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In a recent interview, Maggie Sibley, a clinical psychologist and psychiatry professor at the University of Washington, shared insights from her latest research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She noted that while many assume individuals with ADHD find relief in low-stress environments, the opposite may actually hold true.

Sibley explained that her journey began with a previous study in 2022, where she examined a National Institute of Mental Health dataset tracking 600 patients with ADHD over 16 years. “What we found was a pattern of fluctuating ADHD,” she recalled. “Most individuals who improved would often revert back to experiencing symptoms.”

In her most recent study, published in the *Journal of Clinical Psychiatry*, Sibley revisited this dataset to understand what conditions might provide relief for ADHD symptoms. Surprisingly, she discovered that many patients experienced a temporary full recovery during periods of “high environmental demand” or stress. “ADHD patients may do best when they have to rise to the occasion,” she emphasized. “We see that on a micro level—deadlines can feel helpful, allowing for heightened productivity and hyperfocus.”

Psychology PhD student Arij Alarachi, who has researched ADHD and anxiety, supports this notion, suggesting that although the ADHD brain might not change significantly, individuals can adapt their surroundings to better manage their symptoms. “ADHD comes in a lot of different shapes and sizes,” Alarachi pointed out, highlighting the varying strategies individuals employ.

Sara Vranes, diagnosed with ADHD at 36, resonated with this idea. Describing her ability to hyperfocus under pressure as a “superpower,” Vranes shared her experience working with homeless communities, noting her calmness in crisis situations. “I could see everything clearly, envision a process in my mind, and act on it in real time,” she said, while acknowledging that during quieter moments, she often struggles with anxiety and focus.

Sibley’s research indicates that more than half of adults with ADHD also experience anxiety, which may not necessarily be negative. “We call it a protective factor in ADHD,” she explained, pointing out that children with both ADHD and anxiety often respond better to behavioral treatments than those without anxiety.

Furthermore, Alarachi noted that some individuals with ADHD find that their anxiety helps curb impulsivity, providing a form of self-regulation. “Think about it like the gas and the brakes in a car,” Sibley added. “ADHD might be the gas, while anxiety serves as the brakes, helping to inhibit impulsive actions.”

Both researchers and patients agree that understanding individual relaxation methods can be crucial for managing ADHD. While Vranes finds it hard to relax watching TV alone, combining it with phone games helps keep her mind engaged. Sibley has seen patients who thrive on exercise and social interactions to unwind.

“I always tell people with ADHD, you have to learn to write your own owner’s manual,” Sibley advised. “Discover what your brand of relaxation looks like; it’s vital for managing ADHD effectively.”

In recent weeks, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wellness markets have been drawing large crowds in numerous bustling shopping districts in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. These markets combine the essence of TCM culture with the vitality of modern night market economics, infusing the city’s evenings with a unique herbal charm.

What’s behind the popularity of these wellness markets? What is the “secret sauce” that allows TCM culture to resonate with a wider audience?

The rising demand among young people for health and wellness is a significant driving force behind the success of these markets.

On a recent Saturday night in West Hangzhou, over 30 experts from the Zhejiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital gathered in the outdoor area of a popular shopping mall to host a TCM wellness market. In a designated area for experiencing TCM techniques, many young attendees eagerly tried out traditional therapies like cupping, ear acupuncture, gua sha, acupuncture, and massage. Many young women showed great interest in TCM health products such as herbal tea, beauty ointments, and hair growth shampoos, stopping to sample and seek advice.

Simultaneously, the “National Medicine Wellness Gathering” night market organized by Zhongshan Hospital in downtown Hangzhou attracted a significant number of young visitors. Zhang Da, a member of the “post-2000” generation, learned about the market through social media and attended with several friends. “We often jokingly refer to ourselves as ‘fragile youths,’ and it feels quite apt,” he shared. “You can see that more and more people around us are starting to pay attention to health and wellness since health is foundational to everything.”

Zhang Hong, the executive deputy director of the Zhejiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, shared some insightful statistics. A recent analysis of patients visiting their three outpatient departments in 2023 revealed that over 80% of attendees were under 65 years old, with approximately 55% being under 40.

