| Neil Armstrong - First Moon Landing 1969 Posted: 25 Aug 2012 01:04 PM PDT | Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon, said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 02:30 | More in News & Politics |
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| American Crowned Air Guitar World Champ Posted: 25 Aug 2012 07:09 AM PDT | American Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard wins the 17th Air Guitar World Championships in Finland. Full Story: Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard from the US won the 17th Air Guitar World Championships in Oulu, Finland on Friday (August 24). The Air Guitar World Championships is a three-day event with international contestants that culminates in a Grand Finale at Rotuaari Square in the center of Oulu in Northern Finland. Around 5000 people gathered in the city center to watch 18 contestants from around the world battle for the grand prize—a real guitar. "Everyone is very excited of course since this is a big event and so forth, so everyone is always looking forward to this happening." The world championships were first organized in Oulu in 1996. [Aline "Devil's Niece" Westphal from Germany, 2011 Guitar World Champion]: "The performance this year is very different from the performance last year, it's more girlie style, it's wild, it's rock n roll style and it's not so dramatic as last year and yeah, a little bit more crazy, I think." In the first round, contestants played a song of their choice. The 10 contestants with the highest score went through to the second round, where they performed 'Loose My Soul' by the Flaming Sideburns. [Juha Torvinen, Air Guitar Judge and Guitarist]: "I for myself, I like improvisations. That is the main thing for me, but of course you have to look at the whole performance and I think my heart decides who is the best one. It's that simple and <b>...</b> | Views: 149 9 ratings | | Time: 02:21 | More in Music |
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| Mass Prisoner Wedding in Ciudad Juarez Posted: 25 Aug 2012 06:08 AM PDT | Over 100 couples married behind bars during a mass wedding. Full Story: Over 100 couples were married behind prison walls on Friday (August 24) in the drug-ravaged Mexican border city of Ciudad Juarez. In total, 103 couples were wed behind bars at the state center for social rehabilitation located in the city. [Andres Dominguez, Inmate]: "When we get out of here we can move forward and not get involved in any problems. It's better to remake your family and remake your life." In attendance at the ceremony was the state's director of civil registries, who informed the couples of their legal rights and obligations before they were wed. [Eduardo Duran, Director, The Public Prosecutor's Offices Penal Unit]: "This is definitely part of the social re-insertion process that an inmate must go through. I think that family is part of the fundamental base that one needs to behave adequately outside of prison. We are trying to plant the seeds of these bases in prison, by allowing marriage." After the ceremony, couples were allowed to take photographs showing the marriage registries provided to them by prison authorities. [Jose Hernandez, Inmate]: "We feel very happy because I was able to share this moment with her. We are both very happy." Several other mass weddings have taken place at the same prison. In March 2011, 26 couples were married, and 21 couples were married at a separate ceremony the previous January. At the epicenter of Mexico's brutal drugs war, Ciudad Juarez has been <b>...</b> | Views: 5 0 ratings | | Time: 01:28 | More in News & Politics |
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| Tropical Storm Isaac Roars Through the Caribbean Posted: 25 Aug 2012 04:54 AM PDT | Tropical storm Isaac bears down on the DR, Cuba prepares for the worst. Full Story: Caribbean island nations are suffering through tropical storm Isaac as others prepare for the worst. In the Dominican Republic, the storm battered down as people gathered to watch the waves crashing in. Downed trees blocked roads... and caused damage to crops, officials said. In Cuba, the government and residents are getting ready. The island, a model of disaster preparedness, has moved at-risk patients to safety, and is stockpiling supplies like rice and sugar. Army forces say a full evacuation isn't necessary yet. The US National Hurricane Center said Isaac would gain strength after hitting Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba and could turn into a hurricane as it closes in on the Florida Keys and other Gulf states. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 76 2 ratings | | Time: 00:43 | More in News & Politics |
