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“While humanoid robots captivated audiences during China's Spring Festival gala this week— a glittering, televised performance showcasing the nation's technological prowess — a more ancient form of engineering was reaching its climax in the country's deep south. There, far from the theatrical fanfare of robotic demonstrations, legions of workers...

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Gerard Rennick

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14,334 views • 7 months ago •via X (Twitter)

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🚨🇨🇳 China’s Pinglu Canal is about to redraw Asian trade maps China has nearly finished a mega-project that will give its southwest the shortest direct access to the sea — and slash shipping distances by more than 560 km 🔶 Installation of the three main shipping hubs on the 134-km Pinglu Canal has now been completed 🔶 The canal offers a direct river-sea trade route by linking the Xijiang River directly to the Beibu Gulf - a faster corridor to ASEAN markets 🔶 Built in just four years, the project cuts transport costs and boosts China’s New Western Land-Sea Corridor China is not just building infrastructure — it is building an alternative economic geography centered on Asian trade integration
1:33

🚨🇨🇳 China’s Pinglu Canal is about to redraw Asian trade maps China has nearly finished a mega-project that will give its southwest the shortest direct access to the sea — and slash shipping distances by more than 560 km 🔶 Installation of the three main shipping hubs on the 134-km Pinglu Canal has now been completed 🔶 The canal offers a direct river-sea trade route by linking the Xijiang River directly to the Beibu Gulf - a faster corridor to ASEAN markets 🔶 Built in just four years, the project cuts transport costs and boosts China’s New Western Land-Sea Corridor China is not just building infrastructure — it is building an alternative economic geography centered on Asian trade integration

Sputnik

29,968 views • 4 months ago

95 years ago today… On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened its doors, rising 1,250 feet above Manhattan after an incredible 410 days of construction—a remarkable feat powered by thousands of workers during the depths of the Great Depression. Developed by John J. Raskob and built by Starrett Bros. & Eken, it claimed the title of the world’s tallest building and symbolized resilience and forward momentum at a time when the country needed it most. In the decades that followed, the building quickly became more than an architectural achievement—it turned into a cultural touchstone recognized across the globe. Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan. From its starring role in King Kong to appearances in countless films, television shows, and defining New York moments, the Empire State Building has cemented itself as a pop culture legend. For 95 years, it has stood as a beacon of ambition, romance, and possibility—an icon that continues to inspire dreamers reaching for something higher.
0:51

95 years ago today… On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened its doors, rising 1,250 feet above Manhattan after an incredible 410 days of construction—a remarkable feat powered by thousands of workers during the depths of the Great Depression. Developed by John J. Raskob and built by Starrett Bros. & Eken, it claimed the title of the world’s tallest building and symbolized resilience and forward momentum at a time when the country needed it most. In the decades that followed, the building quickly became more than an architectural achievement—it turned into a cultural touchstone recognized across the globe. Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan. From its starring role in King Kong to appearances in countless films, television shows, and defining New York moments, the Empire State Building has cemented itself as a pop culture legend. For 95 years, it has stood as a beacon of ambition, romance, and possibility—an icon that continues to inspire dreamers reaching for something higher.

Empire State Building Observation Deck

27,513 views • 4 months ago

#UnlockingChineseCities The violin is a Western musical instrument known for its elegance. Surprisingly, a third of the world's violins are produced in a Chinese town -- Huangqiao in east China's Jiangsu Province. In this town of about 200,000 people, nearly 1/6 of the population is engaged in the musical instrument industry. With over 200 enterprises, Huangqiao produces more than one million violins each year, exported to nearly 90 countries and regions worldwide. It has built a reputation for craftsmanship and excellence, earning it the title "Cremona of the East."
1:46

#UnlockingChineseCities The violin is a Western musical instrument known for its elegance. Surprisingly, a third of the world's violins are produced in a Chinese town -- Huangqiao in east China's Jiangsu Province. In this town of about 200,000 people, nearly 1/6 of the population is engaged in the musical instrument industry. With over 200 enterprises, Huangqiao produces more than one million violins each year, exported to nearly 90 countries and regions worldwide. It has built a reputation for craftsmanship and excellence, earning it the title "Cremona of the East."

