaide since 1978, shared his insights. Rana, who joined the Australian military as a Private on October 10, 1980, said he was affiliated with the 16th Air Defence Regiment Workshop based in South Australia. Similarly, Sydney-based former Gurkha soldier Shyam Bahadur Gurung, who came to Australia in 1989, also shared his thoughts. Gurung said he served in the British Army for about 15 years. The corporal also recalled serving in the Brunei conflict during the 1960s and living in Hong Kong and England before eventually settling in Australia. In the same context, Heupati Gurung, president of the Tamu Society Sydney, who has been taking part in similar commemoration programs, reflected on history and remembered the contributions of his ancestors. - प्रथम विश्वयुद्ध र त्यसपछि भएका युद्धहरूमा ज्यान गुमाएका सैनिक र नागरिकहरूको सम्झनामा मनाइने रिमेम्ब्रेन्स डे मङ्गलवार, नोभेम्बर ११ मा अष्ट्रेलियाभर सम्पन्न भएको छ। उक्त दिनको महत्त्व र यसका बारेमा नँया पुस्ताहरूले कसरी मनन गर्नु पर्छ भनी हामीले एडिलेडमा सन् १९७८ देखि बसोबास गर्दै आएका रण्जित शमशेर जङ्गबहादुर राणालाई हामीले सोधेका थियौँ। सन् १९८० को अक्टोबर १० देखि आफू अस्ट्रेलियाको सैन्य सेवामा एक प्राइभेटका रुपमा प्रवेश गरेको बताउने राणा १६ औँ एअर डिफेन्स रेजिमेन्टसँग आबद्ध रहेका थिए र हाल उनी निजी रूपमा रक्षा विशेषज्ञका रूपमा कार्यरत छन्। यसै सन्दर्भमा, सन् १९८९ मा अस्ट्रेलिया आएका पूर्व गोर्खा सैनिक श्यामबहादुर गुरुङले पनि आफ्नो विचार राखेका छन्। करिब १५ वर्ष बेलायती सेनामा रहेका गुरुङ एक कर्पोरलका रूपमा कार्यरत रहेको बताउँछन्। सन् १९६० को दशकमा ब्रुनाइको लडाइमा परेको र हङकङ, बेलायत लगायतका ठाउँहरूमा बसोबास पछि अस्ट्रेलिया आएको उनको भनाइ छ। त्यस्तै, सैन्य सम्मान कार्यक्रमहरूमा सहभागी हुँदै आएका तमु समाज सिड्नीका अध्यक्ष हिउँपति गुरुङले पनि इतिहासलाई फर्किएर हेर्दै आफ्ना पुर्खाहरूको योगदानलाई सम्झिएका छन्। कुराकानीहरू एसबीएस नेपाली पोडकास्टमा सुन्नुहोस्।

In this episode, Dr. Motley sits down with Sara Jane Ho, host of Netflix's Mind Your Manners and TCM advocate, to explore her personal journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui. Sara provides some practical, everyday TCM secrets she learned about energy, health and more from her childhood spent in Hong Kong and her adulthood in Beijing.  ------  Want more of The Ancient Health Podcast? Subscribe to Doctor Motley's channel. Follow Doctor Motley! Instagram TikTok Facebook Website Follow Sara Jane! https://www.instagram.com/sarajaneho/www.sarajaneho.com Mind Your Manners Podcast: https://shorturl.at/3Q49l www.sarajaneho.com Sara Jane's TCM feminine-care products: www.antevorta.us ------  *Do you want to hear more from Dr. Motley on TCM and frequency medicine ways to clear infections, as well as supporting healing the brain and other organs?  Find full courses in his membership. If you want to explore it risk-free for 15 days and bring your questions to his weekly lives you can join here. *Build Strength Without the Strain. Suji is a smart, wearable device that helps you rebuild strength, relieve pain, and recover faster - without the joint stress. Visit trysuji.com and use code DRMOTLEY for your exclusive discount. * Are you looking for simple, non-invasive sound therapy tools for treating anxiety, or providing balance? You can get $100 off a WAVwatch with the code DRMOTLEY: https://wavwatch.com/pages/doctor-motley *Learn more about Urolithin A supplementation (in sugar-free gummy form) at Timeline.com/DRMOTLEY and use promo code DRMOTLEY for 20% off with your first purchase!  *If you want to work with Dr. Motley virtually, you can book a discovery call with his team here: ⁠https://drmotleyconsulting.com/schedule-1333-7607⁠

This week we talk about OxyContin, opium, and the British East India Company.We also discuss isotonitazene, fentanyl, and Perdue.Recommended Book: The Thinking Machine by Stephen WittTranscriptOpioids have been used as painkillers by humans since at least the Neolithic period; there's evidence that people living in the Iberian and Italian Peninsulas kept opium poppy seeds with them, and there's even more evidence that the Ancient Greeks were big fans of opium, using it to treat pain and as a sleep aid.Opium was the only available opioid for most of human history, and it was almost always considered to be a net-positive, despite its downsides. It was incorporated into a mixture called laudanum, which was a blend of opium and alcohol, in the 17th century, and that helped it spread globally as Europeans spread globally, though it was also in use locally, elsewhere, especially in regions where the opium poppy grew naturally.In India, for instance, opium was grown and often used for its painkilling properties, but when the British East India Company took over, they decided to double-down on the substance as a product they could monopolize and grow into a globe-spanning enterprise.They went to great lengths to expand production and prevent the rise of potential competitors, in India and elsewhere, and they created new markets for opium in China by forcing the product onto Chinese markets, initially via smuggling, and then eventually, after fighting a series of wars focused on whether or not the British should be allowed to sell opium on the Chinese market, the British defeated the Chinese. And among other severely unbalanced new treaties, including the ceding of the Kowloon peninsula to the British as part of Hong Kong, which they controlled as a trading port, and the legalization of Christians coming into the country, proselytizing, and owning property, the Chinese were forced to accept the opium trade. This led to generations of addicts, even more so than before, when opium was available only illicitly, and it became a major bone of contention between the two countries, and informed China's relationship with the world in general, especially other Europeans and the US, moving forward.A little bit later, in the early 1800s, a German pharmacist was able to isolate a substance called morphine from opium. He published a paper on this process in 1817, and in addition to this being the first alkaloid, the first organic compound of this kind to be isolated from a medicinal plant, which was a milestone in the development of modern drug discovery, it also marked the arrival of a new seeming wonder drug, that could ease pain, but also help control cold-related symptoms like coughing and gut issues, like diarrhea. Like many such substances back in the day, it was also often used to treat women who were demonstrating ‘nervous character,' which was code for ‘behaving in ways men didn't like or understand.'Initially, it was thought that, unlike with opium, morphine wasn't addictive. And this thinking was premised on the novel application method often used for morphine, the hypermedia needle, which arrived a half-century after that early 1800s isolation of morphine from opium, but which became a major driver of the new drug's success and utility. Such drugs, derived scientifically rather than just processing a plant, could be administered at specific, controllable doses. So surely, it was thought, this would alleviate those pesky addictive symptoms that many people experienced when using opioids in a more natural, less science-y way.That, of course, turned out not to be the case. But it didn't stop the progression of this drug type, and the further development of more derivations of it, including powerful synthetic opioids, which first hit the scene in the mid-20th century.What I'd like to talk about today is the recent wave of opioid addictions, especially but not exclusively in the US, and the newest concern in this space, which is massively more powerful than anything that's come before.