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On October 18th, during an interview in Xi’an, the lead actor and chief planner of the play “A Warm Flavor,” Jin Dong, expressed his excitement about the show, stating, “From Beijing to Shanghai and now to Xi’an, I see this as a homecoming journey.”

The creative team of “A Warm Flavor” gathered for a meet-and-greet at the Xi’an Concert Hall, where director Wang Yansong joined lead actors Jin Dong, Liu Minta, and Zhang Xiling. They shared captivating behind-the-scenes stories and engaging insights into the play’s theme, which explores a “new rural aestheticism” and delves into the connections between people, time, and land.

Director Wang Yansong highlighted that while the play centers on rural revitalization, it transcends conventional depictions of rural life. “This isn’t just a rustic piece; it’s rooted in aesthetic exploration, allowing the audience to connect with the characters’ inner worlds,” he explained.

Jin Dong added, “Working closely with the director on conceptual development and research, we combined theoretical, aesthetic, artistic, and real-life inspirations. With the story set in Northern Shaanxi, performing in this region truly feels like returning to the home ground.” He mentioned that the creative team had several immersive experiences in rural areas of Zhejiang and Shaanxi, and he personally spent eight months in Northern Shaanxi, which deepened his understanding of the relationship between people and the land. He noted that artistic work serves as a witness and record of societal evolution and changes.

When asked about the motivation behind creating a realism-focused play, Jin Dong confessed, “In the past decade, I’ve portrayed many urban characters—doctors, lawyers, judges, and more. Regardless of age, I’ve felt an urge to produce more content that resonates with everyday life. Even if the outcome isn’t perfect, at the very least, I’ve captured those moments of my life in film.”

As the momentum of mortgage loan balances continues to rise, the Central Bank of Taiwan reported that the outstanding balance for residential loans reached NT$10.8599 trillion in September, marking a year-on-year increase of 11.26%. This growth is the largest since April 2006 and is largely attributed to a surge in new home deliveries. Some projects are bringing in as few as ten units, while others are delivering hundreds, leading to an increase in mortgage balances. Additionally, construction loans, which had previously shown a declining annual growth rate, saw a slight uptick in September with a year-on-year increase of 5.67%, higher than the figures from August.

On September 20, the Central Bank introduced what market experts are calling the most significant round of selective credit controls to date—the seventh wave. These measures are expected to gradually affect the pace of mortgage growth.

A Central Bank official noted that the spike in mortgage balances is closely tied to the influx of new home deliveries. Many of the loans processed by banks in September were for large-scale projects, stemming from new homes delivered a couple of months earlier, leading to a sequential accumulation of loans.

When asked about when this wave of home deliveries might plateau, the official responded that the outstanding loan balances will be influenced by both the number of transactions and housing prices. Notably, the month-over-month growth rates for housing transactions in the six major cities have turned negative in both August and September.

On October 11, the Wuyue Cultural Museum officially opened its doors in Lin’an District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Coinciding with the opening, an exhibition titled “Wuyue Through the Ages – The Southeast Paradise during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms” showcased 350 cultural artifacts, including 150 items that are classified as national first-class cultural relics, along with a wealth of precious secret-color porcelain.

Qian Liu, the founder of the Wuyue Kingdom during the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, advocated policies focused on “protecting the territory and ensuring the safety of the people, while contributing to China.” Amidst the chaos of the era, he carved out a sanctuary and provided protection for the local populace.

According to Li Yuxin, director of the Historical Relics Department of the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and head of the Wuyue Kingdom History and Culture Research Center, secret-color porcelain, which originated in the late Tang dynasty and flourished during the Wuyue Kingdom, represents a pinnacle of ancient Chinese ceramics. It not only signifies the highest level of ceramic craftsmanship of its time but also encapsulates a wealth of social information from the Wuyue Kingdom. Secret-color porcelain, particularly the celadon from Yue kiln, became a crucial economic pillar for the kingdom and played a significant role in fostering ancient cultural exchanges between China and other countries, widely disseminating Chinese culture around the world.

