In an exhilarating showcase of talent, the Shanghai Super Cup continued its second day at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, where the Chinese team proudly secured two gold medals in short track speed skating.

The day’s events kicked off with the men’s and women’s 1500-meter races. In the women’s A final, China fielded a formidable lineup that included Zang Yize, Hao Weiying, Zhang Jianing, and Zhang Chutong, going head-to-head with South Korea’s top competitor, Lee Yubin. The race saw an intense back-and-forth battle for the lead between the Chinese and South Korean skaters. As they approached the final three laps, Lee made a bold move from the outside, decisively pulling ahead to claim victory with a time of 2 minutes, 28.657 seconds, thereby securing the championship. Zang Yize followed closely behind to take the silver medal.

In the men’s A final, China was represented by Zhu Yiding, Li Kun, Zhang Baihao, and Zhang Tianyi. The competition was fierce, with skaters frequently swapping positions in the early laps. However, in the second half of the race, Zhu Yiding seized control, maintaining his lead and crossing the finish line in a remarkable 2 minutes, 27.440 seconds to win the gold medal.

Another highlight of the day was the mixed relay 2000-meter event, where both the Chinese and South Korean teams battled it out throughout the race. Ultimately, the Chinese team demonstrated excellent teamwork, finishing first in 2 minutes, 42.600 seconds to secure yet another gold medal.

On October 9, the Altay and Tacheng regions of Xinjiang mesmerized both locals and tourists with a stunning display of the aurora borealis. Captivated visitors, including avid aurora enthusiasts, documented the magical moments with their cameras.

This breathtaking phenomenon was set in motion by a major solar event that occurred on October 3 at 8:18 PM, when the sun unleashed a powerful X9.0 class flare. This marked the strongest solar explosion since September 6, 2017, and represented the most intense flare of the current solar cycle.

An active sun often leads to stronger geomagnetic storms, which are responsible for the creation of auroras. On October 4, the National Space Weather Monitoring and Early Warning Center forecasted that auroras could be visible in the northern regions of China – and possibly further south – over the following three days.

In the early hours of October 9, residents and visitors in Fukang County, Altay, were treated to breathtaking red auroras lighting up the sky. The morning prior, photographers in the Altay region captured stunning red and purple auroras at Ulungu Lake, with similar sightings reported from Tacheng.

Tourist Ni Linlin from Sichuan shared her experience: “After watching the film ‘My Altay,’ I was inspired to visit the region. Knowing there was a chance to see the auroras, I stayed up for several nights hoping for a glimpse.” She expressed her joy at finally witnessing the display on the morning of the 9th, describing it as “a vibrant red” that she was able to capture beautifully on camera.

This year has seen a notable increase in aurora sightings across China, a trend linked to the ongoing 25th solar cycle, which is expected to continue at its peak for the next year or so. The possibility of medium to high-intensity solar flares remains.

The Altay region previously experienced two spectacular auroral events in mid-May and mid-September, each garnering significant attention. Staff from the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have noted that it is quite normal for higher latitude areas like Xinjiang to witness auroras following solar flares.

Mariam Amini, an avid traveler and dedicated volunteer, shares her transformative experiences with charities, farms, and rural development projects. Her journey has been impactful not just for herself, but for anyone willing to dive in, no matter their background.

Mariam embarked on her first volunteering adventure at 22, during the summer of her junior year at university in 2018. Her journey commenced with a 10-week program organized by Raleigh International in Malaysian Borneo, which provided financial support to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“I was over the moon to be accepted into the program,” she recalls. “The bursary brought my fundraising target down from over £2,000 to just £800, which made it so much more attainable.”

After a grueling 18-hour journey, Mariam arrived in Kota Kinabalu, feeling drained yet excited. Sitting with fellow volunteers at the airport, fatigue began to fade, replaced by a palpable sense of adventure.

During their training, the volunteers were split into basecamp teams that would facilitate their roles in community projects, conservation efforts, and leadership treks in the jungle. Mariam vividly remembers the diversity within her group, which included participants from all corners of the globe.

