The International Schiller Institute in this podcast on the New Paradigm of International Cooperation, in particular between China, Europe and the US. While 2017 has been pretty “tumultuous” it is hoped that what happens in the first few months of this year will encourage America to join with China and Russia in the adoption of a “win-win” vision of global partnership within the Silk Road process.
Category: Featured
Go Power Rangers!
Some years ago, at the start of his career, Jeff Bowler held the role of business development executive for the Bandai Company – a toy store firm with a presence in both America and China. While there, Bowler managed licensing for the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers brand.
Earlier this month, these same Power Rangers Bowler worked on all those years ago, have made news! Thanks to Funko fans can now purchase this series in vinyl figures. Choose from: the Black Ranger, Blue Ranger, Green Ranger and Yellow Ranger. Yes indeed, the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are “ready for battle!”
The superhero figures will be available for purchase in August.
Hong Kong Investors Take Big UK Share
Today, if you take a walk down central London’s Oxford Street, don’t be surprised at how many stores there are owned by Hong Kong investors. Indeed, since 2013, the amount of these investors has almost doubled (at 188 percent) and today spans 9.7 percent of all stores. It is likely that this trend will continue given that there has been a deterioration in retail sales in Hong Kong.
However, Hong Kong investors might need to think twice. Given that rents in the UK – and indeed throughout Europe – are on an upscale, it’s not so easy to keep going there either. However, it is still an attractive option due to the reason rents are going up and that is because more tourists are coming to the area.
Also, given that China’s current economic situation is not that attractive and that rents on key streets in Hong Kong are increasing, there is no reason to see a drop in this trend anytime soon.
IFCJ: Bringing Joy to Children
When Jews from eastern Ukraine were displaced from their homes and forced to move away from loved ones and everything they knew, a free summer camp was organized. Pinchas Vishedski – with funding from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews – wanted to make life a bit more normal for those children not enjoying their typical summer vacation.
The camp – called Tikva (meaning hope) – was free for the 100 refugees. Located in a forest by a river, it featured lectures (more than half of the participants are adults), sports activities, computer courses, and counseling for those who are clearly traumatized from what has happened to them.
The need for counseling at this point is great. As Vishedski explained: “We’re talking about people who used to live in beautiful apartments, their homes had nice furniture, and now live in rented apartments that aren’t always the right size, so therefore such people deserve to have time to just take a break during the summer like everyone else.”
This is not the first time IFCJ has organized the funding of such programs to help those in need. For example, one of its projects last year was the distribution of grants totaling millions of dollars for “Operation Winter Warmth,” a program to keep those elderly warm who cannot afford heating. To date, IFCJ has raised close to $1 billion for its philanthropic efforts.
Ultimately as well as establishing better ties between different religions, IFCJ is helping many people around the world live a better quality of life, too.
Beylar Eyubov – From Brooklyn to The Azerbaijani Camp
Brooklyn-based musician Beylar Eyubov has been pushing for Azerbaijani’s rich culture to receive worldwide attention for many years. A native from the region, Eyubov made the move out West in the late 1990’s in order to introduce U.S. audiences to the stylings of Azerbaijani folk & jazz music. Over the last decade or so, his goal has been quite successful. People around the world have been learning about what his homeland has to offer, especially in the areas of art, music and history. Individuals such as Eyubov believe that it is a “great way to enhance peoples’ knowledge and appreciation of the oft-overlooked region and its culture.”
Discussing the recent Azerbaijani Camp, Eyubov expressed his excitement that France showed an interest in the culture of Azerbaijan. “Place Saint-Sulpice hosted the opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani Camp!” said Eyubov. “The Camp really offers a setting in which people from all over the world can gain a deeper appreciation for the country’s culture,” he added.
The Azerbaijani Camp was an event in which exhibitions were set up, teaching guests about Azerbaijan’s folk arts, music, history and more – a cause of supreme interest to Brooklyn musician, Beylar Eyubov.
Of course, there is so much more than culture at stake with such events. “I fundamentally believe – and have seen over the years – that when you bring people together, often from different backgrounds and opposite sides of the world, the path will be paved for the creation and maintenance of powerful bonds and multicultural friendships that can last a lifetime,” Beylar Eyubov said.
When asked about his day-to-day happenings, Beylar says he likes to keep his focus on bringing the lessons and notes of his native music to the boroughs of New York City and Brooklyn, where he teaches and performs regularly.