For instance, the exhibited secret-color porcelain water bag pot, as explained by Bao Weihua, curator of the Lin’an Museum, showcases the cultural exchange between the Wuyue Kingdom and the nomadic cultures of the Liao Kingdom, effectively demonstrating the deep cultural integration between these regions.

The exhibition also introduced a rare combination of secret-color porcelain petal-shaped cups and plates, marking the first time these unique artifacts are being presented to the public, showcasing the exceptional porcelain-making techniques of antiquity.

Covering an exhibition space of 6,220 square meters, the display includes various types of artifacts such as ceramics, gold and silver items, jade, lacquerware, crystal, glass, textiles, and stone components. It systematically presents the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the Wuyue Kingdom, highlighting its pivotal role in the continuity of Chinese civilization.

In a recent interview, the creative minds behind the latest project shared their insights. The event was skillfully orchestrated by planners Guo Jieyu and An Xiaomeng, whose vision and attention to detail were evident throughout. The design, led by Zhao Danyang, brought life to the concepts, ensuring they resonated with the audience. This collaboration, supported by the reputable Xinhua News Agency, showcases the seamless integration of planning and design in crafting a memorable experience. The editorial supervision was provided by Hu Huanxiao, who helped refine the narrative and ensure a coherent flow to the project. Overall, this initiative highlights the power of teamwork and creativity in delivering impactful results.

Paddington Bear has officially been granted a British passport, 66 years since he first arrived in London, although he won’t be using it for any travel. This quirky development comes as film-makers required a passport for the beloved Peruvian bear to serve as a prop in the upcoming film, *Paddington in Peru*.

Co-producer Rob Silva shared with Radio Times that they initially requested a replica but were surprised to receive an official passport instead. However, the Home Office clarified to the BBC that it’s merely a specimen document and cannot be utilized for actual travel. “You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humor, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as ‘Bear’,” Silva explained.

Paddington Bear was created in 1958 by Michael Bond, who revealed that the cherished character was inspired by his childhood experiences during World War II. “When I was small, I had memories of children being evacuated from London with a label around their necks and all their possessions in a suitcase, and this became part of Paddington as well,” he recounted to the BBC in 2017. “Paddington Bear was a refugee with a label – ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you,’ and he had a little suitcase.”

As the story goes, Paddington stows away on a ship from South America and finds a new home with the Brown family, who name him after the London train station where they discovered him. The successful movie series, which brings Bond’s books to life, features Ben Whishaw voicing the iconic bear. The third film, *Paddington in Peru*, is set to hit theaters this November. Notably, Paddington also made headlines when he famously had tea with the late Queen Elizabeth II during the celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee.

In the U.S., the landscape for middle-class homebuyers has dramatically changed, revealing a troubling trend: homeownership is becoming less attainable. An NBC News analysis of Census Bureau data highlights that nearly 30% of middle-class families were spending over 30% of their income on mortgage payments in 2022—more than double the figure from 2013.

Experts emphasize that when housing costs consume such a significant portion of income, it leaves families with little room to cover everyday expenses or emergencies, reducing their chances for economic advancement.

This 30% threshold has long been the standard for assessing housing affordability, a metric we’ve relied on for decades as part of ongoing evaluations of housing costs.

Domonic Purviance, a housing expert at the Atlanta Federal Reserve, notes, “In the past, if you were in the middle class, you could afford a mid-priced home. That’s no longer the case.”

Haley and Ben Williams recently purchased their home in Elkhart, Indiana, for $265,000, located a two-hour drive from Chicago. They are acutely aware of the heavy financial burden they now bear: with a mortgage interest rate of 8.125%, which exceeds the national average of 7% near its two-decade high, they are only able to pay $176 toward the principal each month, with over $2,000 going towards interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

This sacrifice was necessary for the Williamses, as starting a family would force them to continue renting a mold-infested apartment for $900 a month. The homes they could afford, priced below $250,000, sell quickly to cash buyers, leaving them with no choice but to purchase more expensive properties. In August 2024, in Elkhart—a city with a population of 60,000 and a median income of $67,000—families need to allocate 22% of their income to afford a mid-priced home worth $240,000. While this percentage is lower than the 30% threshold, it has nonetheless doubled compared to three years ago.

