Topic Reading-Vol.4207-10/31/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Malaysian sultans choose new king in unique rotational monarchy

Malaysia consists of 13 states and three federal territories in Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo’s East Malaysia. It became independent from the UK in 1957 as a federal parliamentary constitutional elective monarchy. About 70% of Malaysia’s citizens are Malays and nearly two-thirds are Muslims. While the parliament-elect Prime Minister is the head of the government, the symbolic head of state is the King, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He is also the commander-in-chief of Malaysia’s armed forces and also holds important constitutional powers, including appointment of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, dissolution of Parliament, both of which are on the advice of the Prime Minister, and granting of pardons. The King is elected to a five-year term by and from among the nine hereditary rulers, sultans, of the Malay states. Now, Sultan Ibrahim from the southern state of Johor has been elected the 17^th king and will serve the 5-year role from January 31 next year.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about the King of Sultans of Malaysia.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/27/malaysian-sultans-choose-new-king-in-unique-rotational-monarchy

Topic Reading-Vol.4206-10/30/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

‘Reminders everywhere’: Halloween crush haunts survivors one year after Itaewon crowd disaster

Halloween is celebrated in many countries on October 31, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints’ Day. These days, however, it is rather a secular event where people celebrate for fun with Trick-or-treating, Jack-o’-lanterns, and scary costumes. Halloween is also celebrated by young people who disguise themselves, gather, and party in many countries including Japan, China, and South Korea. On October 29 last year, a large crowd was crushed in a narrow alleyway in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea during Halloween festivities, killing 159 young people and injuring about 200. Witnesses said that the crowd became increasingly dense and difficult to move through and that people began to fall and be trampled. Emergency responders struggled to reach the injured due to the size of the crowd. A year from now, those who survived and witnessed the crush and the families of the victims still suffer from the nightmare. Now, local governments of popular party districts in these countries are stepping up measures to prevent such tragedies from happening.

Read the article and learn about the nightmare of Halloween.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/27/asia/south-korea-itaewon-halloween-crush-anniversary-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4205-10/29/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Record 114 million people displaced globally, says UN

According to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, over 114 million people have been displaced by war, persecution, violence, and human rights violations so far this year, the highest on record. The main causes of forced displacement in the first half of 2023 were war in Ukraine, conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Myanmar, a combination of drought, floods, and insecurity in Somalia, and a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. In addition, there are 1.4 million Palestinians who are escaping from Gaza just in October. Sadly, low-and middle-income countries hosted 75 percent of refugees and other people in need of international protection. Displacement of people can be caused by natural factors like environmental disasters, natural resource scarcity, and climate change. Also, many are displaced because of wars and conflicts, persecution, violence and insecurity, and economic and political hardship. Unfortunately, as these causes are often interconnected, many of these displaced people face multiple challenges simultaneously. Now, climate change and sea level rises are going to displace more people in the coming years and decades. Can the world afford to accept more refugees?

Read the article and learn about the new UNHCR report.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/25/record-114-million-people-displaced-globally-says-un

Topic Reading-Vol.4204-10/28/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Bobi, the world’s oldest dog ever, dies aged 31

The Rafeiro do Alentejo is a large Portuguese breed of livestock guardian dog, with males weighing over 45 kilograms and females weighing more than 35 kilograms. They are brave, protective, and loyal dogs and are known as good guardians and protectors of their families and properties. They are typically healthy dogs and usually live between 12 and 14 years. But some dogs live longer than the average. In fact, Bobi was a large male Rafeiro do Alentejo that had lived for 31 years and 165 days, or 11,478 days, until his last day on October 23^rd, the world’s oldest dog ever, according to the Guinness World Record. He lived in a small village about 150 kilometers north of Lisbon, spent his days with his owner's families and cats in a peaceful environment, and ate human food whose seasonings had been removed in water. As he spent so many days with his owner’s family, some of whom have already passed away, he represented those generations. But he might not have lived longer than a few days after he was born. Why?

Read the article about this Portuguese dog that had lived longer than any other known dog.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/24/europe/bobi-oldest-ever-dog-dies-intl-scli/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4203-10/27/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

What is ultraprocessed food?

