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In an exclusive interview, Gunsu shares how he captivates his followers on Instagram with his distinctive football skills. “I love to entertain my fans by showcasing my techniques,” he says. One of his signature moves involves catching the ball between his feet and effortlessly flicking it up and over his head, all while preparing for a shot at either a goal or, in a fun twist, a basketball hoop. This skillful display not only highlights his talent but also keeps his audience engaged and eager for more.

The fate of the former Westfield shopping center in San Francisco is set to be determined by an auction scheduled for November 14. As San Francisco’s downtown retail landscape faces significant challenges, recent reports indicate that the Metreon shopping center was officially listed for sale last week. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Business Times highlights that the site, now known as the Emporium Centre San Francisco, is also in play.

According to SFGATE, this struggling shopping center had only recently announced agreements with seven new tenants in June, generating a glimmer of hope despite their smaller scale not being major players. However, this development did not quell the ongoing turmoil within the center. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that last month, the Japanese ramen chain Ajisen Ramen permanently closed its location there.

The auction for the Emporium Centre comes on the heels of Brookfield Properties and Westfield’s decision to abandon their debt repayment efforts due to what they termed “challenging operating conditions in downtown San Francisco.” This situation was exacerbated when Nordstrom, the primary tenant occupying nearly half of the shopping center, vacated the premises, followed by closures of other major retailers like Banana Republic, American Eagle, and even Cinemark theaters.

Originally, Brookfield Properties and Westfield owed $558 million in loans supported by the shopping center. However, as of October 2023, that figure ballooned to $625.6 million due to unpaid amounts and penalties. Lenders Deutsche Bank AG and JPMorgan Chase have initiated foreclosure proceedings, and since last fall, the center has been under the management of Trident Pacific, a company specializing in the takeover of troubled commercial properties across the U.S.

The upcoming auction may offer a new opportunity for this 1.4 million square-foot retail and office complex, with proceeds aimed at offsetting the owner’s outstanding debts. However, should no third-party bids emerge, the lenders might exercise their right to redeem the property themselves.

SFGATE reached out to a spokesperson for the Emporium Centre but has yet to receive a response as of the time of this publication.

On October 24, Ukraine announced that North Korean troops have arrived in the combat zone in Russia’s Kursk region, a report that was neither denied nor confirmed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The question arises: what advantages does North Korea gain by sending its troops to Russia?

According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), the first contingent of troops from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) has indeed made it to the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war, with records showing their presence in Kursk as of yesterday.

In response, Putin stated that “Russia has never doubted the seriousness of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regarding cooperation with us. We are working closely with our friends in North Korea and how we choose to operate is up to us.”

CNN analysts highlight that North Korea’s military intervention signifies a pivotal moment: it marks the involvement of an isolated regime under heavy sanctions in a significant international conflict, something not seen in decades.

With a military strength of approximately 1.2 million personnel, North Korea boasts the fourth largest army in the world, though it largely lacks combat experience. Analysts point out that North Korea’s decision to send troops to Russia offers substantial benefits, such as battlefield experience, technical training, and real intelligence regarding weapon capabilities.

Carl Schuster, former Director of Operations at the U.S. Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Center, explained that “the special forces will return with combat experience and practical infiltration tactics against prepared opponents. This will enhance their threat level.”

Schuster elaborates, “I believe Kim Jong-un is providing troops to acquire the resources needed to maintain his regime and to gain experience that he might apply if he believes a conflict in the Korean Peninsula is imminent.”

Retired South Korean Army Major General In-Bum Chun told CNN that this deployment will provide Russia with the manpower it currently lacks, while North Korean forces will benefit from “money, technology, and experience.”

Analysts suggest that North Korea is sending elite troops rather than conventional forces. If these troops achieve success on the battlefield in Ukraine, they will not only gain firsthand experience but will also receive international recognition. There is concern that this could lead to North Korea developing a pattern of providing a base of trained soldiers, which poses a significant global threat.

On October 14, 2023, the United Front Work Department of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region reported on its recent efforts to enhance collective economic development and improve living conditions in Liangxing Village, located in Long’an County, Nanning. The department has effectively leveraged its extensive connections within the united front to provide targeted support for the village.

Liangxing Village began cultivating the distinct “Sunlight Rose” grapes in 2019, with guidance from the United Front Work Department and local working teams. Experts from the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences have been invited regularly to advise on vineyard management and care. As a result, the village’s annual grape production has reached approximately 100,000 pounds, generating an average yearly income of 513,000 yuan.