China News 中国新闻网

40,369 views • 1 year ago

A Pakistani citizen wrote: "The root of every crisis in Pakistan is the military. It has kept the people under its control while presenting itself as an institution beyond criticism. A large number of Pakistanis continue to glorify this corrupt military, yet few ask what it has truly given the country other than terrorism, instability, and endless insecurity. Because of this institution, generations of Pakistanis have been denied the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity. Across Pakistan, the military and their families enjoy extensive privileges and benefits, while millions of ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet. Driven by its own interests and ambitions, the military has damaged Pakistan's relations with nearly all of its neighboring countries."
1:50

A Pakistani citizen wrote: "The root of every crisis in Pakistan is the military. It has kept the people under its control while presenting itself as an institution beyond criticism. A large number of Pakistanis continue to glorify this corrupt military, yet few ask what it has truly given the country other than terrorism, instability, and endless insecurity. Because of this institution, generations of Pakistanis have been denied the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity. Across Pakistan, the military and their families enjoy extensive privileges and benefits, while millions of ordinary citizens struggle to make ends meet. Driven by its own interests and ambitions, the military has damaged Pakistan's relations with nearly all of its neighboring countries."

Wahida 🇦🇫

25,730 views • 2 months ago

Across the Republic of Balochistan, the common Baloch people continue their peaceful resistance against the Pakistani external military. They are calling upon the Pakistani Army, its intelligence agencies, and all state institutions and companies associated with exploitative projects to leave Balochistan. Their position is that the people of Balochistan have grown weary of occupation and economic exploitation. The Baloch nation has resolved to determine its own future and believes it is fully capable of managing its own resources, designing its own development policies, and shaping its own destiny. Today, the Pakistani military is facing widespread public resistance in Balochistan. History has shown that when an occupying foreign force is confronted with sustained resistance from the local population, wise nations choose to withdraw rather than continue their occupation. Today, Islamabad's military, backed by financial assistance from the United States, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and China, continues to bombard the Baloch people. However, it should remember that victory is not determined by rifles, artillery, or fighter jets. True victory belongs to those nations whose roots are deeply embedded in their homeland and firmly strengthened by the support of their people. The roots of the Baloch nation are deeply anchored in the soil of Balochistan, sustained by the strength and support of its people. In contrast, soldiers of the Pakistani military are deployed to Balochistan in exchange for a monthly salary of a few thousand rupees, where they are participating in the genocide of the Baloch people. Balochistan is home to a civilization that dates back nearly 9,000 years. By contrast, Pakistan is a 78 years old artificial buffer zone, invented by the British and sustained through a mercenary military structure. Every political project has a lifespan and eventually reaches its conclusion. According to this perspective, Pakistan project has now reached the end of its lifespan.
1:18

Across the Republic of Balochistan, the common Baloch people continue their peaceful resistance against the Pakistani external military. They are calling upon the Pakistani Army, its intelligence agencies, and all state institutions and companies associated with exploitative projects to leave Balochistan. Their position is that the people of Balochistan have grown weary of occupation and economic exploitation. The Baloch nation has resolved to determine its own future and believes it is fully capable of managing its own resources, designing its own development policies, and shaping its own destiny. Today, the Pakistani military is facing widespread public resistance in Balochistan. History has shown that when an occupying foreign force is confronted with sustained resistance from the local population, wise nations choose to withdraw rather than continue their occupation. Today, Islamabad's military, backed by financial assistance from the United States, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and China, continues to bombard the Baloch people. However, it should remember that victory is not determined by rifles, artillery, or fighter jets. True victory belongs to those nations whose roots are deeply embedded in their homeland and firmly strengthened by the support of their people. The roots of the Baloch nation are deeply anchored in the soil of Balochistan, sustained by the strength and support of its people. In contrast, soldiers of the Pakistani military are deployed to Balochistan in exchange for a monthly salary of a few thousand rupees, where they are participating in the genocide of the Baloch people. Balochistan is home to a civilization that dates back nearly 9,000 years. By contrast, Pakistan is a 78 years old artificial buffer zone, invented by the British and sustained through a mercenary military structure. Every political project has a lifespan and eventually reaches its conclusion. According to this perspective, Pakistan project has now reached the end of its lifespan.

