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Highlights from the GOP 2024 Presidential Debate: Trump’s Absence and Key Moments

In a highly anticipated event, the 2024 Republican presidential hopefuls gathered for their second debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California. Despite former President Donald Trump’s absence, the evening was marked by memorable moments and spirited discussions. Let’s delve into the key highlights:

1. Trump’s Absence Takes Center Stage

Former President Donald Trump’s absence from the debate was a major talking point. Candidates like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie criticized Trump for not participating, accusing him of ducking the stage. Christie even coined the nickname “Donald Duck” for Trump, highlighting his avoidance of defending his record.

2. Abortion and ‘Pro-Life’ Debate

Abortion remained a delicate issue among Republicans. DeSantis pushed back against Trump’s recent comments on anti-abortion politicians, emphasizing that pro-lifers shouldn’t be blamed for election losses. Christie used this topic to discuss the fentanyl overdose epidemic, linking pro-life values to a broader perspective.

3. Youth Outreach Efforts

Vivek Ramaswamy, the youngest candidate in the GOP race, emphasized his efforts to engage with young Americans. He pointed out the importance of reaching out to millennials and Gen Z voters, who are expected to play a significant role in the 2024 election.

4. Stance on Gender Identity

Candidates expressed support for “parental consent” laws regarding students changing their gender identity. Ramaswamy went further by calling gender-affirming medical care “barbaric,” while Mike Pence emphasized “parental rights” laws.

5. Fast-Tracking Death Penalty for Mass Shooters

In response to the ongoing issue of mass shootings, former Vice President Pence proposed an “expedited” death penalty for mass shooters, aiming to speed up criminal penalties for these perpetrators.

6. Birthright Citizenship Debate

Ramaswamy called for ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents in the country illegally. He faced criticism and questions about his business ties in China during the debate.

7. Trump’s Taunts and Focus on Biden

Trump, who was speaking in Michigan during the debate, ridiculed his Republican rivals and suggested they were competing for positions in his future administration, signaling his focus on the general election and President Joe Biden.

8. Candidates Weigh In on Biden’s Union Support

Republican candidates criticized President Biden for joining union autoworkers on the picket line, with some suggesting he should focus on other issues like the southern border.

9. Healthcare Policy Gridlock

The debate highlighted the lack of consensus among Republicans on healthcare policy, with candidates offering vague plans and focusing on transferring power to states. This issue remains a challenge for the GOP.

10. Clashes Between Candidates

Candidates clashed over various topics, including the use of TikTok for youth outreach, funding for Ukraine, and interruptions throughout the debate.

As the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination heats up, these moments from the second debate offer insights into the candidates’ positions and strategies. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving political landscape.

September 28, 2023
Republican Candidates Clash in Second Debate

Abortion, immigration, and the 2024 presidential race were all hot topics in the second Republican presidential debate.

Seven Republican candidates took the stage for the second GOP presidential debate on Wednesday night, and it was a lively affair. The candidates clashed on a range of issues, including abortion, immigration, and the 2024 presidential race.

One of the most memorable moments of the debate came when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie both attacked former President Donald Trump for skipping the event.

“You know who else is missing in action? Donald Trump is missing in action,” DeSantis said. “He should be on this stage tonight. He owes it to you to defend his record where they added $7.8 trillion to the debt. That set the stage for the inflation that we have now.”

Christie went even further, accusing Trump of ducking the debate out of fear.

“You’re not here tonight because you’re afraid of being on the stage and defending your record,” Christie said. “You’re ducking these things. And let me tell you what’s going to happen. You keep doing that. No one up here is going to call you Donald Trump anymore. We’re going to call you Donald Duck.”

The candidates also had a heated debate on the issue of abortion.

“I reject this idea that pro-lifers are to blame for mid-term defeats,” DeSantis said, responding to Trump’s recent comments that anti-abortion politicians often lose elections because they “do not know how to discuss this topic.”

