If nothing else, Edna, you can rely upon the fact that Cinderella in the ballroom is no more invulnerable than you in the pastry shop

Artwork © Viper (@viper_skycotl)

OKO

Four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) was announced to take part in the 4th International Rapid Tournament “Chess Stars” which will be held in Moscow, Russia, from June 26 to July 2, 2024. The other participants are (in alphabetical order): Vladislav Mikhailovich Artemiev, Aleksandra Yuryevna Goryachkina, Valentina Evgenyevna Gunina, Sergey Alexandrovich Karjakin, Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Lagno, Teimour Boris oghlu Radjabov, Raunak Sadhwani, Seyyed Mohammad Amin Tabatabaei, and Evgeny Yuryevich Tomashevsky. For further details and information, click here.

Phantasmagoria

Europe or the imposture

Giorgio Agamben, Quodlibet, 20 maggio 2024

It is likely that very few of those who are preparing to vote in the European elections questioned themselves on the political meaning of their act. Since they are called to elect a not better defined “European parliament”, they can believe more or less in good faith that they are doing something that corresponds to the elections of the parliaments of the countries of which they are citizens. It is opportune to clarify straight away that this is absolutely not the case. When one talks of Europe today, the great removal is first and foremost the political and juridical reality of the European Union itself. That it is a real removal, it results from the fact that we avoid in every way bringing to consciousness a truth that is as embarassing as ìt is obvious. I am referring to the fact that from the point of view of constitutional law, Europe does not exists: what we call “European Union” is technically a pact between states, which concerns exclusively international law. The Maastricht Treaty, enforced in 1993, which gave the European Union its current form, is the extreme sanction of European identity as a mere intergovernmental agreement between States. European Union officials, being aware of the fact that talking about a democracy with respect to Europe made no sense, tried therefore to fill this democratic deficit by drafting the project for a so-called European constitution.
It is significant that the text that goes by this name, drawn up by commissions of bureaucrats without any popular foundation and approved by an intergovernmental conference in 2004, when it was subjected to a popular vote, as in France and Holland in 2005, was clamorously rejected. Faced with the failure of popular approval, which in fact made the self-styled constitution null and void, the project was tacitly — and perhaps we should say shamefully — abandoned and replaced by a new international treaty, the so-called Treaty of Lisbon of 2007. It goes without saying that, from a juridical point of view, this document is not a constitution, but is once again an agreement between governments, the only consistency of which concerns international law and which we were therefore careful not to submit to popular approval. No wonder, therefore, that the so-called European parliament that is being elected is not, in truth, a parliament, because it lacks the power to propose laws, which is entirely in the hands of the European Commission.
On the other hand, some years earlier, the problem of the European constitution had given rise to a debate between a German jurist whose competence no one could doubt, Dieter Grimm, and Jürgen Habermas, who, like most of those who call themselves philosophers, was completely devoid of a juridical culture. Against Habermas, who thought he could ultimately found the constitution on public opinion, Dieter Grimm had a good hand in arguing the unthinkability of a consitution for the simple reason that there did not exist a European people and therefore something like a constituent power lacked every possible foundation. If it is true that constituted power presupposes a constituent power, the idea of a European constituent power is the great absentee in the discourses on Europe.
From the point of view of its claimed constitution, the European Union has therefore no legitimacy. It is then perfectly understandable that a political entity without a legitimate constitution cannot express its own politics. The only semblance of unity is achieved when Europe acts as a vassal of the United States, taking part in wars that in no way correspond to common interests and even less to the popular will. The European Union acts now as a branch of NATO (the very NATO which, on its turn, is a military agreement between states).
For this reason, not too ironically taking up the formula that Marx used for communism, one could say that the idea of a European constituent power is the spectre that haunts Europe today and that no one dares evoke today. Yet only such a constituent power could restore legitimacy and reality to the European institutions, which — if an impostor is, according to the dictionaries, “he who imposes on others to believe things alien to the truth and operate according to that credulity” — are at present nothing else than an imposture.
Another idea of Europe will be possible only when we have cleared away this imposture. To put it without pretence or affectation: if we truly want to think of a political Europe, the first thing to do is to get the European Union out of the way — or at least, be ready for the moment when it, as now seems imminent, will fall apart.

(English translation by I, Robot)

Max Ernst, Europe after the Rain I, 1933. Courtesy of WikiArt.

Ipse dixit

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán): “Efficiency is made higher by division of labour and cooperation, so as to discover individual talents and skills”.

Of course, Edna; only you can decide who’s in and who’s out!