Ultra-processed food, also known as highly processed food, refers to food products that have undergone extensive processing and contain several food additives and preservatives. Compared with minimally processed foods, ultra-processed foods tend to last longer and have a palatable taste, but in return, they are high in calories, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and salt. Many of the ready-to-eat foods like cereals, instant noodles, and pre-packaged frozen meals are highly processed. But even among breakfast cereals or bread, some are highly processed and others aren’t, such as sugared and flavored yogurt vs plain yogurt, and white bread vs whole grain bread. Ultra-processed foods are typically low in essential nutrients and fiber, making them a less nutritious choice compared to whole or minimally processed foods. As a result, they are often associated with health concerns, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. It seems that easier, tastier, comfier foods tend to be addictive to your stomach, economical to your wallet, and thus appealing to your brain. To avoid such ultra-processed foods, you want to be patient and cautious of what to buy and put into your mouth.

Watch the video and find the differences in ordinary processed foods.

https://edition.cnn.com/videos/health/2023/10/19/ultraprocessed-food-nutrition-lbb-contd-orig-no.cnn

Topic Reading-Vol.4202-10/26/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why Indonesia can’t stop crocodile attacks

The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile, and adult males can reach 7 meters and weigh a ton. Named for its ability to survive in full-salinity seawater, saltwater crocodiles typically live in low-salinity water near the coast. It is estimated that there are about 20,000 to 30,000 saltwater crocodiles worldwide, and Indonesia is one of the most important habitats. Though most crocodiles are relatively harmless and would avoid humans rather than confronting them, saltwater crocodiles show aggression towards people because of their strong territoriality. In fact, Indonesia sees more saltwater crocodile attacks than other countries. About 100 cases each year in the last decade and the number is increasing. As their natural habitats have been squeezed by illegal tin miners, saltwater crocodiles now live in abandoned and active mining pits near human habitats. What actions have been taken to protect both humans and the crocodiles?

Read the article and learn about why there are so many saltwater crocodile attacks in Indonesia.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67004770

Topic Reading-Vol.4201-10/25/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Why a 'hologram revolution' could be on the way

A hologram is a three-dimensional photo or image that is created by a laser through the interference of light waves. Unlike conventional flat images, holograms show depth and change in appearance when viewed from different angles. At the world’s first hologram zoo in Brisbane, Australia, visitors can now enjoy 50 holographic creatures including giraffes, elephants, dinosaurs, and a colossal 25-meter whale that are created and projected in life-like detail. Visitors will wear eyeglasses, which are position-tracked, to see the 3-D images wherever they are. Each area is enhanced with smell, breeze, and temperature to make the experience more real and immersive. Indeed, the zoo certainly replicates a virtual and augmented environment.

Enjoy reading the article and learn about a zoo with the latest 3-D technologies.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67080941

Topic Reading-Vol.4200-10/24/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

The world needs cheap electric cars. That spells trouble for big carmakers

China is the world’s leading market and producer of New Electric Vehicles (NEVs), including electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In fact, new energy vehicle sales accounted for over one-third of the total vehicle sales in the last several months in the world's largest car market. Though the number has dwindled in the last several years, there still are dozens of NEV manufacturers in China that are expected to produce around eight million NEVs this year. Roughly, electric cars sold in China are over 40% cheaper than those sold in Europe or the USA. The market leader is BYD, whose market share in the first nine months this year exceeded 36%, followed by Tesla and Nio, none of which had been known as a car until recently. Indeed, Chinese NEV manufacturers have enjoyed the market growth of their domestic market, partly having been helped by government subsidies. Furthermore, they don’t have to worry about the existing sales, factories, distribution network, and the past investment of conventional vehicles. For NEV manufacturers, their sales are new revenues while NEV sales are substitutes for their beloved conventional vehicle sales for legacy automakers such as General Motors, Ford, Volkswagen, and Toyota. Can they compete against those rising new powers?

