#in the lead up to CNY

[secriden]

I always love your posts about THK and your recently pinned post and another one about Style yearning for skinship are just *chef's kiss*. So thank you for your analysis!

I saw some comments on tumblr that Style was acting as if he's sad and playing Fadel and I just could NOT agree, so I was glad to see your post. My opinion on Style's crying scene is I don't think Style meant to cry at first, but his emotions sort of overwhelmed him while he was talking. I think he definitely uses his cheerful disassocation with reality to deal with fear and he was just going to tell his message to his dad just in case, perhaps in a more lighthearted way, but he remembered about his mom and the reality of potential death hit him fully because his mother's death must be the closest death he'd experienced in his life. And when Fadel asked him if he was crying he just said Duh and wasn't fully crying, but after Fadel told him to stop the sob story, he turned back and the tears really started flowing. When I saw that I could really relate to him because that's how I usually act too- act nonchalant to hide my real feelings. Style wasn't planning to get emotional and then got mocked for it - and he was also denied his s*xual advances/skinship earlier too- that must've felt really hurtful to him.

As much as the scene hurts, I'm glad to see this was not cut because even cheerful, positive people like Style really gets down sometimes and people don't really understand this, even in real life! I was kind of like this when younger and had some people tell me they can't imagine me feeling sad or nervous. So seeing Style's rare serious and emotional side in the story is really made me kind of acknowledged? When I started watching this show, I didn't think I would get this attached to this character. He's like a ray of sunshine, very pure in his beliefs and quite fiercely loyal too (might be weird to say when he was complicit but he is actually loyal to both Kant and Fadel to the best of his ablities IMO) and the actor/Dunk is absolutely killing this role! Not just the crying scene in this episode, but Dunk's comedic timing in delivering the one liners is SO GOOD he manages to make me laugh every single episode so far.

Lovely anon, oh thank you for sharing so vulnerably about how you related to Style in that scene. I really agree with you that Style wasn't putting on an act to fool Fadel. I'm very surprised to hear that anyone still thinks Style is playing Fadel at this point?? O_O I don't think anything he does this episode is an act anymore -- even when he propositions Fadel with a shirt tossed into his face, there's clear and genuine intent behind it:

There's so much going on in this look. The gentle fondness as he gazes back at Fadel, the way the look seeks to communicate affection even as Fadel is glaring back in anger and frustration. But there's acceptance too, like he understands why Fadel is keeping his walls up, he understands why Fadel feels he deserves some of this harshness and he will let Fadel take the time he needs to come to whatever conclusions he wants to as long as Fadel does so with the understanding that Style's love for him is genuine.

Because at the end of the day the only thing Style really doesn't want is for Fadel to make his choice (to forgive or to cut Style off) thinking that Style's feelings are still a lie. I think that's the crux of the problem between them now: Fadel is pushing Style away because he is certain Style’s feelings aren’t true, and have never been true, but Style knows his own heart and understands the fundamental shift inside him that occurred over the course of their relationship.

Which is why I think Style is genuine in everything he’s showing Fadel now. Even if he didn’t mean to cry, I think his worry for his dad is very real. And I think the reason why he brings it up with Fadel is that Style is done hiding anything from him now. It’s not about manipulation, nor is it an attempt to make Fadel feel guilty. But he's taking everything Fadel is giving to him incredibly seriously and part of that is facing the possibility that Fadel may decide to kill him at the end after all. And that's... scary; hell its terrifying and heartbreaking and Style has understandable guilt related to how losing him after losing his mother is going to affect his dad.

And actually what you're saying about "cheerful and positive people like Style" also sometimes feeling down is such an important aspect of understanding Style's character. Because we can only really understand the weight of Style’s love for Fadel if we see him in all his multifaceted complexity: Style has suffered, Style understands the pain of loss but has learned to find joy in his life in the process of dealing with his mother’s passing. Styles cheerfulness and positively is not a sign of his immaturity or lack of complexity but rather evidence of a inner strength and determination to find meaning in life beyond the sadness. After my dad passed, it took me nearly 4 years to even get to a point where I began to want to want to find pockets of happiness. There was so much about me at the time time bound up in my feelings of loss and sadness and the ache of missing my dad, the unfairness of it all. Style is-- Style is so very precious to me.

And something I found really poignant is how Fadel and Style have such opposing methods of dealing with grief and fear. Fadel hides from it, runs from it, builds up walls and remains ever vigilante so he'll never be vulnerable again, while Style faces his grief and his fear head on. Style takes his fear out and holds it in the palm of his hand and in the process - like you said - maybe found himself more overwhelmed then he expected, but he allows himself the space to cry because he also sees that its important in the moment. And he invites Fadel into that vulnerability with him. That's insane to me -- Style's love for Fadel means that even when Fadel has a gun to his head and is the source of his fear, Fadel is always orientated on the INSIDE to Style.

To extend the allegory, the difference between them is that Fadel's love made him invite Style inside his walls as an outsider, but Style's love makes Fadel already part of him. Fadel doesn't need an invitation because at no point in episode 8 did Style ever treat Fadel as anything but an extension of his own heart.

So yeah, I'm so with you about being grateful for the scene. I think it maybe could have been shot differently (for instance, I kind of wish they'd just let Dunk do his thing and sell the moment without having that background music 180 degree shift), but I adore it for what it shows us about Style and the way he thinks and feels, and most of all the way Fadel is oriented in his heart.

[xinyuehui]

All it took for me to get back into writing was a supernatural comedic calligraphy related drama

舍得 (shě de) The phrase originate as early as Ming Dynasty. "If you give up something, you will gain something back". It has philosophical backgrounds. About being able to make trade-offs, being generous, give and take etc...

[covidsafecosplay]

This Week in Covid & Health News (Posted November 14, 2024)

Covid-Safe Cosplay and its admin are unaffiliated with any of the sites or authors linked below, we're simply sharing the information. If you have related news links that we missed, especially in other languages, please share either in the comments or a reblog.

General

San Fransisco Chronicle: Sonoma County reinstates mask mandate for health care workers amid rising illnesses (Nov. 12, 2024)

NPR: What happens when a vaccine skeptic leads health policy? Ask Florida (Nov. 13, 2024)

Covid-19

The Beacon: Weathered COVID before? Scientists say every new infection puts you at risk of getting long COVID (Nov. 11, 2024)

CIDRAP: Cardiac inflammation markers show role of long-COVID symptoms (Nov. 12, 2024)

Cleveland: Having COVID-19 doubles long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, new Clinic study suggests (Nov. 13, 2024)

Avian Flu

Hawaii News Now: Avian flu detected on Oahu for the first time ever (Nov. 12, 2024)

CNN: Canadian teen in critical condition with bird flu; source of exposure is unknown (Nov. 13, 2024)

Global News: As bird flu emerges in Canada, experts urge preparedness (Nov. 13, 2024)

Stat: Canadian teen's bird flu infection is not the version found in cows (Nov. 13, 2024)

Fortune: Canadian teenager in critical condition with presumptive bird flu as U.S. official warns the virus 'seems to be gearing up for wider impact' (Nov. 13, 2024)

TIME: Is It Time to Worry About Bird Flu? (Nov. 13, 2024)

Whooping Cough

WPRI: 4 Portsmouth High School students have 'very contagious' whooping cough (Nov. 12, 2024)

ABC News: Washington state sees 'sharp increase' in whooping cough cases, mirroring rise across US (Nov. 12, 2024)

KHOU: Whooping cough cases surge in Texas, across country in 2024, DSHS says (Nov. 12, 2024)

KOIN: Whooping cough, chickenpox outbreaks hit Clark County schools (Nov. 12, 2024)

The Spokesman-Review: Six Spokane County residents hospitalized with whooping cough during outbreak (Nov. 12, 2024)

Fox KTVU: Bay Area surge in whooping cough; some counties see highest numbers in decade (Nov. 13, 2024)

CNY Central: Health officials warn of increased whooping cough spread in local schools (Nov. 14, 2024)

Walking Pneumonia

CDC: Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections Have Been Increasing (Oct. 18, 2024)

WTOP: Urgent care centers report 'unprecedented' spike in walking pneumonia cases around DC area (Nov. 14, 2024)

[sogno-ao3]

thoughts on cny/wedding arc, still waters ch. 48-56

I would characterize this arc as primarily about (1) the slow intersection of their worlds, especially Tommy's incursion into Mollie's sphere, and (2) Mollie allowing herself more and more to think of Tommy as not just an employer, not just a friend, but perhaps someone she might even love.

