Born in 1959, contemporary writer and philanthropist Jim Luce, known for his contributions to major publications and his work as founder of Orphans International, brings a personal perspective to the transformative decade of the 1960s. Drawing from his own experiences during this pivotal era in American history, Luce reflects on coming of age during a time of profound social change, cultural revolution, and musical innovation. His writing captures the essence of growing up amid the backdrop of civil rights movements, Vietnam War protests, and the explosive creativity that defined the decade’s youth culture and artistic expression.
In a historic return to the U.N. General Assembly podium, President Prabowo Subianto channels a legacy of nonalignment to advocate for Palestine and a new multilateral order
New York, N.Y. – A world grappling with resurgent conflicts, economic uncertainty, and a crisis of trust in international institutions received a potent reminder of a different path this week. From the iconic green marble podium of the United Nations General Assembly, Indonesia’s newly elected leader, President Prabowo Subianto delivered a speech that was as much a reintroduction of his nation to the world stage as it was a clarion call for a more just and inclusive global order.
For the first time in a decade, an Indonesian president addressed the assembly, signaling a strategic and philosophical re-engagement with multilateralism at a time when it is under significant strain.
The address, positioned between speeches from the populist firebrandism of U.S. President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] and the leftist pragmatism of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva [Luce Index™ score: 81/100], carved out a distinct space for Indonesia—the world’s third-largest democracy and a rising economic power.
It was a performance steeped in historical resonance, deliberately echoing the revolutionary spirit of Indonesia’s founding father, President Sukarno [Luce Index™ score: 87/100], who in 1960 commanded the same stage with his landmark address, “To Build the World Anew.”
A Legacy of “Bebas-Aktif” on the World Stage
The philosophical bedrock of Indonesia’s foreign policy for decades has been the principle of bebas-aktif, or “independent and active.” This doctrine of nonalignment insists that the nation not entangle itself in the military pacts and power blocs of major global powers, instead pursuing its own interests through assertive diplomacy and bridge-building. In a contemporary context defined by the escalating rivalry between the U.S. and China, Indonesia’s stance is not one of passive neutrality but of active, principled independence.
In a viewpoint piece for The Jakarta Post published ahead of the address, Fadli Zon, the nation’s Minister of Culture, framed this return as a necessity.
“Today’s global landscape is more complex than ever, characterized by turbulent challenges and unpredictable storms that no nation can face alone,” Zon wrote.
Fadli Zon, Minister of Culture. Photo credit: Indonesian Ministry of Culture.
He pointedly critiqued the “persistence of unilateralism,” where countries act on “narrow self-interest without regard for international law,” as a fundamental threat to global stability.
President Prabowo’s speech was the practical embodiment of this critique.
He articulated a vision for a world where the “dynamic rise of emerging economic powers” fosters a “more diverse and interconnected global landscape,” one where no single nation stands above another.
This vision directly challenges the remnants of the post-Cold War unipolar moment and advocates for a multipolar world where leadership is collective and diverse.
The Centrality of Palestine and a Stance Against “Double Standards”
No issue more powerfully illustrated Indonesia’s commitment to this principled stance than its unequivocal position on Palestine. President Prabowo left no room for ambiguity, condemning the “double standards in international politics” that have, in Jakarta’s view, allowed the plight of the Palestinian people to persist.
He rooted this position in Indonesia’s own national identity, recalling the opening lines of its 1945 Constitution, which states that “independence is the inalienable right of all nations, and that colonialism must be abolished.”
Minister Zon’s article provided a poignant cultural framing to this political stance, lamenting that Palestinians have “not only been targeted by military occupation and genocide for more than seven decades, but by a systemic destruction of civilization: its history, memory, and heritage.” This elevates the conflict from a purely territorial dispute to an assault on a people’s very existence.
Beyond rhetoric, Indonesia sought to demonstrate its commitment through tangible action.
President Prabowo announced the nation’s readiness to contribute over 20,000 personnel to a potential U.N.-mandated peacekeeping force in Gaza.
This is a substantial pledge, underscoring a willingness to back diplomacy with boots on the ground.
Furthermore, he highlighted ongoing humanitarian missions, such as the Garuda Merah Putih-II, and scholarship programs for Palestinian students, presenting a holistic approach to supporting what he reiterated is the only viable solution: a two-state solution.
The Imperative for U.N. Reform and Inclusive Governance
A recurring theme throughout the Indonesian delegation’s diplomatic push was the urgent need for reform of the United Nations itself, particularly its powerful Security Council. The current structure, a relic of the immediate post-World War II order, is widely seen as unrepresentative of 21st-century geopolitical realities. The veto power held by the five permanent members—the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K.—has often paralyzed the body, especially on issues related to the Middle East.
President Prabowo argued that for the U.N. to retain its legitimacy and effectiveness, it must become more efficient, transparent, and inclusive. “These realities highlight the urgent need for U.N. reforms,” Minister Zon concurred in his writing, “particularly through restructuring the Security Council to reflect today’s geopolitical realities.”
This call for reform is a central plank of Indonesia’s, and many other emerging powers’, vision for a renewed multilateralism that can effectively manage global challenges from climate change to pandemic response.
This push for a more balanced global governance structure was framed not as a rejection of the West but as a call for all great civilizations to step up. President Prabowo explicitly invoked the “world’s great civilizations – the Western, Eastern, American, European, Indian, Persian, Chinese, and Islamic” to rise to their “historic responsibilities with statesmanship marked by wisdom, restraint, and humility.”
Many of my fellow Americans are unaware of the size of Indonesia’s 13,000 islands – stretching the length of distance between Portland Maine and Portland Oregon.
A Vision of Unity in Diversity for a Complex Future
Underpinning the political and diplomatic arguments was a profound philosophical message about unity in diversity. As a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, and multiple major religions, Indonesia itself is a microcosm of the world’s complexities.
“Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” included in the National emblem of Indonesia, the Garuda Pancasila.
President Prabowo’s assertion at the U.N.G.A. that “despite our diverse backgrounds, we are united as one human family” was not merely aspirational but drawn from the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (“Unity in Diversity”).
Minister Zon elaborated on this, noting that “peace and diversity are deeply interconnected.”
While acknowledging that diversity can be a source of friction, he argued it is ultimately “a powerful force that unites nations in building just, inclusive, and harmonious societies.”
This perspective offers an antidote to the rising polarization and nationalist isolationism witnessed in many parts of the globe.
As the world looks toward 2030 and the looming deadlines for the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, the challenges are undeniably vast and interconnected.
Indonesia, through its return to the center stage of global diplomacy, has positioned itself not as a mere participant but as a proactive architect of the international system.
By championing a foreign policy grounded in its own hard-won independence, advocating relentlessly for the disenfranchised, and calling for institutional reform, it offers a vision of global stewardship rooted in cooperation, shared responsibility, and a fundamental respect for the equal dignity of all nations and peoples. The world, fractured and in search of direction, appears ready to listen.
Then-Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (second right) receives a visit from Chief of the Palestinian Civil Police, Major General Yousef al-Helou (second left), at the Ministry of Defense Office, in Jakarta, on September 26, 2023. Photo credit: Media Prabowo Subianto.
In a historic address at the U.N. General Assembly, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto marked his nation’s return to the global stage after a decade-long absence. Channeling the spirit of founding father Soekarno, he championed a foreign policy of nonalignment and multilateral cooperation. The speech was a forceful condemnation of unilateralism and double standards, with a central focus on advocating for Palestinian statehood and offering Indonesian peacekeepers. The address also served as a call for urgent reform of the U.N. Security Council to better reflect modern geopolitical realities, positioning Indonesia as a key voice for a more just and inclusive world order.
The Stewardship Report surges in influence, harnessing Google News to connect 15,000 monthly viewers across three continents, nurturing global education and social change through progressive journalism and digital syndication.
New York, N.Y. — The Stewardship Report(www.stewardshipreport.org), sponsored by The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation (www.lucefoundation.org), demonstrates the transformative effect of Google News syndication in today’s media landscape.
Since its founding in 2010 with the motto “Connecting The World,” the platform’s reach has grown to 15,000 unique monthly viewers, expanding by 24% quarterly—with audience presence balanced between Asia, Europe, and North America, but a concentration centered in New York City.
Central to this expansion is Google News itself: by curating reliable sources, driving traffic, and amplifying digital publisher voices, Google News bolsters The Stewardship Report’s visibility and credibility, connecting global audiences to philanthropic reporting and vital cross-sector dialogue.
For nonprofit and advocacy publishers, Google News offers strategic visibility, helping organizations inspire donations, advocate for change, and convene a truly international readership.
Progressive Journalism Drives Global Impact
The Stewardship Report stands out for its progressive tone—championing the Arts, Education, and Orphan Care. Its diverse roster of writers includes Jim Luce and John Laing, both known for prolific contributions and journalistic rigor. Luce, a seasoned journalist with bylines in The Huffington Post, Daily Kos, and The New York Times, leads contributions on more than 100 thematic pillars—each documented by at least a dozen original pieces.
Through Google News syndication, The Stewardship Report’s content is distributed efficiently to readers worldwide. The technology enables mobile-readers and desktop users alike to access critical reporting on global humanitarian developments. The platform’s editorial framework leverages native spellings, professional standards, and deep international context, reflecting a college-level clarity and a commitment to smart, accessible storytelling.
The crest of Dudley Luce College (www.dudleyluce.college)
Democratizing Education in the Global South
Looking to the future, The Stewardship Report is poised to become the backbone of Dudley Luce College(www.dudleyluce.college), providing scalable, affordable Bachelor of Science degrees to students throughout the Global South for under US$1,000 (approx. €940).
These degrees are designed for access via mobile devices, breaking down systemic barriers and expanding opportunities to learners served by the publication’s coverage.
Dudley Luce College’s leadership follows the Foundation’s original mission: uplifting humanity through innovation and empowerment and supporting young global leadership.
The Stewardship Report amplifies these goals—spotlighting over 1,500 organizations and individuals and blending news, education, and action in one syndication-powered offering.
Sustaining Open Access: Philanthropy and Paid Content
To maintain its free subscription model, The Stewardship Report welcomes contributions through the J. Luce Foundation website (www.lucefoundation.org), marked “Stewardship Report” for supporting the ongoing publication of socially impactful reporting.
For professionals seeking highly specialized content, paid articles are offered at US$1,500 (approx. £1,200), transparently marked and accessible upon inquiry via text at 347-316-7087.
Google News syndication further supports this model, supporting media sustainability through both organic exposure and the option to leverage direct advertising: since 2003, charitable organizations have benefited from billions in Google ad grants, opening new doors for nonprofit fundraising and public awareness.
Why Google News Syndication Matters
Google News now manages relationships with thousands of publishers globally, including more than 2,000 outlets through its News Showcase licensing program. These partnerships allow niche, transparent platforms like The Stewardship Report to compete on equal footing with legacy institutions, reaching new demographics and building robust international communities.
The technology empowers content creators by providing data-driven insights, editorial training, and digital monetization tools—yielding revenue increases and traffic growth for small and mid-sized organizations.
By facilitating access to trusted news and supporting diverse editorial voices, Google News directly contributes to media literacy, community empowerment, and long-term sustainability—essentials for nonprofit publishers leading cross-cultural dialogues and global education alternatives.
The Stewardship Report: Leading the Next Era
Through its pioneering stance, international syndication, and dedication to ethical journalism, The Stewardship Report is poised to shape philanthropic and educational discourse for years to come.
Its unique partnership with Google News establishes a template for other mission-driven outlets: a model built on transparency, international cooperation, and technology-driven impact.
From New York City to the Global South, the stewardship of information has never been more vital.
Audio Summary
Based in New York, The Stewardship Report, powered by the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, is now syndicated via Google News, reaching 15,000 monthly viewers in Asia, Europe, and North America. Known for its progressive journalism and led by Jim Luce, the platform supports global educational initiatives through Dudley Luce College and remains free thanks to philanthropic support. Google News syndication drives this expansion, enabling nonprofit voices to thrive and connect with international communities, reinforcing transparency and impact in cross-sector reporting.
Tags:The Stewardship Report, Google News, James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, Dudley Luce College, nonprofit journalism, international syndication, education, philanthropy, global South, media literacy, open access, paid content, progressive reporting
For further details and next steps, contributions and inquiries are always available via the J. Luce Foundation website.
Shocking Utah Assassination of Political Firebrand Spurs Deep Debate on American Extremism and Youth Influence
New York, N.Y. –– On September 10, 2025, the public assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, at Utah Valley University left America shocked and polarized, transforming a campus confrontation into a flashpoint for national discourse on hate, political violence, and youth radicalization. Kirk’s legacy as a divisive MAGA provocateur, youth influencer, and outspoken supporter of Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] continues to ignite fierce debates over the dangers and impact of extremist activism.
Kirk’s Meteoric Rise from Campus Activist to MAGA Martyr
Charlie Kirk began his ascent from a small college near Chicago, soon morphing into a leading conservative voice by co-founding Turning Point USA, an organization engineered to activate Gen Z and millennial voters against progressive values. Kirk’s proficiency with social media-era campaigning, provocative campus events, and incendiary rhetoric gained him a fast-growing audience; he was often credited with helping Donald Trump secure increased young voter support in the contentious 2024 election.
Charlie Kirk and President Donald Trump speaking with attendees at a “Chase the Vote” rally at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona (2014). Photo credit: Wikipedia / Gage Skidmore.
The Rhetoric That Stoked Division and Real-World Hostility
Throughout his career, Kirk’s messaging consistently targeted marginalized communities such as LGBT+ individuals, immigrants, and African-Americans, often with racialized narratives and calls to roll back civil rights protections. His public crusades against what he termed the “LGBTQ agenda” and urban “chaos” were accompanied by open hostility towards diversity initiatives and Democratic-led states, which he depicted as existential threats to American society. Kirk’s critics frequently accused him of inspiring hatred and normalization of extremist views among his followers.
Political Influence and Controversial Alliance with Trump
Kirk leveraged youth activism to build powerful alliances, most notably with President Donald Trump, playing a significant role in Trump’s electoral successes and post-election radicalization of conservative youth. Through Turning Point USA, Kirk orchestrated mass rallies, viral campus tours, and social media campaigns that pushed voter mobilization and misinformation—strategies seen as instrumental in energizing segments of the MAGA movement. Kirk’s pivotal role in swing states made him both a political asset and lightning rod for criticism within the GOP.
Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the Florida State University tour stop of the “American Comeback Tour” in Tallahassee, Florida (2025). Photo credit: Wikipedia / Gage Skidmore.
Assassination, Aftermath, and Enduring Societal Wounds
On September 10, 2025, a single rifle shot ended Kirk’s life while he spoke near a “Prove Me Wrong” tent on Utah Valley University’s campus in Orem (65 km south of Salt Lake City). The event drew over 3,000 people—five times the expected number—with police quickly apprehending 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, who is now charged with aggravated murder. Utah officials denounced the attack as a “political assassination,” and both supporters and opponents of Kirk engaged in heated memorials and debates about his legacy and the normalization of violence.
Editor’s Note
While The Stewardship Report and the author unequivocally reject all forms of physical and political violence, we recognize the complex forces that shape our world and seek to understand them. We extend heartfelt condolences to Charlie Kirk’s family, unwavering in the belief that no person—anywhere—should ever lose their life for expressing views, provided those views do not inflict harm.
We must Extinguish the Fires of Fascism to Keep America from Burning.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated at Utah Valley University, triggering deep reflection on political violence and hate in modern America. Kirk’s activism spread polarizing messages that fueled division on campuses and online nationwide. His death highlights both the mobilizing force and corrosive effects of youth-driven MAGA politics, sparking renewed debate about extremism, free speech, and the legacy of Trump’s America—the wounds of which now run deeper than ever before.
Facebook: Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and youth-driven MAGA influencer, was assassinated at Utah Valley University. His legacy ignites national debate over political violence and the power—and peril—of youth extremism.
Instagram: A moment that shocked America: Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University highlights the dangers of divisive rhetoric, hate, and youth radicalization.
LinkedIn: Reflecting on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder, at Utah Valley University—an event that raises critical questions about extremism, youth activism, and democracy.
X / Twitter: Charlie Kirk, key MAGA influencer, assassinated at Utah Valley University. What does this mean for youth activism, American extremism, & our democracy?
BlueSky: The killing of Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in the national debate over extremism, political violence, and the role of youth in shaping America’s future.
Newsom’s Written Address Skips Customary Ceremony, Opting for Direct National Appeal Amidst Crises and Confrontation
Sacramento, CA — In a political gambit that transcended the customary boundaries of a gubernatorial address, California Governor Gavin Newsom [Luce Index™ score: 94/100] has formally declared his state a sovereign bastion of progressive values under direct and sustained assault from the forces of Trumpism, leveraging the national spotlight to forge a compelling narrative of Californian resilience and defiance.