Enjoy reading the article and learning about the ongoing shift in the automotive industry.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/29/cars/evs-global-automakers/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4199-10/23/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Ukraine war: First underground school to be built in Kharkiv

Kharkiv, with a population of around 1.4 million, is Ukraine’s second-largest city located only 30km from the Russian border. The city has been heavily attacked by Russia since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022. When the new school year started last month, over 1,000 students attended five underground stations. They study in two shifts, at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm in the so-called metro-schools, where there is no appropriate education or heating equipment for schoolchildren. As the city is committed to continuing to provide education to all students despite the limited budget, it is going to build an underground school for more schoolchildren in a better environment. Since Russia’s invasion started, over 360 educational facilities have been destroyed in Ukraine and only a third of schoolchildren study in person. How long will Ukraine’s students have to endure such hardship?

Read the article and learn about how Russia’s invasion has been affecting school education in Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66984939

Topic Reading-Vol.4198-10/22/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

A floating village is stranded on a dry lakebed as extreme drought grips the Amazon

Manaus is a Brazilian city that is located in the center of the world's largest rainforest where the Solimões and Negro rivers meet to form the Amazon River. Due to the city's proximity to the equator, Manaus has a humid tropical rainforest climate. Even during its relatively dry months between July and September, there usually are six or seven rainy days with an average precipitation of 7 centimeters each month. However, the entire region has suffered from severe heat and drought this year, drying up rivers and lakes. In fact, the water temperatures in Lake Tefé reached nearly 40 degrees Celsius, about a hot tub temperature, and killed over 100 river dolphins. And drought in the region is so severe that boats, houseboats, and floating buildings are stranded on nearby lakes. Many residents are left with no choice but to dig the riverbed or lakebed to get water. The drought extends across the region and over 300,000 people have been affected. It is thought that the extreme heat and drought are partly caused by El Niño, which has just started this year and will go on for the next few years, and also global warming.

Part of the Amazon River is drying and ice in Antarctica, Greenland, and the Arctic region is melting. What will happen the El Niño year 2?

Read the article and learn about this year’s severe drought in the Amazon River.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/10/americas/amazon-drought-floating-village-climate-intl/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4197-10/21/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Financial anxiety: The alarming side effect of inflation
In 2022, the prices for goods and services in the USA, UK, and EU average rose 7.0%, 9.2%, and 8.3% respectively over 2021. These rates of inflation were the highest in these economies in decades, which were driven by the war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and strong consumer demand. The inflation rate is slowing down somehow to 3.7%, 4.8%, and 5.4% respectively in 2023 over 2022. But over two years from 2021 to 2023, prices rose 11.0%, 11.4%, and 11.4% in these economies. Food and energy prices rose higher than other sectors, which posed a disproportionate impact on low-income households, who spend a larger share of their income on these essential items. Also, central banks have been raising interest rates in an attempt to bring inflation under control. As a result, the average mortgage rate rose 2.8% in the USA, 3.3% in the UK, and 2.5% in the EU just in these two years. This means the monthly mortgage or the rent went up even further, especially in popular districts. So, unless the income increased more than or at least as much as the cost of living, life became harsh, especially for those whose income is spent mostly on daily necessities. You can assume this level of financial pressure and anxiety for the future creates mental stress, worry, and even dysfunctional behavior.
Read the article and learn about what inflation could cause beyond financial stress.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20231005-financial-anxiety-the-alarming-side-effect-of-inflation

