Latest news with #21st
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
New discoveries unearthed at Bowers' Terracotta warriors exhibition
The discovery of the first Terracotta Army pit in 1974 in the city of Xi'an, China was monumental in the sense that it gave archaeologists an intimate look into life in ancient China. Extremely detailed and incredibly well preserved, the stone figures have captivated museum visitors for 50 years. In 2008 and 2011, Bowers Museum featured Terracotta warriors exhibitions and now the relics return to Santa Ana as the museum presents 'World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century.' Jointly organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum of the People's Republic of China and Bowers Museum, the new display is on view through Oct.19. Curated by Tianlong Jiao, Bowers' chief curator, the exhibition is made possible by contributions from PNC Bank, East West Bank and the Carpenter Foundation. While 2024 marked 50 years since the figures were first discovered, the exhibition this year continues to offer more to explore with the addition of more than 110 newly unearthed treasures making their North American debut in the Orange County show. 'We are incredibly proud to be hosting this historic exhibition in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the original discovery of the warriors,' said Sean O'Harrow, president of Bowers Museum, in a statement. 'And we are excited to feature new discoveries from royal tombs dating back further 2,000 years.' At a preview of the exhibition on May 23, Jiao was joined by Li Gang, director of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Museum, in leading an exclusive tour of the artifacts in the exhibition, beginning with highlights like the early Walled City discoveries. A reproduction of Shimao's walls, the largest known wall site in China where the discovery of jade pieces led to an archaeological investigation, features its own hidden jade between the wall's stone bricks, each with additional information about the significance of jade during the time period. It's one of a few interactive elements museum visitors will find as they move through the exhibit. They're meant to engage the viewer in an educational experience about China's political and artistic achievements before and during the Qin dynasty, Jiao explained. 'Jade was used as a ceremonial object,' Jiao said. 'We created this wall to help our visitors understand the significance.' It is fascinating to consider the ways life in ancient China included practices that are still popular today. An earring excavated from Zhaigou in 2022, for example, dates back to 1200-1000 BCE. 'This is the earliest gold earring in China and, if you notice, it is all one piece of hammered gold,' Jiao said. 'You know, even today if you wear this you will be in fashion.' The gold ear bob is curved into a swirl with a square of turquoise accenting it, a testament to the ancient jewelry maker's skill. The purpose of other artifacts and their inspiration are less clear to the modern eye. 'You may think this is a sculpture of an animal, but it is actually a wine vessel,' Jiao said of a bronze figure from the early Western Zhou Dynasty, which lasted from roughly 1046 to 1000 BCE. While it may look like a familiar animal, a closer look reveals its species is hard to pinpoint. 'This animal is very mysterious and we don't know what to call it, because it has the features of several animals,' said Jiao. 'If you look carefully, you see ears and rabbit face, but on both sides it has fish fins. It is very well cast and it was found inside one of the tombs.' The wine vessel is among the royal tomb artifacts included in the show. 'This is one of the 27 bronze vessels discovered by farmers in 2003,' said Gang, making them a newer addition to the exhibition. A few figures excavated from the 'Entertainers Pit' (also known as Pit K9901) from about 1999 to 2012 appear to have been modeled after those who entertained royalty. While beyond restoration because of the damaged condition they were in when archaeologists discovered them, it isn't difficult to speculate about their poses. A shirtless, muscular figure with his arm aloft, a hand pointing up was mostly likely meant to depict the traditional Chinese acrobatic art of plate spinning, according to Jiao. 'Many know the warriors, but this is a new discovery,' said Jiao. 'You can't see it but there is a hole that goes all the way down, for a stick. He is one of the Chinese acrobats.' The many life-size terracotta sculptures of soldiers and horses, displayed alongside intricately crafted half-size chariots, are the highlights of the show. The sculptures are a form of funerary art buried with the emperor, meant to protect and serve him in the afterlife and ensure that his power and influence continued even after death. Two half-sized bronze chariots, each drawn by four bronze horses, were excavated from a pit near Qin Chi Huang's Mausoleum. The detailed horse fleet and charioteers adorned in gold and silver were most likely created to usher the emperor's spirit to the other side. The most familiar figures are enclosed in glass, including a kneeling archer, an armored warrior and another archer, whose arm pulls back on a non-existent bow. Many of them were extracted from the first pit in the early 1980s. An interactive screen in one section of the exhibition allows users to paint their own Terracotta warrior, creating a simulation that more closely resembles the way the figures looked when they were first created. 