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Australia holds cards as global lithium shortage looms

Australia holds cards as global lithium shortage looms

Canberra Times12 hours ago

In one scenario they calculated, an increase of 77 per cent in Chinese imports would mean imports to the US would drop by 84 per cent and to Europe by 78 per cent.

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Glasgow Italian artwork collection to go on tour in China
Glasgow Italian artwork collection to go on tour in China

Glasgow Times

timean hour ago

  • Glasgow Times

Glasgow Italian artwork collection to go on tour in China

Paintings, ceramics and sculptures which are expected to give a 'culturally-rich' view of the visual arts in Italy from 1400 to 1800 will be loaned out later this year. It is hoped the 'Prosperous Symphony – Italian Treasures from Glasgow Museums' exhibition will boost tourism and trade links with China. Glasgow councillors backed the tour, which is set to start in Shenzhen in September before visiting 'five or six' other cities, at a meeting last week. Items will return to Glasgow in 2028 and could then be displayed in Kelvingrove museum. Following the meeting, a spokesperson for Glasgow Life, the council's culture and leisure arm, which runs the city's museums, said: 'As the first standalone touring exhibition of Italian artwork from Glasgow's museums to museums in China, it represents an exciting opportunity to build on the city's international strategy. 'China is a key overseas market, and this prestigious exchange will strengthen business, academic and civic relationships. It will also position Glasgow in cities across China as a culturally rich, must-visit destination, encouraging inward tourism. 'We are currently finalising which works will travel as part of the tour and will provide an update in due course. Glasgow Life will receive £30,000 from each venue hosting Prosperous Symphony – Italian Treasures from Glasgow Museums.' A council report stated that alongside 33 paintings, the collection includes examples of ceramics, glass, marble sculpture, textile, arms and armour. An exhibition of the city's Italian art went on tour to the United States in 2013 and all but one of the paintings and objects have been in storage since. Glasgow Life will be working with NOMAD Exhibitions on the tour, which has estimated around 100,000 visitors per venue. The council report added: 'With a new international strategy, regular trade missions, links between the city's universities, businesses and China and the targeting of a direct air route into the city, the timing to use an exhibition as cultural exchange and the backdrop for other initiatives is now.' It stated Glasgow Airport is targeting a direct China to Glasgow air route to complement two direct flights per week — four in summer — between Edinburgh and Beijing. Ideas to promote the tour include using the University of Glasgow's networks, as it has 9,000 Chinese students as well as alumni who now work in China. Connections through Glasgow's chamber of commerce, which aims to attract inward investment from businesses in Beijing and Shanghai, will also be explored.

Concert review: Cantopop icon ‘Principal' Tam got young and old on their feet
Concert review: Cantopop icon ‘Principal' Tam got young and old on their feet

Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • Straits Times

Concert review: Cantopop icon ‘Principal' Tam got young and old on their feet

Concert review: Cantopop icon 'Principal' Tam got young and old on their feet Alan Tam Classic Live in Singapore 2025 Singapore Indoor Stadium June 14 You have to give it to Hong Kong singer-actor Alan Tam, who proves that age is just a number. The showbiz veteran, who turns 75 in August, delivered a three-hour concert on June 14 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. He enthralled an 8,000-strong capacity crowd with close to 40 songs, keeping the energy level high throughout with nary a break. It is the kind of stamina that even younger pop stars would be envious of. The Alan Tam Classic Live tour started in Shanghai in May 2023. It has since travelled to other Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Wuhan and Chengdu, as well as Sydney in Australia. The Singapore leg had been highly anticipated, as it marked Tam's first solo show here since his 40th Anniversary Concert Tour in 2016. He last performed in town in December 2023 with The Wynners, as part of their 50th anniversary farewell tour at Sands Grand Ballroom. The Hong Kong pop band also comprise lead vocalist Kenny Bee, 72; guitarist Bennett Pang, 76; drummer Anthony Chan, 72; and bassist Danny Yip, 74. Tam, who began his music career in 1973 with the band, released his debut solo album, Naughty Boy, in 1979. He achieved superstardom in the 1980s and 1990s, consistently putting out platinum records. Over five decades, he has been credited with recording more than 100 albums and composing over 800 songs. The audience at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, expecting a nostalgia fest, were not let down. Kicking off the proceedings at 8.05pm, the Cantopop icon immediately launched into several of his timeless ballads, including Autumn Romance (1984) and Love Of My Life (1996). The Singapore leg of the Alan Tam Classic Live tour marked the Hong Kong singer's first solo show here since 2016. PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT The audience was an even mix of Baby Boomers and Generation X, from those in their 50s to their 70s, with a sprinkling of millennials, and Tam expressed his appreciation for them all. In recent years, his career has enjoyed a second wind after he appeared in several variety shows in China, which introduced him to younger fans. 'Even after 50 years in the industry, I'm still learning every day, including from the young artistes I meet,' he said. 'Their energy invigorates me and reminds me why I love music.' Tam's career has enjoyed a second wind after he appeared in several variety shows in China, which introduced him to younger fans. PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Affectionately known as Principal Tam, a nod to his stature in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, the enduring superstar is famous for playfully insisting he is 'forever 25'. He clearly keeps himself in good shape, evident when he revealed toned, buff arms in a short-sleeved shirt. And he pointed out that he was not the oldest performer at the concert. His Philippines-born, Hong Kong-based drummer Nicanor D Ledesma is 76. Other than his timeless hit ballads, Tam also performed fast numbers with his backup dancers. PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Tam performed fast numbers such as Love Trap (1985) and Karaoke Forever (1990), matching the pace of his eight dancers without any signs of breathlessness. He was also accompanied by three backup vocalists. 'I definitely gave you my all tonight,' he said teasingly past 10.30pm. He then asked: 'What time is it now? Do you need to leave? Would you have transport back to Johor Bahru?', showing concern for the Malaysians who had crossed the Causeway to support him. Tam began his music career in 1973 with Hong Kong pop band The Wynners. PHOTO: SHAW BROTHERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Despite the late hour, the audience remained, singing along with gusto, prompting Tam to praise their dedication. As he launched into his encore, which featured his iconic 1985 track Friends, many in the crowd were on their feet and waving lightsticks. 'No matter how old you are in the future, whenever you hear my song, I hope you will remember this evening and this feeling of warmth and energy we shared,' he said. For his parting shot, he advised: 'Always be true to yourself and live in the moment.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

Member of symphony orchestra needs new oboe to resume career after accidental fire
Member of symphony orchestra needs new oboe to resume career after accidental fire

Hamilton Spectator

timean hour ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

Member of symphony orchestra needs new oboe to resume career after accidental fire

LONG RIVER - A member of Prince Edward Island's symphony orchestra has suffered a career setback after an accidental fire destroyed his home and an extensive collection of musical instruments. Oboist Marc DesRoches said he was trying to dispose of some sensitive papers by burning them in a stainless steel sink outside the home he and his partner once occupied in New London, P.E.I. DesRoches speculates a small leaflet may have blown free amid the windy conditions prevailing on June 2, as shortly after he returned inside to his piano, he realized his deck was on fire. The blaze spread to the home and destroyed two oboes, an English horn that was still being paid off, three pianos and a large collection of other woodwind and brass instruments, including his grandfather's tuba. Other lost treasures include a pair of Chinese vases his partner Glen Gamble has had in his family since the 19th century, as well as the couple's orange cat Tchaikovsky, who they hope has simply wandered off and is still alive. DesRoches said he's hoping to replace at least one oboe and the English horn so he can continue to perform with the orchestra. 'I feel like playing with the symphony is going to be one of the most healing things for me,' he said. Scott Mintie, chief of the New London fire department, said 25 firefighters responded to the call. Crews found a single family home engulfed in flames on arrival and the one person at home was able to get out safely, he said in a statement. 'There were high winds from the south-southwest, estimated about 35 km-h, which did contribute to the rapid spread of the fire. The vehicle in the driveway sustained some damage,' he said. 'Small spot fires caused by blowing embers were quickly extinguished by the crews.' The fire is a 'strong' reminder that emergencies can escalate quickly in windy conditions, Mintie said. 'Situations like today show that seconds do matter. The occupant's ability to exit quickly most likely prevented a far more tragic outcome.' DesRoches said the first thing he did as soon as he saw the blaze was pull out the fire extinguisher from the garage to get the blaze under control. But the fire was spreading, and he could soon feel the flames on his face. 'I ran back to the front of the house because the fire was at the very back, and I just peeked my head in the door to get eyes on the two spots that my cat is usually sitting,' he said, his voice cracking with emotion. 'Unfortunately, I didn't see her, so I couldn't grab her before I ran.' The orange cat, Tchaikovsky, also answers to 'Tchai,' said DesRoches, adding he's had the tabby for about 10 years, since she was a kitten. DesRoches said the couple had insurance for their home, but not enough to cover the cost of replacement instruments. They have started a crowdfunding campaign and hope donations will help them pay for replacements. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

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