Mir Yar Baloch

15,755 views • 2 months ago

This week on Downstream, technology analyst and author Dan Wang joins Aaron Bastani to compare China, the US and the UK. “For the Chinese, there is no problem that cannot be solved with yet another bridge, road, highway, hyperscaler, coal plant, home, and so China is just building its way out of all of its problems.” He calls China the “engineering state.” By contrast, Wang says the US is a country “made by the lawyers, for the lawyers, and of the lawyers.” Watch the full episode now on Novara’s YouTube channel.
2:15

This week on Downstream, technology analyst and author Dan Wang joins Aaron Bastani to compare China, the US and the UK. “For the Chinese, there is no problem that cannot be solved with yet another bridge, road, highway, hyperscaler, coal plant, home, and so China is just building its way out of all of its problems.” He calls China the “engineering state.” By contrast, Wang says the US is a country “made by the lawyers, for the lawyers, and of the lawyers.” Watch the full episode now on Novara’s YouTube channel.

Novara Media

92,048 views • 1 year ago

🇨🇳🇺🇸The former US Ambassador to China, Nicolas Burns, spoke honestly about China when he was out of the office: "We've underestimated Chinese power... I think the Chinese technology, military, and economics are stronger than we think they are." He articulated his points by comparing the high-speed rail infrastructure, the number of students in science and engineering, and the strategic plans of Chinese diplomacy and military... Infrastructure: The level of infrastructure in China that America lacks is a significant strength. Number of scientists: 34% of first-year university students in China study engineering or the STEM fields, while the number in America is 5.6%. And China has a larger population. CPC is strategic: China can make big bets over 10,20,30 years without the opposing strength. So, it's easy to understand why the US is now reacting so violently to China's rare earth controls. THEY HAVE LOST THE POSITION OF STRENGTH AND THE LEVERAGE TO COERCE CHINA. Just bluffing left.
2:35

🇨🇳🇺🇸The former US Ambassador to China, Nicolas Burns, spoke honestly about China when he was out of the office: "We've underestimated Chinese power... I think the Chinese technology, military, and economics are stronger than we think they are." He articulated his points by comparing the high-speed rail infrastructure, the number of students in science and engineering, and the strategic plans of Chinese diplomacy and military... Infrastructure: The level of infrastructure in China that America lacks is a significant strength. Number of scientists: 34% of first-year university students in China study engineering or the STEM fields, while the number in America is 5.6%. And China has a larger population. CPC is strategic: China can make big bets over 10,20,30 years without the opposing strength. So, it's easy to understand why the US is now reacting so violently to China's rare earth controls. THEY HAVE LOST THE POSITION OF STRENGTH AND THE LEVERAGE TO COERCE CHINA. Just bluffing left.

Li Zexin 李泽欣

373,984 views • 11 months ago

The tallest man made structure in the world, in 1931. 95 years ago to the day in 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened its doors, rising 1,250 feet above Manhattan after an incredible 410 days of construction—a remarkable feat powered by thousands of workers during the depths of the Great Depression. Developed by John J. Raskob and built by Starrett Bros. & Eken, it claimed the title of the world's tallest building and symbolized resilience and forward momentum at a time when the country needed it most. In the decades that followed, the building quickly became more than an architectural achievement—it turned into a cultural touchstone recognized across the globe. Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan. From its starring role in King Kong to appearances in countless films, television shows, and defining New York moments, the Empire State Building has cemented itself as a pop culture legend. For 95 years, it has stood as a beacon of ambition, romance, and possibility-an icon that continues to inspire dreamers reaching for something higher.
0:50

The tallest man made structure in the world, in 1931. 95 years ago to the day in 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened its doors, rising 1,250 feet above Manhattan after an incredible 410 days of construction—a remarkable feat powered by thousands of workers during the depths of the Great Depression. Developed by John J. Raskob and built by Starrett Bros. & Eken, it claimed the title of the world's tallest building and symbolized resilience and forward momentum at a time when the country needed it most. In the decades that followed, the building quickly became more than an architectural achievement—it turned into a cultural touchstone recognized across the globe. Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan. From its starring role in King Kong to appearances in countless films, television shows, and defining New York moments, the Empire State Building has cemented itself as a pop culture legend. For 95 years, it has stood as a beacon of ambition, romance, and possibility-an icon that continues to inspire dreamers reaching for something higher.