A highlight of her experience was forming a strong bond with Christian, a manager sporting a light pink cap. They developed a close friendship while working on a conservation project in Danum Valley, where they focused on building a bridge for scientists studying the primary rainforest. “We weren’t thinking about anything romantic at that point; we built a solid friendship first,” she explains. Their connection deepened over the years, leading to marriage less than two years later.

“Strangers can quickly become friends in unfamiliar settings,” Mariam reflects. Since their Raleigh expedition, the couple has traveled to nearly 30 countries together, exploring regions from the Balkans to Latin America. Throughout their travels, volunteering has remained a central theme.

“Platforms like Workaway have connected us with local projects in various countries, from a permaculture farm in Malaysia to a coffee plantation in Nicaragua,” she notes. “Each project seemed perfectly timed, especially our visit to Pulau Bidan, a mostly uninhabited island in Malaysia just before the pandemic hit.”

Their weeks on Pulau Bidan were almost dreamlike, surrounded by nature, yet they were acutely aware of the pandemic unfolding around them. “We were the last volunteers on the island as Covid became a reality,” she recalls. “Eventually, we chose to return to the UK and stay with family during lockdown.”

In 2020, Mariam and Christian seized opportunities in Croatia for the olive harvest. They made the bold decision to leave the UK just before the second lockdown, leading to an eight-month journey through the Balkans. “By working with local communities, we traveled more sustainably and experienced each country authentically,” she explains.

Most recently, in January 2023, Mariam volunteered with Refugee Support in Cyprus, an experience that hit close to home, as her family had been refugees from Afghanistan. “After the Taliban’s return in 2021, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with my heritage,” she shares. “Working with Afghan refugees was overwhelming and healing, clarifying my vision for the future.”

Her time in Cyprus solidified her aspiration to pursue a career in journalism focused on preserving diaspora stories. “Volunteering changed my life path in countless ways—I met my husband, rekindled my faith, navigated lockdowns, and discovered my career direction through it,” she explains, emphasizing the rich rewards of stepping beyond comfort zones.

“Volunteering is an empowering experience that is accessible to everyone,” she concludes. “For those with financial challenges, organizations like Raleigh offer incredible support. There are opportunities in our own communities, just waiting to be explored.”

To follow Mariam and Christian’s travel and volunteering adventures, check them out on Instagram at @budget.backpackers.

In October, numerous regions across China are initiating a new wave of consumer vouchers designed to enhance the old-for-new exchange policy and maximize its positive economic impact.

For example, Henan Province is launching its “Golden Autumn Consumer Vouchers,” distributing them in four phases for use in dining, accommodations, entertainment, and more. The first batch of 50 million yuan was made available on October 2, with the second batch scheduled for release on October 11. Similarly, Hubei Province will distribute consumer vouchers worth 50 million yuan for 3C digital products over three rounds from October 1 to October 31. These vouchers will cover a range of items, including smartphones, digital cameras, smartwatches, learning devices, translation machines, and wireless Bluetooth headphones. In Shanghai, 30 million yuan in “Le Pin Shanghai” dining vouchers was issued on October 5 as part of a second batch, following an earlier release of 90 million yuan on September 28. Meanwhile, Sichuan Province aims to provide “Shu Li An Yi: Renewed Living” home improvement vouchers from October 10 to 19, which will encompass 12 types of home renovation products, nine categories of smart home devices, and six types of products designed for elder-friendly modifications.

In an interview, Hong Yong, an expert from the China Digital and Real Economy Integration Forum, emphasized that this round of consumer vouchers stands out because of its targeted approach and diversity. He explained that regions are crafting vouchers tailored to their unique industrial characteristics and consumer needs. For instance, Hubei is focusing on digital products, Sichuan is enhancing the old-for-new policy, and Shanghai is concentrating on the dining sector. Some regions are even creating vouchers specifically for elderly consumers.