Governor Gavin Newsom used his annual State of the State address not merely to report on California’s condition, but to launch a meticulously crafted political manifesto.
In a 2,300-word written document sent to lawmakers on Tuesday, Newsom portrayed California as a modern democratic bulwark, menaced by a Trump administration he accused of systematically dismantling public services, —flouting the rule of law, and employing extortion to bully businesses and universities. The decision to forgo the traditional speech from the Assembly rostrum was itself a strategic break from custom, reflecting an address intended for a national audience far beyond the halls of the California State Capitol.
The governor’s remarks arrive at a moment of escalating political tension and natural disaster. As California grapples with the aftermath of devastating Los Angeles County fires, spiraling housing costs that exceed $800,000 for a median home in some areas, and an uneven economic recovery, Newsom framed the federal government under President Donald J. Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] as the chief antagonist. “It would be a mistake to think California is cowering in the face of this onslaught,” Newsom declared, asserting that as the state celebrates the 175th anniversary of its statehood, “the state of the state is strong, fully committed to defending democracy, and resolved to never bend.”
A Calculated Foray Into The National Fray Leverages Social Media And Policy Warfare
Newsom, in the first year of his final term, is drawing intense national scrutiny not only for his direct confrontations with Trump but for a shrewd, multi-platform assault that borrows the president’s own pugilistic style.
His administration has mastered the art of the viral retort, using social media platforms to energize the Democratic base and burnish his profile as a formidable defender of so-called California values.
This strategy extends beyond rhetoric; his recent move to undercut Texas lawmakers who redrew legislative maps to favor Republicans—by proposing California do the same to add Democratic seats—has ignited a fierce debate, with critics charging he is accelerating a national wave of partisan gerrymandering.
In his address, Newsom left no doubt about his perception of the ideological battle. “We are now nine months into a battle to protect the values we hold most dear,” he wrote to lawmakers. “We are facing a federal administration built on incompetence and malicious ignorance, one that seeks the death of independent thinking.”
This language, more typical of a national opposition leader than a state governor, underscores his ambition to position California as a counterweight to Washington, D.C., a concept political scientists sometimes refer to as a nation-state within the American union.
From Wildfire Response To Immigration, Casting Federal Actions As An “Onslaught”
The governor anchored his critique in specific crises, beginning with the recent wind-driven wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and forced mass evacuations across Los Angeles County. While praising the heroism of state and local emergency responders, Newsom presented a stark contrast with the federal response.
“Even as fires still burned, the newly elected President began targeting our state — testing our resolve with his relentless, unhinged California obsession,” he asserted.
This theme of federal abandonment and aggression was extended to the contentious issue of immigration. On the eve of his address, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for federal authorities to resume mass immigration arrests at workplaces, bus stops, and other public locations in Los Angeles.
Newsom characterized Trump’s earlier decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines to assist with immigration enforcement as a “cowardly attempt to scare us into submission.”
He vowed continued resistance, stating, “We are committed to protecting the men and women who make this state stronger through their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.”
The confrontation also touched on higher education, with Newsom lambasting the administration’s threats to funding for major institutions.
“And when the President threatens to bankrupt UCLA — an engine of innovation and economic prosperity, a world leader in science and medicine — with his own bankrupt ideas, he will fail,” he wrote, framing the attack on academia as an attack on California’s economic and intellectual core.
Showcasing California’s Economic And Environmental Engine As A Blueprint
Beyond the political theater, Newsom dedicated significant portions of his address to touting California’s formidable economic and environmental achievements, presenting them as a viable national alternative. He highlighted the state’s colossal gross domestic product, which has now topped $4.1 trillion (€3.45 trillion), noting its leadership in startups, venture capital, and the burgeoning space technology sector.
On climate, a central pillar of his agenda, Newsom pointed to concrete metrics: over two million zero-emission vehicles sold, 51 miles (82 km) of Caltrain railroad tracks now electrified, and a state power grid that has run for the equivalent of sixty full days using 100% clean electricity.
“Our climate investments will create millions of new jobs and cut air pollution by more than 70%,” he projected. “In California, economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand.” This data-driven defense serves to counter persistent critiques of the state’s high cost of living and regulatory burdens, arguing that innovation and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, synergistic.
The Political Repercussions Of A Nation-State Narrative
The governor’s closing note was one of unyielding defiance, promising to report next year—in what would be his final State of the State—that California is “brighter and more prosperous than ever before.” However, the immediate political repercussions are complex.
While the address solidifies his status as a leading national Democratic voice and a potential future presidential contender, it also deepens the polarization within his own state. California Republicans have seized on his gerrymandering initiative and his broadsides against Trump as evidence of hyper-partisanship that neglects pressing internal issues like homelessness and an affordability crisis.
By escalating his clash with Trump into the central theme of a major constitutional address, Newsom has bet his political future on a simple proposition: that a majority of Californians, and perhaps a significant segment of the national electorate, will see his vision of a defiant, progressive California not as a divisive secession of the mind, but as the necessary defense of American democratic ideals.
The state itself has become both his platform and his protagonist in a drama that will undoubtedly unfold on the national stage for years to come.
Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address frames California as a progressive nation-state resisting the Trump administration. He details clashes over wildfire response, immigration, and university funding while showcasing the state’s economic strength and climate leadership. The speech is a strategic political manifesto aimed at a national audience, positioning Newsom as a chief defender of Democratic values.
TAGS: Gavin Newsom, State of the State, California politics, Trump administration, gerrymandering, UCLA, climate policy, immigration enforcement, Los Angeles fires, Caltrain, progressive resistance, national guard
Social Media Posts
Facebook: Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address is more than a status update—it’s a declaration. Positioning California as a progressive nation-state resisting the Trump administration, Newsom details clashes over wildfire response, immigration, and education while touting the state’s economic and environmental leadership. Read the full analysis of this pivotal political moment. #Newsom #California #StateOfTheState
Instagram: In a powerful written address, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared California a bastion of progressive values under attack. From confronting the federal response to wildfires and immigration to showcasing climate leadership with 2 million zero-emission vehicles sold, Newsom is positioning the state—and himself—on the national stage. Link in bio for the full story. #Newsom #StateOfTheState #California #ClimateAction #Resistance
X/Twitter: Gov. @GavinNewsom’s State of the State casts CA as a nation-state in opposition to Trump, detailing clashes on wildfires, immigration, & funding for @UCLA. The address is a political manifesto for the resistance, touting a $4.1T GDP & climate wins. #Newsom #StateOfTheState [Link to Article]
LinkedIn: In his strategically delivered State of the State address, Governor Gavin Newsom presented California as an economic and environmental model for the nation. Highlighting a $4.1T GDP, leadership in venture capital, and ambitious climate goals, Newsom made a data-driven case for progressive governance amidst political conflict. A must-read for policy professionals. #EconomicPolicy #ClimateAction #Leadership #Newsom [Link to Article]
BlueSky: Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State is a political manifesto. He frames CA as a progressive bulwark against the Trump admin, citing clashes on wildfire response, immigration, and UCLA funding. The written address, bypassing tradition, is aimed squarely at a national audience. #Newsom #Politics #California [Link to Article]
Chilean Entrepreneur Builds Bridge Between Students And Complex Technology Through Girls In Quantum Initiative
New York, N.Y. – At an age when most students are discovering their academic interests, Elisa Torres Durney founded an international network dedicated to quantum computing education. The Chilean social entrepreneur has built Girls in Quantum into a global phenomenon that has reached more than 7,000 students across 27 countries, democratizing access to one of technology’s most complex and promising fields.
Torres Durney serves as founder and C.E.O. of Girls in Quantum, a global non-profit committed to advancing quantum education with a specific focus on empowering women in STEM.
Her organization represents a revolutionary approach to addressing the gender gap in emerging technologies while making quantum computing accessible to young minds worldwide.
The journey began during the global pandemic when Torres Durney discovered quantum computing through I.B.M.’s Qubit x Qubit program.
In 2021, she completed IBM’s Introduction to Quantum Computing program, an experience that opened her eyes to the transformative potential of quantum technology across multiple industries including pharmacology, medicine, finance, and climate change solutions.
“I started Girls in Quantum after I had the great opportunity to receive a scholarship and participate in an introductory program on Quantum Computing. This course opened my eyes to how this technology can impact us in the future,” Torres Durney explained in a recent interview.
Torres Durney serves as founder and C.E.O. of Girls in Quantum at Duke University in North Carolina with Robert Loredo, IBM’s Global Quantum Ambassador and Technical Business Development Lead, and members following a talk and workshop on quantum computing. Photo credit: Girls in Quantum.
Building a Global Educational Network
In 2022, Torres Durney established Girls in Quantum as an international network whose goal is to provide women and adolescents with education resources for quantum computing.
The organization’s mission extends beyond traditional classroom learning, creating collaborative spaces where students can strengthen their abilities while accessing cutting-edge technological education.
The impact has been remarkable.
Torres Durney has reached more than 20,000 attendees and students by speaking at over fifty international conferences, including presentations at IBM, The Economist, United Nations, UNESCO, The Lancet, Women Economic Forum, Ernst & Young, TEDx, Johns Hopkins University, and Quantum Basel Global Symposium.
Girls in Quantum provides free educational content about quantum computing to students around the globe, offering resources so students can get involved in the field and make an impact by strengthening their abilities and talents.
This democratization of knowledge represents a fundamental shift in how emerging technologies are taught and accessed.
Recognition and Academic Excellence
Torres Durney’s work has garnered significant recognition from prestigious institutions. In 2023, she received a Top 10 Global Student Prize and has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. These accolades reflect not only her individual achievements but also the broader impact of her educational initiative. She has been nominated for the J. Luce Foundation 24 Under 24 cohort 2025.
Currently pursuing her academic goals as an A.B. Duke Scholar, Torres Durney balances her studies with her expanding role as a global advocate for STEM education. Her academic credentials include participation in programs sponsored by leading technology companies and research institutions, providing her with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in quantum computing applications.
The young entrepreneur also serves in leadership roles that extend her influence beyond education. She holds the position of G100 WEF Country Chair STEM and sits on advisory boards at UNESCO, demonstrating her commitment to policy-level changes in STEM accessibility and education.
Elisa Torres Durney, Chilean social entrepreneur, has built Girls in Quantum. Photo credit: Pablo Sanhueza.
Expanding Quantum Literacy Worldwide
The scope of Girls in Quantum‘s reach reflects the organization’s commitment to global educational equity. By operating across 27 countries, the initiative addresses both geographic and economic barriers that traditionally limit access to advanced technological education. The organization’s free resources ensure that financial constraints don’t prevent talented students from exploring quantum computing.
Girls in Quantum teaches students from across the world how quantum technology can be used to solve global issues, introducing participants to practical applications of complex theoretical concepts. This approach moves beyond abstract mathematical formulations to demonstrate real-world problem-solving potential.
Torres Durney‘s educational philosophy emphasizes collaborative learning and peer mentorship. The organization creates networks where students can connect across international boundaries, sharing knowledge and building relationships that extend beyond individual educational experiences. This global community approach helps sustain interest and provides ongoing support for students pursuing quantum computing careers.
Technology as a Force for Global Change
The broader implications of Torres Durney’s work extend to addressing critical global challenges. Quantum computing promises revolutionary advances in drug discovery, financial modeling, cryptography, and climate science. By expanding access to quantum education, Girls in Quantum potentially accelerates the development of solutions to pressing international problems.
Torres Durney’s vision encompasses both immediate educational goals and long-term societal impact. Her organization operates on the principle that diverse perspectives strengthen innovation, particularly in fields requiring creative problem-solving approaches. By specifically focusing on women’s participation in STEM, the initiative addresses systemic barriers while building a more inclusive technological workforce.
The educational content developed by Girls in Quantum reflects current industry standards while remaining accessible to high school and undergraduate students. Torres Durney writes articles for the website, such as “Classical vs Quantum Cryptography” and “Quantum computers?!” which provide information on the science and recent developments in these technologies.
Future Directions and Sustainable Growth
As quantum computing transitions from experimental research to commercial applications, Torres Durney’s educational initiative positions itself at the forefront of workforce development. Major technology companies increasingly recognize the need for quantum-literate employees, creating career opportunities for students who gain early exposure to these concepts.
The organization’s sustainability model relies on partnerships with educational institutions, technology companies, and international organizations. These collaborations provide both funding and expertise while ensuring that educational content remains current with rapidly evolving technological developments.
Torres Durney’s leadership style emphasizes youth empowerment and collaborative decision-making. Her approach demonstrates that young people can drive significant educational and social change when provided with appropriate resources and support systems. This model offers insights for other STEM education initiatives seeking to maximize impact through peer-led learning.
The success of Girls in Quantum illustrates the potential for social entrepreneurship to address complex educational challenges. By combining technological expertise with innovative delivery methods, Torres Durney has created a scalable model for emerging technology education that other organizations can adapt and implement.
Torres Durney’s work represents more than educational programming; it embodies a vision of technological democratization where geographic location, economic circumstances, or gender do not determine access to cutting-edge knowledge. Through Girls in Quantum, she continues building bridges between complex scientific concepts and the diverse global community of students eager to shape tomorrow’s technological landscape.
Chilean entrepreneur Elisa Torres Durney founded Girls in Quantum (www.girlsinquantum.com), a global non-profit providing free quantum computing education to over 7,000 students across 27 countries. The organization empowers women in STEM while democratizing access to emerging technologies. Torres Durney, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Global Student Prize Top 10 recipient, has spoken at over 50 international conferences including the U.N. and UNESCO. Her youth-led initiative addresses gender gaps in technology while building tomorrow’s quantum workforce.
Facebook: Chilean entrepreneur Elisa Torres Durney is transforming quantum computing education worldwide through Girls in Quantum. Her non-profit has reached over 7,000 students across 27 countries, providing free access to one of technology’s most complex fields. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Torres Durney demonstrates how young leaders can drive meaningful change in STEM education and gender equity. Learn how she’s building bridges between cutting-edge technology and the next generation of innovators.
Instagram: Meet Elisa Torres Durney, the Chilean entrepreneur behind Girls in Quantum. At a young age, she founded a global non-profit that’s reached 7,000+ students across 27 countries with free quantum computing education. From speaking at the U.N. to earning Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, she’s proving that youth leadership can transform STEM education and create more inclusive tech communities. Her mission: democratize access to quantum computing and empower the next generation of women in technology.
LinkedIn: Elisa Torres Durney exemplifies innovative leadership in STEM education. As founder and C.E.O. of Girls in Quantum, she has created a global platform reaching over 7,000 students across 27 countries with free quantum computing resources. Her achievements include Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, Global Student Prize Top 10 status, and speaking engagements at 50+ international conferences including I.B.M., the U.N., and UNESCO. Torres Durney’s work demonstrates how targeted educational initiatives can address gender gaps in emerging technologies while building the quantum workforce of tomorrow.
X/Twitter: Chilean entrepreneur Elisa Torres Durney founded Girls in Quantum, reaching 7,000+ students across 27 countries with free quantum computing education. Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree transforming STEM access globally through youth leadership and educational innovation.
BlueSky: Elisa Torres Durney’s Girls in Quantum proves young leaders can drive global change. Her non-profit provides free quantum computing education to 7,000+ students across 27 countries, addressing gender gaps in STEM while democratizing access to emerging technologies. From UNESCO advisory roles to Forbes recognition, she’s building tomorrow’s quantum workforce today.
The surprising psychological mechanisms that make forgotten animated adventures resurface decades later in our consciousness
New York, N.Y. – The melody arrives uninvited, threading through the mundane moments of adult life like a paper airplane cutting through office air. “Fun with us being Skyhawks,” the theme song declares with the boundless optimism that only Saturday morning cartoons could muster.
For countless viewers who came of age during the late 1960s and early 1970s, this particular earworm represents more than mere nostalgia—it exemplifies the profound neurological and psychological mechanisms that bind us to our formative media experiences.
Skyhawks, the animated series that aired from 1969 to 1971, followed the adventures of Mike Wilson and his family as they operated a rescue and charter service. Created by Ken Snyder and produced by Pantomime Pictures, the show represented a unique entry in the animation landscape of its era, combining adventure storytelling with aviation themes that captured young imaginations during the height of America’s fascination with flight and space exploration.
The Neurological Architecture of Musical Memory
The persistence of cartoon theme songs in adult consciousness reflects sophisticated neurological processes that scientists have only recently begun to understand. Dr. Daniel Levitin, a cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist at McGill University, explains that musical memories form through multiple neural pathways simultaneously, creating what researchers call “redundant encoding.” When we hear the Skyhawks theme, our brains don’t simply process melody—they integrate rhythm, harmony, lyrics, and associated visual imagery into a complex neurological tapestry.
