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Today — 23 December 2024News

Doctors issue safety warning over water bead Christmas gifts for children

23 December 2024 at 10:27
Getty Images Child playing with water beads. The beads are of different colours and in a clear bowl. The hands of the child can been seen.Getty Images

Emergency doctors in the UK have issued a safety warning over water beads, which could be given to children as gifts over Christmas.

The beads, also known as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals are marketed as crafting tools and homeware items - but also toys.

They are typically only a few millimetres but some can expand up to 400 times their original size in about 36 hours when exposed to liquid, creating a hidden danger. If a child swallows one, they can cause bowel obstruction and the consequences can be fatal.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) advises that the beads should be kept well away from children aged under five.

The "safety flash" is for doctors to make sure they know what to look out for while on duty, but the college also wants parents and carers of be aware of the dangers.

The beads are not visible on X-rays.

They can also cause choking and have harmed children in the UK, with reports linking them to deaths overseas, the government's Office for Product Safety and Standards said in September.

Its safety alert added the beads should only used with older children or vulnerable adults under close supervision.

The RCEM advises parents and carers to seek medical attention immediately if there is any suspicion a child may have swallowed a water bead.

"Having seen the effects first hand, which can be devastating and detrimental, we are asking people to please think twice about the dangers these pose while selecting and gifting presents this season," Dr Salwa Malik, vice president of the RCEM, told PA Media.

The RCEM alert also highlights the potential danger to children and vulnerable adults of button or coin batteries and magnets, if swallowed.

书评:“麻烦制造者”黎智英

23 December 2024 at 01:31

简繁中文
纽约时报 出版语言
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书评:“麻烦制造者”黎智英

KEVIN PERAINO
2014年,黎智英(中)在警察的押送下离开抗议区。
2014年,黎智英(中)在警察的押送下离开抗议区。 Kin Cheung/Associated Press
《麻烦制造者:黎智英如何成为亿万富翁、香港头号异议人士,以及中国最令人畏惧的批评者》,马克·L·克利福德著(THE TROUBLEMAKER: How Jimmy Lai Became a Billionaire, Hong Kong’s Greatest Dissident, and China’s Most Feared Critic, by Mark L. Clifford)
2020年8月10日上午,大批武装警察抵达香港最著名的民主派报纸《苹果日报》的总部。他们搜查办公室,寻找叛国的证据,押送着这家报纸的亿万富翁出版人黎智英,从他在三楼的新闻编辑室走过。根据新的国安法,黎智英很快面临与外国势力勾结的指控。马克·L·克利福德在《麻烦制造者》中写道,几个月后,他开始意识到自己困境的严重性,他用WhatsApp向同事们发送了一条简短的消息:“全部删除。”这本书对黎智英的工作和生活进行了生动的描述。
始终没有认罪的黎智英在今年秋天的审判中作证称,他所做的只是“高举火炬”传达现实中的香港的情绪。他的报纸曾大力支持2014年香港雨伞运动中的抗议者,该运动谴责北京在1997年从英国手中取得香港控制权后对它的控制日益收紧。
自四年前被捕以来,黎智英一直处于被收押状态中,而且经常被单独监禁。虽然候任总统特朗普夸口他可以“轻易”促成黎智英的释放,但大多数观察人士并没有那么乐观。黎智英本人决定留在香港,而不是试图逃离,他知道自己可能会在监狱中度过余生。“我号召我的人民去战斗,”黎智英在被捕前不久向前苏联异议人士纳坦·沙兰斯基解释道。“我不能让他们失望。”
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《麻烦制造者》是一部圣徒传:虽然它并没有完全忽略黎智英的缺点,但最终呈现出来的还是某种在世圣人的形象。曾在香港一家报社任主编的克利福德也是人权倡导者,在黎智英的一家公司担任过董事。在书中,他突出了黎智英在捍卫民主和经济自由方面的自我牺牲精神和勇气。克利福德写道,黎智英的故事最终揭示出“一个超越了监狱牢笼的人,发现自己在精神上比以往任何时候都更加自由”。
黎智英的人生旅程是一部扣人心弦的传奇,始于内战时期的中国南方省份广东省,他在那里度过了贫困的童年,后来他成为了香港最富有的人之一。1949年,毛泽东的革命颠覆了他的家庭生活。黎智英回忆说,他目睹党员干部强迫他的母亲跪在碎玻璃上。她在一个劳改地给人做饭,由于当时食物极其匮乏,她故意把米饭烧糊,这样就能带回家,让孩子们有口饭吃。黎智英记得在最艰难的日子里,自己还吃过烤田鼠。六岁时,他会去捡烟头,把烟叶残渣搜集起来,然后重新卷成烟再卖,赚取微薄的利润。他的父亲痛苦不堪,曾经试图在小儿子正在休息的房间里上吊自杀。
12岁时,黎智英决定偷渡到香港。他在工厂打工,失去了一个手指尖。在这个自19世纪以来一直由英国统治的殖民地,英欧文化无处不在。黎智英回忆道:“我注意到,所有的成功人士都说英语。”空闲下来的时候,他会认真收听美国之音,翻阅字典。
黎智英最后自己开起了工厂,在寻找低成本供应商的美国百货公司买家之间奔波,在快速时尚领域赚到了第一桶金。他成为了其所谓的“西方文化、价值观和制度”的传播者,买来哈耶克的《通往奴役之路》四处送人,还成为古典自由主义经济学家米尔顿·弗里德曼的朋友。
虽然克利福德没有用更多笔墨去说明,但黎智英也开始表现出无节制的资本主义的一些丑陋特征。在创立了他的第一个零售连锁几年后,他开着一辆金色的劳斯莱斯四处兜风,还拥有一处私人动物园,克利福德写道,里面“有几只孔雀、一只果蝠、鹿、一只猴子和一头喜欢喝奶油苏打水的宠物熊”。
黎智英的新闻事业同样带有过于低俗的色彩。他创办了《壹周刊》和小报《苹果日报》,为狗仔队购买摩托车,这样他们就能第一时间赶到车祸现场拍摄尸骨未寒的死者;他的报纸还对香港繁华的卖淫业做出了详尽的、迎合嫖客的描述。
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然而,1989年北京镇压天安门广场抗议者后,黎智英发现了一种新的使命感。“在天安门事件发生之前,我对中国没有任何感觉,”黎智英在接受采访的时候说。“突然间,就像母亲在黑夜里呼唤我一样,我的内心打开了。”黎智英与民主活动人士和西方权势人物建立了联系。当雨伞运动爆发时,黎智英和其他抗议者一起走上街头,坐在一家肯德基餐厅旁的草坪椅上主持大局,成为公众关注的焦点。
尽管勇气可嘉且足智多谋,但在克利福德的笔下,黎智英是资本主义和西方路线的殉道者,这一点让人略感不满。我们现在已经清楚地看到,黎智英所信奉的那种自由市场原教旨主义会导致不平等,从而助长仇外的民族主义。眼下的西方世界领袖,正是一开始利用诉讼和恐吓来压制新闻界的人。克利福德所讲述的故事有一些意想不到的受害者,其中就包括黎智英为之付出巨大牺牲的“西方价值观”。
《麻烦制造者:黎智英如何成为亿万富翁、香港头号异议人士,以及中国最令人畏惧的批评者》,马克·L·克利福德著,Free Press出版社,264页,定价:28.99美元

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熊猫外交还是熊猫诱饵?中国对美国地方政府展开魅力攻势

简繁中文
纽约时报 出版语言
字体大小

熊猫外交还是熊猫诱饵?中国对美国地方政府展开魅力攻势

马语琴, HEATHER KNIGHT, VIK JOLLY
8月,中国和加州官员在圣迭戈动物园举行的剪彩仪式上。
8月,中国和加州官员在圣迭戈动物园举行的剪彩仪式上。 Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times
去年,旧金山市长伦敦·布里德在与中国领导人习近平共进晚餐后,陪同他前往机场送行。在停机坪上,她提出了自己的要求:大熊猫。
当时,旧金山的动物园正陷入困境。旅游业遭受重创,她面临着艰难的连任竞选。一对来自中国的大熊猫将是政治和公关的胜利。
接下来是几个月的非正式谈判,布里德在某种意义上成为了一名外交官,尽管作为政客,她并没有外交或者安全事务方面的经验。她的日程安排和电子邮件都显示,她后来去了中国,并见到了国家副主席和外交部副部长。这次访华行程的其他记录和照片显示,随行的还有美国《星岛日报》的主编,这是一份立场亲北京的报纸,在美国注册为外国代理人。
中国人民对外友好协会安排了这次行程,美国情报官员认为,这个机构试图“恶意影响”美国地方领导人。不同于华盛顿的政治人物出访,布里德没有听取中央情报局的介绍,了解她在访华期间可能面临的反情报威胁,以及那里的官员可能会如何试图操纵她。
旧金山市长伦敦·布里德(左)和中国野生动物保护协会秘书长武明录4月在北京举行的向美国城市租借大熊猫的签字仪式上。
旧金山市长伦敦·布里德(左)和中国野生动物保护协会秘书长武明录4月在北京举行的向美国城市租借大熊猫的签字仪式上。 Liu Zheng/Associated Press
布里德想要的是大熊猫,但中国在这次会面中也是有所图的——可以借此机会与美国科技重镇之一的市长培养关系。虽然没有证据表明存在任何交换条件或不当行为,但情报官员表示,随着中国在华盛顿的影响力减弱,它越来越希望在地方政府中发挥影响力。
文件和采访显示,大熊猫就是中方可以倚仗的一项工具。中国官员试图利用熊猫来培养关系,塑造对台湾的政策,并改善中国在国外的形象,这是习近平的一个重要目标。大熊猫交流为中国领导人提供了难得且高调的机会,来重塑他们国家的形象。
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这种情况由来已久。美方谈判代表表示,在2000年代中期与奥马哈和奥克兰进行大熊猫谈判时,中国外交官曾试图破坏内布拉斯加州与台湾的贸易协议,并试图说服一位加州国会议员停止批评北京。在这些努力失败后,中国拒绝向这两个城市提供熊猫。
但情报官员表示,中国在美国地方层面的影响力正在上升,地方官员往往没有接受必要的培训或情报简报,来抵御这种影响。
今年9月,联邦检察官指控纽约州州长凯茜·霍格尔的一名前助手收受贿赂,以换取中国在奥尔巴尼的影响力。同样是在今年,纽约市市长埃里克·亚当斯的一名前助手因与中国政府关联团体合作而引起关注
美国和欧洲的地方官员还在极力搞清楚,那些突然冒出来的非正式中国海外警务站究竟是怎么回事。
随着北京与华盛顿之间的关系降温,高层交流减缓,地方层面的外交变得越来越重要。
美国动物园的前熊猫谈判代表戴维·汤说:“每个市长都希望借助熊猫的宣传效应。”他还说,“熊猫成了诱饵。”
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熊猫是保护野生动物的代言人。动物园每年支付约100万美元从中国那里租来熊猫,并在人工饲养环境下进行繁殖,希望有朝一日熊猫能被放归野外。中国应该用这笔钱来保护野生物种。
然而,《纽约时报》今年的一项调查报道显示,三十年来,中国捕获的熊猫数量实际上多余放归自然的数量。而激进的人工繁殖方式不仅令熊猫受伤,甚至导致了死亡的发生。中国还将数百万美元用于修建公寓和道路等基础设施,而美国动物园的管理者和监管机构对此视而不见。
美国的动物园有维持这一项目继续运行的动机。大熊猫能够吸引大量游客和周边商品的销售。中国也能从这些交流中获益。
位于纽约州的亚洲协会美中关系中心主任夏伟(Orville Schell)表示,“在宣传和寻求影响力的谜题中,熊猫是一个有趣的部分,因为它们看似无害、毛茸茸的,让人想抱。”
正如奥马哈的亨利多利动物园和水族馆前任馆长李·西蒙斯所说:“几乎每位中国驻美大使都是熊猫的推销员。”
中国驻华盛顿的大使馆没有就北京是否利用大熊猫来推动其政治利益发表评论。该馆称大熊猫“促进了中美两国人民之间的交流,促进了两国人民的友谊”。它批评那些“在没有事实证据的情况下,恶意联系和无理诽谤中美在大熊猫保护方面合作”的人。
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布里德的办公室拒绝透露,市长是否对她访华行程的组织单位以及那份注册为外国代理人的报纸感到担忧。
“这次出访旨在促进旅游,最终将有利于旧金山的经济,”她的办公室在一份声明中表示。
布里德在4月访华后在旧金山国际机场。北京利用所谓的熊猫外交来赢得世界的好感。
布里德在4月访华后在旧金山国际机场。北京利用所谓的熊猫外交来赢得世界的好感。 Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle, via Associated Press
布里德今年春天宣布,两只大熊猫将于明年来到旧金山。
熊猫的影响力
中国人民对外友好协会自称非政府组织。但它是共产党的一个分支机构,负责监督与外国地方政府的联络工作。
2022年,美国国家情报总监警告州和市政府机构,中国“加强了与美国各州和地方领导人结交的行动,一些人称之为‘地方包围中央’的战略”。情报官员表示,该友好机构是这一努力的一部分。
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习近平主导了一项通过海外宣传重塑国家形象的努力,用他的话说就是“讲好中国故事”。在他的领导下,中国制作了一系列支持北京的纪录片,并创办了以熊猫为中心的媒体频道
直到不久前,爱丁堡的动物园里还有大熊猫。中国政府支持的孔子学院与苏格兰首府的学校官员合作,开设了一个名为“熊猫之外”的单元。这个项目包括了显示台湾为中国一部分的地图。
友好协会还与美国政界人士和中国宣传官员共同组织了与大熊猫相关的活动。该团体未回应置评请求。
“熊猫是中国在美国赢得公众关注并建立软实力的少数工具之一,”圣母大学美中关系专家凯尔·贾罗斯表示。
 中华福尼亚”
加利福尼亚州有两个中国领事馆,有大量华裔人口。该州与北京长期保持联系,这种有时被称为“中华福尼亚”的关系带来了诸如气候变化合作等积极变化。
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但专家表示,这种关系也使加州和地方政府面临安全风险。
乔治敦大学高级研究员、前中情局东亚事务官员丹尼斯·怀尔德表示,在国会代表团访问中国之前,官员们通常会听取中情局的简报,讨论北京可能如何利用这些访问。出访者还会得到有关网络安全风险的警告。
但怀尔德指出,“在地方层面并没有类似的机制。”
布里德办公室在声明中表示,她收到了国务院的简报。怀尔德表示,这些简报不如中情局的情报简报详尽。
在旧金山湾对岸的奥克兰,政界人士花了近十年的时间试图为市动物园争取熊猫。前副市长张明德表示,他曾与一位中国副总理及其他多位中国高级官员会面,还说,他们提出了一些他认为越来越不合理的要求。
位于加利福尼亚州的奥克兰动物园。该市官员花了近十年的时间试图为该公园引进熊猫。
位于加利福尼亚州的奥克兰动物园。该市官员花了近十年的时间试图为该公园引进熊猫。 Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
2008年,张明德在华盛顿与中国大使会面时,带上了国会众议员芭芭拉·李。他说,这次会议名义上是关于熊猫的,但一名中方助手向芭芭拉·李施压,要求她停止批评中国在非洲的活动。此前一年,芭芭拉·李曾发起一项动议,呼吁中国利用在苏丹的影响力结束当地的种族灭绝。
“老实说,他们更感兴趣的是与芭芭拉·李讨论非洲问题,而不是谈论熊猫,”他提到。
芭芭拉·李的办公室未回应置评请求。
张明德表示,奥克兰动物园耗资100万美元建造了熊猫园,并向中国成都的一个熊猫繁育中心捐赠了37.5万美元,但熊猫并没有来。
内布拉斯加州奥马哈市的官员也有类似经历,时任动物园园长的西蒙斯表示。同一年,在该州与台湾达成了一项价值4亿美元的农业贸易协议后,熊猫计划落空。西蒙斯说,中国大使曾要求他阻止与台湾的这项协议。
当他没有照办时,中国拒绝把熊猫送来。“中国对奥马哈非常不满,”前美国熊猫谈判代表汤说。
在圣迭戈,一名中国外交官于2023年末致信市长托德·格洛里亚,请求就熊猫和“互惠合作”举行会谈。根据电子邮件和日程记录,格洛里亚市长同意在动物园会面,这一地点选择是动物园的一位高层建议的,认为这是一个低调的地点。
当圣迭戈终于在6月将迎来熊猫时,格洛里亚飞往中国参加熊猫的启程仪式。他在采访中表示,自己在北京与一名外交部副部长举行了会晤。
圣迭戈市市长托德·格洛里亚为迎接即将送往圣迭戈的熊猫而飞往中国。他表示,在北京期间,他会见了中国外交部副部长。
圣迭戈市市长托德·格洛里亚为迎接即将送往圣迭戈的熊猫而飞往中国。他表示,在北京期间,他会见了中国外交部副部长。 Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times
格洛里亚表示,他理解这是中美关系的“紧张时期”,但他对双方的关系保持清醒头脑。
“我能够控制我所参与的部分,”格洛里亚说。“通过双方接触,你可以获得理解,并能够合作。”
但北京的宣传要点渗透到了圣迭戈熊猫欢迎仪式中——而且不只是体现在了中国大使的讲话中。动物园官员保罗·巴里博特提到该机构致力于“共同未来”,这是习近平主席的一项核心外交政策概念,认为中国及其他国家将与美国争夺国际影响力。
加州州长加文·纽森提到“人类命运共同体”,这是习近平政府的另一个高频词汇。
旧金山仍在等待熊猫到来的消息。布里德在11月的连任竞选中失利,但她的继任者丹尼尔·卢里表示,他希望将熊猫带回这座城市。
最近一份城市报告指出,旧金山动物园“对动物和游客都不安全”。该市也正在对动物园的财务状况进行审计,园方表示这可能会危及获得熊猫的希望。但尚无迹象表明中国改变了计划。
在圣迭戈欢迎仪式后的一次简短采访中,中国驻美国大使谢锋表示:“美国人民非常喜爱大熊猫。”
2023年8月,中国驻美国大使谢锋在圣迭戈动物园熊猫馆开馆仪式上。
2023年8月,中国驻美国大使谢锋在圣迭戈动物园熊猫馆开馆仪式上。 Ariana Drehsler for The New York Times

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Organized Looting Throws Gaza Deeper Into Chaos

23 December 2024 at 13:01
Gangs are filling a power vacuum left by Israel in some parts of southern Gaza, hijacking desperately needed aid for Palestinian residents.

© Said Khatib/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Trucks carrying humanitarian aid entering Gaza via the Rafah crossing have become easy prey for organized gangs.

