‘Weekend in Taipei’ stars promote film ahead of release

‘Weekend in Taipei’ stars promote film ahead of release

2024-09-02

The cast and production team of “Weekend in Taipei” is in Taiwan to promote the film, which is scheduled for release later this month. At a presser on Monday were producers Luc Besson and Virginie Besson-Silla, as well as movie lover favorites Gwei Lun-mei and Sung Kang. Lead actor Luke Evans was unfortunately unable to attend the event in person, but spoke with the audience via a conference call. Let’s hear from the team.

Gwei Lun-mei
Actress
I feel extremely honored to be part of this international project with Mr. Luc Besson. I’ve been watching his films since I was a student.

Luc Besson
Filmmaker
I was 16 years old and then I start to, you know, just to think and imagine. So I wrote 400 pages. I am always very attracted by the weakness of the man and the strength of the woman. Look at this actress.

Luke Evans
Actor
I mean, one of my most memorable was probably learning how to make xiaolongbao. It was an awesome experience. I may even go get a job in Din Tai Fung.

The film is a big step forward in Gwei’s career, who takes on one of the lead roles alongside Hollywood stars. The movie allowed her to showcase a different facet of her acting, playing a daredevil transporter racing along the streets of Taipei. Joining her is Sung Kang, known for his roles in several movies in the Fast & Furious franchise. Director George Huang says that the movie was originally going to be set in Hong Kong. He ultimately changed the location to Taiwan on Besson’s recommendation, after raving reviews of his experience filming “Lucy” in Taipei nine years ago.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

盧貝松監製! 桂綸鎂.韓哥大聊"台北追緝令"拍攝趣事

2024-09-02

由知名導演盧貝松監製的電影台北追緝令，即將上映，這是首部全景都在台灣拍攝的好萊塢電影，團隊今天召開國際記者會，包含盧貝松夫妻檔，和演員桂綸鎂、姜成鎬都在台上分享心情，因為行程無法飛來台灣的路克伊凡斯，也透過視訊連線，驚喜現身。

[[演員桂綸鎂]]
“真的非常榮幸這次能夠接到國際的製作，盧貝松先生，我從唸書時期，就一直在看他的電影”

[[電影監製盧貝松]]
“我16歲的時候(就寫了這個故事)，我就開始想像，我寫400頁，男人的弱點跟女人的強項，一直都很吸引我，你看看這位女演員就知道”

[[演員 Luke George Evans]]
“我印象最深刻的就是學會做小籠包，那是一個很棒的經驗，我甚至可以去鼎泰豐工作。

桂綸鎂挑大樑，和好萊塢明星合作，更展現不同以往的面貌，台北街頭狂飆尬車，在玩命關頭的"韓哥"面前，大秀車技。導演黃嘉智透露，原本拍攝地點，設定在香港，不過，9年前曾經來台拍攝電影「露西」的盧貝松，大力推薦寶島。

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Back in mid-August the price of gold hit US$2,508 per ounce. Two weeks later, it continued soaring to a fresh high of US$2,527. Jewelers say they expect the price to break past US$2,600. The factors at play include trends for de-dollarization, and wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

As gold prices continue rising, consumer preferences are changing at jewelry shops.

Last week, the international price of gold reached a record high of US$2,527 per ounce. That’s about NT$10,140 per Taiwanese mace — or 3.75 grams. Since 2017, the price of gold has taken a hit in the month of September. Will the September curse strike again this year?

Cheng Ju-fang
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Generally speaking, when there is a decrease in gold jewelry sales, it means buyers are probably opting for bars or nuggets instead. Some countries are considering de-dollarization, and China, Russia and many countries in Europe are set to buy large amounts of gold. I think we’ll see US$2,600 per ounce by year’s end.

The jeweler says de-dollarization is a factor that’s pushing up gold prices constantly. In the past six months, the price of gold has shot up from US$1,994 per ounce on Feb. 15 to US$2,527 per ounce on Aug. 30. Though the price fell back somewhat on Monday, an expert from the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance expects the rally to continue.

Lin Chang-hsing
Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance
The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to start a rate-cutting cycle in September, and may lower interest rates by a full percentage point by the end of the year. That has caused the U.S. dollar to slide. Central banks are holding on to gold not as a short-term measure, but as a long-term holding. So foreign institutional investors are saying that if gold falls below US$2,500 per ounce, it’s a good point to buy in, and not to sell out.

The Fed is expected to cut interest rates in September, a move that could drive the U.S. dollar down, and gold up. Considering the big price differences between gold jewelry and gold bars, it’s best to consider trends thoroughly before buying in.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-02

47-year old new transport minister brushes off concerns about young age

Taiwan has a new transport minister. It’s Chen Shih-kai, who previously served as Executive Yuan spokesperson. Chen was inaugurated in a ceremony on Monday, where he addressed concerns about his lack of relevant experience and young age. On the first front, he said the most important skills for the position were communication, coordination and leadership. About his age, he said that he wasn’t as young as the media made him out to be, referring to himself as a middle-aged man. The 47-year old said one of his priorities would be to help boost Taiwan tourism.

In a ceremony presided by Minister Without Portfolio Chen Chin-te, Chen Shih-kai was presented an official seal to be inaugurated as transport minister.