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| China's Property Market Bounces Posted: 24 Aug 2012 10:42 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com China's high-end property market has recently began to recover. Experts have attributed this to lack of other investment channels, and loss of public confidence in the Chinese economy. Opinions differ on how China's housing market will go in the near future. The spotlight is now focused on whether the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will implement new policies for regulation of the real estate market. On August 19, latest official data shows a month-to-month rise in new-home sales in China's 50 major cities. The figure was zero in January this year, while it has doubled in July. The data has caused public concern. Economist Mao Yushi analyzed the reasons for a rise in house prices. One is due to the widening of the rich-poor gap. The rich could own multiple properties, while the poor cannot afford even one. The other is that the rich have no other investment channels. Mao Yushi: "All lucrative projects have been controlled by the regime. The civilians have no other options but to invest in property. High land prices have caused soaring house prices. Land is monopolized by the government, so its prices should certainly be high. In the past, the government invested 4-Trillion Yuan to stimulate the economy and the Chinese Monetary Policy has caused house price rises. All these factors remained unchanged, so the housing prices still stay high." Chen Zhifei, professor of economics at City University, New <b>...</b> | Views: 4 1 ratings | | Time: 04:24 | More in News & Politics |
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| August PMI Signifies Chinese Economy Reaching A Dead End Posted: 24 Aug 2012 10:39 PM PDT | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com According to the latest information from "HSBC", the August Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) has hit bottom and is down to a nine-month new low. China's manufacturing industry continues to face difficulties. The export orders index also hit its lowest level since 2009, a significant deterioration in export orders. The expectations of the market to pick up were crushed. Experts believe that China's economy has reached a dead end. In August, while HSBC's PMI index fell to 47.8, its new export orders index also dropped to 44.7, down from 46.7 in July, reaching its lowest level since March 2009. The press release, provided by Markit, a financial information services company, shows that mainland China's new orders and new export orders both deteriorated substantially. Meanwhile, the output sub-index dropped to a five-month low, while the stock index rose sharply in a reverse manner and displayed an increase operational pressure on manufacturers. The data provider CapitalVue claimed that entire steel prices have been falling in August, nearing the 2009 low. It reflects a weak demand for steel from real estate, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing. China's financial markets have continued to weaken. The Shanghai Composite Index fell 2.6% last month cumulatively. Xie Tian, professor of University of South Carolina Aiken Business School: "I think that China's economy has entered <b>...</b> | Views: 6 0 ratings | | Time: 03:52 | More in News & Politics |
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| New IP Threat to Foreign Companies in China Posted: 25 Aug 2012 12:20 AM PDT | International businesses operating in China may now be subject to the same internet security as other Chinese, putting their intellectual property at high risk. The Quality Brands Protection Committee oversees intellectual property rights of companies operating in China. CNN reports the Committee has sent an email to over 200 members, warning them they may be approached by Chinese authorities. They reported some of their clients were forced to buy and install internet monitoring software. Up until now, many international companies sidestep the great firewall by having their own networks. CNN interviewed Thomas Parenty, an information security specialist. He says that the software is essentially a Trojan horse that would allow the Chinese authorities to spy on international company's networks. He told CNN, quote "If you're concerned about IP (intellectual property), you might as well roll up your tents because it's essentially game over." So far only a handful of companies reported being approached by Chinese police. Those who were confronted were either forced to install the internet logging software or were asked to be inspected. CNN reports that local officials threatened to cut off their service and fine them if they did not comply. For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 56 6 ratings | | Time: 01:13 | More in News & Politics |
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| "Tofu" Bridge Collapses in Harbin Posted: 25 Aug 2012 12:13 AM PDT | At 9.6 miles long, it is one of the longest bridges in China. Or at least, it was, until a 330-foot long section collapsed earlier today, dropping 100 feet to the ground, killing three and injuring five others, according to state-run CCTV. The Yangmingtan Bridge in the city of Harbin was opened only 9 months ago. Chinese officials say it wasn't the bridge's fault, but that the trucks on the bridge were too heavy, reports the New York Times. Netizens are mocking the official response, with one going by the name of, "just another round" (還是一回) joking, "with heavy snowfall in winter I won't dare to travel on bridges. I'm scared they'll collapse." This is just the latest in an ongoing national debate over the quality of rapid construction projects that were meant as a show of national prestige, but ended in disaster. On July 23rd of last year, another product of the rapid construction fever, China's network of high-speed rails, came under fire when two trains collided in Wenzhou, killing 40 and injuring almost 200. Many now refer to these construction projects as "tofu construction." For more news and videos visit ☛ english.ntdtv.com Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 72 3 ratings | | Time: 01:20 | More in News & Politics |