Furthermore, the United Front Work Department has mobilized various organizations, including the New Social Stratum People’s Association of Guangxi and the Association of Non-Party Intellectuals, to undertake consumption support initiatives. In 2024, these efforts are projected to help Liangxing Village sell around 2,120 pounds of its signature grapes.

In addition to economic advancements, the United Front Work Department is also committed to improving the living environment in rural areas. They collaborated with Guangxi Huahuan Design Group to create a development plan aimed at enhancing the village’s infrastructure and overall appearance. New sector professionals have been appointed as consultants for rural revitalization, providing strategic advice on the village’s construction and development.

In 2023, the Guangxi Guangcai Charity Promotion Association invested 979,000 yuan in five projects to upgrade the living environment in Liangxing Village, yielding significant improvements to the local ecological landscape.

While supporting Liangxing Village’s distinctive industries and enhancing its rural appearance, the United Front Work Department actively promotes the “Tongxin” scholarship program. They have mobilized various representatives from the united front to advocate for educational development in designated support villages. Partnerships with companies such as Guangxi Yuntian Industrial Group, the Guangxi Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce, and Guangxi Chenyi Law Firm led to a donation of 120,000 yuan in “Tongxin” scholarships, benefiting 35 financially disadvantaged university students in the village and contributing to the revitalization of rural education.

During a recent interview, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that he earned $79.1 million (£61 million) last year, marking a 63% increase from his previous compensation. This growth occurred despite his own request to reduce one aspect of his pay due to cybersecurity issues at the tech giant, resulting in a $5 million decrease from what he would have otherwise received.

In light of significant job cuts across the tech industry, including within Microsoft’s gaming division, Nadella’s compensation appears particularly noteworthy. However, a proxy statement filed with the U.S. financial regulator highlighted that Microsoft’s revenue grew by 16% for the year ending June 30, 2024. The company’s compensation committee noted, “Mr. Nadella agreed that the Company’s performance was extremely strong.” Alongside this, he requested that the committee consider altering the usual performance metrics to reduce his cash incentive, citing his personal accountability for a series of cyber attacks.

One notable incident involved hackers accessing the email accounts of approximately 25 organizations, including government agencies, which Microsoft reported in July 2023. Although the company attributed the breach to Chinese actors, the Chinese embassy in London dismissed these claims as “disinformation.” Notably, the fiscal period in question ended just weeks before a significant internet outage that affected Windows PCs globally. While this incident was not a cyber attack, Microsoft later apologized for another outage caused by one.

The compensation committee ultimately decided to cut Nadella’s cash pay to $5.2 million, a reduction of over 50%, which constitutes less than 7% of his total compensation. The majority of his earnings, totaling $71.2 million, were derived from stock options.

Luke Hildyard, director of the High Pay Centre, acknowledged that, on the surface, Nadella’s earnings could be justified given Microsoft’s robust financial performance. However, he posed a critical question: “Is an additional $79 million on top of $49 million from last year for someone who is already worth hundreds of millions—someone with the means to enjoy multiple lifetimes of absolute luxury—truly necessary as a reward or incentive?” He emphasized that Microsoft’s success is built on the contributions of its employees, customers, and society at large, suggesting that the benefits of that success could be distributed more equitably.

In comparison, Apple CEO Tim Cook earned $63.2 million in 2023, while Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, received $34.2 million for the 2024 fiscal year. However, none of these leaders come close to Tesla’s Elon Musk, whose compensation could potentially reach an astounding $56 billion.

Lü Yi

According to a report by Ban Yue Tan, records from a grassroots education bureau in Southwest China reveal that from January to August of this year, the bureau received 128 reports concerning teachers. Upon investigation, only 7 of these reports were found to have any merit. This stark contrast in numbers has raised societal concerns regarding the potential for exaggerated or false reporting.

The reasons behind these reports are varied and often trivial. Complaints range from teachers assigning “too much” or “too little” homework, to being too lenient or too strict with students. Other grievances include delayed responses, eating takeout in front of students, or inadequate classroom management. Some reports were even based on a student misplacing an eraser. While parents and students certainly have the right to monitor teachers’ professional conduct, frequently reporting issues that are not related to illegal or unethical behavior represents a misuse of this right, undermining the collaborative nature of education.

