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It was the spring of 1991, and St. John’s had just lost to eventual champion Duke in a regional final of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Lou Carnesecca invited the several newspaper writers who covered the team to a season-ending lunch at Dante Restaurant, his longtime hangout near campus. Why not? It seemed like a nice gesture. So this then-30-year-old reporter told his editor he would be gone for a bit and set out from Newsday’s Queens office. Six hours later . . . I left the restaurant with a better sense of what a casual lunch with Carnesecca entailed, and with a quintessential New York experience. Rather than the small table of sportswriters I envisioned, there were long ones that filled the restaurant with several dozen of Looie’s closest friends. Menus? Um, no. Just rounds of Italian food as chosen by the chef, and even more rounds of red wine bottles. Scenes from an Italian restaurant on Union Turnpike, hosted by Lou Carnesecca, complete with heartburn and a hangover. Why bring this up now? Because it is one way among many of illustrating the life and times of Carnesecca, who died Saturday at age 99. To call him old school would be an understatement. The guy was born in 1925, two years before television. His father, Alfredo, ran a grocery store in East Harlem. Carnesecca lived his entire life in and around New York City other than during his service in World War II and evolved only grudgingly. He was a character who reveled in being a character, most of it genuine, some of it shtick and all of it memorable. And as much as he was a New Yorker out of central casting himself, he knew almost every other famous New Yorker in the sports world of the middle-to-late 20th century. And non-New Yorkers, too. Basketball was his bailiwick, though. St. John's basketball coach Lou Carnesecca, center, flanked, by players from left, Ron Steward, Chris Mullin and Bill Wennington, laugh as they hold the trophy for winning the Holiday Festival College Basketball tournament, December 29, 1984 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Credit: AP/G. PAUL BURNETT In an interview with Newsday late in 2023, two weeks before his 99th birthday, he was able to offer firsthand opinions on iconic coaches the likes of Joe Lapchick, John Wooden, Frank McGuire, Adolph Rupp, Nat Holman, Ben Carnevale, Clair Bee and, yes, Rick Pitino. Like others with images so colorful they threatened to overshadow their accomplishments – Yogi Berra comes to mind – it was easy to forget Carnesecca knew basketball in general, knew recruiting the streets of New York City in particular and was no one’s pushover. Most famously, he made the transition from the ancient days of Eastern college basketball’s loose affiliations to become a towering figure in the early Big East. The pinnacle came in 1985, when he led St. John’s to the Final Four before it fell to mighty Georgetown. The rivalry between St. John’s and Georgetown that season was and remains one of the highlights in New York City’s long love affair with college basketball. And it cemented New York’s long love affair with Carnesecca. The feeling was mutual, to understate things. Lou Carnesecca coaches his St. John's team from the sidelines during their game against Niagara on Nov. 23, 1991. Credit: AP/Mark Lennihan Carnesecca never did leave his hometown. Why would he? He lived out his final years in Queens, still sharp and witty. When St. John’s hired Pitino, an old Big East rival, as its coach in 2023, the then-98-year-old showed up at the introductory news conference. “Lou built a legendary program – legendary – and we will get back to those days by exemplifying everything that he taught,” Pitino said, pointing to Carnesecca. As he left the event that day, the old man said, “This is a great day, a great day.” Carnesecca loved all the attention he got in one of his first public outings since the COVID-19 pandemic. People were his lifeblood, and he could kibitz and zing one-liners with the best of them, from recruits to fans to reporters. Asked on the cusp of turning 99 what kept him going, he said, “It must be the olive oil.” Recalling when he denied his father’s wish that he become a doctor, he said, “I thank God in his infinite wisdom. He knew I would have caused more deaths than the bubonic plague.” Journalists usually must approach modern coaching stars through protective public relations folks. How did one get an audience with Carnesecca? By showing up unannounced at his office and asking his secretary, “Is Coach around?” (He was the only coach I called “Coach” in 40 years of sportswriting.) Privately, Carnesecca had a tough side that he could and would aim at those who crossed him. But his public face never wavered, and his famously raspy voice and accent said it all. He was a New Yorker, troo and troo. Next round is on me, Coach. No menu required. Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.