‘I Was Destroyed by It’: 4 Men on Abuse at Ireland’s Catholic Schools

23 December 2024 at 13:01
After decades of silence, dozens of older men are talking about the sexual abuse they suffered at schools run by religious orders. We spoke to four of them.

© Paulo Nunes dos Santos for The New York Times

“What isn’t always told is how your life is entirely ripped apart,” said Mark Vincent Healy, who attended St. Mary’s College, run by the Spiritans.

青年志Youthology|下行中的2024 (上):中国职场故事

By: unknown
23 December 2024 at 10:36
CDT 档案卡
标题:下行中的2024 (上):中国职场故事
作者:Lisa
发表日期:2024.12.22
来源:青年志Youthology
主题归类:时代的一粒沙
CDS收藏:人物馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

2024年,经济局势严峻,尽管政府推出措施提振经济、扭转价格下跌,却未见消费需求回升。

房地产仍旧走弱,以国家统计局发布的70个大中城市商品房价格指数观察,截至2024年9月,二手房价格相比2021年高点下降15.4%,新房价格下降9%。除个别政策支持的行业外,很多行业面对消费的低迷,陷入价格战。企业生存难,“降本增效”成为底色,劳动者收入愈加压缩,消费愈加低沉。

就业难在年轻人中尤其严峻,据国家统计局数据,29岁以下年轻人的失业率明显高于30岁以上人群*。

就个人来说,对经济冷暖的体认并不需要数据支撑。作为年终回顾,我们希望看到“大环境”中的「人」,人们的工作和生活正在发生怎样的变化?因此,我们回归一个简答的问题:这一年你过得怎么样?

我们采访了5位从事市场营销的人,他们从业时间均为10年以上,疫情前已经成为中层骨干,也因此能够更深刻地感受到行业的、消费者的、组织的变化。他们来自民营企业、外资企业和合资企业,从事的行业分布在食品、服装、新能源汽车、科技和房地产,包含不同政策支持程度的行业。

当消费降级、降本增效、价格竞争成为市场基调,他们或者比从前更“卷”,为维持收入不降太多,不放过任何可能奏效的办法;或者开始“克制自己的努力”,接受今非昔比的现状,维持恰当的投入产出比。

需要指出的是,尽管可能和大多数中产一样经历着上升受阻、财富缩水,几位被访者均就职于北上广深的大型企业,处境很可能好于其他城市,好于中小企业雇员;并且,相比于后辈的年轻人,他们已经感到自己属于“幸运的一代”。在明天即将发布的《下篇》中,我们采访了24位年轻人,听他们对2024还有什么想说的。

从高歌猛进的时代走来,我们习惯于在年终复盘和新年展望之时,总结“机会”和“办法”。但是,这一年在尝试了比以往年头更多的“机会”和“办法”之后,或许真正留给我们的,是如何理解一个从未经历过的经济周期,如何在一个艰难的环境中自处。

以下是他们的自述。

注:据国家统计局数据,2024年10月全国城镇调查失业率为5.0%,全国城镇不包含在校生的16—24岁劳动力失业率为17.1%,全国城镇不包含在校生的25—29岁劳动力失业率为6.8%。本统计对“就业”的定义为每周工作时间1小时即算为就业。另有经济学家关注到从城镇回归农村的劳动力数量可观,并没有反映在城镇失业率数据中。

image

两个创新项目被喊停之后,

我不折腾了,苟住吧。

大概2015至2019那几年,商业地产这个赛道做得风生水起。那时我还在一家服装公司,我们得求着购物中心给个好铺位,因为当时对于零售品牌来说,在购物中心开店是提升品牌形象、把握高净值顾客的重要渠道。我之前在咨询公司做过,有跨界的思维和资源,刚好那两年我经常跟一家商业地产公司的合作伙伴探讨关于购物中心的想法,有一天他们就抛出了橄榄枝。或许当时这家公司在同行日渐火热的竞争中,期待通过跨界人才的加入做一些尝试和突破,打造差异化,毕竟商业地产行业一直崇尚“标准化、可快速复制”,当时还没有太多所谓“非标商业”出现。

那是在2020年疫情期间,但我当时没想到疫情会有三年这么久。我大学期间也赶上了非典,但是很快就过去了。抱着疫情很快会过去的预期,我就来到了这家商业地产公司。

刚加入的时候,公司有利润和增长的空间,要求我这种跨界人士提供不同的视角、充分发挥。2021年上半年,公司曾给我一栋空置的小楼,包括调研、定位规划、品牌化包装、空间及商品规划、空间设计、招商洽谈、运营策略、投入收入测算等大部分环节都交给我。在招商洽谈中,对于一些小众品牌,老板甚至允许不用惯常的租金思维来合作。

我很喜欢这种挑战,大概在一个月里就把规划类环节做完了。第三个月的时候意向商户也基本谈完了,在上项目申报预算的一周,突然被公司喊停了,这个项目算是“胎死腹中”了。现在回头看,2021年房地产政策起起落落,大家信心逐渐没那么足了。那时大部分同行企业和资产方在资金上大概开始出现问题,部分企业开始售出重资产项目。那段时间“轻资产”成为商业地产这个板块热议的话题。

注:2021年房地产政策包括上半年严格调控的“三道红线”、房地产贷款集中管理制度、实施“两集中”供地模式等,及下半年透露暖意的维护按揭有序发放、房地产税延期、支持优质房地产并购贷款等。

2022年上半年,公司又启动了第二个创新项目,我再次重整信心参与其中,这次覆盖全国业务,但就在规划完毕、项目落地第一阶段时,公司的领导层发生了大变动,从70后为主的行业资深经理人,换成了一个更为年轻的80后团队,无人提及的旧项目默默流产。我估计老板的考虑一是要降低成本,二是在这样的大环境里,行业大咖和经验丰富的职业经理人做出的结果可能也差不多,因为公司没有开拓性的事情要做,只是维持基础运营。我觉得就是不折腾,安安稳稳地躺过这段周期的信号。

接下来公司给我的空间也收缩了,新的领导层也不关心我以前的工作经验,我擅长什么,而是把我当成一个螺丝钉,布置我做按部就班的工作,把基础工作做到极致。

之前在工作当中很契合的、一起碰撞创意灵感的同事先后离开,只剩下一两个,零零散散的。我有种失落感,也了解到不少同事很难找到令自己满意的新工作。于是我发现自己变怂了,考虑要先稳住工作,稳住存款,那就先苟着吧。

客观来讲,我觉得或许这是一家公司面对周期而做出的最好决定了。降本肯定要降的,有试错成本的事就不敢做了。对老板来说肯定也想先稳住资产,不倒闭,发出工资,至于做行业龙头什么的就先别想了。对员工来说就是稳住工作,其他别想了。

image

民营背景的购物中心,

吸引品牌入驻变难了。

疫情前的三到五年里,都是品牌方去拜访购物中心,求着购物中心给个好位置啥的。现在,很多连锁品牌的拓店计划都收缩了。购物中心的人得跑出去问品牌今年有拓店计划吗?人家可能说我今年只能做一个新店,已经有四家购物中心来找过我了。

对购物中心来说,以前要挑符合商场定位的品牌。现在可能很多商场开业的时候你会觉得奇怪,这家商场到底是什么定位?为什么会有一堆定位不匹配的品牌堆在这边?商场也没办法,今天它解决不了好不好的问题,先解决有没有的问题。因为出租率得先上去,才有机会慢慢调整入驻品牌,逐渐符合定位。

今天想要一步到位吸引符合定位的品牌入驻,对于民营性质的商业地产公司是蛮难的。国央企的商业地产项目比较受品牌方的偏好,品牌会认为国央企的项目资源比较好,稳定性也好一些,因为它们的位置会拍得比较好,也不存在资金链的风险,因为稳定,也能吸引到较高质量的运营人才,营销费用也没有像民企砍得那么多。

疫情前有些商场一年花百万甚至千万级别的营销费用去做策展,现在营销费用砍下来了,内容创意肯定没以前好,吸引流量的能力就进一步下降了。但是没办法,今天消费者想的都是稳住存款,没那么有消费力了,就算花再多的营销费用,消费者也是来逛而不是来花钱的。

今年有一家商场开业,位置还不错,但没有把卫生间细节搞得很人性化,导致消费者在开业第一天就吐槽,怎么感觉从一线城市突然到四线了。如果消费者有这样的感受,品牌商也会有这样的感受。我也能理解,房地产商很可能没有钱了,但是商场要先开起来再说。

现在一些商场有病急乱投医的状态,今天看到别人家做宠物了,也跟着做个宠物活动,明天搞一个市集。我的一个商场的朋友开始帮品牌商户做直播了,他说其实也卖不掉什么,但是一定要做满一定时间,有KPI考核的。这些做法解决不了问题。我觉得源头就还是要去研究消费者的感受,消费者真正关心的是什么,把钱花在他们真正care 的地方。

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先把眼下渡过去。

我觉得不少人都变成缩头乌龟了。我有一个媒体的朋友,专门帮主理人品牌找投资的。我正好有几个主理人朋友想要找投资人,就去问她有没有好投资人推荐,她说如果是你朋友叫他们别做了。其实大家都没有信心,虽然在一些商务场合会相互鼓鼓劲,但是信心是需要有实际的案例成果的。现在很多的案例还是包装的成分比较高。

23年的时候还是希望看到曙光的,现在已经不那么在意后面到底是向上还是向下了。早两年还会讲不确定,现在连不确定都不会讲了,就是先过好眼门前,没有那么多人去为未来打算。同行有些朋友的KPI考核经常把下个月的工作成果算到这个月来,你问他下个月的KPI怎么办?他说先稳住这个月再说吧。再比如以前会做理财的朋友,现在理财都不怎么做了,存款利率再低也存。当然,我只能说我们这种老百姓,那种大咖的情况我不知道。

我的一些亲戚原来是准备把小孩送到国外去读书的,现在都“烂尾”了,不送了。因为送出去之后一是不知道在国外会怎么样,二是以后回来找工作也没什么高薪的机会了。不如把去国外的钱以后当工资发给孩子好了。

大家对长期的投资都没有信心了,都是做好最坏打算了。我们见面都是说希望明年我们不管在不在这个行业,大家还能再见面,能开开心心地聊一聊就好了。以前见面都是聊有什么合作机会,现在见面都是聊家常、聊身体,谈谈自己身上有了几个结节。

大家都会更加关注自己的健康,因为当外部资源充满不确定性的时候,你能够做到的就是保护好自己身体这个资产。

我以前做事风风火火,现在做什么事先告诉自己缓一缓,不要着急,不要强求。比如工作当中碰到一些事情跟我的衡量标准不一样,我会去适应别人,不要让自己生气,生气就会有结节。我要去相信别人提出的需求和见解都是有合理性的,你怎么确定你的决定最后的结果会更好?也不能确定。大家都不要为难大家了。

虽然现在着眼于过好短期的每一天,但我还是在学习一些课程。比如基金类从业资格类的课程,我在前年已经自学完成,临考试报名发现报不了,因为当时限定只能专职从业人员才能考,现在非专职从业者又可以考了,我想明年考一下。还有CMA管理会计师,对职业经理人掌握必备的财务管理思维会有帮助,学这个不为考证,纯粹是为了给自己扩展认知。随着消费基础设施Reits 这样的新政成熟,相信在我日后工作中能用得上,让自己更有竞争力。

image

image

整个价值链上下游所有人的

日子都变得更难了。

食品饮料行业算是国计民生了,正常情况下应该非常稳,但今年我最大的感受就是难。感觉整个价值链上下游所有人的日子都变得更难了,“降本增效”成为基调。

真正感觉到压力是在第二季度之后。上半年大家都还卯着劲想做出起色,但是618 表现平平,营销和促销活动效果变差了,库存清不掉了,线上线下都没有变好,年中发现业绩和指标的差异那么大。以往季度性开的会,变成月度开,最后恨不得周周都在对数据。

以乳制品为例,今年液奶销量掉了挺多,因为牛奶量可能供大于求了,价格战就来了。白奶价格拉低,一些功能性的、高附加值的产品也开始做更多促销,整个盘子的利润就拉低了。乳制品这个一直在涨的行业,感觉遭遇了三聚氰胺以来最难的一年。

我所感受到的消费降级主要是两种,一种是社交热情下降,就是提着一箱箱的奶走动送礼的情况少了,另一种是日常消费热情下降,因为消费者对未来预期没那么昂扬了,有实惠的就买实惠的。

国家要保证底层农户的收入,听说一些地方政府会帮助畜牧业,否则农户就真的要杀牛了,因为市场需求萎缩了。有些国企或者地方支持的企业,有社会责任和义务,需要保证农户收入,产量不敢降太多,这就需要牺牲一些利润,降价促销把产品销出去。而这样的行业环境,对于在意利润的企业来说就非常有压力了,比如对上市公司来说利润就更直接影响股价。

这两年感受到地方政府的压力也大了,要求企业的合作变多了。举个例子,今年地方政府也有他们的产能指标,可能是产奶的吨数,他们会为了达到指标提出希望我们完成多少吨的季度指标,如果完成指标会有一些税务上的优惠或有补贴。但是我们因为需要保证产品体验和新鲜度的要求,还是没有完成这个季度指标。

注:相关数据

国家统计局数据显示,2024年1月至6月,国内牛奶产量1856万吨,同比增长3.4%;规模乳企乳制品产量1433万吨,同比减少3%,奶产量增速高于消费量增速。

据上市公司披露数据,36家乳企中,13家出现亏损,24家净利润下降,亏损面较去年同期有扩大,盈利水平呈下降趋势。24家乳企净利润下降幅度均在双位数以上。13家亏损乳企中,奶牛养殖企业占据7席。(《东方财富网》

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不停换动作换人,

折腾一通累死,但收效甚少。

连续不达标是今年的事,去年我们的业务还多多少少有增长。我们公司整体来看2023年也是增长的。现在公司里最大的学问变成如何合理地设定指标?从组织到个体上,怎么调试预期?如果调低之后还没达成目标怎么办?没人有标准答案。

往年到第四季度,合作的经销商还能帮你达成销售指标,今年经销商不敢帮这个忙,因为对未来的预期是下降的,这就特别像房地产——去不了库存。

今年我们不得不在各种夹缝中找机会,任何一个小机会都不放过。以往做完年度计划,就大概知道这一年的节奏了。但是今年,非常规的动作很多,折腾一通累死,可有效的东西有限。最后发现维持销量都很难,可是不做这些事,又怕销量掉得更惨。

我们天天加班到8、 9 点,一个月只有一两天可以早点回家。不停出差看市场,做这个分析、那个分析,后来公司就开始换人、换组织,在更高的层面,品牌投资、定价策略的章法打乱了,开始搞更低价位的产品了。

整体感觉就是越来越只看眼前,动作不停,有时缺乏一致性和连续性。有时链路的影响传导比较缓慢,过了三四个月才发现一件事做错了。有些人或者部门没达成业绩目标被换掉,很多看不见的价值也连带损失掉了。过一段时间之后才发现其实并不是个体的问题,是体系的问题,是需求端的问题,但是人已经换了。

本来我管理的就是一个挑战性的生意,这两年刚开始琢磨到一点规律,包括怎么做到价值回归,从端到端怎么做,需要怎么聚焦等。但是现在感觉组织协同性变差了,各部门都有压力,大家都挺急的。以前增长目标跳跳够得着,有资源支持,互相配合,做起来会更顺利,现在跨部门做事没那么顺了。

组织跟个体一样,如果没有失败过,面对失败都不知道从哪开始反思,自己还没想清楚怎么办呢就迫于压力去做补偿动作了,慢不下来。你不敢承认或许已经生病了,更无法判断这病是肿瘤还是炎症,缺乏有效的诊断体系。原来不管增长快、增长慢,你是有参考的。现在谁都没有正确答案。坐标体系变了,每个人都在边猜边移动。

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仅仅为了维持收入稳定,

也要花比以前更大的力气。

整体感觉就是不安,因为你觉得一定得改变,但是又不知道这个改变落到自己身上会是什么。看到有时职级高的人跌倒得好突然,就会担心什么时候轮到自己。看到好的业务都做得不好了,就会担心自己这块业务还稳不稳。时常听到沮丧的消息,没达成指标从一次、两次变成一个长期的状况,就会觉得很疲惫。

个体层面上,我们今年整体工资是稳的,但奖金明显变少了,因为指标达不成了。

我们公司这几年有比以往更频繁的工作内容或者职位调动,但是没有裁员。就我个人而言,之前有一阵子我的不安在于,如果这个工作消耗得那么多,我应该用什么样的标准去找下一份工作?要怎样看待我的职业生涯?

不过后来,多亏了一个自我支持的网络,我发现在大环境不好的时候,我的心态还算是稳的。我也想把我的状态传递给身边的同事和朋友们,所以在闲暇时间会给别人做音乐疗愈或心理辅导,我没有考虑过把它当成一个收入的手段,但我觉得好像这么做能消解我在职业上遇到的挫折,获得价值感。

我发现自己从“这个生意能涨几个点”这么宏大的自己毫无控制力的事情,回到我能具象地得到幸福感的事情上,可能跟这个人聊完一小时之后,大家都变开心了,我就很乐意做这样的事。

我用这种方式来“维稳”。如果真的要考虑今天该跳哪个槽?哪个公司怎么样?我觉得是没头没尾的问题,会越来越慌。

疫情前,我关于职业生涯的观感是面向整个世界的,由于教育背景,会觉得去海外工作不是很遥远的事。我身边的朋友去国外工作,我会觉得那就是很正常的一个选择。疫情后即便2022年我都仍然这么想,但是 2023 年我开始真正感觉到了封闭。今年这种封闭感更强了,都别说是海外了,在中国之内应该怎么走都看不清。

以前我通过社交媒体和在国外的朋友,对其他国家的事多多少少是知道的。我也经常往国外跑。疫情封闭之后,且不说外部因素,我自己就越来越觉得累,对他人的关心就少很多,也自我关闭了一些获取外界信息的渠道。两三年下来,我对外界的职场或市场在发生什么就知道得很少了。虽然了解国外的信息渠道一直在那里,但是我觉得世界哪都不咋地,对国外的工作和生活也没有那么向往了。

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今年最大的变化是,我休假会重复性地去同一个地方休息。以前向外探索的时候,感觉世界是向我打开的,现在我要在我和世界之间隔一层,度假的时候选择跟大自然贴近,跟人群远离。

今年开始我对于未来收入的预期也变了。我一直不是一个靠职级或收入来评估自己价值的人,但是多多少少会觉得我的收入会稳中向上。但是今年看到房地产的趋势,看到好多地方裁员,看到好多人突然从顶峰下落,难免要想到自己。究竟什么是我的理想状态?我是要一个劲儿向上拼?还是到一个什么样的状态就够了?