“In the past, TCM was often associated with elderly patients, but that’s changing,” Zhang explained. “Middle-aged and young adults now constitute the majority of our patients and are becoming the backbone of TCM treatment. The fast pace of modern life has led to many young people experiencing suboptimal health. TCM, with its preventive approach and natural ingredients, has become increasingly popular among them.”

In response to this emerging trend, various TCM hospitals have begun relocating their outpatient services to shopping malls where young people tend to congregate. This grassroots approach aims to showcase the charm of TCM and encourage greater understanding of traditional culture and its integration into the health aspirations of the younger generation.

How compelling is TCM culture? The revitalization of traditional medicinal paste is a prime example.

With colder weather approaching, many health enthusiasts are beginning to consider health supplements. Medicinal paste, one of the eight traditional forms of Chinese medicine, has a history spanning thousands of years. At a recent wellness market, the time-honored Fanghuichun Hall introduced several functional medicinal pastes tailored to modern ailments, such as sleep aid and beauty enhancement formulas. They even offered free cooking sessions for Dong’e Ejiao, which captivated many and turned them into loyal fans.

The TCM health night market at Zhongshan Hospital also featured a booth dedicated to medicinal paste, drawing the attention of numerous young participants. The hospital invited pharmaceutical experts to help attendees identify rare medicinal materials and provided tips on how to properly prepare medicinal paste, ensuring they felt confident in their wellness journeys.

Ma Huijuan, party secretary of Zhongshan Hospital, noted, “The longevity of TCM lies in its transmission, while its depth is found in its popularization. In today’s rapidly evolving society, the application of TCM services and their contexts have changed significantly. By bringing TCM markets into the streets, we’re allowing doctors to engage directly with citizens, enabling them to gain firsthand experience of TCM’s positive roles in disease prevention, treatment, and health maintenance. We hope to foster a deeper trust and affection for TCM.”

Moreover, in an age where “city walks” have become popular, combining TCM with cultural and tourism elements showcases the city’s cultural diversity.

“Being able to learn about wellness from TCM experts without stepping into a hospital is fantastic. It’s practical and trendy to receive TCM knowledge while enjoying a day out shopping,” said Chen Fangfang, who had just finished her shopping at Xixi Impression City. “I hope these markets continue; they’ve become a new weekend gathering option with friends.”

In June, the Zhejiang Provincial government released an action plan aimed at the innovation and inheritance of historical classic industries, emphasizing the promotion of “historical classics + culture and tourism.” The province is also set to introduce further measures to support the inheritance and innovative development of locally produced traditional Chinese medicine, facilitating the growth of this industry and contributing to the establishment of a demonstration zone for shared prosperity.

Thus, articulating TCM culture through new methods and platforms, and creatively integrating it into various fields, is a natural evolution. Today, TCM culture serves as a window to the new era, connecting more individuals—especially young people—with a better life and traditional wisdom.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning today, stating that if North Korea sends troops to Ukraine to support Russia, it would result in a “serious escalation” of the situation. This statement follows reports from AFP and Yonhap news agency detailing Rutte’s communications with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. In a post on social media platform X, Rutte emphasized discussions regarding NATO’s close partnership with Seoul, defense industrial cooperation, and the interconnected security issues between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.

Rutte specifically cautioned that “North Korea deploying its troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine would mean a serious escalation.”

According to the South Korean National Intelligence Service, North Korea has reportedly made a decision to “massively” deploy troops to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine. Reports indicate that 1,500 special forces have already undergone training in Russia’s Far East and could potentially be sent to the front lines in Ukraine.

In response, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Ambassador to South Korea, Georgy Zinoviev, to protest North Korea’s recent troop deployment in support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The South Korean government demanded an immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops and underscored their commitment to using all available means to address the situation.

