Latest news with #Yon
Los Angeles Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
B. Simone tearfully reveals the cost of building her ‘legacy': ‘I don't have the liquid'
'Wild N' Out' alumna B. Simone, a.k.a. 'Billionaire B' on Instagram, says her current finances are far from what she's used to. The comedian and social media star got candid and emotional as she revealed in a recent episode of her 'Let's Try This Again' podcast, 'I don't have the liquid.' During the episode, published last week, the 35-year-old (born Braelyn Simone Greenfield) discussed her spirituality, career moves and the cost of a new venture. 'I feel like I am attacking something that I can't see right now,' B. Simone told friend Shekinah Yon, later clarifying to Yon that her struggles may lie in the creation and cost of her own lifestyle app. She continued: 'The budgeting ... you see how I am, nitpicking every little thing. I've never been like that. We were in Bloomingdale's yesterday, I'm like, 'We have to go to H&M.'' B. Simone, also an actor, announced the launch of her LTTA app in November. The women-focused app seeks to 'cultivate a safe and empowering community that integrates faith, encouragement, and entertainment,' according to a mission statement shared on Instagram. The app offers users access to exclusive content, including a recent 'Let's Try This Again' podcast episode featuring rapper DaBaby. The cost to users? It's $9.99 a month or $71.88 a year, according to the app's website. During her conversation with Yon, B. Simone said she doesn't have the disposable income to spend and that she is 'used to having liquid.' She added: 'Because I've invested in this app, in this platform I don't have the liquid. I've got the money — but not yet. It's coming.' B. Simone, 'used to seeing a certain amount in my account,' said she has other assets and valuables. Yon chimed in noting her friend wanted to the launch the app as 'something that was legacy ... that would have longevity.' B. Simone clarified she does not want a quick return on investment as Yon likened the app to a Crock-Pot instead of a microwave — essentially meaning that success can take time. B. Simone's comments about her finances — specifically her emotions about going from Bloomingdale's to H&M — faced social media backlash over the weekend. 'Now wait a damn minute cause I like H&M,' one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. Another X user criticized B. Simone for being 'forever out of touch.' 'It's a blessing just to be able to shop period.. do you see the price of mf eggs??' a third X user wrote. 'Girl buy what you can afford and go on.' Adding kindling to the social media firestorm, other X users resurfaced previous clips of B. Simone noting that she preferred men who were entrepreneurs over those who worked 9-to-5 jobs. Snark about B. Simone's recent comments also made it into her Instagram comments, where one user joked 'Ayy what's wrong with H&M?' 'H&M ain't cheap, ya way of thinking is,' chided another Instagram user. Elsewhere in the comments section, B. Simone received praise for 'using your platform to heal and change lives' and highlighting female friendships with her content. Amid the shade and praise, B. Simone on Monday continued to promote new content on her app and teased upcoming travel plans.
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dream of ‘air taxis' becoming a reality in China's city of magic
File photo taken on June 16, 2023 shows an E20 eVTOL aircraft of Shanghai TCab Technology Co Ltd. – Xinhua photo SHANGHAI (June 21): If a city could speak, Shanghai would regale you with a story of dramatic change. As one of China's key economic and tech hubs, visitors have the opportunity to experience all the latest innovations here. However, the sight of an aircraft with gull wings still took me by surprise when its developer was showcasing a futuristic aerial taxi concept – that is now coming soon. The sleek, silver-white actual version of the E20 electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft occupied almost the entire demonstration hall at Shanghai TCab Technology Co Ltd in Minhang District – a breeding center for Shanghai's sci-tech industries. Noting that it represents China's bold leap into the third dimension of mobility, TCab's Vice President and Brand Director Xu An pointed to the aircraft and declared proudly: 'It is the future of urban transportation.' As Xu gestured toward the cockpit, she invited me to sit in it. The touch of the console and the smell of the genuine leather seats were so vivid, but felt surreal – 40 minutes ago, I