Topic Reading-Vol.4196-10/20/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
In this city, the right to own a car starts at $76,000. And that doesn’t include the car
Singapore lies on the southern tip of the Maly Peninsula with the main island and numerous smaller islands. The land space of the city-state is just over 700 km² for 5.7 residents., approximately 8,600 people per square kilometer, the world’s second most densely populated country only after Monaco. Its GDP per capita is $77,846, the second wealthiest country in the world after Luxemburg. Singapore’s public transport system is one of the most efficient and reliable in the world, consisting of a network of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines, Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines, and buses that connect all parts of the island, which allows residents and visitors to move around without driving a car. Indeed, for a space-scarce place like Singapore, roads and parking lots for cars are a total waste of the limited land space. So, the city-state discourages people from owning a vehicle with an extremely expensive certificate of entitlement, which now costs as much as $76,000 for an economy car and over $100,000 for an SUV. Then you’ll need to buy a car with heavy taxes, and pay $2.00 for every liter of gasoline you pump in and hefty parking fees. Remember, the rent in Singapore is also the highest in the world. How would you manage to live in the tiny but prosperous tropical city-state?
Read the article to learn about what it’s like to own a car in Singapore.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/05/asia/singapore-most-expensive-car-license-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4195-10/19/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
World breaches key 1.5C warming mark for record number of days
This last summer in the northern hemisphere was awfully hot in many parts of the world. But how hot? Well, 2023 is going to be the warmest year on record because as of October 2, there have already been 86 days whose temperature record went beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial average between 1850-1900. The Paris Agreement in 2015 was signed by world political leaders to make every effort to keep the long-term rise in global temperatures under 1.5 degrees Celsius to prevent catastrophic climate changes. But in the first nine months of this year, the temperature went 1.4 degrees above the pre-industrial level. And September as a whole was 1.75 degrees higher. This is partly due to the El Niño cycle that has started this year, a warming of the ocean surface or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Not surprisingly, it is predicted to be warmer next year. Will the world leaders divide or unite at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai next month to COPE with the present and clear danger?
Read the article and learn about ongoing global warming that seems to already have passed the threshold.
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66857354

Topic Reading-Vol.4194-10/18/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Bears, birds and kangaroos: Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards.

Founded in 2015, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is an annual international photography competition that celebrates funny wildlife. Each year, thousands of photos are submitted from all over the world. You can imagine selecting the best of the funniest from these funny photos is a grueling process. Now, the finalists of this year’s awards have been announced.

A kangaroo is playing a shadow guitar, a dragonfly resting on a turtle’s nose, a cheetah preparing for sumo wrestling, a little baboon playing the fool on its mother’s back, two grizzly cubs exchanging greetings, little birds discussing something happening on their right, and a soggy polar bear standing with a cane, only to name a few. Which one is your favorite and which one do you think will win the award?

Enjoy seeing these funny photos in the wild.

https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-67004896

Topic Reading-Vol.4193-10/17/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Why does Canada have three of the world's most liveable cities?
Canada lies in the north of the USA, shares a 9,000 km long border, and enjoys a wide range of business and commercial interactions. However, its culture is quite distinct from the US. Since 1960, Canada has emphasized equality and inclusiveness for all its people. Also, Canada is often cited as one of the safest and most livable countries in the world. According to the Most Livable Cities index conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, three Canadian cities are ranked in the top 10, Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
Vancouver, with a population of 2.6 million in the metro area, is the third most populous metropolitan area in Canada. The native languages of the majority of Vancouver residents are neither English nor French. The city has a unique and gorgeous combination of mountains and ocean. Stanley Park is Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park with a magnificent green in the midst of Vancouver.
Calgary lies near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. With a population of 1.4 million, it has a small-town feel with big-city amenities yet the cost of living is lower than other cities of the same size. It has the most extensive paved pathway and bikeway network in North America.
Toronto, the most populous city in Canada with a little over six million residents is a diverse city. In fact, the majority of the residents were born outside of Canada. There are over 1,500 parks in the city. Also, there is PATH, a mostly underground pedestrian walkway network in downtown Toronto that spans more than 30 kilometers of restaurants, shopping, services, and entertainment, and facilitates pedestrian linkages to public transport.
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Canada to enjoy its natural beauty and diverse food.
Enjoy reading the article about the three most livable cities in the world.
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231001-why-does-canada-have-three-of-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities

Topic Reading-Vol.4192-10/16/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers,

Cannibalism was a common funeral ritual in Europe 15,000 years ago, study finds

The Magdalenian people were hunter-gatherers who lived in various parts of Western Europe during the Upper Paleolithic period, approximately 17,000 to 12,000 years ago. They possessed advanced techniques to make tools and weapons, art, and symbolic artifacts. Recently, researchers found evidence of cannibalism not for necessity but as part of the ritual practice. They claim that they’ve found the oldest evidence of cannibalism as a funerary practice so far known. In fact, the practice of cannibalism as a cultural and ritualistic tradition is not uncommon. Though cannibalism is overwhelmingly considered morally, ethically, and legally unjust in today’s world, ritual cannibalism had been practiced among some indigenous peoples in Papua New Guinea and India until the last century.