New Zealanders are banned from displaying gang symbols as a new law takes effectLook good, feel better! Experts reveal 10 ways to have a major glow up in the new year By PANDORA AMORATIS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:41 EST, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 18:13 EST, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments The new year symbolizes fresh beginnings. It's a time of reflection on the past year's wins and loses and provides a clear marker for setting goals moving forward. The transition into a new year often brings a sense of energy for self-care, making it an ideal time to commit to better habits. Better habits can lead to noticeable improvements both in your internal state and external appearance. The key, however, is choosing habits that align with your lifestyle, or you'll abandon them by February! Do you desire a glow up? Daily Mail chats with experts in fashion, beauty, and health on easy ways to reinvent your look, refresh your style, and embrace a version of yourself that reflects your evolving personality and goals. Here's to looking good and feeling better in 2025! Boost your mood in the new year by incorporating feel-good colors into your wardrobe Use color to your advantage Studies have shown that the colors you wear can significantly impact your mood and how others perceive you. 'Color is a powerful communication tool and influences how people will respond to you,' shared image consultant Kasia Michaels. 'If you want to come across as mysterious and maybe not as easily approachable, wear black. 'But if you're planning on being flirty and playful, you should opt for pink shades.' Taylor swift recently attended a Chiefs vs. Texans game in a red Charlotte Simone coat lined with faux fur. The energy boosting shade is said to improve confidence and increase heart rate. Leopard prints can also boost your mood by making you feel more confident, empowered, and sexy. Not to mention, the animal print is super on trend! Niri shearling leather jacket by L'Agence, now $1,750; lagence.com Kyle handbag by Hammitt, $425; hammitt.com Alexa pants by SAFIYAA, now $348; net-a-porter.com Ballet flats by Alaia, $1,250; net-a-porter.com RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next New Year, New Adventures: Escape the ordinary and plan the... Sponsored Nail it this year: From color to shape, the top nail trends... Share this article Share 'Bringing the length up a bit and adding texture to the cut is going to allow for bouncier and motion to all haircuts for 2025,' says Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty Try a new hairstyle 'Everyone has been sporting long hair for the last few years,' says Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty. 'In 2025 that’s about to change. Bringing the length up a bit and adding texture to the cut is going to allow for bouncier and motion to all haircuts for 2025.' In October, Selena Gomez attended the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles with a fresh, new haircut. The newly engaged star has since cut her tresses a little shorter - she's the ultimate trailblazer. Opt for a warmer locks 'It's the year of embracing warmth in all hair colors, especially blondes,' shares Nick. 'We are going to see more golden blondes and even some soft flickers of copper to change up the cool blonde tones we have been seeing for years.' Warm colors add a healthy-looking glow to your look. Just work with your colorist to find a shade that complements your skin tone. Snip, snip hooray! 'Bobs are a classic haircut that just won't go out of style,' reveals Nick. 'Taking a note from the decade's past, we are going to see a variety of bob shapes including some with baby bangs to add a youthful look.' 'It's the year of embracing warmth in all hair colors, especially blondes,' shares Nick. 'We are going to see more golden blondes and even some soft flickers of copper to change up the cool blonde tones we have been seeing for years' Shimmer and shine Matte makeup is so last year! 'Shimmer is a huge 2025 trend and I couldn’t be happier about it,' says Daniel Chinchilla Too Faced Global Celebrity Makeup Artist. 'It was all over the runways and social media as well. Oh and most importantly, Beyonce! 'We’re having fun with makeup again and I can’t think of an easier way to quickly amplify your eye look - anybody can do it! 'What I love about the shimmer trend is that you can apply a soft, subtle amount or really pack it on for a full glam look.' The artist recommends Too Faced's Disco Crush shadows. 'A little goes a long way - simply tap it onto your eyelids with your finger,' he instructs. They come in six shades and Daniel also uses them as a highlighter on the cheekbones and collar bone. 