NBC News’ Homebuyer Index reveals that over 30% of counties across the U.S. are experiencing a price-to-income ratio that makes potential buyers feel “priced out.” As a result, many middle-class families are hesitant to enter the housing market.

In 2022, 49.7% of these hesitant families were still “biting the bullet” to buy a home, a marked decrease from 60.1% in 2010 when families felt ready to invest in real estate.

Daniel McCue, a senior researcher at Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, attributes these challenges to record-breaking increases in home prices, compounded by rising property taxes and homeowners insurance costs, leaving homeowners struggling. Even though median household income rose by 50%—reaching $80,610 from 2013 to 2023—the growing pressure of interest rates remains a significant concern for many households.

In a recent meeting in Moscow, senior Hamas officials discussed with Russian officials the organization’s desire for Russia to encourage Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to initiate negotiations for a national unity government following the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Mousa Abu Marzouk, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, met with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, to address issues surrounding Palestinian national unity and the establishment of a government to govern the Gaza Strip in the post-war context.

According to RIA Novosti, Marzouk stated, “We discussed the need for Palestinian national unity and the formation of a government to manage Gaza after the war.” He emphasized that Hamas is requesting Russia’s assistance in persuading Abbas to engage in discussions about forming a unity government. Abbas is currently in Kazan, Russia, attending the BRICS summit.

The Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas and primarily controlled by the Fatah political faction, governs limited areas of the West Bank, which has long been under Israeli occupation. The relationship between Fatah and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, has been fraught with tension for years. In 2007, a brief conflict resulted in Fatah being expelled from Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to the proposal that the Palestinian Authority should take over governance of the Gaza Strip after the conflict ends.

Recently, multiple countries confirmed that North Korea has dispatched troops to Russia. According to a report by CNN, on October 25th, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency released audio intercepted from Russian military communications, revealing concerns within the Russian ranks about the coordination and supply of munitions to the North Korean military.

In these audio recordings, Russian soldiers denigrated North Korean troops, code-named “K Battalion.” One Russian soldier referred to the North Koreans using a derogatory term for Chinese. In another segment of the conversation, a Russian military member described a comrade assigned to receive the North Korean forces, saying, “He just stood there, eyes wide open, with an expression that seemed to say, ‘Damn it, he even came over to talk to us, and he has no idea how to handle these people.'”

The Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Agency noted that they intercepted this audio on the evening of October 23rd from a secure Russian military channel. They analyzed it and concluded that North Korean troops were scheduled to be deployed to a field camp in Postoyalye Dvory, Kursk Oblast, on the morning of October 24th. Earlier this year, Ukrainian forces conducted a surprise attack and seized parts of the Kursk region.

The recordings also indicated that each group of 30 North Korean troops would be accompanied by one translator and three senior Russian officers, which caused further dissatisfaction among the Russian soldiers. One commented, “What I don’t understand is why 30 North Koreans require three senior officers. Where are we supposed to find that many personnel? We still need to shift people around.”

In another part of the audio, a Russian soldier disclosed, “Tomorrow there will be 77 battalion commanders arriving, including commanding officers, deputy commanders, and others.”

On October 25th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he had received a report from the Ukrainian chief commander regarding the deployment of North Korean troops. He said, “Intelligence suggests that the Russian military will deploy the first batch of North Korean troops in the combat zone on the 27th and 28th. This is clearly an escalation by Russian forces, distinct from the recent disinformation circulated in Kazan.”

Initially, the Kremlin denied the presence of North Korean troops, but during a summit in Kazan on the 24th, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not refute the reports. On October 25th, North Korea responded through state media, stating that any deployment of troops to Russia in support of the war in Ukraine would be in accordance with international law, though it did not explicitly confirm the operation.