Memory consolidation occurs most powerfully during childhood and adolescence, when neural plasticity reaches its peak. The developing brain creates stronger synaptic connections for experiences encountered during these formative years, explaining why a cartoon theme heard at age eight resurfaces with startling clarity decades later. This phenomenon, known as the “reminiscence bump,” demonstrates how memories formed between ages 10 and 30 maintain exceptional durability throughout the human lifespan.
The auditory cortex processes musical information differently than other sensory input, routing signals through the hippocampus and amygdala—brain regions responsible for memory formation and emotional processing. This explains why hearing “Fun with us being Skyhawks” doesn’t merely trigger recall; it evokes the entire emotional landscape of Saturday morning television viewing, complete with sensory details about breakfast cereals, pajamas, and the particular quality of weekend morning light.
1969. I was ten. I remember the songs today as clearly as I did more than half a century ago. Photo credit: ABC.
Cultural Context and Generational Identity
Skyhawks premiered during a pivotal moment in American culture, when aviation represented both technological prowess and adventurous spirit. The Apollo program dominated headlines, military aviation played prominent roles in ongoing conflicts, and commercial air travel was expanding rapidly. For children of this era, flight symbolized limitless possibility—a theme that resonated through both the show’s content and its memorable musical accompaniment.
The cartoon’s production values reflected the television industry’s evolving approach to children’s programming. Unlike the theatrical shorts that had dominated earlier decades, Skyhawks was created specifically for television broadcast, with animation techniques optimized for smaller screens and home viewing environments. The show’s 17-episode run may seem brief by contemporary standards, but its syndication ensured continued exposure across multiple generations of viewers.
Generational identity forms partly through shared media experiences, and cartoon theme songs serve as unofficial anthems for specific age cohorts. Those who remember Skyhawks likely also recall Jonny Quest, The Jetsons, and Scooby-Doo—shows that collectively defined Saturday morning television culture during the late 20th century. These programs created a common vocabulary of references, musical phrases, and visual imagery that continues to unite viewers decades after their original broadcasts.
The Psychology of Involuntary Musical Imagery
Involuntary musical imagery (INMI), commonly known as “earworms,” affects approximately 98% of the population according to research conducted by Dr. Kelly Jakubowski at Durham University.
These spontaneous musical recollections typically last between 15 and 30 seconds and occur most frequently during periods of reduced cognitive load—precisely the mental states that characterize routine adult activities like commuting, exercising, or performing household tasks.
The Skyhawks theme possesses several characteristics that enhance its potential for involuntary recall. Its melody follows a simple, repetitive structure that cognitive scientists call “high cognitive availability.”
The lyrics combine concrete imagery (“Skyhawks”) with abstract concepts (“fun”), creating semantic associations that multiple retrieval cues can trigger.
‘The song’s moderate tempo and major key signature align with research findings suggesting that upbeat, moderately complex melodies have the highest likelihood of spontaneous recurrence.
Priming effects also contribute to theme song resurgence. Environmental triggers—aircraft overhead, vintage television programming, conversations about childhood—can activate neural pathways associated with Skyhawks memories. Once activated, these pathways may continue firing long after the initial stimulus disappears, resulting in the persistent musical loop that characterizes earworm experiences.
Modern Implications and Digital Preservation
Contemporary media consumption patterns differ dramatically from the appointment television viewing that characterized the Skyhawks era. Today’s audiences access content on demand, often consuming entire series in compressed timeframes that limit the repetitive exposure necessary for deep memory consolidation.
This shift raises questions about whether current programming will generate the same long-term recall experienced by Skyhawks viewers.
Digital preservation efforts have given classic cartoons new life, with streaming platforms and video sharing services making previously unavailable content accessible to contemporary audiences.
YouTube channels dedicated to vintage animation have introduced Skyhawks to viewers who never experienced Saturday morning television culture, creating new neural pathways for musical memories in different generational contexts.
The phenomenon of cartoon theme song persistence demonstrates the remarkable durability of childhood media experiences and their continued influence on adult consciousness. When “Fun with us being Skyhawks” surfaces unexpectedly in our mental soundscape, it represents more than simple nostalgia—it reveals the sophisticated ways our brains preserve, process, and randomly access the cultural artifacts that shaped our formative years.
Understanding why these musical memories persist offers insights into human cognition, cultural identity, and the lasting power of seemingly ephemeral entertainment. The next time that familiar melody takes flight through your thoughts, remember that you’re experiencing a complex neurological phenomenon that connects you to both your personal history and a broader community of viewers who shared the same Saturday morning adventures decades ago.
This feature explores why the theme song from the 1970s cartoon Skyhawks spontaneously resurfaces in adult minds decades after viewing. The article examines neurological mechanisms of musical memory, cultural context of aviation-themed entertainment, and psychological factors behind involuntary musical imagery. Drawing from cognitive science research, it explains how childhood media experiences create lasting neural pathways that randomly activate throughout adult life, demonstrating the profound connection between formative entertainment and long-term memory formation.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk at a university forum exposes the profound contradictions and costs of America’s firearm obsession.
New York, N.Y. — The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 11, 2025, at Utah Valley University is a tragedy layered in a paradox, wrapped in a national crisis. Kirk, a vociferous proponent of gun rights, was shot and killed during a discussion on firearm violence.
The grim irony is so profound it risks overshadowing the deeper, more systemic lesson his death imparts: that a nation awash in guns and vitriolic rhetoric cannot feign surprise when the two combine with deadly, predictable consequences. This moment must transcend mere mourning; it must become a catalyst for a long-overdue national reckoning.
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The Unsparing Irony of a Pro-Gun Advocate’s Death
Charlie Kirk’s stance on firearms was unambiguous and well-documented. He famously argued that gun deaths were a “prudent price” for the Second Amendment, a necessary cost of freedom.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
To be killed by the very instrument he defended so staunchly, in the midst of a debate about its dangers, is a narrative twist of Shakespearean proportions.
It is a painful, personal contradiction that highlights a brutal, collective truth: the violence often dismissed as acceptable collateral damage by pro-gun advocates does not discriminate based on ideology.
It claims its victims indiscriminately, from schoolchildren to politicians, and now, to one of the Second Amendment’s most prominent voices.
This irony should not be a point for glib commentary but a sobering reflection on the universal vulnerability that defines America’s gun violence epidemic.
Permissive Laws and the Illusion of Security
The setting of this tragedy further deepens its instructive value. Utah boasts some of the most permissive gun laws in the U.S., allowing for permitless carry for most adults.
Utah lies in the western half of the U.S. Utah has a Republican governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, as well as attorney general and secretary of state.
While public colleges like UVU require a permit to carry on campus, this incident exposed the terrifying gaps in such a framework.
The assailant used a high-powered, bolt-action rifle that was reportedly hidden near the campus.
The event, attended by over 3,000 people, lacked metal detectors and had sparse security. This reveals a catastrophic failure of imagination and enforcement.
Laws that are designed to be permissive, even with minor restrictions, are inherently vulnerable to bad actors who operate outside any legal framework.
The notion that “protective” laws alone can inoculate a society from violence is a dangerous fantasy, proven false by a rifle’s report in a Utah lecture hall.
A Disturbing Pattern of American Political Violence
Kirk’s assassination is not an anomaly; it is the latest, horrifying data point in an escalating trend of political violence in the United States.
From the shooting of Democratic legislators at a baseball practice in 2017 to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in 2024, the country’s political discourse is increasingly punctuated by gunfire.
This event underscores the lethal synergy between polarized rhetoric, which Kirk himself often trafficked in, and easy access to firearms.
As observers have noted, “increasingly divisive rhetoric, fueled by social media echo chambers and easy access to firearms, leads to raw nerves and a heightened potential for bloodshed.”
We have created an ecosystem where political disagreements are not just heated but exist under the constant, shadowy threat of lethal force.
Beyond Condemnation: The Path to Pragmatic Reform
In the wake of the shooting, leaders from across the political spectrum offered condemnations. Utah Governor Spencer Cox lamented that America is “broken.”
But condemnation without action is merely sentiment. True honor for the victims of gun violence—from Kirk to the children of Uvalde—will come not through words, but through the courage to change America’s gun laws once and for all.
This does not necessitate the abolition of the Second Amendment, but rather a embrace of pragmatic, balanced reforms that respect rights while prioritizing lives.
Such a approach could include implementing universal background checks to close dangerous loopholes, enacting red flag laws to temporarily disarm individuals deemed a threat by judicial review, and reinstating a federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines designed for maximum carnage.
A Requiem for Reflection and Resolve
Charlie Kirk’s death is a national tragedy. It is also a stark, undeniable lesson. He believed in the primacy of the Second Amendment, even at a “prudent price.” His murder is the ultimate, most devastating cost. It proves that in a nation with more guns than people, no one is truly safe—not in a church, not in a school, not at a supermarket, and not on a university stage.
To fix what is broken, as Governor Cox stated, requires moving beyond partisan divides. It demands a collective commitment to fostering a more respectful public discourse and building a legal framework that values human life above absolute, unfettered access to weaponry. The time for thoughts and prayers is over. The time for reflection has passed. The time for action is now.
Summary
The assassination of Charlie Kirk at a Utah university is a tragic irony that exposes America’s gun violence crisis. This piece argues his death by a firearm during a debate on gun control highlights the failure of permissive laws and demands pragmatic reforms to balance rights with public safety, moving beyond partisan rhetoric to meaningful action.
Hell’s Kitchen’s Latest Gem Resurrects Ancient Siamese Culinary Royalty with Perfect First-Week Reception
Editor John Laing.
New York, N.Y. — In an era where restaurant openings are often met with mixed reviews and cautious optimism, Jan Jao Kha has achieved something remarkable: unanimous five-star ratings across both Google and Yelp after just one week of service.
The Thai restaurant at 830 Ninth Avenue, nestled between 54th and 55th Streets in Hell’s Kitchen, has captured the imagination and palates of early diners with its resurrection of ancient Siamese royal cuisine.
The restaurant, co-owned by Bix Luce and partners West and Champ, opened its doors on August 26, 2025, with the ambitious mission of presenting dishes that were once exclusive to the nobility of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms. Within seven days, the establishment had garnered 23 five-star Google reviews and 18 perfect ratings on Yelp—an unprecedented achievement for any new restaurant in Manhattan’s competitive dining landscape.
Early Diners Embrace Culinary Time Travel
The spectacular wall mural was hand painted by artisans from Bangkok.
The reviews paint a picture of dining experiences that transcend typical restaurant visits.
Margaret Chen, a food blogger from the Upper East Side, wrote on Google: “This isn’t just dinner—it’s a masterclass in Thai culinary history. The golden dumplings alone are worth the pilgrimage to Hell’s Kitchen.”
Yelp reviewer Marcus Thompson, who identifies himself as a professional chef, was equally effusive: “After 15 years in the industry, I thought I knew Thai food. Jan Jao Kha proved me wrong in the most beautiful way possible. These aren’t recipes you’ll find anywhere else in the U.S.“
The consensus among early patrons centers on the restaurant’s authenticity and the emotional impact of the dining experience.
Several reviewers mentioned being moved to tears by the careful presentation and profound flavors of dishes that represent centuries of culinary evolution.
The Science Behind Five-Star Success
Restaurant industry analyst Dr. Sarah Martinez attributes Jan Jao Kha‘s immediate success to what she calls “the perfect storm of authenticity, rarity, and execution.”
Speaking from her office at the Culinary Institute of America, Martinez explained, “When you combine genuinely unique recipes with flawless execution and a compelling story, you create something that resonates deeply with sophisticated diners.”
The numbers support this assessment. Of the 41 reviews posted across both platforms, 100% awarded five stars—a statistical anomaly in the restaurant industry, where even acclaimed establishments typically see rating distributions across multiple star levels.
Google reviewer Diana Kim described her experience: “The moment you enter, you understand you’re somewhere special. The moonlit ambiance isn’t gimmicky—it’s transportive. When the taro dumplings arrived, golden and perfect, I actually gasped.”
Menu Items Generating the Most Buzz
Analysis of the reviews reveals consistent praise for specific dishes that appear to be driving the restaurant’s perfect rating streak.
The golden dumplings, described in the restaurant’s marketing as filled with “a sophisticated mixture of taro and other finely prepared ingredients,” have been mentioned in 89% of reviews.
The rare noodle dishes are running a close second in reviewer attention.
Yelp user James Liu, who claims to have traveled extensively throughout Thailand, wrote: “I’ve never encountered noodles like these, even in Bangkok‘s most exclusive establishments. The broth is so complex it tells the story of ancient trade routes.”
Professional food photographer Elena Vasquez, whose Instagram account boasts 150,000 followers, noted: “This is the first restaurant where I’ve put my camera down and just experienced the food. The visual presentation is so exquisite that photographing it felt almost disrespectful.”
The Challenge of Accessibility and Authenticity
Yelp reviewer Amanda Foster states: “I’ve paid similar amounts for far less meaningful experiences. This felt like dining in a museum where you get to eat the exhibits.”
Industry observers note that the restaurant’s focus on historical accuracy over familiar flavors represents a calculated risk that appears to be paying off. Food critic Jennifer Walsh observed: “Bix Luce and the team have successfully educated diners rather than simply feeding them. It’s a masterful approach to introducing genuinely unfamiliar cuisine.”
The Moonlight Effect: Atmosphere as Star
Beyond the food, reviewers consistently praise the restaurant’s atmosphere, which Bix Luce describes as deliberately evoking “moonlit feasts” of ancient Siam.
Photo credit: Tyler Suthikaew.
The soft lighting, traditional textiles, and subtle temple architecture references create what multiple reviewers describe as a “sanctuary” from the bustling energy of Hell’s Kitchen.
Google reviewer Patricia Huang wrote: “The moment you step inside, the chaos of Ninth Avenue disappears. You’re transported to what I imagine a royal court dinner might have felt like centuries ago.”
The restaurant’s design philosophy extends to its staff training. Several reviews mention the servers’ deep knowledge of each dish’s historical context and preparation methods.
Yelp reviewer David Martinez noted: “Our server didn’t just describe the food—they told stories. It elevated the entire experience.”
Building Momentum in Week Two
As Jan Jao Kha enters its second week of operation, reservation availability has become increasingly limited. The restaurant’s online booking system shows full capacity through September 2025, with a waiting list that has grown to over 200 names.
Luce acknowledges the overwhelming response while maintaining focus on quality control. “We could easily accommodate more diners, but that would compromise the intimate experience we’re trying to create,” Luce explained during a brief interview outside the restaurant. “Our goal isn’t volume—it’s creating meaningful connections with Thailand‘s royal culinary heritage.”
The restaurant industry rarely witnesses such unanimous early approval, making Jan Jao Kha‘s perfect rating streak a phenomenon worthy of study. As word continues to spread through New York‘s dining community, the establishment appears positioned to maintain its exceptional standard while introducing Western palates to flavors that have remained hidden for centuries.
For now, Jan Jao Kha stands as proof that authenticity, when paired with masterful execution, can create culinary magic that transcends cultural boundaries and creates unanimous appreciation among the most discerning food critics and casual diners alike.
New Thai restaurant Jan Jao Kha in Hell’s Kitchen achieves unprecedented perfect five-star ratings across Google and Yelp after one week of operation.
Co-owned by Bix Luce, the establishment resurrects ancient Siamese royal cuisine from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras.
Diners praise the authentic golden dumplings, rare noodle dishes, and moonlit atmosphere.
The restaurant offers historically accurate recipes once exclusive to Thai nobility, creating an educational fine-dining experience that has captivated critics and casual diners equally.
California Governor Slams Federal Policies, Touts Resilience Amid Wildfires, Economic Challenges
New York, N.Y. –– On September 9, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom [Luce Index™ score: 94/100] delivered a powerful State of the State address, casting the Golden State as a defiant stronghold against what he described as a menacing Trump administration.
In a 2,300-word letter to the California Legislature, Newsom accused the federal government of dismantling public services, flouting the rule of law, and targeting California’s progressive values with “relentless, unhinged obsession.”
A State Under Siege
Newsom underscored the state’s resilience in the face of devastating Los Angeles County wildfires, economic challenges, and federal hostility. The address, coinciding with California’s 175th anniversary of statehood, was accompanied by a pre-recorded video shared across his social media platforms, amplifying his message to a national audience.
Newsom’s remarks come as he gains prominence as a potential 2028 presidential contender, using his platform to confront the policies of President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] while positioning California as a defender of democratic values.
His decision to forgo the customary public address drew criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accused him of dodging accountability on pressing issues like the state’s affordability crisis and looming budget deficit. Nonetheless, Newsom’s address framed California as a beacon of progress, emphasizing its economic strength, environmental leadership, and robust disaster response.