'Shimmer is a huge 2025 trend and I couldn’t be happier about it,' says Daniel Chinchilla Too Faced Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Left: Too Faced Disco Crush High Shine Glitter Eye + Face Sparkle, $30; sephora.com . Too Faced You're a Gem eye makeup set, now $24; sephora.com Take cool showers 'During fall/winter months you have to deal with extremes ,' said New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes. 'The skin has to fluctuate to different environments, including the temperature changes going from indoors to out.' To adapt to all the elements, the leading dermatologist reveals simple changes you can make to your daily routine, starting with your shower's water temperature. 'During the winter, I recommend tepid water temperatures and shorter showers/baths, said Dr. Madfes who sees patients in Manhattan, Connecticut and Florida. Despite how good they feel on a cold day, hot showers remove protective oils from the skin, and increases moisture loss and skin irritation. Cold water promotes blood circulation, removes toxins from the body and tightens the pores making you look renewed and refreshed. While bathing, the sought after celebrity-dermatologist suggests using a moisturizing body wash that will soothe dry, sensitive skin.' Protect your skin 'You want to have less transepidermal water loss, meaning you want to have less of the moisture in your skin being drawn out,' said Dr. Madfes, board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. 'A slightly thicker moisturizer is needed to improve our skin barrier against the elements. Look for products containing a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides and glycerin.' While many are under the misconception that sunblock is only needed during the summertime, the expert reminds us that the sun's rays are actually closer in the winter. Dr. Madfes recommends wearing an SPF 15, and an SPF 30 if you are going to be outside. 'Sunblocks also protect against infrared, so it's very important to wear it every day.' Left: Volume Backpack Bundle by Nick Stenson, $99; nickstensonbeauty.com . Right: Elta MD UV lotion, $46; madfesderm.com Tone your tummy Getting fit is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, but you don't actually have to physically go to a gym to get the job done. Co-owners of The Oleon House, Carlos Leon and Menna Olvera, reveal the best diet and exercise for abs. 'The first step to remember is that abs start in the kitchen,' said Carlos. The celebrity trainer and father to Lourdes Leon continued: 'Stay away from sugar, sodium and processed foods.' 'For exercises: do 3 sets of 10-12 dynamic planks with taps and 3 sets of 10-12 plank kick-ups everyday until goal is achieved.' Menna Olvera adds, 'Stay away from red wine and brown alcohol and I suggest you do downward dog to plank and hold for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times.' Express gratitude 'When it comes to upgrading your lifestyle, it should include some sense of wellness or well-being practice,' shared Menna, a health coach & integrated yoga teacher. The expert recommends starting simple: 1) Be specific about why it is you want to incorporate wellness into your lifestyle. 2) Choose 3 wellness activities or practices that really vibe with you, then review your daily, weekly, monthly schedule and decide where it can fit in. 3) Commit to it and see it through. If you are looking for long term change then stay the course. There will be peaks and valleys so if you know “why” you’re doing it you will find the fire to keep going. Menna suggests expressing gratitude. 'Gratitude is the act of appreciation for what you have. When gratitude is expressed, it elevates a connection to wellness,' explained the Oleon House co-founder. The expert suggests writing down five things to be grateful for once a week for a month and noticing what changes occur in your life. Meditate regularly 'The act of slowing down and becoming familiar with yourself improves relaxation, regulates your breath and heart rate, and enhances the flow of constructive thoughts and positive emotions,' shared Menna who is certified in yoga, prenatal yoga, Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Theta Healing, and Functional Medicine Health Coaching. 'Sit in a chair or lay down and place a pillow under your knees. 'For 3-5 minutes close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Follow the breath and notice the mind begin to slow down as the breath and heart rate slow down. 'They work coherently as one. Decide how many days a week you can commit to this then write in your calendar and practice it for 30 days.' Taylor Swift Los Angeles Selena Gomez Share or comment on this article: Look good, feel better! Experts reveal 10 ways to have a major glow up in the new year e-mail Add commentOttawa Senators could be without star goalie Linus Ullmark for rest of road trip