Emmanuel Addehin Abuja

In an effort to promote the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel option in Nigeria, NNPC Retail Limited (NRL) has engaged over 1,000 auto mechanics through a comprehensive awareness initiative. NRL is a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

The sensitization program was held at the National Artisans and Technicians Conference in Lagos, which drew a large audience of auto mechanics and technicians from across the country, according to a company statement. The goal of this initiative was to clarify the process of converting petrol-powered vehicles to CNG and to encourage the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.

During the event, NRL not only highlighted the advantages of CNG conversion but also promoted its Oleum lubricant line, which is recognized for its effectiveness in both gasoline and CNG-powered vehicles. The initiative reinforces NRL’s commitment to facilitating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources while keeping local artisans informed about advancements in the automotive sector.

“The conference included practical demonstrations illustrating the technical aspects of converting vehicles from gasoline to CNG, offering mechanics direct insights into the conversion process,” the statement continued.

Shettima Kukawa, the Executive Director of Retail Operations & Mobility at NRL, addressed the audience, urging mechanics to acquire the necessary skills for CNG conversion. He stressed the significance of this growing trend in shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

“We believe that educating mechanics on the benefits of CNG adoption is essential for achieving Nigeria’s long-term energy objectives. While this event focused on awareness, we encourage artisans to actively develop the competencies needed to participate in this transformative shift toward cleaner and more affordable fuel options. This initiative marks a vital step in advancing the nation’s drive towards a sustainable energy future,” Kukawa stated.

In response, leaders from the Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) and the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) advocated for the expansion of this initiative to include even more mechanics and technicians nationwide. They emphasized the need for continuous efforts to support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.

To further support the local automotive sector, NRL provided mechanics with coveralls, toolboxes, and generators during the event to enhance their business operations and promote sustainability. The statement underscored that NNPC Retail’s commitment to promoting CNG as an alternative fuel aligns with NNPC Ltd’s broader strategic vision of reducing the environmental impact of Nigeria’s energy consumption while making fuel more affordable for consumers.

In a recent incident that has shaken the community, the Church of the Transfiguration in Manhattan’s Chinatown was attacked by a homeless individual, resulting in damage to stained glass windows and wooden structures. The church’s leaders are calling for unity within the community to help maintain public safety.

Father Kwan Wai-hin, the church’s pastor, expressed concern that, although the NYPD has not classified the incident as a hate crime targeting the Chinese or Asian communities, it has “deeply shaken the sense of security” for the congregation. He noted that post-pandemic, elderly residents have increasingly expressed anxiety about safety in Chinatown. “People are more worried about safety than ever before,” Father Kwan shared. “We need the community to work closely together to address these public safety challenges.”

The church is urging local residents to come together to create a safer living environment. Father Kwan emphasized, “Only by standing united and supporting one another can we ensure everyone’s safety.”

While it is common for homeless individuals to congregate around the church, this attack is the first of its kind. Father Kwan mentioned that the church typically handles such disturbances discreetly, but this violent act highlights the vulnerabilities within the community. The church plans to continue promoting community solidarity and raising awareness among residents.

The incident occurred around noon on September 30, when a man threw a rock, shattering a stained-glass window before fleeing the scene. At the time, a mass was being held inside, and the broken glass narrowly missed striking a parishioner who was in prayer. Surveillance footage shows the suspect passing by the church before returning to take advantage of a brief moment when the street was deserted, indicating a level of premeditation.

In response to the damage, the church has placed a wooden board over the shattered window, but the cost of repairing the stained glass is expected to be between $15,000 and $20,000, with restoration efforts possibly taking as long as a year.

Local Chinese business owners nearby reported they hadn’t heard of the incident but acknowledged the long-standing presence of homeless individuals due to the nearby park. “We’re all focused on our own businesses and don’t interact much with the homeless. I’ve never heard of them intentionally causing destruction before,” one owner remarked. Law enforcement is currently investigating the case and pursuing the suspect, who is reportedly registered at a homeless shelter in the Bronx and is not a familiar face in Chinatown.