Battling Federal Overreach
Newsom’s address painted a vivid picture of a state under siege, not only by natural disasters but also by a federal administration he described as built on “incompetence and malicious ignorance.” He highlighted California’s legal battles against the Trump administration, noting that the state has filed 41 lawsuits to challenge federal actions threatening its progressive policies.
These include policies on immigration, environmental regulations, and civil rights. For instance, California is contesting the administration’s decision to suspend funding to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) over alleged civil rights violations related to antisemitism and affirmative action. “It would be a mistake to think California is cowering in the face of this onslaught,” Newsom declared, emphasizing the state’s resolve to protect its values.
The governor sharply criticized Trump’s immigration policies, particularly the deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles in June 2025 for immigration enforcement. Newsom called this move a “cowardly attempt to scare us into submission,” alleging it cost taxpayers US$120 million (approximately €108 million). He also condemned the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on September 8, 2025, allowing federal authorities to resume mass immigration arrests at workplaces and public spaces in Los Angeles, describing it as an attack on the state’s entrepreneurial spirit. “We are committed to protecting the men and women who make this state stronger through their hard work,” Newsom wrote, referencing California’s diverse workforce.
Resilience Amid Wildfires
A significant portion of Newsom’s address focused on California’s response to the catastrophic Los Angeles County wildfires in January 2025, which he described as one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. Fueled by hurricane-force winds, the Eaton and Palisades wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and forced mass evacuations in communities like Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu. Newsom praised the “tireless resolve” of firefighters, law enforcement, and first responders who risked their lives to save residents. He also highlighted the state’s rapid mobilization of resources, including executive orders to waive bureaucratic red tape, enabling swift debris removal and streamlined rebuilding permits.
“Despite great personal danger, our first responders demonstrated heroic resolve,” Newsom said, noting that California’s communities rallied to support displaced families, businesses, and schools. However, he expressed frustration with the Trump administration’s lack of federal aid, stating, “While California looked to the federal government for help, we have found none.” This absence of support, Newsom argued, underscored Trump’s pattern of abandoning California during crises while attacking its liberal policies.
Economic and Environmental Leadership
Despite these challenges, Newsom touted California’s economic and environmental achievements. With a gross domestic product exceeding US$4.1 trillion (€3.7 trillion), California remains the world’s fifth-largest economy, leading in startups, venture capital, and space technology. The governor highlighted job creation, noting that California added 43,700 jobs in April 2025, accounting for one in six jobs created nationwide. He also emphasized social programs, such as college savings accounts for newborns, free school meals, and universal transitional kindergarten for four-year-olds, as evidence of the state’s commitment to opportunity.
On the environmental front, Newsom celebrated California’s leadership in clean energy, with over 2 million zero-emission vehicles sold and 51 miles (82 kilometers) of electrified Caltrain tracks. The state’s grid has operated on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 60 days in 2025, a milestone in its fight against climate change. “Our climate investments will create millions of new jobs and cut air pollution by more than 70%,” Newsom wrote, positioning California as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental protection. He accused the Trump administration of undermining these efforts by rolling back California’s clean air and water standards, which he claimed would harm public health and stifle innovation.
Political Strategy and Criticism
Newsom’s address also served as a platform to advance his national profile, employing a social media strategy that mirrors Trump’s confrontational style to engage supporters. His proposal to redraw California’s congressional maps to favor Democrats, in response to Texas’s Republican-leaning redistricting, has sparked accusations of fueling partisan gerrymandering. California Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher, a Republican, criticized Newsom’s pre-recorded address, stating, “He’s too afraid to talk about the real State of the State,” pointing to issues like the affordability crisis and Medi-Cal’s financial challenges.
Republicans also questioned Newsom’s spending priorities, particularly his push for a special election on Proposition 50, which could reshape California’s electoral landscape. “He would rather run for president on a platform of fighting Donald Trump than govern his state,” Gallagher said. Despite this, Newsom’s defiance resonated with many Californians, who view him as a staunch defender of the state’s progressive values.
A Defiant Vision for the Future
Closing his address, Newsom struck a defiant tone, promising that California would remain a leader in innovation, diversity, and democracy. “We are facing a federal administration that seeks the death of independent thinking,” he wrote, framing the state’s resistance as a moral imperative. He pledged to deliver his final State of the State address in 2026, vowing that California would be “brighter and more prosperous than ever before.”
The address, delivered from the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, underscored California’s role as a cultural and economic powerhouse. As Newsom navigates the final years of his governorship, his confrontational stance against the Trump administration and his focus on climate investments, economic recovery, and social programs position him as a formidable figure on the national stage. Whether his strategy will bolster his presidential ambitions or deepen political divides remains to be seen, but for now, California stands firm in its resolve to chart its own path.
In his 2025 State of the State address, California Governor Gavin Newsom fiercely criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of targeting the state’s values and abandoning it during crises like the Los Angeles County wildfires. Delivered as a letter on California’s 175th anniversary, Newsom highlighted the state’s economic strength, clean energy leadership, and resilient disaster response while vowing to defend democracy against federal overreach.
GHESKIO continues life-saving healthcare amid unprecedented security crisis in Port-au-Prince
New York, N.Y. – In the heart of Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs control an estimated 60% of the city and civilian casualties have reached wartime levels, one medical institution continues to serve the most vulnerable populations.
The Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO) stands as Haiti‘s last remaining healthcare provider in the downtown area, delivering critical services despite what U.N. High Commissioner for Human RightsVolker Türk recently called “a living hell.”
For more than four decades, GHESKIO has operated as Haiti’s largest provider of H.I.V. care in the Caribbean and a world leader in H.I.V.-associated clinical research. Recognized as a public utility by the Haitian government—a designation reserved for organizations essential to the welfare of the Haitian people—GHESKIO has maintained its mission through civil unrest, natural disasters, and now unprecedented gang violence.
Adapting Care During Crisis
The organization’s resilience has been tested repeatedly over the past three years as approximately 200 gangs, armed with military-grade weapons, have terrorized neighborhoods surrounding GHESKIO‘s two locations. The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents and forced most healthcare facilities to close or relocate. Yet GHESKIO has not only remained operational but has innovated its service delivery to ensure continuity of care.
“We adapted our services to facilitate continuity in care,” explains a GHESKIO representative, describing how the organization opened Comprehensive Community Centers (CCCs) to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) refills, adherence support, and viral load specimen collection. Of 14,835 active patients on ART at GHESKIO, 3,002 (20%) have received treatment at these community centers.
The results demonstrate remarkable success despite extraordinary circumstances. In fiscal year 2021’s first quarter, 88% of people living with H.I.V. who knew their status initiated ART, 82% on ART received viral testing, and 85% of those tested achieved viral suppression—a significant step toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
Groupe Haitien d’Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO) stands as Haiti’s last remaining healthcare provider in downtown Port-au-Prince.
Expanding Beyond H.I.V. Care
While H.I.V. remains central to GHESKIO‘s mission, the organization has expanded its focus to address Haiti’s evolving health challenges. Cardiovascular disease has surpassed H.I.V. as Haiti’s leading cause of mortality over the past decade, accounting for approximately 27% of all deaths compared to 6.7% from H.I.V.
In collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, GHESKIO established a cardiovascular disease clinic and research unit to treat hypertension, renal disease, diabetes, stroke, and heart failure. The team has worked with Haiti’s Ministry of Health to create national hypertension guidelines and secure first-line antihypertensive medications.
Empowering Women Through Crisis
Among GHESKIO‘s most impactful programs is its vocational training initiative for women who have experienced abuse. The program provides psychosocial support for domestic violence victims, rape survivors, and former commercial sex workers while teaching participants to create modern furniture and home accessories.
“This program contributes not only to the participants’ economic well-being but builds self-esteem and agency so that women can rely on themselves,” notes program documentation. The initiative has expanded to include a microcredit program focusing on women living with H.I.V. and survivors of gender-based violence. GHESKIO has provided over 5,000 microcredit loans, enabling many participants to achieve financial independence through small businesses.
Protecting Haiti’s Most Vulnerable
GHESKIO‘s commitment extends to Haiti’s children and adolescents through multiple specialized programs. The organization operates a primary school, Ecole Prince Albert II de Commune Monaco, established after the 2010 earthquake to serve underprivileged families. The school has achieved remarkable success, with nearly 100% of students passing standardized state testing and scoring in the top national percentile.
The adolescent program addresses the particular vulnerability of young people to H.I.V., sexually transmitted infections, and early pregnancy through instructor and peer-led education on sexual reproductive health, disease prevention, and family planning.
Maternal and Child Health Excellence
GHESKIO operates the largest pediatric A.I.D.S. clinic in the Americas, addressing critical gaps in Haiti’s maternal and child health system. With approximately 70% of births occurring at home and 25% unattended, Haiti faces severe maternal health challenges. The country’s maternal death rate during childbirth remains the highest in the Western hemisphere, with an estimated 500 deaths per 100,000 births.
The organization’s Mother’s Clubs meet monthly to provide prenatal care education, optimal infant nutrition guidance, and peer support networks. Since implementing these programs alongside antiretroviral therapy prophylaxis, H.I.V. transmission from mother to child at GHESKIO has decreased from 15% to approximately 2%, while infant malnutrition has been reduced by up to 50%.
Community Outreach and Public Health
GHESKIO employs a substantial network of Community Health Workers who conduct outreach in surrounding neighborhoods, including Village de Dieu, Cite l’Eternel, and Cite Plus, serving approximately 120,000 inhabitants. These workers perform active case finding, appointment follow-ups, clinic referrals, and home care for thousands of patients.
The organization has also played a crucial role in Haiti’s cholera response since the epidemic began in 2010. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health, C.D.C., and UNICEF, GHESKIO developed prevention, care, and training models that reduced cholera rates in its catchment area to nearly zero through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions combined with oral cholera vaccines.
GHESKIO‘s chlorine factory, constructed after the 2010 earthquake, continues to provide chlorine and training for water purification. The organization’s permanent Cholera Treatment Center has served hundreds of thousands of patients throughout the epidemic.
As Haiti faces its most challenging period in recent history, GHESKIO represents hope and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Through partnerships with C.D.C., N.I.H., PEPFAR, USAID, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the organization continues to demonstrate that quality healthcare delivery is possible even in the world’s most difficult circumstances.
GHESKIO, Haiti’s largest H.I.V. care provider, continues operating in Port-au-Prince despite unprecedented gang violence. The organization serves 14,835 active A.R.T. patients through innovative community centers, achieving 85% viral suppression rates. Beyond H.I.V., GHESKIO addresses cardiovascular disease, operates successful women’s empowerment and educational programs, and maintains the Caribbean’s largest pediatric A.I.D.S. clinic while reducing mother-to-child H.I.V. transmission from 15% to 2%.
TAGS: Haiti, GHESKIO, H.I.V. care, gang violence, healthcare access, community health, women empowerment, cardiovascular disease, cholera response, vocational training, maternal health, Port-au-Prince,antiretroviral therapy, viral suppression, PEPFAR, Global Fund
Casting Pros to Know: Reality TV Edition — Your Guide to Getting Cast
NOT TO BE MISSED! September 10 at 7:00 pm
New York, N.Y. — Asjai Lou is a 2x CSA Artios-nominated casting director and producer. She has helped discover breakout talent and cast for major brands from American Idol and Big Brother to Nike and McDonald’s.
Creating Asjai Lou Casting to flip the script and make sure real people finally get seen, she has penned a groundbreaking new book, Casting Pros to Know: Reality TV Edition — Your Guide to Getting Cast published by Wordeee—the first-ever Reality TV Casting Directory.
Revealing who casts what, why they cast, and how you can get in front of them for your shot, you never know which casting pros might show up in the audience as special guests.
If you love reality TV or dream of being on it, consider this your official invite behind the scenes.
Ticket price includes the B&W book + a drink.
Wednesday, September 10th at 7pm
Huemanbooks@Ground Central Coffee Company
1166 Avenue of the Americas (6th) at 45th Street, NEW YORK, N.Y.
Asjai Lou, two-time CSA Artios-nominated casting director and producer, hosts a special one-night-only book signing in New York City on September 10 at 7 pm. Her new release, Casting Pros to Know: Reality TV Edition — Your Guide to Getting Cast, offers an inside look at reality TV casting. Taking place at Huemanbooks@Ground Central Coffee Company, the ticket includes a copy of the book and a drink, with surprise industry guests expected.
Drama Exposes Endemic Bullying and Gangsterism in Malaysian Elite Institutions, Echoing Real Traumas Across Southeast Asia
New York, N.Y. – In the heart of Malaysia’s educational landscape, where prestigious boarding schools promise academic excellence and character building, a darker narrative often lurks beneath the surface. Netflix’s gripping series Projek: High Council, released in 2023 with English subtitles, thrusts viewers into this shadowy realm, portraying a world rife with bullying, hierarchical power struggles, and deep-seated traumas.
Directed by Kabir Bhatia and starring a ensemble of young Malaysian talents, the show follows Fakhri, a determined student who uncovers the secrets of his school’s entrenched traditions, making themselves a prime target for those vying for positions in the elite “High Council.” As Fakhri navigates the clandestine “Pilihanraya” tournament—a brutal contest to select the school’s head—the series unflinchingly depicts the physical and psychological toll of institutionalized violence.
The production, available on Netflix globally, has resonated far beyond Malaysia, drawing parallels to real-life accounts from boarding schools across Southeast Asia. Drawing from authentic Malaysian stories, Projek: High Council highlights issues like verbal abuse, physical beatings, and even sexual assault, which affect an alarming number of students.
According to studies referenced in discussions around the series, approximately 10% of Malaysian students experience sexual harassment or assault in school settings. This fictional yet grounded narrative serves as a mirror to societal ills, prompting viewers to confront the normalized culture of ragging and dominance that persists in many elite institutions.
The Plot: A Battle Against Entrenched Traditions
At the core of Projek: High Council is Fakhri, portrayed by Amir Ahnaf, who arrives at a renowned boarding school only to discover a rigid hierarchy enforced by the “High Council”—a group of senior students wielding unchecked power. The council perpetuates a cycle of bullying disguised as tradition, where newcomers endure humiliating initiations and brutal punishments to prove their worth. Fakhri’s decision to expose these secrets propels the story into a high-stakes drama, blending elements of action, crime, and psychological thriller.
Supporting characters add layers to the narrative. Naim, played by Naim Daniel, grapples with family-induced anger issues stemming from parental divorce, manifesting in toxic behaviors that fuel the school’s aggressive environment. Other key figures include Muzayyin Mahyuddin as a conflicted ally and Fazziq Muqris as a formidable antagonist within the council. Across its ten episodes, the series builds tension through intense fight scenes in the underground “Pilihanraya” arena, where students vie for leadership through physical prowess and cunning strategy.
What sets the show apart is its refusal to glamorize violence. Instead, it explores the psychological ramifications, showing how bullying leads to isolation, anxiety, and long-term mental health struggles. Episodes delve into backstories, revealing how childhood traumas and societal pressures contribute to the perpetuation of these cycles. For instance, one storyline illustrates a student’s panic attacks triggered by familial abandonment, underscoring the intersection of home life and school dynamics.
Real-Life Echoes: Bullying as a Normalized Ordeal
The series’ portrayal is not mere fiction; it draws heavily from documented realities in Malaysian boarding schools, where bullying has been normalized for decades as a rite of passage. Recent tragedies, such as the 2025 death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, have spotlighted this issue. Zara allegedly endured severe physical and verbal abuse at her boarding school, leading to widespread outrage and calls for reform. Her case involved seniors threatening to break her legs, a chilling echo of the ragging depicted in Projek: High Council.
Alumni stories further illuminate the problem. One former student recounted enduring extreme physical abuse from seniors, including beatings and forced humiliations, in a fully residential school. Such experiences are common, with research indicating that speaking out against bullying is often viewed as unsporting, perpetuating a culture of silence. UNICEF reports from 2017 highlighted fatal bullying incidents in Malaysia, including the deaths of students like T. Nhaveen and Zulfarhan Osman, underscoring the lethal potential of unchecked aggression.
Issue Extends Beyond Malaysia to Neighboring Countries
In Thailand, boarding school students have shared accounts of bullying based on social class or appearance, with physical assaults affecting academic performance and mental health. One narrative described a student facing constant harassment over family wealth, leading to isolation and hindered learning. Similarly, in the Philippines, statistics reveal that 65% of students experience bullying at least monthly, with 40% facing it weekly. Personal testimonies highlight how physical abuse at home exacerbates school vulnerabilities, creating a compounded trauma.
Individuals from Southeast Asia who attended boarding schools in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have described horrific conditions, including relentless physical and emotional torment that left lasting scars. These accounts often emerge only in moments of vulnerability, revealing environments where authority figures turned a blind eye to preserve institutional reputation.
From Malaysia, “Projek: High Council.” Photo credit: Netflix.