was taking a normal taxi from downtown Shanghai to TCab. But now, I was boarding this 'air taxi', which could apparently make the same journey in less than 20 minutes and would be more comfortable. TCab was founded in 2021, when China's low-altitude economy was revving up for a rapid takeoff, with eVTOL aircraft emerging from the tech buzz to capture national attention at breakneck speed. The company's Chinese name translates to 'Time Taxi'. It aims to create a green, sustainable digital urban air mobility ecosystem, providing safe and convenient air travel services. At the heart of TCab's innovation is the E20 eVTOL – a five-seater all-electric aircraft. It boasts a range of 200 kilometers and speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, and will cost just four yuan (about US$0.56) per passenger-kilometer – comparable to a premium taxi ride, but five times faster. In just four years, TCab completed its B+ round of strategic financing. The maiden flight of the E20 prototype was completed in 2023, and the model is set to obtain its airworthiness type certification in 2027. This year, TCab began construction on its assembly plant in Anhui Province, with planned completion in 2026. The company plans to produce 200 eVTOLs annually, and so far 500 orders have been secured either at home or abroad. I was amazed at TCab's rapid accomplishments. This would not have been possible without the persistence of Yon Wui NG, former chief engineer of Airbus China and now CEO of TCab. Yon has turned the concept of three-dimensional transportation – his childhood dream – into a reality. File photo taken on June 16, 2023 shows Yon standing beside its first E20 eVTOL prototype in east China's Shanghai. – Xinhua photo In fact, leading eVTOL companies in China such as Ehang Intelligent and AutoFlight have achieved phased results. 'What does TCab rely on to stand out?' I asked Yon. He answered my question by demonstrating the tilt-rotor mechanism of the E20, which features rotors that tilt between vertical lift and forward thrust. When the eVTOL takes off, the rotor has a vertical lift and then rotates parallel to generate forward thrust, accelerating the aircraft, he explained. Compared with other multi-rotors in the market, the E20 has significantly reduced energy consumption, achieving faster speeds, a longer range and a greater payload capacity, he added. This innovation also solves one aviation dilemma: noise. The E20's tilt-rotor design optimises power efficiency, making it quieter and more affordable. Overjoyed at the future aerial taxi, I can't help but ponder why Yon, who is Malaysian-Chinese and has stellar international experience in the industry, chose China to be the birthplace of TCab. Speaking Mandarin with a Southeast Asian accent, Yon earnestly explained why it 'has to be China.' Yon revealed that while eVTOLs from other countries are typically sold for over US$4 million, TCab offers its eVTOL at a selling price of around US$2 million. China's unique ecosystem fuels this progress. 'China's leadership in EV batteries and drone algorithms, and the complete supporting supply chain brought by the delivery of China's C919 large passenger aircraft in 2022, gives us a competitive edge,' he said. 'As an aviation professional, I would never have imagined that the aviation industry could also witness a wave of dramatic change,' Yon said. 'There is a 'Made in China' advantage we're proud of.' Government support is crucial. China's first-mover advantage in its low-altitude economy pilot programme – especially in the Yangtze River Delta – has ensured the development and construction of both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry. 'The first-mover advantage has afforded us more room for innovation to refine the aircraft, allowing it to enter the market through iterative improvements, gradually,' Yon said. In December last year, Shanghai Low-altitude Economic Industry Development Co Ltd was established, aiming to promote the construction of supporting facilities, guide social capital investment, and improve the industrial ecosystem for the low-altitude economy. 