原来我以为个人能力大于环境时代,现在亲身体验到职业成功大部分是时代环境造就,而非个体造就的。我已经不再找那个峰值了,就想减少波动性。对于职业生涯我也不考虑那么远了,就想下个月、下个季度能不能维持稳定,不被换掉。

但是现在仅仅是想减少波动维持稳定,也需要花比以前更大的力气。

对于工作我也从关注长远的目标变成关注日常能做什么,怎么把手头的项目做扎实。我觉得我还是挺享受日常工作的,今年扎扎实实地做了一些项目,重新开始和领导和团队系统地思考策略,增长一些认知,从日常的事务里找到喜欢这个工作的理由。

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人员太稳定了,

年轻人没有上升空间。

我们这个行业以前人员流动是很频繁的,这两年却非常稳定。这就导致年轻人上不去。95后毕业生们学习速度快,能力强,但就是很难升上去,永远只能负责一小块。有些年轻人就会选择去互联网大厂、或者去考公、或者离开北京。如果不离开,升职的空间也有限,公司更多是通过横向的移动,为他们提供学习机会。

我今天还看到朋友圈里一个985的小姑娘在“发疯”,以前大学生储备一个方向就行了,要么找工作要么留学要么考公,她已经三手抓了,可是年底了还没拿到工作的offer,也没有拿到出国留学的offer,她最后还是要报名考公。

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我们中国区的成长趋势戛然而止,

变得非常保守。

用一个关键词来形容这几年就是“不确定”。我们公司受到了两方面的冲击。

一方面是内部的调整。公司前几年战略调整,以提升利润率为这个阶段的首要目标,做了组织架构调整,减少了创新上的投入,加大力度提升线上销量。这种改变在当时是符合整个商业浪潮的,在一段时间里也看到了好的生意走向。那时公司大概对自己品牌的 Equity (品牌资产)有足够的信心,但是这样“强销量弱创新”几年下来,发现品牌资产还是受到了一些打击的。

另一方面的冲击来自高度意识形态化的舆论环境。从2021 年的新疆棉事件开始,我们在中国区的成长趋势戛然而止,士气受挫。同事们都觉得过去三年我们已经不像自己了,变得非常保守。所有对外的发声都处在一种高度防御的、高敏感的状态。甚至一个模特的眼睛不是双眼皮都会被消费者诟病。

我们这个品牌本来是非常忠于体育精神、不断主动出击的品牌。在这些冲击下,在中国大陆地区我们经历了长达2年的保守状态。

新疆棉事件之后,我们停止了一切 Campaign,和明星解约,整个公司进入一种不发出任何声音的状态,在所有平台,甚至包括短信都不再主动触达消费者。噤声状态下我们在各大平台的流量在一个月内就跌到谷底。几个月之后才慢慢恢复小范围面向用户的沟通。

这几年,我们最大的牺牲就是不再做品牌层面的宣传,全面地回归到产品的沟通,以前哪怕产品的沟通都有一个背后的 narrative (叙事) ,但是近两年的产品沟通就只讲功能。2023 年我们才慢慢开始恢复表达观点,但是观点还是非常中庸。

我感觉我们的品牌沟通曾经一度想对所有人说话,现在越发觉得应该只对我们真正的用户说话。这是蛮大的变化,我觉得也是好事。以跑步为例,以前我们会给跑步包装糖衣,美化它,把它说的一点也不难,还非常快乐。但是今年我们不再美化它了,跑步就是痛苦的,但有人还是爱它。我觉得这反而是我们想回归的真实的运动。今年奥运期间的广告初入市场有很多争议,但是那是我们品牌对运动精神的坚守,而这些争议随着一些现象级的胜利,开始赢得认可。我个人猜想,在运动的世界里,“赢”不只是一种结果,更是一种心气儿,这种渴望拿下胜利的心气儿是有感染力的。

政策对我们也有影响,比如2022年开始,所有用户数据不允许出海。我认识的几乎所有外资品牌都重新做了一遍自己在国内的数字平台,包括官网、小程序和APP。这种感觉就像在高速公路上行驶的途中换轮胎。

用户看到的只是这些数字平台的前端,但是后端要对接供应链、动态库存管理、物流系统、交易系统、会员系统,所有接口重新做一遍。在资源有限的情况下,不得不做出取舍,有些APP 只得退出中国市场。现在两年过去了,功能才基本恢复完整,才有精力开始续上几年前戛然而止的功能开发,重新开始追赶国内原本就很超前的数字应用体验和能力。

这两年的消费降级主要影响了我们在低价位段的市场份额。从数据上看,目前我们最擅长的还是高价位的产品,比如1200以上的鞋,但是在800-1200价位段优势就微弱了,600-800元及600元以下的市场份额就丢的很厉害。以前可能有品牌光环,大家愿意买打折产品,但是现在消费者宁愿去买同价位的国产品牌。矛盾的是,工厂店春节期间大排长龙,所有工厂店春节期间的销售都远超预期。

过年回老家的时候,我发现我的哥哥弟弟姐姐妹妹穿的都是FILA。我们天猫上最大的竞争对手就是FILA,之前我一直纳闷是谁在买FILA,因为我在北上广几乎看不到。出去旅游会发现那种公务员家庭全家人都穿科隆(Kolon)和迪桑特(Descente)这种品牌。这只是我个人的观察,也没有量化。我猜想体制内的人对于明显的海外品牌,尤其美资品牌会敏感,但迪桑特这种品牌形象没有那么鲜明,商标小小的,会被看作是一种安全的选择。包括FILA,虽然是意大利品牌,但是因为被安踏收购了,也有安踏的光环,体制内穿也很安全。但是有趣的是,我老家做公务员的亲戚会给自己的小孩买我家品牌。

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我相信品牌还是重要的。

现在我觉得我们在一个 U-turn 刚刚转过弯的地方,我自己是有点乐观的,而且我觉得这可能不只是我们品牌的 U-turn,也是一种趋势的开始。

虽然现在有一种说法,新品牌都靠产品,不需要广告。但我觉得重要的不是你拍一条广告片,重要的是品牌有观点,知道自己是谁。尽管有消费降级、有意识形态的撕裂,作为一个品牌讲清楚你是谁仍然是重要的。

我们今年做了一些引发争论的事,但是我们重新做回有自己主张的品牌,这是对的。你说鞋子的差异性能有多大?现在技术材料本身的可获得性是很高的,因此做差异化还是需要品牌。

我们今年做了一些线下活动,也给了我很大信心。我在活动上亲眼看见热爱跑步的人,听到他们分享自己真实的故事。我相信我们会做更多以前经常做的事,包括线下活动,还是要真的去到消费者面前去沟通。另外也要提供更多切实的服务和体验,包括我们现在有几十家(经销商)店铺是有跑团的,每周一起跑步一到两次,他们之间会形成非常强烈的关系,这是真实的人际关系。

品牌资产是要累积的。只要品牌停止了这方面的投资,品牌资产就在丢失,你甚至不用做什么损害它的事,它自己就流失了。

有些国产品牌的进步很快,也招揽了许多资深内行人士,扎实地深耕产品创新和用户体验。撇开竞品关系,单纯作为热爱运动的人,我很尊敬它们,而且中国运动文化的普及和深化需要整个市场共同努力。但是,也还是有些鱼龙混杂的做法存在。我尤其关注品牌与职业运动员的合作模式,到底是在把他们当作工具,甚至不惜做出违背体育精神和有损运动员生涯的事,还是秉持共赢,助力运动员长足进步,签约运动员其实冷暖自知。

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心理上的脆弱性,

让大家避免冲突,不敢讲真话。

以前觉得升职是件容易的事,做得好就有机会。现在大家都明白上升通道非常有限了。不仅向上流动少了,从前有很多跨区域的流动,现在这种横向流动也少了。另外,外国人的含量也急剧下降。疫情前我日常沟通中大概10-15% 是外国人,现在很少碰到外国人了。市场部领导层之前有一半是外国人,现在只有两三个。

我每周都要给负责创意的老板们讲我们的创意。以前我得费劲用蹩脚的英文讲一些本地的洞察,他们的观点不一定对,但是因为文化背景不同,总会给我一些没想到的角度。现在大家背景都差不多,我能获得的挑战跟激发就少很多。这对创意而言不是好事,大家做的东西容易陷入一种套路。

我们涨薪的政策调整了,在组织架构调整的时候,有些人接到了降级降薪的offer,就看他们接不接受这个offer。但很少听到关于待遇的抱怨,可能因为总体来说薪水还是体面的,年假比较多,也会给大家相对的自由,比如夏天的周五下午不用上班。整体而言这是一个比较尊重人的公司。

这几年公司文化是有变化的。过去大家争论问题都蛮大胆,我甚至听到过很激烈的讨论。大家秉持体育精神,很直接,没有商务吹捧。这两年不太敢讲真话了,跟社会整体的变化有关系,可能心理上的脆弱性,让大家避免正面冲突,包括年轻一代好像会很难接受负面反馈。现在我们每年还有一些和心理健康有关的福利假期,就是因为公司感觉到大家有过于焦虑的情况,需要调整工作状态。

我们一直是卷的,现在仍然卷,但是以前卷是为了把东西做得更好,自己逼自己。现在还有一种卷是在卷彼此的credits(功劳)。可能大家都经历了裁员,会想为自己赢得更多的成绩,在老板面前争取曝光度。大家觉得如果自己是个小透明就会成为下一轮被裁的人。

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世界很割裂,

反而激发了我的好奇心。

不管是疫情期间还是过去一年,我的职责一直在调整。我今年1月接了一个新角色,在一个大家都在变化的过程中,我要很快地找到自己的位置。今年我的工作是超饱和的。工作日周一至周四,我早八晚九,不过一般周五到周六日我们不太会加班。

今年夏天有一阵子我在看心理医生,因为我有点burn out。我自己也尝试了各种办法,包括坦诚地跟老板讲我压力太大。我也尝试了一个情绪训练营,进到一个20天的计划里,每天在社群里打卡一些轻量化的心理学小任务,包括冥想、呼吸等。最后我发现对我来说唯一有用的还是去把事情一点点做出来,在这个过程中我的的情绪问题反而就被解决了。

过去四年是我看书看得最密集的时间,这个世界有很多的割裂,反而激发了我的好奇心,重新回到不断学习、好奇心旺盛的状态。所以即便我压力很大,也很忙,但是自我满足感是高的。

我已经40岁了,我觉得我还在自己的奥德赛阶段(注:奥德赛阶段,指介于青春期和成年期,自我探索和寻找时期),好像人家的青春期是奥德赛,我到现在还在寻找,我觉得一直在探索这件事情本身给我比较大的满足感。

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身处重点发展行业,我感觉到的不是欣欣向荣,而是竞争的残酷。

我是2021年加入这家公司的,当时新能源汽车行业正如火如荼,现在进入回归冷静、回归商业本质的阶段了。

这几年政策退坡一直在发生。最早的时候,政策补贴非常厉害,以至于很多企业就是去骗补的,他们造的车不用卖出去,单是拿补贴都能赚钱。最早是补钱,后来是购置税减免,现在购置税减免马上也要结束了。

这个行业的另一个处境就是竞争残酷。因为其他经济板块不行了,尤其像房地产这种支柱产业不行了,新能源赛道就有很多钱涌进来。其实背后的投资非常复杂,很多资本在理想、蔚来、小鹏都有投资,包括雷军自己也投资其他车企,也自己造车,华为也躬身入局。总之资本想进这个行业,智能产业要转型,也会进入这个领域,导致竞争加剧。

以前车企每个月发一次销量,现在一些特别卷的品牌恨不得每三天发一次销量,让优秀的人卷到更多钱,拿到更多销量,也让销量惨淡的品牌快速淘汰出局。很多品牌怨声载道,因为你不发自己的作业,会有人帮你发出来。水军、黑粉、红粉这一套,车企也玩得很溜了。前阵子理想MEGA 汽车遭水军攻击,也有竞争品牌的员工被警方调查。

汽车用户也在消费降级。以前消费者购车会先定义自己要买什么级的车,A级、B级、还是C级,今天根本不考虑级别,就是跨级、跨价格段、跨能源形式、跨座位数,全部放在一起比价格。

价格战打得特别厉害,比亚迪一个月可以卖四五十万辆,就是因为它的很多产品都是七万、八万、九万就能买到以前 15 万的体验。特斯拉也一样,从一个 80 万的品牌慢慢变成一辆车只要二十万出头。所以合资车,像本田、丰田、大众、奥迪、奔驰、宝马这些品牌压力非常大。

竞争激烈到什么程度呢,举个例子,过去一辆车研发周期要五年,现在最快也要两年,意味着它还是一个长周期的产品。往往一个产品还没有交付出来的时候,这个产品的市场站位已经被占了。华为体系一年可以出四五辆车,它把智能科技品类的节奏带到汽车品类里来了。

大家节奏都越来越快。很多时候你发现你明年要交付的产品已经不如竞争对手今年交付的产品了,这是很痛苦的,怎么办?是降价,还是回炉重造?压力写在每个人脸上。

身处这个行业感到的紧迫性和不确定性很像在互联网大厂的感觉。裁员是很日常的事情。理想是分产品线裁员的,纯电产品线几乎腰斩。蔚来去年(2023年)裁了一波,大概裁了20%的岗位。合资公司裁员更厉害,大众、福特都裁员了。我在福特的几个朋友都是拿了大礼包走的。

这两年不断有品牌在告急,前年是威马,去年是高合,眼前极越汽车一夜解散,通用破产警告,福特电车退出中国,每隔几个月都能听到一个你觉得是“巨大的骆驼”倒下的消息。

这种残酷的感觉是疫情后开始的,疫情期间大家还有盼头,觉得疫情过去会好起来。但是后来大家发现经济起不来。2023年初,我觉得很多投资人反应过来了。以前新势力造车去融资很容易,但是疫情之后投资人更审慎,新势力汽车公司的现金流远不及过去健康。

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国人普遍乐观,我在行业之中,

并没有这么乐观。

中国在智能电动车的赛道算是弯道超车了。在油车时代国产车是没办法跟国外品牌对抗的,品牌溢价很有限,而现在中国品牌可以要高价,理想、蔚来、问界是有一定的品牌溢价的。国产品牌的份额和心智上升得非常快,合资品牌正在失势。今天这些头部国产品牌更懂得中国消费者的需求,在产品定义上、营销沟通上比过去的合资品牌要技高好几筹。当然特斯拉仍然是强有力的竞争对手。

国人好像普遍乐观,但是我处在行业之中,并没有这么乐观。先说芯片,论研发水平中国已经步入世界一流,但如果谈到制造水平,例如3纳米、 5 纳米高精尖的芯片,中国与世界顶尖水平仍然存在一定距离。

一辆车要装载上千枚芯片,有通信的、娱乐的、传感器的、自动驾驶等等各种芯片。芯片卡脖子就会让整车的交付能力很差。咱们现在的智能汽车大部分用的还是国外的芯片。中国公司自己研发芯片也有流片成功的,但是真正到成熟量产可用,还有很长一段路要走。芯片制造工艺特别复杂,造芯片的设备都是既高精尖又重资产的东西,一套设备的研发和制造可能就是几十亿、上百亿级别的。

我们在技术上的差距还很大。举个例子,我们在智能驾驶上现在几千块钱成本做出来的东西,仍然赶不上特斯拉几年前就可以花几百块钱成本做出来的结果。我自己有两台智能汽车,一台特斯拉是好几年前买的,还有一台国产智能汽车。特斯拉低成本的视觉方案的体验比国产车几千块配备激光雷达的体验还要好,这两辆车开起来的感觉,一个是游刃有余的老司机,一个是愣头愣脑的机器。这就特别像苹果机和安卓机的对比,安卓机可能各种堆料,苹果机用的CPU算力、内存、分辨率可能都不如你,但就是能把体验做得很丝滑。

这个行业的另一个挑战就是顶尖人才的流失。今年小鹏自动驾驶负责人就去了英伟达。我周边有两个朋友要读博的时候,一个学视觉算法,一个学自动驾驶,几年前他们一个拿了德国的offer,一个拿了美国的 offer 走了。

另外,整体市场的凉意是每个人都能感觉到的,我好朋友今年换了房,几年前买的房子缩水了100多万。但是感觉大家对于这种事情也不太大惊小怪了,时代的雪崩中,每个人头上都会落几片雪花吧。

注:相关数据

据中国汽车工业协会分析,1-11月我国汽车产销累计完成2790.3万辆和2794万辆,同比分别增长2.9%和3.7%。1-11月,新能源汽车产销累计完成1134.5万辆和1126.2万辆,同比分别增长34.6%和35.6%,新能源汽车新车销量达到汽车新车总销量的40.3%。合资/进口车市场占有率下降,今年10月,中国品牌乘用车共销售193.1万辆,市场占比首次超过70%的大关。

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我看到很多曾经努力的人在往回退。

虽然说站在公司的角度会比较担忧。但在个人层面不是很担忧。我想自己有一技之长,即使这个公司没了,我可以再找其他工作。

这两年人的状态还是有变化的。如果说把同事分为两类人,一种是聪明地躺平,一种是进取的。这两年“躺”的人肯定是在增多的。我自己曾经属于进取的一类,总希望能真正影响决策者,但是越想改变点什么,结果越是会预期违背,不仅建议不一定被采纳,反而要背更多锅。

所以我越来越倾向于聪明地躺平,只做我自己觉得重要的、有影响的事,其他事都会尽可能地推掉。不让自己陷入一个苦哈哈的状态,努力得比较"克制"。不仅是我,我看到很多曾经努力的人在往回退,包括我这个年纪的,也包括刚毕业的年轻人。

还有一个因素,就是现在升职和涨薪是完全不相关的。HR (人力资源部)冠冕堂皇地说在这家公司,但凡不跳槽,想要收入增长是非常难的。你可能获得一个很大的升职,加薪寥寥无几。这几年也没有普涨这个概念了,也没有年终奖,就连写在合同里的也没有了。

今年我把更多时间和感知力都放回到家庭里去。每周至少运动两次,除了项目要出差或加班,10 天里面有 8 ~ 9 天都准时回家跟家人一起吃饭,陪孩子玩,给孩子洗澡,陪孩子睡觉。我自己也享受在其中。周末一定会有一场运动,会有休息时间。基本上每个周末至少有一整天可以保证是家庭活动时间。

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特别优秀的年轻人

却只能做一些螺丝钉的事。

智能汽车这个行业相对来说民企还是比较有竞争力的。我在上海比较熟悉上汽(国企)。上汽一些优秀的人都在往互联网造车的民企跳。上汽的很多品牌也是不停地重组,有些甚至退市了。上汽的人对自己的评价就是发的出来工资,背后的保障还是在的,但是也没有什么发展的机会。里面还是很官僚的,比如听说上汽还是用上海话,不讲普通话的。