The Russian embassy in South Korea conveyed that Ambassador Zinoviev emphasized to the South Korean government that Russia’s collaboration with North Korea is “not aimed at” undermining South Korea’s security interests.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also addressed questions from reporters today, stating, “North Korea is our close neighbor and partner, and we are developing bilateral relations in various fields; this is our sovereign right. We will continue to further develop this cooperation.” When prompted about whether Russia is utilizing North Korean troops, Peskov declined to provide a direct answer, simply reiterating the collaborative stance.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Sofia Patel, the head of operations for the Labour Party, sparked controversy by announcing that nearly 100 current and former Labour staff members are heading to the United States to support Democratic candidates in crucial battleground states such as North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. “I have 10 spots available for anyone who wants to join us in North Carolina – we’ll arrange your housing,” she wrote, prompting reactions from various political circles.

This call for canvassers has drawn attention as it touches on a long-standing practice among British and American politicians of supporting each other’s parties. However, with the U.S. presidential race nearing a close and tensions running high, any suggestion of foreign involvement can shift political narratives significantly.

According to Federal Election Commission regulations, foreign volunteers can participate in U.S. campaigns as long as they’re not compensated for their work. The Trump campaign, however, interpreted Patel’s offer of sponsored housing as a form of remuneration, prompting them to file a complaint with the FEC, alleging “blatant foreign interference.”

“The last time representatives from the British government attempted door-to-door campaigns in America, it did not end well,” stated the Trump campaign’s deputy general counsel, referencing historical events from the American Revolution.

The issue became more complex when the complaint included mentions of senior Labour officials who attended the Democratic National Convention and met with Kamala Harris’ campaign team. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly responded to allegations of meddling, stating, “The Labour Party has had volunteers involved in U.S. elections for nearly every election cycle. They participate in their spare time and are doing so as volunteers.”

Lord Wood of Anfield, a former advisor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, noted that such volunteer arrangements aren’t unusual, as Labour supporters have long crossed the Atlantic to help their Democratic counterparts, often funding the trips themselves.

Historically, collaboration between British and American politicians has flourished, particularly during the Bill Clinton and Tony Blair era, which saw the rise of shared ideologies in “third way” politics. However, support from British politicians isn’t limited to the left; conservatives have also engaged across the aisle. For example, Labour staff described how members of the Conservative Party supported John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008.

Several political figures have suggested that the uproar from the Trump campaign is contrived. British Defence Secretary John Healey remarked, “This is standard practice during an election campaign; that’s just how politics operates.”

Past incidents have raised questions about foreign involvement in American campaigns. In 2018, the Bernie Sanders campaign faced sanctions after the FEC found that it had accepted illegal contributions from the Australian Labor Party, which had compensated their volunteers.

While current circumstances show no evidence of similar violations, the political debate continues, with figures like Susie Wiles from the Trump campaign accusing the Harris-Walz campaign of seeking foreign influence due to its struggle to connect with American voters. “President Trump will restore strength to the White House and prioritize the American people,” she asserted.

The final round of the 2024 National Farmers’ Education Training Teachers’ Speech Competition kicked off in Shazhou Village, Rucheng County, Chenzhou, Hunan Province on October 22. A total of 91 participants advanced to the finals, focusing on four key themes: rural development, rural construction, rural governance, and comprehensive quality. This two-day event features live speeches and micro-lessons, showcasing the teaching styles and achievements of farmers’ education training instructors.

The competition, organized by the Central Agricultural Broadcasting and Television School and hosted by the Chenzhou Municipal Government, aims to create a platform for nationwide farmers’ education training teachers to demonstrate their talents, exchange experiences, enhance their capabilities, and empower development. It seeks to cultivate a high-level team of farmers’ education training teachers for the new era, contributing to the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas through talent development.

Since its launch in March, the competition attracted participation from 740 farmers’ education training teachers nationwide, undergoing rigorous selection through provincial preliminaries and regional competitions, culminating in the final 91. The finals feature two categories: the speech and micro-lesson segments, divided into two tracks for general and specialized schools. Participants will compete for top prizes, including special awards, first, second, third prizes, and outstanding micro-lesson accolades over the next two days.

At the opening ceremony, Wu Hongyao, a member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, emphasized that rural revitalization relies on talent, and talent cultivation depends on education. He urged that farmers’ education training must focus on enhancing the quality of talent development, improving the qualifications of teachers, and upholding the core principles of educating for the Party and the country by closely engaging with the “three rural issues” and contributing significantly to the cultivation of rural talent.