Brian Roemmele

62,027 views • 4 months ago

The Vespasianus Titus Tunnel is a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel – a massive tunnel dug through a mountain that was built to divert floodwaters threatening the harbor near the ancient city of Seleuceia Pieria in what is now Türkiye. According to UNESCO; it is one of the most magnificent remains of the Roman period because of its size, well-preserved authenticity, and architectural and engineering features. Titus Tunnel was neither built, nor completed by the Emperor Titus. The construction of this tunnel, began during reign of Vespasianus, the father of Titus, during second half of 1st Century AD. Although work continued during the reign of Titus (79-81 AD), it was only completed during the reign of Antonius Pius in the 2nd Century AD. These dates are known due to several rock-carved inscriptions found in the tunnel. At first tunnel section, the names Vespasianus and Titus can be found. This inscription reads ‘Divus Vespasianus et Divus Titus F.C.’ (‘Divine Vespasianus and Divine Titus caused it to be made’). Thus, it may be possible that the tunnel was jointly built by the two emperors. Another inscription in the downstream channel bears the name Antoninus Pius, indicating that construction was completed during the reign of this emperor. Titus Tunnel is located in modern day Samandag-Cevlik, Turkey. During Roman era, Samandag-Cevlik was known as Seleucia Pieria (Seleucia by the Sea). This ancient city was one of the four cities in the Syrian tetrapolis, the other three being Antioch by the Orontes, Apamea and Laodicea in Syria. Seleucia Pieria was once an important Roman port city, in which exotic goods from the East were exported to Rome. Perhaps the port’s most well-known ‘exports’ were St. Paul and St. Barnabas, as they were recorded to have sailed from this port on their first missionary journeys. This city, however, had a major problem, as it was constantly threatened by floodwater that came from the nearby mountains. As these waters from mountains carried silt and mud as they descended, harbor was inevitably silted up and became inoperative. Although canals were ordered to be built by previous emperors, they were to no avail, as the floods continued. In order to solve this problem once and for all, Vespasian decided to build a tunnel by digging through the mountain to divert the floodwaters. This diversion system was built on the principle of closing the front of the stream bed with a deflection cover and transferring the waters through an artificial canal and tunnel. Titus Tunnel was designed by engineers of Tenth legion Fratensis and built by Roman legionaries, sailors, and prisoners. Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian, wrote that one of the canals in the region was built by Jewish slaves captured during the Jewish War (66-73 AD). Unsurprisingly, some have identified that canal with the Titus Tunnel. When completed, the Titus Tunnel spanned a distance of 1.4 km (0.86 mi). As the whole tunnel was carved through solid rock, this was a remarkable feat of Roman engineering, especially when one considers the relatively short amount of time required for its completion. Furthermore, this man-made marvel has survived until today without much damage. Moreover, Titus Tunnel is a testimony to Roman ingenuity in solving the challenges faced by its cities and is among the great constructions of the Roman world. In 2014, the Titus Tunnel was submitted to UNESCO, for the Tentative List of its World Heritage Sites. One of the many positive effects of this achievement is that people would be aware that the architectural achievements of ancient Rome are not limited to grand, imposing monuments, such as Colosseum and the triumphal arches of various emperors. Rather, some of the most significant Roman works can be found in its civic engineering, which provided vital infrastructure in the form of tunnels, cisterns, flood control, and road works. 🎥© arkeolojievreni (IG) #archaeohistories
0:20