Read the article and learn about ancient funeral practices among the Magdalenian people.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/05/europe/cannibalism-funeral-ritual-intl-scli-scn/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4191-10/15/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Gang removed hundreds of kidneys to sell to wealthy clients, Pakistan police say

The kidneys filter waste products and excess substances from the bloodstream. These waste products are then excreted from the body in urine. They also help regulate blood pressure and maintain the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium and calcium in the body. There usually are two kidneys in a human body, each one about 10-15 centimeters long and deep in the abdomen. A patient with severe kidney problems might be performed a kidney transplant from a deceased or living donor if a compatible donor kidney is available. Some see this as a business opportunity and buy a kidney from those who want to sell his or hers. Recently, police in eastern Pakistan caught illegal gang members who had removed kidneys from hundreds of patients, some of whom had been removed both kidneys with or without consent or knowledge. After a transplant, the donor should have a strong support system and access to medical care to be monitored continuously. Could those whose kidneys were removed become future patients of a kidney transplant?

Read the article to learn about the illegal kidney transplant gang in Pakistan.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/03/asia/pakistan-kidney-trafficking-ring-intl-hnk/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4190-10/14/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Coffee is in danger. Starbucks is working on solutions

Among the widely grown coffee beans, Arabica beans are the most widely grown and used in quality coffee products. Starbucks, which operates nearly 36,000 coffee shops around the world, uses only arabica coffee beans from 400,000 farmers across 30 countries. However, climate change and extreme weather conditions like drought, freeze, or heavy rains could affect the yields of any agricultural products, and coffee beans are no exception. As Arabica beans are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and vulnerable to diseases and pests, their production is more affected by climate change than other coffee beans like Robusta. So, Starbucks, which uses about 3% of the world’s coffee production, has been developing new Arabica varieties that are more resistant to climate change and diseases while producing higher yields. However, some scientists warn that variants that can thrive in certain conditions might not always work as designed when the environment changes. Sounds like continuous efforts are required to live up to the changes ahead.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about how climate change could affect your cup of coffee.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/03/business/starbucks-coffee-climate-change/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4189-10/13/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Shogi star Fujii holds all 8 major titles

Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, is a traditional and popular board game in Japan. Just like chess, the objective of Shogi is to checkmate the opponent’s king. But unlike chess, whose pieces are distinctly divided by black and white, Shogi pieces are all in the same color. This allows the use of captured pieces, which can be returned to the board as the capture’s piece, and makes the game more complex and challenging. There are eight major titles in the Japan Shogi Association. On October 11^th, a 21-year-old professional shogi player Sota Fujii won the last title of the eight titles that he hadn’t possessed and became the first ever shogi player who owns all the eight titles. Ever since his debut as a professional Shogi player at the age of 14, he has broken all kinds of records in Shogi history, being the youngest to win this and that, including the youngest and fastest player to win 50 and 100 official games, and won his first major title, Kisei, in July 2020 when he was only 17. Since then, he had won six other major titles in the next three years while defending the already-won titles successfully before winning the last title this month. Shogi is no exception from AI influence and Fujii is one of those who use AI for practice. But in the meantime, Shogi is so complex and human-oriented that AI predictions during the game are often reversed by human players. Indeed, Fuji has shown what humans can use and exceed AI.

Enjoy reading the article about Japan’s unprecedented Shogi champion.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231012_01/

Topic Reading-Vol.4188-10/12/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Chair hogs, dining divas and boorish boozers: Is cruising etiquette lost at sea?