The impact of these vouchers has been notable, with local economies reaping tangible rewards. For instance, data from Shanghai’s Municipal Commission of Commerce indicates a marked increase in restaurant bookings, customer traffic, and average spending due to the dining vouchers. During the Golden Week holiday, offline dining revenue in Shanghai soared to 8 billion yuan, reflecting substantial double-digit growth compared to the previous year.

Fu Yifu, a senior researcher at the Xingtu Financial Research Institute, discussed strategies for maximizing consumer engagement and enhancing the vouchers’ multiplier effect. He suggested optimizing the distribution mechanism to better align the design of the vouchers with residents’ purchasing preferences and the developmental needs of local industries. This approach would ensure precise targeting of various consumer groups. Fu also pointed out the importance of making the vouchers user-friendly to attract broader participation. Additionally, he recommended leveraging the internet and social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage usage, along with organizing themed activities to capture consumer interest.

Looking ahead, Hong Yong predicts that as consumer vouchers gain traction—particularly those focused on specific sectors like 3C digital products and the revitalization of the dining industry—sales in related fields are poised for significant increases. With the holiday shopping season approaching at the end of the year, these vouchers could further stimulate market activity and positively impact the overall economy, especially in sectors such as retail, tourism, and services, where a notable increase in consumer data is anticipated.

In conclusion, both experts are optimistic that the ongoing effectiveness of consumer stimulus policies, coupled with improved market sentiment, will likely bolster consumer confidence and potential. They foresee a rebound in the consumption market in October and throughout the fourth quarter.

As Brightline executives have traveled across the UK, France, Spain, and Japan, they’ve gleaned valuable insights into the rail industry. They emphasize the importance of selecting routes with minimal legal disputes and environmental impacts. Furthermore, they learned that the ideal rail service should be faster than air travel but long enough and attract a large enough ridership to persuade drivers to leave their cars behind.

Brightline estimates that the transport volume between Southern California and Las Vegas could reach 50 million passengers annually, exceeding the 40 million who drive. Chairman Patrick Goddard noted, “Drivers will pass our stations and see trains whizzing by at 220 miles per hour—it’s going to be an incredible sight.”

However, despite these promising projections, Brightline’s current ridership in Florida has yet to meet expectations. The service currently operates only between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Additionally, before the route to Orlando opens, the company reported a staggering loss of $190 million in the first nine months of 2023.

Brightline West faces even greater challenges. The two-hour journey from Las Vegas to Southern California involves navigating steep mountain passes, presenting both design and construction difficulties. Moreover, with the Cucamonga Valley located 40 miles from downtown Los Angeles, travelers will either need to take a lengthy Metro ride or drive for one to two hours to reach their destination.

From a business perspective, Goddard made it clear that while there won’t be a price increase in the short run, the ultimate goal is to charge $400 for a round-trip ticket. This raises questions about whether Biden’s high-speed rail vision will be accessible for the average American.

This year’s National Day holiday witnessed a remarkable increase in cross-border travel, making Xinjiang a go-to destination for many visitors. What do you attribute this surge to?

Well, the thanks go to some really convenient customs procedures and an array of visa-exempt policies that have made traveling easier than ever. Can you share some statistics that highlight this trend?

Absolutely! According to the Xinjiang Entry-Exit Border Inspection General Station, by 5 PM on October 7, we saw over 48,000 individuals screened at various ports, which is a striking 76.95% increase from last year. The number of transportation vehicles checked also climbed to 17,400, marking a 62% rise. Are there specific ports that are particularly bustling?

Yes, indeed! Ports like Urumqi and Horgos have experienced a significant influx of travelers. What measures have you put in place to accommodate this growing number of visitors?

To ensure both safety and efficiency at customs, we’ve deployed adequate police personnel across all ports and opened multiple inspection channels. These efforts are all geared toward enhancing the overall travel experience for our visitors.

As the movement for the legalization of recreational and medical cannabis gains momentum across the United States, many states are starting to address cannabis-related driving offenses in a way that mirrors existing laws for alcohol-induced intoxication.