所以优秀的年轻人还是在行业头部的几家公司,就是比亚迪、华为、理想、小鹏、蔚来。

但是我们现在社招都不招了。招实习生只看清北本科、211 的研究生或者藤校的毕业生。实习生过来就纯“刷履历”,我们会第一天就跟他们明确说我们没有headcount ,实习之后留不下来的。身边的实习生都是哈佛、MIT、藤校的。在我看来很多实习生的能力都是超过他们的 mentor (上级)的,有一种倒挂的感觉。因为这个赛道的命运还没有被充分定义,还有想象的空间,所以还是很多人想进的。

我们部门好几十人,就只有2个应届毕业生。他们展现出来的质素很高,但他们在这边工作得挺不开心,觉得价值发挥不出来,做一些小螺丝钉的事情,每天做得很麻木。

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每周发销量排行榜,

然后大家在排行榜上各自加定语。

2019 年5月16日美国商务部第一次宣布对华为制裁,大家第一次发现一个国家竟然能够动用国家力量来制裁一家企业。从公司来讲,那时候势头已经非常好了,突破千亿美金收入,手机全球市场份额已经快登顶了。制裁之后经历了几年的低谷期,最直观来讲,我们的年终奖下降了。

我觉得从 2023 年9月 MATE 60 发布之后,公司又呈现一个上升趋势。因为 Mate 60 的发布,我们比全社会预期的要更早一些解决了美国制裁的制约,大家都感觉很鼓舞和提振士气。而在那个时机我们又提出鸿蒙原生应用全面启动,也就是要做真正中国独立自主的操作系统,我认为这也是一个合适的时机,因为合作伙伴对华为的未来重拾了信心。

今年又推出了一些创新性的产品,9 月份发布了全球首款三折叠手机,虽然卖得挺贵,但因为辨识性明显,还是供不应求。我们之前就说如果华为作为中国市场上的 top 玩家,能把价格和 iPhone 拉齐,这对整个供应链以及其他的手机品牌都是好事——这样大家才都有肉吃。只有你能让行业上下游都挣到钱,大家才能拿出更多钱去做技术投入,这个行业才能真正发展起来。

当然产品的创新度要能够支撑溢价。去年发布的六座车 M9 是一款超过 50 万的新能源SUV,销得也很好。当时我们有个调研发现,买 M9 的用户基本上都是从奔驰、宝马、奥迪换车过来的。前段时间预热亮相的一款旗舰车,价格在 100 万至 150 万之间,开启预定后没想到两天内就有 2, 000 多个预定。同等价位的豪车在中国市场上一年也就售出 2, 000 多辆。一方面说明说明富裕层还是保持着购买力,另一方面说明像车企,手机行业的卷带来的效果是行业整体品牌认知度和信任感的提升,消费者愿意为此买单。

今年我还有一个感觉就是大家更卷了。手机品牌过去可能一年只发布两次,现在很多品牌半年就开好几场发布会。因为每个季度都会有市场份额的排名,手机厂商压力也很大。车企更卷,每周都有排行榜。大家在这个排行榜上各自去加定语,比如我是哪个细分市场的前三,寻找一种有利于自己的数据表达。

我目前在做原生鸿蒙操作系统的工作。这个操作系统的意义非常重大,如果有一天美国极限打压我们,不让中国的手机使用 iOS 和安卓的操作系统,我们还能有中国人自己的操作系统。因此,党政央媒很理解这个意义,原生鸿蒙发布的时候,记者来做全方面的采访,连续上了新闻联播,焦点访谈,东方时空等,史无前例。

建立这个操作系统最难的是需要说服那些应用的拥有者尽快适配。应用的拥有者有的是公司,有的是政府,比如广东省用的是粤省事,浙江是浙里办,上海是随申办。我们今年跑了很多省市,对方都是理解这个国家和产业意义,比较支持,乐于起示范作用。但是从上面的领导认可,到下面的技术人员去投入去执行,实际行动起来有些没有预期中快,原因也有很多,比如一些地方预算吃紧,因此我们也会拿出很多激励和扶持措施。我们在干一个过去没有干过的事情,摸索着前进,因此今年非常忙,完全在打一场新的战争。

尽管公司在逆势上扬,但是大环境的艰难我还是能感知到的。我们家在前些年换房子的时候,把家里的存款几乎用尽了,但是当时很有信心,并没有那么大的压力。现在手上的存款比那时候多了,但是你让我现在换房子我是不敢的。信心还是受大环境影响的。

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外包很难招到优秀的年轻人了

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我们不太有裁员的压力,总感觉人是不够用的。社招比较少了,但是我们一直在通过人力外包公司去招聘。很奇怪的是,以前我们外包还能招到一些不错学校毕业的年轻人,他们愿意在这里积累两三年经验,作为跳板再转去其他公司做正式员工。现在外包招聘的候选人素质整体不如以前。我很好奇,外包岗位薪资并不算低,却招不到人。市面上一直说大学生都找不到工作。他们都去哪了?

中美之争或影响英伟达全球芯片销售

23 December 2024 at 12:28

简繁中文
纽约时报 出版语言
字体大小

中美之争或影响英伟达全球芯片销售

TRIPP MICKLE, 孟建国
Brandon Celi
8月初,不丹国王吉格梅·凯萨尔·纳姆耶尔·旺楚克从自己位于亚洲内陆高山的国家来到地势平坦的硅谷,参观了人工智能芯片制造商英伟达的总部。
旺楚克国王进行了两个小时的参观,期间英伟达全球业务负责人杰伊·普里向其介绍了不丹在数据中心以及在英伟达芯片方面的投资如何能与该国最大的自然资源——水电结合起来,以创建新的人工智能系统。
这一提案是英伟达过去两年向各国国王、总统、酋长和政府部长提出的数十项建议之一。许多国家随后投入数十亿美元用于建设超级计算机或生成式人工智能系统,希望能藉此在可能定义本世纪的技术中占据竞争优势。
然而,在华盛顿,官员们担心英伟达的全球大推销可能会增强对手的力量。拜登政府正在制定规则,以加强对人工智能芯片销售的控制,并将其转化为外交工具。
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据四位知情人士透露,该提议框架允许美国盟友进行不受限制的采购,而对手国家的采购则将被完全禁止,其他国家要根据其与美国战略目标保持一致的程度获得配额。这些人士因无权公开发言而要求匿名。
这些限制将威胁到英伟达首席执行官黄仁勋所谓的“主权人工智能”计划。他今秋在全球东奔西走,三个月内飞行超过3万英里,而他的公司预计今年在美国以外的国家销售额将超过100亿美元。
现在,像沙特阿拉伯、马来西亚和不丹这样的潜在买方可能会被卷入美中之间的人工智能霸权竞争中。对英伟达芯片的采购可能需要与经过批准的美欧云服务运营商合作,并向美国政府提供其他保证,以确保技术不会与中国共享。
黄仁勋已经发起最后一刻的游说行动,试图削弱这些规则,但可能为时已晚。
“每届政府都非常明确表示,除非中国政府改变其在全球舞台上的姿态和运作方式,否则美中之间的技术竞争将继续,”美国企业研究所专注于国家安全和技术的非常驻高级研究员克隆·基钦表示。“像英伟达这样的公司应该早就预料到监管会收紧。”
“一场兴趣海啸”
2019年,出身于现塞尔维亚的英伟达前高管萨沙·奥斯托伊奇了解到他的祖国正在考虑从中国公司华为购买人工智能芯片,以支持本国初创企业。他建议塞尔维亚官员先去英伟达一趟。
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在参观过英伟达总部后,塞尔维亚领导人被说服了:购买四台英伟达超级计算机(每台约50万美元)将有助于加速其科技行业发展。
塞尔维亚议会主席顾问斯特凡·巴扎表示,一些塞尔维亚人对这笔投资表示质疑。但在2021年收到这些计算机后,塞尔维亚的初创企业从200家增至800家。
2022年末,OpenAI发布ChatGPT,瞬间成为热门话题,这让塞尔维亚的举措显得明智。这个由人工智能驱动的聊天机器人引发了对英伟达人工智能芯片的狂热需求,该公司控制该市场90%的份额。即便ChatGPT在包括沙特阿拉伯和越南在内的20多个国家都无法使用,部分国家仍然争先恐后地要获得芯片,有一部分原因是如果这些地方想要人工智能技术,显然只能自己搭建起这种技术。
本月,英伟达的杰伊·普里和黄仁勋与越南总理范明政及该国计划与投资部长阮志勇在河内合影。
本月,英伟达的杰伊·普里和黄仁勋与越南总理范明政及该国计划与投资部长阮志勇在河内合影。 Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“这一意外的后果在这个社群中引起了反响,那就是这是一项非常重要的技术,你大概率不想在这方面依赖外国,”曾在英伟达工作的基思·斯特里尔表示,他现在担任芯片制造的竞争对手AMD的全球人工智能市场高级副总裁。“这引发了一场兴趣海啸。”
世界各国首都越来越深刻地认识到,人工智能应被视为一种公用事业。对于其重要性的认知让各国官员担心,如果不投入资金,他们可能在经济和军事上会落后于对手。此外,许多人希望确保数据保留在国土之内,以便保护敏感信息。
普里在采访中表示,对于这种情况,英伟达的回应是组建了一个与政府合作的部门来应对各国日益增长的兴趣。他和斯特里尔会见外国领导人,讨论他们的计算性能需求,而黄仁勋则激发了各国对满是英伟达芯片的数据中心的投资热情。
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这些采购改变了政府处理计算的方式。直到最近,小国基本上都是向微软和谷歌等云计算巨头租用计算能力。这使它们免去了支付软件更新、工程支持和半导体进步的费用。现在,他们开始自己承担这些工作。
丹麦是众多与英伟达联系的国家之一。丹麦出口与投资基金首席执行官佩德·伦奎斯特说,该国领导人在2019年首次与黄仁勋谈论相关事宜,但当时没有感到必须立刻投资。他说,在使用ChatGPT之后,丹麦领导人了解了这项技术的威力,并主动联系英伟达购买其芯片。
10月,黄仁勋与丹麦人工智能高管纳迪娅·卡尔斯滕,以及丹麦国王弗雷德里克十世。丹麦是众多与英伟达联系的国家之一。
10月,黄仁勋与丹麦人工智能高管纳迪娅·卡尔斯滕,以及丹麦国王弗雷德里克十世。丹麦是众多与英伟达联系的国家之一。 EPA-EFE/EPA, via Shutterstock
出口与投资基金和专注于研究的丹麦非营利组织诺和诺德基金会联手投资1亿美元建造了一台超级计算机。经过6个月的建造,这台超级计算机于今年10月亮相,使用了1528块人工智能芯片,重量超过30吨。
“我们需要创新,需要在应用研究和企业之间建立紧密的联系,”伦奎斯特说。“要想脱颖而出,超级计算能力极其重要。”
AI外交
在各国竞相购买英伟达芯片的同时,拜登政府也通过了一些规定来观测该公司的销售情况。拜登政府担心,与中国有联系的国家可能会向中国研究人员和公司提供英伟达芯片,因此要求一些国家获得购买许可。中国的目标是到2030年成为世界人工智能领导者。
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阿拉伯联合酋长国是首批申请许可证的国家之一。2022年,阿联酋拨出1000亿美元用于人工智能投资,并希望建造该地区速度最快的超级计算机。
美国官员看到了机会。近十年来,他们一直苦于难以说服各国停止使用华为,即使在就网络安全风险和华为与中国共产党的关系提出警告之后。
许可证要求提供了一种新的解决方案,即通过英伟达芯片。
作为允许使用大量英伟达尖端芯片协议的一部分,阿联酋领先的人工智能公司G42承诺放弃使用华为技术。今年10月,该公司推出了一台超级计算机,里面装满了价值3000万美元的英伟达芯片。
据两位熟悉相关讨论的人士称,今年夏天,白宫国家安全和商务部官员开始告诉芯片行业高管,他们正在制定一项新的人工智能政策。政府官员表示,阿联酋和其他国家目前的许可程序非常繁琐。他们希望出台一些规则,使在国外建立人工智能数据中心变得更容易,同时提高他们追踪芯片的能力,防止芯片流入中国。
他们还想让阿联酋这样的国家更容易购买英伟达芯片,方法是用批量审批系统取代许可程序,允许向不超过预设限额的国家销售。
9月,拜登总统欢迎阿拉伯联合酋长国总统谢赫·穆罕默德·本·扎耶德访问白宫。
9月,拜登总统欢迎阿拉伯联合酋长国总统谢赫·穆罕默德·本·扎耶德访问白宫。 Tom Brenner for The New York Times
本月,一份规则草案开始在芯片游说人士中流传。这些限制将为美国和欧洲云计算提供商建立的数据中心提供更快的审批速度,芯片数量上限为数十万个。但对其他国家的公司来说,审批过程会更慢,审查也会更严格。
三位熟知内情的人士表示,黄仁勋和英伟达的法律总顾问蒂姆·泰特曾致电拜登政府官员,称这些规定会损害公司利益。其他业内人士也表达了类似的担忧。
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英伟达发言人肯·布朗在一份声明中表示:“我们完全支持国家安全,并乐意提供政府在制定政策时所需要的任何信息。”他还说:“对主流数据中心产品设置上限将是方法上的重大转变,不仅不会降低滥用的风险,反而会威胁经济增长。”
商务部拒绝发表评论。
这些人说,这些规定预计将在未来几周内公布,黄仁勋已经和能够接近即将上任的特朗普政府的人士进行了接触,希望他们能在1月收回这些规定。
战略与国际研究中心瓦德瓦尼人工智能中心主任格雷戈里·艾伦说,目前还不清楚特朗普政府将如何处理这一政策。但众议院和参议院的共和党领导人曾抨击拜登政府过去对芯片技术和中国的限制过于软弱。
“我们正在与中国进行一场人工智能竞赛,我们不希望美国公司在这场竞赛中把佳得乐和耐克鞋送给对手,”艾伦说。“我们希望它们站在我们这边,而且只站在我们这边。”

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Woman dies after being set on fire on NYC subway

23 December 2024 at 09:44
Getty Images Police investigate at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn after a woman aboard a subway car was set on fire and diedGetty Images
Police were called to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn after a woman on a subway car was set on fire

A suspect has been arrested in New York over the death of a woman who was set on fire on a subway train in Brooklyn.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident on Sunday as "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being".

She said the woman was sleeping on a stationary F train to Brooklyn when she was approached by the suspect who used a lighter to ignite her clothing.

The victim died at the scene, she said, adding that the suspect had been taken into custody after he was detained on another subway train.

Police said the woman, who has not been named, was sleeping in a subway carriage at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn at about 07:30 local time (12:30 GMT) when a man approached her.

There was no interaction before the attack, police said, adding that they did not believe the two people knew each other.

The man got off the train as police officers on patrol in the station rushed to the fire.

"What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames," Ms Tisch said.

Police are still working to identify the victim and the motive for the attack.

Doctors warn over water bead gifts for children

23 December 2024 at 10:27
Getty Images Child playing with water beads. The beads are of different colours and in a clear bowl. The hands of the child can been seen.Getty Images

Emergency doctors in the UK have issued a safety warning over water beads, which could be given to children as gifts over Christmas.

The beads, also known as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals are marketed as crafting tools and homeware items - but also toys.

They are typically only a few millimetres but some can expand up to 400 times their original size in about 36 hours when exposed to liquid, creating a hidden danger. If a child swallows one, they can cause bowel obstruction and the consequences can be fatal.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) advises that the beads should be kept well away from children aged under five.

The "safety flash" is for doctors to make sure they know what to look out for while on duty, but the college also wants parents and carers of be aware of the dangers.

The beads are not visible on X-rays.

They can also cause choking and have harmed children in the UK, with reports linking them to deaths overseas, the government's Office for Product Safety and Standards said in September.

Its safety alert added the beads should only used with older children or vulnerable adults under close supervision.

The RCEM advises parents and carers to seek medical attention immediately if there is any suspicion a child may have swallowed a water bead.

"Having seen the effects first hand, which can be devastating and detrimental, we are asking people to please think twice about the dangers these pose while selecting and gifting presents this season," Dr Salwa Malik, vice president of the RCEM, told PA Media.

The RCEM alert also highlights the potential danger to children and vulnerable adults of button or coin batteries and magnets, if swallowed.

Rome to regulate Trevi Fountain crowds after restoration

23 December 2024 at 07:56
Getty Images A general view shows the Trevi fountain after renovation works in Rome, on the day of its reopening with crowds of people huddling round the grand re-opening.Getty Images
More than 10,000 people used to visit the baroque landmark in Rome every day

Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain has re-opened after a three-month restoration.

Built in the 18th Century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the façade of the Poli Palace, the historic fountain is one of the city's most visited spots.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists used to visit the Trevi Fountain each day, but a new queuing system has been installed to prevent large crowds massing near the landmark.

Speaking on Sunday Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri said imposing the limit will "allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion".

Gualtieri also said city authorities were considering charging a modest entry price to finance the fountain's upkeep.

Sunday's re-opening took place under light rain in the presence of several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor by throwing a coin into the fountain.

The three-month cleaning project involved removing mould and calcium incrustations.

The fountain and other key city sites have been cleaned ahead of the jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church which begins on Christmas Eve.

Getty Images  People visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, ItalyGetty Images
A new queueing system will be put in place to avoid large crowds, like this in September 2024

Its poor structural condition was exposed in 2012 when bits of its elaborate cornice began falling off after an especially harsh winter which required a multi-million euro renovation the following year.

Making a wish and tossing a coin into the water is such a tradition that the city authorities used to collect around €10,000 (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

The money was donated to a charity that provides meals for the poor.

The Trevi fountain

Getty Images An old photo of the Trevi Fountain in RomeGetty Images
  • Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
  • It is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with water
  • The Acqua Vergine runs for a total of 20km (12 miles) before flowing into the fountain
  • Tourists can drink from a special tap tucked away at one side
  • According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19 BC by thirsty Roman soldiers directed to the site by a young virgin - which is why it is called Virgin Waters
  • The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain was made famous by Frank Sinatra's Three Coins in the Fountain in the 1954 romantic comedy of the same name

Licence to film: The unseen home videos of Bond star Sir Roger Moore

23 December 2024 at 08:43
Watch home video of Roger Moore with Kirk Douglas and Olivia Newton-John

He had a licence to charm on screen, with his sultry voice and suave, chiselled good looks. But in private, actor Sir Roger Moore - who played James Bond in seven films - was equally as comfortable behind the camera.

A new BBC documentary to air on Christmas Day will reveal never-before-seen home video footage, filmed by Sir Roger himself, of his family and very famous friends - including actor Kirk Douglas and singer Olivia Newton-John.

A young Sir Elton John is also spotted descending from the skies in a helicopter ready for lunch with Sir Roger and other celebrity guests - the likes of Joan Collins and David Attenborough.