Toxic Masculinity and Generational Trauma
A poignant theme in Projek: High Council is the role of toxic masculinity in fueling school violence. Characters like Naim embody societal expectations that equate strength with dominance and emotional suppression. The series illustrates how such beliefs stem from troubled home lives, where parental roles challenge traditional gender norms—such as a stay-at-home parent perceived as weak.
This mirrors real psychological insights. In Malaysian boarding schools, bullying often reinforces hierarchical masculinity, with seniors exerting control through physical dominance. Psychological analyses note that victims may internalize these behaviors, perpetuating the cycle as they ascend the ranks. The show’s depiction of family divorce and abandonment adds depth, showing how external traumas amplify school conflicts, leading to issues like anger management and anxiety disorders.
Broader regional patterns align, with Thai and Philippine stories highlighting how bullying intersects with cultural pressures around status and resilience. In Thailand, rural students face ridicule for mixed heritage, while in the Philippines, familial physical discipline correlates with heightened school vulnerability.
Impact and Calls for Change
Since its release, Projek: High Council has sparked crucial conversations, with a 2024 prequel film Kahar: Kapla High Council expanding the universe to explore origins of key characters. Viewers praise its realism, with reviews noting that portrayals of ragging and assault closely align with actual experiences, raising awareness about overlooked problems in boarding schools.
The series’ global platform on Netflix amplifies these voices, encouraging reforms. In Malaysia, recent incidents have prompted government action, including investigations into Zara’s case and charges against alleged bullies. Advocates call for comprehensive anti-bullying policies, psychological support, and teacher training to dismantle these traditions.
Yet, challenges remain. Schools often prioritize reputation over student welfare, with parental and alumni pressures maintaining the status quo. Projek: High Council urges a reevaluation, portraying change as possible through individual courage and collective awareness.
As Southeast Asia grapples with these issues, the series stands as a catalyst, blending entertainment with advocacy. Its message is clear: the horrors of boarding school life must be confronted to foster safer educational environments for future generations.
Summary
Netflix’s Projek: High Council delves into the brutal world of Malaysian boarding schools, where bullying and gangsterism reign supreme. Inspired by true stories, the series follows student Fakhri’s fight against a powerful hierarchy, exposing verbal, physical, and sexual abuses. Echoing real traumas from alumni in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, it highlights toxic masculinity and family issues. This gripping drama calls for urgent reforms in elite education systems across Southeast Asia.
Zara Qairina Mahathir’s tragic death sparks nationwide outrage and demands for educational reform
New York, N.Y. – The tragic death of a 13-year-old schoolgirl has forced Malaysia to confront its severe and systemic school bullying problem, igniting national outrage and compelling the government to take long-overdue action against the culture of violence and impunity within its educational institutions.
This issue has been thrust back into the national conversation after Zara Qairina Mahathir was discovered unconscious outside her dormitory at an Islamic boarding school in Sabah, on July 16, 2024. She died the following day after plunging from a third-floor balcony.
Zara Qairina Mahathir was found unconscious outside the dormitory of her Islamic boarding school in Papar, Sabah, on July 17. Photo credit: Zara Qairina Mahathir / Facebook.
The case has transfixed the nation. Allegations of a cover-up and police admissions of early investigative failures fueled public anger.
“Justice for Zara” became a rallying cry, sparking rare street protests in Sabah and an outpouring of grief online and in communities across Malaysia.
Five teenagers have since been charged with bullying her, and a month-long inquest began to uncover the truth behind her final hours.
“From the cases that have surfaced publicly, plus countless unreported ones, bullying in Malaysia is severe and systemic,” said Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, chair of the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia.
“It is not just ‘kids being kids.’ It has led to trauma, injury and even deaths.”
A Pattern of Violence Emerges
Since Zara’s death, a roll-call of other victims’ stories has emerged, echoing one another in their most chilling details. In early August, 10-year-old cancer patient Izzul Islam Azuan was hospitalized after being repeatedly struck by a classmate in southern Johor state. Weeks later, a high court ordered the exhumation of 22-year-old cadet Syamsul Haris Shamsudin, who died on July 28, 2024. His body bore suspicious injuries; his mother believes he was a victim of bullying.
Military-linked institutions in Malaysia have long been notorious for harsh hazing rituals. In November 2023, reserve officer Muhammad Amir Rusyaidi Muhammad Zaidi, 25, collapsed and died during a grueling training session. In 2017, the nation was shocked by the death of 20-year-old cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, who was tortured with a steam iron by fellow students.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
The renewed focus on abuse has put the government on the defensive. On August 27, 2024, it convened its first special meeting on bullying, pledging to establish an anti-bullying tribunal.
This followed the recent enactment of expanded anti-cyberbullying laws, inspired partly by the suicide in July 2023 of activist Rajeswary Appahu, 30, who had faced relentless online abuse.
However, the Ministry of Education’s initial proposal to reward schools reporting “zero bullying” with additional funding was swiftly condemned as incentivizing cover-ups.
Critics warned it risked protecting institutional reputations rather than children.
Law Minister Azalina Othman Said, who chairs the new anti-bullying committee, has promised stronger measures.
“This meeting is an important early step to craft a concrete and practical plan to ensure Malaysia has a solid, fair and effective bullying prevention mechanism,” her office stated.
For decades, bullying has been normalized in Malaysia’s boarding schools, often brushed off as a “character-building rite of passage.” This problematic tradition is magnified by social media’s power to shame and is exacerbated by systemic issues.
Systemic Issues Fuel Crisis
Large class sizes and a chronic shortage of teachers—estimated at more than 20,000—often leave the country’s over 5 million students largely unsupervised.
“What is lacking is supervision of student activities outside the classroom,” said Fouzi Singon, secretary general of the teachers’ union.
The debate often intersects with corporal punishment, which some parents still practice. Tragically, this has led to numerous fatalities, with 114 cases of fatal child abuse reported last year alone, according to government data.
Some institutions are pushing back. The Mara Junior Science Colleges, a group of government-affiliated boarding schools, takes a strict zero-tolerance approach by expelling perpetrators.
“I have stressed many times to students that I have no compromise on bullying,” said Mara Chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who recently ordered all schools under his purview to never cover up incidents.
Lasting Scars on Students
For many Malaysians, the scars of their school days persist. One young man, ‘Ahmad,’ 28, recounted the years of abuse he endured at a fee-paying boarding school, where seniors ruled with unchecked authority.
“Seniors were like kings and we were all at their mercy,” he said, describing forced nighttime drills and random beatings disguised as “orientation.”
The brutality of this environment has even permeated popular culture. The 2023 streaming series Project High Council offered an unflinching depiction of life under the sway of abusive seniors, confirming the worst fears of many parents.
For insurance agent and mother Mimi Shahira, the recent tragedies have been a wake-up call.
“With what’s happening to Zara, and all these negative cultures, perhaps it’s better to keep them at home with me,” she said, echoing a sentiment felt by parents across the nation wondering if the halls of learning can ever be made safe.
As UNICEF’s representative in Malaysia, Robert Gass, stated: “No child should ever fear for their safety when going to school… Schools must be safe, joyful spaces where children learn, grow and build friendships with dignity and respect.”
The death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir has ignited a national firestorm in Malaysia over its endemic school bullying crisis. From boarding schools to military academies, a history of violence and cover-ups is now facing unprecedented public scrutiny, forcing the government to propose new laws and tribunals to address a problem advocates say has been dismissed for far too long. The case has become a rallying cry for systemic education reform and child protection measures.
TAGS: Bullying, School Violence, Malaysia Education System, Child Welfare, Social Justice, Education Policy, Cyberbullying, Boarding Schools, Kota Kinabalu
The tumultuous experience of an American detained in Hong Kong has ignited fresh debate over the region’s prison conditions, political freedoms, and human rights abuses.
New York, N.Y. —Drawing on the harrowing first-hand account by Samuel Bickett published in the New York Post, this story details the physical and psychological toll faced by foreign detainees and local dissidents caught in the city’s expanding crackdown on political protest and speech. Samuel Bickett’s eyewitness account reveals institutional abuse, medical neglect, and squalor inside Hong Kong’s notorious prison system for political detainees.
Hong Kong’s Lai Chi Kok prison.
Shocking Night Behind Concrete Walls
Samuel Bickett’s story begins in the hospital wing of Hong Kong’s Lai Chi Kok prison, where the sounds of violence punctuated a routine evening.
Guards, shouting and agitated, entered the corridor—well known for its lack of surveillance cameras.
An inmate sobbed and pleaded for mercy. Soon, other prisoners heard unmistakable blows landing on the victim’s body, followed by anguished screams. Immobilized by shock and threat of retaliation, Bickett and his cellmates could only listen.
Eventually, the injured detainee, bleeding heavily, staggered past a blue screen, while others implored Bickett to remain silent.
His own presence in the prison stemmed from a 2019 arrest for intervening in a subway assault—a case perceived as retribution against the U.S. for its critical stance on Hong Kong governance.
Institutional Violence and Prison Brutality
Bickett’s personal ordeal—where his role as the only American political prisoner highlighted the international stakes—became part of a deeper investigation into systematic abuse.
Alongside fellow activist Frances Hui, he published the report “We Were Made to Suffer: Abuse Political Control Hong Kong Prisons.”
Juvenile facilities saw frequent coercion, from forced exercises to sexual assault, often condoned by officers.
Detainees with medical crises—ranging from seizures and broken bones to severe mental health challenges—were systematically denied care.
Bickett’s account describes overflowing toilets, infested cells, and relentless heat, driving inmates to near collapse. One tragic instance involved Conde Mamady, a Guinean prisoner whose worsening health went ignored until he died en route to hospital after days of pleas from other prisoners.
Across 17 interviews with former inmates, consistent patterns emerged: prisoners were physically assaulted by guards in areas without cameras, and sexual violence was widespread, especially in youth detention facilities where staff enabled ‘B-boys’—inmate enforcers—to intimidate and attack newcomers.
Prisoner patients report harsh isolation and deprivation in the infamous Si Lam Psych Center.
Psychiatric Detention and Political Suppression
The report also documents punitive use of psychiatric detention. One imprisoned activist disappeared for days after complaining about overcrowding. He returned visibly altered, recounting harsh isolation and deprivation in the infamous Si Lam Psych Center. Such measures, deployed against those expressing dissent, function as unofficial retribution, bypassing judicial norms and threatening mental well-being.
The National Security Law passed by Beijing in 2020 intensified these abuses, introducing vague charges such as “colluding with foreign forces” and leaving political defendants vulnerable to indefinite detention, solitary confinement, and limited access to legal counsel. Amnesty International and other advocates have condemned recent changes to prison rules that allow authorities to block visits on “national security” grounds, undermining fair trial rights and isolating detainees from family and legal assistance.
Calls for Reform and International Pressure
With the U.N. General Assembly convening this week in New York, Bickett and other activists urge member nations to denounce Hong Kong’s treatment of political prisoners and demand investigations into human rights violations.
The conditions witnessed and recorded breach U.N. standards for humane treatment, undermining Hong Kong’s claims to international compliance and raising stakes for its global reputation.
The growing roster of cases—including those of dissident publisher Jimmy Lai and detained Catholic bishops—illustrates how Hong Kong’s judicial system, once considered robust and fair, now serves as an instrument of political control.
Public advocacy, including gestures like naming streets after prominent political prisoners or organizing global protests, seeks to hold Hong Kong and China accountable before broader audiences.
Summary
The tumultuous experience of an American detained in Hong Kong has ignited fresh debate over the region’s prison conditions, political freedoms, and human rights abuses. Drawing on the harrowing first-hand account by Samuel Bickett published in the New York Post, this story details the physical and psychological toll faced by foreign detainees and local dissidents caught in the city’s expanding crackdown on political protest and speech.
Tags: Hong Kong, political prisoners, prison conditions, Samuel Bickett, UN General Assembly, human rights, National Security Law, Amnesty International, dissidents, international law
Rally at Queenston Heights Monument draws alarm from anti‑racism advocates
Toronto — A white nationalist group calling itself Second Sons Canada staged a public march at Brock’s Monument in Niagara-on-the-Lake over the Canadian Labour Day weekend, marking what experts say is a symbolic and deliberate test of the country’s political climate. Videos posted to social media show masked men dressed in coordinated white shirts emblazoned with maple leaf motifs, marching in step and chanting nationalist slogans before gathering at the historic memorial in Queenston Heights Park.
The event, one of the group’s first large-scale public rallies, drew sharp concern from scholars and anti-racism activists, who warn that the performance signals both visibility and growing confidence among white supremacist networks across Canada.
Second Sons Canada Facebook.
Military-Style Rally Without Permit
Organizers of the event appeared to model their actions on Patriot Front, one of the most prominent white nationalist organizations in the United States. Close to 50 men, many in hats, sunglasses, and facial coverings, lined up in front of Brock’s Monument, chanting slogans including “Leafs fight back” and “All thy sons.” The demonstration occurred while the park was open to the public, with bystanders — including families, women wearing hijabs, and international visitors — watching nearby.
Niagara Parks, which oversees Queenston Heights, issued a statement confirming that Second Sons Canada had no permit and no authorization to hold the rally. “Upon review, our understanding is that the rally remained peaceful and no incidents were reported,” the agency said. “With that said, Niagara Parks and the Niagara Parks Police Service do not condone the actions of the Second Sons, nor the beliefs that the group represents.”
The Niagara Regional Police responded to a nuisance call at approximately 7 p.m. Saturday. Officers reported that the group had dispersed before they arrived and said no criminal activity was observed. While police did not officially link the call to the nationalist rally, videos appeared online later that evening confirming the group’s presence.
Second Sons’ Origins and Links to Extremism
Second Sons Canada is a recent offshoot of Diagolon, an anti-government, anti-institution group founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by far-right social media figure Jeremy MacKenzie. Known for promoting militant, separatist views, Diagolon emerged during pandemic-era demonstrations, including links to the so-called “Freedom Convoy.”
The Canadian Anti-Hate Network previously documented the Second Sons after a smaller rally at a Dartmouth, Nova Scotia cenotaph in March. Since then, they have been tracked to gyms and meeting places in Welland, Ontario, where members were reportedly training in private before attempting to establish a public presence.
In promotional materials, Second Sons describes itself as a “Canadian men’s nationalist club” emphasizing health, fitness, activism, and camaraderie. Prospective members must complete a background check, meet a fitness standard, and pay club fees. On its website, the group claims members wear masks to shield their identities from harassment in what it describes as a polarized and divided society.
A University of Winnipeg professor says a Second Sons Canada march toward Brock’s Monument was symbolic.Photo credit: @Derekrants / X screenshot.
Symbolism of Brock’s Monument
The site chosen for the Niagara rally carries historical resonance. Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, a central figure in the War of 1812, is memorialized at the monument after falling in battle at Queenston Heights.
The structure occupies a commanding position overlooking the Niagara River and Canada’s border with the United States.
Kawser Ahmed, professor of political science at the University of Winnipeg who studies radicalism and violent extremism, said the rally’s location was not coincidental. “This is something very common in white supremacist groups throughout the Western world — Europe, the U.S., Australia, and here,” he explained. “They choose monuments tied to imperialism, nationalism, or military victory as symbols of cultural dominance.”
Ahmed said that by rallying at Brock’s Monument, Second Sons signals allegiance to an imagined Anglo-Saxon lineage, reinforcing exclusionary narratives of who belongs in Canada. “They think these countries were founded by Anglo-Saxons and that there’s no place for immigrants here,” he added.
Members of the white nationalist group Second Sons Canada line up in Queenston Heights Park. Photo credit: @postyonx / X screenshot.
Growing Visibility and Strategic Risk
The Labour Day march represented a shift from the group’s previously private organizing methods to overt public action. Activists monitoring extremist movements contend that the demonstration amounts to “testing the waters.”
Saleh Waziruddin, chair of the Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association, said the group’s actions show emboldenment. “We knew they were there, showing up in ones and twos,” he said. “But this is a larger, open rally in public. They’re being open with their hate.”
Waziruddin cautioned that mainstream debates about housing and immigration may inadvertently fuel far-right talking points. He cited the Prime Minister Mark Carney government’s recent tightening of student visa and temporary worker caps, arguing such measures falsely elevate migrants as scapegoats for economic pressures. “That could get more people recruited to groups like Second Sons,” he warned.
Ahmed agreed, noting that some extremist movements evolve by probing legal tolerance. In Canada, where hate speech and online harms laws are stricter than in the United States, militants face greater formal constraints. Yet, he noted, the pandemic’s convoy protests demonstrated that even unlawful activity may become incubators for larger networks of extremists. “They’re aware of the risks,” Ahmed said. “They want to see what law enforcement agencies will do.”
Echoes of U.S. Extremist Movements
Observers noted striking parallels to the American far-right.