Wang Jianqiu, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Hunan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, noted that Hunan has developed a large, well-structured, and high-quality talent pool for rural initiatives in recent years, laying a solid foundation for overall rural revitalization. He highlighted that the finals of the National Farmers’ Education Training Teachers’ Speech Competition present an opportunity to further strengthen the team of farmers’ education training teachers and enhance their role as a leading force in farmer education, focusing on significantly improving farmers’ qualities and capabilities.

Chenzhou, the host city for this year’s event, has been actively implementing the “Ten Million Project” and conducting “Five Hundred Actions” to accelerate the development of four types of rural areas, breathing new life into the countryside. The city aims to continually enhance the quality and effectiveness of farmers’ education training, cultivate more quality teachers who understand agriculture, love rural life, and care for farmers, and nurture new types of farmers who are skilled in technology, management, and business operations. This effort will provide critical talent support for the comprehensive revitalization of the countryside and the modernization of agriculture and rural areas.

During a press briefing on October 15, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, criticized Lai Ching-te’s “Double Tenth” speech, labeling it a more harmful and destructive declaration of “Taiwan independence.” He warned Lai’s administration that with each provocation from the “Taiwan independence” factions, China would respond with escalating countermeasures until full reunification is achieved.

When asked about opinions in Taiwan and among Western media suggesting that Lai’s speech showed a tempered approach towards cross-strait relations and goodwill towards the mainland, Chen Binhua disagreed. He asserted that Lai has remained steadfast in his pro-independence stance since taking office, continuously escalating his rhetoric and provocations. Whether it’s the “New Two States” theory presented on May 20, his recent fabrication of the “Motherland Theory,” or this latest speech, Lai’s statements consistently challenge the One China principle with increasing aggression and a clear intent to heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait, severely undermining peace and stability in the region.

Chen emphasized that Lai’s claim of the “Republic of China” taking root in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu is a deliberate attempt to sever the historical ties between the two sides and to dilute the essence of One China. He accused Lai of attempting to “Taiwanize” the concept of the “Republic of China” and criticized the way Lai has concretized the abstract “New Two States” theory, which spans various social and economic realms, as a method of indoctrinating the public and mobilizing support for Taiwan’s separation.

He further added that claims of “mutual non-subordination” and advocating for Taiwan’s so-called “sovereign independence” fundamentally alter the nature of cross-strait relations and openly challenge the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China. His assertion that “the People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan” seeks to undermine the international framework supporting the One China principle and exacerbates efforts to internationalize the Taiwan issue, revealing an obvious reliance on foreign powers to endorse Taiwan’s independence agenda.

Chen concluded by stating that Lai Ching-te’s actions reflect a commitment to promoting “two-state theory” and inciting “Taiwan independence,” constituting deliberate provocations that damage cross-strait relations. He questioned the existence of any “moderation” or “goodwill” in Lai’s approach, labeling him a “true Taiwan independence activist” and “peace destroyer.”

Finally, Chen reaffirmed that the fight against “Taiwan independence” is fundamentally about resisting divisions and maintaining national unity. He noted that China’s recent series of firm countermeasures are justified actions by a sovereign state to guard its territorial integrity and are essential for safeguarding peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as the well-being of the Taiwanese people. He reiterated the warning to Lai’s administration that each provocation from the “Taiwan independence” forces would lead to a stronger response, until national reunification is fully realized.

On October 16, during a press conference, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office, addressed recent announcements from the mainland regarding free or discounted admission for over a thousand scenic spots for Taiwanese “first-time visitors.” The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has labeled this action as a “united front tactic.”

Chen emphasized the importance of clarifying the terminology surrounding these policies. He explained that the term “united front” refers to a cooperative strategy—historically significant during the anti-Japanese war when the Kuomintang and the Communist Party collaborated, forming a united front that contributed to the victory against Japanese invaders. This cooperation ultimately led to the liberation of Taiwan, ending a painful history of foreign occupation and colonization. According to Chen, the united front has always been a vital tool for the Communist Party of China in uniting people and galvanizing strength.