—As I mentioned, there have been surges in opioid use, latent and externally forced, throughout modern human history.The Chinese saw an intense wave of opioid addiction after the British forced opium onto their markets, to the point that there was a commonly held belief that the British were trying to overthrow and enslave the Chinese by weighing them down with so many addicts who were incapable of doing much of anything; which, while not backed by the documentation we have from the era—it seems like they were just chasing profits—is not impossible, given what the Brits were up to around the world at that point in history.That said, there was a huge influx in opioid use in the late-1980s, when a US-based company called Purdue Pharma began producing and pushing a time-released opioid medication, which really hit the big-time in 1995, when they released a version of the drug called OxyContin.OxyContin flooded the market, in part because it promised to help prevent addiction and accidental overdose, and in part because Purdue was just really, really good at marketing it; among other questionable and outright illegal things it did as part of that marketing push, it gave kickbacks to doctors who prescribed it, and some doctors did so, a lot, even when patients didn't need it, or were clearly becoming addicted.By the early 2000s, Purdue, and the Sackler family that owned the company, was spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to push this drug, and they were making billions a year in sales.Eventually the nature of Purdue's efforts came to light, there were a bunch of trials and other legal hearings, some investigative journalists exposed Purdue's foreknowledge of their drug's flaws, and there was a big government investigation and some major lawsuits that caused the collapse of the company in 2019—though they rebranded in 2021, becoming Knoa Pharma.All of which is interesting because much like the forced legalization of opium on Chinese markets led to their opioid crisis a long time ago, the arrival of this incredibly, artificially popular drug on the US market led to the US's opioid crisis.The current bogeyman in the world of opioids—and I say current because this is a fast-moving space, with new, increasingly powerful or in some cases just a lot cheaper drugs arriving on the scene all the time—is fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid that's about 30-50 times more potent than heroin, and about 100 times as potent as morphine. It has been traditionally used in the treatment of cancer patients and as a sedative, and because of how powerful it is, a very small amount serves to achieve the desired, painkilling effect.But just like other opioids, its administration can lead to addiction, people who use it can become dependent and need more and more of it to get the same effects, and people who have too much of it can experience adverse effects, including, eventually, death.This drug has been in use since the 1960s, but illicit use of fentanyl began back in the mid-1970s, initially as its own thing, but eventually to be mixed in with other drugs, like heroin, especially low-quality versions of those drugs, because a very small amount of fentanyl can have an incredibly large and potent effect, making those other drugs seem higher quality than they are.That utility is also this drug's major issue, though: it's so potent that a small amount of it can kill, and even people with high opioid tolerances can see those tolerances pushed up and up and up until they eventually take a too-large, killing dose.There have been numerous efforts to control the flow of fentanyl into the US, and beginning in the mid-20-teens, there were high-profile seizures of the illicitly produced stuff around the country. As of mid-2025, China seems to be the primary source of most illicit fentanyl around the world, the drug precursor produced in China, shipped to Mexico where it's finalized and made ready for market, and then smuggled into the US.There have been efforts to shut down this supply chain, including recent tariffs put on Chinese goods, ostensibly, in part at least, to get China to handle those precursor suppliers.Even if that effort eventually bears fruit, though, India seems to have recently become an alternative source of those precursors for Mexican drug cartels, and for several years they've been creating new markets for their output in other countries, like Nigeria, Indonesia, and the Netherlands, as well.Amidst all that, a new synthetic drug, which is 40-times as potent as fentanyl, is starting to arrive in the US, Europe, and Australia, and has already been blamed for thousands of deaths—and it's thought that that number might be a significant undercount, because of how difficult it can be to attribute cause with these sorts of drugs.Nitazenes were originally synthesized back in the 1950s in Austria, and they were never sold as painkillers because they were known, from the get-go, to be too addictive, and to have a bad tradeoff ratio: a little bit of benefit, but a high likelihood of respiratory depression, which is a common cause of death for opioid addicts, or those who accidentally overdose on an opioid.One nitazene, called isotonitazene, first showed up on US drug enforcement agency radars back in 2019, when a shipment was intercepted in the Midwest. Other agencies noted the same across the US and Europe in subsequent years, and this class of drugs has now become widespread in these areas, and in Australia.It's thought that nitazenes might be seeing a surge in popularity with illicit drugmakers because their potency can be amped up so far, way, way higher than even fentanyl, and because their effects are similar in many ways to heroin.They can also use them they way they use fentanyl, a tiny bit blended into lower-quality versions of other drugs, like cocaine, which can save money while also getting their customers, who may not know what they're buying, hooked, faster. For context, a fifth of a grain of nitazene salt can be enough to kill a person, so it doesn't take much, less than that, if they want to keep their customers alive, to achieve the high they're looking for. A little bit goes a long, long way.This class of drugs is also difficult to detect, which might be part of the appeal for drug makers, right now. Tests that detect morphine, heroin, and fentanyl do not detect natazines, and the precursors for this type of drug, and the drugs themselves, are less likely to be closely watched, or even legally controlled at the levels of more popular opioids, which is also likely appealing to groups looking to get around existing clampdown efforts.Right now, drug agencies are in the process of updating their enforcement and detection infrastructure, and word is slowly getting out about nitazenes and the risk they potentially pose. But it took years for sluggish government agencies to start working on the issue of fentanyl, which still hasn't been handled, so it's anyone's guess as to when and if the influx of nitazenes will be addressed on scale.Show