Sir Roger's son Geoffrey, who found the old video cassettes in the cupboards and garage at his family's home in Switzerland, remembers the gathering in France well.

He played a game of tennis with Sir Elton, he recalls, in an exclusive interview for BBC News, before the singer flew off to Cannes to film the music video for his hit song, I'm Still Standing.

Getty Images Sir Roger is sitting on the bonnet of a black and red Lotus Esprit Turbo sports car. Behind him are snow covered mountains. Sir Roger is wearing a warm white puffy jacket, brown trousers and brown gloves. The numbers "007" can be seen written on his jacket. On the back of the car, are two sets of skis.Getty Images
For Your Eyes Only - Sir Roger poses on the set of his fifth Bond movie

Sir Roger also got behind the camera to film much more intimate occasions with his three children - Geoffrey, Deborah and Christian - and their mother, his third wife, Italian actress Luisa Mattioli.

Bringing the memories of the past back to life again on screen proved poignant for Geoffrey and his siblings.

"I think the way he was just filming was as any father would film his children. It was just a family guy recording, documenting a time," says Geoffrey.

"I think it was also because [the camera] was a new toy, so he wanted to use it."

Alamy Sir Roger Moore lies on a hammock. He is wearing swimming trunks and has his arm outstretched above him. He is smiling and looking relaxed. His wife Luisa is crouching down alongside the hammock. She is also wearing swimwear and has a towel wrapped around her hair. She looks content. Sir Roger's young son Geoffrey is sitting on his lap. He has dark brown hair and is looking at the camera apprehensively. Sir Roger's daughter Deborah is sitting on a small green motorcycle beside the hammock. She also has dark brown hair and is wearing a pale blue dress. She has a half smile on her face.Alamy
Sir Roger with his wife Luisa and children Deborah and Geoffrey - 1970s

Growing up, being surrounded by stars from the silver screen was normal for Geoffrey.

"I mean [Frank] Sinatra was very close to the family and we used to spend a lot of Thanksgivings and Easters together. Kirk Douglas, Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, they were all very, very dear friends."

Sir Roger's daughter Deborah remembers her father couldn't keep up with Frank Sinatra's drinking and would secretly pour his whisky into the plant pots.

Getty Images Sir Roger smiles as he poses for a picture with singer Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara. Sir Roger and Frank Sinatra are holding a trophy together. They are dressed smartly in dinner jackets and bow ties. Sir Roger is wearing glasses and looks overjoyed. Frank Sinatra's wife Barbara is standing next to her husband. She has blonde hair, and is wearing a green, off-the-shoulder, evening dress with black tiger stripes on it. She has dangly emerald earrings.Getty Images
Sir Roger and singer Frank Sinatra, seen here with Sinatra's fourth wife Barbara, would sometimes spend Thanksgiving together

The family would watch comedy duo Morecambe and Wise on TV on a Friday night, says Geoffrey, and then Eric and Ernie would come over for Sunday lunch.

He also remembers meeting Clint Eastwood and Sean Connery - the first James Bond - as well as stars from Hollywood's golden age, such as Fred Astaire and Olivia De Havilland.

"I mean, if I think about how lucky we were… to the point where even Roger would say, 'Goodness, look at that, we've got Gene Kelly sitting there. Isn't that wonderful!'".

Alamy A black and white image of Sir Roger Moore as a child. He has a serious but pensive expression on his face and is wearing a stripy shirt, a tie and a patterned knitted jumper. He has a full head of dark hair.Alamy
A young Sir Roger grew up in south London

But despite being surrounded by stardom, Sir Roger was very "self-deprecating", says Geoffrey.

"I always say, the bigger the talent, the smaller the limousine. And he was incredibly humble," he says.

At the end of a day's filming, Sir Roger would simply enjoy watching TV with his family in his dressing gown and slippers.

"His treat was baked beans on toast," says Geoffrey. "He didn't need caviar."

Sir Roger came from humble beginnings. He grew up in Stockwell in south London. His father was a police officer and his mother worked in a tearoom. He crafted his aristocratic English accent at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) and earned money modelling knitting patterns.

His big break came in 1962, playing Simon Templar in the TV series, The Saint.

Alamy A young Sir Roger Moore is seen modelling knitwear. He is handsome with dark brown hair and a smile on his face. He is wearing a patterned tank top which is predominantly blue with diamond shapes on it, but it also features red and green love hearts. He has his arm around a woman who has brown curly hair and bright red lipstick on. She is wearing a white jumper with a blue decorative pattern around the neckline. Like Sir Roger, she is gazing into the distance.Alamy
In his younger days, Sir Roger modelled knitting patterns - including fetching tank tops

Geoffrey recalls the phone call his father received when he found out he had been chosen to take over the role of Britain's most famous secret agent.

The last three digits of Sir Roger's phone number just happened to be 007.

"He answered the phone with '007', because that's what you do, and the voice said, 'That you are Roger,'" says Geoffrey.

Getty Images In this black and white image, Sir Roger is seen on the film set of the Bond film, The Man With The Golden Gun. He is crouching down next to a chair which has his name written on the back. His young son Christian is standing on the chair and Sir Roger is holding his hand. In the background, you can see pipes and tunnels.Getty Images
Sir Roger used to take his children to the film sets

Sean Connery was the closest to author Ian Fleming's depiction of the character in his spy novels, says Geoffrey, as in "I'm going to sleep with you and kill your boss tomorrow".

"Whereas, Roger didn't want to fire a gun really," says Geoffrey, "he just sort of killed them with charm."

He always had a very sardonic approach, says Geoffrey, and that was his interpretation, he adds.

"Let's make James Bond Roger Moore," he says, "[as] opposed to Roger having to play a hired gun who is licensed to kill. And I think he was more like 'licensed to thrill.'"

This took an enormous amount of talent, says Geoffrey.

Of the Bond films that starred Sir Roger, Geoffrey says his father's favourite was The Spy Who Loved Me.

Getty Images Sir Roger Moore is seen on the set of the James Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me. He is wearing a double-breasted naval officer's uniform and is pointing a gun at someone off camera. He has a serious and purposeful expression on his face. Getty Images
In The Spy Who Loved Me, Sir Roger came up against one of the franchise's most famous henchmen - Jaws - and his metal teeth

Growing up on movie sets was fantastic, recalls Geoffrey, but having James Bond as your father attracted quite a bit of attention on the school run.

When Sir Roger came to pick him up from school one day, he remembers the car was suddenly surrounded by pupils - keen to catch a glimpse of the star.

"I thought, 'Oh, okay, he's known, I'm not the only one that sees him on the box,'" he says.

Getty Images An image captures a scene from the Bond film Octopussy. Sir Roger is embracing actress Maud Adams. She is looking longingly at him. They are on the verge of kissing. The couple are lying down and Maud is wearing a gold shimmery top.Getty Images
Sir Roger starred alongside Bond girl Maud Adams in the film Octopussy

But living in the public eye could be difficult when there was a scandal.

Geoffrey recalls a phone call his father made to him one morning, letting him know the papers had got hold of the story that he was leaving his mother.

"I said, 'Well, thanks for the heads up! How long have I got?'" says Geoffrey.

The press had already surrounded his mother's house. It creates "a small scar to see that your pain is exposed," says Geoffrey. "I think that's the worst part of being famous."

Getty Images Sir Roger Moore and his fourth wife Kristina are posing for a picture with 10 children in Vietnam. They are all waving at the camera and smiling. Sir Roger is 75 and is wearing glasses and a checked shirt. His wife Kristina is wearing a grey jumper and has a blue baseball cap on her head. One child is sitting astride a bicycle, while the others, all dressed in t-shirts and shorts or trousers, are standing in front of Sir Roger and Kristina looking happy.Getty Images
Sir Roger and his wife Kristina visited Vietnam during his time as a Goodwill Ambassador for the charity Unicef

After his split from Luisa, Sir Roger went on to marry his fourth wife, Kristina Tholstrup, otherwise known as Kiki. He had also been previously married to actress and professional ice skater Doorn van Steyn and singer Dorothy Squires.

Sir Roger died in 2017 at the age of 89. In his later years, actress Audrey Hepburn had asked him to take on her humanitarian work for the children's charity Unicef, says Geoffrey.

"It says a lot about his love for humanity, his love for children. And that, I think, is probably his greatest role."

From Roger Moore with Love will be broadcast on Wednesday 25 December at 21:00 GMT on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.

Trump Picks Callista Gingrich for Ambassador to Switzerland

23 December 2024 at 11:08
In announcing his choice of various envoys, including ambassador to Denmark, the president-elect again floated the idea of the United States acquiring Greenland.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Callista Gingrich during the Republican National Convention in July. She is the wife of Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker and a loyal ally to President-elect Donald J. Trump.

【重温】中国新闻周刊|南昌女子被送精神病院事件调查,该院强制他人入院曾败诉

By: unknown
23 December 2024 at 09:22
CDT 档案卡
标题:南昌女子被送精神病院事件调查,该院强制他人入院曾败诉
作者:张馨予
发表日期:2023.1.5
来源:中国新闻周刊
主题归类:李宜雪事件
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

这几天,李宜雪讲了很多遍她被送入精神病院的经过。她的表情往往看不出太大波澜,语气平静,回答提问时习惯分点叙述,说到气愤时也不会提高太多音量,“我不想在别人面前表现得情绪激动,会显得我好像真的不太正常。我尽量让自己保持一个冷静理智的状态”。

2022年4月22日凌晨,李宜雪被南昌市公安局西湖分局丁公路派出所送到江西省精神病院,住院56天。李宜雪称,被送到精神病院之前,她曾向丁公路派出所告发辅警赖某吉猥亵自己。

李宜雪将这段在精神病院的经历视作迄今人生遇到最大的坎儿。出院后不到一个月,李宜雪以医疗损害责任纠纷为由起诉江西省精神病院,随后开始在网上曝光她的遭遇。2022年12月6日,该案一审开庭,但尚未宣判。

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2022年4月21日,李宜雪在商场的室外楼梯“散心”,随后被丁公路派出所带到江西省精神病院。拍摄:张馨予

随着公众对这起事件的关注不断升温,2022年12月21日,南昌市公安局西湖分局发布通报。根据通报,警方认定赖某吉不存在猥亵行为,鉴于李宜雪先后4次在公共场所扬言自杀,并称自己患有抑郁症、晚上睡不着觉,丁公路派出所出于对李宜雪的人身安全考虑,依法将其送江西省精神病院,经医院精神障碍诊断后收治入院。

李宜雪不认可警方通报中的多处说法。她对《中国新闻周刊》说,在诉江西省精神病院的民事诉讼一审宣判后,她还将分别向江西省精神病院和丁公路派出所提起刑事诉讼。

不予立案的猥亵事件

李宜雪被送入精神病院的开端,是一件各执一词的猥亵事件。

在李宜雪的讲述中,猥亵事件的发生始于赖某吉的主动接近。2022年3月中旬,因一起民事纠纷,李宜雪到丁公路派出所报警,派出所不予立案,接下来的一段时间里,李宜雪为这起纠纷多次来到丁公路派出所。到了4月14日,李宜雪再一次来到丁公路派出所询问案件进展,第一次见到辅警赖某吉。“4月15日,赖主动电话联系了我,说这起案子他可以帮我忙,要见面聊。”

李宜雪说,当时由于南昌疫情严重,所在小区处于封控状态,她没有办出入证,所以住在家附近的酒店。接到赖某吉的电话后,李宜雪提议在酒店大堂见面,“但是他说酒店离西湖分局太近了,在大堂容易碰见熟人,还是在房间聊比较方便。”西湖分局距该酒店仅250米,步行时间少于5分钟。李宜雪称,4月15日下午5点多,赖某吉来到她住的房间,穿着便装,没有佩戴执法记录仪。

“进了房间,他先是搬了一把椅子坐在床边,我坐在床上,和我交流案情。”李宜雪记得,聊了10多分钟,赖某吉话锋一转,说“如果你是我女朋友,我明天就能帮你平了这件事”,之后就起身亲她摸她。李宜雪开始反抗,声称要报警,“说了这句话,他就停止了行为。”李宜雪说,赖某吉随后开始道歉,甚至下跪扇自己巴掌,请求她不要到派出所告发他。

李宜雪回忆,赖某吉直到4月16日早上6点才离开,两人一夜未眠,赖某吉“一直在跟我诉苦,道歉,打感情牌”,并在当天晚些时候发短信道歉。4月17日,赖某吉再次约她见面,两人这次约在酒店大堂一侧的餐厅,“他还是那些话,说他这两天上班心神不宁,然后直接在大厅跪下来了。”因为动静太大,酒店前台一位工作人员上前询问,赖某吉随后离开酒店。李宜雪说这是两人最后一次见面。

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李宜雪。拍摄:张馨予

直到在2022年4月22日被送到精神病院,李宜雪都没有想到调取酒店大堂的监控录像。从精神病院出院的第二天,李宜雪联系酒店,希望调取监控录像,作为证据,但酒店告知监控录像已经过期,无法查询。

2022年12月29日,《中国新闻周刊》来到李宜雪与赖某吉见面的酒店,前台工作人员称酒店的监控录像只保存一个月,并且2022年4月17日值班的工作人员早已离职。

赖某吉的讲述与李宜雪截然不同。南昌市公安局西湖分局拒绝了《中国新闻周刊》的采访请求,记者未能联系到赖某吉。而赖某吉之前在接受媒体采访时表示,2022年4月15日李宜雪两次拨打其电话,邀约他到酒店见面,中途曾打算离开,后被李宜雪电话叫回。赖某吉还放出了部分当晚与李宜雪的对话录音,他在录音中说“你不要叫我来酒店”以及“我又没办事”。

赖某吉说,他从未对李宜雪有过猥亵行为,并表示李宜雪在房间内精神状态有异样,行为让他感到害怕,“打开门进去之后,就看到卫生间从走廊那个门到房间里面,地上都是水,床上也是湿的。”

对于赖某吉的说法,李宜雪称其放出的录音经过剪辑,非完整录音,并说“如果他没上床,怎么会知道床是湿的?”

根据南昌市公安局西湖分局于2022年12月21日发布的通报,经调取李、赖双方笔录,收集李宜雪入住酒店工作人员以及商场保安、邻居、家属证言,查看李、赖双方通话记录、现场录音等材料,认定赖某吉不存在猥亵行为,公安机关已依法作出不予立案决定。

由于辅警赖某吉私自会见纠纷当事人,违反工作纪律,丁公路派出所对其作出通报批评并予以停职。因该违纪行为,赖某吉未能通过员额制辅警过渡政审,遂于2022年9月5日离职。

收治入院前的三小时

李宜雪被送到精神病院,发生于猥亵事件的一个星期后。

“那件事发生之后,我就有了失眠的症状。”2022年4月21日晚,睡不着的李宜雪想出门散心,走到酒店附近的一家商场。商场停车场旁有一处三层高的室外楼梯,李宜雪在晚上10点左右走到室外楼梯上,“想吹吹风静一下。”李宜雪补充说,她那天没有轻生意图。

由于当时南昌部分区域执行封控管控措施,商场周边街道几乎没有行人,李宜雪独自站在室外楼梯,引起了保安的注意。李宜雪称保安让她下楼,她不愿意,两人发生口角,保安随后报警,称李宜雪要跳楼。

李宜雪回忆,保安报警后没过多久,开来一辆警车,车上是4名她之前在丁公路派出所见过的民警。过了10分钟左右,又来了一辆警车,一共来了8名民警,加上商场保安共有9人。李宜雪说,双方当时僵持了一会儿,然后她说出了赖某吉猥亵的事情,“我一说这件事,一个民警就关掉了执法记录仪,支走了保安,然后他们就沉默了十几秒。”在李宜雪没有注意时,一位民警上了楼梯,随后“把我拽到一楼,然后把我塞进警车,开到丁公路派出所门口”。

在丁公路派出所门口,李宜雪没有下警车。她回忆说,“一位姓赵的民警进到派出所,差不多10分钟后出来,手上拿了一沓纸质材料,然后警车直接就开到了江西省精神病院。”

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江西省精神病院。拍摄:张馨予

2022年12月29日,《中国新闻周刊》记者向商场一位陈姓保安主管求证2022年4月21日晚的情况,该主管称除非有公安机关介入,否则拒绝采访。丁公路派出所王所长此前接受媒体采访时表示,李宜雪在2022年4月21日当晚未提起赖某吉猥亵一事,并表示这已经不是李宜雪第一次在该广场实施轻生行为。在警方通报中,南昌市公安局西湖分局也称李宜雪先后4次在公共场合扬言自杀,依法将李某雪送江西省精神病院。

根据《中华人民共和国精神卫生法(2018修正)》(以下简称《精神卫生法》)第二十八条,疑似精神障碍患者发生伤害自身、危害他人安全的行为,或者有伤害自身、危害他人安全的危险的,其近亲属、所在单位、当地公安机关应当立即采取措施予以制止,并将其送往医疗机构进行精神障碍诊断。

中国政法大学刑事司法学院副教授陈碧对《中国新闻周刊》说,如果当事人确实存在自杀、自伤的危险,公安机关有权决定是否需要将其送往医疗机构进行精神障碍诊断。否则,该处理而未处理就可能造成严重后果,当事人及其家属可以提起行政不作为之诉。

不过,陈碧补充说,《中华人民共和国警察法》第十四条规定,需要送往指定的单位、场所加以监护的,应当报请县级以上人民政府公安机关批准,并及时通知监护人,“这个案件,还需要核实警方是否履行了上述义务”。

入院治疗程序是否合法?