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| Award Winning Film "Free China" Exposes Organ Harvesting in China Posted: 25 Aug 2012 12:05 AM PDT | Slave labor, forced abortion and live organ harvesting in China. These issues were brought to light at the Canadian premier of "Free China: The Courage to Believe" in Ottawa over the weekend. The award winning documentary film reveals the ordeal of two former prisoners of conscience in China. Both are practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual discipline the Chinese regime has been persecuting since1999. After seeing the film, the Executive Director of the Ottawa International Film Festival, Nina Bains said she wanted it to premier in Ottawa. She was inspired by Jennifer Zeng—featured in the film—who chose to tell her story despite going through severe persecution. [Nina Bains, Executive Director of Ottawa International Film Festival] "I could not even imagine having three years...For three years being separated from my child, and needing to run away from my family in order to save my own life, in order to be free, in order to give my children a free life...Jennifer has so much strength." Also featured in the documentary is the Honorable David Kilgour, Former Canadian Secretary of State for the Asia Pacific region. He and Canadian human rights lawyer David Matas co-authored an investigative report that exposes state-sanctioned organ harvesting from live Falun Gong practitioners. [Hon. David Kilgour, Ret. Canadian Secretary of State—Asia Pacific] "The website of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the government of Canada should at least say that if you go to China for an organ <b>...</b> | Views: 9 3 ratings | | Time: 02:34 | More in News & Politics |
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| Kachin Refugees Forcibly Evicted in Southern China, Rights Groups Say Posted: 24 Aug 2012 11:52 PM PDT | China has forcibly returned scores of ethnic Kachins who have fled Burma, also known as Myanmar, because of civil war. According to aid groups, up to 10000 Kachins have sought refuge in the southwestern China. The refugees came after fighting between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and Burma's government flared up in the middle of 2011, following a 17-year truce. Diplomats say the conflict in the Kachin state is one of the biggest tests for Burma's new civilian government, which is in talks with the KIA and more than a dozen other ethnic minority groups. This follows decades of conflict. Footage filmed in Nongdao in China's Yunnan province in February shows refugees living in squalid conditions. Hundreds of mainly women and children are shown living in temporary shacks and dormitories. Chinese authorities forcibly returned at least 1000 Kachin refugees to Burma's northernmost Kachin state in mid-August, and plans to deport another 4000 refugees to Burma, imminently. Ah Hkawn, a worker for the Kachin Peace Network, an advocacy groups for Kachin people based in Burma, said two of four camps near the border were being evicted. [Ah Hkawn, Kachin Peace Network]: "It's a lie, they are moving the refugees by force. There are some camps that the Chinese government made agreements with in advance. There are six camps in [Nongdao]. It was agreed the refugees move out after the rainy season. For some camps, it's not convenient to move in the rainy season, so they (Chinese <b>...</b> | Views: 2 0 ratings | | Time: 02:16 | More in News & Politics |
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| As China Leadership Transition Nears, Challenges Far Outstrip "Reforms" Posted: 24 Aug 2012 11:46 PM PDT | Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post published an editorial on August 21 pointing to serious challenges facing China's leaders, in realms ranging from diplomacy, to internal politics, the economy, and larger social issues. While these areas have long been an important focus for Chinese authorities, the Post claimed that recent developments have made the challenges even greater. These developments include the intensified conflict with Asian neighbors over territory like the Diaoyu islands and the South China Sea, an ongoing economic slowdown, and the apparent political struggle over the ousted politician Bo Xilai. It's a refrain that's rarely been repeated in media outside of the Chinese Mainland reporting on the upcoming power transition, during China's 18th Communist Party Congress this fall. Chinese Communist Party-affiliated media, in reporting on the Party Congress, have largely adopted editorial angles such as "18th Party Congress representatives elected transparently and publicly," or by highlighting the way the new leadership will represent a robust reform agenda. Yet, despite calls by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for increased reform efforts, the specifics of any such plans have not been forthcoming. Political commentator and editor-in-chief of the "Beijing Spring" magazine, Hu Ping, views any systematic political reform as being very unlikely—and the current emphasis on "reform" in Chinese media as being mostly an attempt to disguise, and prolong, the Communist <b>...</b> | Views: 3 0 ratings | | Time: 02:45 | More in News & Politics |