In this new era, Chen stated that the main task of the united front is to maintain broad unity and cooperation, continually reinforcing and expanding the patriotic united front. This involves harnessing the collective wisdom and strength of all Chinese people, both domestically and abroad, to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Stressing that fellow Taiwanese are integral members of the Chinese nation, Chen reaffirmed the commitment to uniting the Taiwan compatriots, addressing their practical needs, and harnessing their strength to jointly advance national rejuvenation.

Additionally, Chen introduced the implementation of the “Fujian Province Regulations on the Protection of Archives Relating to Cross-Strait Relations,” which took effect on October 1. He noted that Fujian serves as a significant ancestral homeland for many Taiwanese. The passage of this legislation is crucial for safeguarding the wealth of historical documents generated through cross-strait exchanges, as these records encapsulate the deep historical ties between the two regions and the cultural memory of the Chinese nation.

The regulations comprise 25 articles detailing the definition and scope of cross-strait archival materials. They outline objectives, protection principles, mechanisms, responsibilities, and utilization strategies. Notably, the regulations advocate for shared resource utilization, enhanced research and development, and deeper cross-strait communication, all of which hold significant implications for preserving shared heritage and fostering cultural identity among people on both sides of the strait.

When discussing the resumption of group and individual travel for mainland residents to Kinmen, Chen indicated a robust market reaction following the restart of travel visa applications. Thousands of mainland citizens have reportedly applied for permits to visit Kinmen. After temporary disruptions caused by a typhoon during the National Day holiday, the travel route resumed on October 4, with 120 tourists departing from Xiamen for Kinmen on October 5, welcomed warmly by local residents. This enthusiasm underscores a strong yearning among people across the strait to enhance exchanges. Chen urged the DPP to lift unpopular restrictions on group travel, thereby facilitating a revival of cross-strait tourism.

Agricultural Drones. Photo provided by the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

In an interview held on October 25, 2023, in Tonglu, Hangzhou, the current momentum toward low-altitude economy innovation in agriculture was discussed. The province of Zhejiang, which has been at the forefront of agricultural reform in China, is now focusing on integrating low-altitude economic activities into its rural development strategies.

During the meeting, officials from Zhejiang expressed their commitment to leading the way in the development of low-altitude economies within agriculture and rural areas. They outlined five key strategies to harness this emerging economic frontier effectively.

Low-altitude economy refers to various aviation activities, including both manned and unmanned aircraft operations, which can stimulate the growth of related sectors. Industry estimates indicate that by 2023, China’s low-altitude economy had surpassed 500 billion yuan, with projections suggesting a contribution of up to 5 trillion yuan to the national economy by 2025.

However, as officials pointed out, there’s no universally accepted definition of the low-altitude economy in agriculture and rural sectors yet, reflecting the vast untapped potential that exists.

“Low-altitude operations can break the traditional constraints of time and space in agricultural activities, driving the creation of new industries, business formats, and models in rural areas. It represents an innovative, open, and inclusive economic form,” said Wang Tonglin, Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Office of Agriculture.

Zhejiang has been an early adopter of low-altitude economic practices, particularly within the agricultural sector. The use of agricultural drones for pest control began in 2007, and by the end of 2023, the province had deployed 6,847 agricultural UAVs, covering an area of 9.56 million mu for major crops like rice and wheat. The applications for crop protection and field management have matured significantly.

In addition to its early start, Zhejiang enjoys several advantages with its robust industrial foundation, supportive policies, and conducive development environment. For instance, in 2017, the province included agricultural drones in its agricultural machinery subsidy program, becoming one of the first pilot provinces in the country. Over the past three years, it has subsidized 3,891 agricultural drones, with some regions also launching incentive policies for aerial pest control services.

There’s a growing consensus that the advent of the low-altitude economy in agriculture will profoundly transform the landscape for farmers and rural development. This includes a shift from flat agricultural production to multi-dimensional spatial approaches and from limited governance to effective rural management.

