Latest news with #Bak
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
S. Korea calls on UNESCO to step in if Japan reneges on pledge over forced labor site
South Korea on Tuesday called on UNESCO's heritage oversight body to step in if Japan continues to backtrack on its promise to honor wartime forced labor victims from its UNESCO World Heritage-listed industrial sites. South Korean Ambassador to UNESCO Bak Sang-mee made the call during a session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Paris, about a week after Seoul's attempt to place the industrial sites on this year's WHC agenda was blocked by a rare vote among member states, including both South Korea and Japan. Seoul sought to bring attention to Japan's lukewarm efforts in implementing WHC recommendations on presenting the full history of the Meiji industrial revolution sites, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2015. One of the sites is Hashima Island, where many Koreans were taken to toil during World War II, when Korea was under Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. "The case of the site of Japan's Meiji industrial revolution is notable for the committee's consistent request through four consecutive decisions for the development of an interpretation strategy that allows for an understanding of the full history of each site," Bak said. "However, nearly a decade later, its implementation remains insufficient and continues to raise concerns." Japan has established a museum in Tokyo featuring exhibits on related history, but the move has drawn criticism from Seoul for failing to present the full historical context as promised. Bak said South Korea will continue to support the full implementation of the WHC decisions on the sites, including through bilateral consultations with Japan. "We sincerely hope that Japan will engage in this process in a constructive and responsible manner," she said. Still, Bak said the WHC should engage if Japan continues to fail to follow through on the WHC decisions. "Should the shortcomings in the interpretive strategies at the Tokyo Industrial Heritage Information Center remain unaddressed despite such (bilateral) efforts, the committee should maintain its engagement in this matter as part of its ongoing responsibility," she said. Japan submitted follow-up progress reports to UNESCO outlining its implementation efforts. But each has prompted the committee to urge Tokyo to do more to present the whole history, echoing South Korea's position that Japan's actions fall short of its original commitment. The WHC had reviewed the sites every two to three years since their UNESCO designation. However, the issue was not included on this year's agenda, as Japan's most recent report, submitted in 2024, was an "update" to a previous implementation report, not a formal version that would automatically trigger a review. (Yonhap)
The Drive
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Get $400 off Tonneau Covers and More on RealTruck.com During Amazon Prime Day
The latest car news, reviews, and features. stocks just about every practical accessory you might want for a late-model pickup truck or SUV. Tonneau covers, bed racks, brush guards, fitted seat covers, it's all on there. The site even has a cool build-and-price tool where you can see what modifications will look like on your rig before you hit the buy button. And this week, a lot of useful parts for a big range of vehicles are on deep discounts to rival Amazon's Prime Day sales. A power retractable tonneau cover is a big-ticket item, but this sale makes the entry price a lot easier to get excited about. If you'd like to keep the budget a little tighter, you can still get a great non-powered truck bed cover at a good discount. Check out some other items that are on sale at an even lower price point. Don't forget to double-check compatibility with your rig. has all the info you need to ensure perfect fitment for your specific year, make, and model. If neither of those is quite your style, here are some more tonneau covers that are on sale now: $300 off Retrax PowertraxPRO MX/ XR Tonneau Covers $200 off RetraxONE XR Tonneau Covers $200 off Roll-N-Lock A- Series XT, M- Series XT Tonneau Covers $200 off Truxedo Sentry, Sentry CT Tonneau Covers $200 off Bak Revolver X4s, X4ts Tonneau Covers $150 off GatorTrax Tonneau Cover $200 off Undercover Fusion Tonneau Covers And if your truck bed's already covered or you don't want a tonneau, here are some other accessories you might want to score a deal on: BedRug: $100 off BedRug Bedliner/ Impact Bed Liner Husky Liners: 15% off Husky Liners Weatherbeater Floor Liners, 10% off Husky Liners Wheel Well Guards Seat Covers: 10% off FIA Seat Protector Seat Covers Running Boards: $100 off Ionic Electric Running Boards Truck Rack: $150 off Undercover Ascend Truck Rack (that's the cool rack in the top illustration)