“If you’re pro-life, you’ve gotta be pro-life for the entire life,” Christie added, pivoting to a discussion of the fentanyl overdose epidemic.

The candidates also discussed the rising amount of violence aimed at LGBTQ Americans.

“I am sick of these mass shootings,” Pence said, when asked about the scourge of mass shootings in America.

Pence said, if elected, he would push for a federal expedited death penalty for mass shooters. He said this would ensure they would “meet their fate in months, not years.”

Ramaswamy also had a controversial moment during the debate, when he called for ending the practice of granting citizenship to anyone born in the United States, in cases where the parents were in the country illegally at the time of the birth.

“Democrats would howl at this idea and complain that it violates the U.S. Constitution,” Ramaswamy said. “He argued that there is precedent for denying citizenship to some people born on U.S. soil, given that children of diplomats are not given citizenship.”

Ramaswamy also faced criticism from several candidates for his business ties in China.

“We’re competing with the job candidates. They’re all running for a job,” Trump said, referring to the Republican candidates. “They’re all job candidates. They’ll do anything, Secretary of something. They even say VP. Has anybody seen a VP anywhere?”

The second Republican presidential debate was a lively and informative event, and it gave voters a chance to see where the candidates stand on a range of important issues.

September 28, 2023
2024 Subaru WRX TR to Make Debut at Subiefest Florida, Expected to Feature EyeSight Safety Tech

Subaru has announced that the new 2024 WRX TR will make its debut at Subiefest Florida on October 7th. The company has only released a teaser image of the car so far, but it shows that the TR will feature unique wheels and beefier Brembo brakes.

Subaru has also said that the TR will be “enthusiast-focused,” so it’s likely that the car will receive other upgrades, such as suspension tweaks. However, it’s unlikely that the TR will get a power increase, as that would likely make it too expensive.

One of the biggest upgrades that the TR is expected to receive is EyeSight safety technology. EyeSight is a suite of driver-assist features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Until now, EyeSight has only been available on WRX models with the automatic transmission.

The addition of EyeSight to the WRX TR is a big deal, as it will make the car more appealing to a wider range of buyers. It’s also a sign that Subaru is committed to safety, even on its performance models.

We’ll know more about the 2024 Subaru WRX TR when it debuts at Subiefest Florida on October 7th. Stay tuned!

September 27, 2023
Exciting News: 2024 Subaru WRX TR Unveiled with Safety Upgrade at Subiefest Florida

Get ready for some thrilling news in the world of Subaru enthusiasts! The highly-anticipated 2024 Subaru WRX TR is set to make its grand debut at Subiefest Florida on October 7th. Buckle up as we dive into the exciting details of this enthusiast-focused revelation.

For quite some time, Subaru aficionados have been yearning for a more robust variant of the 2024 Subaru WRX. While the base model is already a treat, the absence of a serious upgrade has left fans curious. But hold onto your hats because the 2024 WRX TR is here to quench that thirst for excitement.

Although Subaru has been tight-lipped about the specifics, they’ve dropped a tantalizing teaser image and the launch date. The teaser showcases distinctive wheels and what appear to be beefier Brembo brakes, possibly boasting an extra caliper piston or two. Subaru’s promise of it being “enthusiast-focused” suggests more upgrades beyond the brakes, likely including suspension enhancements.

Long-time fans might recall the TR designation from back in 2006 when it stood for “Tuner Ready.” Back then, it meant a more affordable WRX variant with some luxuries stripped away to hit a lower price point. This time, with the brake upgrade in tow, we anticipate the new TR will add rather than subtract. Could this mean it won’t break the bank compared to the base WRX?

If affordability is a key focus, don’t expect a power boost like the Prodrive prototype we glimpsed a few months ago. Those upgraded limited-slip differentials akin to the STIs might also remain a distant dream. Nevertheless, Subaru has been known to spring surprises, so keep your fingers crossed. As for the design, it seems the distinctive black plastic fenders will remain a signature feature.