Artwork © Ania Olive (@artania_mx)

丝绸之路 (Silk Road)

Last evening I went in a Chinese store where I usually buy most of my DIY tools and was stunned to come across the Chiara Ferragni brand display! Ms. Ferragni is currently involved in a scandal over a case of alleged unfair and misleading commercial practices, which was raised by government loyalists in an orchestrated campaign against her on the grounds of her progressive ideas and the allegation that her charity partnerships hid lucrative fees and honorariums. Her story resembles that of one of the most venerated Chinese actress, 范冰冰 (Fàn Bīngbīng), who, in 2018, was found guilty of tax evasion due to “阴阳合同 (yīn-yáng contract)” practices, and one cannot but wish Chiara the same happy success. Keeping in mind that it took five years for 范冰冰 (Fàn Bīngbīng) to take the centre stage again — at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival “Berlinale”. On that occasion, when asked about her via crucis, 范冰冰 (Fàn Bīngbīng) wisely replied that also such an experience can serve as a school for learning a lot about the world and people.

A Sea In Between

A woman poses for a photo at 68 Nautical Mile scenic spot, China’s closest point to Taiwan island, in 平潭岛 (Píngtán Island), 福建省 (Fújiàn province). Photo: Héctor Retamal/AFP/Getty Images.

None of them are worthy of your time and care, Edna, since in a metaphysical sense, they are all to blame one way or another

Photo © Ольга Нуарэ / Olga Noiret 🍀 (@noiret.dolls)

风流一代 (Romantic Generation)

To be sure, Edna, their bigotry is as hypocritical as is their common sense of decency

Photo © Ольга Нуарэ / Olga Noiret 🍀 (@noiret.dolls)

Cupid Rearmed

As they say, Edna, time and patience turn the mulberry leaf into satin

Artwork © ⭐ Tatiana Marquez Atrio ⭐ (@tissucrochet)

Last Tango in Paris

Edible frogs with inflated vocal sacs mate in a pond in Rosny-Sous-Bois in the eastern suburbs of Paris, France. Photo: Geyres Christophe/Abaca/Rex/Shutterstock.

In short, Edna, we could say: the tougher the life, the sweeter the cure

Artwork © CFManuel

Escape to Life

You know, Edna, the more one stared at it, the more the still-life faded into its own dark nothingness

Photo © blima12252012

Si duo vident idem, non est idem

Marcel Duchamp playing chess with Eve Babitz, Duchamp Retrospective, Pasadena Art Museum, 1963. Photo: Julian Wasser.

The Cask of Amontillado

Walled off: 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) playing Mariya Olehivna Muzychuk in the fifth game of the Women’s World Chess Championship match at Lviv, Ukraine, March 8, 2016. Due to fears of cheating, games were played behind closed doors, under a still-life painting, and broadcast with a 30-minute delay. Photo: Misha Friedman/Avaunt magazine.

To be sure, Edna, sooner or later, new suitors will come to worship at your altar

Artwork © ☆BeansOnToast♡

Altars of the East

Valérie Belin, Bride/XXX Toys, (Brides series), 2012. Photo: Valérie Belin/Courtesy of Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Paris–Brussels.

You know, Edna, no one cares a damn about them, but because you care so much about it, then everyone on earth will go and take a look

Artwork © Stephen Smith

Pearl of Water Town

Four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) gives her auspicious speech to all participants in the 55th Chinese Chess Championship which is being held from May 6-16, 2024, in her hometown of 兴化 (Xīnghuà), 江苏省 (Jiāngsū province), China. She offered a sincere prayer that her old birthplace, dubbed a “pearl of water town”, may still stand, and that it may continue to be China’s “capital of chess” still for long years to go on. Video: 兴化 (Xīnghuà) Media Centre.

Hi, Edna! May you always fly high and keep your head up in the clouds

Between Appear and Disappear

Inevitably, it may be that photos taken from the same place at different hours of the same day can show weather changes.

Yes, Edna, to quote Juvenal, “orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano”

Artwork © saucyspice

Now and Then

A thought for today, while wandering around Sesto Fiorentino, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy — to those who died for their country, cease fire now.

Garrison Girl

On May 11, Peking University hosted a joint symposium with teachers and students of 北京大学光华管理学院 (Guānghuá School of Management) and an elite delegation of 中国人民解放军北京卫戍区 (PLA Běijīng Garrison District) in order to awake and revive the spirit of May Fourth.

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), a four-time Women’s World Chess Champion and a PKU Professor, is a muse who lives to tell her own story. Photos: 北京大学光华管理学院 (Guānghuá School of Management, Peking University).

