News
Happy Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit!
Today is Chinese New Year…
Chinese New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. In Chinese, the festival is commonly referred to as the Spring Festival (traditional Chinese: 春節; simplified Chinese: 春节; pinyin: Chūnjié) as the spring season in the lunisolar calendar traditionally starts with lichun, the first of the twenty-four solar terms which the festival celebrates around the time of the Chinese New Year. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season, observances traditionally take place from New Year’s Eve, the evening preceding the first day of the year to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.
Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, and has strongly influenced Lunar New Year celebrations of its 56 ethnic groups, such as the Losar of Tibet (Tibetan: ལོ་གསར་), and of China’s neighbours, including the Korean New Year (Korean: 설날; RR: Seollal), and the Tết of Vietnam,[6] as well as in Okinawa. It is also celebrated worldwide in regions and countries that houses significant Overseas Chinese or Sinophone populations, especially in Southeast Asia. These include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is also prominent beyond Asia, especially in Australia, Canada, Mauritius, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as various European countries.
The Chinese New Year is associated with several myths and customs. The festival was traditionally a time to honor deities as well as ancestors. Within China, regional customs and traditions concerning the celebration of the New Year vary widely, and the evening preceding the New Year’s Day is frequently regarded as an occasion for Chinese families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. It is also a tradition for every family to thoroughly clean their house, in order to sweep away any ill fortune and to make way for incoming good luck. Another custom is the decoration of windows and doors with red paper-cuts and couplets. Popular themes among these paper-cuts and couplets include good fortune or happiness, wealth, and longevity. Other activities include lighting firecrackers and giving money in red envelopes.
Source: Wikipedia
https://q5i.09c.myftpupload.com/category/the-bridge/
News
Start of UK’s first CO 2 injection test for CCS
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LONDON /PRNewswire/ — Perenco is pleased to announce the start of the UK’s first Carbon Dioxide (CO2) injection test for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The test involves CO2 being injected into a depleted natural gas reservoir in the UK’s Southern North Sea and aims to deliver critical research and development data, essential for the successful utilisation of highly depleted reservoirs for the permanent geological storage of CO2.
Following the carbon storage licence award by the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) to progress the Poseidon project over the Leman field in the UK Southern North Sea, Perenco UK and partners Carbon Catalyst Ltd and Harbour Energy (The Project Poseidon Joint Venture) are currently conducting the CO2 injection test from the ERDA rig, newly equipped with the injection test facilities. Petrodec’s ERDA is the first rig in the UK to have achieved an approved safety case for CO2 injection support.
The start of the test follows months of preparatory work, which included the successful conclusion of the workover of the well, a former gas producer, and entailed a new completion specifically designed for the CO2 injection test.
The CO2 injection test has the potential to unlock the Poseidon Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, which has an initial injection capacity of 1.5Mtpa, rising to an ultimate capacity of 40Mtpa, commencing in 2029. The injection test follows the UK Government’s recent pledge of approximately £22 billion for CCS though the funding of two carbon capture sites.
Commenting on the start of the injection test, Jo White, General Manager Perenco UK, commented:
“As the first test of its kind in the UK, today’s news is a key moment, not only for Perenco and the wider Project Poseidon Joint Venture, but also for the UK’s decarbonisation ambitions. If successful, the project could be a significant store for CO2 in the future, playing a key role in decarbonising industrial emitters and helping the UK achieve its net zero objectives. I would like to extend our thanks for the support to date from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) and congratulate our industry partners, including Petrodec, and the Perenco team in getting the project to this important stage.”
Louis Hannecart, CCS Manager, Perenco, commented:
“We are very pleased with the progress of the project to date. This is a groundbreaking test and the results, which are expected in the coming weeks, will enable us to further develop our approach to delivering the Poseidon CCS project. The energy industry is uniquely placed to use its geological and engineering expertise for this important initiative as we move down the path to Net Zero.”
Short films
A series of short films following the build up to the injection test can be viewed at Perenco’s dedicated CCS website: www.perenco-ccs.com.