Mark your calendars because all will be revealed on October 7th at Subiefest Florida. If you happen to be in the vicinity, make sure to witness this automotive marvel in person. And if not, be sure to visit Autoblog on that day for the full scoop.

But that’s not all! Subaru of America, Inc. has even more in store for Subiefest Florida. They’ve announced that the legendary Travis Pastrana, Subaru Motorsports USA driver, and extreme sports icon, along with Bucky Lasek, the renowned professional skateboarder and rallycross driver, will be part of the grand unveiling.

Subiefest Florida, hosted at the iconic Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, promises to be a day of adrenaline and excitement. Subaru enthusiasts can put their own Subarus to the test on specially designed autocross courses, gaining valuable driving experience. The event will also feature a curated showcase of vintage and special edition Subaru vehicles, Subaru Motorsports USA rally cars, and Gymkhana display models. And if you’re up for it (registration required), you can join in on the All-Subaru Car Show.

In summary, Subaru is gearing up to take the automotive world by storm with the 2024 WRX TR, set to debut at Subiefest Florida on October 7th. This thrilling event will not only introduce an enthusiast-focused upgrade but also provide a platform for Subaru fans to experience the brand’s rich history and commitment to safety. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to this remarkable event!

September 27, 2023
Crystal Rogers’ Boyfriend Arrested on Murder Charge

Crystal Rogers, a mother of five, disappeared from Bardstown, Kentucky in 2015. Her boyfriend at the time, Brooks Houck, has been arrested on charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Houck was the last person seen with Rogers before her disappearance. He has long been considered a suspect in the case but was not charged until now.

Another man, Joseph Lawson, has also been arrested in connection with Rogers’ disappearance. He is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit murder and evidence tampering.

Rogers’ body has not been found. Her family has maintained their suspicion of Houck since her disappearance.

Why is this article important?

Crystal Rogers’ disappearance has been a major news story in Kentucky for eight years. Her family has been relentless in their fight for justice, and her case has been featured in national media outlets.

Houck’s arrest is a significant development in the case. It is the first time that anyone has been charged with murder in connection with Rogers’ disappearance.

What does this mean for Crystal Rogers’ family?

Houck’s arrest is a step forward for Crystal Rogers’ family. They have been waiting for this day for eight years.

The arrest does not guarantee that Houck will be convicted of murder, but it does mean that he will have to answer for his alleged actions in court.

Rogers’ family is hopeful that Houck’s arrest will lead to them finally finding Crystal’s body so that they can give her a proper burial.

How did this happen?

The FBI took over the investigation into Rogers’ disappearance in 2020. Since then, there have been multiple searches in Bardstown, most of which have focused on the Houck family.

In October 2022, the FBI searched the Houck family farm, where Rogers was last seen alive.

It is unclear what evidence the FBI has against Houck, but they must have enough to believe that he is responsible for Rogers’ death.

What happens next?

Houck is scheduled to be arraigned on October 5 in Nelson Circuit Court. He is being held on a $10 million bond.

If Houck is convicted of murder, he could face life in prison.

The trial is expected to be lengthy and complex. It is unclear when it will begin or end.

Conclusion

Crystal Rogers’ disappearance has been a tragedy for her family and the Bardstown community. Houck’s arrest is a step forward in the case, but there is still a long way to go before justice is served.

September 27, 2023
Breakthrough in Crystal Rogers Case: Boyfriend Arrested for Murder

In a stunning turn of events, after eight long years, there’s finally a breakthrough in the mysterious disappearance of Bardstown’s Crystal Rogers. Her boyfriend, Brooks William Houck, aged 41 and hailing from Bardstown, has been arrested and charged in connection with her tragic death. This development comes after a series of recent searches at Houck’s properties, including his residence, with the assistance of the FBI.

The arrest stems from an indictment by a Nelson County Grand Jury on September 20, which includes charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence against Brooks Houck. Prior to this, Joseph Lawson, aged 32, was also apprehended on September 7 in connection with Rogers’ disappearance. Lawson faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. Currently, he pleads not guilty and is held on a cash bond of $500,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 26.