Chen Shih-kai
Transport minister
The top priority is the National Project of Hope unveiled by President Lai Ching-te. The main direction of our efforts is to promote human-centered mobility and to make Taiwan convenient. We will also do our utmost to promote and develop Taiwan tourism.

Before his appointment, Chen Shih-kai served as spokesperson for the Executive Yuan. Though he has experience in both local and central governments, critics have said he lacks the relevant experience in transportation to be minister. Some within the DPP have even said his appointment is meant to keep the so-called “demons” within the ministry in check.

Chen Chih-kai
Transport minister
When I see everyone here today, all I see are angels, not demons. As the head of this ministry, I think the key skills at play are communication, coordination and leadership. A lot of media outlets have drawn attention to my young age, casting doubt on whether I can take on this position. I would like to let you all in on something. I am not young, I am a middle-aged man.

Chen Shi-kai said communication, coordination and leadership skills were important assets for the position. He added that former transport ministers Lien Chan連戰 and Eugene Chien were also relatively young when they assumed office. Speaking on the decline of tourism in Hualien and Kenting, he said he would work closely with local governments to draw up revitalization plans. Minister Without Portfolio Chen Chin-te affirmed Chen Shi-kai was a good pick for the position.

Chen Chin-te
Minister without portfolio
He may appear soft on the outside, but inside, he is very strong. He looks very humble, and his is very efficient and clear when it comes to coordinating several government departments. I think Chen Shih-kai is a fine choice to fill in this position as transport minister.

The ceremony’s Q&A session with the media was interrupted by a protester calling for better working conditions for postal workers. The minister responded with a smile, saying that workers’ rights were on his mind. His quick response to the situation successfully defused a potentially awkward situation in his first official event as minister.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Naval underwater technician featured in new minidoc

In anticipation of Taiwan’s Armed Forces Day on Sept. 3, a new mini-documentary has been released featuring underwater technicians in the Navy. At the press conference on Sept. 2, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks thanking the military for their service and highlighted the incredible feat of working with electric tools underwater.

An underwater technician dons a heavy diving helmet and tank. Altogether, the gear weighs as much as 40kg.

Not only does he have to carry all that weight, he’s underwater to hand solder, using electric tools. To say it’s dangerous is an understatement. This episode of “The Soul of the Craftsman” features underwater technician Huang Chien-chi of the Navy. He’s also writing a training manual so that others in the command can work safely underwater.

Huang Chien-chi
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Every time I go underwater to solder or desolder, I’m always observing and pondering over every joint. Going forward, I will continue to improve and promote the skill of soldering underwater. I hope to compile a comprehensive training manual for the Navy to enhance its capacity of underwater maintenance and training, so that the underwater maintenance command can keep up with the times.

Since the mini-documentary series was launched in 2017 by the GACC, it has showcased seven mechanics in the military working with planes and tanks. The episode featuring Officer Huang was launched on the day before the Armed Forces Day, highlighting the unique skills in Taiwan’s military.

Lai Ching-te
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The helmet alone weighs 15kg. The underwater solderer faces double the risk of diving and using electric tools underwater. It really is incredible. Tomorrow, Sept. 3, is the Armed Forces Day. On behalf of the country, I’d like to thank our military officers, for safeguarding our territory and our people’s lives and livelihoods, day in and day out.

Ahead of his first Armed Forces Day as president, Lai expressed gratitude to the military for their service tirelessly safeguarding the country.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Din Tai Fung among hardest reservations in New York City

Renowned for their soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung has opened locations around the world. In July, the Taiwanese restaurant opened a location in the heart of Broadway in New York City. Its 182nd location is also the chain’s largest, providing 450 seats. Foodies are flocking to the restaurant, which has a waitlist so long that diners are having to wait months for a table. The New York Post even called it “one of NYC’s hardest reservations.”

Deft hands make 18 perfect folds. These soup dumplings are from none other than Din Tai Fung. It’s not only a must-have for travelers to Taiwan, but in July the restaurant also opened its 182nd location in New York City. The location is also the chain’s largest.

Joeman
YouTuber
It’s three times the price of Din Tai Fung in Taiwan. The pork chop fried rice is US$21. That’s NT$600 for fried rice. I think the soup dumplings are 90% to 100% the same. If you’re coming for the dumplings, I think it’s worthwhile.

The YouTuber Joeman went to the restaurant and shared his thoughts on the food. He said it’s similar to Din Tai Fung in Taiwan. The location right on Broadway seats 450 and is well furnished. Even New Yorkers are going crazy for it.

The New York Post said that the restaurant is “one of NYC’s hardest reservations—but the soup dumplings are totally worth it.” The article praised the soup dumplings as “silken on the tongue and explosive on the palate.” But it criticized the online reservation system as “near-useless,” with a supposedly months-long waiting list.

Fei Chi
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This isn’t Din Tai Fung’s first international restaurant. Whether it’s their soup dumplings, fried rice, or their wildly successful chocolate dumplings or truffle soup dumplings, it’s well-liked both in Taiwan and abroad.

Aside from the soup dumplings, the New York Post reviewer also loved the pork chop fried rice and spicy cucumber salad. With 182 stores worldwide, and now its largest in the heart of New York City, Din Tai Fung is once again making a name for Taiwanese cuisine around the world.

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I think we do one of these full-body exams once a year. I’ve heard that heartworm is very hard to treat.

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For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-02