李宜雪被丁公路派出所民警送往江西省精神病院的时间,是在2022年4月22日凌晨1点左右。两个小时后,她作为患者住进江西省精神病院,在里面接受近两个月的治疗。

根据李宜雪的出院记录,江西省精神病院对她的入院诊断是“人格障碍”,入院情况写道她“反复发脾气、人际关系不稳十余年、表现偏执敏感、以自我为中心、记仇易报复”。

但李宜雪对江西省精神病院的诊断存在质疑。她说面诊时,医生只问了她两个问题,一个是“你是不是经常心情不好”,另一个是“你是不是经常容易为一些事纠结,导致失眠”。她对这两个问题都给出了肯定的答案。李宜雪说,面诊过程中,民警出具了一张肇事肇祸证明。随后她被带出房间,一位民警与医生进行了交流。等李宜雪再被叫进房间时,住院手续已经办好了。

2022年12月28日,《中国新闻周刊》记者来到江西省精神病院,希望了解医院对李宜雪的诊断依据和诊断过程。江西省精神病院拒绝接受《中国新闻周刊》的采访。

在李宜雪诉江西省精神病院案中,江西省精神病院在提交的答辩状中表示:“原告李宜雪因肇事肇祸被丁公路派出所民警强制带入我院,经门诊医师评估,当日按肇事肇祸程序收入我院。”

警方通报中,丁公路派出所将李宜雪送江西省精神病院收治的法律依据包括《精神卫生法》和《江西省肇事肇祸精神病人收治管理实施办法》。

根据2007年出台的《江西省肇事肇祸精神病人收治管理实施办法》,不能辨认或不能控制自己行为,发生以下肇事肇祸行为之一的精神病人应予以收治监护,包括杀人、伤害等严重侵害他人人身权利的;放火、爆炸、投毒、破坏等严重危害公共安全的;抢夺、损毁公私财物的;严重扰乱国家机关、企事业单位正常工作、生产秩序的;扰乱社会秩序,造成严重后果的。

陈碧认为,《江西省肇事肇祸精神病人收治管理实施办法》对于收治对象的限定明显小于《精神卫生法》。至于李宜雪是否符合应予以收治监护的对象,陈碧说“哪条可以用在李宜雪身上?我没看出来”。

另外,根据《江西省肇事肇祸精神病人收治管理实施办法》,“经鉴定确认发生肇事肇祸行为或有肇事肇祸倾向的精神病人,公安派出所应强制送精神病院治疗,同时逐级上报,并由设区市公安机关签发《收治肇事肇祸精神病人入院通知书》,交由精神病院治疗。”陈碧认为,这条规定有可能被扩大适用,侵犯相对人的人身权益,并且和上位法发生了冲突,“各地行政法规应当与上位法《精神卫生法》相符合”。

2010年前后,国内曾频频发生“被精神病”事件,在各方推动下,中国首部保障精神障碍患者权益的法律于2013年5月1日起正式施行。

《精神卫生法》明确,精神障碍的住院治疗实行自愿原则。根据《精神卫生法》第三十条,诊断结论、病情评估表明,就诊者为严重精神障碍患者并有下列两种情形之一的,才应当对其实施住院治疗:(1)已经发生伤害自身的行为,或者有伤害自身的危险的;(2)已经发生危害他人安全的行为,或者有危害他人安全的危险的。

如果是第一类情形,经监护人同意,医疗机构应当对患者实施住院治疗,但监护人不同意的,医疗机构不得对患者实施住院治疗,而是由监护人对其做好看护管理。如果是第二类情形,国家可以实施强制收治,但患者或者监护人如果对诊断结论有异议,可以要求再次诊断和鉴定。

陈碧说,当事人的监护人可以起到保护其合法权益的作用,如果当事人属于自杀自伤的情形,监护人可以拒绝住院治疗;如果当事人属于伤人的情形,可以要求再次诊断;还不满意的,可以再要求司法精神障碍鉴定。

而在李宜雪被江西省精神病院收治入院的当晚,其监护人并未签字同意李宜雪住院治疗。李宜雪回忆,当晚是由丁公路派出所民警在入院通知书上签字,随后她就被带到了住院病区。根据警方通报,李宜雪入院当日,“民警将李宜雪入院治疗情况告知了其家属”。

李宜雪的爷爷对《中国新闻周刊》表示,2022年4月22日李宜雪入院当日,没有任何家属在通知书上签字,到了早上,才有人通知李宜雪父亲,她已被强制送到精神病院。

李宜雪认为,她诉江西省精神病院,重点就在于该院的强制住院治疗程序是否合法。

在江西省精神病院,因肇事肇祸程序强制住院治疗的患者不在少数。

曾茵于2022年5月底被家人送到江西省精神病院,被诊断患有双向情感障碍后住院治疗近两个月。曾茵回忆,同一层有不少是通过肇事肇祸程序被警察送进精神病院的,其中有人已经住院治疗超过一年。曾茵说,有些肇事肇祸病人确实比较暴力,会攻击人,“感觉真的有病”,但还有一些肇事肇祸病人相处起来看不出症状。

根据《江西省肇事肇祸精神病人收治管理实施办法》,对公安机关强制送治的肇事肇祸精神病人,精神医学鉴定费用、基本治疗用药费用由财政给予报销,住院床位费减半。另外,上述办法指出,按每强制收治一名肇事肇祸精神病人补助100元的标准,适当增加公安部门强制收治管理专项经费。

南昌市财政局曾于2014年4月和2015年4月,两次公开市财政拨付收治肇事肇祸精神病人治疗补助经费情况。根据披露,2013年3月至2013年11月,江西省精神病院共收治出院肇事肇祸精神病人308名,南昌市财政局拨付补助经费91万元。2014年7月至2014年12月,江西省精神病院共收治出院肇事肇祸精神病人310名,南昌市财政局拨付补助经费91万元。

《中国新闻周刊》联系了南昌市财政局社保科,了解最近几年江西省精神病院收治肇事肇祸精神病人数量,以及市财政拨付收治肇事肇祸精神病人治疗补助经费的情况,未获得回复。

“我不是精神病人”

“我选择先告精神病院,是因为我想通过告赢精神病院证明我是一个正常人,之后才好继续告派出所,否则别人会拿我是一个精神病人说事。”李宜雪说,她对江西省精神病院的起诉,是她维权的第一步。

从得知要住院治疗的那刻开始,李宜雪就开始了“我不是精神病人”的自证。

大多数时候,李宜雪的自证是通过吵闹,极力否认自己是精神病人。一进住院病区,她就开始大叫,说她不是精神病人,凭什么住精神病院?她说,“护士告诉我,你不要情绪这么激动,你越哭越叫,就越像个精神病,你就越出不去。”

但李宜雪很难压抑自己的情绪。刚住院的几天,她拒绝服用医院开出的奥氮平、曲舍林等药物,“护士就会用约束带把我绑在床上,把药灌进去。”李宜雪说,一旦被绑在床上,就不会被轻易解开,她曾被绑过七天七夜。后来案件开庭时,李宜雪看到医院提供的材料中有厚厚一沓约束单。

李宜雪说,住院到一个月左右时,因为她情绪崩溃,产生了轻生的意图,“出院之后我爸爸才告诉我,当时医生就想对我使用电击疗法。因为电击疗法需要全身麻醉,要家属签字,我爸爸不同意,所以没有采用。”

李宜雪的爷爷告诉《中国新闻周刊》,李宜雪住院治疗后,其父曾多次想把女儿接回来,但都被医院拒绝了,“不要说接回来,去看她都不允许”。

后来,李宜雪逐渐接受在精神病院住院的事实。她会在每天早上6点起床,7点吃早餐,10点半吃午餐,下午4点半吃晚餐,其余时间都和其他约60位病人一起在活动室活动。在活动室,有人会不停地走圈圈,有些人会坐着一言不发,还有很多人会聊天,彼此交流为什么会住进医院。

在入院时,江西省精神病院对李宜雪的诊断是“人格障碍”,出院时又多了一个“强迫性障碍”。这是江西省精神病院根据李宜雪在医院的行为作出的诊断。李宜雪说,她喜欢反复地洗手,有时一天要洗三次澡。而在医院里,三五天乃至一星期才能洗一次澡,这让她难以忍受。正因如此,每次洗澡,李宜雪都会洗40分钟左右,“所以经常会被骂,也会因为这个被别人认为不正常。”

在对江西省精神病院的起诉书中,李宜雪的诉求包括确认医院在整个收治、治疗、护理过程中存在医疗过错行为,以及重新进行司法鉴定,证明自己精神一切正常,并要求江西省精神病院承诺今后永不收治她。

李宜雪向法院申请精神司法鉴定的过程并不顺利。李宜雪说,南昌市能够做这类精神司法鉴定的只有三家机构,其中一家是江西省精神病院,另外两家是江西求实司法鉴定中心和江西神州司法鉴定中心,它们分别以“只接受颅脑受重创的精神鉴定”和“提交材料不足”退回了李宜雪的申请。

2022年11月27日,李宜雪到一家三甲医院进行鉴定,根据面诊、脑CT以及一些量表,医院给出“无抑郁症状、无焦虑症状”的参考诊断,李宜雪将其作为证据递交给了法院。李宜雪说,后续如果要再进行精神司法鉴定,也不会在江西省内做,而是会选择北京、上海等城市。

对李宜雪而言,有一个让她心生希望的消息——曾有一位试图摘掉精神分裂症帽子的人,在对江西省精神病院的官司中胜诉。

南昌男子万友生在2008年12月7日被他人强制送入江西省精神病院,第二天在其母亲等人的强烈要求下离开医院。在出院小结中,医院诊断万友生患有“精神分裂症”,万友生之后将江西省精神病院告上法庭。

在案件历经一审、重审、二审后,南昌市中级人民法院认定江西省精神病院在收治万友生住院时不符合规范,但未认定“精神分裂症”的诊断是否合规。万友生提出申诉。2018年8月2日,江西省高院作出判决,认定江西省精神病院在未对万友生进行必要的检查亦未进行任何治疗的情况下,在出院小结中诊断其患有精神分裂症,“明显缺乏依据,不符合诊疗规范”。

(文中曾茵为化名)

张3丰的世界|总要有人做记者

By: unknown
23 December 2024 at 09:20
CDT 档案卡
标题:总要有人做记者
作者:张3丰的世界
发表日期:2024.12.21
来源:张3丰的世界
主题归类:记者
CDS收藏:公民馆
版权说明:该作品版权归原作者所有。中国数字时代仅对原作进行存档,以对抗中国的网络审查。详细版权说明

1

前几年朋友中流传一个段子:孩子高考要不要报新闻系?“这要看是不是亲生的,亲生的就建议不报。”

这话有一点心酸,有一点沉重,而今我觉得也有一点轻佻:你会怎样看待那些仍然在做调查新闻的记者呢?

2

中国调查记者不多了。好几年前张志安老师做过一个统计,有一百多。

现在可能又少了一百。

3

像刘虎这样的,不能在任何媒体工作,却仍然是我心中的“调查记者”。

真正的调查记者,已经很难在媒体工作了,因为大部分媒体都不做调查新闻了。

李微敖是为数不多的奋战在一线的调查记者。他说要感谢经济观察报,因为大部分稿件都能发出来。

4

据说成都有人批评李微敖,“就没有说过成都一句好话”。

他把这当成是褒扬。真正的记者是不会把“说好话”看成是自己的工作的。其实他也没有说过其他城市的好话。

再说了,说好话人实在太多太多了。

5

这几年李微敖有印象的报道很多。

影响最大的当然是安邦保险,那时很为他担心。

还有:某县县委书记打击举报人;张继科和景甜……很多人攻击他,他遭遇了网暴。

不是很担心网暴,成千上万人攻击他,他不会害怕。他手中一定有各种证据,在法律上也不会有风险。

但是我也能想象出他孤军奋战的背影。这就是这个时代的英雄人物。

6

几年前我写过一篇文章,把李微敖和刘虎称为“独狼型”记者,或者叫独行侠。

李微敖是有“单位的”,但是在过去20年他换过8次工作,几乎在所有有影响力的媒体都工作过。

他在做自己。秉承自己的理念,也自己承担风险。他是一个“独立作战单元”,和供职机构更多是一种合作关系。

这是一种流浪,可能也是“调查记者”的独特命运。不谋求升迁,也不连累机构。“能养活自己,却无法养家”——但是最重要的,其实是在流浪中保全了自己。

保全的是人格,一种媒体机构中已经很少人在乎的东西。

7

李微敖和成都有着很深的渊源,他一定是爱成都的(所以也一直关注着,“监督着”)。

他从北师大历史系毕业后到成都商报工作,2005年我到这家媒体工作时,和他成为同事,那是我们关注“公共”和社会议题的开始。

转眼间快20年了。我们方向不同,却都还在坚持着什么。

8

这种坚持,当然也是开心的。我赞同他公开场合中表现出来的乐观主义。

比如,他说现在的报道水平其实比以前高;现在投身于新闻业的年轻人,也比很多“老记者”起点高。

我还有一个判断:中国人整体上受教育程度在提高,这么大的国家,没有新闻业是不可想象的。

说到底,总会有人选择做记者。

Trump Names His Picks for Top Pentagon Roles

23 December 2024 at 10:27
They include a billionaire investor who supported Mr. Trump’s campaign, a former official who froze aid to Ukraine and a former executive at Uber.

© Dominic Gwinn/AFP — Getty Images; Ohio House of Representatives; Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP; Andrew Kelly/Reuters

President-elect Donald J. Trump’s Defense Department picks, from left: Elbridge Colby, Mike Duffey, Stephen A. Feinberg and Emil Michael.

Rome to regulate Trevi Fountain crowds after restoration

23 December 2024 at 07:56
Getty Images A general view shows the Trevi fountain after renovation works in Rome, on the day of its reopening with crowds of people huddling round the grand re-opening.Getty Images
More than 10,000 people used to visit the baroque landmark in Rome every day

Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain has re-opened after a three-month restoration.

Built in the 18th Century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the façade of the Poli Palace, the historic fountain is one of the city's most visited spots.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists used to visit the Trevi Fountain each day, but a new queuing system has been installed to prevent large crowds massing near the landmark.

Speaking on Sunday Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri said imposing the limit will "allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion".

Gualtieri also said city authorities were considering charging a modest entry price to finance the fountain's upkeep.

Sunday's re-opening took place under light rain in the presence of several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor by throwing a coin into the fountain.

The three-month cleaning project involved removing mould and calcium incrustations.

The fountain and other key city sites have been cleaned ahead of the jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church which begins on Christmas Eve.

Getty Images  People visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, ItalyGetty Images
A new queueing system will be put in place to avoid large crowds, like this in September 2024

Its poor structural condition was exposed in 2012 when bits of its elaborate cornice began falling off after an especially harsh winter which required a multi-million euro renovation the following year.

Making a wish and tossing a coin into the water is such a tradition that the city authorities used to collect around €10,000 (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

The money was donated to a charity that provides meals for the poor.

The Trevi fountain

Getty Images An old photo of the Trevi Fountain in RomeGetty Images
  • Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
  • It is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with water
  • The Acqua Vergine runs for a total of 20km (12 miles) before flowing into the fountain
  • Tourists can drink from a special tap tucked away at one side
  • According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19 BC by thirsty Roman soldiers directed to the site by a young virgin - which is why it is called Virgin Waters
  • The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain was made famous by Frank Sinatra's Three Coins in the Fountain in the 1954 romantic comedy of the same name

A dam ignited rare Tibetan protests. They ended in beatings and arrests, BBC finds

23 December 2024 at 08:09
Getty Images Treated image:  An aerial photo of the Wudongde Hydropower Station, in red, superimposed on a treated image of winding Jinsha river.Getty Images
Beijing's plan to build another dam on the Jinsha river, which runs through Tibetan territories, led to protests

Hundreds of Tibetans protesting against a Chinese dam were rounded up in a harsh crackdown earlier this year, with some beaten and seriously injured, the BBC has learnt from sources and verified footage.

Such protests are extremely rare in Tibet, which China has tightly controlled since it annexed the region in the 1950s. That they still happened highlights China's controversial push to build dams in what has long been a sensitive area.

Claims of the arrests and beatings began trickling out shortly after the events in February. In the following days authorities further tightened restrictions, making it difficult for anyone to verify the story, especially journalists who cannot freely travel to Tibet.

But the BBC has spent months tracking down Tibetan sources whose family and friends were detained and beaten. BBC Verify has also examined satellite imagery and verified leaked videos which show mass protests and monks begging the authorities for mercy.

The sources live outside of China and are not associated with activist groups. But they did not wish to be named for safety reasons.

In response to our queries, the Chinese embassy in the UK did not confirm nor deny the protests or the ensuing crackdown.

But it said: "China is a country governed by the rule of law, and strictly safeguards citizens' rights to lawfully express their concerns and provide opinions or suggestions."

BBC graphic showing location of Gangtuo dam project and affected villages and monasteries
The events took place in the southwestern province of Sichuan

The protests, followed by the crackdown, took place in a territory home to Tibetans in Sichuan province. For years, Chinese authorities have been planning to build the massive Gangtuo dam and hydropower plant, also known as Kamtok in Tibetan, in the valley straddling the Dege (Derge) and Jiangda (Jomda) counties.

Once built, the dam's reservoir would submerge an area that is culturally and religiously significant to Tibetans, and home to several villages and ancient monasteries containing sacred relics.

One of them, the 700-year-old Wangdui (Wontoe) Monastery, has particular historical value as its walls feature rare Buddhist murals.

The Gangtuo dam would also displace thousands of Tibetans. The BBC has seen what appears to be a public tender document for the relocation of 4,287 residents to make way for the dam.

The BBC contacted an official listed on the tender document as well as Huadian, the state-owned enterprise reportedly building the dam. Neither have responded.

Plans to build the dam were first approved in 2012, according to a United Nations special rapporteurs letter to the Chinese government. The letter, which is from July 2024, raised concerns about the dam's "irreversible impact" on thousands of people and the environment.

From the start, residents were not "consulted in a meaningful way" about the dam, according to the letter. For instance, they were given information that was inadequate and not in the Tibetan language.

They were also promised by the government that the project would only go ahead if 80% of them agreed to it, but "there is no evidence this consent was ever given," the letter goes on to say, adding that residents tried to raise concerns about the dam several times.

Then, in February, officials told them they would be evicted imminently, while giving them little information about resettlement options and compensation, the BBC understands from two Tibetan sources.

This triggered such deep anxiety that villagers and Buddhist monks decided to stage protests, despite knowing the risks of a crackdown.

'They didn't know what was going to happen to them'

The largest one saw hundreds gathering outside a government building in Dege. In a video clip obtained and verified by the BBC, protesters can be heard calling on authorities to stop the evictions and let them stay.

Watch: Hundreds of Tibetan protesters call for end to evictions

Separately, a group of residents approached visiting officials and pleaded with them to cancel plans to build the dam. The BBC has obtained footage which appears to show this incident, and verified it took place in the village of Xiba.

The clip shows red-robed monks and villagers kneeling on a dusty road and showing a thumbs-up, a traditional Tibetan way of begging for mercy.

Watch: Residents in Xiba kneel and plead with officials to stop the dam

In the past the Chinese government has been quick to stamp out resistance to authority, especially in Tibetan territory where it is sensitive to anything that could potentially feed separatist sentiment.

It was no different this time. Authorities swiftly launched their crackdown, arresting hundreds of people at protests while also raiding homes across the valley, according to one of our sources.

One unverified but widely shared clip appears to show Chinese policemen shoving a group of monks on a road, in what is thought to be an arrest operation.

Many were detained for weeks and some were beaten badly, according to our Tibetan sources whose family and friends were targeted in the crackdown.

One source shared fresh details of the interrogations. He told the BBC that a childhood friend was detained and interrogated over several days.

"He was asked questions and treated nicely at first. They asked him 'who asked you to participate, who is behind this'.

"Then, when he couldn't give them [the] answers they wanted, he was beaten by six or seven different security personnel over several days."

His friend sustained only minor injuries, and was freed within a few days. But others were not so lucky.