'I can see that local governments in many places are making overall plans and setting up special teams to connect with us. The improvement in efficiency is quite obvious,' Yon said. File photo taken on Oct 26, 2023 shows an E20 eVTOL aircraft of Shanghai TCab Technology Co Ltd during its maiden flight. – Xinhua photo But while government-backed infrastructure and policy frameworks lay the groundwork, the true measure of success lies in democratising technology. When I bluntly asked if eVTOLs were just high-end toys for the elite and whether they would become accessible to everyone, Yon did the math for me: plans are in place for the E20 to be mass-produced and put into use in 2027. In its future development, the company will focus on expanding the eVTOL's passenger capacity to nearly 20 seats, further reducing the average transaction value from the current four yuan per kilometer so that more population groups can afford to ride in it. Meanwhile, TCab plans to advance the commercialisation of urban air mobility services in three phases. Firstly, tourism and sightseeing scenarios will be its entry point, focusing on tour routes in the Yangtze River Delta region. Then it will expand to intercity transportation networks, opening cross-city routes. The third phase will achieve short-distance rapid shuttle functions within urban areas. Looking to the future, Yon said that the company has established overseas branches in Malaysia and Singapore, and it will also deploy in the Middle Eastern market. Yon refers to himself as a bridge for Malaysia-China friendship. The young man who left Malaysia to pursue his aviation dream has now frequented home with pride, bearing the fruits of his achievements in China – transportation solutions that promise convenience for his fellow Malaysians and the world at large. 'I have envisioned it numerous times: people traveling to Semporna or other beautiful islands in Malaysia aboard our E20,' he said. At the end of the interview, on a whim, I asked Yon: If he had the chance to write two letters to himself, one 10 years ago and the other 10 years from now, what would he say? 'To my younger self: Hold fast to your belief. To my future self: Do not forget your original aspiration,' he replied. – Xinhua
Malaysia Sun
18-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Letter from China: Dream of
by Xinhua writer Li Yilin SHANGHAI, June 18 (Xinhua) -- If a city could speak, Shanghai would regale you with a story of dramatic change. As one of China's key economic and tech hubs, visitors have the opportunity to experience all the latest innovations here. However, the sight of an aircraft with gull wings still took me by surprise when its developer was showcasing a futuristic aerial taxi concept -- that is now coming soon. The sleek, silver-white actual version of the E20 electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft occupied almost the entire demonstration hall at Shanghai TCab Technology Co., Ltd. in Minhang District -- a breeding center for Shanghai's sci-tech industries. Noting that it represents China's bold leap into the third dimension of mobility, TCab's Vice President and Brand Director Xu An pointed to the aircraft and declared proudly, "It is the future of urban transportation." As Xu gestured toward the cockpit, she invited me to sit in it. The touch of the console and the smell of the genuine leather seats were so vivid, but felt surreal -- 40 minutes ago, I was taking a normal taxi from downtown Shanghai to TCab. But now, I was boarding this "air taxi," which could apparently make the same journey in less than 20 minutes and would be more comfortable. TCab was founded in 2021, when China's low-altitude economy was revving up for a rapid takeoff, with eVTOL aircraft emerging from the tech buzz to capture national attention at breakneck speed. The company's Chinese name translates to "Time Taxi." It aims to create a green, sustainable digital urban air mobility ecosystem, providing safe and convenient air travel services. At the heart of TCab's innovation is the E20 eVTOL -- a five-seater all-electric aircraft. It boasts a range of 200 kilometers and speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour, and will cost just four yuan (about 56 U.S. cents) per passenger-kilometer -- comparable to a premium taxi ride, but five times faster. In just four years, TCab completed its B+ round of strategic financing. The maiden flight of the E20 prototype was completed in 2023, and the model is set to obtain its airworthiness type certification in 2027. This year, TCab began construction on its assembly plant in Anhui Province, with planned completion in 2026. The company plans to produce 200 eVTOLs annually, and so far 500 orders have been secured either at home or abroad. I was amazed at TCab's rapid accomplishments. This would not have been possible without the persistence of Yon Wui NG, former chief engineer of Airbus China and now CEO of TCab. Yon has turned the concept of three-dimensional transportation -- his childhood dream -- into a reality. In fact, leading eVTOL