Noteshttps://www.wired.com/story/a-new-type-of-opioid-is-killing-people-in-the-us-europe-and-australia/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02161116https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(24)00024-0/fulltexthttps://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/03/nitazenes-synthetic-opioid-drug-500-times-stronger-than-heroin-fatalhttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03280-5https://theconversation.com/10-times-stronger-than-fentanyl-nitazenes-are-the-latest-deadly-development-in-the-synthetic-opioid-crisis-265882https://www.cato.org/blog/fentanyl-nitazenes-why-drug-war-keeps-making-danger-worsehttps://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/fentanyl-and-us-opioid-epidemichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purdue_Pharmahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxycodonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fentanylhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitazeneshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioidhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_opioid_epidemichttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_epidemic This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen Are you intrigued by the intersection of passion and profit in wine collecting? This Inspired Money episode, hosted by Andy Wang, brings together top minds from wine auctions, investment platforms, and market experts for an eye-opening look at how wine has become a bona fide asset class. Whether you're a seasoned collector, investor, or simply wine-curious, this discussion unpacks strategies to maximize both enjoyment and value. Episodes like this are packed with insights that demystify the fine wine market, reveal what really drives price appreciation, and share hard-earned advice on avoiding costly mistakes. Meet the Expert Panelists Nick Pegna is the Global Head of Wine & Spirits at Sotheby's, bringing over 30 years of international experience in building and leading fine wine businesses across Europe and Asia. Formerly a senior executive at Berry Bros. & Rudd, where he helped shape global markets and co-led Hong Kong's successful campaign to abolish wine duties, Pegna now oversees Sotheby's record-setting global auction and retail operations. https://www.sothebys.com Callum Woodcock is the Founder and CEO of WineFi, a London-based investment platform that combines institutional-grade analytics with expert curation to make fine wine investing more transparent and accessible. A former J.P. Morgan asset manager with degrees from the University of Bristol and the University of Cambridge, he's leading WineFi's mission to position fine wine as a data-driven, tax-efficient, and inflation-resilient asset class. https://www.winefi.co Amanda McCrossin is a sommelier, media personality, and creator of @sommvivant, where her wine-focused content reaches over 450,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Formerly the Wine Director at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley—the world's largest collection of Napa Valley wines—she's now a leading voice in wine education and storytelling, hosting the Wine Access Unfiltered podcast and appearing regularly at major global wine events. https://www.amandamccrossin.com https://www.sommvivant.me Robbie Stevens is the Head of Broking at Live-ex, the global exchange for fine wine, market data, and insight. On a daily basis he deals with the largest fine wine buyers and sellers globally, offering them data-driven intelligence and opportunities to trade. With over a decade at Liv-ex and experience across global wine markets, as well as regularly sharing his experience on the international stage, speaking at conferences such as Vinexpo and the National Association of Wine Retailers, he combines deep knowledge of the fine wine market with strong industry perspective. https://www.liv-ex.com Unfortunately, Dustin Wilson was not able to make this episode but appears on "The Art of Wine Pairing: Elevating Retirement Gastronomy with Fine Wines" from April 2025. Dustin Wilson is a Master Sommelier, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Verve Wine, a modern retail and hospitality brand with locations in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. Known for his role in the SOMM film series, Wilson has also launched Après Cru, a firm supporting the growth of visionary restaurant concepts. https://ny.vervewine.com Key Highlights 1. Disciplined Bidding at Auctions Nick Pegna reveals why preparation and strategy, including setting a maximum bid and understanding total costs, safeguard buyers against emotional overspending: "The most careful and frequent buyers at auction have a strategy. They've planned what they're looking to bid on...across multiple auctions." 2. Secondary Market Liquidity Drives Investment Value Callum Woodcock emphasizes the importance of focusing on wines with proven resale liquidity, not just brand prestige or critics' scores. Data-driven models and decades of market transaction history are now key to "blue chip" wine selection. 3. Storytelling Fuels Scarcity and Demand Amanda McCrossin illustrates how narrative and personal connection make certain bottles iconic and drive up their market value, citing Napa's Screaming Eagle as a prime example. "Scarcity is really only informed by storytelling...what has made Napa Valley so successful is the storytelling element." 4. Transparency and Technology Are Raising the Bar Robbie Stevens shares Liv-ex's role in fostering trust: from vetting merchants, digitizing provenance, to benchmarking prices. The expansion of data access and seller management tools allows collectors to track market movements and optimize timing for liquidation. Call-to-Action Take a look at one item in your own collection, wine, art, or even another collectible, and think about it like an investor. What makes it valuable? How would you verify its authenticity, track its performance, and decide the right time to sell? Just doing that exercise will give you a new lens for appreciating your investments, and maybe even inspire your next move. Find the Inspired Money channel on YouTube or listen to Inspired Money in your favorite podcast player. Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money

This week, we chat with Amber Atherton!Amber is a British entrepreneur and investor based in San Francisco. She's a Partner at Patron, an early-stage venture capital firm shaping the future of gaming and online communities, and the Founder of The Atherton Award, which honors young women pursuing careers in STEM and entrepreneurship.A lifelong builder, Amber began coding as a kid in Hong Kong before founding Zyper, a Y Combinator–backed community software startup that used NLP and computer vision to connect creators and their top fans. Zyper was later acquired by Discord, where Amber led growth, launched new international markets, and spearheaded revenue initiatives.Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and Business Insider's Rising Stars in VC, Amber continues to shape the future of community, technology, and venture.✨ This episode is presented by Brex.Brex: brex.com/trailblazerspodThis episode is supported by RocketReach, Gusto, OpenPhone & Athena.RocketReach: rocketreach.co/trailblazersGusto: gusto.com/trailblazersQuo: Quo.com/trailblazersAthena: athenago.me/Erica-WengerFollow Us!Amber AthertonThe Rise Of Virtual Community Books@thetrailblazerspod: Instagram, YouTube, TikTokErica Wenger: @erica_wenger