The facemasks, march formation, and use of nationalistic slogans echo the Patriot Front, which emerged from the ashes of the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.
Both groups deploy imagery of patriotism and physical training as recruiting tools to frame themselves as disciplined defenders of “true nationalism.”
Although the Second Sons deny violent intentions and claim to prioritize fitness and fellowship, experts emphasize the broader risks of normalizing intimidation in public spaces.
“These are public spectacles designed to recruit and normalize white nationalism,” Ahmed said. “Even if they remain peaceful in one instance, the trajectory historically points to escalation.”
Public Reaction and Future Risks
Online response to the rally has been mixed, with some far-right accounts celebrating the event and the group itself boasting of an “avalanche of applications” following the Niagara march. For critics, the concern is that tolerance of such gatherings could accelerate growth from dozens to hundreds of organized members.
Niagara Parks has promised to review its permitting and monitoring policies, though it emphasized that the Brock’s Monument event passed without reported incident. For community groups, however, the lack of confrontation is not reassurance but a warning.
“This is how it starts,” Waziruddin said. “They test the space, then become more aggressive. We need to recognize that trajectory if we’re going to stop them before they escalate.”
This Labour Day weekend, the Canadian white nationalist group Second Sons Canada staged a dramatic rally at Brock’s Monument in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Masked and uniformed, dozens of men marched in formation before onlookers at Queenston Heights Park, invoking symbols of nationalism and exclusion. Experts say the event represents both a symbolic gesture and a test of Canada’s legal and social boundaries, while activists warn the rally signals a dangerous escalation of public white supremacist activity.
Tags:Second Sons Canada, Niagara, Queenston Heights Park, Brock’s Monument, War of 1812, Jeremy MacKenzie, Diagolon, Anti-Racism, Niagara Parks, Canadian Anti-Hate Network
Retired U.N. staff member donates furniture, proceeds fund Roosevelt Island-based global charity Orphans International, pickup deadline September 18
New York, N.Y. – A unique charity event is unfolding this September on Roosevelt Island, where the departure of a long-serving United Nations employee has sparked an impromptu yet meaningful “furniture auction” for a global cause.
Having retired back to her home country, the staffer left behind a residence filled with carefully maintained furnishings, all of which are now being offered to the public in a one-time benefit for Orphans International Worldwide (OIW), a New York-registered nonprofit headquartered on Roosevelt Island.
Unlike a traditional auction house event with formality, gavel strikes, and bidding paddles, this grassroots initiative instead invites interested participants to text offers directly to a dedicated line at 347-316-7087. Each furniture piece has been assigned a letter, and prospective donors are asked to note that letter alongside their bid in the text message.
The highest reasonable offer for each item secures it, with pickup required on Roosevelt Island by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18.
The urgency of the timeframe, the quality of the furniture available, and the charitable purpose behind the effort give this simple “auction” remarkable resonance, bridging personal transition, community generosity, and humanitarian need on an international scale.
Orphans International Worldwide: A Roosevelt Island Legacy
Founded in the late 1990s, Orphans International Worldwide was organized on Roosevelt Island with a mission to support some of the world’s most vulnerable children. The group has grown from early projects centered in South America and Asia to a broader network of worldwide initiatives. Unlike many children’s relief organizations, OIW frames its philosophy as caring for orphaned and underprivileged children “as one’s own,” reflecting a deeply personal humanitarian creed.
As a New York State-registered nonprofit, the organization has historically engaged Roosevelt Island residents in global service. Events such as walkathons, neighborhood fundraisers, and benefit concerts have long fostered links between local communities and international relief projects. This furniture auction, while modest in scale, demonstrates the adaptability of OIW’s fundraising approach: creatively connecting resources from ordinary households to extraordinary needs abroad.
Roosevelt Island as Global Home and Departure Point
The presence of U.N. employees on Roosevelt Island is neither new nor unusual. Positioned in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, the narrow residential community has long drawn civil servants and diplomats seeking tranquility within sight of the Secretariat Building. Yet the departure of U.N. staff often leaves behind material reminders of their stay in New York.
For one retiring colleague, returning to a home country meant parting with an array of possessions—from bookshelves and dining tables to sofas, beds, and traditional cabinets—that could not accompany her abroad. Rather than selling through commercial platforms or discarding these furnishings, she chose to allow them to serve a larger purpose. Her decision to direct proceeds toward OIW exemplifies the convergence of individual legacy and institutional charity on Roosevelt Island.
How the Auction Works
The mechanics of the Roosevelt Island charity auction are intentionally simple. Each piece of furniture is labeled in advance with letters for easy identification—A, B, C, and onward. Community participants or interested New York residents text their desired item’s letter and the price they are willing to contribute. From there, organizers award the item to the highest offer received before the September 20 deadline.
Unlike commercial sales, no haggling is encouraged, and all proceeds funnel directly into OIW’s global programs. Pickups must be coordinated by bidders themselves and completed on Roosevelt Island, with logistical urgency underscoring the ephemeral character of the event.
Practical as well as symbolic, the furniture auction emphasizes notions of stewardship and responsibility. Pieces once used in service of a career at the United Nations are now transitioning to build new lives in local homes, while simultaneously benefiting children thousands of miles away.
Community Spirit Meets International Development
On one level, the Roosevelt Island sale is an efficient means of reusing and redistributing durable household goods. On a larger scale, however, it highlights the continuing role of communities in shaping global philanthropy.
The hybrid character of Roosevelt Island—suburban-feeling but cosmopolitan, modern but historically layered—fosters unusual civic opportunities. Former hospitals and factories have long since given way to residential towers now housing artists, civil servants, professionals, and families. When these lives intersect with global humanitarian efforts, even an everyday household occurrence such as a move-out or sale can reverberate outward.
OIW’s continuing connection to Roosevelt Island is emblematic of this ethos. Founded on values of community, sustainability, and inclusivity, the organization transforms local goodwill into international life-support for children in need, from scholarships to medical assistance. This auction marks a continuation of that tradition.
Pickup Deadline and Call to Action
For interested participants, timing is crucial. All items must be claimed and removed by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Text-based offers should be sent to 347-316-7087, identifying both the piece’s letter and the dollar amount bid. “Zero Dollars” are also accepted as all items must go!
Furniture auctions of this community-driven type rarely occur within Roosevelt Island’s close-knit environment, particularly at the intersection of a U.N. departure and a nonprofit fundraiser.
Participants thus have an opportunity not only to acquire quality furnishings but also to ensure lasting value for communities across the globe.
At its core, this September initiative embodies a simple but profound exchange: material remnants of one life chapter become resources for the creation of brighter futures for children afar. Roosevelt Island once again stands as a testament to how local resilience and international service can meet in unexpected ways, turning private transition into shared opportunity.
Summary
An unusual charity auction unfolds on Roosevelt Island this September, where furniture left behind by a retiring U.N. employee will fund Orphans International Worldwide. Bidders text offers, with highest donors securing items by the September 20 deadline. Proceeds benefit children’s programs globally while reinforcing Roosevelt Island’s legacy of community-driven philanthropy. This initiative transforms household furnishing transitions into meaningful cross-border solidarity, linking one neighbor’s departure to a worldwide mission of care, resilience, and shared humanity.
Tags: Roosevelt Island, Orphans International Worldwide, United Nations, Global Philanthropy, Charity Auction, Roosevelt Island Community, International Development, Nonprofit Fundraising, Benefit Events, Humanitarian Relief
Young entrepreneur transforms grief into groundbreaking endometrial cancer education initiative at local farmers market
New York, N.Y. — Under the bustling canopy of our Saturday morning farmers market, between vendors selling fresh produce and artisanal goods, a young man named Zach has established something far more profound than a typical booth. His mission is deeply personal: raising awareness about endometrial cancer, the disease that claimed his mother’s life in 2013.
The project bears his mother’s name—Levinda—transformed into an acronym that captures her spirit and the fight against this often-overlooked gynecological cancer: L.E.V.I.N.D.A., standing for Living-Effectively-Vivaciously-Incredibly-Nutritionally-Dutifully-Acknowledgingly.
A Mother’s Legacy Lives On
Levinda H. Bullock was born on December 13, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio. Her journey took her from the Catholic and public schools of Wilson, North Carolina, where she graduated from C.H. Darden High School in 1968, to New York City, where she pursued her dream of becoming a dental assistant.
When family duty called—her father’s passing required her return to North Carolina to care for her mother and younger siblings—Levinda answered without hesitation, beginning what would become a lifetime of service to others.
Those who knew Levinda describe a woman with “one of the biggest hearts and a smile to match.” Her unwavering faith in Jehovah God anchored her through life’s challenges and inspired her to start a Bible Study group with friends, where she and other women became missionaries, offering prayers and support to those in need.
Her son, William “Z-Fly” Bullock, recalls how his mother’s faith converted many friends, family members, and strangers to Christianity through her example and prayers.
On May 27, 2013, Levinda Bullock lost her battle with endometrial/uterine cancer at age 63. But her son’s determination ensures her legacy endures through The L.E.V.I.N.D.A. Project.
Understanding the Silent Threat
Endometrial cancer, also known as uterine cancer, ranks among the most common gynecological cancers affecting women, yet it remains significantly under-discussed compared to breast and cervical cancers. The disease begins in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, and often presents with symptoms that women might initially dismiss as normal reproductive health changes.
Gynecologic cancer is any cancer that starts in a woman’s reproductive organs. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts. Gynecologic cancers begin in different places within a woman’s pelvis.
The L.E.V.I.N.D.A. Project aims to bridge this knowledge gap through comprehensive education about risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. The initiative’s mission focuses on educating, supporting, and strengthening women living with endometrial cancer and their families, while highlighting the critical importance of early symptom identification.
From Radio Waves to Awareness Campaigns
Project founder William “Z-Fly” Bullock of Brooklyn, New York.
The project’s founder, William “Z-Fly” Bullock, brings a unique background to cancer awareness advocacy.
Born in North Carolina and relocating to New York City in 2009 to jumpstart his radio career, Z-Fly built his platform through his internet radio show “Keepin’ it Real, Hot & Fresh,” which premiered in September 2008.
His media experience, including hosting fundraising events, conducting backstage interviews at fashion shows, and meeting celebrities, provided him with the networking skills and platform necessary to amplify his mother’s story.
In 2012, Z-Fly created his own brand, Forever Live Young, an acronym derived from his pseudonym that serves as an umbrella organization for multiple social awareness initiatives.
The company focuses on four specific areas: gynecologic cancer (particularly endometrial/uterine), domestic violence, youth molestation, and male awareness.
The Seven Pillars of L.E.V.I.N.D.A.
Each letter of the L.E.V.I.N.D.A. acronym represents a crucial element in the journey of facing endometrial cancer:
Living emphasizes that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t mark the end—patients must remember there’s much to live for. Effectively focuses on maintaining a positive outlook to ensure treatments work properly. Vivaciously reframes the patient’s mindset from victim to victor, with cancer as the true victim. Incredibly acknowledges the bravery required to endure harsh treatments while staying strong. Nutritionally highlights the importance of cancer-fighting foods and strict dietary adherence. Dutifully stresses the necessity of maintaining treatment schedules, diet plans, medicine regimens, and exercise routines. Acknowledgingly emphasizes accepting one’s condition and its seriousness to fight the disease more effectively.
Levinda H. Bullock.
Building Community Through Awareness
The L.E.V.I.N.D.A. Project has appointed the Foundation for Women’s Cancer as its beneficiary, joining the National Race to End Women’s Cancer.
Through fundraising events, advocacy, education, community outreach programs, seminars, and church involvement for prayer support, the organization creates multiple touchpoints for education and support.
Z-Fly’s approach combines his entertainment industry background with serious health advocacy, creating events that provide job opportunities, encourage crowd participation, and deliver crucial education about gynecological cancers.
His vision statement—”Embracing the Community + Providing Wealth of Information + Developing New Talents = Achieving Dreams”—reflects this multifaceted approach.
The Market as a Mission Field
Seeing Z-Fly at the Saturday farmers market, surrounded by information about endometrial cancer and his mother’s story, represents a grassroots approach to health advocacy that many larger organizations might overlook. The market setting allows for personal, one-on-one conversations about a topic that many women find difficult to discuss with their healthcare providers, let alone strangers.
This direct community engagement model proves particularly effective for gynecological health topics, where cultural stigmas and personal privacy concerns often prevent open discussion. By meeting people where they are—in their neighborhood market—Z-Fly creates opportunities for education that might never occur in traditional healthcare settings.
The L.E.V.I.N.D.A. Project demonstrates how personal tragedy can transform into community benefit, ensuring that Levinda H. Bullock’s memory lives on through potentially life-saving education and support for women facing similar battles.
Z-Fly Bullock honors his mother Levinda’s memory through The L.E.V.I.N.D.A. Project, raising endometrial cancer awareness at farmers markets. His mother died from this gynecological cancer in 2013. The acronym represents seven principles for fighting the disease. Using his media background, Z-Fly partners with the Foundation for Women’s Cancer, providing education through grassroots community outreach and creating meaningful conversations about women’s health.
TAGS:endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, women’s health, cancer awareness, community advocacy, gynecological cancer, health education, cancer support, Levinda Bullock, Z-Fly Bullock, Foundation for Women’s Cancer, farmers market outreach, grassroots healthcare,Brooklyn
Danny Eastwood’s Indigenous Artwork Bridges Cultural Gaps Between Australia and America Through Contemporary Canvas
New York, N.Y. — The most profound cultural exchanges often arrive in the most unexpected packages. When my friend returned from Australia carrying nothing more elaborate than a cotton t-shirt, neither of us anticipated the depth of storytelling woven into its fibers.
Yet this simple garment, painted by Danny Eastwood, would become a window into 65,000 years of Aboriginal heritage and a testament to how contemporary Indigenous artists are reclaiming their narratives on modern canvases.
Danny Eastwood, born in 1943, represents a generation of Aboriginal artists who witnessed Australia’s transformation from a nation that denied Indigenous citizenship to one slowly recognizing the world’s oldest continuous culture. As a descendant of the Ngemba Tribe of Western New South Wales, Eastwood carries the artistic traditions of his ancestors while adapting them to speak to contemporary audiences worldwide.
From Tribal Traditions to National Recognition
The journey from the riverlands of western New South Wales to national artistic acclaim reflects both personal resilience and broader cultural awakening. In 1992, Eastwood received the NADOC Aboriginal Artist of the Year award, a recognition that came during a pivotal decade for Aboriginal rights in Australia.
Tag of Australian Indigenous artist Danny Eastwood, born 1943, is a descendant of the Gemba Tribe of Western Sydney. Image credit: Australian Indigenous Art.
The National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NADOC) award, now known as NAIDOC, represents more than artistic achievement—it symbolizes the growing visibility of Indigenous voices in Australian society.
The Ngemba Tribe, Eastwood’s ancestral group, traditionally inhabited the fertile lands along the Barwon and Darling Rivers in western New South Wales.
These waterways served not only as sources of life but as highways of trade and cultural exchange between tribal groups. The geometric patterns, earth tones, and flowing designs characteristic of Ngemba art reflect this riverine heritage, translating ancient Dreamtime stories into visual narratives that transcend linguistic barriers.
Eastwood’s work emerges from this rich cultural foundation while engaging with contemporary realities. His paintings on t-shirts represent more than artistic adaptation—they constitute cultural diplomacy, carrying Aboriginal perspectives into everyday spaces where traditional canvases might never reach.
The Art of Cultural Translation
Indigenous Australian art operates on multiple levels of meaning, creating layers of interpretation that depend largely on the viewer’s cultural background and the artist’s willingness to share sacred knowledge. Eastwood’s work navigates these complexities by creating pieces that are simultaneously accessible to international audiences and deeply rooted in Aboriginal traditions.
The t-shirt medium itself carries significance beyond convenience. Cotton, while not native to Australia, has become interwoven with the continent’s colonial and post-colonial history. By choosing this canvas, Aboriginal artists like Eastwood reclaim a material associated with European settlement, transforming it into a vehicle for Indigenous storytelling.
Uluru Australian Indigenous Art, the organization associated with Eastwood’s work, represents a broader movement of Aboriginal artists seeking to control the presentation and distribution of their cultural expressions. This approach addresses decades of cultural appropriation while creating economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.
Contemporary Challenges in Indigenous Art
The globalization of Aboriginal art presents both opportunities and challenges for artists like Eastwood. International appreciation for Indigenous Australian aesthetics has created unprecedented market demand, yet this popularity also risks commodifying sacred cultural elements. Authentic Aboriginal artists must balance cultural preservation with economic necessity, ensuring that increased visibility doesn’t compromise cultural integrity.