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| Unannounced Military Talks Between US And China Posted: 24 Aug 2012 11:37 PM PDT | Deputy chief of the General Staff of China's People's Liberation Army led a visit to the US this week. Lt. Gen Cai Yingting's trip was reportedly at the invite of the US military. The visit was kept low key, with neither the US nor Chinese authorities announcing it. Cai's visit began on Monday. It's the second by a senior Chinese army official to the US in about three months. The Chief of the PLA, Liang Guanglie, was in the US in May. Chief Editor of China Affairs magazine, Wu Fan, says that given the differences between the Chinese and US militaries, the two major powers need to engage in dialogue to prevent misunderstandings. [Wu Fan, China Affairs Magazine Chief Editor] "The ideology and thoughts behind the US and Chinese systems are different. Both are jostling for power. For the Communist Party's army and the US military to sit down for a dialogue, or discussion, it'll reduce understandings and avoid accidental conflicts." Cai came with several other PLA officers, including Chen Shoumin, the Deputy Head of the strategic planning department of the PLA General Staff Headquarters. Wu believes one of the purposes of the trip is to diffuse tension between China and US, following an escalation in territorial disputes between China and its neighbors over the South and East China seas. According to the US Department of Defense, the Chinese delegation will visit army bases in Texas, Missouri and Hawaii. The Chinese military leaders will also visit the Pentagon. For more news <b>...</b> | Views: 27 2 ratings | | Time: 01:33 | More in News & Politics |
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| Madonna Forgives Elton, Scorcese Sued Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:36 PM PDT | Madonna has called for an end to her on-going feud with Elton John. At her concert in Nice, France, Madonna dedicated her song "Masterpiece" to John, saying the quote she knows he's "a big fan" of hers. Incidentally, it was "Masterpiece" that started the whole feud, after it beat out John's "Hello Hello" for the Best Original Song Golden Globe. John had previously compared Madonna to a "fairground stripper" and said her tour was a disaster. John Galliano has been stripped of France's prestigious Legion d'Honneur. The fashion designer - who was convicted of publicly insulting a Jewish woman in a bar - will have to surrender the medal. The award is one of the highest honors the French government hands out to non-natives. Finally, Martin Scorsese has responded to a lawsuit that claims the director was avoiding a film he had promised to make. Cecchi Gori Pictures is suing Scorsese for reneging on a contract in which he allegedly promised to make a film called "Silence." Scorsese released a statement saying the claims are unfounded and inconsistent. | Views: 46 1 ratings | | Time: 00:59 | More in News & Politics |
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| Luxury Apartment For...Your Car Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:25 PM PDT | Can't bear to part with your beautiful vehicle when you get home? Then move to Singapore's Hamilton Scotts apartments, where you can keep a constant eye on your four-wheeled companion. The building has a special elevator that delivers your car right up to your apartment. And property developer, Leny Suparman says it could all be yours for a mere 7.5 million US dollars. Leny Suparman, co-founder and CEO, Kop Properties, saying : "These buyers are very discerning, they have seen a lot. They are well exposed in the world, so they are looking for something that is unique and different." And for these residents and their cars, the sky's the limit. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 36 3 ratings | | Time: 00:40 | More in Autos & Vehicles |
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| 2 Year Falls off Motorcycle, Almost Hit By Car Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:17 PM PDT | A narrow escape for a little girl on a motorcycle in China. Watch as she falls from the motorcycle at a stop-light and barely misses being run over by a car. The girl was riding on the footrest in front of the driver... another child is sitting behind the driver. Local media say the girl was two years old. Miraculously, she only suffered slight bumps and bruising. | Views: 44 1 ratings | | Time: 00:22 | More in News & Politics |