Slow intersection of worlds

Up until this arc, Mollie has mostly existed in Tommy's world, in his house; she's met various members of his family in a personal setting (e.g., the christening), she's been a part of Peaky Blinder machinations whether she intended to or not, but Tommy has not had an equivalent experience yet. This arc provides him with that: visiting the tailor shop to learn more about Mollie's life, the Chinese New Year (CNY) dinner, and finally, culminating into the wedding featuring the full cast of her world.

In Ch. 48, when her mother and Song give her a lecture about not getting close to Tommy, Mollie has a little spasm of rebellion and she tells a fib that she had already invited Tommy to the CNY dinner... on the balance, Mollie is a good person, but one can also argue that she often lies (by omission) and this fib highlights this habit, providing a fascinating parallel to Tommy's selective dishonesty. She knows there is a different Tommy than the one they perceive--and she can't help but want her family to meet and observe him in a more quotidian setting.

I initially dreaded writing Ch. 50, as I had trouble imagining what would transpire between Mollie's parents and Tommy. In the end, I ended up dividing it into a kids' table (Song, Mollie, and Tommy) and a grown-ups' table (Mollie's parents, Jie, and Wan), and building on the notion that Mollie's parents would feel rather uncertain taking the lead with interacting with Tommy.

At first, Mollie's parents are uncomfortable and not sure how to approach.

My mother raised her eyebrows, glancing towards the misshapen plate of apples on the table. "Mr. Shelby is a guest, he can relax," she said.

Thomas shook his head. "It's all right, as your daughter says, my knife handling skills are lacking and I must improve," he said, intent on the apple in his hands.

My mother just gave me a puzzled look and I shrugged, smiling at her. She thought it was best not to engage further.

Even though Mollie's parents have been withdrawn, they have been observing him carefully and looking out for his needs as a guest. Usually, "Tommy Shelby with a knife" inspires panic; however, the scene Mollie's mother witnesses is disturbingly domestic and calm, and perhaps, even a little comical.

Thomas carried the fruit plate out to the dining table, and seemed bemused to have some awkward thanks from my parents. From their quick glances, I knew they also noted his suit jacket had now been taken off and a small pomegranate stain was on his rolled-up white cuff. They cautiously began a trite, stilted conversation about suiting, which turned into another conversation on how to wrangle suppliers.

The first sentence calls back to Ch. 39: "I sat on the armchair opposite him, thinking of what Thomas had been as a child and the circumstances that had been thrust upon him to become an involuntary protector and guardian to his siblings, even to Arthur. An affectionate older brother, to whom no affection had been returned in his later years." Tommy, unused to straightforward expressions of appreciation, is innocently pleased. Next, Mollie's parents finally feel comfortable enough to strike up a conversation, showing how much progress they've made vis-a-vis their perspective on Tommy.

In addition to introducing Tommy to Mollie's family, the CNY dinner also serves as a way for Mollie to introduce Chinese culture to him, another important intersection of their worlds. He proves to be patient and willing to listen, which would not have been the case earlier in the work; hints of this arise in their first interactions where he asks her to do laundry, and when they have the family meeting in Ch. 30. In those chapters, Mollie is still a roughly drawn sketch in his mind, informed more by what he thinks he knows about her, rather than how she directly presents herself.

Ch. 51 is an interlude into Tommy's world again, this time by visiting his mother's grave. Tommy has finally let her into the deepest depths of his pain, and cries in front of her. Mollie calls it his "voluntary surrender"--who or what he surrenders to is up for interpretation; Mollie does not take a stance. I do not have a definitive answer, either.

Ch. 54-56 are the wedding chapters. Mollie and Tommy have been increasingly cocooned away in their private world of softness and warmth, but as Mollie senses, it is an untenable state, and she responds by inviting Tommy into her life, little by little. Tommy is less attuned to this truth due to a variety of reasons. The nice reason: he's a hopeless romantic. The awful reason: he's selfish. He assumes that he could monopolize her time like he does when they're alone together, and that she is, undoubtedly, falling in love with him... but then at the wedding, he's plagued with doubts: she's surrounded by loving friends and family, and of course, there's a new rival who is her perfect match in every single way.

Ossi slots so easily into Mollie's life, getting along with her friends and family instantly. It goes on: he's in the same age group as her, shares the same heritage, is genuinely empathetic and caring, is intelligent, comes from a wealthy family, and is the most handsome man in the entire work (I said what I said). Mollie feels quite comfortable with him as well, immediately bantering with him, and letting him hug her twice when it took Tommy... 51 chapters.

Tommy is tortured by this, and there are small moments where one can observe the vicissitudes of his emotions:

Though his eyes searched my face, his body was motionless, the planes on his face severe. He finally spoke.

"How jealously they keep you."

This is the first time they speak at the wedding, and he is brittle, like glass just about to shatter.

He bent his head, gingerly kissing the tips of my fingers. That soft look through his lashes, irresistible in its surrender, was something that I had only ever seen when we were alone together.

Yet, after Mollie asks him to dance, he softens again.

Those eyes that I thought had been icy were now liquid, ringed by deep, tired lines. There was no tension left in his face, from the corners of his eyes to his jaw, to the soft wave of his hair across his forehead. He was not Thomas Shelby of the Peaky Blinders, he was just Tommy. Tommy, in love, in reverence, in devotion.

When they do finally dance together, the same thing occurs: Tommy is initially miserable but inevitably, he melts. He loves her above all else, and will endure pain to be close to her, even for a few moments. (One of my favorite foreshadowing lines is in Ch. 33: "We repeated this dance over the next few days, teetering on the edge of pain and pleasure.")

Tommy as someone to love

Since Ada revealed Tommy's love for her in Ch. 46, Mollie has been pondering what her feelings towards Tommy are. However, due to her romantic inexperience and her closed-off personality, she finds it hard to verbalize her feelings, even when we are following along in the first-person. Because of this, it is also important to look at the clues in her actions as well as any direct thoughts.

"So, I hear that Cara also requested that you make her a dress for May's wedding?" I said, not wanting to distract Thomas from trying to raise a piece of chicken to his mouth [...]

"I'll be there," he said, putting his chopsticks on the table. I fetched him another piece of chicken, placing it neatly into his bowl [...]

Picking up food and putting it into someone's bowl is a sign of great affection and care in many East Asian cultures. Personally, situations where I would do this would include seeing some relatives after a long time, someone's birthday, someone who has been sick... it's not a gesture that one would do every day in a normal situation.

Additionally, even though she teases his apple peeling skills, she eats it without complaint. This is a play on the East Asian stereotype where East Asians may not vocally admit their love for you, but show it through acts of service such as preparing fruit.

When visiting the grave of Tommy's mother in Ch. 51, Mollie slowly continues to think through her feelings. In the end, she realizes that they have grown so much closer, and her feelings are different than anything she has felt before. What exactly those feelings are, are still to be determined.

Ch. 52 contains probably one of the softest moments in the series so far, in which Mollie falls asleep in an armchair and Tommy kneels in front of the chair, waiting for her to wake up. Like most humans, Mollie finds it hard to look at him when he's being taciturn and severe, but this Tommy, all gentle smiles and let-me-go-get-you-a-coffee, is equally discomfiting, if not more.