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Nothing about Pat Narduzzi's 10th season should be shocking news for anyone who has followed the passionate coach throughout his time at Pitt. He loves his players. Sincerely, I believe. Many of them love him back, especially the 14 players who have publicly announced their intentions to stay the course and return in 2025. Most notably, that number includes quarterback Eli Holstein and running back Desmond Reid, who amassed 1,700 all-purpose yards this season, many of them secured while at least one of his extremities or muscle groups throbbed with pain. Yes, NIL funding and Alliance 412, Pitt's collective, deserve part of the credit for helping to keep those players on campus. OK, that's the good news. The bad news takes on many layers, starting with the basic win/loss record. There is something to be said for Narduzzi standing No. 2 overall in victories (72) among Pitt's all-time head coaches, behind only the legendary Jock Sutherland (111), whose tenure began 100 years ago. Narduzzi's loyalty to the program matters greatly. Only Sutherland (1924-38) and John Michelosen (1955-65) coached Pitt longer. But Pitt fans — and Narduzzi himself — expected more after winning an ACC championship in 2021 and 20 games over the '21 and '22 seasons. Big picture: Pitt has lost at least five games in eight of the 10 seasons, 15 in the past two when there should have been momentum. Let's take injuries out of the equation. All teams lose good players at some point. And, remember, Holstein was initially hurt while running a keeper against Syracuse in the fourth quarter of a game Pitt was leading 38-6. That's coaching. Holstein started the next game, but he did not play to his previous standard. Also, there wasn't enough depth on the offensive line to successfully withstand the loss of tackle Branson Taylor and others. That's recruiting. The most puzzling aspects of Pitt's season-ending six-game losing streak, the longest since 1998, were the failures on defense. That's Narduzzi's wheelhouse. That's why Pitt hired him in 2014 after eight seasons as Michigan State's defensive coordinator. Maybe nothing illustrated Pitt's problems on defense more than Toledo quarterback Tucker Gleason standing in the pocket with time to throw for 336 yards, two touchdowns in regulation and four conversion passes in overtime of a 48-46 win Thursday in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He was sacked only once in a 4-hour, 38-minute game. Then, only hours after the game, freshman defensive end Sincere Edwards, a backup to redshirt senior Nate Matlack, told Rivals he is planning to transfer. Edwards showed promise this season, with three sacks and six TFLs. The five-game losing streak was bad enough — losing to Virginia and Clemson when victory was within Pitt's reach was inexcusable — but now it stands at six after another one that got away. Narduzzi did not coach a good game at Ford Field on Thursday, especially when he ordered a field goal from the 1 in the second overtime when a touchdown would have won the game. He showed no faith in an offensive line that played a big part in the Panthers rushing for 301 yards in regulation. It was almost a repeat of the 2019 Penn State game where Narduzzi also ordered a field goal from the 1 in the final five minutes of a 17-10 loss. That game might have been Pitt's last chance to defeat the Nittany Lions, with no games scheduled in the foreseeable future. He also lived in his fears when he wouldn't let Ben Sauls try a 69-yard field goal at the end of regulation. He said he was concerned about a return for a touchdown if the kick fell short. Julian Dugger was sacked, never getting a chance to throw a desperation pass into the end zone. Yes, 69 is 3 yards longer than the NFL record, and Narduzzi was right to worry about a return. But he allowed the clock to tick down to one second before calling a timeout. The previous play was snapped at 35 seconds. There would have been time for one more sideline pass to create a shorter field goal try. Sauls might have missed, but what a story if Narduzzi had gambled with his most reliable point producer. Sauls ended his final season at Pitt hitting 21 of 24 attempts, including 6 of 7 from 50 yards or longer. He hit from 57 with some yardage to spare earlier in the game, and he had a school-record-tying 58 yarder at Acrisure Stadium this season. Finally, Narduzzi deserves credit for sticking with Dugger, the freshman from Penn Hills, when it became obvious Thursday he was the quarterback best suited to run the offense. He ran for 88 yards, threw two touchdown passes in regulation and got his team across the goal line four times in overtime. Why didn't Dugger start the game over walk-on David Lynch? Narduzzi mentioned Lynch is older, and that's true — by 15 months. He's been in the program only since the spring of 2023, about a year long than Dugger. Both quarterbacks threw a pick-six, but Dugger is clearly more athletic and a better playmaker. After losing two quarterbacks in the transfer portal, did Narduzzi find a quality backup for Holstein? After all, he was performing against a Mid-American Conference defense. That's a question to be answered over the next several months. Dugger played courageously and produced almost as well as Holstein did early in the season. But he's 19 and has much to prove in 2025 — just like each of his teammates and, especially, his head coach.LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. “As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It’s an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world’s premier racing series, and we’re committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM’s engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level.” Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

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Saturday, December 28, 2024 Cuba’s tourism sector, once a vital economic lifeline, is faltering as the country battles chronic power shortages, a stuttering economy, and the ongoing effects of a decades-long U.S. embargo. Compounding these challenges, the possibility of tighter restrictions under the potential return of Donald Trump’s administration looms large. Tourism in the Dark In cities like Trinidad, known for its colonial charm and proximity to national parks, visitors are greeted by warm evenings but also by frequent power cuts. Guests staying in private accommodations, or casas particulares, often find themselves relying on camping lamps during blackouts, as electricity outages can last hours. Restaurants and hotels power through with generators, but smaller businesses struggle to keep up. Across the island, power shortages disrupt daily life in major tourist hubs, including Havana, Santa Clara, and Vinales. Electricity is sometimes available for only a few hours each day, creating a challenging environment for travelers and business owners alike. A hostel owner in Old Havana described the situation as “very, very difficult,” noting a significant drop in tourist numbers. While his central location ensures a steady stream of guests, others face dwindling bookings, particularly in areas more severely affected by power cuts. Tourism’s Struggles Post-COVID Cuba has been slow to recover from the downturn in tourism caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Emily Morris, a senior research fellow at University College London, attributes the sluggish rebound to U.S. sanctions, which have cut visitor numbers to around half of pre-pandemic levels. The sanctions have also led to foreign exchange shortages, undermining the quality of hotels and facilities. Repairs are delayed, staff morale has declined, and these issues are increasingly reflected in negative reviews, further discouraging visitors. Power Crisis Rooted in Sanctions Cuba’s power shortages stem from a “confluence of different issues,” according to Dr. Helen Yaffe, a political studies expert. U.S. sanctions restrict Cuba’s access to international credit and essential equipment, while also complicating fuel procurement, which hampers power generation. A nationwide blackout in October underscored the fragility of the island’s energy infrastructure. Recent efforts to reduce vulnerability to power outages have shown some progress, with quicker recovery times after incidents. Cuba is also ramping up its solar energy capacity, aiming for renewables to constitute nearly a quarter of its energy mix by 2030. These efforts are often supported by Chinese suppliers, reflecting Cuba’s pivot toward nations outside the U.S. sphere of influence. A Shrinking Population and Economy Beyond power and tourism struggles, Cuba faces a declining population and economic hardship. With shortages of basic medicines and widespread poverty, many citizens are emigrating in search of better opportunities. The World Health Organization forecasts that Cuba’s population, currently around 11 million, could drop to 9.4 million by 2050. Signs of economic distress are evident across the island, from dilapidated housing blocks to the reliance on horse-drawn carts and oxen for transportation and farming. Despite these challenges, the Cuban government under President Miguel Díaz-Canel continues to prioritize energy independence and resilience. A Complex Political Landscape The strained relationship between Havana and Washington, which briefly thawed under Barack Obama, has since hardened. In the latter part of his first term, Donald Trump designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism, discouraging travel and financial remittances. If Trump returns to office, experts expect further restrictions, particularly under the influence of Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal opponent of the Cuban regime. Dr. Yaffe suggests that the U.S. aims to create conditions for Cubans to turn against their government. However, she sees little sign of internal collapse, noting that most vocal critics of the regime have left the country. Younger Cubans, while less ideologically aligned with the revolution, appear more focused on personal survival than political upheaval. Outlook for Cuba While Cuba’s economic and social challenges are stark, the country’s resilience remains a defining feature. The energy transition, strengthened ties with nations like China, and the enduring determination of its people suggest that while the road ahead may be difficult, Cuba is not on the brink of collapse. For now, the nation faces the dual task of weathering its internal crises and navigating the external pressures of its geopolitical environment.Zero Zero Robotics showcases bestselling HOVERAir X1 series at CES 2025