Crystal Rogers was last seen on July 3, 2015, at Brooks Houck’s Bardstown farm. Two days later, her abandoned car with a flat tire was discovered on the Bluegrass Parkway, with her cellphone and purse left inside. In October of that same year, police identified Brooks Houck as a suspect and sadly presumed that Rogers, a mother of five, had lost her life. Coincidentally, Houck’s brother, Nick, was terminated from his position as a police officer with the Bardstown Police Department during the same period due to allegations of interfering with the investigation.

However, despite extensive efforts, Crystal Rogers’ body has never been located. Her family’s suspicion of Houck has persisted since her disappearance. Tragically, in November 2016, Crystal’s father, Tommy Ballard, was fatally shot while hunting in a field, and his killer remains unidentified.

Brooks Houck’s bail has been set at a staggering $10 million in cash. His arraignment is scheduled for October 5 in Nelson Circuit Court.

In a significant breakthrough for the case, Crystal Rogers’ former boyfriend, Brooks Houck, has finally been arrested on charges related to her 2015 disappearance. The FBI, working alongside local and federal law enforcement agencies, has been diligently pursuing justice in this case. Brooks Houck, who was long considered a primary suspect, now faces charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence.

Additional details about the case are expected to emerge during Houck’s upcoming arraignment in early October at the Nelson County Circuit Court, where he will be held on a $10 million cash bond.

Crystal Rogers’ disappearance has haunted Bardstown for eight years, with Houck emerging as the key suspect. Despite suspicions, he had never been formally charged in connection with the case until now.

The Rogers family, who have long sought answers, responded to the arrest with a statement expressing gratitude to law enforcement agencies and the judicial system for their dedication to seeking justice for Crystal. They requested privacy as they hope to bring Crystal home and achieve closure in this harrowing chapter.

This arrest marks the second significant development in the case this month, following the earlier arrest of Joseph Lawson, who faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence connected to Crystal Rogers’ disappearance.

Crystal Rogers, aged 35 at the time of her disappearance on July 5, 2015, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her car was found abandoned with a flat tire on Bardstown’s Bluegrass Parkway, with her phone, purse, and keys left inside.

The FBI took over the investigation in 2020, leading to multiple searches in Bardstown, primarily focusing on the Houck family. Last October’s search centered on the Houck family farm, where Crystal Rogers was last seen alive. Houck’s grandmother, Anna Whitesides, was also linked to the case, with authorities believing her car was used to dispose of Rogers’ body. She refused to testify when summoned to court.

Additionally, Brooks’ brother, Nick Houck, faced consequences early in the investigation, as he was fired from the Bardstown Police Department for obstructing the case. Another individual, Danny Singleton, an associate of Brooks Houck, faced perjury charges for lying to detectives but ultimately pleaded guilty to lesser charges of false swearing.

Tragically, Tommy Ballard, Crystal Rogers’ father, was killed a year after her disappearance, and the case remains unsolved.

In conclusion, a significant breakthrough has occurred in the Crystal Rogers case, with her former boyfriend, Brooks Houck, now facing charges related to her disappearance. This development brings hope to those who have sought answers for eight long years, and it represents a step closer to justice for Crystal Rogers and her grieving family.

September 27, 2023
The Curious Case of Zheng Shuang: From Stardom to Legal Battles

Once hailed as the next big thing in the world of Chinese entertainment, Zheng Shuang’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2021. Apart from her tax evasion scandal, she faced allegations of surrogacy and child abandonment from her ex-boyfriend. This led to her being officially labeled as a tainted artist. Surprisingly, Zheng Shuang recently made headlines on Weibo, with a focus on a court judgment document filed by a production company. It turns out, that the victorious party in this lawsuit was the production company behind the TV drama “Jade Lovers,” in which Zheng Shuang starred alongside Lee Jong-suk. This revelation stirred a storm of support for Zheng Shuang, with many accusing the production company of “grabbing at straws.”