Just like air travel, more people are coming back on board cruise ships after the Covid pandemic. Unlike ocean liners, cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing. More than 300 cruise ships are being operated worldwide with a combined capacity of over 500,000 passengers. Some of the large cruise ships have over 200,000 tons with a capacity of hosting over 5,000 passengers and 2,000 crew members. The Caribbeans, Mediterranean, Alaska, and South Pacific are some of the most popular cruise regions. Those cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities like restaurants, bars, pools, fitness centers, theaters, casinos, amusement facilities, and shopping areas where passengers can spend days and weeks on board. Do you expect all your fellow passengers to be as mindful and respectful to others like you? Unruly kids screaming around the hallways and jumping into a pool, over-drunken adults disrupting others’ peaceful time, smokers on the balcony or poolside, touching food by hand and putting it back at a buffet, and leaving a towel and personal stuff on a pool deck chair for hours. Even though no one is trying to disrupt your vacation on purpose, there are conducts and behaviors on a cruise ship that bother your dream vacation.

Read the article and learn about what should and shouldn’t be done on a cruise ship, or any other place.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/cruise-ship-etiquette-bad-behaviors-avoid/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4187-10/11/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Alien life in Universe: Scientists say finding it is 'only a matter of time'

Are we alone in the universe? Most of us think there may be someone, somewhere. Although there was no evidence of planets orbiting other stars three decades ago, over 5,000 exoplanets have been discovered and studied since then. 59 of them are orbiting in the habitable zone, or Goldilocks zone where it is not too cold or hot liquid water for water to exist on the surface of a planet or moon. How do scientists and astronomers find and study distant planets that are light years away? (Note: one light year is 9.5 trillion kilometers) Also, they are studying the habitability within our solar system. Europa, one of the moons orbiting Jupiter, and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, are thought to have liquid water even though they are out of the habitable zone. In the early 2030s, space probes are scheduled to arrive at Europa to examine the icy moon. Will we ever find signs or evidence of aliens on distant planets in the near future?

Enjoy reading the article and learning about technologies and projects in search of alien life.

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66950930

Topic Reading-Vol.4186-10/10/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 
Flight attendants are burned out and quitting. Here’s why
US air traffic plummeted during the Covid-19 pandemic when travel was restricted, avoided, or postponed. In fact, the number of passengers boarded fell by 71% in 2020. Most airlines and airports cut their workforce, including pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, ground crew, baggage handlers, and security personnel. This year, air travelers are back on board with fat wallets and high enthusiasm. Despite higher-than-ever ticket prices, the number of passengers boarded and boarding at US airports this year is expected to surpass the one in 2019 easily, much more than twice as many as last year. Now airlines and airports are struggling to handle such a sudden surge in traffic. There are more delays and cancellations because of the tight capacity and scheduling as well as extreme weather conditions. So, some passengers who get frustrated in the packed cabin for long hours become rude to the flight attendants. But flight attendants are also the ones who are pressured and frustrated due to tight scheduling and long hours of work, which are often not compensated well. They are the frontline workers who need to ensure all safety protocols are in place, respond to all sorts of passengers’ needs and demands, and cope with unruly passengers. If airlines want to increase their capacity to meet the increasing demand, they seem to need to improve the welfare and compensation of their employees first.
Read the article and learn about the frustration and pressure flight attendants are struggling with.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/flight-attendant-burn-out/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4185-10/9/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

How 'strike culture' took hold in the US in 2023

Strikes are a bargaining tactic used by unions to exert pressure on employers during negotiations. Legally, US workers are granted the right to engage in concerted activities to collectively bargain with their employers. Striking workers cannot be fired, disciplined, or retaliated by their employers for participating in a lawful strike. This year, there have been a number of strikes in various industries, such as screenwriters and actors’ unions in Hollywood, Starbucks workers, nurses, hotel employees, and pilots. UPS, one of the world’s largest shipping couriers that employs over 400,000 workers, avoided the largest-ever strike in July at the last minute. Then the United Auto Workers (UAS) walked off the job on September 14, which was even supported by President Joe Biden who even visited a picket line in Michigan. So why workers’ strikes are on the rise in America? Experts point to rising inequality under soaring inflation, safety issues, work conditions, and job security. Also, public sentiment is more favorable for workers’ demands as these concerns and pressures are common among most workers. And then media and social network sites play their roles in rising social movements. How will AI help us attain better work conditions and ensure job security?