The Vespasianus Titus Tunnel is a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel – a massive tunnel dug through a mountain that was built to divert floodwaters threatening the harbor near the ancient city of Seleuceia Pieria in what is now Türkiye. According to UNESCO; it is one of the most magnificent remains of the Roman period because of its size, well-preserved authenticity, and architectural and engineering features. Titus Tunnel was neither built, nor completed by the Emperor Titus. The construction of this tunnel, began during reign of Vespasianus, the father of Titus, during second half of 1st Century AD. Although work continued during the reign of Titus (79-81 AD), it was only completed during the reign of Antonius Pius in the 2nd Century AD. These dates are known due to several rock-carved inscriptions found in the tunnel. At first tunnel section, the names Vespasianus and Titus can be found. This inscription reads ‘Divus Vespasianus et Divus Titus F.C.’ (‘Divine Vespasianus and Divine Titus caused it to be made’). Thus, it may be possible that the tunnel was jointly built by the two emperors. Another inscription in the downstream channel bears the name Antoninus Pius, indicating that construction was completed during the reign of this emperor. Titus Tunnel is located in modern day Samandag-Cevlik, Turkey. During Roman era, Samandag-Cevlik was known as Seleucia Pieria (Seleucia by the Sea). This ancient city was one of the four cities in the Syrian tetrapolis, the other three being Antioch by the Orontes, Apamea and Laodicea in Syria. Seleucia Pieria was once an important Roman port city, in which exotic goods from the East were exported to Rome. Perhaps the port’s most well-known ‘exports’ were St. Paul and St. Barnabas, as they were recorded to have sailed from this port on their first missionary journeys. This city, however, had a major problem, as it was constantly threatened by floodwater that came from the nearby mountains. As these waters from mountains carried silt and mud as they descended, harbor was inevitably silted up and became inoperative. Although canals were ordered to be built by previous emperors, they were to no avail, as the floods continued. In order to solve this problem once and for all, Vespasian decided to build a tunnel by digging through the mountain to divert the floodwaters. This diversion system was built on the principle of closing the front of the stream bed with a deflection cover and transferring the waters through an artificial canal and tunnel. Titus Tunnel was designed by engineers of Tenth legion Fratensis and built by Roman legionaries, sailors, and prisoners. Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian, wrote that one of the canals in the region was built by Jewish slaves captured during the Jewish War (66-73 AD). Unsurprisingly, some have identified that canal with the Titus Tunnel. When completed, the Titus Tunnel spanned a distance of 1.4 km (0.86 mi). As the whole tunnel was carved through solid rock, this was a remarkable feat of Roman engineering, especially when one considers the relatively short amount of time required for its completion. Furthermore, this man-made marvel has survived until today without much damage. Moreover, Titus Tunnel is a testimony to Roman ingenuity in solving the challenges faced by its cities and is among the great constructions of the Roman world. In 2014, the Titus Tunnel was submitted to UNESCO, for the Tentative List of its World Heritage Sites. One of the many positive effects of this achievement is that people would be aware that the architectural achievements of ancient Rome are not limited to grand, imposing monuments, such as Colosseum and the triumphal arches of various emperors. Rather, some of the most significant Roman works can be found in its civic engineering, which provided vital infrastructure in the form of tunnels, cisterns, flood control, and road works. 🎥© arkeolojievreni (IG) #archaeohistories

Archaeo - Histories

34,504 views • 1 year ago

This is another great illustration of China's development, even in its poorest rural regions. We've just arrived at the train station of Yabuli, a small rural town with a population of 50k and a ski station in Heilongjiang province, which is the second poorest province in the country by GDP per capita. And look at this place: it looks better - certainly more modern and cleaner - than the immense majority of train stations in Europe. That's what many people don't realize: they still view the Chinese countryside as this hopelessly backward and undeveloped place but it's largely not true anymore. For sure you can still find some poorer villages and towns, but more and more the prosperity of China overall is reaching every spot in the country.
1:04

This is another great illustration of China's development, even in its poorest rural regions. We've just arrived at the train station of Yabuli, a small rural town with a population of 50k and a ski station in Heilongjiang province, which is the second poorest province in the country by GDP per capita. And look at this place: it looks better - certainly more modern and cleaner - than the immense majority of train stations in Europe. That's what many people don't realize: they still view the Chinese countryside as this hopelessly backward and undeveloped place but it's largely not true anymore. For sure you can still find some poorer villages and towns, but more and more the prosperity of China overall is reaching every spot in the country.

Arnaud Bertrand

602,751 views • 1 year ago

It seems to me that of all the ancient Christian cathedrals of Kyiv that were destroyed by the Soviets and later restored by a free and independent Ukraine, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral turned out the best. It has preserved the nearly thousand-year-old atmosphere of this place better than any of the others. And now, with the power outages, they switch on the electric lights less often, light more candles, and let the sun’s rays stream through the windows into the cathedral -- just as the Byzantine architects intended in their time.
2:19

It seems to me that of all the ancient Christian cathedrals of Kyiv that were destroyed by the Soviets and later restored by a free and independent Ukraine, St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Cathedral turned out the best. It has preserved the nearly thousand-year-old atmosphere of this place better than any of the others. And now, with the power outages, they switch on the electric lights less often, light more candles, and let the sun’s rays stream through the windows into the cathedral -- just as the Byzantine architects intended in their time.

Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦

59,695 views • 6 months ago

The Chinese have held a deeply romantic reverence for the universe. Over two thousand years ago, the poet Qu Yuan (屈原) composed Heavenly Questions, a long poem filled with inquiries about the origins of heaven and earth, and the movements of the stars, attempting to unveil the mysteries of the cosmos through poetic language. The ancients even coined the term tianlai (天籁), or "the sound of heaven," to describe music so beautiful and pure-an ideal of sonic perfection. Yesterday, I attended China's most prestigious cultural fair in south China's Shenzhen. In addition to representatives from more than 60 countries and regions, every province in China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, had its own pavilion showcasing the highlights of its cultural heritage. What left the deepest impression on me was a brief yet breathtaking musical performance I stumbled upon at the Shanghai Pavilion. Honestly, I hadn't heard of this performance. By chance, I happened to be nearby when it began. Sometimes, serendipity works in mysterious ways. Within moments, I realized I was hearing something truly extraordinary: the real sound of the heaven, or cosmos. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum had led the creation of the world's first musical instruments made from meteorites, and this was their debut performance. The instrument, known as qing (磬), or chime stones, dates back to China's Neolithic period and was traditionally made of stone. It reached its peak usage over two thousand years ago. Inspired by mythical beasts described in legends from the time of Qu Yuan, the museum used 3D printing to recreate the creatures as instrument bases, then cut 20 pieces of meteorite into chime stones. Due to the extreme difficulty of processing meteorites, several precious pieces were lost in the process. Nine chimes were brought and played publicly for the first time. Two young musicians performed two pieces: The first was "Big Fish," the theme song from a beloved Chinese animated film. Ethereal and profound, it conveys a sense of awe and reverence for nature, and calls for a deeper respect for life and the laws of the natural world. The second was "The East is Red," a song that carried the hopes of a generation for light and renewal. It was also the name of China's first man-made satellite, and has since become a symbol of the nation's space ambitions. From meteorites born billions of years ago, crossing time and space to arrive on the Earth, they responded to our wonder in the form of music. The mini-concert made me believe, more than ever: To gaze at the stars is humanity's deepest form of romance. Our reverence for the cosmos has never ceased. And the universe, in its own way, has never stopped answering.
1:40

The Chinese have held a deeply romantic reverence for the universe. Over two thousand years ago, the poet Qu Yuan (屈原) composed Heavenly Questions, a long poem filled with inquiries about the origins of heaven and earth, and the movements of the stars, attempting to unveil the mysteries of the cosmos through poetic language. The ancients even coined the term tianlai (天籁), or "the sound of heaven," to describe music so beautiful and pure-an ideal of sonic perfection. Yesterday, I attended China's most prestigious cultural fair in south China's Shenzhen. In addition to representatives from more than 60 countries and regions, every province in China, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, had its own pavilion showcasing the highlights of its cultural heritage. What left the deepest impression on me was a brief yet breathtaking musical performance I stumbled upon at the Shanghai Pavilion. Honestly, I hadn't heard of this performance. By chance, I happened to be nearby when it began. Sometimes, serendipity works in mysterious ways. Within moments, I realized I was hearing something truly extraordinary: the real sound of the heaven, or cosmos. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum had led the creation of the world's first musical instruments made from meteorites, and this was their debut performance. The instrument, known as qing (磬), or chime stones, dates back to China's Neolithic period and was traditionally made of stone. It reached its peak usage over two thousand years ago. Inspired by mythical beasts described in legends from the time of Qu Yuan, the museum used 3D printing to recreate the creatures as instrument bases, then cut 20 pieces of meteorite into chime stones. Due to the extreme difficulty of processing meteorites, several precious pieces were lost in the process. Nine chimes were brought and played publicly for the first time. Two young musicians performed two pieces: The first was "Big Fish," the theme song from a beloved Chinese animated film. Ethereal and profound, it conveys a sense of awe and reverence for nature, and calls for a deeper respect for life and the laws of the natural world. The second was "The East is Red," a song that carried the hopes of a generation for light and renewal. It was also the name of China's first man-made satellite, and has since become a symbol of the nation's space ambitions. From meteorites born billions of years ago, crossing time and space to arrive on the Earth, they responded to our wonder in the form of music. The mini-concert made me believe, more than ever: To gaze at the stars is humanity's deepest form of romance. Our reverence for the cosmos has never ceased. And the universe, in its own way, has never stopped answering.