'What you see here, the warriors don't have any paint, but when they were buried, every figure had paint,' Jiao said. The exhibition opened on the heels of Bowers Museum signing a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Museum to foster cultural collaboration in February. The partnership ensures Bowers will continue to highlight installations that celebrate China's artistic achievements and historical treasures, as it has done in the past with exhibitions like 'Treasures from Shanghai: 5000 Years of Art and Culture' in 2007, and the current exhibition 'Ancient Arts of China: A 5000 Year Legacy.' In conjunction with 'World of the Terracotta Warriors,' a Terracotta warrior-themed installation will debut in the Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza on June 4 and remain on view through June 30. 'World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century' is on view through Oct. 16 at Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For tickets visit
Observer
21-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
13 nations at empowering university students programme
SUHAR: The First Foundation Programme Conference on Empowering University Students in the 21st Century commenced at Sohar University in Al Batinah North Governorate. The conference features speakers and academics from 13 countries alongside higher education institutions in the Sultanate of Oman. Dr Hamdan Sulaiman al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, emphasised that the conference aligns with global trends in empowering university students within foundation programmes, addressing developments in higher education and modern disciplines in line with labour market demands and student aspirations. He added that higher education institutions undertake a pivotal role in empowering students and fostering their transformation in the 21st century by investing in human capital, offering programmes, policies and platforms that not only prepare students for careers but also cultivate them as future creative and innovative leaders. These initiatives provide programmes and specialisations that meet labour market needs, align with technological advancements and keep pace with artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The conference includes 13 parallel sessions featuring 56 scientific presentations and working papers, which explore key areas such as artificial intelligence in language teaching and learning, assessment and feedback, enhancing student engagement in learning environments, student autonomy and 21st-century skills, digital integration, critical thinking, academic integrity; and innovation in education. Additional topics focus on AI literacy and educational innovation, developing language skills using AI, assessment and feedback strategies, learner autonomy and self-evaluation, innovative language teaching methodologies, integrating AI and critical thinking, digital technologies and academic integrity, as well as 21st-century skills and digital competencies. The conference brings together 80 speakers from universities and educational institutions in Oman, alongside academics and experts from 11 countries, which are France, Spain, Morocco, the UAE, Malaysia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the People's Republic of China, Iran, Nigeria, and Algeria. — ONA
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lt. Governor Ainsworth not running for Governor in 2026
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced that he will not be entering the race for Governor in 2026. Ainsworth said that he will be taking time away to focus on his family and will be transitioning into the private sector. You can read Lt. Governor Ainsworth full statement below: 'After much prayer and many discussions with my family, friends and supporters, I will not be a candidate for governor during the 2026 election cycle. Kendall and I have decided that focusing on our children during their last years in high school and transitioning to the private sector makes the most sense for all of us at this time in our lives. Serving as Alabama's Lieutenant Governor has been the honor of my lifetime, and in the year-and-a-half remaining in my term, I will continue working night and day to meet the needs, improve the lives, and protect the conservative values of the Alabama citizens I took an oath to serve. When first elected, I promised to the most active, engaged, and hardest working Lieutenant Governor in the history of our state, and I will leave the office secure in the knowledge that I kept my promise. We led the effort to remove the state sales tax on groceries and enacted the largest tax cut in Alabama's history. We championed school choice because we believe parents know what is best for their children. We made our state the nation's friendliest and most welcoming for active service members, veterans, and their dependents. We created a new high school diploma to ensure students