This week on Crime Wave: THE SOCIETY OF UNKNOWABLE OBJECTS by Gareth Brown plunges us into a globe-trotting fantasy thriller where seemingly mundane items hide extraordinary power. When a clandestine group dedicated to guarding “unknowable objects” dispatches its newest member, Magda Sparks, to Hong Kong, she stumbles into a world of deadly secrets, arcane artifacts, and hidden betrayals. As her mission unravels, Magda realizes the true threat may not be the objects themselves but those who control them—leaving her to wonder: what happens when the society meant to protect magic is hiding the greatest magic of all? Connect with Gareth: https://www.garethbrownbooks.com/ #podcast #author #interview #authors #CrimeWavePodcast #authorsontheair #podcast #podcaster #authors #authorsofig #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #suspensebooks #authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip #writers #writersinspiration #bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted #bookaddiction #bibliophile #read #amreading #lovetoread #BonnarSpring #BonnarSpringBooks #bookouture #thrillers #GarethJBrown #TheSocietyofUnknowableObjects

Send us a textIn this episode, we chat with the extraordinary Aida Tomescu, one of Australia's most respected abstract painters. Born in Romania and based in Sydney, Aida has spent her career exploring the emotional and structural possibilities of paint, building a language that's as physical as it is poetic.We talk about her process: the scraping, layering, and reworking that give her paintings their dense, luminous surfaces. She describes painting as a living conversation, one that demands patience, trust, and deep attention.A major theme in our discussion is the importance of form and the relationships between all the elements within a painting. For Aida, nothing sits in isolation; every shape, colour, and mark holds a relationship to the next. It's this internal rhythm, this careful balancing of tensions, that gives her work its remarkable sense of harmony and presence. We also spoke with Aida about her teaching career, she taught at National Art School for twenty years, and several of our previous guests have told us what an amazing teacher she was. This conversation is a deep dive into the craft and philosophy of painting — into what it means to spend a lifetime painting. Thanks so much Aida, we loved talking to you. Aida's show opens at Fox Jensen Gallery on 15th November 2025. Aida is represented by Fox Jensen Gallery in Australia , Fox Jensen McCrory in NZ, and Flowers Gallery London and Hong Kong.  

Listen to JCO's Art of Oncology article, "The Man at the Bow" by Dr. Alexis Drutchas, who is a palliative care physician at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The article is followed by an interview with Drutchas and host Dr. Mikkael Sekeres. Dr. Drutchas shares the deep connection she had with a patient, a former barge captain, who often sailed the same route that her family's shipping container did when they moved overseas many times while she was growing up. She reflects on the nature of loss and dignity, and how oncologists might hold patients' humanity with more tenderness and care, especially at the end of life. TRANSCRIPT Narrator: The Man at the Bow, by Alexis Drutchas, MD  It was the kind of day that almost seemed made up—a clear, cerulean sky with sunlight bouncing off the gold dome of the State House. The contrast between this view and the drab hospital walls as I walked into my patient's room was jarring. My patient, whom I will call Suresh, sat in a recliner by the window. His lymphoma had relapsed, and palliative care was consulted to help with symptom management. The first thing I remember is that despite the havoc cancer had wreaked—sunken temples and a hospital gown slipping off his chest—Suresh had a warm, peaceful quality about him. Our conversation began with a discussion about his pain. Suresh told me how his bones ached and how his fatigue left him feeling hollow—a fraction of his former self. The way this drastic change in his physicality affected his sense of identity was palpable. There was loss, even if it was unspoken. After establishing a plan to help with his symptoms, I pivoted and asked Suresh how he used to spend his days. His face immediately lit up. He had been a barge captain—a dangerous and thrilling profession that took him across international waters to transport goods. Suresh's eyes glistened as he described his joy at sea. I was completely enraptured. He shared stories about mornings when he stood alone on the bow, feeling the salted breeze as the barge moved through Atlantic waves. He spoke of calm nights on the deck, looking at the stars through stunning darkness. He traveled all over the globe and witnessed Earth's topography from a perspective most of us will never see. The freedom Suresh exuded was profound. He loved these voyages so much that one summer, despite the hazards, he brought his wife and son to experience the journey with him. Having spent many years of my childhood living in Japan and Hong Kong, my family's entire home—every bed, sheet, towel, and kitchen utensil—was packed up and crossed the Atlantic on cargo ships four times. Maybe Suresh had captained one, I thought. Every winter, we hosted US Navy sailors docked in Hong Kong for the holidays. I have such fond memories of everyone going around the table and sharing stories of their adventures—who saw or ate what and where. I loved those times: the wild abandon of travel, the freedom of being somewhere new, and the way identity can shift and expand as experiences grow. When Suresh shared stories of the ocean, I was back there too, holding the multitude of my identity alongside him. I asked Suresh to tell me more about his voyages: what was it like to be out in severe weather, to ride over enormous swells? Did he ever get seasick, and did his crew always get along? But Suresh did not want to swim into these perilous stories with me. Although he worked a difficult and physically taxing job, this is not what he wanted to focus on. Instead, he always came back to the beauty and vitality he felt at sea—what it was like to stare out at the vastness of the open ocean. He often closed his eyes and motioned with his hands as he spoke as if he was not confined to these hospital walls. Instead, he was swaying on the water feeling the lightness of physical freedom, and the way a body can move with such ease that it is barely perceptible, like water flowing over sand. The resonances of Suresh's stories contained both the power and challenges laden in this work. Although I sat at his bedside, healthy, my body too contained memories of freedom that in all likelihood will one day dissipate with age or illness. The question of how I will be seen, compared to how I hoped to be seen, lingered in my mind. Years ago, before going to medical school, I moved to Vail, Colorado. I worked four different jobs just to make ends meet, but making it work meant that on my days off, I was only a chairlift ride away from Vail's backcountry. I have a picture of this vigor in my mind—my snowboard carving into fresh powder, the utter silence of the wilderness at that altitude, and the way it felt to graze the powdery snow against my glove. My face was windburned, and my body was sore, but my heart had never felt so buoyant. While talking with Suresh, I could so vividly picture him as the robust man he once