The wedding chapters put Mollie through a tumult of emotions; comically, before the ceremony begins, she is paranoid for a few moments that perhaps Tommy was staring (he was not). When they finally talk together, we get the clearest signs of how Mollie's feelings towards Tommy have changed:

That soft look through his lashes, irresistible in its surrender, was something that I had only ever seen when we were alone together. The sounds of the wedding died away, and I felt myself transported to that place of quiet. The warmth spread through my hand, through my arm, through my body.

She references the surrender, but finally places it in context of their relationship.

In Ch. 55, Mollie ponders what it would be like to fall in love with Ossi:

I wondered what it would be like to be loved by, to fall in love with, someone like him... someone so free from the weight of his own existence, someone that wouldn't invite whispers behind my back, someone who accepted me from the beginning without question.

She doesn't fully internalize that her default point of comparison is falling in love with Tommy. It is unclear (to her, to us readers) at what stage Mollie is in with respect to Tommy: is she falling in love with him? Does she love him?

The final chapter of the arc naturally has many notable moments; I will highlight this one:

"Thomas…" I said, unsure of what I should say in return.

"This distance, even in a name," he said. My stomach churned to hear the deep note of sadness in his voice. I had slipped.

To me, this exchange is the most gut-wrenching of the entire work so far, an exchange that has been planned since the beginning. Very early on, Tommy insists that she call him "Tommy"--she does--but in her mind, she calls him Thomas in order to preserve mental distance between them. Tommy has always instinctively felt this distance; he has tried to bridge the gap--but the wedding eventually forces him to expose all of his frustrations ("What more can I do?").

The kiss scene

This scene has been on my mind since the very beginning. I started writing this story in February 2020, so very long ago, and a rough draft of their kiss scene has existed at least since end of 2021, nearly two years ago. Since then, it's undergone five major revisions and countless edits.

In the earliest version, Mollie was actually Tommy's date to the wedding, and the wedding would sort of be a public debut (but they wouldn't officially be a couple). The kiss scene would happen later at Tommy's house, when they were both winding down for bed. But, as I drew closer to the wedding arc, I thought this didn't make sense.

I also waffled back and forth about who would initiate the kiss: Tommy, Mollie, or would they mutually do so? In the first few drafts, I had Tommy initiate, but again, as I continued to write the rest of the story, I became conflicted. Mollie has been slowly taking agency over her life, and Tommy... well, I don't want to say too much right now for fear of spoiling, but here are a few important phrases that might give some clues:

He was not wearing the tuxedo bowtie any longer; the loose, unbuttoned shirt collar exposing pale skin underneath.

I knew that he was waiting for me, now.

"Could you ever love someone like me?" he asked quietly. I looked up to find his blue ones looking intensely into mine, lidded with desire, with hope, and maybe a little fear.

I also thought a lot about whether they would share a short kiss or whether there would be a more passionate exchange (various states of undress, makeout session, etc; strictly PG13, no sex), but again, it seemed too fantastical for the both of them to do such things at that point. Even so, it was important to show their physical chemistry, which is why I added the followup where Mollie bites his lower lip. It's a small gesture, but... in the words of Tommy, "everything about [Mollie] is torture."

For fun, here are all the almost kisses:

Ch. 23

"Step into the light, Mollie," he said. I did as he asked, stepping closer to him. He reached his hand towards my chin, angling it upwards. I could feel his breath on my face, his eyes searching mine intently.

Ch. 31

"You don't understand the nature of my business and my standing, and what I must say even if I…" he trailed off. He moved closer, our noses touching for a brief moment, his eyes half-hooded. I could feel the heat from his body rising towards me. I almost inhaled.

Ch. 48

He slowly inhaled, his lidded eyes softly focused on mine. I could feel the fabric flexing underneath my fingers, the wool of the outer jacket, the fine twill of his shirt, punctuated by smooth buttons.

"I've always loved…" The pressure on my hand increased even more, and I instinctively grasped at the fabric, feeling a sharp intake of breath rush through his chest. "... the feel of Shropshire wool."

Ch. 51

"It's nothing," I mumbled, afraid that he would coax the answer out, afraid that he would recognize how pliant I was in his warm hands. He leaned towards me, as if confirming my fears. There was that question again, and I was not ready to answer it. I leaned into his chest, a collapse of my own.

Ch. 55

"Thank you," he murmured. Thomas brought his hands just beneath my jaw, and slowly leaned in to kiss me lightly on the forehead. He inhaled deeply, his eyelashes trembling at the effort, his fingertips still keeping my face tilted towards him. Would he…?

The dress

Song revised the dress by adding the golden chains to silently protest against Tommy and how she perceives he holds Mollie back. The chains are a physical manifestation of shackles or a cage, but one could also argue they protect her as well and serve as a present reminder of the support of her friends and family...

His arms wrapped around me, his fingertips pressing against the gold chains and digging into my back. I had to break this porcelain fantasy, this brittle gilded cage.

[levynite]

Went to temple the day before CNY Eve because oh boy do we not want to ford the press of a sea of humans while fighting a granny for a folding table to lay out the food offerings while slow choking to death in the thick haze of incense. (there's still more cleaning to do at home help)

Things of note this year:

*The confusion over the pre-ordered paper offerings because only two out of the 6 attendees can actually read fucking Chinese characters and the one who did the pre-ordering did not communicate to us directly about the new conditions, and only sent her brother who speaks in the briefest ways possible so he pointed at the items in question and said "Man, woman" and we're like ???? Yeah? we get 3 sets men and 3 sets women every year? (it comes with gender coded paper clothes) and then dad saw that we were short so he bought two more. Turns out, they were selling selling couple sets now and that's what my cousin pre-ordered, AND NOT TELL THE ONES WHO ASSEMBLES THEM EVERY YEAR.

Me: Eh, the ladies get spare clothes then! Besides the extra hell money.

*As I was washing up the temple provided dishes and teacups at the sinks just next to the doors that are between the memorial tablet hall and the fireplaces? where we burn the paper offerings, chaos briefly broke out behind me and I turn to see a small pile of flaming paper offerings in the middle of the open air covered tiled floor area that leads to said fireplace? and I'm like, wtf, you are about 15 feet short of where you should be; then I realised a temple staff was loudly chiding a temple patron for moronically lighting his paper offerings on fire on the many candles inside before walking through the increasing crowd to go outside and promptly dropped the whole fucking flaming mess onto the floor short of the fireplace? oven? kiln? that is already merrily blazing and people have been peacefully queuing up with armfuls of offerings to toss in. And he dropped it because it was already on merry fucking fire? It's all paper and cardboard? There's a breeze outside that fanned he flames? Like outside has wind and airflow? And he was a good distance away from where it's supposed to be burnt proper to float off to where ever the ancestors are??

F O O L

*So here's the thing about asking spiritual beings questions: kinda hard to do. So the Chinese developed simple "fortune telling" tools to glean any indication of an answer or a general direction. In this case, after laying out the food offerings, and offering up the joss sticks, and the paper offerings are assembled beautifully in a vaguely lotus shape, we have to wait while the ancestors "eat" and "drink" the food offerings (a can of Carlsberg for my Second Uncle in this case as well) and this can take a while; meanwhile we're slowly getting smoked by fragrant incense by all the joss sticks being lit. And it's not even the insane crowd on CNY Eve!

Anyways, my Second Uncle's wife is the most senior in the temple group so she's usually the one asking if the ancestors (and her late husband) are done eating yet. We use something called a jiaobei or poe (with the accent) or loosely translated as moon blocks. These are a pair of crescent shaped pieces of wood carved with matching flat and curved sides. You toss them onto the floor after silently asking a question directed to the gods or the ancestors or whatever spiritual being, and then depending on how they land you get a yes, no, or the rarest, a confused answer where the blocks stand on their edges???? (wtf seriously never seen).