Another source told the BBC that more than 20 of his relatives and friends were detained for participating in the protests, including an elderly person who was more than 70 years old.

"Some of them sustained injuries all over their body, including in their ribs and kidneys, from being kicked and beaten… some of them were sick because of their injuries," he said.

Similar claims of physical abuse and beatings during the arrests have surfaced in overseas Tibetan media reports.

The UN letter also notes reports of detentions and use of force on hundreds of protesters, stating they were "severely beaten by the Chinese police, resulting in injuries that required hospitalisation".

Tsering Woeser A photo showing seated red-robed monks praying inside the Wontoe Monastery in Dege county. Tsering Woeser
The dam's reservoir would submerge the 700-year-old Wontoe Monastery...
Tsering Woeser An ancient, fading mural inside the Wontoe Monastery shows Buddha seated, with other images surrounding him - the mural is painted in red, blue, green, yellow and white.   Tsering Woeser
And its ancient, sacred murals

After the crackdown, Tibetans in the area encountered even tighter restrictions, the BBC understands. Communication with the outside world was further limited and there was increased surveillance. Those who are still contactable have been unwilling to talk as they fear another crackdown, according to sources.

The first source said while some released protesters were eventually allowed to travel elsewhere in Tibetan territory, others have been slapped with orders restricting their movement.

This has caused problems for those who need to go to hospital for medical treatment and nomadic tribespeople who need to roam across pastures with their herds, he said.

The second source said he last heard from his relatives and friends at the end of February: "When I got through, they said not to call any more as they would get arrested. They were very scared, they would hang up on me.

"We used to talk over WeChat, but now that is not possible. I'm totally blocked from contacting all of them," he said.

"The last person I spoke to was a younger female cousin. She said, 'It's very dangerous, a lot of us have been arrested, there's a lot of trouble, they have hit a lot of us'… They didn't know what was going to happen to them next."

The BBC has been unable to find any mention of the protests and crackdown in Chinese state media. But shortly after the protests, a Chinese Communist Party official visited the area to "explain the necessity" of building the dam and called for "stability maintenance measures", according to one report.

A few months later, a tender was awarded for the construction of a Dege "public security post", according to documents posted online.

The BBC has been monitoring the valley via satellite imagery for months. For now, there is no sign of the dam's construction nor demolition of the villages and monasteries.

The Chinese embassy told us authorities were still conducting geological surveys and specialised studies to build the dam. They added the local government is "actively and thoroughly understanding the demands and aspirations" of residents.

Development or exploitation?

China is no stranger to controversy when it comes to dams.

When the government constructed the world's biggest dam in the 90s - the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River - it saw protests and criticism over its handling of relocation and compensation for thousands of villagers.

In more recent years, as China has accelerated its pivot from coal to clean energy sources, such moves have become especially sensitive in Tibetan territories.

Beijing has been eyeing the steep valleys and mighty rivers here, in the rural west, to build mega-dams and hydropower stations that can sustain China's electricity-hungry eastern metropolises. President Xi Jinping has personally pushed for this, a policy called "xidiandongsong", or "sending western electricity eastwards".

Getty Images An aerial photo shows Wudongde Hydropower Station on the Jinsha river, the world's seventh largest hydropower station, on the channel of the Jinsha river in Liangshan prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, December 31, 2022. Getty Images
China has been building several dams on the Jinsha river, including the Wudongde Hydropower Station

Like Gangtuo, many of these dams are on the Jinsha (Dri Chu) river, which runs through Tibetan territories. It forms the upper reaches of the Yangtze river and is part of what China calls the world's largest clean energy corridor.

Gangtuo is in fact the latest in a series of 13 dams planned for this valley, five of which are already in operation or under construction.

The Chinese government and state media have presented these dams as a win-win solution that cuts pollution and generates clean energy, while uplifting rural Tibetans.

In its statement to the BBC, the Chinese embassy said clean energy projects focus on "promoting high-quality economic development" and "enhancing the sense of gain and happiness among people of all ethnic groups".

But the Chinese government has long been accused of violating Tibetans' rights. Activists say the dams are the latest example of Beijing's exploitation of Tibetans and their land.

"What we are seeing is the accelerated destruction of Tibetan religious, cultural and linguistic heritage," said Tenzin Choekyi, a researcher with rights group Tibet Watch. "This is the 'high-quality development' and 'ecological civilisation' that the Chinese government is implementing in Tibet."

One key issue is China's relocation policy that evicts Tibetans from their homes to make way for development - the same fate awaits the villagers and monks living near the Gangtuo dam. More than 930,000 rural Tibetans are estimated to have been relocated since 2000, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Beijing has always maintained that these relocations happen only with the consent of Tibetans, and that they are given housing, compensation and new job opportunities. State media often portrays it as an improvement in their living conditions.

Getty Images A spectacular bend in the Jinsha river as it winds all the way around mountain, is seen in an aerial photo of Garze city, Sichuan Province.Getty Images
A spectacular bend in the Jinsha river: the rivers in China's west are being harnessed to power its eastern metropolises

But rights groups paint a different picture, with reports detailing evidence of coercion, complaints of inadequate compensation, cramped living conditions, and lack of jobs. They also point out that relocation severs the deep, centuries-old connection that rural Tibetans share with their land.

"These people will essentially lose everything they own, their livelihoods and community heritage," said Maya Wang, interim China director at HRW.

There are also environmental concerns over the flooding of Tibetan valleys renowned for their biodiversity, and the possible dangers of building dams in a region rife with earthquake fault lines.

Some Chinese academics have found the pressure from accumulated water in dam reservoirs could potentially increase the risk of quakes, including in the Jinsha river. This could cause catastrophic flooding and destruction, as seen in 2018, when rain-induced landslides occurred at a village situated between two dam construction sites on Jinsha.

The Chinese embassy told us that the implementation of any clean energy project "will go through scientific planning and rigorous demonstration, and will be subject to relevant supervision".

In recent years, China has passed laws safeguarding the environment surrounding the Yangtze River and the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. President Xi has personally stressed the need to protect the Yangtze's upper reaches.

About 424 million yuan (£45.5m, $60m) has been spent on environmental conservation along Jinsha, according to state media. Reports have also highlighted efforts to quake-proof dam projects.

Multiple Tibetan rights groups, however, argue that any large-scale development in Tibetan territory, including dams such as Gangtuo, should be halted.

They have staged protests overseas and called for an international moratorium, arguing that companies participating in such projects would be "allowing the Chinese government to profit from the occupation and oppression of Tibetans".

"I really hope that this [dam-building] stops," one of our sources said. "Our ancestors were here, our temples are here. We have been here for generations. It is very painful to move. What kind of life would we have if we leave?"

Additional reporting by Richard Irvine-Brown of BBC Verify

The France rape trial throws up a difficult question about porn fantasies - and male desire

23 December 2024 at 08:35
Getty Images Treated image showing a man and a woman looking to the sideGetty Images

Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual abuse

The Pelicot rape trial, which ended in France on Thursday, held a terrible fascination for almost every woman I know. As it unfolded in an Avignon court, I found myself following every awful detail, then discussing it with my female friends, my daughters, colleagues, even women in my local book club, as we tried to process what happened.

For nearly a decade, Gisèle Pelicot's husband had been secretly drugging her and inviting men he'd met on the internet to have sex with his "Sleeping Beauty" wife in the marital bedroom while he videoed them.

These strangers, ranging from 22 to 70 years in age, with jobs that included fireman, nurse, journalist, prison warden and soldier, complied with Dominique Pelicot's instructions. Such was their desire for a submissive female body to penetrate, they blithely had sex with a retired grandmother whose heavily sedated body resembled a rag doll.

There were 50 men in court, all living within a 50km (30 mile) radius of Mazan, a small town in southern France where the Pelicots lived. They were, apparently, just like "any other man".

One woman in her 30s told me "When I first read about it, I didn't want to be around men for at least a week, even my fiancé. It just horrified me."

Another in her late 60s, so close to Gisèle Pelicot's age, couldn't stop thinking about what men's minds could be harbouring, even her husband and sons. "Is this just the tip of the iceberg?"

Reuters A courtroom sketch of some of the defendants in the trialReuters
Some of the men on trial at the courthouse in Avignon

As Dr Stella Duffy, 61, an author and therapist, wrote on Instagram on the day the verdict was delivered: "I hope and try to believe #notallmen, but I imagine the wives and girlfriends and best mates and daughters and mothers of Gisèle Pelicot's village thought that too. And now they know different. Every woman I talk to says this case has changed how she views men. I hope it's changed how men view men too."

Now that justice has been done, we can look beyond this monstrous case and ask: where did these men's callous and violent behaviour come from? Could they not see that sex without consent is rape?

But there is a broader question too. What does the fact that so many men in a relatively small area shared this fantasy of extreme domination over a woman say about the nature of male desire?

How the internet changed the norm

It is hard to imagine the scale of the orchestrated rapes and sexual assaults of Ms Pelicot without the internet.

The platform on which Dominique Pelicot advertised for men to rape his wife was an unmoderated French website, which made it easier to bring together people who shared sexual interests, with no holds barred, than it would have been in the days before the internet. (It has now been closed down.)

One of Ms Pelicot's lawyers likened the site to a "murder weapon", telling the court that without it the case "would never have reached such proportions".

But the internet has played a role in gradually changing attitudes to sex in consensual and non-abusive settings too, normalising what many might have once seen as extreme.

Getty Images Close up of Gisele PelicotGetty Images
Gisèle Pelicot said after the verdicts that she wanted to 'think of the unrecognised victims whose stories remain in the shadows'

In the shift from old school skin mags and blue movies bought in a murky Soho sex shop to modern-day websites like PornHub, which had 11.4 billion mobile visits globally in the month of January 2024 alone, the boundaries of porn have expanded hugely. Adding in more and more extreme or niche activity ramps up the expectation, so "vanilla" sex may become mundane.

According to a survey of UK online users in January 2024, almost one in 10 respondents aged between 25 and 49 years reported watching porn most days, the great majority of them male.

Twenty-four-year-old university graduate Daisy told me that most people she knows watch porn, including her. She prefers to use a feminist site whose search filters include "passionate" and "sensual", as well as "rough". But some of her male friends say they no longer watch porn "as they couldn't have a nice time having sex because of watching too much porn when they were just kids".

A 2023 study for the children's commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, found that a quarter of 16 to 21-year-olds first saw pornography on the internet while still at primary school.

At the time Ms de Souza said: "The adult content which parents may have accessed in their youth could be considered 'quaint' in comparison to today's world of online pornography."

Does porn really shape attitudes?

Children who regularly viewed porn on mobiles before puberty inevitably grow up with different sexual expectations than those aroused by Playboy in the 20th century.

While no direct causal link has been established, there is substantial evidence of an association between the use of pornography and harmful sexual attitudes and behaviours towards women.

According to government research before the Covid-19 pandemic: "There is evidence that use of pornography is associated with greater likelihood of desiring or engaging in sexual acts witnessed in porn, and a greater likelihood of believing women want to engage in these specific acts."

Some of those acts may involve aggressive, dominating behaviour such as face slapping, choking, gagging and spitting. Daisy told me: "Choking has become normalised, routine, expected, like neck-kissing. With the last person I was seeing, I told him from the start that I wasn't into choking and he was fine with that."

But she believes that not all women will speak out. "And in my experience most men don't want a woman to be dominant in the bedroom. That's where they want to have the power."

Forty years older than Daisy, Suzanne Noble has written about her own sexual adventures and now has a website and podcast called Sex Advice for Seniors. She believes that the availability of porn that depicts rape fantasies normalises an act that is rooted in violence and depicts rape as an activity women crave.

"There's simply not enough education about the difference between re-enacting a fantasy that involves a pseudo-rape, with a completely non-consensual version of the same," she argues.

From small ads to real life

Just as the internet brought porn out of backstreets and into bedrooms, it has also facilitated easier access to events in real life. Previously people into, say, S&M (sadomasochism), might have connected through small ads in the back of "contact" magazines, using Post Office boxes rather than mail to their own homes. It was a very slow and arduous way of setting up a sexual encounter. Now it's far easier to connect with those groups online then plan to meet in person.

In the UK, it has become mainstream to find love and relationships through dating apps, and so too is it easier to connect with people who wish to try out particular sexual kinks, with a plethora of social apps such as Feeld, which is designed for people to explore "desire outside of existing blueprints". Its online glossary includes a list of 31 desires, including polyamory, bondage and submission.

Albertina Fisher is an online psychosexual therapist who, in the course of her job, talks to her clients about their sexual fantasies. "There is nothing wrong with having a sexual fantasy — the difference is if fantasy becomes behaviour without consent," she says.

Reuters A woman holds a sign saying Not All Men but Always a ManReuters
Demonstrators hold signs at a protest in support of rape victims and Ms Pelicot

Male and female fantasies are different she tells me, "but they very often include submission and domination. The key thing about sexual preferences such as BDSM (bondage, discipline or domination, sadism, and masochism) is that it is safe, sane and consensual. What two people want to do together is absolutely fine." This, she stresses, is the case when both consent.

All of this is, of course, entirely separate to the Pelicot case. "That is sexual violence," she says. "And it's extremely distressing that this can happen within what appeared to be a loving relationship. Acting out a fantasy without consent is an extreme form of narcissism.

"With the partner incapacitated, all their needs are denied. So you have a fantasy of a woman who you don't have to worry about pleasing."

Questions around desire

A key and problematic aspect of the whole question of fantasy is desire. In the post-Freudian age it has become a truism that desires should not be repressed. And much of the liberation theory of the 1960s emphasised self-actualisation through the realisation of sexual desire.

But male desire has become an increasingly contested concept, not least because of the questions of power and domination often entangled within it.

The men who stood trial in the Pelicot case struggled to see themselves as perpetrators. Some argued that they assumed Ms Pelicot had consented, or that they were taking part in a libertine sex game. As many of them saw it, they were simply pursuing their desires.

Getty Images A defendant in a mask walks through a crowd of journalistsGetty Images
A defendant arrives at the courthouse in Avignon

There is a dark borderline where a very basic form of heterosexual male desire - (or the primal urge to have sex with a woman, or women, in the most uncomplicated manner) - can grow into a shared endeavour, creating an esprit de corps of boundary-pushing that may pay little heed or care to the female experience.

This perhaps explains why an OnlyFans performer, Lily Phillips, recently drew a huge queue of participants in her quest to have sex with 100 men in one day.

The tendency to objectify women may in some cases also develop into a desire to annihilate the whole question of female desire, let alone agency.

Obviously male desire takes many forms, most of an entirely healthy nature, but it has traditionally been constrained by cultural limits. Now those limits have shifted radically in the UK and elsewhere in the West, and the underlying conviction that the realisation of desire is an act of self-liberation amounts to a potent and sometimes troubling combination.

The appeal of Andrew Tate

Andre de Trichateau, a therapist based in South Kensington, London, brought up the appeal of masculinist influencers such as Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed "misogynist", who has 10.4 million followers on X.

Mr de Trichateau says that he has encountered men feeling demeaned and displaced by the rise of feminism. "Some men don't know who to be," he says. "Men are socialised to be dominant but also expected to be in touch with their emotions, able to show vulnerability.

"This confusion can lead to anger, directed to the feminist movement, and [in turn this can lead them to] people such as Tate."

With a 60% male client base, Mr de Trichateau observes that "men can be socialised to view power and dominance as part of their identity".

"This is not to justify anything like the Pelicot case," he continues, "but objectively I can see that such behaviour is an escape from powerlessness and inadequacy. It's tantalising and forbidden.

"The case is disturbing because it shows the extremities that people will go to."

He also pointed out that online groups such as the one Mr Pelicot used can be very powerful. "In a group you are accepted. Ideas are validated. One person says its OK then everyone will go along with it."

EPA Photograph of Andrew Tate smiling and wearing a purple blazerEPA
Andrew Tate, who was previously banned from Twitter for saying women should "bear responsibility" for being sexually assaulted. He has since been reinstated

Many of the conversations during and since the Pelicot trial have focused on how to make the distinction between consensual and non-consensual sex and whether it should be better defined in law - but the problem is that what consent amounts to is a complex question.

As 24-year-old Daisy sees it, some women of her age tend to go along with men's sexual preferences regardless of their own feelings. "They think something is hot if the man they are with thinks it's hot."

So, if heterosexual men, in particular, really are increasingly taking their sexual cues from pornography, then that prompts further questions about the changing shape of male desire. And if young women can feel that the price of intimacy is to go along with those desires, however extreme, then arguably consent is not a black and white matter.

Ultimately, there may be widespread relief that the Pelicot case is over and that justice was served, but it leaves behind even more questions - questions that, in the spirit of an amazingly strong French woman, are perhaps best discussed out in the open.

Lead image credit: Getty

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Woman dies after being set on fire on NYC subway

23 December 2024 at 06:49
Getty Images Police investigate at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn after a woman aboard a subway car was set on fire and diedGetty Images
Police were called to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station in Brooklyn after a woman on a subway car was set on fire

A suspect has been arrested in New York over the death of a woman who was set on fire on a subway train in Brooklyn.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident on Sunday as "one of the most depraved crimes one person could possibly commit against another human being".

She said the woman was sleeping on a stationary F train to Brooklyn when she was approached by the suspect who used a lighter to ignite her clothing.

The victim died at the scene, she said, adding that the suspect had been taken into custody after he was detained on another subway train.

Police said the woman, who has not been named, was sleeping in a subway carriage at the Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station in Brooklyn at about 07:30 local time (12:30 GMT) when a man approached her.

There was no interaction before the attack, police said, adding that they did not believe the two people knew each other.

The man got off the train as police officers on patrol in the station rushed to the fire.

"What they saw was a person standing inside the train car fully engulfed in flames," Ms Tisch said.

Police are still working to identify the victim and the motive for the attack.

Wallace & Gromit without Peter Sallis is 'emotional' says Nick Park

23 December 2024 at 08:38
BBC/Aardman Animations/Richard Davies/Stuart Collis Wallace & Gromit in Vengeance Most Fowl, running away from something with Wallace holding a torchBBC/Aardman Animations/Richard Davies/Stuart Collis
Wallace & Gromit in Vengeance Most Fowl

If you asked TV viewers to name a favourite double act, chances are the two stars of Vengeance Most Fowl would be close to the top of the list.

It's Wallace & Gromit's first major appearance in over a decade, and the first film not to feature the voice of Peter Sallis as the cheese-loving inventor.

"It has been quite emotional [doing this production] since we lost Peter, he was such an original, unique voice," says Nick Park of Sallis, who died in 2017 at the age of 96.

"So it's very hard for anyone to step into his shoes. But we have been blessed with a youngish actor whom we've known for many years who can do a fantastic Wallace impersonation.

"He's stepped in very kindly, and is just great. It's hard to tell them apart."