You see, Edna, the law of retaliation is a dominant feature of their Western culture; and thus the more one speaks of peace, the more they get mad and pissed off

Artwork © alexaviciz

The auspicious Queen

Four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) gives an auspicious speech to all participants in the 55th Chinese Chess Championship which is being held from May 6-16, 2024, in her hometown of 兴化 (Xīnghuà), 江苏省 (Jiāngsū province), China.

Nay, Edna, you don’t have to ask their permission to repay them — miserable warmongers on the payroll of war industries — with compassion, peace and love

Courtesy of Disney Wiki | Fandom

红线 (Red thread of fate)

Ducks walk across the red carpet, ahead of a meeting between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Chinese President 习近平 (Xí Jìnpíng) as part of 习 (Xí)’s two-day state visit, in Belgrade, Serbia. Photo: Zorana Jevtić/Reuters.

Keep bad thoughts away, Edna. The seven year itch is nothing more than a superstitious myth — at most it can be likened to a flea in the ear in the middle of the night

Courtesy of Did You Catch This? (@didyoucatchthistv)

Song Association

The Last Weekend

On May 4–5, 2024, a delegation of 滨州市聚旗棋艺俱乐部 (Bīnzhōu Jùqí Chess Club) visited the Peking University History Museum and enjoyed a lecture and a master class given by four-time Women’s World Chess Champion and PKU Professor 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán). Video: 文如 (Wén Rú).

You already know the ending, Edna. The virus won the war and saved billions of lives

Artwork © Rina

Rehearsals for the Varsity Match

A student protester at Cambridge University. Photo: Amelia Halls/Cambridge for Palestine.

Oxford University Open Day

Students gather outside Oxford University Museum of Natural History in the UK. Photo: Hollie Adams/Reuters.

Splendour in the Grass

A deer stands in deep grass in Wehrheim, Germany. Photo: Michael Probst/AP.

So Edna, 一个个慢慢来， if today is Monday, tomorrow will be Tuesday

Artwork © True_Might

The Importance of Being Cool

Air conditioning units on an apartment building in 香港 (Hong Kong), China. Photo: Dale de la Rey/AFP/Getty Images.

Okay, Edna, one step at a time. Monday is the first day of the school week, and comes after Sunday

Artwork © Catherine E. Miranda (@mirandadesignsink2)

Teach to Learn

In her interview to 北京体育广播 (Běijīng Sports Broadcasting), four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) said something about her future career plans.

“Indeed, my style has always been to set some short-term goals rather than five-year or ten-year plans. Of course, such plan terms may make sense in my professional fields, where one has to monitor the development process. As for me personally, I prefer one small stage at a time — associated with goals — in order to encourage myself to keep moving forward. If a plan turned out to be too far-fetched, it would be varied accordingly. Shall I take more time, or shall I go on resolutely? Since my personality is prone to hesitation and entanglement, there will likely be a good deal of uncertainty”, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) said. “However, now I am a young teacher at Peking University, and my primary responsibility is with my students. As a preceptor I hope that I’m not just a former professional chess player who shares some of her technical secrets, but more importantly, I hope to help students, through learning, to grow both academically and personally. I hope that through such talent training programs, I can help students understand what they want and what they should be doing. With regard to talent training and development, what really counts is not how many skills have been learned, but how learning experience has helped students grow as human beings”. Photo: LaiTimes.

You’ll see, Edna, you’ll see. The next ten years will pass much more quickly than a half blink of an eye

Artwork © Marion

The Elixir of Youth

Speaking to the microphones of 北京体育广播 (Běijīng Sports Broadcasting) on Saturday, four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) argued that a goal is not worth pursuing without an enjoyment of life and living.

“I think young friends can’t help but embark on their journey to pursue their dreams, but at the same time they must not neglect the many beautiful views all around just because they are chasing their dreams”, 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) said. “Although I’m only 30 years old, I feel that the last ten years flew by very quickly. In the blink of an eye, I’ve gone from a young college student to a thirty-year-old. Life is a very brief journey, indeed. We should enjoy it as much as possible, so as to live without leaving regrets”. Photo: LaiTimes.

Yes, Edna, to quote Nâzım Hikmet, “My country or the stars / Or my youth, what’s farthest?”

Artwork © M.Rozalén🌹 (@mrozalen)

Non-Verbatim Learning

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)’s address at the symposium celebrating the 126th Anniversary of Peking University and May Fourth, in 北京 (Běijīng), China, May 3, 2024

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán)’s talks chess. Photo: China Media Group.