So I keep hearing the wooden clacks of the blocks getting tossed after a minute or so pause in between, with each pause getting shorter. I was guarding the paper offerings but I got curious and went over to have a look after hearing 5 clacks in a row; it was my aunt. And she really wants to go home now because it's been 2 hours of slowly becoming smoked jerky, but she keeps getting two same sides up (no) again and again. She hands it over to her daughter (said cousin who caused the pre-ordering confusion earlier) and she gives it a go; it's a NO. I was like, uh maybe I can give it a go? Aunt tries one more time, gets another NO from the ancestors. Tries in front of her husband's memorial tablet; gets a YES. Fed up, she hands me the blocks because what else has she got to lose.

Me, shuffling over to in front of the ancestors' tablets: *silent asking* Cousin who has known me since I was a baby: WAIT WAIT WAIT.....don't throw so hard. Me, about to fling the blocks down onto the tiled floor where they are sure to bounce off into the underside of the insanely heavy ornamental tables and more folding tables holding food offerings and the many feet of other devotees: .......OK.....*flings down gently* Me, staring: IT'S A YES, LET'S GOOOOOO

You have never seen an octogenarian pack up a whole ass boiled chicken, steamed cupcakes, fruits, etc etc so fast. Meanwhile I've booked it to go get the paper offerings to burn to reach the spiritual realm of whatever; I dunno, I'm not well schooled in Buddhism.

Later on during lunch at home, I told dad what had happened and he wondered if the ancestors were annoyed at Second Sister-in-law for the paper offering screw up because it's the first time we've deviated like that, and that was why they kept telling her NO but she essentially kept going (and I'm paraphrasing a friend here) 'Are we done eating yet? Are you full? Are we done yet? How about now? How about now? How about now?'

Edit: Well that didn't save properly but anyways this thing has been sitting in my drafts for almost 2 weeks. Fortunately CNY has been pretty quiet despite how busy and exhausted I was (caught hives for some damn reason on the third day). And now I can finally post this up on the final day of celebrations lol.

[whattheabcxyz]

2025-01-10

Singapore

Pedestrian-friendly streets with covered linkways in Taman Jurong & CCK completed

More than $254K worth of drugs seized by CNB officers following arrests in Chinatown & Pasir Ris

Live crowd map available for Chinatown in days leading up to CNY

Interpol launches alert notice to trace assets hidden overseas by criminals; Singapore part of pilot

URA makes rare offer to grant developers bonus floor area if they preserve Golden Mile Tower’s cinema block

Health

36% increase in number of dengue cases in Singapore last year compared to year before

Economy

Johor set for $38b economic boost from Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone by 2030

Politics

Donald Trump sentenced to "unconditional discharge" for his felonies

Education

Singapore: Faster track for Ngee Ann Poly students to earn bachelor’s degree after taking university modules

Science

^ Nature benefits our health more than we could ever imagine

How do we democratise scientific research? - everyone should be able to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge!

AI boosts breast cancer detection rates while cutting radiologist workload

Pets

Singapore: Dog dies after allegedly being thrown down Jurong block

Gossip

Simonboy & Peter Yu's Singabola Chicken Rice shutters <1 year after opening

[alphoofficial]

The US Dollar Is Losing Its Appeal, Which Currency Could Dominate Asian Markets?

Despite the recent short-term gain of the U.S. dollar, mainly due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, the greenback has experienced sustained weakening against other major currencies over the past couple of months. This trend began as interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve became more likely, resulting in the bigger than expected September cut, coinciding with signs of deterioration in the U.S. economy. Meanwhile, the Chinese government is increasingly trying to assert the yuan’s dominance in global markets. How likely is it to succeed?

Short term USD strengthening

Besides gold and other precious metals, another asset that holds the ‘’safe heaven’’ title among the investors is the U.S. dollar. It is the currency used in majority of global trades and transactions which makes it the most stable and reliable. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated into a wider conflict in recent weeks, prompting many investors to move their funds into safe-haven assets resulting in a sudden surge in the value of USD. The U.S. Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, rose 0.1% to 100.969 on Wednesday, October 2, adding to its 0.5% gain the previous day. It continued to grow throughout the following week, reaching 102 basis points by October 9. However, other forces are also at play.

As US economic indicators over the last couple of months continued to reinforce bets on a September rate cut, the situation finally entered the action phase on September 19, 2024. In the months leading up to that point, the USD gradually weakened against other major currencies, including the EUR, JPY, and CNY. It is expected that the Fed will continue making gradual cuts, and with that prospect, further weakening of the USD might follow — provided that inflation and other macroeconomic factors remain on track.

Performance of U.S. Dollar Index over 5 years. Source: tradingview.com

Chinese yuan set to dominate Asian markets

China has been pushing for the yuan to become an alternative to, or rival USD dollar on the global stage. However, this effort still seems far-fetched, considering that as of last year, the U.S. dollar accounted for a 66% share of global international currency usage, while the yuan held only 2.5%. That said, since the Western sanctions against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, the role of CNY in international trade with Russia has become more significant. It has served as a means for countries to offset the impact of potential further sanctions by avoiding financial networks dominated by the U.S. Additionally, when we compare the international usage of the yuan to China’s share of global GDP, it becomes clear that the currency still has substantial room for growth.

China also supports the international use of CNY through various mechanisms, such as establishing 31 offshore CNY clearing banks and launching the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). From 2010 to 2023, the use of CNY for China’s cross-border payments has surged, surpassing the USD for the first time in March 2023. This shift is driven by increased foreign willingness to trade in CNY and bilateral trade agreements, like those with Brazil and Argentina, allowing for CNY-denominated settlements.

What are the prospects of Japanese yen?

Another Asian currency, the Japanese yen, had been losing ground against the US dollar for years, as the Japanese economy struggled with mounting debt. However, the tide may have turned earlier this year when the Bank of Japan put an end to its financial stimulus through negative interest rates and introduced two rate hikes, currently holding borrowing costs at around 0.25%. This prompted the yen to gain some strength in recent months. However, the BOJ's aggressive purchase of government bonds (quantitative easing) was meant to inject money into the economy, keep borrowing costs low, and stabilize the yen's value. Unfortunately, that has led to a shortage of bonds in the market, making trading difficult and pushing yields down, keeping the yen weak. Until recently, JPY was gaining some ground over USD, but Japan's newly elected prime minister expressed reluctance to pursue further monetary tightening, which makes JPY’s further strengthening less likely in the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

While the U.S. dollar has recently strengthened amid geopolitical tensions, its long-term prospects are uncertain due to potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and signs of economic decline. Meanwhile, China's push for the yuan's internationalization is gaining momentum, aided by trade agreements and a robust clearing network. The Japanese yen, bolstered by recent monetary policy changes, is also showing signs of recovery, however it is unlikely to compete with Chinese counterpart. Overall, the evolving dynamics in currency markets suggest a potential shift away from dollar dominance, with CNY emerging as significant alternative in the Asian markets.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/chinas-march-strong-yuan-is-long-perilous-2024-09-25/

[kakivino]

Vietti 2018 Roero Arneis

Fairly neutral nose, better intensity on palate. Apple, pear, fresh grass and chamomile best sum up the flavor profile of this nutty, light-medium Roero native. Chalk-like minerals shine at times. Finishes a little peachy to offset that zesty lime acidity. Has summer written all over it. Compliments fish crackers (one of CNY snacks staple) well. — ★★★

Appellation: Roero Arneis Region: Roero, Piemonte, Italy Subzone: Santo Stefano Roero Cépage: 100% Arneis Abv: 13% Production: 55,000 Élevage: on lees in stainless steel tanks Distributor: Milawa

Critic Reviews:

This is always such a delicious wine and one I could imagine pairing with a Thai salad or grilled shrimp. The 2018 Roero Arneis opens to fragrant aromas with spring flower, cut grass and white peach. This is a lean-bodied white with a bright, tonic and zesty personality. Monica Larner (Wine Advocate, 07/2019) 90

Leading off with the two whites, the 2018 Roero Arneis (100% Arneis) offers a medium golden hue as well as notes of apple blossom, spice, toasted nuts, and white flowers, followed by a kiss of salinity on the finish. Beautifully balanced and medium-bodied, with plenty of minerality, this gorgeous, classy white is going to be incredibly versatile on the dinner table and is well worth a case purchase. Jeb Dunnuck (Jeb Dunnuck) 91

[takeoffphilippines]

How HONOR Magic6 Pro’s AI features drive the smartphone brand to be no.1 in China

Manila, Philippines, May 3, 2024 – HONOR, the eminent global provider of smart devices, clinched the top spot among leading smartphone brands in the latest study conducted by the International Data Corporation (IDC). According to Antonio Wang, Vice President at IDC, HONOR secured a remarkable 17% share in the charts, with a staggering Year-over-Year (YoY) shipments surge of 123.3% in Quarter 1, 2024.