California residents on edge as high surf and flooding threats persist on Christmas EveA 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says

Ceramics decorate this porcelain "palace" outside Jingdezhen, a city known as the porcelain capital of China. Ming Dynasty vases and ceramics are used in the rotunda. Doreen Siow JINGDEZHEN, Jiangxi – Driving into Jingdezhen, it looks like any other inland Chinese provincial city that has rampantly urbanised: concrete infrastructure and superhighways sprawled against a rustic landscape of paddy fields and mountains. But I start noticing lamp posts and road dividers clad in blue-and-white porcelain, which look a little out of place in the grey city, but point to Jingdezhen’s past as the world’s porcelain capital. The dusty city in south-eastern Jiangxi province has been producing porcelain wares for more than 2,000 years. It is surrounded by the Gaoling Mountain range, which is rich in the kaolin clay deposits needed for the finest porcelain. According to China’s imperial records, when Emperor Shizong of Liao (947-951) heard that the kaolin here produced ceramics that was “white like jade, bright as a mirror, thin as paper” and “sounds like a bell”, he arranged the Gaoling mines to supply porcelain exclusively to royalty. Royal kilns were built and over time, the porcelain was also exported. Chinese porcelain made its way to Persia around the ninth century. At the same time, Jingdezhen artisans became acquainted with Persian cobalt, which turned a vivid blue when fired under high temperatures. China’s blue-and-white ceramics became a hugely popular colour combination for decorating tableware. From the Tang Dynasty (618-907) onwards, the porcelain became a major export for China that was copied globally. At its peak, Jingdezhen employed more than a million men, women and children in 3,000 kilns in the 18th century. The manufacturing process was split into areas of specialisation. Some workers focused on mixing clay, for instance, while others fired the kilns. Artisans drew patterns, painted and carved. This division of labour continues today, though many processes have changed with the times. In Jingdezhen, even the lamp posts are clad in porcelain. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Today, most workshops have abandoned the kaolin from nearby mountains for purer deposits in other provinces. Electric kilns have replaced wood-fired ones. Political upheaval and mass production in factories elsewhere are among the reasons for the diminished dominance of Jingdezhen porcelain. But the craftsmanship never left the city, and the tradition is slowly being revived. While state-owned porcelain factories have shuttered, many have been converted into art hubs housing private studios and workshops. Rising affluence in China has brought new customers, while the government’s move in 2010 to promote tourism has resulted in domestic and overseas visitors flocking in. More than eight million tourists visited Jingdezhen during China’s week-long National Day holiday in 2023, according to the Jiangxi Department of Culture and Tourism. The city has also attracted over 30,000 Jing Drifters – young Chinese migrants escaping the stress of life in major metropolises like Beijing and Guangzhou. They are drawn to Jingdezhen’s lower rents, slower pace and opportunities to pursue art, set up cafes or discover themselves. Here, design lovers, influencers and travellers can marvel at porcelain rotundas, spend time at repurposed brick kilns-turned-art hubs and cafes, and shop for ceramics. Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue is a popular spot to shop for ceramics. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Taoxichuan Ceramic Art Avenue is an art mall converted from an old porcelain factory. Parts of the brick kilns and chimneys have been retained, while the original factories have been repurposed into art studios, shops selling ceramics, eateries and open spaces for entertainment. In the evenings, the bustling plaza is filled with stalls helmed by young potters and entrepreneurs selling ceramics. Salesman Wang Xiaowei says: “Most of the factories and workshops in Jingdezhen today are small. The scale is not large because it is still mainly manual production here. There are many small family-run workshops.” He works at Qi He Tang, a porcelain shop outside Jingdezhen Sculpture Porcelain Factory, a ceramics bazaar built on the former site of a state-owned factory. His family runs a factory with some 20 employees, mostly relatives. He says porcelain tableware can be mass-produced by machines in Jingdezhen, but items such as vases and tea sets are still mostly finished by hand. “The tea sets are mass-produced, but the patterns are painted by hand,” he adds. “So, it is more expensive, and the output is low.” Another highlight is the beautiful Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum, located in the restored historical neighbourhood of Taoyangli. Next to it are the ruins of an imperial Ming Dynasty kiln. Designed by Studio Zhu Pei, the award-winning museum was built using recycled kiln bricks and new ones. Recycled bricks are plentiful in the city, as the kilns are demolished regularly to ensure top thermal performance. The archaeological museum is composed of buildings shaped like old Chinese kilns, and houses ceramic relics and shards found in the city. It is popular with tourists and international students keen to learn about pottery and Chinese ceramic culture, says Ms Zhu Ziqi, an English-speaking guide who graduated from the Jingdezhen Ceramics University. “This year also marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations. So, there are also many French people visiting,” she adds. Ming Dynasty vases and ceramics are used in the rotunda of Yu Ermei’s porcelain palace. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Just outside Jingdezhen is a porcelain “palace” built by grandmother and retired ceramicist Yu Ermei. The “palace” features three-storey rotundas covered from floor to ceiling in porcelain shards. More than 60,000 colourful ceramic wares, including a pair of precious Ming vases, decorate the windows, doors, ceilings and walls. The attraction is a hot spot for domestic tourists and youngsters, many dressed in traditional clothing or hanfu for photographs. Jingdezhen, which once made ceramics for royalty and dominated the world stage, has successfully transformed itself to be cool and relevant again in 21st-century China. Visitors dressed in blue and white hanfu to match the decor. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Different types of Jingdezhen porcelain Jingdezhen ceramicists today make a huge variety of wares – from delicate Chinese tea sets to modern Western-style tableware to contemporary art pieces commissioned by museums, casinos and other entities. A visit to the studio of ceramic artist Zhu Legeng, a grand master in China’s ceramic art world, shows how he is able to mould and fire clay into fantastical objects of art with vivid colours. Born in Jingdezhen, Zhu studied at the Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute and researched the craftsmanship, history and culture of ceramics. In an interview with China Daily, the artist noted that in ancient China, pottery and agriculture went hand in hand. “Many Chinese ceramics were products of agricultural civilisation,” he said. Oxen and other farm animals are common motifs in Chinese ceramics. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Zhu often uses domesticated animals as motifs in his works, and his studio displays many ox and horse sculptures in all shapes and sizes. Some of the ox sculptures are made from a special clay fired to a beautiful rustic orange hue with light gold streaks. The creations have a distinct Chinese aesthetic. Ceramics salesman Wang Xiaowei says the city mainly makes four types of porcelain: qinghua porcelain (blue-and-white porcelain), linglong porcelain with pierced ornamentation, famille rose porcelain and enamel colour-glazed porcelain. Qinghua is regarded as the most famous and popular of the four styles. Many Chinese households have blue-and-white dinner sets and vases. The main raw material, cobalt oxide, turns blue when fired at a high temperature. The patterns in linglong porcelain emerge when viewed against the light. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Linglong porcelain features carved patterns filled with a translucent glaze. This technique is used in Chinese tableware, where rice grain-sized shapes are hollowed out and a glaze applied several times to cover them. When held against the light, a pattern emerges. High-temperature colour glazes and colour enamel porcelain are also favoured by Jingdezhen ceramicists, who make teacups and vases with this technique, often using shapes and styles from the Song and Ming Dynasties. A red porcelain teacup in a floral shape popular in the Song Dynasty. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW Mr Wang’s shop sells handmade, flower-shaped enamel red porcelain teacups, a style from the Song Dynasty. “The five-mouth teacup was from the Song period, when the people loved flowers,” he says. “These cups are made entirely by hand. Our relatives make it in small workshops, so the output is small and only one to two people are involved.” Famille rose porcelain, a technique brought to China in the 17th century from Europe, is when white porcelain ware is fired with a translucent glaze. Colours are applied by hand before the items are fired again. Such porcelain was especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Large quantities of these wares were exported from Jingdezhen to Europe, the United States and Singapore. A Peranakan porcelain cup made in the famille rose style. PHOTO: DOREEN SIOW The famille rose porcelain in Singapore was made specially for the wealthy Straits-born Chinese community. Straits Chinese or Nonya porcelain is characterised by exuberant colours, and often features phoenix and tree peony motifs. The Singapore Peranakan Museum has a small but beautiful collection of Nonya porcelain made in Jingdezhen. There is also a selection for sale in the museum’s souvenir shop, as well as in the household department of Tangs. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowNorth Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources say

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Reimagining Business: How Love Can Revolutionize the WorkplaceAUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- Keller Williams Realty, Inc. (KW), the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, announces the appointment of Shanan Steere as Director of Growth Operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en/ Shanan Steere, Director of Growth Operations, KW (Photo: Business Wire) “As we continue to invest deeply into providing our KW-affiliated brokerages support for the development of their team leaders (TL) and operating principals (OP), we are excited to welcome Shanan, who will spearhead those efforts,” said Mark Willis, President and CEO, KW. “An exceptional talent and an amazing contributor, Shanan will ensure our core brokerage leaders remain equipped to fuel further expansion and build on our already strong culture," said Willis. In her new strategic role, Steere will reimagine core market center leadership training, lead masterminds with KW-affiliated brokerage TLs and OPs, and helm renewed holistic efforts to help those brokerages attract the next generation of TLs. "I am honored to be home at Keller Williams and a part of a mission-focused team that truly prioritizes agents and their success,” said Steere. “I fell in love with leadership and coaching many years ago, and it's why I launched my first market center with Keller Williams in 2005.” In 1997, Steere began her real estate career as an agent. She first joined a KW-affiliated brokerage in 2004. A year later, she launched a KW franchise in Shawnee, Kansas, which was recognized as the “Launch of the Year” for the Greater Heartland Region of KW. “I firmly believe that KW is the best company for agents and leaders in this industry,” said Steere. “It’s an immense opportunity every day for our leaders to invite others to participate in our incredible training, coaching, and consulting – all powered by amazing technology.” Within the KW ecosystem, Steere has served in various top KW-affiliated brokerage leadership roles, including TL, OP, KW MAPS Coach, and a Business Objective: A Life by Design (BOLD) instructor. “Team leaders are the cornerstones of our market centers,” said Steere. “They provide the best opportunity to positively change the lives of agents, succeeding through others and helping them achieve extraordinary results.” A John Maxwell Certified coach and 12 Week Year trainer, Steere is the owner and CEO of the Shanan Steere Group, an Olathe, Kansas-based real estate team affiliated with KW Overland Park. About Keller Williams Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 170,000 agents. The franchise is No. 1 in units and sales volume in the U.S. Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards affiliated agents. For more information, visit kwri.kw.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/en/ CONTACT: Darryl G. Frost Director of Public Relations and Media Relations darryl.frost@kw.com / 254-466-3627 KEYWORD: TEXAS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY REIT SOURCE: Keller Williams Realty, Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 03:45 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 03:47 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121483685/enSagittarius Daily Horoscope Today, December 25, 2024 predicts a prosperous future soonDublin Rathdown General Election 2024 updates: ‘People said we couldn’t do it’ – Neale Richmond elected on first count as Green Party’s Catherine Martin fights to keep seat

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