Zhai Xiang

25,443 views • 1 year ago

Mamdani on Arch/Ballroom/Club Rose Garden: My message would be that this is not what government has to be. This is not the only vision for what it looks like to have politics in this country—that is so divorced from the needs and wants of everyday people. And what we are looking to show in New York City is an alternative to what has led so many to become disenchanted with the political process. We want to show that not only can government work, but it must, and that at its core, our responsibility is to working people—to ensure that we’re doing everything to make their lives easier. That has to be what drives our actions, and for too long, government has felt more like a distraction than a fulfillment of the needs of the people who’ve been left behind by the politics of today.
1:26

Mamdani on Arch/Ballroom/Club Rose Garden: My message would be that this is not what government has to be. This is not the only vision for what it looks like to have politics in this country—that is so divorced from the needs and wants of everyday people. And what we are looking to show in New York City is an alternative to what has led so many to become disenchanted with the political process. We want to show that not only can government work, but it must, and that at its core, our responsibility is to working people—to ensure that we’re doing everything to make their lives easier. That has to be what drives our actions, and for too long, government has felt more like a distraction than a fulfillment of the needs of the people who’ve been left behind by the politics of today.

Acyn

31,743 views • 4 months ago

We are witnessing a pivotal moment for the entire Middle East. The death of Hassan Nasrallah, the terrorist leader of Hezbollah, marks the potential beginning of a new chapter for Lebanon, a country long occupied by this terrorist organization through its Iranian backers. Hezbollah was born out of the chaos of the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s, created, funded, and armed by Iran to serve as its proxy in the region. Over the years, under Nasrallah's leadership, Hezbollah grew into a monstrous military force, terrorizing the entire region. By removing Hezbollah's leadership and dismantling its infrastructure, Israel is offering the Lebanese people a chance to reclaim their country. Hezbollah's crimes extend far beyond Lebanon. This terror group has been deeply involved in the Syrian civil war, helping Assad brutally massacre hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. While Hezbollah claims to be defending Lebanon, it is in fact only doing Iran's bidding. Despite resistance from the Lebanese people over the years, Hezbollah has persisted with its jihadi rule—until now. Nasrallah's death is not just about the removal of a terrorist leader. It is an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its independence for the Lebanese people. Israel's operations are about liberating the region and dismantling a terror network that threatens the entire world. Now is the time for the international community to stand with Lebanon, not by turning a blind eye to Hezbollah's terror, but by supporting efforts to finally dismantle this group once and for all. Only when Hezbollah's reign of terror is over can the Lebanese people rebuild their country.
2:39

We are witnessing a pivotal moment for the entire Middle East. The death of Hassan Nasrallah, the terrorist leader of Hezbollah, marks the potential beginning of a new chapter for Lebanon, a country long occupied by this terrorist organization through its Iranian backers. Hezbollah was born out of the chaos of the Lebanese civil war in the 1980s, created, funded, and armed by Iran to serve as its proxy in the region. Over the years, under Nasrallah's leadership, Hezbollah grew into a monstrous military force, terrorizing the entire region. By removing Hezbollah's leadership and dismantling its infrastructure, Israel is offering the Lebanese people a chance to reclaim their country. Hezbollah's crimes extend far beyond Lebanon. This terror group has been deeply involved in the Syrian civil war, helping Assad brutally massacre hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. While Hezbollah claims to be defending Lebanon, it is in fact only doing Iran's bidding. Despite resistance from the Lebanese people over the years, Hezbollah has persisted with its jihadi rule—until now. Nasrallah's death is not just about the removal of a terrorist leader. It is an opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its independence for the Lebanese people. Israel's operations are about liberating the region and dismantling a terror network that threatens the entire world. Now is the time for the international community to stand with Lebanon, not by turning a blind eye to Hezbollah's terror, but by supporting efforts to finally dismantle this group once and for all. Only when Hezbollah's reign of terror is over can the Lebanese people rebuild their country.

Noa Tishby

69,477 views • 2 years ago