Dear Secretary 郝 (Hǎo), Principal 龚 (Gōng), teachers and students, hello everyone! The 五四青年节 (May Fourth Youth Day) in 2014 was of great significance to me. In the 英杰 (Yīngjié) Sunlight Hall, as a sophomore student in the School of International Relations, I was very honoured to participate in the symposium as one of the student representatives and closely listen to General Secretary 习近平 (Xí Jìnpíng)’s lesson to youth on actively cultivating and practicing the core socialist values. I also enjoyed the opportunity to report my thoughts and practices to the General Secretary. Although I felt a little nervous while talking and unconsciously I spoke faster, the General Secretary’s frequent nodding and encouraging smile made me gradually relax and more freely share my explorations and breakthroughs in chess, as well as my thoughts and experiences during the learning process. During the interactive session, the General Secretary first pointed out that life is like a chessboard and diplomacy like a chess game, and emphasized the importance of understanding game-thinking; then he raised a professional and profound question: “Why there is such a big difference in chess between men and women?”. Such observations and questions not only reflect the General Secretary’s profound understanding of chess, but also demonstrate his keen insight and demeanour as a leader of a major power. I was deeply inspired by the General Secretary’s concern and strengthened my determination to keep moving forward on the road of chess. At that symposium, the General Secretary taught our youth a profound lesson. He vividly explained the importance of shaping values in youth with his “button theory”, and put forward ardent expectations for young people to study diligently, cultivate morality, be discerning and sincere. The younger generation must take the right direction, set clear goals, always maintain a thirst for knowledge, and maintain humility and perseverance in pursuing their dreams. It is by following such guidelines that my chess ability further improved: I have maintained the number one spot in women’s world ranking since 2015; I won the individual Women’s World Championship for the fourth time in 2016, and led the women’s team to win the Olympiad. Last autumn, we won another gold medal at Asian Games. Such achievements are inseparable from the encouragement of the General Secretary and also from my will and resolution to adhere to the core socialist values. While practicing my core values, I am also committed to telling China’s story to the world. After my undergraduate degree, I won a Rhodes Scholarship to study public policy at Oxford University. Studying in the UK is an intense and fulfilling life experience. The multicultural community of the Rhodes College provides a platform for cultural exchanges for students from different backgrounds from all over the world. Together with my classmates, I brought China’s story to the world stage. Whether it is the theme activities of traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival, or in different forums, lectures, and sports and cultural exchanges, we have actively participated in and raised our voices. We hope that through our efforts, the world may better and better understand China, understand China’s culture and development, and understand the face of China’s new young generation. Although I studied abroad for a short time, the exchange and collision between Chinese and Western cultures made me more determined to become a teacher, and in the context of the integration of physical education with culture, I explored the in-depth combination of intellectual sports and education. As a young teacher, I deeply feel on my shoulders the responsibility of my mission, and strive to implement the standards of “four good teachers” proposed by the General Secretary. In combination with the features of chess, I not only impart technical knowledge in the classroom, but also work hard to cultivate students’ strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. At the same time, I stimulate students’ innovative thinking and social responsibility, guide them to establish correct values, and strive to train them to become the future society’s thinkers and leaders. The May Fourth symposium ten years ago had a profound influence on my life. General Secretary 习近平 (Xí Jìnpíng)’s sincere teachings and instructions have always been my guide on the way forward. In future, I will continue to work hard to implement the General Secretary’s hopes for young students to grow through the integration of physical education with culture, as well as to guide and drive students to consciously practice the core socialist values. At the same time, I will continue to give full play to the advantages of chess’ universal language function, serve China’s overall opening up and exchanges, and make my own modest contribution to further promote global cooperation and exchanges in my country’s cultural and sports life. Thank you all!

(English translation by I, Robot)

Of course, Edna, school is a very serious thing for most of your students, who, for the sake of not parting from you, every year do their best to be held back another year

Artwork © Nenastyaz

Ten Years After

Into the White

On the morning of May 3, 2024, a symposium was held at Sunlight Hall of PKU’s 英杰 (Yīngjié) Overseas Exchange Centre to celebrate the 126th Anniversary of Peking University and May Fourth.

侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán), a four-time Women’s World Chess Champion, was a sophomore at PKU’s School of International Relations ten years ago. After majoring in Diplomacy, she went to Oxford University for further study, and then, finally, returned to her alma mater to become a Professor from the Physical Education and Research Department. She is now one of the most iconic and powerful symbols of the Fourth May Movement. Photo: China Media Group.

Yet, Edna, doing nothing is one of the most tiring things one can do

Artwork © Jose-Ramiro

A Sunday on a Monday

Four-time Women’s World Chess Champion 侯逸凡 (Hóu Yìfán) performing a simultaneous exhibition in the “off” schedule of The “SCO Kazakhstan Rotating President’s Cup” Chess Tournament in 北京 (Běijīng), China, April 29, 2024. Photo: Press service of the SCO Secretariat.