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How severe weather alerts work in northern Michigan
An American flag hangs on one of the mobile homes set to be demolished after a tornado came through a trailer park in Gaylord on May 20, 2022. (Photo: Taylor Wizner/IPR News) This coverage is made possible through a partnership between IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. Deadly floods in Texas last week have left at least 111 people dead, with more than 160 still missing. The media and experts are discussing what kinds of alerts made it to those in harm's way, and whether something different would have saved more lives. And that made us wonder: What do weather alerts look like here in Michigan? Patrick Bak, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gaylord, said the weather service has a few different ways to alert people in an emergency. The state of Michigan has more information about emergency alerts in the state. Wireless Emergency Alerts: These look like text messages and have a specific sound and vibration when they're received. Emergency Alert System: This is run through the Federal Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the National Weather Service and other agencies. Bak said the Emergency Alert System is a way for broadcast companies to work with various agencies to get out alert messages through broadcasters, cable TV, and satellite providers. (You may hear those being tested from time to time on IPR.) The National Weather Service can trigger those locally to include weather events such as tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, or flash flood warnings. NOAA Weather Radio: The aptly named Weather Radio is run through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and broadcasts continuous weather information from the nearest Weather Service office on radio frequencies around the country. Local coordination: Counties also have their own systems for getting information out to people. Depending on where you live, you may have to opt in, so it's worth checking out how to do that in your area. The state has info on how to sign up. One example of extreme weather in northern Michigan is when a deadly tornado hit Gaylord in 2022. Bak said the Weather Service was issuing severe thunderstorm warnings when the storm first developed and moved on shore toward Frankfort. 'That complex kind of moved to the northeast, and it kind of went through an evolution, and then we issued a tornado warning as it was getting close to Otsego County,' he said. One central concept is 'lead time' — the time between when a warning is issued and when the weather hits an area. Faster moving systems like thunderstorms usually mean less time to warn people of what's coming. 'You can't get as much lead time because they're very localized. And as far as the details, you can't give that much information too early,' he said. Bak framed this as a 'balancing act,' where they worked to give people enough time to act while still forecasting an event accurately and avoiding 'alert fatigue.' Bak said having multiple ways to get alerts and information will mean you're more prepared. A place with low cell service may not receive alerts on time, for instance. 'If you had a weather radio with you, or you're listening to a radio station, you might be able to get that alert that you wouldn't be able to get over your phone in that particular instance,' he said. 'By having more ways to receive, you have a better hope of receiving that alert.' Finally, he said, it's important to have a plan in case of severe weather. Grist has a comprehensive guide to help you stay ready and informed before, during, and after a disaster. Learn how to navigate disaster relief and response. Get prepared. Learn how to be ready for a disaster before you're affected. Explore the full Disaster 101 resource guide for more on your rights and options when disaster hits.