A recent ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court has sparked significant attention by stating that the mere smell of burnt cannabis does not provide police with enough reason to conduct a warrantless vehicle search. This makes Illinois the sixth state supreme court to come to such a conclusion, standing in stark contrast to the ruling from the Wisconsin Supreme Court just a year prior, which affirmed that the scent of cannabis could indeed serve as probable cause for a search. This divergence underscores the patchwork of cannabis laws across the country; while recreational cannabis is legal in Illinois, Wisconsin maintains its prohibition.

The authority for police to conduct warrantless searches dates back to the 1920s during alcohol prohibition. A pivotal 1925 Supreme Court decision determined that officers had the right to search vehicles based on probable cause regarding illegal alcohol. This principle persisted beyond prohibition, allowing law enforcement to act on suspicions of impaired driving.

Paula Savchenko, an attorney and founding partner at Cannacore, which aids cannabis businesses in acquiring licenses, highlights a growing trend in legalized states where courts are acknowledging the legality of cannabis while simultaneously criminalizing driving under its influence. “When officers investigate a driver for DUI, the smell of alcohol is significant; however, they usually require additional evidence to substantiate their suspicions,” she explains.

The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision recognizes the smell of cannabis as a contributing factor for establishing probable cause, but it also asserts that it cannot stand alone as the basis for a search. Will Garriot, a law professor at Drake University, comments, “For a long time, the odor of cannabis has been a key enforcement tool for police.” In the past, the illegality of cannabis made its smell a valid justification for searches, but with changing laws, the bar for probable cause has been raised.

Consequently, officers are now tasked with identifying other signs that may indicate a driver is impaired by cannabis, especially given that, unlike alcohol, there is no widely accepted test similar to a breathalyzer specifically for cannabis use.

Specifically addressing the term “burnt cannabis,” the Illinois Supreme Court ruling also reflects the state laws that require drivers to carry cannabis in odor-proof containers. Across the nation, various local regulations mandate cannabis users to mitigate the smell of their products; for example, Minnesota recently enacted a law prohibiting cannabis use in multi-family housing.

Christopher Strunk, an attorney specializing in cannabis and environmental regulation, cautions against these types of laws, suggesting they can lead to unnecessary complications. “In my opinion, there isn’t a justifiable reason for such regulations. Unless you are very close to it, the odor from cannabis is not particularly overpowering,” Strunk asserts. He adds that these laws can provide a pretext for strict enforcement in municipalities or regions opposed to cannabis.

Moreover, such regulations can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including individuals facing homelessness and communities of color.

Savchenko notes that other industries producing odors, such as wineries and breweries, face similar regulatory scrutiny. For instance, Vermont has mandated air pollution control permits for hard cider and whiskey distilleries.

While laws targeting individual cannabis consumers may be selectively enforced, broader environmental regulations like the Clean Air Act apply universally to all industries that generate unpleasant odors, including cannabis production. Savchenko observes that in some states, cannabis businesses are required to submit odor control plans prior to receiving their licenses.

Nevertheless, odor issues from cannabis facilities continue to create tension within communities. Strunk refers to an ongoing legal battle in Santa Barbara County, known for being responsible for 40% of California’s cannabis production. Residents in Carpinteria have initiated a class-action lawsuit, claiming that noxious odors from adjacent cannabis operations are diminishing their property values. They are advocating for the installation of expensive carbon scrubbers to alleviate the offensive smells.

“Ultimately, any business that emits unpleasant odors could potentially violate the law and face enforcement actions,” Garriot explains. “However, not every complaint leads to action, and many residents are willing to tolerate odors from businesses that significantly contribute to their local economies.”

As the harvest season approaches its conclusion, Yingcheng in Hubei Province witnesses the bustling activity of harvesters across 390,000 acres of glutinous rice. In Mayan Village, Yanghe Town, the atmosphere is alive with workers efficiently cutting, threshing, and returning crushed straw to the fields in one fluid motion. “We’re anticipating a yield of around 1,300 pounds per acre, which translates to a net income of approximately 500 yuan per acre,” shares Wu Qiangguo, head of a family farm that has cultivated 600 acres of glutinous rice.