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| Update on Shooting near Empire State Building Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:14 PM PDT | Two were killed and nine injured in a shooting that happened near the Empire State Building in New York City on 5th Avenue. Jeffrey Johnson, 58, shot and killed a former coworker just after 9am Friday morning. Johnson shot and killed former co-worker Steve Ercolino, 41. [Rebecca Fox, Bystander]: "I thought there was like, a celebrity sighting, but pretty far from it." According to a press conference held by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, the killer used a .45-caliber pistol and fired at his victim at close-range. According to witnesses, Ercolino was shot three times, once in the face and twice in the chest. The bystanders included five men and four women, according to a recent update by the NYPD report. Some of the victims were accidentally wounded by police gunshots. None of them were children or elderly. [Michael Bloomberg, Mayor]: "All of those are not seriously wounded and there is no expectation that any of them will do anything other than recover quickly." Johnson was a former designer at Hazan Imports, a designer for women's accessories. Johnson was laid-off when the company downsized about a year ago. According to NYT Metro Desk in an interview with Johnson's co-worker, Ercolino at one point had an order of protection against Johnson. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 18 1 ratings | | Time: 01:20 | More in News & Politics |
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| Time Travel, Evil Mother in Laws Banned on Chinese TV Posted: 24 Aug 2012 06:11 PM PDT | More censorship regulation for Chinese TV and movies have been issued recently. Those who watch Chinese TV at all will know that almost all dramas on air now violates one or more of these guidelines. Why do you think the CCP issued such regulations? Like us on Facebook: facebook.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com Google Plus: plus.google.com Carmen: CarmenOTGW Dan: DanOTGW Source: tealeafnation.com | Views: 3 6 ratings | | Time: 04:25 | More in Comedy |
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| Discovering China - Chinese Garden Art at the Met, Plus the Han Dynasty Posted: 24 Aug 2012 05:48 PM PDT | This week we visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to check out Chinese garden art and we also take a look at the history of China's Han Dynasty. | Views: 17 2 ratings | | Time: 09:43 | More in Shows |
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| Panda Celebrates 2nd Birthday in Vienna Zoo Posted: 24 Aug 2012 05:01 PM PDT | Giant Panda Fu Hu enjoyed his second birthday with visitors in Vienna's Schoenbrunn Zoo on Thursday. Many visitors, including adults and children, had been waiting since early morning to see the panda on his special day. To their joy, the superstar showed up soon after his birthday presents were presented: a stack of colorful boxes filled with carrots, sweet potatoes and honey dessert. [Renate Haider, Giant Panda Breeder]: "We prepared many birthday surprises for Fu Hu in his birthday cake, including vegetables, sweet potatoes and corns." With all the eyes and camera lenses focused on the birthday boy, he took a little walk and then settled down to dig into his presents. Haider said she had been taking care of Fu Hu since he was born in the zoo. Fu Hu has always been in very good condition, she said, and is becoming stronger. Born weighing 100 grams, he now weighs 48 kg, half the size of an adult giant panda. Fu Hu is the second son of pandas Long Hui and Yang Yang, both of whom came to Vienna in 2003 for a 10-year loan and they still live in the zoo. Fu Hu and his brother Fu Long were born after natural conception in an artificial environment in Europe. Fu Long, who is three years older than Fu Hu, was sent back to China when he was two years old as per the loan agreement for his parents. The same applies to Fu Hu, who will be sent back to China after celebrating his second birthday, in October or November. The zoo is now negotiating with China, hoping to extent the <b>...</b> | Views: 0 3 ratings | | Time: 01:46 | More in News & Politics |
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| August 24, 2012: PLA Officer in the US, "Linsanity" hits Hong Kong Posted: 24 Aug 2012 04:37 PM PDT | In today's China News, senior Chinese military officer, the People's Liberation Army's Deputy Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Cai Yingting is in the US on unannounced talks. Analysts highlight the challenging facing the Chinese regime's income and outgoing leaders. Chinese authorities reportedly evicting refugees from neighboring Burma back across the border. Human rights group, Chinese Human Rights Defenders, releases a report this week detailing psychiatric abuse of Chinese citizens. A bridge less than one year old collapse across one section in Harbin. New internet security measures may threaten the intellectual property of foreign companies in China. What Chinese state-run media knew about hurdler Liu Xiang's injuries before his race in the London Olympics? Linsanity hits Hong Kong, as NBA star Jeremy Lin attends an event with local fans. | Views: 327 4 ratings | | Time: 16:28 | More in Shows |
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