Read the article and learn about why more US workers have chosen to walk off their jobs this year.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230927-how-strike-culture-took-hold-in-the-us-in-2023

Topic Reading-Vol.4184-10/8/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 
New ‘supercontinent’ could wipe out humans and make Earth uninhabitable, study suggests
The earth’s outermost rocky shell comprises a number of large tectonic plates that have been slowly moving since 3.4 billion years ago. Because of the tectonic movement, the Earth undergoes a cyclic process of supercontinent formation and breakup over hundreds of millions of years, called the supercontinent cycle. The supercontinent is a large landmass that forms when multiple continents come together. The last supercontinent is called Pangae, which existed around 200 to 300 million years ago and broke apart to form the modern continents. As continental drift continues, current continents will be merged again in the distant future and form a new supercontinent, Pangea Ultima in 250 million years. So, when the world is re-united, what the environment of the Earth will be like? Some researchers in the UK used supercomputer climate models to predict the climate conditions on the future supercontinent. It would not be habitable for any mammals because of the heat, dryness, and high carbon dioxide levels. But as global warming continues at the current rate, we don’t even know if some parts of today’s continents will be habitable in the near future. Will the Moon or Mars be more habitable than the Earth in the future?
Read the article and learn about what supercontinents mean to the species on Earth.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/26/world/supercontinent-earth-intl-scli-climate-scn/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4183-10/7/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

'Shrinkflation' isn't a trend – it's a permanent hit to your wallet

Do you always pay attention to the quantity of the product you buy regularly? For example, if the price of your favorite 12-pack candy bar increases by 10%, you’ll most likely notice the price hike. But if the same product becomes a 10-pack at the same price, you may not realize the shrinkage right away. Then, which do you feel is more painful or tolerable, a 10% rise in price or a 10% reduction in quantity for the same product? As inflation becomes rampant, consumers become more sensitive to price increases and budget-conscious. So, some manufacturers are shrinking packages to keep the price, instead of or in addition to raising the price. Some call it Shrink-flation. While prices could fluctuate depending on the market and competition, the package size or per-package quantities don’t change so often. So, once downsized, it usually doesn’t rebound easily unless it is repackaged with “jumbo” or “now only” labels at a higher price. Indeed, Shrink-flation helps our budget in the short term but not in the long term.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about this new type of inflation.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230922-shrinkflation-isnt-a-trend-its-a-permanent-hit-to-your-wallet

Topic Reading-Vol.4182-10/6/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

The five best things to do in Turkistan

Turkistan is a city in the Turkistan Region of Kazakhstan, a landlocked country in Central Asia. The ancient city holds great historical and cultural significance as it served as an important center along the ancient Silk Road trade route. In 2021, Turkistan was proclaimed by the Organization of Turkic States as "Spiritual Capital of the Turkic World". Turkistan's most prominent historical and cultural asset is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The unfinished architecture was constructed in the late 14^th century and showcases over six centuries of Muslim heritage. Also, just like other former Soviet states like Uzbekistan, some of the major railway stations were constructed and influenced by 20^th-century Soviet constructivist architecture that was integrated with local heritage. There are bazaars in and around the city that are full of local food, fruits, and vegetables. To get to this amazing town, there is an international airport about 15 kilometers from the city center. Turkistan is a city that showcases the historical, archeological, and cultural heritage of the Silk Road and Turkic peoples.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about a historic town in Central Asia.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230925-the-five-best-things-to-do-in-turkistan

Topic Reading-Vol.4181-10/5/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

1 in 4 people who eat healthy meals blow it on snacks, study says

Over 70% of American adults are either overweight, a BMI of 25 to 29.9, or obese, BMI of 30 or higher, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even though more people are trying to eat healthy meals, the fat ratio is on the rise among not only adults but also children. Why so? According to a study, over 90% of American adults eat one or more snacks on any given day. The most popular snacks in the US are cookies, chips, crackers, pretzels, and candies, such as Oreo cookies, M&M, Snickers, and Doritos chips only to name a few. These tasty and satisfying snacks are convenient, portable, and affordable. In the meanwhile, these snacks are highly processed and sugary, not ideal for your health and weight. So, if you can live with healthy meals, try healthy snacks, too such as nuts and fruits to maximize the benefits of the meals. What matters to your health is not just what you eat on the table but also at your desk.