was, standing tall on the bow of his ship. I could feel the freedom and joy he described—it echoed in my own body. In that moment, the full weight of what Suresh had lost hit me as forcefully as a cresting wave—not just the physical decline, but the profound shift in his identity. What is more, we all live, myself included, so precariously at this threshold. In this work, it is impossible not to wonder: what will it be like when it is me? Will I be seen as someone who has lived a full life, who explored and adventured, or will my personhood be whittled down to my illness? How can I hold these questions and not be swallowed by them? "I know who you are now is not the person you've been," I said to Suresh. With that, he reached out for my hand and started to cry. We looked at each other with a new understanding. I saw Suresh—not just as a frail patient but as someone who lived a full life. As someone strong enough to cross the Atlantic for decades. In that moment, I was reminded of the Polish poet, Wislawa Szymborska's words, "As far as you've come, can't be undone." This, I believe, is what it means to honor the dignity of our patients, to reflect back the person they are despite or alongside their illness…all of their parts that can't be undone. Sometimes, this occurs because we see our own personhood reflected in theirs and theirs in ours. Sometimes, to protect ourselves, we shield ourselves from this echo. Other times, this resonance becomes the most beautiful and meaningful part of our work. It has been years now since I took care of Suresh. When the weather is nice, my wife and I like to take our young son to the harbor in South Boston to watch the planes take off and the barges leave the shore, loaded with colorful metal containers. We usually pack a picnic and sit in the trunk as enormous planes fly overhead and tugboats work to bring large ships out to the open water. Once, as a container ship was leaving the port, we waved so furiously at those working on board that they all started to wave back, and the captain honked the ships booming horn. Every single time we are there, I think of Suresh, and I picture him sailing out on thewaves—as free as he will ever be. Mikkael Sekeres: Welcome back to JCO's Cancer Stories: The Art of Oncology. This ASCO podcast features intimate narratives and perspectives from authors exploring their experiences in oncology. I'm your host, Mikkael Sekeres. I'm Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami. What a treat we have today. We're joined by Dr. Alexis Drutchas, a Palliative Care Physician and the Director of the Core Communication Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School to discuss her article, "The Man at the Bow." Alexis, thank you so much for contributing to Journal of Clinical Oncology and for joining us to discuss your article. Dr. Alexis Drutchas: Thank you. I'm thrilled and excited to be here. Mikkael Sekeres: I wonder if we can start by asking you about yourself. Where are you from, and can you walk us a bit through your career? Dr. Alexis Drutchas: The easiest way to say it would be that I'm from the Detroit area. My dad worked in automotive car parts and so we moved around a lot when I was growing up. I was born in Michigan, then we moved to Japan, then back to Michigan, then to Hong Kong, then back to Michigan. Then I spent my undergrad years in Wisconsin and moved out to Colorado to teach snowboarding before medical school, and then ended up back in Michigan for that, and then on the east coast at Brown for my family medicine training, and then in Boston for work and training. So, I definitely have a more global experience in my background, but also very Midwestern at heart as well. In terms of my professional career trajectory, I trained in family medicine because I really loved taking care of the whole person. I love taking care of kids and adults, and I loved OB, and at the time I felt like it was impossible to choose which one I wanted to pursue the most, and so family medicine was a great fit. And at the core of that, there's just so much advocacy and social justice work, especially in the community health centers where many family medicine residents train. During that time, I got very interested in LGBTQ healthcare and founded the Rhode Island Trans Health Conference, which led me to work as a PCP at Fenway Health in Boston after that. And so I worked there for many years. And then through a course of being a hospitalist at BI during that work, I worked with many patients with serious illness, making decisions about discontinuing dialysis, about pursuing hospice care in the setting of ILD. I also had a significant amount of family illness and started to recognize this underlying interest I had always had in palliative care, but I think was a bit scared to pursue. But those really kind of tipped me over to say I really wanted to access a different level of communication skills and be able to really go into depth with patients in a way I just didn't feel like I had the language for. And so I applied to the Harvard Palliative Care Fellowship and luckily and with so much gratitude got in years ago, and so trained in palliative care and stayed at MGH after that. So my Dana-Farber position is newer for me and I'm very excited about it. Mikkael Sekeres: Sounds like you've had an amazing career already and you're just getting started on it. I grew up in tiny little Rhode Island and, you know, we would joke you have to pack an overnight bag if you travel more than 45 minutes. So, our boundaries were much tighter than yours. What was it like growing up where you're going from the Midwest to Asia, back to the Midwest, you wind up settling on the east coast? You must have an incredible worldly view on how people live and how they view their health. Dr. Alexis Drutchas: I think you just named much of the sides of it. I think I realize now, in looking back, that in many ways it was living two lives, because at the time it was rare from where we lived in the Detroit area in terms of the other kids around us to move overseas. And so it really did feel like that part of me and my family that during the summers we would have home leave tickets and my parents would often turn them in to just travel since we didn't really have a home base to come back to. And so it did give me an incredible global perspective and a sense of all the ways in which people develop community, access healthcare, and live. And then coming back to the Midwest, not to say that it's not cosmopolitan or diverse in its own way, but it was very different, especially in the 80s and 90s to come back to the Midwest. So it did feel like I carried these two lenses in the world, and it's been incredibly meaningful over time to meet other friends and adults and patients who have lived these other lives as well. I think for me those are some of my most connecting friendships and experiences with patients for people who have had a similar experience in living with sort of a duality in their everyday lives with that. Mikkael Sekeres: You know, you write about the main character of your essay, Suresh, who's a barge captain, and you mention in the essay that your family crossed the Atlantic on cargo ships four times when you were growing up. What was that experience like? How much of it do you remember? Dr. Alexis Drutchas: Our house, like our things, crossed the Atlantic four times on