"Being part of a prestigious and competitive global technology company like HONOR, it's truly an honor for us. We're excited about the challenge ahead and fully committed to bringing technological breakthroughs and innovation to the Philippines. We aim to achieve significant milestones in this dynamic market,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

Moreover, HONOR’s overseas market has gained significant growth during the past year with a 200% growth rate. By Q1 2024, HONOR has entered more than 100 markets and ranked Top 5 in many markets including Europe, Midde East, Latin America and Malaysia.

An HONOR Smartphone Produced Every 28.5 Seconds

HONOR consistently dedicates over 10% of its annual income to Research and Development (R&D), with this commitment growing each year. In the realm of AI exploration alone, HONOR has invested upwards of 10 billion CNY.

At present, HONOR boasts world-class R&D and innovation capabilities, sustained by a team of over 8000 R&D professionals spread across 7 R&D centers and over 100 innovative laboratories. The pace of innovation is evident in the company's submission of over 300 new patent applications monthly.

Notably, HONOR has achieved an impressive 85% automation rate in its intelligent production line. This level of efficiency enables the manufacturing of a smartphone every 28.5 seconds, showcasing the brand's commitment to cutting-edge technology and streamlined production processes.

Emerging Battery Innovations from Automobile Industry to Smartphones

HONOR has unveiled its innovative approach to pushing the boundaries of material and structural technology, particularly evident in the Magic Series.

Breaking new ground, HONOR became the first brand to integrate emerging battery innovations from the automotive industry into smartphones, introducing the all-new Second-generation Silicon-carbon Battery to the HONOR Magic6 Series. With a theoretical capacity of 3579mAh/g for a pure silicon-based anode, this technology surpasses graphite by a remarkable tenfold. This development, akin to advancements seen in companies like Tesla, promises exceptional battery life and consistent performance.

Additionally, the Nano Crystal Shield featured in the HONOR Magic6 Pro is another testament to the brand's commitment to innovation. Through the utilization of advanced materials boasting a 50% improvement in crystal density, the Magic6 Pro achieves a shock absorption capability up to ten times greater than before. This enhancement ensures unparalleled durability, securing the device against accidental drops and impacts.

AI Falcon Camera System

Responding to the surge in popularity of "sportography" and the escalating importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), smartphone manufacturers are doubling down on efforts to enhance capture speed and image clarity. With this, HONOR has taken proactive strides to spearhead camera innovation in the industry, with the HONOR Magic Series boasting a distinctive AI falcon camera system.

In the Image Lab located in Shenzhen, HONOR has embraced the All-scenarios Automated Comprehensive Photographic Testing System. This revolutionary approach enables the optimization of the HONOR Image Engine across an extensive array of anticipated scenarios, ensuring unparalleled performance in diverse shooting conditions. Additionally, HONOR has introduced proprietary testing equipment, a pivotal contribution to achieving the industry-leading focus accuracy of the 1200-point LiDAR Matrix Auto Focus System, notably featured in the Porsche Design HONOR Magic6 RSR.

The most awaited World’s Top 1 AI Camera Phone, HONOR Magic6 Pro, is coming officially to the Philippines on May 8, 7 PM. The latest device from HONOR is equipped with the best AI Integration and Falcon Camera System. #MagicAICameraPhone #HONORMagic6Pro

Awarded as the leading mobile phone in Camera, Battery, Audio, Display, and Selfie by DxOMark, this flagship device features a groundbreaking HONOR Falcon Camera System, boasting a 50MP Wide camera, 50MP Ultra-wide camera, and a staggering 180MP Periscope Telephoto camera, this device harnesses the power of AI to deliver unparalleled imaging experiences.

—

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[alvinng119]

11.2.2024

Today is Chinese New Year “Chor Two”, but I’m not going to talk about anything about Happy CNY first. Long time no back my second home which is so far away from my current’s stay place. My sensitive nose always signals me when a place has a bad air condition. Yes. My second house has a lot of dogs and cats and they are all taking care from my dad. He was separated from us, me and my sister. That’s why I mentioned it as “second home”. When I stepped inside, a lot of puppies sticking around my legs, inside my heart is full of love and happiness but my nose let me to stay away from them. I love dogs but I have a sensitive nose which can cause me trouble breathing, asthma, and infinite sneezing. Then something floats in my mind. It leads me to think whether happiness or healthiness is more important.

Well, I choose happiness. Rather than having so much overthinking of health itself, happiness is more precious and valuable. This is my current perspectives, maybe when my age comes up it would changed… So another things I want to bring out. Always follow your heart, respect and be kind to yourself.

[astrxlfinale]

Text < Caelus! > from Lil Gui

GONG XI FUCK CAI 😩❗️❗️ IT'S THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON 🐉🐉🐉💦💦💦💦. And 👉🏻you👉🏻 know what that means, you qipao SLUTS 👘👀 It's time to show AHGONG👲🏻👲🏻👴🏻👴🏻 and AHMA👵👵 your PHATTEST oranges 🍊🍊🍊😜😜😜 And get some THICCC HONGBAOS 🧧💰🈵‼ Get your love letters 💕💕 ready for some of your 大哥's BIG 肉干 🍖🥓🥓🍗🍗 and text your closest COCKcubines 📱📱💃💃 to come visit 🏡💦🏡💦🏡💦 Reblog to show this to your most SUPERSTITIOUS SLUTS 💰💰🙊🙊 and get a sexy LION DANCE 🐲🐲💃💃 this CNY‼‼‼ 🍑👏🏼🥴Hit 🍑👏🏼🥴that LIKE 👍🏼 and ur 年年有 👉👌🍆🍆💦😩💦😩 🇨🇳🥠⛩🏮🎊 👧🏻👩🏻🙋🏻‍♀️Let’s give the year of the RABBIT 🐰🐰🐰 a ✋🏻HAND✋🏻-felt 👋🏻goodbye 👋🏻🍆💦😏 and get our HANDS✋🏻👋🏻 on more 🐉 of that 🏯⛩dyNASTY 🎎 D 🍆🍌this 👉🏻 year‼️ 😫😘🍌💦 🇨🇳🥠⛩🏮🎊🇨🇳🥠⛩🏮🎊

Text < Caelus! > from Lil Gui

Happy Lunar New Year~ :P

Familiarized in this particular jingle would be that of a face he's always eager to see. Just as he got back onto the express from a Belobog excursion. His hair mildly dusted with snow and a slack jawed yawn escaping as he quickly perks himself back up. "N' just what the hell has she been up too? Lessee here."

After another roll of the shoulders, a swift hand would quickly pluck that indestructible cellular from his pocket. Curiosity burned bright within his mind as the familiar screen lit up before him, a few subtle shifts of the thumb immediately drawing up her text message, just in time as he stepped up into the kitchen for a snack.

...To think that snack would have many connotations in this particular moment.

QIPAO SLUTS.

..Why did his eyes draw to that first?

There's a pause as he abruptly coughed his shock out, physically, spiritually and metaphysically caught off guard as his eyes briefly bulge. Wait, no damn way, was he high? Did some of that snow dust have some sus things applied to it!? That gloved grip upon the phone tightened as reality gradually returns to him, doubly prompting Caelus to forward stare right at that screen with a new score of vigor.