companies in China such as Ehang Intelligent and AutoFlight have achieved phased results. "What does TCab rely on to stand out?" I asked Yon. He answered my question by demonstrating the tilt-rotor mechanism of the E20, which features rotors that tilt between vertical lift and forward thrust. When the eVTOL takes off, the rotor has a vertical lift and then rotates parallel to generate forward thrust, accelerating the aircraft, he explained. Compared with other multi-rotors in the market, the E20 has significantly reduced energy consumption, achieving faster speeds, a longer range and a greater payload capacity, he added. This innovation also solves one aviation dilemma: noise. The E20's tilt-rotor design optimizes power efficiency, making it quieter and more affordable. Overjoyed at the future aerial taxi, I can't help but ponder why Yon, who is Malaysian-Chinese and has stellar international experience in the industry, chose China to be the birthplace of TCab. Speaking Mandarin with a Southeast Asian accent, Yon earnestly explained why it "has to be China." Yon revealed that while eVTOLs from other countries are typically sold for over 4 million U.S. dollars, TCab offers its eVTOL at a selling price of around 2 million U.S. dollars. China's unique ecosystem fuels this progress. "China's leadership in EV batteries and drone algorithms, and the complete supporting supply chain brought by the delivery of China's C919 large passenger aircraft in 2022, gives us a competitive edge," he said. "As an aviation professional, I would never have imagined that the aviation industry could also witness a wave of dramatic change," Yon said. "There is a 'Made in China' advantage we're proud of." Government support is crucial. China's first-mover advantage in its low-altitude economy pilot program -- especially in the Yangtze River Delta -- has ensured the development and construction of both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry. "The first-mover advantage has afforded us more room for innovation to refine the aircraft, allowing it to enter the market through iterative improvements, gradually," Yon said. In December last year, Shanghai Low-altitude Economic Industry Development Co., Ltd. was established, aiming to promote the construction of supporting facilities, guide social capital investment, and improve the industrial ecosystem for the low-altitude economy. "I can see that local governments in many places are making overall plans and setting up special teams to connect with us. The improvement in efficiency is quite obvious," Yon said. But while government-backed infrastructure and policy frameworks lay the groundwork, the true measure of success lies in democratizing technology. When I bluntly asked if eVTOLs were just high-end toys for the elite and whether they would become accessible to everyone, Yon did the math for me: plans are in place for the E20 to be mass-produced and put into use in 2027. In its future development, the company will focus on expanding the eVTOL's passenger capacity to nearly 20 seats, further reducing the average transaction value from the current four yuan per kilometer so that more population groups can afford to ride in it. Meanwhile, TCab plans to advance the commercialization of urban air mobility services in three phases. Firstly, tourism and sightseeing scenarios will be its entry point, focusing on tour routes in the Yangtze River Delta region. Then it will expand to intercity transportation networks, opening cross-city routes. The third phase will achieve short-distance rapid shuttle functions within urban areas. Looking to the future, Yon said that the company has established overseas branches in Malaysia and Singapore, and it will also deploy in the Middle Eastern market. Yon refers to himself as a bridge for Malaysia-China friendship. The young man who left Malaysia to pursue his aviation dream has now frequented home with pride, bearing the fruits of his achievements in China -- transportation solutions that promise convenience for his fellow Malaysians and the world at large. "I have envisioned it numerous times: people traveling to Semporna or other beautiful islands in Malaysia aboard our E20," he said. At the end of the interview, on a whim, I asked Yon: If he had the chance to write two letters to himself, one 10 years ago and the other 10 years from now, what would he say? "To my younger self: Hold fast to your belief. To my future self: Do not forget your original aspiration," he replied. (Xinhua's correspondents Yi Ling in Beijing and Xu Xiaoqing in Shanghai also contributed to this story.)