PA Media The original voice of Wallace, Peter Sallis with Nick Park in 2008PA Media
The original voice of Wallace, Peter Sallis with Nick Park in 2008

Take a bow, Ben Whitehead - the 47-year-old actor and voice artist says he feels honoured to be taking on the role. But also admits to feeling a degree of pressure.

"Enormous pressure!" he tells the BBC.

"Because it's a very popular character. I got to work with Peter [Sallis] a couple of times for [2005's] The Curse of the Were-Rabbit film.

"So yeah, there's a great deal of pressure with that. And I feel very grateful to Aardman for giving me so much time to build the character.

"You kind of have to do the 'hmm' and the 'hee-hee'," he continues - demonstrating some Wallace-isms that sound indistinguishable from Peter Sallies's Yorkshire tones.

"Definitely the elongation of the vowels like 'cheeeeese'!"

Why return now?

Fans have been clamouring for more from the plasticine pair for years. So why now?

"Whenever we've done talks around the world, the last question is always, 'When is the next Wallace & Gromit film?', explains Park. "The last time we did that I just came home burning with this idea that's been around for years."

The idea was - what if Wallace created a pre-programmed, voice-controlled smart Gnome.

Enter Norbot, but of course regular viewers of Wallace & Gromit will be unsurprised to learn that the inventor's well-intentioned idea, as usual, ends up causing mayhem.

Aardman Animations Wallace & Gromit with the smart gnome NorbotAardman Animations
In Vengeance Most Fowl Wallace & Gromit are joined by smart gnome Norbot

This isn't the only familiar element to appear in this latest story.

This new adventure also features an old villain, the criminal mastermind Feathers McGraw, a chicken-impersonating-penguin whom Wallace & Gromit - mostly Gromit - defeated in 1993's The Wrong Trousers.

BBC/Aardman Animations/Richard Davies/Stuart Collis Feathers McGrawBBC/Aardman Animations/Richard Davies/Stuart Collis
Feathers McGraw is back

"Whenever we're out and about talking about the future of Wallace & Gromit, the single most asked question is 'when will Feathers be back?", says Merlin Crossingham, who directs Vengeance Most Fowl alongside Nick Park.

"Everybody loves a villain, it's often said your film is only as good as its villain, [so it] seemed a perfect opportunity to bring Feathers back for this story."

Aardman Animations Directors Merlin Crossingham and Nick Park on one of the film's setsAardman Animations
Directors Merlin Crossingham and Nick Park on one of the film's sets

Wallace & Gromit were first introduced to audiences with 1989's A Grand Day Out. Since then their adventures have involved everything from malfunctioning clothing to mysterious were-rabbits.

"I think Wallace & Gromit have so many facets to their relationship," says Crossingham.

"They are best pals. They're kind of partners in crime, they're man and dog. And hopefully in the films, their stories, and their relationship everybody young and old relates to them.

"I truly think it's that relatability, not just of their simplicity of lifestyle from which madness erupts.

"But everybody somewhere in the stories connects with them on some level.

"And I think that what Nick has created, right back at the beginning with A Grand Day Out, has really struck a chord with people."

'Christmas day ratings battle'

The last time a new Wallace & Gromit adventure went out on Christmas Day was in 2008 with A Matter of Loaf and Death. It was day's most-watched show, with more than 16 million viewers tuning in.

It was also the most-watched show of the entire year.

While it's still possible that it could repeat that feat, it's up against some extremely tough competition.

"Bring it on, Gavin & Stacey!" jokes Crossingham, acknowledging the huge popularity of the Essex and Barry-based comedy, whose finale also goes out on Christmas Day.

However while Gavin & Stacey might be reaching its conclusion, this definitely isn't a finale for Wallace & Gromit.

"[It's] certainly not the end," says Nick Park. "I think there's plenty of bounce still in their bungee.

"We'll carry on. There's always ideas worth kicking about."

"Give us a minute though," Interjects Merlin. "They take a while to make!"

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is on BBC One at 18.10 on Christmas Day.

Rome to regulate Trevi Fountain queues after restoration

23 December 2024 at 07:56
Getty Images A general view shows the Trevi fountain after renovation works in Rome, on the day of its reopening with crowds of people huddling round the grand re-opening.Getty Images
More than 10,000 people used to visit the baroque landmark in Rome every day

Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain has re-opened after a three-month restoration.

Built in the 18th Century by Italian architect Nicola Salvi on the façade of the Poli Palace, the historic fountain is one of the city's most visited spots.

Between 10,000 and 12,000 tourists used to visit the Trevi Fountain each day, but a new queuing system has been installed to prevent large crowds massing near the landmark.

Speaking on Sunday Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri said imposing the limit will "allow everyone to better enjoy the fountain, without crowds or confusion".

Gualtieri also said city authorities were considering charging a modest entry price to finance the fountain's upkeep.

Sunday's re-opening took place under light rain in the presence of several hundred tourists, many of whom followed the mayor by throwing a coin into the fountain.

The three-month cleaning project involved removing mould and calcium incrustations.

The fountain and other key city sites have been cleaned ahead of the jubilee of the Roman Catholic Church which begins on Christmas Eve.

Getty Images  People visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, ItalyGetty Images
A new queueing system will be put in place to avoid large crowds, like this in September 2024

Its poor structural condition was exposed in 2012 when bits of its elaborate cornice began falling off after an especially harsh winter which required a multi-million euro renovation the following year.

Making a wish and tossing a coin into the water is such a tradition that the city authorities used to collect around €10,000 (£8,300; $10,500) a week.

The money was donated to a charity that provides meals for the poor.

The Trevi fountain

Getty Images An old photo of the Trevi Fountain in RomeGetty Images
  • Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in 1730
  • It is the end point of one of the aqueducts that supplied ancient Rome with water
  • The Acqua Vergine runs for a total of 20km (12 miles) before flowing into the fountain
  • Tourists can drink from a special tap tucked away at one side
  • According to legend, the water source was discovered in 19 BC by thirsty Roman soldiers directed to the site by a young virgin - which is why it is called Virgin Waters
  • The tradition of throwing coins into the fountain was made famous by Frank Sinatra's Three Coins in the Fountain in the 1954 romantic comedy of the same name

Heroism attributed to murder suspect Mangione alarming, says homeland security secretary

23 December 2024 at 02:54
Watch: Homeland Security Secretary says CEO murder rhetoric 'extraordinarily alarming'

The rhetoric on social media following the murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York earlier this month has been "extraordinarily alarming", US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says.

"It speaks of what is really bubbling here in this country, and unfortunately we see that manifested in violence, the domestic violent extremism that exists," he told CBS's Face the Nation on Sunday.

Some on social media have celebrated Luigi Mangione, the man accused of shooting dead Mr Thompson, and shared anger at America's private health insurers.

Mayorkas said he was "alarmed by the heroism that is being attributed to an alleged murderer of a father of two children on the streets in New York".

Mr Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of the largest US health insurer UnitedHealthcare, was gunned down outside a Manhattan hotel early on 4 December triggering a massive manhunt for the killer.

Mr Mangione, 26, was arrested days later in Pennsylvania and flown to New York where he is facing both federal and state charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.

Investigators accuse him of carrying out a targeted killing, pointing to evidence that suggests a long-held animosity towards the US healthcare industry. On social media, support for Mr Mangione has often been accompanied by grievances and complaints with the health insurance sector.

"We have been concerned about the rhetoric on social media for some time," Mayorkas said on Sunday. "We've seen narratives of hate. We've seen narratives of anti-government sentiment. We've seen personal grievances in the language of violence."

Mayorkas, whose homeland security department is in part responsible for protecting Americans from domestic terrorism, said his department sees a "wide range of narratives" that "drive some individuals to violence."

"It's something that we're very concerned about," he said. "That is a heightened threat environment."

But the 65-year-old, whose time at the helm of the department will end next month, stressed that Mr Thompson's killing was "the actions of an individual [and] not reflective of the American public".

Watch: Mangione's extradition to New York explained in 73 seconds

Mr Mangione will remain behind bars in New York as his lawyers said last week that they would not present an application for bail. He is in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn, the same facility where Sean 'Diddy' Combs is being held.

He will likely be assigned a roommate and have daily visits from medical and psychological services, law enforcement sources told the BBC's US partner CBS.

While New York does not have the death penalty, he faces four federal charges, including murder and stalking, which could make him eligible for the punishment. He also faces multiple state charges.

He is expected to be arraigned on those state charges in New York on Monday. Mr Mangione faces 11 counts, including murder in the first degree and murder as a crime of terrorism.

Belfast City Airport shut after emergency during landing

23 December 2024 at 07:28
BBC A long-range shot at night-time shows an airplane on a runway surrounded by blue lights of various emergency service vehiclesBBC
Emergency services attend the Aer Lingus plane, which appears to have suffered a nose wheel collapse during landing

Belfast City Airport's runway will be closed for the rest of Sunday after an Aer Lingus plane suffered an emergency incident while landing during strong winds.

The plane had flown from Edinburgh to Belfast at about 16:00 GMT with four crew members but no passengers on board.

Pictures appear to show the aircraft with a collapsed nose wheel sitting on the runway.

It is understood no-one was seriously hurt.

It was a "positioning flight" operated by Emerald Airlines on behalf of Aer Lingus.

Emerald Airlines said it "experienced a hard landing upon arriving into Belfast City Airport due to adverse weather conditions".

Two flights - from London City and Leeds Bradford - due to land at the airport have since arrived at Belfast International Airport after being diverted.

Trump threatens to try and regain control of Panama Canal

23 December 2024 at 04:54
Getty Images Donald trump in front of a podium with the Turning Point USA logo on itGetty Images
Trump made his remarks in front of thousands at Turning Point's annual conference, one of the country's largest gatherings of conservative activists

President-elect Donald Trump has demanded Panama reduce fees on the Panama Canal or return it to US control, accusing the central American country of charging "exorbitant prices" to American shipping and naval vessels.

"The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, highly unfair," he told a crowd of supporters in Arizona on Sunday.

"This complete rip-off of our country will immediately stop," he said, referring to when he takes office next month.

His remarks prompted a quick rebuke from Panama's president, who said "every square metre" of the canal and surrounding area belong to his country.

President José Raúl Mulino added that Panama's sovereignty and independence were non-negotiable.

Trump made the comments to supporters of Turning Point USA, a conservative activist group that provided significant support to his 2024 election campaign.

It was a rare example of a US leader saying he could push a country to hand over territory - although he did not explain how he would do so - and a sign of how American foreign policy and diplomacy may shift once he enters the White House following his inauguration on 20 January.

Trump's comments followed a similar post a day earlier in which he said the Panama Canal was a "vital national asset" for the US.

If shipping rates are not lowered, Trump said on Sunday, "we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, quickly and without question".

The 51-mile (82km) Panama Canal cuts across the central American nation and is the main link between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

It was built in the early 1900s and the US maintained control over the canal zone until 1977, when treaties gradually ceded the land back to Panama. After a period of joint control, Panama took sole control in 1999.

Up to 14,000 ships cross the canal per year, including container ships carrying cars, natural gas and other goods, and military vessels.

As well as Panama, the president-elect also took aim at Canada and Mexico over what he called unfair trade practices. He accused them of allowing drugs and immigrants into the US, although he called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a "wonderful woman".

Trump hits the usual themes

Trump made his remarks in front of thousands at Turning Point's annual conference, one of the country's largest gatherings of conservative activists.

Turning Point poured huge resources into get-out-the-vote efforts in swing states designed to bolster Trump and other Republicans during the election campaign.

It was his first speech since a deal passed Congress this week to keep the US government open, after several provisions were removed including one that would have increased the country's debt ceiling.

Trump had supported raising the debt ceiling, which restricts the amount of money the US government can borrow.

But his speech on Sunday avoided that issue entirely, instead recapping his election victory and hitting on themes – including immigration, crime and foreign trade – that were mainstays of his campaign.

He did, however, mention Elon Musk.

"You know, they're on a new kick," he said. "All the different hoaxes. The new one is that President Trump has ceded the presidency to Elon Musk."

"No, no, that's not happening," he said. "He's not gonna be president."

Several speakers here at the conference were critical of government spending and of politicians in both parties – however the divisions inside the Republican Party which have played out in Congress in recent days were mostly muted.

Tiger Woods' son Charlie, 15, hits first hole-in-one as pair team up at US tournament

23 December 2024 at 06:55

Tiger Woods' son Charlie, 15, hits first hole-in-one

Tiger Woods of the United States reacts with his son Charlie Woods after holing out on the fourth hole during the second round of the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, FloridaImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Tiger Woods and his son Charlie first played at the PNC Championship in 2020

  • Published

Tiger Woods' teenage son Charlie hit his first hole-in-one during the final round of the PNC Championship - but they were beaten to the title in a play-off by Bernhard and Jason Langer.

Charlie Woods, 15, holed out at the par-three fourth to send the father-son team into the lead at the tournament, which features 20 major champions playing with a member of their family.

But it was Team Langer who celebrated a second consecutive trophy - and fourth overall - in Orlando, Florida when German Bernhard made eagle on the first play-off hole to seal the win.

"It was awesome," Charlie said. "No one made a mistake today, so that was some of the most fun I've ever had."

He added: "On top of that, I made an ace. I don't think I can top that."

Tiger Woods was playing in his first competitive event since the Open in July.

The 15-time major winner had back surgery for the second time in 18 months in September and conceded he was "nowhere near competitive shape" at the PGA-backed exhibition tournament.

However, he did think he and son Charlie "made a great team this week".

"And that's the whole joy of it, is to be out here with family and bonding and just the enjoyment of each other's company," the 48-year-old added.

The younger Woods was not the only player to make a first career hole-in-one on Sunday.

Some 30 minutes after Charlie holed out, Paddy Harrington - the 21-year-old whose father Padraig is a three-time major winner - aced the eighth hole.

"I've never hit a shot and been that excited before," Padraig Harrington said.

Related topics

Women's groups praise 'brave' Southport instructor

23 December 2024 at 08:41
Leanne Lucas Leanne Lucas, who has long, dark brown hair, smiles while holding a therapy dog in a yoga studio.Leanne Lucas
Leanne Lucas was severely injured during the Southport attacks

Women's charities have praised the yoga instructor who was seriously injured during this summer's Southport stabbings for being "so courageous" while recently speaking in public for the first time about her experiences.

Leanne Lucas was overseeing a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in the Merseyside town on 29 July when a knifeman entered and killed three girls. He stabbed eight other girls and a local man who had rushed to protect them.

Ms Lucas, who was also trying to shield two girls from the knifeman, suffered serious stab wounds.

At a vigil in Liverpool last month to remember women and girls who had lost their lives to male violence, she said: "The guilt, shame and fear we can feel as women will be outshone by courage, fierceness and our ability to connect."

Addressing the crowd, she added: "Raise your voice and share your stories. Often we don't realise how powerful we are."

Sandy Withe, who is involved with the Birkenhead-based Tomorrow's Women charity, described Ms Lucas's actions as "so brave and courageous".

She added: "I admire people like that – for it to be recent to happen to her and then to stand up in front of those people and to let people know that there is help out there as well."

Composite of Elsie Dot Stancombe in a school portrait, Alice da Silva Aguiar at her Holy Communion ceremony and Bebe King at home posing for pictures
Leanne Lucas said Southport had become more "connected" after the attacks, in which Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King were killed

Since 2009, 74 women and girls have been killed in Merseyside, which has seen some of the highest rates of violence by men against women and girls in England.

High-profile cases include the stabbing of Ava White, who was just 12 when she was attacked by a boy at a Christmas lights switch-on event in 2021.

Other victims include nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 28-year-old Ashley Dale, and 26-year-old Elle Edwards, who was shot on Christmas Eve 2022.

Sandy Withe, wearing a santa hat, laughs as she unwraps a gift while surrounded by other women at a table duing a Christmas party.
Sandy Withe (centre), from the Tomorrow's Women charity, described Ms Lucas as "so brave and courageous"

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Merseyside (RASA) charity, which was involved in November's vigil in Liverpool, believes it is vital to keep the issue of violence against women and girls in the public eye.

Operations manager Lorraine Wood said: "The names are read of all the women that have lost their lives and each year the number [is] growing.

"It's really important that we do come together regularly to remember those women - those women should never be forgotten."

Violence against women and girls has been described as a national emergency by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

In January, for the first time, Liverpool will join other cities taking part in the UK Women's March.

Among other things, it will highlight and condemn the rise in violence against women and girls.

Merseyside Police said tackling it was a priority for the force, and that officers were putting women's voices at the heart of their work.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk

The Papers: Mandelson seeks Farage 'help' with Trump and 'not over' for Fury

23 December 2024 at 07:34
BBC Daily Telegraph front pageBBC
A variety of stories feature on Monday's front pages. The Daily Telegraph reports that Lord Mandelson is set to call on Nigel Farage to "help him win over" Donald Trump's administration when he becomes UK ambassador to the US. It says the contact with the Reform UK leader, who has been close to Trump since 2016, is likely to lead to a backlash from figures within Labour. It also has a story on how social media giants are to start using facial checks to stop underage users accessing platforms.
FT front page
The Financial Times leads with a story about the Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy saying that Nigel Farage's party is going to disrupt UK politics "like we have never seen before" as he claims billionaires, aside from Elon Musk, want to back the party.
Times front page
The Times leads with Labour cabinet minister Lucy Powell calling the country's economic outlook "disappointing" while a leading business group said the UK economy was "headed for the worst of all worlds" next year. The paper also features a photo of André Gleissner, the nine-year-old boy killed in an attack on a German Christmas market over the weekend.
Daily Express
The Daily Express carries the headline "Labour set to drive UK headlong into recession". It quotes from a survey of company figures carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) which suggests the government is creating a "hostile environment for aspiration, investment and growth".
Daily Mail front page
The Daily Mail also reports the CBI survey, saying businesses have sounded a "recession warning". It also has a photo of actor Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Lively has filed a legal complaint against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and a campaign to "destroy" her reputation.
The Guardian front page
The Guardian reports that more than £100m was spent last year by local authorities and the government on failed efforts to block support for children and young people with special educational needs in England.
The i front page
The i reports that Sir Keir Starmer faces his biggest rebellion yet as "Labour rebels believe dozens of MPs" will revolt against the government's refusal to compensate women who were born in the 1950s and say they were not properly informed of the rise in the state pension age to bring them into line with men.
The Sun front page
The Sun has a story on boxer Tyson Fury reportedly telling friends "it's not over" for him despite a second world heavyweight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Mirror front page
The Daily Mirror has a story about a three-year-old boy called Zachary who needs a double organ transplant to save his life, describing it as a "heartbreaking Christmas wish"
Daily Star front page
And the Daily Star has the headline "jingle smells", quoting a poll that claims millions of Britons will not wash or change their underwear between Christmas and New Year.
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