barge ships such as his. We didn't, I mean we crossed on airplanes. Mikkael Sekeres: Oh, okay, okay. Dr. Alexis Drutchas: We flew over many times, but every single thing we owned got packed up into containers on large trucks in our house and were brought over to ports to be sent over. So, I'm not sure how they do it now, but at the time that's sort of how we moved, and we would often go live in a hotel or a furnished apartment for the month's wait of all of our house to get there, which felt also like a surreal experience in that, you know, you're in a totally different country and then have these creature comforts of your bedroom back in Metro Detroit. And I remember thinking a lot about who was crossing over with all of that stuff and where was it going, and who else was moving, and that was pretty incredible. And when I met Suresh, just thinking about the fact that at some point our home could have been on his ship was a really fun connection in my mind to make, just given where he always traveled in his work. Mikkael Sekeres: It's really neat. I remember when we moved from the east coast also to the Midwest, I was in Cleveland for 18 years. The very first thing we did was mark which of the boxes had the kids' toys in it, because that of course was the first one we let them close it up and then we let them open it as soon as we arrived. Did your family do something like that as well so that you can, you know, immediately feel an attachment to your stuff when they arrived? Dr. Alexis Drutchas: Yeah, I remember what felt most important to our mom was our bedrooms. I don't remember the toys. I remember sort of our comforters and our pillowcases and things like that, yeah, being opened and it feeling really settling to think, "Okay, you know, we're in a completely different place and country away from most everything we know, but our bedroom is the same." That always felt like a really important point that she made to make home feel like home again in a new place. Mikkael Sekeres: Yeah, yeah. One of the sentences you wrote in your essay really caught my eye. You wrote about when you were younger and say, "I loved those times, the wild abandon of travel, the freedom of being somewhere new, the way identity can shift and expand as experiences grow." It's a lovely sentiment. Do you think those are emotions that we experience only as children, or can they continue through adulthood? And if they can, how do we make that happen, that sense of excitement and experience? Dr. Alexis Drutchas: I think that's such a good question and one I honestly think about a lot. I think that we can access those all the time. There's something about the newness of travel and moving, you know, I have a 3-year-old right now, and so I think many parents would connect to that sense that there is wonderment around being with someone experiencing something for the first time. Even watching my son, Oliver, see a plane take off for the first time felt joyous in a completely new way, that even makes me smile a lot now. But I think what is such a great connection here is when something is new, our eyes are so open to it. You know, we're constantly witnessing and observing and are excited about that. And I think the connection that I've realized is important for me in my work and also in just life in general to hold on to that wonderment is that idea of sort of witnessing or having a writer's eye, many would call it, in that you're keeping your eye open for the small beautiful things. Often with travel, you might be eating ramen. It might not be the first time you're eating it, but you're eating it for the first time in Tokyo, and it's the first time you've had this particular ingredient on it, and then you remember that. But there's something that we're attuned to in those moments, like the difference or the taste, that makes it special and we hold on to it. And I think about that a lot as a writer, but also in patient care and having my son with my wife, it's what are the special small moments to hold on to and allowing them to be new and beautiful, even if they're not as large as moving across the country or flying to Rome or whichever. I think there are ways that that excitement can still be alive if we attune ourselves to some of the more beautiful small moments around us. Mikkael Sekeres: And how do we do that as doctors? We're trained to go into a room and there's almost a formula for how we approach patients. But how do you open your mind in that way to that sense of wonderment and discovery with the person you're sitting across from, and it doesn't necessarily have to be medical? One of the true treats of what we do is we get to meet people from all backgrounds and all walks of life, and we have the opportunity to explore their lives as part of our interaction. Dr. Alexis Drutchas: Yeah, I think that is such a great question. And I would love to hear your thoughts on this too. I think for me in that sentence that you mentioned, sitting at that table with sort of people in the Navy from all over the world, I was that person to them in the room, too. There was some identity there that I brought to the table that was different than just being a kid in school or something like that. To answer your question, I wonder if so much of the challenge is actually allowing ourselves to bring ourselves into the room, because so much of the formula is, you know, we have these white coats on, we have learners, we want to do it right, we want to give excellent care. There's there's so many sort of guards I think that we put up to make sure that we're asking the right questions, we don't want to miss anything, we don't want to say the wrong thing, and all of that is true. And at the same time, I find that when I actually allow myself into the room, that is when it is the most special. And that doesn't mean that there's complete countertransference or it's so permeable that it's not in service of the patient. It just means that I think when we allow bits of our own selves to come in, it really does allow for new connections to form, and then we are able to learn about our patients more, too. With every patient, I think often we're called in for goals of care or symptom management, and of course I prioritize that, but when I can, I usually just try to ask a more open-ended question, like, "Tell me about life before you came to the hospital or before you were diagnosed. What do you love to do? What did you do for work?" Or if it's someone's family member who is ill, I'll ask the kids or family in the room, "Like, what kind of mom was she? You know, what special memory you had?" Just, I get really curious when there's time to really understand the person. And I know that that's not at all new language. Of course, we're always trying to understand the person, but I just often think understanding them is couched within their illness. And I'm often very curious about how we can just get to know them as people, and how humanizing ourselves to them helps humanize them to us, and that back and forth I think is like really lovely and wonderful and allows things to come up that were totally unexpected, and those are usually the special moments that you come home with and want to tell your family about or want to process and think about. What about you? How do you think about that question? Mikkael Sekeres: Well, it's interesting you ask. I like to do projects around the