Back in 2016, after Zheng Shuang found herself embroiled in controversy, the TV drama she was starring in faced disruptions and couldn’t be aired. The drama was produced by Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd. They sought compensation from Zheng Shuang, and the court ruled that she had to return the service fee of CNY 30.5 million (approximately NT$130 million) she had received as her acting fee. Additionally, Zheng Shuang was required to compensate Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd. for their financial losses amounting to CNY 60 million (about NT$260 million). Zheng Shuang’s appeal against this ruling was rejected, making the judgment legally binding.

The court judgment mentioned a contract signed between the production company and Zheng Shuang. It stipulated that she would be paid CNY 30.5 million for her services, covering 70 actual working days between February 15, 2016, and May 10, 2016, which equates to an average daily wage of around CNY 430,000. However, after Zheng Shuang’s career downfall, the TV drama’s release seemed bleak, leading to this compensation claim.

Surprisingly, some netizens rallied behind Zheng Shuang upon learning that Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd. was the production company behind “Jade Lovers.” The drama had been completed in 2016 but faced delays in airing due to the ban on South Korean entertainment content. They believed that assigning all blame to Zheng Shuang and demanding the return of CNY 30.5 million in acting fees was unjust, labeling Zheng Shuang as a scapegoat.

Despite the initial judgment in December 2021, Zheng Shuang filed an appeal. However, the second verdict, issued on July 8, 2023, upheld the original judgment, requiring Zheng Shuang to refund the CNY 30.5 million acting fee and pay CNY 60 million in compensation.

In the wake of controversies such as “surrogacy and child abandonment” and tax evasion, actress Zheng Shuang found herself entangled in a legal battle with Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd., which sought compensation. According to reports, the People’s Court of Songjiang District in Shanghai released the verdict for this typical case. Zheng Shuang was ordered to refund CNY 30.5 million (in Chinese yuan) as service fees, plus interest, and compensate with an additional CNY 60 million.

In January 2016, Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd., as the first party, signed a “Planning Service Contract” with the second party, Shanghai Zheng Shuang Film and Television Culture Studio. The contract stipulated that the planning service period would run from February 15, 2016, to 70 actual effective working days within May 10, 2016. The first party agreed to pay the second party a total planning service fee of CNY 30.5 million in installments.

On January 13, 2016, Haining signed a “Supplementary Contract” with Zheng Shuang’s studio, inviting her to participate in the production of the TV drama in question as the female lead. The production work was scheduled to start on February 15, 2016, and continue for 70 actual effective working days until May 10, 2016.

The contract explicitly stated that if the artist’s involvement in illegal activities or misconduct led to a ban imposed by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television of the People’s Republic of China, affecting the production and release of the drama, the first party had the right to terminate the contract. In such cases, the second party was obligated to refund the remuneration received and compensate for the actual economic losses incurred by the first party up to that point.

Between January 18, 2016, and April 25, 2016, Haining made multiple payments totaling CNY 30.5 million to Zheng Shuang’s studio as fees for the TV drama’s services. On February 5, 2016, Haining also signed a “Television Drama Copyright License and Use Agreement” with a certain television station, permitting them to use the TV series and its copyrights. The station’s subsidiary became one of the drama’s investors, with a 5% stake, and the total licensing fee amounted to CNY 77 million. If Haining breached the contract, they would not only have to refund the entire licensing fee but also pay a penalty equal to 100% of the agreed licensing fee.

A “Special Audit Report” dated March 15, 2021, indicated that the TV drama project in question had received investments totaling over CNY 183 million from five investors. As of December 2020, the project had incurred expenses totaling CNY 174 million, with over CNY 121 million attributed to actors’ services. All expenses had been covered by signed contracts and had been actually paid.

However, despite the completion of the TV drama production, it had not yet obtained a release permit when Zheng Shuang faced allegations of illegal surrogacy and tax evasion, leading to her “ban.”