' Reblog to show this to your most SUPERSTITIOUS SLUTS 💰💰🙊🙊 '

THIS. WAS. NOT. A. DREAM.

That once composed shock led to his mouth falling agape again during this raunchy rendition of the Luofu's new year wishes. This in turn was leading to a bigger question, as such brazen, distracting text would get anyone stunned!

Only to be hit with the ':P' face at the end of it all.

"......That Gui!" Teeth gritting, embarrassment fresh, that mind of his laser focused onto this moment. The questions spiraled within and the urge to just get to the bottom of this..!

..NOT THAT BOTTOM.

Certainly charged as a priority within his mind! Was this mere some chaotic text? A way to rile the mind for a hell of a good laugh? Unsurprising if it was honestly, but, but, on the off chance this was some coded means of flirtation on the other hand? ..Was it normal to count it as that? His face scrunches as a tint of crimson briefly overtakes his cheeks. By no damn means did she find herself partnered up with a quitter!

Text < Firecracker > from Caelus?

OH NO YOU DON'T. >:[

YOU THINK THAT FACE IS GETTING YOU OUT OF THAT ONE?

What kind of fireworks here was the.. plan exactly? I AM looking at this right??

RIGHT?

Also what do those specific characters mean there?

Better yet! Just cause we went on a ghost journey doesn't count for SUPERSTITIOUS SLUT status.. Does it?

...

👍🏼

@anrupanshi

[donutwares]

Was roused after 4 hours sleep. Rained just now, not sure I want to run this morning. May head out to the flea market instead, also walk to Asia Jaya. Hitting going on in mindspace. Head feels sore. Trouble from all around: my sister, suffering family, “Prince William”, and the witchy Liew 6 from next door. Worked out briefly and am feeling better. Not to be a (mentally) stationary target. My new affordable Orient is set to gain 15s / day by the looks of things. Not a very accurate movement inside.

Had a Mamee vegetarian ramen and Milo chocolate shake for breakfast. Mom was also up at 3am while I ate. There is a feeling of hope in the air right now. Maybe we can triumph over the evil in the days ahead. I believe Nov-Dec 2024 to be the end of mental and fleshy destruction, moral and doctrinal persecution against we Christians. Some say June, others, September. Anyhow it will be this year that a sign is shown.

Having saved 250RM by buying a cheaper (final) watch instead of the Bambino, I can afford to spend painlessly leading up to CNY. Mom got me a new red cotton tee shirt for the celebrations, cheap at Lotus’s. 3XL which is very roomy. Good luck for the year ahead. Due to copious psych attacks, I may have to bow out early. Truthfully, I wish I had a longer life’s plan -or at least some cocaine to OD with.

[starseedfxofficial]

Hidden Forex Gems: Insights to Beat the Market Today In the ever-shifting sands of Forex trading, staying ahead means blending advanced strategies with a dash of personality. Imagine this: navigating a market blunder feels as frustrating as realizing your favorite coffee shop just ran out of beans. But here’s the twist—with the right knowledge, you can turn those market missteps into stepping stones. Let’s break down today’s updates with insights sharper than a scalpel and humor lighter than a feather. DXY (Dollar Index): The Overachiever in Class Today, the Dollar Index (DXY) strutted into the trading room, holding steady at the upper end of 107.68-108.01. It flirted with the 108.00 mark but couldn’t quite match Friday’s high of 108.54. While traders wait for the US Consumer Confidence and Durable Goods reports, the DXY continues its confident waltz—though it might stumble if the data disappoints. EUR/USD: The Wallflower of the Dance Floor The Euro is inching lower against the Dollar and Pound, trading near the higher range of Friday’s 1.0342-1.0447. Even Germany’s better-than-expected import prices couldn’t spark much enthusiasm. It’s like showing up to a party with the hottest playlist but no speakers. JPY/USD: Tightrope Walking on a Holiday USD/JPY is tiptoeing within a narrow range of 156.33-156.80, thanks to holiday-thinned conditions. Any downward pressure could test Friday’s low at 155.94. In this tight market, it’s all about balance—think of it as a trader walking a tightrope over a pit of economic uncertainty. GBP/USD: Flatlining but Not Forgotten Cable stayed flat in a 1.2554-1.2588 range, shy of testing 1.2613 from Friday. With the UK’s Q3 GDP showing zero growth, it’s like taking a step forward only to realize you’ve been on a treadmill. AUD/NZD: The Quiet Performers Antipodeans are modestly up, with Aussie leading near Friday’s 0.6214-0.6274 high. NZD holds steady at around 0.5660. In a market overshadowed by the big players, these two quietly hold their ground, proving that steady wins the race. CNY: A PBoC Surprise The People’s Bank of China set the USD/CNY midpoint at 7.1870, defying expectations of 7.2880. It’s a bold move, reminiscent of a chess grandmaster sacrificing a queen for long-term advantage. Watch this space—China’s moves often signal broader market shifts. Hidden Patterns: Uncovering Forex Gems In today’s market, savvy traders are turning to unconventional indicators like social sentiment analysis and macroeconomic policy shifts. Think of it as reading between the lines of a novel to uncover the subtext. For instance: - Look at emerging economies with fluctuating interest rates to predict Dollar strength. - Monitor commodity exports from Australia and New Zealand for insights into AUD and NZD movements. Advanced Insights: Going Beyond Basics - Contrarian Strategies: - While most traders follow the crowd, going against the grain often pays off. For example, when everyone is shorting EUR/USD, a well-timed long position can yield impressive results. - Algorithmic Patterns: - Track algorithms triggering large orders at specific price points—these are often precursors to significant market moves. - Emerging Trends: - Keep an eye on AI-driven trading bots. They’re becoming key players, and understanding their logic can give you an edge. Insights with a Smile The Forex market is a battleground, but it doesn’t have to be humorless. By combining sharp insights with relatable anecdotes, you’re not just a trader—you’re a guide, helping readers navigate complex markets with confidence. And while today’s news might seem like a slow waltz, the right strategies can turn it into a winning sprint. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[biblenewsprophecy]

‘BRICS Pay’ moving ahead and Chinese move pushing away from the ‘Petrodollar’

COGwriter

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) alliance is trying to move forward with what is called BRICS Pay:

Moscow, Oct 23 (Prensa Latina) In a recent interview, Russian economist and politician Servei Glazyev said that a BRICS global trade currency is “inevitable” amid the current economic landscape. … Regarding difficulties in rolling out the BRICS single currency, Glazyev stressed that only political will is needed, because technically this currency is almost ready, the software and mathematical tools have been created. https://www.plenglish.com/news/2023/10/23/brics-trade-currency-is-inevitable-says-russian-economist/

If you don’t already realize that dedollarization is happening, there’s no clearer proof than BRICS Pay. BRICS Pay is a new blockchain-based payment system that enables members of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and their partners to make financial transactions in a whole new way.

Prior to BRICS Pay, residents of these countries had limited choices in how they would make purchases, trade, and take loans from outside of their country. The dollar has been the “overwhelming” choice for international trade for decades, serving as the primary medium of exchange. That’s been a problem for countries who have faced sanctions on SWIFT, the international currency platform owned by the Western economic bloc.

Removing the potential barriers created by SWIFT has been a driving factor in the progression of BRICS Pay, with the dollar gradually sliding into the backseat of global trade as a result.

The adoption of BRICS Pay across member states and partnered institutions has been rapid and dramatic. One of the largest banks in Russia, Sberbank, has already integrated BRICS Pay, as has the Bank of China and the State Bank of India. But it’s not just the players you might expect – it’s also Standard Chartered bank in the UK, e-commerce giant Alibaba, and Brazilian retail company Petrobas, along with dozens of others. Mobile apps enabling BRICS Pay are popping up on phones all over the world every second.

With that said, it’s clear that it’s not just BRICS constituents (representing 42% of the world’s population) who are adopting the new payment system, it’s everyone who wants to do business with them, too.