New Paper
22-04-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Brewing new love for bak kut teh at Singapore HeritageFest 2025
Two of Singapore's enduring heritage brands are joining forces to elevate the profile of a local classic dish - bak kut teh, "meat bone tea" or pork rib soup. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and tea merchant Pek Sin Choon will showcase the culinary delight's origins and the harmonious pairing between the dish and tea at the Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 2025. Titled "A Tasting Journey through the History of Bak Kut Teh with Song Fa and Pek Sin Choon", the interactive sessions will run on May 7, 9, and 16 at Song Fa's outlet at Velocity@Novena Square from 3pm to 5.30pm. Participants will explore the rich history and evolving tastes of bak kut teh, and discover how both brands have adapted to Singapore's dynamic food scene. There will be guided tea pairings with Song Fa's signature dishes and hands-on tea brewing experiences. For a special fee of $20, attendees will enjoy a full meal, tea and exclusive giveaways. Song Fa founder Yeo Eng Song, 77, started his business in 1969 as a humble pushcart hawker along the former Johor Road. He named it Song Fa after his own name and the Chinese word for "prosperity". The chain of 14 Song Fa outlets is now managed by his three children, including Ms Diana Yeo, 47. While traditional bak kut teh is lean and tough, Song Fa's pork ribs are "fall off the bone" now to cater to evolving taste and attract younger customers, said Ms Yeo. Song Fa also worked with Pek Sin Choon owner Kenry Peh to curate the King's Garden tea in 2018 - an in-house special brew, which can be either hot or cold, to wow modern palettes. Bak kut teh and Nanyang tea are inseparable, said Ms Yeo. Taxi drivers and business merchants who used to have the dish as a breakfast staple would start the day and the meal with sips of tea. "That was how tea brought people together, but this tea-drinking culture has diminished over the years," she said. "Nowadays, the younger generation likes bubble tea, but Nanyang tea has many health benefits." Pek Sin Choon, a 100-year-old business, has also been reinventing itself with fresh creations of Nanyang tea blends. The tea merchant in Chinatown supplies tea leaves to about 80 per cent of bak kut teh shops in Singapore. Nanyang tea is a distinctive tea, blended and roasted to suit local tastes. It generally comprises oolongs from North and South Fujian in mainland China. Mr Peh, 55, said he is thankful that brands like Song Fa are partnering him on his journey to promote Nanyang tea. "Bak kut teh is a unique local delicacy, and we hope it will be as popular as chicken rice and chilli crab," he said. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and Pek Sin Choon will showcase the culinary delight's origins and the harmonious pairing between the dish and tea at the Singapore HeritageFest 2025. PHOTO: SONG FA BAK KUT TEH Associate Professor Michael Stanley-Baker of Nanyang Technological University has invited his history students to a special session of the bak kut teh workshops with Song Fa and Pek Sin Choon, which he sees as a transmission and preservation of culture. The students will learn about the origins of bak kut teh and the accompanying tea and the significance of preserving this unique culinary tradition. "Bak kut teh has transformed from working class migrant origins to the evolving cuisine it has developed into now. It has a rich cultural heritage," said Prof Stanley-Baker, who was born in the United Kingdom and has lived in East Asia for almost two decades. Heritage enthusiast Victor Yue said: "Bak kut teh is literally 'meat bone' plus tea. The pairing between the dish and tea inspired the dish's name. Malaysia recognises it as a heritage dish, and I hope our younger generation will better appreciate its origin and evolution." The 22nd edition of SHF presented by National Heritage Board showcases Singapore's intangible cultural heritage - the rich customs, traditions, practices and stories that connect Singaporeans across generations. It will introduce more than 100 programmes in various locations islandwide, or online, from May 1 to 25. They include heritage and cultural trails, workshops, performances and exhibitions. Participants can take part in the Gotong-Royong: Nasi Ulam Recipe Crafting Workshop at the Singapore HeritageFest. PHOTO: SINGAPORE HERITAGEFEST Besides featuring food heritage, there will be crafts such as flower tying and Indian woodblock printing, performing arts like Arab samrah dance and Malay drumming traditions, and social practices including wedding traditions. Homeground Village, a signature SHF offering, will be set against the lush backdrop of the Silver Garden at Gardens by the Bay from April 25 to May 25. Inspired by the former Singapore Handicraft Centre, this is a one-stop experience space featuring Singapore's heritage such as craft and performing arts through exhibitions, workshops and performances. Homeground Village, a signature SHF offering, will be set against the lush backdrop of the Silver Garden at Gardens by the Bay from April 25 to May 25. PHOTO: SINGAPORE HERITAGEFEST During the weekends, there will be a pop-up hawker experience in partnership with the National Environment Agency and a heritage retail market co-presented with the Singapore Tourism Board. All programmes and activities at the Homeground Village are free, with no registration required. For more information and to register for SHF's programmes, visit