Yingcheng’s agricultural success can be attributed to significant advancements in land leveling, irrigation infrastructure, and transportation systems, resulting in the establishment of 677,500 acres of high-standard farmland. This has not only stabilized the agricultural foundation but also reinforced the region’s rural development.

With these elevated farming standards, Yingcheng is transitioning from smallholder farming to large-scale agricultural operations. The mechanization rate for key crops, including glutinous rice, has surged to 83.6%. This shift is enhancing operational scale, crop quality, and profitability.

Yingcheng epitomizes Hubei’s goal of developing a higher standard “Jingchu Granary.” In the Qianxiang Rice Demonstration Zone in Mashan Town, Jingzhou District, farmers are actively harvesting high-quality rice varieties, essential for Hubei’s premium rice brand, Jianghan Rice. Villager Lou Bing from Manan Village expresses optimism, stating, “We can boost our income by 300 to 400 yuan per acre, and I aim to expand my planting area next year.”

This increase in production and income stems from the successful breeding of new rice varieties and the adoption of a “contract farming” model. “We’ve developed superior rice varieties suitable for Hubei through modern molecular breeding and anther culture techniques,” explains Guo Ying, director of the Grain Crop Research Institute at the Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Since 2022, the region has introduced 15 new crop varieties that have received national approval, while over 100 million yuan has been invested by the provincial government to establish a medium-term gene bank for both crop and animal genetic resources, expected to be completed this year.

At the Qiang Ni Ba lotus root planting base in Honghu City, “new farmer” Wang Wenjuan begins her day early, live streaming the journey from harvesting to shipping. These fresh lotus roots are delivered to diners across the country within just two days. Over the past five years, “Honghu Lotus Root” has grown from a new entry to a recognized brand. Recently, it has achieved provincial-level public brand status, with an ambitious target of reaching an annual output value of 10 billion yuan next year.

Hubei has rolled out a series of initiatives, including “Ten Measures for Shrimp,” “Seven Measures for Eels,” “Ten Measures for Tea,” and “Nine Measures for Rice,” to foster regional public brands like Qianjiang Shrimp, Xiantao Eel, Chutian Tea, and Jianghan Rice. The total output value for Qianjiang Shrimp has soared to 75 billion yuan, with Xiantao Eel making up nearly half of the national supply. An increasing number of agricultural brands from Jingchu are making significant strides in their growth.

According to the Hubei Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of October 7, the province has harvested 80% of its autumn grain, with mid-season rice collection exceeding 24 million acres.

Earlier today, I had the chance to delve into a fascinating puzzle that has sparked significant interest within the academic community due to its surprising outcomes. Let’s revisit the puzzle and explore its intriguing solution.

In this scenario, we have two players, Andrew and Barbara, who are faced with a grid containing fifteen boxes arranged as follows:

[Insert Image]

Prizes are hidden in two randomly selected boxes. Andrew searches the boxes row by row in the order A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, while Barbara takes a column-by-column approach, checking in the order A, F, K, B, G, L, C, H, M, D, I, N, J, O.

This raises a compelling question: if Andrew and Barbara open their boxes simultaneously on every turn—starting with A for both in the first round, then B for Andrew and F for Barbara in the second, and so on—who has a better chance of finding a prize first?

a) Andrew
b) Barbara
c) Both equally likely

The answer is a) Andrew.

At first glance, one might think both players have an equal chance of finding a prize, especially given that the boxes are selected at random. Indeed, if there were only one prize in a single box, they would have equal probabilities. However, the situation becomes more complex when two prizes are involved, as the game ends upon the discovery of the first prize.

Let’s analyze the scenario with a single prize. An illustration clarifies who would triumph based on the prize’s location. If the prize is in box A, H, or O, both players have an equal shot because they check those boxes simultaneously. In six boxes (turns 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10), Andrew has the upper hand, being the first to check, while Barbara secures six boxes as well (turns 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 12).