About Perenco UK:
Perenco UK is a leading provider of energy to the UK. It has been present in the UK Southern North Sea Basin (SNS) since 2003 and has operated Europe’s largest onshore oil field at Wytch Farm since 2011. In the North Sea, Perenco UK processes almost 15% of the production from UK gas fields. It owns and operates the largest infrastructure on the UKCS, comprising 45 offshore platforms, 14 subsea wells, and a network of more than 2,400 km of pipelines connected to its two onshore terminals at Bacton and Dimlington where the gas is received, treated, metered and then exported into the UK National Grid. Perenco UK produces approximately 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, of which approximately 10,000 barrels is from Wytch Farm, in which Perenco UK holds a 95% share. Perenco UK, as part of the UK based Perenco group, adheres to the highest operating standards and supports economic growth and social development wherever it works.
Space and Tech
Blue Origin’s NS-30 Mission: A Journey to the Stars!
Exciting news is soaring through the cosmos! Blue Origin has just unveiled plans for its 10th human flight, NS-30, set to launch from Launch Site One in West Texas on Tuesday, February 25. The countdown is on! With a launch window opening at 9:30 AM CST (15:30 UTC), space enthusiasts and adventurers alike can gear up for another spectacular journey beyond our blue planet. Be sure to tune into BlueOrigin.com for the live webcast starting at T-35 minutes before takeoff!
NS-30 Mission
This mission is not just about reaching new heights; it’s about sharing the spirit of exploration and connectivity. The newly released NS-30 mission patch tells a wonderful story, showcasing symbols that represent the diverse and inspiring crew.
First up, we have a majestic mountain that pays homage to the legendary Spanish mountaineer and adventurer, Jesús Calleja. His accolades include conquering the Seven Summits, the highest mountains on each of the seven continents—a testament to human perseverance and determination.
Next, the airplane and clouds symbolize the shared passion for flight among the crew members: Jesús Calleja, Elaine Hyde, Dr. Richard Scott, and Tushar Shah. Each of them brings a wealth of piloting experience, showcasing not only their skills but also their love for adventure and exploration.
A beautiful dove carrying an olive branch graces the patch, representing the hope for peace that both Jesús Calleja and fellow astronaut Lane Bess deeply hold. As they journey into the vastness of space, this symbol reminds us of the unity and harmony that can be achieved when we explore together.
Further enriching the mission’s narrative, the Southern Cross shines brightly as a nod to Elaine Hyde’s Australian and Singaporean heritage. This constellation is often a guiding star for travelers and explorers like Hyde, reflecting her adventurous spirit and connection to her roots.
Adding a personal touch, the Roman numeral II along the bottom of the patch signifies Lane Bess’s second flight into space. This milestone not only marks a significant personal achievement but also inspires many aspiring astronauts who dream of venturing into the cosmos.
Finally, the winding road depicted on the mountain symbolizes the unique journeys of each crew member. It encapsulates the diverse paths they’ve traveled to reach this pivotal moment, reminding us that every adventure starts with a single step and a dream.
The NS-30 mission is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, uniting brave individuals with a shared vision. As we look forward to the liftoff, let’s celebrate the spirit of exploration and the journey that lies ahead—for the stars await, and Blue Origin is ready to take us there!
So mark your calendars for February 25, and join us in watching as courage and curiosity transcend the bounds of Earth! Together, let’s dream big and reach for the stars! 🌌✨
Read the press release: https://www.blueorigin.com/news/new-shepard-ns-30-mission
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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News
United States Postal Service Announces Tenure Plan of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
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WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — The United States Postal Service is today announcing that Louis DeJoy, America’s 75th Postmaster General, has notified the Postal Service Board of Governors that it is time for them to begin the process of identifying his successor. The Governors of the Postal Service, working with key stakeholders, will now begin the process of identifying an appropriate candidate to serve as the next Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service.
Postmaster General’s letter to the Board of Governors
“Louis DeJoy has steadfastly served the nation and the Postal Service over the past five years,” said Amber McReynolds, chairwoman of the Board of Governors. “The Governors greatly appreciate his enduring leadership and his tireless efforts to modernize the Postal Service and reverse decades of neglect.” She added that “Louis is a fighter, and he has fought hard for the women and men of the Postal Service and to ensure that the American people have reliable and affordable service for years to come.”