Haining argued that Zheng Shuang, as a well-known public figure, had caused extensive and severe social impact with her misconduct. According to relevant notices from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film, and Television, TV dramas featuring Zheng Shuang as a key creative contributor could no longer be aired. Zheng Shuang’s studio was deregistered in 2017, and the debts accrued during its existence were the responsibility of investor Zheng Shuang. Therefore, they filed a lawsuit with the Songjiang Court, seeking the termination of the contract, the return of CNY 30.5 million in service fees with interest, and compensation for CNY 60 million in economic losses. The first-instance verdict, issued on December 16, 2021, required Zheng Shuang to refund the requested amount to Haining and compensate for economic losses.

Zheng Shuang contended that the contract had already been terminated due to the completion and the deregistration of Shanghai Zheng Shuang Film and Television Culture Studio. Furthermore, the TV drama’s failure to air was not her fault, and she refuted being labeled as a “tainted artist.” She believed that Haining had no right to claim her breach of contract based on erroneous facts created by “media judgment,” thus disagreeing with all of the plaintiff’s claims.

Zheng Shuang proceeded to appeal the decision, but on July 18, 2023, the Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court upheld the original judgment. As per risk information, Zheng Shuang and her two studios had already been subjected to compulsory enforcement of approximately CNY 128 million due to this case.

Amidst the fallout from controversies like “surrogacy and child abandonment” and tax evasion, mainland Chinese actress Zheng Shuang faced a sweeping ban that inflicted heavy losses on the drama’s investment partners. Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd. took her to court, and a Shanghai court ruled in favor of the production company. Zheng Shuang was ordered to refund CNY 30.5 million in service fees, plus interest, and compensate with an additional CNY 60 million (approximately HKD 65.05 million).

In summary, Zheng Shuang’s film and television studio signed a contract with Haining D Film and Television Investment Co., Ltd. in 2016, specifying that the studio would provide planning, execution, content creation, brand planning, and actor selection services for a TV drama produced by Haining. In return, Haining was to pay Zheng Shuang CNY 30.5 million as compensation. The contract stipulated that either party would be held liable for breach of terms, including if the artist’s involvement in illegal activities or misconduct led to an official ban. Zheng Shuang found herself embroiled in a legal battle after controversies erupted, and the court ruled that she should repay the service fees and compensate for economic losses.

September 27, 2023
Chinese actress Zheng Shuang ordered to pay $9 million to production company after being canceled

Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was ordered to pay $9 million to a production company after being canceled for her involvement in a scandal involving surrogacy and tax evasion.

In 2016, Zheng Shuang signed a contract with a production company to provide planning services for a television series. The contract included a clause that stated that either party would be in breach if the other party engaged in illegal or unethical behavior that led to the project being canceled.

In 2021, Zheng Shuang was canceled after it was revealed that she had used a surrogate mother to carry two children and then abandoned them. As a result, the television series that she was working on could not be released.

The production company sued Zheng Shuang for breach of contract, and a court in Shanghai ruled in their favor in July 2023. The court ordered Zheng Shuang to repay the $3.2 million in fees that she had already received, as well as an additional $5.8 million in damages.

The ruling is a significant setback for Zheng Shuang, who is still trying to rebuild her career after being canceled. The amount of money that she is required to pay is also significant, and it is unclear how she will be able to come up with the funds.

The television series that Zheng Shuang was working on was a collaboration between China and South Korea. It starred Zheng Shuang and South Korean actor Lee Jong Suk.

The ruling in this case is a reminder of the potential consequences for celebrities who engage in illegal or unethical behavior.

September 27, 2023
Huawei Unveils Ultimate Design: Mate 60 RS and More at Fall Event

In an exciting event today, Huawei introduced its new lineup at the Fall Product Launch. During the event, Mr. Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s Executive Director, CEO of the Consumer BG, and Chairman of the Smart Car Solutions BU, unveiled the brand’s new high-end label, “ULTIMATE DESIGN,” with its inaugural product being the Huawei Mate 60 RS from the Ultimate Design collection. It was also announced that the renowned actor, Liu Dehua, would be the brand ambassador for this exciting new line.

