Never be defeated after a defeat.

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. (Maya Angelou)

We’re harvesting the fruits of the seeds planted by those before us. Make sure you plant the right seeds for those who come after you.
Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. (Warren Buffett)

The War For Talent

• Over the years a number of American scientists have taken advantage of Chinese recruitment programs like Thousand Talents, which offers academics lavish grants as a solution to the grinding responsibility of fund-raising. In the words of one organic chemist who gave up a tenured position at the University of South Florida and relocated to Tianjin University in China: “We have time to think here. You can think about your research.”
• A spokeswoman for the Chinese embassy in Washington described the Thousand Talents program as similar to recruitment programs of other countries, with a goal to promote international cooperation in science. But US officials are accusing China’s recruitment programs as a way to steal sensitive technology from American laboratories.
• In 2019 the Department of Energy barred its personnel from participating in several countries’ recruitment programs, including China. The Justice Department tasked law enforcement authorities with rooting out scientists who steal research from American laboratories; as a result, Thousand Talents grantees have come under a legal microscope.
• Last week prosecutors charged acclaimed Harvard chemist Charles Lieber, viewed by many as a future Nobel laureate, with lying to federal authorities about his affiliation with Thousand Talents. (NYT)
• The U.S. Government Secretly Spied on Chinese American Scientists, Upending Lives and Paving the Way for Decades of Discrimination (The Intercept)
• China theft of technology is biggest law enforcement threat to US, FBI says (Guardian)
• U.S. attorney general says U.S., allies should consider Nokia, Ericsson investment to counter Huawei (Reuters)

“But although the cliche says that power always corrupts, what is seldom said … is that power always reveals. When a man is climbing, trying to persuade others to give him power, concealment is necessary. … But as a man obtains more power, camouflage becomes less necessary.”

“The most important thing a man has to tell you is what he’s not telling you,” he said. “The most important thing he has to say is what he’s trying not to say.”

― Robert A. Caro

World Pulses Day – 10 February

This day is celebrated to recognize the importance of pulses as a global food source.

Content marketing ideas

Listicle idea: A list of the must-have pulses in your daily diet

Infographic idea: Which are the most sustainable pulses to grow?

Video idea: A look at the farmers who grow our daily crops

Podcast idea: Are pulses the new superfood?

Even the path of ten thousand miles begins with a single step.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. (Lao Tzu)

True wisdom lies in knowing you know nothing at all.
The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing. (Socrates)

1. Visit hospitals with smiles, treats, and friendly conversation for patients
2. Remember that family member you haven’t seen for a while? See how they are doing
3. Help someone struggling with heavy bags
4. Take a child to a mall to give a “just because” flower to five elders, with a heartfelt “have a nice day” greeting
5. When it’s summer and hot, give out cold Gatorades to your mail carrier and garbage men