DeJoy stated, “While there remains much critical work to be done to ensure that the Postal Service can be financially viable as we continue to serve the nation in our essential public service mission, I have decided it is time to start the process of identifying my successor and of preparing the Postal Service for this change. The major initiatives we are currently endeavoring are multi-year programs and it is important to have leadership in place whose tenure will span this future period. After four and half years leading one of America’s greatest public institutions through dramatic change during unusual times, it is time for me to start thinking about the next phase of my life, while also ensuring that the Postal Service is fully prepared for the future.
“The Postal Service has ironclad plans to reduce costs by over $4 billion annually, raise revenue by over $5 billion and adjust its operating network to integrate the delivery of all mail and package categories, achieving service standards that make modern-day sense and compete in the marketplace,” DeJoy added. “We are well on our way with these necessary changes, and I have been developing a leadership team whose careers reach further into the future than the one we have today. It is important to me that we timely and methodically bring forth a new postmaster general who understands our mission and can successfully lead our spirited organization. I will be flexible in helping with this transition, and I am confident that with a period of dedicated focus preparing for this change, the Postal Service will be well positioned for future success under the new leadership.”
DeJoy continued, “I am extremely proud of the 640,000 men and women of the United States Postal Service who live, work and serve in every American community. Despite being victimized by a legislative and regulatory business model that produced almost two decades of devastation to their organization and workplaces, they have persevered and embraced the changes we are making in order to better serve their fellow citizens. It has been one of the pleasures of my life and a crowning achievement of my career to have been associated with them and their mission of public service. I look forward to working with them during my remaining time here.”
DeJoy was first asked to lead the Postal Service in the spring of 2020, a time of tremendous operational and financial crisis for the organization. After many years of strategic neglect and underinvestment in people and infrastructure, he took on the responsibility of leading the Postal Service with the understanding that a massive, long-term transformation and modernization effort was needed.
Within a year, DeJoy, his team, and the Board of Governors developed a 10-year plan to put the organization on a path toward financial sustainability and operational high performance. The Delivering for America plan gave the organization well-defined strategies to establish a best-in-class operational model to drive network efficiency and capability; business model changes to address unsustainable legislative and regulatory mandates; product and pricing strategies to grow revenue; and investment in people, facilities, vehicles and technology to create more effective and modern workplaces.
While only four years into the implementation of the 10-year Delivering for America plan, the strategic path is well defined, and the strategies have been tested and proven effective, and the results to date are impressive. Importantly, the Postal Service successfully undertook the most complicated of ventures — a top-to-bottom organizational transformation — and done so quickly and on an unprecedented scale, while also delivering mail and packages at least six days per week to more than 168 million delivery addresses each day.
Under DeJoy’s tenure, this disruptive transformation changed practically every process, function and operation of the Postal Service for the better. DeJoy acknowledged that the essential need for change, given the critically distressed financial and operational conditions of the Postal Service, caused service issues for the American people that he wished could have been avoided, but also recognized that the transformation was vitally necessary for the Postal Service to not only survive, but also thrive. This effort created a new management structure; installed much of a new processing, logistics and delivery network design; invested more than $18 billion to modernize infrastructure; created new products and more rational pricing; and enabled the organization to compete more effectively and to operate at a long-term lower cost. During this massive transformation and modernization effort, the Postal Service distributed COVID test kits, delivered the nation’s election mail, met the annual holiday shipping needs of the public, and served the American public every day. These efforts resulted in $1 billion in controllable income and $140 million in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) income, rather than losses, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.
“I commend Postmaster General DeJoy for inspiring the Postal Service with strategic direction, a competitive spirit, and a culture of achievement that comes from the successful implementation of large-scale change,” said McReynolds. “I have seen this spirit of purpose grow steadily during my time on the Board of Governors, and I am confident it will continue to grow as progress begets further progress, and the promise of a transformed and modernized Postal Service is fully realized.”
Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com
Contact: David Walton
[email protected]
usps.com/news
SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
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