are prepared for high-paying, long-lasting 21st Century jobs when they graduate. And we pushed to quickly reopen Alabama and get back to business in the days following the pandemic. My heart is deeply rooted in Alabama, my passion is in helping people, and neither of those truths will ever change. Even when I leave elected office, I will still get up every day with a drive to help Alabama grow. While my name will not be on the ballot for governor in 2026, I will be on the campaign trail working alongside President Trump to help elect a strong, conservative governor and other Republican elected officials who will keep Alabama moving in the right direction. I am grateful for your support and prayers over the years, and I will always remember the trust the people of Alabama put in me. We will continue giving back to this wonderful state that has given us so much. As I have said many times – 'You are given only one life to make a difference, so you better make a difference while you are here.' Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth This is a developing story.. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Leaders
11-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Industry Minister Wraps Up Official Visit to Denmark, Strengthens Bilateral Industrial Ties
Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, has concluded an official visit to Denmark, marking a pivotal step forward in deepening economic collaboration between the two nations. The visit centered on expanding cooperation in the industrial and mining sectors, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's objectives to diversify the Kingdom's economy and advance its industrial capabilities. Visit to Denmark Over the course of the two-day visit, Minister Alkhorayef engaged in high-level discussions with Danish government officials and industry leaders, focusing on strategic partnerships in non-oil sectors such as pharmaceuticals, green technology, sustainable energy, food production, and advanced machinery. A key highlight of the visit was a bilateral meeting with Denmark's Minister for Economic Affairs, Stephanie Lose. The ministers explored ways to enhance policy coordination, support industrial growth, and strengthen investment flows between the two countries. To foster greater private-sector collaboration, Minister Alkhorayef also met with representatives from the Danish Chamber of Commerce, as well as executives from Vestas and European Energy. Discussions revolved around boosting trade, encouraging knowledge transfer, and identifying joint investment opportunities. Alkhorayef chaired a roundtable with senior leaders from prominent Danish companies to further explore prospects for industrial cooperation. Separate meetings were also held with executives from Novonesis, Arla Foods, Danfoss, FLSmidth, and Novo Holdings, focusing on forging stronger commercial ties in areas targeted by Saudi Arabia's National Industrial Strategy. Novo Nordisk The minister's itinerary included a tour of Novo Nordisk's campus to gain insights into its advanced insulin and biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies. He also visited DTU Science Park, where he reviewed innovative research initiatives and cutting-edge industrial solutions. The visit concluded with a meeting between Minister Alkhorayef and Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). They discussed bolstering the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and UNIDO, and ongoing preparations for the 21st UNIDO General Conference, set to take place in Riyadh this November. This official visit underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 by building international partnerships. Finally, this attracts quality investments to localize critical industries that support the Kingdom's health, food, and industrial security. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia, Denmark Explore Investment Opportunities in Industry, Mining Kurt Westergaard, the Prophet Muhammad cartoonist from Denmark dies at 86. Saudi Foreign Minister: Two-State Solution is Basis for Peace, Security WHO Honors Saudi Arabia for Trans Fat-Free Food Products Short link : Post Views: 17
Business Mayor
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Derailed House Hearing Leaves Crypto Market Structure Hanging in Balance
Highlights A bipartisan hearing to discuss the 'Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft' devolved into political theater, delaying efforts to define regulatory roles for the SEC and CFTC and provide clarity for the crypto industry. Donald Trump has pledged to make the U.S. the 'crypto capital of the planet,' but progress is now stalling due to partisan conflict, with Democratic lawmakers walking out of a key hearing over concerns about Trump's potential personal gain from crypto legislation. While legislative efforts lag, regulators and institutions are increasingly engaging with crypto, particularly stablecoins, which are gaining legitimacy and market traction amid calls for clearer compliance frameworks. Donald Trump promised to transform the U.S. into the 'crypto capital of the planet,' and he will need cryptocurrency legislation for his administration to do it. But while bills for both stablecoin