Observer
30-05-2025
- Observer
South African woman gets a life sentence for selling
A judge in South Africa sentenced a woman to life in prison Thursday after she was convicted of selling her 6-year-old daughter, who is still missing, in a case that has captivated and horrified South Africans. The woman, Racquel Smith, 35, sat stoically as the judge handed down the sentence after a three-month trial in a town on South Africa's west coast. The mother and two men were found guilty earlier this month of kidnapping and trafficking her eldest child, Joshlin Smith, for exploitation. 'The accused did not show remorse,' the judge, Nathan Erasmus, said Thursday, adding that up until the eve of sentencing, the mother 'still lied.' The two men were also sentenced Thursday to life in prison, the minimum penalty for kidnapping and enslavement of children in South Africa. The girl disappeared in February 2024 from a shack she shared with her mother, two siblings, and her mother's boyfriend in the seaside town of Saldanha Bay, on the country's west coast. The police, naval officers and members of the community combed the town, but the girl was never found. A photograph of the girl was plastered all over town, and then on national news outlets. Two weeks into the search, the police arrested her mother; her mother's boyfriend, Jacquin Appollis; and a friend of the couple, Steveno van Rhyn. Prosecutors said the mother was addicted to drugs and had sold the girl for 20,000 rand, about $1,100. Public interest in the case was so high that court proceedings were held in a community center in Saldanha Bay and broadcast on national television. During the trial, the mother and the two other suspects declined to testify. On May 2, when they were convicted, a judge ruled the girl had been sold into slavery. Prosecutors argued for a life sentence, urging the judge to consider that the child was still missing. 'We do not have her, we do not know where she is, but that is why the state has provided evidence to give her a voice, as she is not in court,' Eric Ntabazalila, a spokesperson for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority, said in a statement. Many questions about the case persist. But Smith has steadfastly declined to divulge any information about her daughter's disappearance, even after the pleas of the girl's paternal grandmother, Rita Yon. Joshlin's two younger siblings often asked after their sister, Yon said. 'We are still missing Joshlin,' Yon told the TV channel Newzroom Afrika after the sentencing on Thursday. 'It doesn't feel nice not knowing where she is, what she eats or drinks, and how the people who have her treat her.' This article originally appeared in
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shingles Vaccine Can Reduce Risk of Stroke And Heart Attack, Study Finds
A new study highlights a perhaps unexpected way to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease: getting vaccinated against shingles. Cardiovascular disease – involving the heart or blood vessels – is by far humanity's leading cause of death. It kills about 18 million people globally each year, mostly via heart attack or stroke. While this is a daunting public health problem, medical science has revealed ways to lower risk: A heart-healthy diet helps, as do exercising daily, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. According to the new study, covering data on more than 1.2 million people in South Korea over the age of 50, those who received a shingles vaccine showed a 23 percent lower risk of cardiovascular events overall. This protection lasted for up to eight years, with the greatest reduction in risk observed two to three years after vaccination. The effect was more pronounced in men, people younger than 60, and those with unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or inactivity. A shingles vaccination is already widely recommended for adults over 50 to protect against the viral disease, known for its painful skin rash and blisters. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the culprit behind chickenpox. After people recover from chickenpox, typically in childhood, the virus can remain dormant in nerve cells for years or decades, then abruptly reactivate. The immediate effects of shingles are bad enough, but while the rash usually fades in a few weeks, the disease can be insidiously persistent, explains pediatrician researcher Dong Keon Yon from Kyung Hee University in South Korea. "Shingles causes a painful rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults and those with weak immune systems," Yon says. "Research shows that, without vaccination, about 30 percent of people may develop shingles in their lifetime." The most common complication is long-term nerve pain that can last for months or years. Shingles near the eyes can also lead to vision loss, and some people develop lasting neurological problems. Recent research suggests shingles also raises stroke and heart attack risk. "In addition to the rash, shingles has been linked to a higher risk of heart problems, so we wanted to find out if getting vaccinated could lower this risk," Yon says. The researchers merged data from several South Korean government agencies, ultimately studying more than 1.2 million people. Spanning 2012 to 2021, this included information on vaccination status as well as cardiovascular health and other relevant factors. Vaccinated people had a 23 percent lower risk of cardiovascular events overall, including a 22 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 26 percent lower risk of heart failure, and a 26 percent lower risk of a major cardiovascular event like stroke or heart attack. "The shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart disease, even in people without known risk factors," Yon says. That would be big news if confirmed, but makes sense given what we know about shingles' short-term effects on the cardiovascular system. "A shingles infection can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation, and clot formation that can lead to heart disease," Yon explains. "By preventing shingles, vaccination may lower these risks." One of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, the study has some limitations, the authors acknowledge. The sample lacks diversity, since all subjects are from South Korea. "While we conducted rigorous analysis, this study does not establish a direct causal relationship, so potential bias from other underlying factors should be considered," Yon says. The study only addresses the live zoster vaccine, which uses a weakened form of the virus. There's also a recombinant subunit vaccine for shingles, featuring just a viral protein, that's increasingly prevalent in many countries. In addition, previous research suggests both shingles vaccines may also protect against dementia. The study was published in the European Heart Journal. Spikes of Bird Flu in Cats Could Be a Warning of a Future Pandemic HIV Drugs Dramatically Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease, Study Finds Measles Could Become Endemic in US if Surge Continues, Expert Warns