Wang shared that the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is currently formulating an action plan for developing the low-altitude economy in agriculture. The plan aims to expand new infrastructure and applications related to “low-altitude + agriculture,” creating a vigorous ecosystem characterized by resource aggregation, extensive applications, efficient services, comprehensive systems, and daunting protections.

The five strategic focuses laid out include creating a forward-thinking top-level design, fostering diverse application ecosystems, building collaborative low-altitude supply chains, strengthening foundational infrastructure, and pooling resources for comprehensive support.

Regarding the application ecosystem, Wang highlighted that they will embed aerial operations into every aspect of agricultural production, extend their use into agricultural management, and explore new applications in other rural sectors. “We aim to enhance pilot projects and implement successful trials as we develop convenient village services, efficient village management, low-altitude consumption, disaster response, and shared public services,” he said.

Regarding developing a cohesive low-altitude supply chain, Zhejiang plans to collaborate on the research and manufacture of agricultural drones, better assess market demand for drone components, and integrate technologies like navigation, remote sensing, and data analytics into the agricultural low-altitude economy. They also plan to foster service industries related to aerial applications, establishing national education and training hubs for the low-altitude economy in agriculture.

The development of the agricultural low-altitude economy will also rely on strong foundational infrastructure. Going forward, Zhejiang aims to build quick-charging stations for drones in fields and forests, as well as centralized hubs for drone operations that handle take-offs, landings, charging, and storage. Additionally, the province will enhance departmental cooperations to set rural transport routes and develop tourism flight paths while addressing obstacles to low-altitude operations through systematic rural planning.

Finally, Wang noted that the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs plans to enhance policy support, such as increasing subsidies for social services related to agricultural drones, while focusing on training drone operators and attracting skilled labor through modern “new farmer” initiatives.

In a recent interview, we explored the intriguing themes of Olga Tokarczuk’s The Empusium, a novel that offers a unique take on Thomas Mann’s iconic work, The Magic Mountain. Tokarczuk describes her book as a “retelling” set in the haunting Silesian settlement of Görbersdorf, which serves as the inspiration for Mann’s sanatorium in Davos. The story follows Mieczysław Wojnicz, a 24-year-old sanitation engineer with a mild case of tuberculosis. However, it soon becomes clear that he grapples with a more obscure medical dilemma that has shadowed him throughout his life.

Unlike Mann’s protagonist, Hans Castorp, who arrives for a brief holiday and ends up staying for seven years, Mieczysław’s stay at Görbersdorf is succinct. Perhaps Tokarczuk, having already penned a lengthy epic in The Books of Jacob, opted for brevity this time. Yet, The Empusium, expertly translated from Polish by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, is rich with familiar references from The Magic Mountain, including its playful narrator, vivid culinary descriptions, homoerotic undercurrents, and the ominous backdrop of early 20th-century European culture poised on the brink of the First World War.

As the narrative unfolds, it morphs beyond a mere retelling into a uniquely surreal experience. Reflecting its subtitle, A Health Resort Horror Story, The Empusium delves into familiar tropes: eerie old women, unsettling local residents, bizarre conduct at Mieczysław’s guesthouse, and mysterious noises emanating from the attic that allude to the unsettling truth that not everyone at the sanatorium is merely suffering from illness.

Intriguingly, local folklore describes the forests around Görbersdorf as being haunted by insane women who have a penchant for violence. This ties back to the book’s title, with empousa — demons from Greek mythology — who appear in female forms and prey on young men. Mieczysław’s fellow guests, August August and Longin Lukas, echo Mann’s characters Settembrini and Naphta; they engage in endless philosophical debates, yet their conversations inevitably converge on their shared disdain for women. An afterword in the novel connects their viewpoints to the works of several great European thinkers, including Plato and Nietzsche.

Throughout the novel, striking imagery prevails — from a toad perched on a mound of potatoes to life-size female puppets known as tuntschi scattered in the woods, crafted by charcoal burners. These puppets are eerily constructed from natural materials, hauntingly resembling a disembodied female form that invites a closer, albeit unsettling look.

However, while The Empusium presents horror elements, it diverges from the standard genre expectations by not providing the usual narrative closure. The scenes sometimes feel abrupt, and key details surface in a disjointed manner. For instance, the whimsical character Mister Jig, a figment of Mieczysław’s childhood imagination, is introduced early on but is not fully explained until much later, adding to the novel’s unconventional structure.