Taking on the iPhone 15 Pro Max

Mr. Yu Chengdong emphasized that after years of dedication, Huawei is presenting the culmination of ultimate aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation, transitioning from PORSCHE DESIGN to ULTIMATE DESIGN, representing a comprehensive brand upgrade. Reports indicate that the Huawei Mate 60 RS is the latest flagship model, featuring the Kirin 9000S processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a ceramic body. The estimated price is expected to be over ten thousand Chinese yuan, offering strong competition to Apple’s latest iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Liu Dehua expressed that he considers himself an ordinary person who works diligently, aspiring to become extraordinary. He shared his encounters with various extraordinary individuals throughout his career, including his first encounter with the extraordinary director, Xu Anhua, when he was just starting out, as well as Lin Zixiang, among others. Liu Dehua praised these individuals for achieving excellence in their respective fields and becoming extraordinary masters of their craft. He believes that Huawei, with its extraordinary products, pays tribute to the extraordinary individuals of our time.

Huawei Smart Glasses 2 with Titanium Frames and 11 Hours of Battery Life

Huawei’s smart glasses, now in their second generation, have been updated with a range of new frame options for consumers. In addition to the regular frameless design, aviator, and square semi-frame, consumers can now choose from 18K gold-plated edge frames or beta titanium streamlined floating frames (the latter weighing only 4.7g). At the same time, Huawei has narrowed the legs of the new model. The built-in dual vibrating film surging unit increases media playback volume by 30%, and the listening battery life has been extended to 11 hours, an 83% increase over the previous generation. Furthermore, these glasses still offer seamless connection with HarmonyOS devices and are compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows systems.

The frameless, aviator, and square semi-frame versions of Huawei Smart Glasses 2 are priced at 1,699 Chinese yuan (approximately HK$1,820), while the gold optical lenses and titanium optical lenses are priced at 1,899 and 2,299 Chinese yuan (approximately HK$2,030 and HK$2,460) respectively.

Huawei’s New Launch Event Steals the Spotlight

Huawei’s highly anticipated Fall Product Launch took place yesterday afternoon at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, with over 2,000 attendees and resounding applause echoing throughout the venue. The event coincided with the second anniversary of the release of Huawei’s Vice Chairman and CFO Meng Wanzhou from Canada and her return to China, making it a significant moment in response to the strict sanctions imposed by the United States. The event introduced eight new products under the new ultra-high-end brand, “ULTIMATE DESIGN,” including the much-anticipated Mate 60 RS, often referred to as the “King of Phones” for Huawei. Hong Kong actor Liu Dehua served as the brand ambassador for this flagship device.

Huawei had previously initiated the “Pioneer Program” and released the Mate 60 Pro+ and the foldable phone Mate X5 ahead of the launch event. Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s Executive Director, CEO of the Consumer BG, and Chairman of the Smart Car Solutions BU, mentioned that since the release of the Huawei Mate 60 series, which received much love from consumers, they have been working tirelessly to meet the high demand. He also mentioned that Huawei’s self-developed operating system HarmonyOS 4 has already been upgraded on 60 million devices, with an additional 1.2 million users joining each day. The new Huawei phones launched this time also run on HarmonyOS 4.

The event showcased eight new Huawei products, including tablets, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, smart displays, and smart glasses. In addition to the two phones that were pre-released, it was announced that Huawei is launching a new ultra-high-end brand, “ULTIMATE DESIGN,” and the highest-end model in Huawei’s flat-panel phones, the Mate 60 RS from the Ultimate Design collection, was officially unveiled. Artist Liu Dehua, who attended the event, shared his understanding of “ULTIMATE DESIGN.” Several years ago, there were photos circulating online showing Liu Dehua using a Huawei smartphone.