But what is BRICS Pay, exactly? In its simplest form, it represents an incredibly easy and fast way to make a payment, regardless of whether you’re using yuan or rubles. 10/19/232 https://www.birchgold.com/blog/financial/brics-pay

The rise in global geopolitical tensions and the use of economic sanctions may reduce the attractiveness of the US dollar as a currency in international trade and facilitate the rise of new international currencies, …

“We see a substantial increase in the use of the yuan in Russia’s imports from China, accompanied by a declining share of the US dollar,” says EBRD Chief Economist Beata Javorcik, one of the paper’s authors. “We have also observed an increase in the use of the yuan as an invoicing currency by third countries. Thus, while dollar dominance makes sanctions more effective, the sanctions could, in the long run, lead to some erosion of this dominance.”

The sanctions have imposed restrictions on the export of various goods to Russia, as well as on certain imports from Russia. They have limited the financial services that can be provided to Russian entities and suspended the access of some major Russian banks to SWIFT, the dominant system for cross-border payments.

Prior to March 2022, up to 80 per cent of Russia’s imports had been invoiced in US dollars or euros. By the end of 2022, invoices in Chinese yuan (CNY) accounted for 20 percent of Russia’s imports, a sharp increase from 3 per cent a year earlier, while the invoicing share of the US dollar and the euro had declined to 67 percent. …

Rising geopolitical tensions generally and the use of trade sanctions, in particular, may reduce the appeal of the US dollar as a vehicle currency in international trade and facilitate the rise of new international currencies, as well as the greater use of producer or importer currencies to settle trade.

This, in turn, may lead to greater fragmentation of global payment systems. The BRICS economies (Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa), for instance, are encouraging greater use of alternative currencies and have said they intend to develop a new cross-border payments system, BRICS Pay. 10/05/23 https://www.ebrd.com/news/2023/ebrd-researches-growing-role-of-new-currencies-in-international-trade.html

I have warned for many years that sanctions by the USA would hurt its dollar–first by the Trump Administration and later by the Biden Administration– and lead to nations looking to bypass it as the international currency for trade. This is definitely in the process of happening.

While many have focused on Russia, consider that China has been taking serious steps as well. Consider the following:

De-Dollarization? China Completes First Digital Yuan Purchase For Cross-Border Oil Transaction

De-dollarization continues accelerating with news of the Shanghai Petroleum and Natural Gas Exchange (SHPGX), a Chinese-backed exchange for trading energy-related products, settling its first cross-border transaction in digital yuan.

Chinese-based financial news outlet “Yicai” first reported PetroChina International bought one million barrels of crude oil using digital yuan on Thursday. It was the exchange’s first overseas oil settlement in digital yuan. …

China’s central bank began the digital yuan project in 2014 and has piloted the electronic currency in numerous regions across China. The world’s second-largest economy has been preparing to use the yuan and its digital version in international trade and finance as an alternative to the dollar.

In August, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for BRICS nations to create a common currency as the world furiously searches for ways to circumvent the dollar-based financial system.

Brazil’s president said a BRICS currency “increases our payment options and reduces our vulnerabilities.”

The US shutting Russia out of the SWIFT messaging system that underpins most global payments in response to its invasion of Ukraine has supercharged the de-dollarization trend. 10/20/23 https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/de-dollarization-china-completes-first-digital-yuan-purchase-cross-border-oil

BRICS’ criticism of the dollar: Russia in the aftermath of recent imposition of financial sanctions; China says “the hegemony of the US dollar as the main source of instability and uncertainty in the world economy”, and in 2013 launched a ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ calling for “strengthening” “currency circulation”. Emboldened by increasing US interest rates adding to global borrowing costs, India and Brazil have pushed for greater use of local currencies. What might follow? …

There is also a steady push toward the re-monetizing gold. In July, a “Russia- and China-led consortium had settled on gold as the basis of a planned new international currency system separate from the dollar and euro”. Gold was a world economy hallmark until early in the 20th century. Today the world economy is, though, much larger, meaning it would be nearly impossible for gold bullion to equivalently back paper and digital currency today.

There is, though, another option. BRICS currencies could be benchmarked against gold at a specific price or price band, and not to an equivalent dollar rate. 08/22/23 https://www.enca.com/opinion/brics-local-currency-agenda-has-international-implications

The above reports suggest serious blows against the petrodollar.

Notice something from last August:

August 16, 2023

In another blow to dollar dominance, India and the United Arab Emirates settled an oil trade without converting local currencies to dollars for the first time on Monday, as India’s top refiner made a payment for oil in rupees.

Indian Oil Corp. bought a million barrels of oil from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in a dollar-free transaction.

The oil sale was the first after the two countries entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July. The deal established the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system, facilitated by the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. The system allows the two countries to engage in bilateral trade using the rupee and dirham. According to a statement by the Reserve Bank of India, the agreement will facilitate “seamless cross-border transactions and payments, and foster greater economic cooperation.”

The first test of the LCS involved the sale of 25 kg of gold from a UAE gold exporter to a buyer in India at about 128.4 million rupees ($1.54 million).

According to WIONews in India, the LCS system will reduce costs and speed up transactions between the two countries.

Additionally, reliance on national currencies is anticipated to bolster economic resilience and strengthen bilateral relations. Moreover, any surplus balances in the local currencies can be invested in various local assets, including corporate bonds, government securities, and equity markets.”

India has also purchased oil from Russia using non-dollar currencies.

India ranks as the third-largest oil importer in the world.

If the trend of dollarless transactions expands to other countries, the minimization of the dollar in the global oil trade would be bad news for the United States.

As it stands, the majority of global oil sales are priced in dollars. This ensures a constant demand for the greenback since every country needs dollars to buy oil. This helps support the US government’s “borrow and spend” policies, along with its massive deficits. As long as the world needs dollars for oil, it guarantees demand for greenbacks. That means the Federal Reserve can keep printing dollars to monetize the debt.

ZeroHedge explained how the process works.

One of the core staples of the past 40 years, and an anchor propping up the dollar’s reserve status, was a global financial system based on the petrodollar – this was a world in which oil producers would sell their product to the US (and the rest of the world) for dollars, which they would then recycle the proceeds in dollar-denominated assets and while investing in dollar-denominated markets, explicitly prop up the USD as the world reserve currency, and in the process backstop the standing of the US as the world’s undisputed financial superpower.”

Simply put, de-dollarization would drastically diminish US economic power and wreck the country’s economy. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/another-blow-petrodollar-india-uae-complete-first-oil-sale-rupees

What is the petrodollar?

Essentially, it is the fact that although the US dollar is no longer backed by gold, since most oil is priced in US dollars, that gives the US dollar a backing through a needed commodity, hence always insuring that the US dollar will have value. So it is sometimes called a petrodollar–which is broader than the term’s original intent.

The existence of the ‘petrodollar’ seems to have helped the USA be in a position to increase its debt and that will not end well (cf. Habakkuk 2:2-8; Daniel 11:39).

As far as China goes, it wants more world influence and ultimately domination (watch Is China paving roads to Armageddon?), but the Bible shows that while China will be prosperous for a time, it will be a power from Europe that will essentially dominate the world for the last 3 1/2 years before Jesus returns. (Thiel B. China trying to benefit from US withdraw of Paris accord, while also working to eliminate the ‘petrodollar’. COGwriter, June 2, 2017)

The BRICS nations tend to like and use gold with two-three of them major suppliers of gold and two major purchasers of gold.

Related to gold and the replacement of the USA dollar, we put out the following video:

12:30

Gold Backed Currency to Replace the US Dollar?