Eastwood’s generation of artists particularly grapples with questions of authenticity and cultural authority. Born during an era when Aboriginal people were still denied basic citizenship rights, these artists have witnessed their culture’s evolution from marginalization to mainstream appreciation. Their work often reflects this complex relationship with both tradition and modernity.
The art market’s embrace of Aboriginal aesthetics has also attracted non-Indigenous artists seeking to profit from Indigenous-inspired designs. This phenomenon has prompted calls for stronger authentication systems and greater support for genuine Aboriginal artists like Eastwood.
Art as Cultural Bridge Building
The author wearing his gifted Aboriginal art T-shirt from Australia.
The t-shirt that traveled from Australia to New York represents more than artistic appreciation—it exemplifies how material culture can facilitate cross-cultural understanding.
In an era of increasing global connectivity, such objects serve as tangible connections between distant communities and different ways of understanding the world.
For Aboriginal artists, international recognition provides platforms to share their perspectives on universal themes: connection to land, spiritual relationships with nature, and the importance of cultural continuity.
Eastwood’s work, while deeply rooted in Ngemba traditions, speaks to broader human experiences of place, identity, and belonging.
The choice of t-shirt as canvas also reflects practical considerations for traveling art collectors.
Unlike traditional bark paintings or large canvases, wearable art travels easily and integrates into daily life, ensuring continued engagement with the artistic message.
Legacy and Future Directions
As Aboriginal art continues gaining international recognition, artists like Danny Eastwood play crucial roles in defining how Indigenous Australian culture presents itself to the world. Their work influences not only aesthetic appreciation but also broader understanding of Aboriginal history, spirituality, and contemporary experiences.
The success of Aboriginal artists in international markets has also created opportunities for younger Indigenous artists seeking to build careers while maintaining cultural connections. Eastwood’s recognition through the NADOC award helped establish pathways for subsequent generations of Aboriginal artists.
The t-shirt now hangs in a New York closet, but its significance extends far beyond personal collection. It represents successful cultural translation, economic empowerment for Indigenous communities, and the enduring power of art to create connections across vast distances and different worldviews.
Through simple cotton fibers and traditional pigments, Danny Eastwood has created a bridge between the ancient Dreamtime stories of the Ngemba Tribe and contemporary global consciousness. In doing so, he demonstrates that the most profound cultural exchanges often arrive in the most accessible packages, waiting to unfold their stories to those willing to look beyond surface appearances.
NAIDOC Week in Australia was born out of the spirit of protest by the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NADOC). Photo credit: NAIDOC
Danny Eastwood, born 1943 and descendant of Australia’s Ngemba Tribe, creates powerful cultural bridges through his Aboriginal art. The 1992 NADOC Aboriginal Artist of the Year transforms traditional Indigenous storytelling by painting on contemporary canvases like t-shirts. His work represents more than artistic adaptation—it constitutes cultural diplomacy, carrying 65,000 years of Aboriginal heritage into everyday spaces worldwide, demonstrating how authentic Indigenous art can transcend geographical boundaries while maintaining deep cultural integrity.
TAGS: Danny Eastwood, Aboriginal art, Indigenous Australian art, Ngemba Tribe, NADOC artist, cultural diplomacy, contemporary canvas, Aboriginal heritage, Western New South Wales, Uluru Australian Indigenous Art, traditional art, cultural preservation, art collection, cross-cultural understanding, Indigenous rights
Event at Stand Up NY Supports Disability Art on September 20
Editor John Laing.
New York, N.Y. – On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Stand Up NY at Bond 45 will host a vibrant evening of laughter and inspiration, benefiting the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating women with disabilities through powerful photography exhibitions.
This first-of-its-kind comedy benefit, starting at 9:00 p.m., promises an unforgettable night of humor while advancing the mission of transforming perceptions of disability into beauty, art, and social change. With tickets starting at US$25, the event at 221 West 46th Street, New York City, aims to draw a diverse crowd to support this meaningful cause.
Night of Laughter for Transformative Cause
The Bold Beauty Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been redefining societal perceptions since its inception, using art as a catalyst for change.
Founded to highlight the strength and beauty of women with disabilities, the organization curates large-scale photography exhibitions paired with personal narratives that resonate globally.
The September 20 comedy benefit at Stand Up NY marks a new chapter in their fundraising efforts, blending entertainment with advocacy to amplify their mission.
“This event is a celebration of resilience and creativity, showcasing how disability becomes beauty, becomes art, becomes change.”
The J. Luce Foundation has long championed initiatives that promote inclusion, making this benefit a natural fit for their mission.
The event, hosted at Bond 45, a renowned venue in the heart of New York’s Theater District, will feature a lineup of talented comedians, though specific performers have yet to be announced.
The intimate setting, with a capacity of approximately 200 seats, ensures an engaging experience for attendees, combining the energy of live comedy with the warmth of a community-driven cause.
The Bold Beauty Project’s Vision
Since its founding, the Bold Beauty Project has created exhibitions across the U.S., including notable shows in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington, D.C. Their work emphasizes the intersection of disability and beauty, challenging stereotypes through striking visual storytelling. By pairing award-winning photography with personal stories, the project creates vivid portraits that celebrate the diversity and strength of women with disabilities.
The organization’s reach extends beyond exhibitions. Since 2020, their Bold Beauty in Action program has worked to reduce social isolation by fostering virtual connections among women with disabilities nationwide. Monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., feature guest speakers, discussions, and support group-style sessions. These initiatives align with the organization’s broader goal of building community and empowering participants.
The comedy benefit will directly support these programs, funding future exhibitions and community-building efforts. According to Shelly Baer, the project’s founder, every dollar raised helps expand their reach, bringing their message to new audiences and creating opportunities for women to share their stories.
A Community Effort
The event is organized by a dedicated committee, including Eva Ritvo, Patrice Samara, Nicholas Bielamowicz, Emily Goodson, Jim Luce, Kelly Mahoney, Lisa Nalven, Perri Neri, Gigi Nestor, Joy Pearl Peloso, Susi Raphael, Juliet Romeo, and Andrea Wenrich. Their collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing the Bold Beauty Project’s mission.
“Bringing together comedy and philanthropy is a unique way to engage the community,” said Dr. Eva Ritvo, a committee member and prominent advocate for social causes. “This event not only raises funds but also sparks conversations about inclusion and representation.” The committee’s diverse backgrounds, spanning art, philanthropy, and advocacy, ensure a well-rounded approach to promoting the event and its goals.
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, a key supporter, has a history of backing initiatives that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing inequalities. Their involvement underscores the event’s significance as a platform for social change, with proceeds directly benefiting the Bold Beauty Project’s ongoing work.
Why Comedy Matters
Comedy as a medium has a unique ability to break down barriers and foster connection. By hosting the benefit at Stand Up NY, a staple of New York’s comedy scene since 1986, the Bold Beauty Project taps into the city’s vibrant entertainment culture. The venue, located at Bond 45, is just steps from Times Square, making it an accessible and iconic spot for both locals and tourists.
The choice of comedy aligns with the project’s ethos of challenging norms with creativity. “Laughter disarms us, makes us think, and brings us together,” said Patrice Samara, a senior committee member. “It’s the perfect way to draw attention to the Bold Beauty Project and its mission.” The event’s 9:00 p.m. start time ensures a lively, late-night atmosphere, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. to accommodate guests.
Tickets, starting at US$25 (approximately €22.50), are designed to be accessible, encouraging a broad audience to participate. The event’s pricing reflects a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that supporters of all backgrounds can contribute to the cause. Organizers expect a full house, with ticket sales already gaining momentum through the Bold Beauty Project’s website and social media channels.
Looking Ahead
The September 20 benefit is just one part of the Bold Beauty Project’s ambitious plans for 2025. Upcoming initiatives include new exhibitions, expanded virtual programming, and partnerships with organizations like the Rotary Club Coconut Grove, which will host a fundraiser later in the year. The project’s past collaborations, including events at Yale University, UCLA, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, highlight its growing influence in academic and advocacy circles.
For attendees, the comedy benefit offers more than just entertainment—it’s a chance to be part of a movement. “This is about more than a single night,” said Jim Luce. “It’s about building a world where everyone’s story is seen and valued.” By blending humor with purpose, the Bold Beauty Project and Stand Up NY are creating a powerful platform for change.
As the event approaches, the committee encourages early ticket purchases through www.boldbeautyproject.com. With limited seating at Bond 45, demand is expected to be high. For those unable to attend, donations to the Bold Beauty Project can be made directly through their website, ensuring that the mission continues to thrive.
Tags: Bold Beauty Project, Stand Up NY, comedy benefit, disability art, New York City
Summary
On September 20, 2025, Stand Up NY hosts a comedy benefit at Bond 45 for the Bold Beauty Project, celebrating women with disabilities through art. Starting at 9:00 p.m., tickets begin at US$25. The event, backed by the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, features top comedians and supports a mission to foster inclusion and challenge societal norms through stunning photography exhibitions.
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” — Buckminster Fuller
New York, N.Y. — An estimated 2.2 to 2.4 million new books were published as of 2024 worldwide including print books, eBooks, audio books and other formats. Publishing used to be controlled by the caretakers of the industry. Today, anyone with a computer can hit publish and can be labeled a writer.
However, in the professional publishing industry still bound by tradition, Wordeee is rewriting the rules. Guided by the visionary leadership of CEO Marva Allen and COO Patrice Samara, their hybrid publishing platform is not just disrupting the status quo—it’s replacing it. Inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s timeless wisdom, Wordeee has built a new model for publishing that empowers authors, embraces technology, and fosters global connection.
Wordeee authors at the Free Library of Philadelphia Sharla Feldscher, Pamela C.V. Jolly and Sheryl Lee Ralph holding her book “DIVA 2.0” with Marva Allen and Patrice Samara. Photo credit: Wordeee.
Wordeee isn’t just a publisher—it’s a new model for a new era. It’s a literary and entertainment hub that integrates storytelling with multimedia expansion.
Authors aren’t just creators; they’re collaborators in a dynamic ecosystem that supports their work from manuscript and print to Booksetters, Wordeee’s bespoke literary travel program and movie deals.
Unlike traditional publishers or self-publishing platforms, Wordeee offers a full-service hybrid model. They have developed a highly selective evaluation process based on the strength of ideas, genre, creativity and author profile ensuring a curated, high-impact catalog.
Authors receive editorial guidance, world class design, ongoing support, distribution and access to tools that extend and promote their work.
Marva Allen, Wordeee’s founder and CEO, is a powerhouse of publishing, technology, and entrepreneurship. The architect of innovation, with a background that includes co-founding a multimillion-dollar tech company and receiving accolades like the IBM & Kodak Excellence Award and Crain’s 40 Under 40, Allen brings a 360-degree view of business and creativity. An accomplished author, she is also a renowned industry trailblazer as the owner of the HueMan Bookstore.
Her mission? To return the power of words to the artist.
TV host, creative director, make-up artist and Wordeee author Jay Manuel with Marva Allen, CEO Wordeee. Photo credit: Patrice Samara
Allen’s stewardship of Wordeee reflects her belief that publishing should be exciting, engaging, and inclusive. She’s built a platform where authors are not just heard—they’re amplified.
As COO and co-founder, Patrice Samara, the strategist behind the spotlight, bringsEmmy-winning expertise in media, communications, and global production.
She’s also the author of eight children’s books. With over fifty international awards and a resume that includes Fortune 500 consulting and being a respected U.N. NGO representative, Samara is the engine behind Wordeee’s white-glove author support.
Her impact is tangible: during the COVID-19 pandemic, Samara orchestrated complex international virtual book launches that showcased Wordeee’s agility and commitment to author visibility… which continues today.
She ensures that every story told reaches its audience with clarity, creativity, and resonance through Wordeee Newsletters and outreach.
Stewardship through storytelling is the Wordeee mantra.
Wordeee’s model is more than innovative—it’s deeply ethical.By focusing on quality, diversity, and author empowerment, they are stewarding a new generation of storytellers and impactful writers.
Their platform reflects a belief in literature as a force for cultural connection, critical information, entertainment and social change.
In an age of algorithms and limited attention spans, Wordeee reminds us that stories still matter—and that the way we share them must evolve.
Whether a book on building generational wealth or the challenges of divorce to celebrity memoirs and children’s books, the Wordeee catalog has something for everyone. Encouraging parents to read actual printed books to young digital natives, it allows children to develop reading comprehension benefits to last a lifetime.
Wordeee doesn’t fight the old publishing model—it renders it obsolete. Through visionary leadership, technological integration, and a fierce commitment to author empowerment, Allen, Samara and their highly dedicated team are building the future of publishing. And in doing so, they’re proving that stewardship isn’t just about preserving—it’s about pioneering.
Wordeee introduces a forward-thinking model for the publishing industry, led by CEO Marva Allen and COO Patrice Samara. Their platform empowers authors with innovative technology, global connection, and multimedia integration. Offering a hybrid model, Wordeee provides editorial and promotional support, diversity-focused curation, and collaboration. By rendering old models obsolete, Wordeee is pioneering a new literary era driven by quality, author empowerment, and transformative storytelling.
Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s “Human Resource” exposes the dehumanizing reality of modern workplace exploitation
New York, N.Y. – The sterile fluorescent lights of corporate offices have rarely felt more suffocating than in Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s latest film, Human Resource, which premiered in the Orizzonti strand at the Venice International Film Festival.
The Thai director, known for his contemplative work Happy Old Year, delivers a haunting meditation on modern work culture that resonates far beyond Bangkok’s towering business districts.
A Pregnancy Amid Economic Despair
Prapamonton Eiamchan delivers a masterfully restrained performance as Fren, a human resources employee navigating both an unexpected pregnancy and an increasingly hostile work environment.
Five weeks pregnant when the film opens, Fren’s condition becomes a metaphor for hope struggling to survive in a world designed to crush the human spirit.
The film’s opening sequence establishes the bleakness immediately: Fren lies motionless during an ultrasound, watching her unborn child appear as nothing more than a small black dot on the monitor.
“Take care of your emotions,” the doctor advises, but Thamrongrattanarit makes clear that emotional well-being is a luxury this society cannot afford.
Working alongside colleague Tenn in a faceless corporation, Fren spends her days recruiting workers for positions that barely qualify as employment.
The latest opening offers just 18,000 baht ($560) monthly for six-day work weeks—a salary so meager that potential candidates are immediately dismissed for requesting even modest increases of 2,000 baht ($60).
Thai film director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit. Photo credit: X.
Corporate Machinery Grinding Human Dreams
Thamrongrattanarit crafts each scene with deliberate precision, allowing the camera to linger on Fren’s increasingly catatonic expressions as she processes applications from desperate job seekers.
The director’s decision to eschew Bangkok‘s typically vibrant cinematography in favor of overcast, drab imagery reinforces the film’s central thesis: modern capitalism has drained color from both the literal and metaphorical landscape.
The human resources department becomes a particularly pointed setting for this critique. “HR is not a human buffet,” one character observes, though Thamrongrattanarit suggests it’s something far worse—a feeding frenzy where workers’ dignity becomes disposable commodity.
Technology and Social Decay
The film’s broader social commentary emerges through carefully placed details about contemporary Thailand‘s challenges. News reports reference widening wealth inequality, microplastics contaminating human reproductive systems, and general social unrest. One particularly chilling scene features a demonstration of “ultra-slim stab vests” marketed with the slogan “For an increasingly hostile world.”
These elements aren’t merely background texture but essential components of Thamrongrattanarit’s argument about how economic pressure creates cascading social problems. When artificial intelligence threatens entry-level positions, young workers face impossible choices between exploitation and unemployment.
Motherhood in an Uncertain Future
Fren’s pregnancy becomes the film’s emotional anchor, raising uncomfortable questions about bringing children into an increasingly unstable world. Thamrongrattanarit never explicitly answers whether parenthood remains ethical under such circumstances, instead allowing audiences to grapple with the moral complexity themselves.
The director’s approach to Fren’s internal struggle demonstrates remarkable sophistication. Rather than providing easy answers about work-life balance or maternal instincts, the film examines how systemic problems affect individual decisions. Fren’s growing numbness isn’t presented as personal weakness but as natural response to dehumanizing conditions.
A still from Human Resource.
Visual Poetry Amid Darkness
Despite its bleak subject matter, Human Resource achieves moments of genuine beauty through Thamrongrattanarit’s visual storytelling.
A sequence featuring Fren driving through an automated car wash while Beethoven‘s “Moonlight Sonata” plays demonstrates the director’s ability to find poetry in mundane experiences.
The film’s production design deserves particular recognition for creating authentic corporate environments that feel both specifically Thai and universally recognizable.
Fluorescent lighting, beige cubicles, and endless paperwork become visual shorthand for soul-crushing routine that transcends cultural boundaries.