Furthermore, Huawei, which has been actively expanding in the automotive industry in recent years, announced that it will release its first sedan, the “Zhijie S7,” in November. Yu Chengdong stated that the Zhijie S7 will surpass Tesla’s Model S in various specifications. In addition, Huawei will launch the “Wenjie M9” in December, which he describes as the “best SUV under 10 million” and “the best SUV you can see on the road.”

The event generated considerable buzz, with the term “Huawei Launch Event” trending as the number one topic on Weibo. Several related concept stocks in the A-share market also saw significant gains.

The event opened with performances by the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of the China Conservatory of Music, who performed the song “My Dream” together, marking the beginning of the event with a chorus. At the end of the event, the orchestras returned to the stage, accompanied by Huawei’s research and development team and “Pollen” (Huawei fans), forming the Huawei Choir. Together, they performed a Mandarin version of Beyond’s “Glorious Years.” These song selections were described as interpretations of Huawei’s innovative journey and brought the emotions of the live audience to a climax, making it the “most exciting” launch event in history.

Many view Huawei’s launch of cutting-edge products as a determined response to the stringent sanctions imposed by the United States. This reflects that after several years of effort, China’s high-tech manufacturing technology, represented by chips, has achieved a certain degree of breakthrough. The date of the event, September 25th, also marked the second anniversary of Meng Wanzhou’s release.

September 26, 2023
Beloved Actor David McCallum, Known for ‘NCIS,’ Passes Away at 90

The world lost a beloved actor as David McCallum, famous for his roles in ‘NCIS’ and ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E,’ passed away at the age of 90. McCallum, born in Scotland in 1933, peacefully left this world, surrounded by his family, in a New York hospital.

David McCallum’s journey to stardom began with appearances on British television, but his breakthrough came in the United States with the espionage series ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E’ in the 1960s (1964 – 1968). He portrayed the character of agent Illya Kuryakin, the counterpart to the amiable spy Napoleon Solo, played by the late Robert Vaughn. His performance earned him several Emmy nominations.

He also graced the big screen with notable roles in films like ‘The Great Escape’ and ‘A Night to Remember.’ During those years, it’s said that he received more fan mail than iconic figures like Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, and Elvis Presley.

After a successful run in ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E,’ McCallum returned to television as the lead in the 1975 series ‘The Invisible Man,’ which featured pioneering special effects but lasted only one season. His final triumph came with the crime series ‘NCIS,’ where McCallum portrayed the eccentric chief medical examiner, Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. He played the role of a patriarch to the show’s detectives.

‘NCIS’ has been a staple on CBS since 2003.

David McCallum, a native Scot, had already made a name for himself in notable films, including a supporting role in ‘The Great Escape,’ before he truly soared to stardom in the mid-1960s thanks to the spy series ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ He portrayed the Russian spy Ilya Kuryakin, who, alongside his American counterpart Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn), fought against criminals seeking to dominate the world. The TV series even received a remake as a feature film in 2015.

After four seasons and over a hundred episodes, the series concluded, leading McCallum to take on various supporting roles in popular TV shows such as ‘Matlock,’ ‘Murder She Wrote,’ ‘Law and Order,’ and ‘Sex and the City’ in the following years.

Interestingly, McCallum was also a musical talent. In the 1960s, he recorded four albums for Capitol Records, featuring instrumental interpretations of popular songs and his original compositions. His track ‘The Edge’ later became a sample in one of hip-hop’s most famous songs, Dr. Dre’s ‘The Next Episode.’

In the late 1990s, McCallum became a naturalized American citizen, expressing his desire to live and vote in the United States.

His career received a new lease on life in the early 2000s when he was cast as the forensic pathologist Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard in the military police series ‘NCIS.’ The show became one of the most-watched TV series in the United States, with McCallum appearing in twenty seasons and over 450 episodes.

David McCallum, with his distinctive bowties and enduring charm, will forever be remembered as a beloved actor who left an indelible mark on both the big and small screens.

September 26, 2023