China introduced something that was called the gold-petro-yuan back in 2018. Since then, the global share of US-dollar-dominated exchange reserves have dropped to 59.0%. In April 2021, China became the first major economy to unleash a Central Bank Digital Currency. China also has given its banks permission to import large amounts of gold. Is China preparing for a gold-backed yuan to push aside the US dollar or to help it survive a US dollar cataclysm? Are other nations preparing to push the US dollar aside? Do Europeans seem to have the most gold? Are Europeans prophesied to gain more gold? Is the US debt trajectory sustainable per Fed Chairman Jerome Powell? Does the Bible warn of the end coming to the highly indebted in Habakkuk 2:6-8? Why does it looked like a gold-backed currency will replace the US dollar? Will the US dollar, ultimately, become essentially worthless? Dr Thiel addresses these issues and more.

Here is a link to our video: Gold Backed Currency to Replace the US Dollar?

Based upon several biblical prophecies, I have long written that the Asians and Europeans will cooperate, for a time, and eliminate the USA and its Anglo-Saxon descended allies.

It should be added that part of the purpose of the Euro was to bypass the USA dollar for international trade. And, that has happened completely within the Eurozone block in the EU.

Steps towards pushing away the Anglo-American dominance of the world for the past couple of centuries is happening.

Related to BRICS, we have the following video:

15:09

BRICS and the Woes of Revelation

The BRICS nations consist of Brazil, Russia, China, India, and South Africa. In February of 2023, Russia, China, and South Africa held joint naval drills. In the Fall of 2022, India, Russia, and China held joint military exercises. Brazil also has a military cooperation agreement with Russia. The Book of Revelation uses the term woe three in chapter 8 verse 13–those woes are then discussed in later chapters. Could the BRICS nations, along with the coming Babylonian European Beast power be involved in all three of the woes? Do the BRICS nations want to push aside the USA dollar? Is one of the woes tied to the rise of a 200,000,000 man army? Is there any connection to the second woe and the two witnesses? Do the woes correspond with the last of the seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation? Is one of the woes tied to Armageddon? Does Jesus return with the seventh trumpet? Will nations not be pleased when Jesus returns? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie go over these matters.

Here is a link to our video: BRICS and the Woes of Revelation.

Although BRICS will not dominate the world economically like the coming European Beast power will, the BRICS nations and their decisions will have major impacts on the world.

Steps to push aside the USA dollar really are happening.

As Jesus said: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:37).

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America? Where did those people come from? Can you totally rely on DNA? What about other peoples? Do you really know what will happen to Europe and the English-speaking peoples? What about Africa, Asia, South America, and the Islands? This free online book provides scriptural, scientific, historical references, and commentary to address those matters. Here are links to related sermons: Lost tribes, the Bible, and DNA; Lost tribes, prophecies, and identifications; 11 Tribes, 144,000, and Multitudes; Israel, Jeremiah, Tea Tephi, and British Royalty; Gentile European Beast; Royal Succession, Samaria, and Prophecies; Asia, Islands, Latin America, Africa, and Armageddon;  When Will the End of the Age Come?;  Rise of the Prophesied King of the North; Christian Persecution from the Beast; WWIII and the Coming New World Order; and Woes, WWIV, and the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture. Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation discusses the largest church since the second/third century, which in a real sense is the eighth church mentioned in the Book of Revelation (it also endorses “eighth day” worship). What church would support the Beast? Here is a link to a video titled: Europe and the ‘Holy Roman Empire’. The Plain Truth About Gold in Prophecy. How Should a Christian View Gold? What do economists and the Bible teach about gold? Gold and silver may drop in value. Inflation/deflation? What do Christians need to know about gold and silver? Two videos of related interest may be: Germany, Gold, and the US Dollar and Silver, Science, and Scripture. Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction Can the USA survive two full presidential terms? In what ways are Joe Biden and Kamala Harris apocalyptic? This book has hundreds of prophecies and scriptures to provide details. A Kindle version is also available and you do not need an actual Kindle device to read it. Why? Amazon will allow you to download it to almost any device: Please click HERE to download one of Amazon s Free Reader Apps. After you go to your free Kindle reader app (or if you already have one or a Kindle), you can go to: Biden-Harris: Prophecies and Destruction (Kindle) to get the book in seconds.

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[thesecrettimes]

China Allows Visitors to Top Up Digital Yuan Wallets with Visa, Mastercard, Cash

China Allows Foreign Users of Its Digital Yuan to Preload Their E-CNY Wallets The operators of China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform have upgraded its payment services to make the process of spending the digital yuan (e-CNY) more user-friendly to foreign nationals visiting the country, the state-run China.org.cn portal informed readers. The newly introduced “recharge before use” feature on the digital yuan app allows visitors to replenish the built-in e-CNY wallet using the online services of the leading global payment networks Visa and Mastercard. Foreigners can also load the Chinese digital currency wallet by depositing cash in a bank office. At the end of their stay, they will be able to return any remaining balance to their overseas bank card or account used in the beginning. The report notes that as mobile payments have become more dominant in China than other regions, the new option will offer foreigners a better experience during their visit. Previously, they could not top up their e-CNY wallets in advance, the article recalled. The change will provide foreign users with equal access to more convenient payment methods such as the “quick pay” option. It will also let them spend their e-CNY both at physical stores accepting the digital currency as well as online platforms such as ride-hailing app Didi, takeaway service provider Meituan, travel portal Ctrip, and e-commerce retailer JD. According to Dong Ximiao, chief researcher at Merchants Union Consumer Finance, the upgrade will create a more convenient payment environment for people visiting China. Zhou Maohua, an analyst at China Everbright Bank, believes it will also increase the presence of the digital yuan in cross-border transactions. Both are convinced that the move will promote the Chinese CBDC internationally. China has been developing the digital version of the yuan since 2014 and has launched a number of trials in the past couple of years. At the end May, its central bank announced that e-CNY transactions in trial regions had reached 264 million, totaling 83 billion yuan ($11.4 billion) in value. By the end of June, they were already at 1.8 trillion yuan ($250 billion) with 16.5 billion digital yuan in circulation. Do you think the latest update of the digital yuan payment system will convince more visitors to use the CBDC? Tell us in the comments section below. Read the full article

[theravitrader]

The Impact of Geopolitics on Forex Markets: Case Studies and Trading Strategies

As a forex trader, understanding the complex world of international politics isn’t just beneficial — it’s crucial. Major geopolitical events can have a significant impact on forex markets, often causing sharp spikes in volatility and substantial currency price movements. By developing a deep understanding of how these events influence currency values, traders can not only protect their investments but also identify unique trading opportunities.

One of the most apparent examples of geopolitical events influencing the forex markets is the Brexit referendum in 2016. The surprise result saw the British Pound fall to a 31-year low against the US Dollar, as markets struggled to comprehend the economic implications of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. Traders who recognized the potential impact of the vote had the opportunity to profit from this unprecedented market movement.

In another example, the US-China trade war, which began in 2018, led to a fluctuating USD/CNY exchange rate. As the two largest economies in the world imposed tariffs on each other, traders closely watched for announcements that could hint at escalation or resolution of the dispute, adjusting their trading strategies accordingly.

Political instability can also lead to significant currency movements. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East, for instance, frequently impact the price of oil — a vital export for many countries in the region. As a result, currencies of oil-dependent economies can experience increased volatility in response to these geopolitical events.

So how can forex traders navigate these challenging situations? First, staying informed is key. Keeping up-to-date with international news and understanding the potential implications of major events is essential. Tools such as economic calendars can be incredibly helpful in this regard, alerting traders to upcoming events that could move the markets.

Next, risk management strategies should be firmly in place. This could involve setting stop losses to protect against sudden market reversals or using lower leverage when trading potentially volatile pairs.

For traders seeking a platform that provides timely market insights and robust trading tools, look no further than DecodeFX.com. Powered by Decode Global, DecodeFX.com is an advanced trading platform designed to help traders stay on top of the markets. With real-time market analysis, comprehensive educational resources, and superior customer support, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the ever-changing geopolitical landscape.

Geopolitical events can undeniably create uncertainty in the forex markets. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, these periods of volatility can offer unique trading opportunities. As always, remember to trade wisely and manage your risks effectively.