Scattered Focus, Powerful Impact
While Human Resource occasionally suffers from scattered narrative focus—Thamrongrattanarit attempts to address numerous social issues without always connecting them cohesively—the film’s cumulative impact remains undeniable.
The director’s meditative pacing allows audiences to absorb the full weight of each carefully constructed scene.
The film’s treatment of declining birth rates and changing family structures adds another layer to its social commentary. Thamrongrattanarit suggests that economic pressure doesn’t just affect individual workers but threatens society’s fundamental structures.
A still from Human Resource.
A Mirror for Global Audiences
Human Resource succeeds most powerfully as international cinema because its critique extends beyond Thailand’s specific circumstances. White-collar workers worldwide will recognize Fren’s experiences of bureaucratic dehumanization, inadequate compensation, and moral compromise required for survival.
The film’s relevance became particularly apparent during recent global discussions about workplace culture, mental health, and economic inequality. Thamrongrattanarit has created a work that speaks directly to contemporary anxieties about capitalism’s human costs.
Essential Viewing for Our Times
Human Resource stands as essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand how modern economic systems affect individual psychology and social cohesion.
Thamrongrattanarit has crafted a film that functions simultaneously as personal character study and broad social critique.
While the director’s ambitious scope occasionally dilutes the narrative focus, the film’s core message remains crystal clear: current corporate culture demands fundamental reevaluation if society hopes to maintain basic human dignity.
Fren’s story becomes a call for systemic change disguised as intimate psychological portrait.
The film’s Venice premiere positions it perfectly for international distribution, where audiences grappling with similar workplace challenges will find both validation and inspiration for necessary conversations aboutlabor rights, corporate responsibility, and human worth in an increasingly automated world.
Thai director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s “Human Resource,” premiering at Venice Film Festival, follows pregnant HR worker Fren navigating dehumanizing corporate culture in Bangkok. The film critiques modern capitalism through intimate character study, examining how economic pressures affect individual psychology and social structures. While occasionally scattered in focus, it delivers powerful commentary on workplace exploitation, declining birth rates, and systemic inequality that resonates globally. Thamrongrattanarit creates essential viewing for understanding contemporary labor challenges and capitalism’s human costs.
New Jan Jao Kha Illuminates N.Y.C. with Exquisite Recipes from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya Eras, Once Reserved for Nobility and Thought Lost to Time.
Ancient Kingdom of Siam: royal courts, war elephants, and golden temples defined a civilization at the crossroads of East and West.
Editor John Laing.
New York, N.Y. — The relentless, neon-drenched pulse of Hell’s Kitchen seems an unlikely place for a quiet culinary resurrection.
Yet, on Ninth Avenue, a subtle glow beckons, promising a passage not just across the city, but across centuries.
Jan Jao Kha (จันทร์เจ้าขา), a new restaurant whose name is an affectionate plea to the moon, has opened its doors, offering a rare portal to the royal kitchens of ancient Siam.
Here, under the curated ambiance of moonlight, forgotten flavors and dishes once savored only by the nobility of the Sukhotai and Ayutthaya kingdoms are not merely replicated; they are passionately reborn.
Co-owner and spokesperson Bix Luce welcomes the world to Jan Jao Kha in NYC.
This is the vision of co-owners Thai Americans West, Champ and Bix. Spokesperson Bix Luce, who, along with his partners, has embarked on a profound act of gastronomic stewardship.
Their mission transcends serving food; it is an intricate dance of historical research, culinary precision, and cultural reverence, aiming to share Siam’s eternal grace with a modern N.Y.C. audience.
The restaurant stands as a direct challenge to the often-monolithic understanding of Thai cuisine in the West, presenting a narrative written not in chili fires and ubiquitous pad thai, but in the delicate, complex layers of a royal heritage that few outside of Thailand have ever experienced.
The Guardians of a Fading Culinary Heritage
The journey to opening Jan Jao Kha was one of meticulous excavation. The recipes that form the cornerstone of the menu were not found in any common cookbook.
They are drawn from ancient parchment manuscripts, historical records, and oral traditions passed down through generations of cooks who served the royal courts.
These dishes, developed over centuries between the 13th and 18th centuries, represent the apex of Siamese culinary art—a cuisine where balance, subtlety, aesthetic beauty, and ingredient scarcity were paramount.
“This is not street food,” Luce explains, their demeanor reflecting the serene gravity of their endeavor. “This is a cuisine of refinement and profound symbolism.
Each dish was designed to please the most discerning palates, to be as beautiful to look upon as it was to consume, and to reflect the immense cultural sophistication of its time.
Many of these recipes were effectively lost to the wider world, surviving only in fragments or within very specific familial lineages in Thailand. Our role is that of a humble translator and guardian.”
A Menu Written in Gold Leaf and Delicate Spices
The offerings at Jan Jao Kha are a revelation. The menu is a curated anthology of Siam’s history. One of the signature highlights is a stunning, golden dumpling.
This delicate creation, elegant in form and rich in heritage, is filled with a sophisticated mixture of taro and other finely prepared ingredients, a testament to the royal preference for textural complexity and visual splendor.
Beyond this, the restaurant specializes in rare noodle dishes that tell a story of trade routes and palace innovation.
These are not the noodles of a bustling Bangkok market; they are precursors, often featuring painstakingly made fresh noodles paired with broths that are simmered for days and infused with spices that were once worth their weight in gold.
The flavors are profound yet nuanced—a symphony of galangal, lemongrass, wild lime, and carefully selected chilies that provide aroma and depth rather than sheer, overwhelming heat.
Each plate is presented with an artist’s touch, mirroring the aesthetic principles of the Ayutthaya Period, where food was an integral part of the kingdom’s celebrated art and culture.
The dining experience is intentionally designed as a journey, encouraging guests to slow down and appreciate the story behind each bite, the centuries of tradition being presented on a single, beautiful plate.
The Ambiance of Eternal Moonlight
The restaurant’s design philosophy directly supports its culinary narrative. The space is a deliberate departure from the typical loud, brightly lit dining rooms of the neighborhood.
The lighting is soft, evocative of a moonlit feast, casting shadows that seem to dance like figures from a traditional lantern light festival.
The decor incorporates elements of ancient Siamese artistry—rich textiles, dark woods, and subtle references to temple architecture—without falling into cliché.
The goal is to create an atmosphere of tranquil elegance, a sanctuary where the outside world fades and guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience.
It is a setting that honors the eternal grace its cuisine represents, providing a hushed, respectful backdrop that allows the food to claim its rightful place as the star of the evening.
A rare royal Thai dumpling from the Ayutthaya court, delicately shaped into little birds. Once served at royal banquets, it reflects the artistry and elegance of Siamese cuisine.
New Chapter in NYC’s Culinary Landscape
The arrival of Jan Jao Kha signifies a bold new chapter for authentic international cuisine in Manhattan.
It moves beyond the familiar and ventures into the realm of the scholarly and the sublime.
Jan Jao Kha caters to the adventurous gourmand, the history enthusiast, and anyone seeking a dining experience that nourishes both the body and the intellect.
In a city celebrated for its endless appetites, Jan Jao Kha offers something truly novel: not just a meal, but a taste of forgotten flavors and a tangible connection to a regal past.
It is a testament to the vision of its owners, who have successfully transplanted a piece of Thailand’s most cherished heritage onto Ninth Avenue.
They welcome the world not just to a restaurant, but to a moonlit table set for a journey into the heart of ancient Siam.
A golden, delicate taro-filled dumpling from royal Siam. Elegant in form, rich in heritage.
In the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Jan Jao Kha restaurant unveils the lost royal cuisine of ancient Siam. Co-owner Bix Luce guides us on a journey through meticulously resurrected dishes from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras, offering a rare, elegant dining experience where history is savored in every delicate, flavorful bite.
Artificial Intelligence. One of the most transformative technological developments of the modern era, fundamentally reshaping how humans interact with machines and process information. Artificial Intelligence encompasses computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human cognitive abilities, including learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language comprehension.
The foundations of Artificial Intelligence emerged in the mid-20th century when pioneering researchers began exploring computational approaches to human-like thinking. Machine Learning, a subset of Artificial Intelligence, enables systems to improve performance through experience without explicit programming. Deep Learning, utilizing artificial Neural Networks inspired by biological brain structures, has driven recent breakthroughs in image recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous systems.
Modern Artificial Intelligence applications span numerous sectors, revolutionizing healthcare through diagnostic imaging, transforming transportation with Autonomous Vehicles, and enhancing communication through Natural Language Processing.
Computer Vision technologies enable machines to interpret visual information, while Robotics combines Artificial Intelligence with mechanical systems to perform complex physical tasks.
The development of Large Language Models has democratized access to sophisticated Artificial Intelligence capabilities, enabling natural conversations between humans and machines.
Companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic have developed increasingly powerful systems that can generate text, code, and creative content with remarkable proficiency.
Artificial Intelligence raises significant ethical considerations regarding employment displacement, privacy concerns, and algorithmic bias. The concept of Artificial General Intelligence—systems matching or exceeding human intelligence across all domains—remains a subject of intense debate among researchers and Futurists. Questions surrounding Machine Consciousness and the potential emergence of sentient artificial beings continue to challenge philosophical and scientific understanding.
Regulatory frameworks are evolving to address Artificial Intelligence deployment, with initiatives focusing on transparency, accountability, and safety standards. The European Union has pioneered comprehensive Artificial Intelligence legislation, while other nations develop their own governance approaches.
Artificial Intelligence technologies face technical limitations including data dependency, computational requirements, and the “black box” problem where decision-making processes remain opaque. However, ongoing research in Explainable AI seeks to make these systems more interpretable and trustworthy.
The economic impact of Artificial Intelligence extends beyond individual industries, potentially reshaping global labor markets and economic structures. Investment in Artificial Intelligence research and development continues accelerating, with both private companies and governments recognizing its strategic importance.
As Artificial Intelligence capabilities expand, interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and domain experts becomes increasingly crucial. The future trajectory of Artificial Intelligence will likely determine humanity’s relationship with technology for generations to come, making thoughtful development and deployment essential for beneficial outcomes.
A rising number of queer Millennials identify as asexual, straining same-sex marriages in New York City and reshaping cultural expectations.
Editor John Laing.
New York, N.Y. – On any given evening in Manhattan, couples step out of the city’s perpetual rhythm of ambition and indulgence to share dinner, conversation, or intimacy within the walls of their homes. But for many queer Millennial men in New York, intimacy no longer carries the same resonance it once did.
A growing number of men who once enthusiastically defined themselves through marriage and desire are instead finding their evolving identities rooted in asexuality, leaving partners navigating silence, rejection, and ultimately, divorce.
The emergence of this trend—estimated to affect as many as 10% of Millennial queer men nationally—has been particularly visible in New York City. Here, where stress levels, high rents, and constant cultural temptations test even the most committed partnerships, anecdotal evidence suggests the proportion is even higher. Lawyers and therapists alike are observing a discernible spike in petitions for no-fault divorce on the statutory grounds of “irretrievable breakdown”, a phrase at once sterile in law but anguished in life.
“Asexuality is the Queerest Thing.” Image: Stonewall.org/uk.
The Statistics Behind a Shifting Identity
National studies in human sexuality show that asexuality, once thought to be vanishingly rare, has grown to represent 1% to 2% of the general population. But within Millennial queer male demographics, researchers are now recording self-identification levels that run as high as 10%.
For a generation raised against the backdrop of hard-won victories for marriage equality, the shift poses both intimate and societal quandaries.
Dr. Henry Lamont, a clinical psychologist specializing in LGBTQ+ relationships, noted: “We are beginning to understand that sexual orientation and sexual desire are not static.
For many, attraction evolves—or declines—over time. What is new here is the scale at which queer Millennial men are openly adopting an asexual identity, sometimes several years after marriage.”
For partners, a departure from sexual desire is often interpreted as rejection or as symptomatic of relational failure. In reality, the transformation frequently reflects individual evolution rather than spousal shortcomings. Yet the collision of newfound asexual identity with marriage vows rooted in sexual bonds creates a strain that many couples cannot overcome.
New York City: A Pressure Cooker for Relationships
New York, with its whirl of ambition, exhaustion, and relentless comparisons, creates uniquely precarious conditions for intimacy.
Queer Millennials in the city face financial burdens—median rents surpass US$4,200 (approx. €3,840) for a one-bedroom in Manhattan—as well as professional demands that erode emotional presence.
Even within marriages, constant exposure to nightlife and new romantic possibilities magnifies insecurities.
“New York heightens tension. It creates both temptation and emotional fatigue,” explained Nelson Cruz, a Brooklyn-based marriage counselor.
“So when one partner experiences a reduction or loss of sexual desire, the other can feel doubly abandoned: first by the lack of intimacy, and second by the perception that in this city, with its countless alternatives, they have been uniquely turned away.”
It is precisely this intersection—of economic strain, limited space, and expanded opportunity—that makes New York fertile ground for the dissolution of marriages reshaped by asexuality.
Divorce and the Legal Implications of Asexuality
In New York, the liberalization of divorce law in 2010 made “irretrievable breakdown” the standard language for dissolution.
The statute avoids assigning blame, allowing couples to dissolve marriages without proof of wrongdoing. Yet attorneys say the language is increasingly deployed to reflect situations in which one partner has embraced asexuality.
Family law attorney Erica Klein, who has seen a rising caseload among gay male clients, observed: “It is not that a partner can point to betrayal.
It is that the marriage no longer functions in a way both parties consider fulfilling. The law recognizes this, but there is real heartbreak in trying to affirm dignity while also narrating loss.”
Financially, divorce continues to carry enormous implications, particularly in a city where joint leases and shared mortgages often bind couples more tightly than their vows.
Alimony, asset (and pet) division, and housing transitions amplify the difficulty, with many men facing the paradox of continued cohabitation with estranged partners due to prohibitive rents.
Emotional Fallout and Shifting Narratives of Marriage
The intimate consequences stretch far deeper than legal filings. For the spouse left behind, the awareness that his partner has not rejected him—specifically—but rather desire itself, brings little solace. Marriages founded on narratives of passion feel disoriented in the absence of physical affirmation.
José Martinez, who divorced his husband last year after a six-year marriage, described it poignantly:
“I spent months asking myself what I had done wrong, what I had lost. Then I realized that it wasn’t about me. He wasn’t choosing someone else. He was choosing solitude with himself. Accepting that didn’t make it hurt less, but it let me stop assigning blame.”
The broader cultural narrative is shifting as well. Once, marriage within queer communities symbolized visibility, defiance, and shared liberation. Now, as one partner evolves into a realm of desirelessness, marriage becomes less a battlefield for rights and more a crucible for personal reevaluation.
Redefining Love Beyond Sexual Desire
In response, some New York couples are attempting radical reinventions.
Asexuality is more and more open in LGBTQ+ Japanese “manga.’
A handful negotiate open marriages, permitting one partner to sustain external sexual liaisons while maintaining domestic union. Others redefine intimacy outside of sex—through companionship, shared rituals, and intellectual closeness.
Psychotherapist Maria Enríquez explains: “We are watching the emergence of nontraditional marriages that decenter sex but still emphasize loyalty.
These unions test whether love can survive solely as devotion. For some, it works. For many, it does not.”
What remains constant is the yearning for a large societal vocabulary that can hold these realities. Asexuality is often still described in clinical tones, its arrival within marriage recounted in whispers. Yet visibility builds gradually, propelled by stories from those who have lived the rupture.
A City at the Crossroads of Intimacy
People who identify as asexual aren’t going to change based on the person with whom they’re in a relationship.
The rise of asexual identification among Millennial queer men in New York City is both private and public—private in the bedroom, public in the courtroom.
It implicates histories of equality struggles, reimagines the expectations of marriage, and challenges couples to reconcile vows with transforming identities.
Don’t expect an asexual person to change. Asexuality isn’t a choice or preference any more than heterosexuality and homosexuality are. Asexuality isn’t a problem or disorder, and it isn’t caused by abuse or violence.
For a city that thrives on intensity, the lesson of asexuality may paradoxically be restraint. For many, the future will no longer be measured in physicality but in companionship, in the quiet resilience of love untethered from desire.
New York is, after all, a place where reinvention is relentless—and marriage, like the city itself, is always under negotiation.
Summary
In New York City, a growing number of Millennial queer men are embracing asexuality, often years into marriage. The shift leaves partners grappling with feelings of rejection and leads many couples toward no-fault divorces citing “irretrievable breakdown.” While some reimagine intimacy outside of sex, most confront painful dissolution in a city where financial strain heightens emotional loss. Experts suggest this cultural shift reshapes the meaning of marriage, with love and loyalty extending beyond sexual desire.
Tags:asexuality, New York City, Millennial queer men, same-sex marriage, divorce, intimacy, LGBTQ+, cultural shifts, psychology, legal issues, relationships