house. I hate to say this out loud because of course one day I'll do something terrible and everyone will remember this podcast, but I fancy myself an amateur electrician and plumber and carpenter and do these sorts of projects. So I go into interactions with patients wanting to learn about their lives and how they live their lives to see what I can pick up on as well, how I can take something out of that interaction and actually use it practically. My father-in-law has this phrase he always says to me when a worker comes to your house, he goes, he says to me, "Remember to steal with your eyes." Right? Watch what they do, learn how they fix something so you can fix it yourself and you don't have to call them next time. So, for me it's kind of fun to hear how people have lived their lives both within their professions, and when I practiced medicine in Cleveland, there were a lot of farmers and factory workers I saw. So I learned a lot about how things are made. But also about how they interact with their families, and I've learned a lot from people I've seen who were just terrific dads and terrific moms or siblings or spouses. And I've tried to take those nuggets away from those interactions. But I think you can only do it if you open yourself up and also allow yourself to see that person's humanity. And I wonder if I can quote you to you again from your essay. There's another part that I just loved, and it's about how you write about how a person's identity changes when they become a patient. You write, "And in that moment the full weight of what he had lost hit me as forcefully as a cresting wave. Not just the physical decline, but the profound shift in identity. What is more, we all live, me included, so precariously at this threshold. In this work, it's impossible not to wonder, what will it be like when it's me? Will I be seen as someone who's lived many lives, or whittled down only to someone who's sick?" Can you talk a little bit more about that? Have you been a patient whose identity has changed without asking you to reveal too much? Or what about your identity as a doctor? Is that something we have to undo a little bit when we walk in the room with the stethoscope or wearing a white coat? Dr. Alexis Drutchas: That was really powerful to hear you read that back to me. So, thank you. Yeah, I think my answer here can't be separated from the illness I faced with my family. And I think this unanimously filters into the way in which I see every patient because I really do think about the patient's dignity and the way medicine generally, not always, really does strip them of that and makes them the patient. Even the way we write about "the patient said this," "the patient said that," "the patient refused." So I generally very much try to have a one-liner like, "Suresh is a X-year-old man who's a barge captain from X, Y, and Z and is a loving father with a," you know, "period. He comes to the hospital with X, Y, and Z." So I always try to do that and humanize patients. I always try to write their name rather than just "patient." I can't separate that out from my experience with my family. My sister six years ago now went into sudden heart failure after having a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and so immediately within minutes she was in the cath lab at 35 years old, coding three times and came out sort of with an Impella and intubated, and very much, you know, all of a sudden went from my sister who had just been traveling in Mexico to a patient in the CCU. And I remember desperately wanting her team to see who she was, like see the person that we loved, that was fighting for her life, see how much her life meant to us. And that's not to say that they weren't giving her great care, but there was something so important to me in wanting them to see how much we wanted her to live, you know, and who she was. It felt like there's some important core to me there. We brought pictures in, we talked about what she was living for. It felt really important. And I can't separate that out from the way in which I see patients now or I feel in my own way in a certain way what it is to lose yourself, to lose the ability to be a Captain of the ship, to lose the ability to do electric work around the house. So much of our identity is wrapped up in our professions and our craft. And I think for me that has really become forefront in the work of palliative care and in and in the teaching I do and in the writing I do is how to really bring them forefront and not feel like in doing that we're losing our ability to remain objective or solid in our own professional identities as clinicians and physicians. Mikkael Sekeres: Well, I think that's a beautiful place to end here. I can only imagine what an outstanding physician and caregiver you are also based on your writing and how you speak about it. You just genuinely come across as caring about your patients and your family and the people you have interactions with and getting to know them as people. It has been again such a treat to have Dr. Alexis Drutchas here. She is Director of the Core Communication Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School to discuss her article, "The Man at the Bow." Alexis, thank you so much for joining us. Dr. Alexis Drutchas: Thank you. This has been a real joy. Mikkael Sekeres: If you've enjoyed this episode, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague, or leave us a review. Your feedback and support helps us continue to save these important conversations. If you're looking for more episodes and context, follow our show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen, and explore more from ASCO at ASCO.org/podcasts. Until next time, this has been Mikkael Sekeres for the ASCO podcast Cancer Stories: The Art of Oncology. The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Show notes: Like, share and subscribe so you never miss an episode and leave a rating or review. Guest Bio: Dr. Alexis Drutchas is a palliative care physician at Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

In 1988, postal officials intercepted a package of heroin from China being sent to New York. DEA Agents followed the shipment to the door of a young mother living in Chinatown. Tina Wong told them she was paid by a high school friend to receive packages and pass them along to a street gang. Officials learned women in local mahjong parlors were being recruited to take part in a massive drug trafficking operation. Prosecutors leaned on Wong to betray her friend and take down the gang. But as they moved in on the Flying Dragons, its leader named “Onionhead,” fled to Hong Kong.From Pushkin Industries comes the podcast “The Chinatown Sting.” Host Lidia Jean Kott and co-reporter Shuyu Wang talk to key figures in the crime who've never spoken before. In addition to reviewing the investigation, they dig into the challenging cultural landscape faced by those growing up in New York's Chinese neighborhoods during the 1980s.OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "THE CHINATOWN STING" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 10 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.In Crime of the Week: Legal technicality. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today Justin talks with Dr. Brad Williams. Brad is an associate professor in the Department of Asian and International Studies at the City University of Hong Kong. He has studied, taught and conducted research in Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Taiwan, and the United States. He is the author of Resolving the Russo-Japanese Territorial Dispute, which was published in 2007 and has published on a diverse range of issues in Japanese politics and foreign policy such as arms procurement, civil society, humanitarian assistance, human security, north Korean abductions, nuclear proliferation and secrecy laws. He's here today to discuss the development of Japan's counterintelligence community from the immediate aftermath of World War II up through the early 2020s.Connect with Brad:scholars.cityu.edu.hk/en/persons/bwilliam/Check out the book, Japanese Foreign Intelligence and Grand Strategy: From the Cold War to the Abe Era, here.https://a.co/d/e4ohfPVConnect with Spycraft 101:Get Justin's latest book, Murder, Intrigue, and Conspiracy: Stories from the Cold War and Beyond, here.spycraft101.comIG: @spycraft101Shop: shop.spycraft101.comPatreon: Spycraft 101Subtack: spycraft101.substack.comFind Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here.Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here.Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice, here.Support the show

This November, the 15th National Games will electrify Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao with a wave of renewed energy. As the nation's elite athletes converge to pursue glory, the Games themselves are redefining tradition. Prepare for a spectacle where cutting-edge technology meets sustainable design, and where the competition program expands with thrilling new events. This is more than a tournament; it's a dynamic new vision for the future of sport. On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yushun

At our internal 2026 Forum last week, the AI buildout ran through the debate among our portfolio managers along with other key topics such as stablecoins. Wei Li, Global Chief Investment Strategist at BlackRock, shares some key takeaways. General disclosure: This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or strategies to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Investing involves risks. BlackRock does and may seek to do business with companies covered in this podcast. As a result, readers should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this podcast.In the U.S. and Canada, this material is intended for public distribution.In the UK and Non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries: this is Issued by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2N 2DL. Tel:+ 44 (0)20 7743 3000. Registered in England and Wales No. 02020394. For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded. Please refer to the Financial Conduct Authority website for a list of authorised activities conducted by BlackRock.In the European Economic Area (EEA): this is Issued by BlackRock (Netherlands) B.V. is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. Registered office Amstelplein 1, 1096 HA, Amsterdam, Tel: 020 – 549 5200, Tel: 31-20- 549-5200. Trade Register No. 17068311 For your protection telephone calls are usually recorded.For Investors in Switzerland: This document is marketing material.In South Africa: Please be advised that BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited is an authorised Financial Services provider with the South African Financial Services Board, FSP No. 43288.In Singapore, this is issued by BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (Co. registration no. 200010143N). This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In Hong Kong, this material is issued by BlackRock Asset Management North Asia Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. In Australia, issued by BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited ABN 13 006 165 975, AFSL 230 523 (BIMAL). This material provides general information only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or circumstances. Before making any investment decision, you should assess whether the material is appropriate for you and obtain financial advice tailored to you having regard to your individual objectives, financial situation, needs and circumstances. Refer to BIMAL's Financial Services Guide on its website for more information. This material is not a financial product recommendation or an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any financial product in any jurisdictionIn Latin America: this material is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any shares of any Fund (nor shall any such shares be offered or sold to any person) in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of that jurisdiction. If any funds are mentioned or inferred to in this material, it is possible that some or all of the funds may not have been registered with the securities regulator of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay or any other securities regulator in any Latin American country and thus might not be publicly offered within any such country. The securities regulators of such countries have not confirmed the accuracy of any information contained herein. The provision of investment management and investment advisory services is a regulated activity in Mexico thus is subject to strict rules. For more information on the Investment Advisory Services offered by BlackRock Mexico please refer to the Investment Services Guide available at www.blackrock.com/mx©2025 BlackRock, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.BIIM1125U/M-4976369

2. When Politicians Panicked: The New Coronavirus, Expert Opinion, and a Tragic Lapse of Reason. The conversation reviews the governors' initial promise of two-week lockdowns, noting that centralized power is rarely relinquished. The economic crisis deepened as epidemiologists and experts supplanted the collective knowledge of the marketplace, resulting in central planning, mass unemployment, and debt. John Tamny contrasts the COVID-19 response with the 1968 Hong Kong flu pandemic, which caused the equivalent of 250,000 modern deaths but elicited virtually no political or market reaction. The difference lies in technology: 50 years ago, without Zoom or delivery services, lockdowns would have caused mass discomfort and riots, preventing politicians from acting. Lockdowns happened because they could, not because they had to.

Frailty, once thought to be irreversible, is now recognized as a condition that can be improved through consistent outdoor movement, restoring strength, balance, and independence in older adults Research from Canada's GO-OUT studies shows that even simple walking programs — whether guided park walks or weekly reminders — measurably reduce frailty and boost mobility in as little as 10 weeks Confidence, not just time spent walking, proved to be the strongest predictor of improvement, as older adults who practiced in supportive outdoor groups felt safer and more capable continuing on their own A Hong Kong trial found that pairing a smartphone app with outdoor fitness equipment helped older adults stay active, build exercise confidence, and improve mental well-being far beyond structured classes You don't need a gym to rebuild vitality — start with short, daily walks outdoors, add small balance or strength challenges, and work toward one hour a day to strengthen muscles, circulation, and confidence naturally