On the surface, it may appear that parents and students are safeguarding their rights, but if this becomes a widespread practice, it can lead to numerous detrimental effects. First, many frontline teachers are left emotionally and mentally drained, with some suffering significant psychological trauma. Second, frequent reporting disrupts the quality and order of teaching, ultimately harming the educational ecosystem and hindering healthy educational development. Finally, schools are compelled to respond or address all reports, even those that are clearly unfounded or absurd, wasting precious administrative resources. This striking ratio of 128 to 7 highlights the struggles faced by teachers and underscores the urgent need to address the issue of false reports.

One major factor contributing to the prevalence of false reports is the low cost of making such claims. Investigations have shown that parents and students mainly report teachers through municipal hotlines, educational administrative departments, or school complaint hotlines, as well as by leaving messages on government service platforms. Importantly, there are often no repercussions for those whose claims are found to be untrue. The current educational landscape has seen escalating tensions between home and school, frequently reported in the media, reflecting a lack of communication and trust between parents and teachers. In some cases, poor responses from schools have compounded these issues, leading to an environment where reporting becomes inflated and arbitrary. If neglected, this pattern of “reporting—stigmatizing—reporting” risks becoming a vicious cycle that ultimately harms students, teachers, and the educational system as a whole.

To truly support the teaching profession, it is crucial to address both the symptoms and root causes of this issue by standing behind teachers and preventing the spread of false reports. In August of last year, the Ministry of Education held a press conference emphasizing the need to promptly clarify and publicly rectify any false reports against teachers. They also condemned malicious acts that distort the truth and defame teachers for attention, asserting the need to protect teachers’ legitimate rights.

On one hand, establishing a trusted and equal communication mechanism between parents and schools is essential, ensuring open channels for internal oversight to prevent imbalances caused by one-sided communication. On the other hand, it is vital to increase the costs associated with frivolous and false reporting, ensuring that such actions have consequences. Additionally, mechanisms for error correction and public clarification must be improved to protect teachers’ rights and encourage their educational commitment.

For the long-term development of education, the foundation lies in its teachers. Only through concrete actions and genuine support can we foster trust and warmth towards the teaching profession, ultimately enabling educators to fully dedicate themselves to their mission and drive the high-quality development of our educational system.

Ukrainian officials reported today that the capital city, Kyiv, has endured a second consecutive night of drone attacks launched by Russia. The assaults have resulted in damage to several residential buildings and left at least one civilian injured. According to pro-Russian bloggers, Russian forces are engaged in urban combat on the outskirts of the eastern Ukrainian town, Selydove.

The Ukrainian military stated that 116 drones were launched by Russia overnight, with 59 intercepted by air defense systems and 45 going off the radar, likely crashing somewhere within Ukraine. Additionally, up to 10 drones may still be operating in Ukrainian airspace.

Sergiy Popko, the military administrator of Kyiv, expressed concerns via a post on Telegram, saying, “It was another nerve-wracking night. The enemy has not scaled back its airstrike intensity against Ukraine and Kyiv.”

The Ukrainian military has reported several attacks damaging civilian infrastructure. Popko highlighted that at least 10 drones targeting Kyiv from different directions were destroyed during the night. Although none of the drones hit their intended targets, debris from the downed drones caused injuries to at least one man.

Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, also took to Telegram to report that debris from the Russian drones fell into three central areas of Kyiv, damaging the roofs and facades of several buildings, as well as some power lines.

In a broader strategic move, Russian forces are persistently advancing to gain control over the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. While Ukrainian troops have reportedly entered Russian territory and captured part of Kursk, open-source intelligence indicates that the Russian military continues to attack at the fastest pace since March 2022.

In recent weeks, Russian troops have surrounded several towns in Donetsk and gradually compressed their positions, forcing Ukrainian forces to retreat. According to several pro-Russian bloggers, similar tactics are being used in the town of Selydove, which had a pre-war population of over 20,000.

Prominent pro-Russian military blogger Yuri Podolyaka noted that the offensive against Selydove has intensified, stating, “Street battles are underway in the town.” Other pro-Russian bloggers have shared videos purportedly showing heavy shelling in Selydove, though Reuters has been unable to verify these claims. The Russian Defense Ministry has not yet commented on the situation.

San Francisco recently received California’s “Supportive Housing” certification, a significant milestone announced by Mayor London Breed alongside State Senator Scott Wiener and City Council member Myrna Melgar. This certification aims to boost the construction of affordable housing, opening new avenues for funding through state resources.