Enjoy reading the article and review what and how much you eat a day.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/15/health/snacking-healthy-eating-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4180-10/4/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Rucking is an easy way to fitness

Rucking is a walking exercise with a loaded backpack or rucksack. It comes from infantry training and operations known as forced marching. It requires more muscles and endurance than just walking without any extra weight. So, if you do rucking instead of just walking, you’ll burn more calories, develop muscles, and boost cardiovascular health. It is an easy, low-impact, all-body exercise that doesn’t require extra time or any special equipment. All you need is a backpack, or rucksack, that has wide, padded shoulder straps with a waist strap. As for the weight, avoid a heavy or sharp object but use something flexible like sand, which fits steadily near your lower back. Also, don’t put too much weight from the beginning but start light and add weight as your body and muscles get accustomed to the weight. Mind your own weight and figure out a proper weight to start. If you weigh 60 kilograms, 6 kilograms is 10% of your weight. Imagine how much more calories, energy, and muscles are needed to move something 10% heavier.

Enjoy reading the article and learning about this easy and healthy way to exercise more.

https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/16/health/rucking-cardio-strength-workout-wellness/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4179-10/3/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

Long Covid: MRI scans reveal new clues to symptoms

Those who experienced severe and long-term Covid-19 illness, be warned. Researchers in the UK studied 259 patients, who had been hospitalized because of Covid-19, five months after they were discharged from their hospitals. They found through MRI scans that there were noticeable abnormalities in the major organs such as the lungs, brain, and kidneys compared with those who had never had Covid-19. The abnormalities were seen in more than just one organ among the patients. Also, some of the damages in organs matched up with symptoms, but not all. So, if you feel something wrong with your body or mind after a Covid-19 infection, such as feeling tired easily or having difficulty focusing on tasks, you’d better consult with your physician or other healthcare professional. Indeed, Covid-19 is still an ongoing threat to our health.

Read the article and learn about how Covid-19 affects our health in the long term.

https://www.bbc.com/news/health-66890505

Topic Reading-Vol.4178-10/2/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 
Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant startup, set to begin human trials
Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk, Neuralink is a neurotechnology company that is developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which could allow people to control computers and other devices with their minds. The BCI is also designed to treat a variety of neurological disorders, such as blindness, depression, and paralysis. Now, the company is recruiting paralysis patients for its first human clinical trial. Trial patients will be surgically placed a chip by a robot in the part of the brain that controls the intention to move. If successful, the patient may be able to control a computer cursor or keyboard only with their thoughts. If you saw the experiment, you might think it is done by telekinesis. And if Neuralink is connected to Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet constellation, you might be able to operate a computer or machine with your mind from a hospital room or prison cell on the other side of the Earth.
Enjoy reading the article and learn about another “link” approach by Elon Musk.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/09/20/tech/musk-neuralink-human-trials/index.html

Topic Reading-Vol.4177-10/1/2023

Dear MEL Topic Readers, 

This world-class airport will soon go passport-free

Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) is one of the world’s busiest yet highly-reputed airports. It is a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia and accommodates over 100 airlines to and from 400 cities around the world. It is known for its wide range of amenities and services, including unique attractions like a 40-meter-tall indoor waterfall, a suspended canopy park, an interactive museum, and various gardens. The airport is also known for its high-tech services and experiences for passengers, including self-service kiosks for check-ins and facial recognition technology to streamline the check-in process. Starting next year, the airport will introduce a biometrics authentication system that allows departing passengers to pass the immigration checkpoints and boarding without showing their passports. So, once you check in at one of the kiosks, you can put your passport in the bag safely. Of course, you need to carry your passport as all the departing flights are for international destinations. But someday in the future, our faces or other biometric information might present required personal information for international travel.

https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/changi-airport-singapore-passport-free-travel-intl-hnk/index.html