regulations and market structure legislation were expected within his administration's first 100 days, little concrete progress has been made by lawmakers in advancing a comprehensive domestic policy framework — particularly as it relates to crypto markets. And if the news Tuesday (May 6) coming out of the joint hearing entitled 'American Innovation and the Future of Digital Assets: A Blueprint for the 21st Century,' held by the House Financial Services (HFS) Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence & House Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, is any indication, it may take at least another 100 days for emotions on both sides of the aisle to cool. Initially a bipartisan hearing meant to discuss a Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft, which was introduced into Congress on Monday (May 5), the hearing instead derailed down partisan lines. Rather than attending the Tuesday hearing, many Democratic lawmakers, led by House Financial Services ranking member Maxine Waters, walked out of the joint hearing in order to hold their own entitled 'Democratic Hearing To Discuss Trump's Crypto Corruption and Conflicts of interest.' 'This decision comes after Chairman French Hill (R-AK) refused to include provisions in legislation blocking Trump's ability to further enrich himself from crypto,' said Waters. The political conflict marks a sharp turn in what was once a relatively bipartisan area of interest and risks turning both stablecoin oversight and crypto market clarity from a regulatory challenge into a political football being thrown back and forth. Read also: Are Crypto Markets Going Mainstream? What Treasury Execs Should Know Crypto Market Clarity Remains in Limbo The consequences of crypto's emerging legislative stall aren't just political. The lack of regulatory clarity continues to create uncertainty for developers, investors and companies operating in the U.S. digital asset space. Had Tuesday's hearing gone as planned, lawmakers from both sides would have had the opportunity to discuss the 'Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft,' a legislative proposal that delineates the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in overseeing cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based assets. The draft bill proposes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate digital commodities, including crypto tokens and stablecoins, while preserving key exemptions for decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain infrastructure developers. At the core of the draft is a clear allocation of responsibilities. The CFTC is given exclusive jurisdiction over digital commodity spot markets through a new class of regulated entities — digital commodity exchanges, brokers and dealers. These entities would be subject to rules on custody, capital, disclosures, and governance, while customers could opt into services like staking, provided conditions set by the CFTC are met. The bill also introduces the concept of qualified digital commodity custodians, requiring stringent oversight and registration to safeguard customer assets, echoing investor protection standards from traditional finance. In a concession to the crypto industry, the bill removes digital commodities and certain stablecoins from the SEC's definition of a 'security.' However, it grants the SEC anti-fraud powers over transactions involving digital commodities within its registered entities. It also permits dual registration, allowing brokers and exchanges to register with both the SEC and CFTC under a streamlined 'notice registration' process. Read also: The Three Most Important US Crypto Policies to Watch This Year Crypto Continues Its Push Into Mainstream Finance The U.S., despite the policy standstill, has seen its regulators — including the SEC, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Reserve — begin to clarify their positions on crypto. In early March, at the White House's first-ever 'Crypto Summit,' Trump expressed his hope that stablecoin legislation would get to his desk before Congress's recess beginning Aug. 5. 'There's certainly a change in how the administration views the digital assets industry,' Dan Boyle, partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, told PYMNTS in an interview posted April 23. 'This is not a confrontational posture … The obvious growth is in stablecoins and you have a lot of issuers ready to be fully compliant. It's a hard argument for Congress to ignore.' Read More ByBit review 2024: Pros & Cons - CoinGape As PYMNTS previously covered, stablecoin market capitalization reached an all-time high in April amid strong performance across cryptocurrency sectors. Regulatory maturation, the real-world quest for stablecoin utility, and the institutionalization of digital assets mark a turning point in which the Wild West days of crypto are being replaced by a convergence with mainstream finance, PYMNTS reported April 23. See More In: CFTC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Congress, crypto, crypto regulation, Cryptocurrency, digital assets, Donald Trump, House Financial Services Committee, Legislation, News, politics, PYMNTS News, regulations, SEC, Securities and Exchange Commission, stablecoins