During the announcement held at the city’s first 160 affordable units in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, Mayor Breed paid tribute to the late Mayor Ed Lee, acknowledging his role in the acquisition and redevelopment efforts that have made this moment possible.

Mayor Breed emphasized that San Francisco’s new designation as a “Supportive Housing” city will translate to increased state funding for housing, employment, and infrastructure projects. “This is a major step forward for us,” she stated, highlighting a shift in attitude within the City Council since 2021. With a more open approach to housing policy, San Francisco is poised for a housing renaissance.

She pointed out that the city has made strides in removing barriers to development, reducing impact fees, and expediting the approval process. Breed also expressed gratitude to Senator Wiener for his support of housing policies that have provided the city with critical funding and a competitive edge.

Senator Wiener noted that the “Supportive Housing” designation serves as a reward for cities aligned with state policies, crediting San Francisco’s leadership for securing this recognition. He underscored the city’s commitment to overcoming historical housing challenges through policy reform.

Council member Melgar shared her perspective, stating that San Francisco’s housing agenda not only addresses current needs but also lays the groundwork for future urban growth. She highlighted the importance of the city’s redevelopment proposals in creating safe and affordable living environments for residents. “The housing plan for the Western Addition demonstrates our determination to make this area an ideal place for future generations,” Melgar remarked.

The construction of affordable housing marks a significant advancement in San Francisco’s efforts to tackle its housing shortage, fostering a more sustainable and livable environment for its residents.

On October 9, Ann Xu, a candidate for the San Francisco Board of Education and a former board member, raised concerns about the recent closures of several schools, particularly those affecting neighborhoods with significant Asian American populations. Xu highlighted that out of the numerous schools that have been shut down, three are located in Chinatown and surrounding areas, disproportionately impacting Chinese American students. Though Asian students make up only 25% of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), Xu urged that the district’s consolidation plans should take into account the social and cultural values these schools represent, rather than relying solely on data as a measure of effectiveness.

She emphasized that many of the affected schools serve not just as educational institutions but also as vital social and support networks for families and communities. The severing of these networks could pose additional challenges to already marginalized minority communities.

Xu questioned whether closing schools truly addresses the underlying issues. She stated that while the intention behind the SFUSD’s plan is to improve facility utilization rates—aiming for a target of 90%—current projections suggest that even if all the schools on the closure list were to shut down, the utilization rate would only reach about 80%. This indicates that simply closing schools won’t resolve the district’s financial struggles.

Community members have expressed concerns that the school closure and consolidation plan could lead to families choosing to relocate or switch to private schools, further decreasing public school enrollment and creating a detrimental cycle for the district.

NBC News recently highlighted an eye-opening experience as one of their reporters interacted with the earthquake simulator stationed in Los Angeles’s Chinatown. This initiative comes ahead of California’s 2024 “Great ShakeOut,” scheduled for October 17 at 10:17 AM, during which residents are reminded to adhere to the essential safety mantra: “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” This guidance is crucial for avoiding panic and ensuring personal safety during an unexpected earthquake.

According to NBC’s report, over 10.4 million Californians have registered to participate in this collective drill. The goal is to familiarize themselves once again with the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” techniques, providing a simple and swift way to minimize the risk of injury, or even worse.

Experts have offered tailored advice for seniors. Those who use canes and cannot adequately seek shelter under sturdy furniture should position themselves beside a chair, bed, or stable piece of furniture. They should crouch as low as possible while protecting their head and neck with their hands.

For wheelchair users, the recommendation is to find a safe spot to shelter and lock the wheels. Those who use walkers should crouch down, cover themselves, and securely hold onto something stable.

Additionally, the Earthquake Country Alliance has issued a warning about three critical things to avoid during an earthquake:

1. **Don’t stand in a doorway:** Modern building frameworks are not more secure than other areas, and standing in a doorway does not guarantee protection from falling debris or heavy objects.

2. **Don’t rush outside:** Fleeing outdoors during ground shaking can be even more dangerous, as items may fall from above.

3. **Don’t rely on the “Triangle of Life” theory:** This concept, promoted by some private entities, has faced scrutiny and skepticism from numerous experts and should not be followed. Instead, individuals should seek shelter under sturdy furniture rather than positioning themselves alongside walls.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that Southern California experiences approximately 10,000 earthquakes of varying magnitudes each year. In a move to enhance safety, the City of Los Angeles passed Ordinance 183893 in 2015, mandating improved seismic retrofitting of buildings to reduce potential injuries and fatalities among residents.