Tokarczuk seems to intentionally weave these layers of narrative disorder, hinting at a larger message about the complexity of human experience. A conversation between Mieczysław and his friend Thilo underscores this sentiment, suggesting that the confusion they encounter reflects a broader truth about memory and alliances. Later in the story, a character boldly challenges Mieczysław to reject simplistic categorizations of right and wrong, reinforcing the idea that reality exists in myriad shades of nuance.

In essence, The Empusium invites readers into a thought-provoking exploration of perception and identity, echoing Thilo’s assertion that one can sink into a “strange state of mind” within Görbersdorf — a fitting description for Tokarczuk’s captivating work. Would you say that’s an appropriate encapsulation of The Empusium’s themes and narrative style? The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk, translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, is published by Fitzcarraldo.

Analysts suggest that ASML’s disappointing performance is unrelated to Nvidia’s results. On Tuesday, October 15, shares of US semiconductor stocks took a significant hit, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropping over 5% and Nvidia’s stock falling by 4.5%. However, a recent analysis from Barron’s indicates that the drop in Nvidia’s stock may be an overreaction from investors, as a closer examination of Nvidia’s business outlook suggests that such a sharp decline isn’t justified.

Earlier on Tuesday, ASML briefly posted its latest financial results on its website ahead of the scheduled announcement on Wednesday. The report revealed a downward revision of its net sales forecast for 2025 to between €30 billion ($32.7 billion) and €35 billion, which is below the market expectation of €35.8 billion.

In the previous quarter, ASML reported an order volume of €2.63 billion, which fell short of market estimates by about half.

ASML is known for producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment, a critical tool for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, with clients including TSMC, Samsung, and Intel.

In a press release, ASML CEO Peter Wennink said, “While AI continues to show strong growth and has significant upside potential, other market segments are taking longer to recover. It’s now clear that the recovery is more gradual than previously anticipated, and we expect this situation to persist into 2025, leading to a cautious outlook from our customers.” He added that “the competitive foundry environment has slowed the ramp-up of new nodes for certain clients, displacing several fabs and altering the timeline for demand in exposure, particularly for EUV.” Consequently, ASML’s stock price plummeted by 16%.

Barron’s analysis highlighted that ASML’s weak performance is primarily related to the logic chip segment rather than AI. The report noted that ASML has indicated strong demand driven by AI, while the softness is rooted in the logic chip market, likely influenced by Intel’s reductions in capital expenditure amid a painful restructuring process.

Henry Ren, a Bloomberg reporter, pointed out that ASML’s lackluster performance could stem from Intel’s capital spending cuts. Additionally, the recent decline in memory chip prices has caused caution among manufacturers. Ren also mentioned that demand for chip equipment in China may be cooling after a period of excess inventory. However, these factors appear to be unrelated to AI demand.

Nvidia has consistently stated that demand for its AI GPUs remains robust. Earlier this month, Nvidia assured investors that even with a significant increase in supply this year, “demand continues to outstrip supply.”

Last week, Nvidia executives announced that their Blackwell GPU products are “already booked up for the next 12 months,” implying that new customers placing orders now would not receive products until the end of next year.

Nvidia’s flagship Blackwell AI server system is currently being shipped. On Tuesday, Dell announced that its PowerEdge XE9712, built on Nvidia’s GB200 NVL72 system, “is now providing samples to specific customers.”

The NVL72 is a standout product in Nvidia’s Blackwell lineup, connecting 36 GB200 super chips, each linking two Blackwell GPUs to Nvidia’s Grace CPU for enhanced operational efficiency. This means every NVL72 system comprises 72 interconnected Blackwell GPUs, delivering unprecedented computational power. Earlier this year, KeyBanc reported that the NVL72’s price is approximately $3.8 million, representing the vast majority of Nvidia’s GB200 shipments.

Thus, Barron’s conclusion suggests that ASML’s business situation doesn’t have a direct correlation with Nvidia’s performance.