[Insert Image]

Now, considering the case with two prizes, if both prizes happen to be in boxes Andrew checks first, he wins. Conversely, if both are in boxes Barbara reaches first, she wins. While both scenarios are equally likely, the critical factor arises when one prize is in a box Andrew checks first and the other in a box Barbara checks. In this instance, Andrew has a slight advantage, as he tends to discover the prize earlier on average. For example, if a prize is hidden in box N—checked by Barbara on turn 12—she is guaranteed a loss since Andrew will have already claimed victory by turn 10.

This puzzle was initially posed by Timothy Chow in 2010 and gained popularity a few years later on StackExchange, with mathematician Gil Kalai recently discussing it on his blog. The intricacies of this puzzle capture the attention of professional mathematicians, many of whom find it challenging to intuitively understand Andrew’s advantage.

If anyone has a clear and intuitive explanation, I encourage you to share your insights in the comments.

I hope you enjoyed this brain teaser! I’ll return in two weeks with another challenge.

By the way, had I known about Chow’s puzzle sooner, I might have included it in my recent book, “Think Twice,” which features various counter-intuitive puzzles. The aim of the book is for readers to enjoy it individually and in groups, as these puzzles spark fantastic discussions and debates.

“Think Twice: Solve the simple puzzles (almost) everyone gets wrong” (Square Peg, £12.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, you can order through guardianbookshop.com, though delivery charges may apply.

Since 2015, I’ve been sharing puzzles here every other Monday and am always on the lookout for new and interesting ones. If you have suggestions, feel free to email me!

As users of original content increasingly express their discomfort, platforms seem to be setting themselves up for failure, despite the financial investments made by their audiences.

Recently, one frustrated user took to social media to share their dissatisfaction with iQIYI, stating, “I can’t stand the full-screen ads after pausing my membership.” In response, iQIYI’s customer service explained that although membership benefits reduce some pre-video ads, users will still encounter different types of advertisements while using the service. They noted, “Ads that appear after pausing cannot be closed; they go away once you click ‘continue watching.’ We’ve assigned a dedicated team to address these issues.”

This complaint struck a chord with many online users, particularly the notion of “ads upon pause,” which resonates with a wide range of viewers, including paying members. Influential figure Luo Yonghao even weighed in on Weibo, asking, “What kind of product manager designs this?” It raises the question of whether such design choices are indeed driven by product managers or if they stem from the company’s overarching business philosophy and a misunderstanding of user needs.

Let’s think about it: Who pauses a video to watch an ad? Typically, when a user hits pause, it’s to attend to something briefly, scrutinize a specific frame, or take a screenshot—only to be interrupted by an ad that disrupts their intent and may even tempt them to click on it.

With the rise of short videos, traditional long-video platforms are facing significant profitability challenges. While users are generally okay with platforms generating revenue, they don’t want to feel manipulated in the process. Boot-up ads previously sparked significant backlash, and when regulatory changes reduced such interruptions, platforms simply found new ways to insert ads—like during pauses—that leave consumers feeling exasperated.

User experience during content viewing is crucial, and persistent annoyances, such as ads that pop up during pauses, could push viewers to a breaking point where they consider leaving. Some users have even suggested that their frustrations might lead them to seek out pirated content. Here lies a critical question: Does this ecosystem genuinely protect original content?

In recent years, the proliferation of ads—whether they are opening ads, in-show placements, closing ads, or interruptions during pauses—has become a considerable nuisance for users. Just recently, iQIYI faced criticism when basic members discovered they couldn’t skip a 120-second opening ad. The various membership tiers often confuse users about what level of “prestige membership” is needed to enjoy a truly ad-free experience, leaving them bewildered by unexpected advertising interruptions.

Ultimately, advertisements should not obstruct the enjoyment of video content. The concept of an “ad fortress” is unlikely to create a healthy environment for protecting intellectual property or fostering sustainable profits. As the experience of consuming original content grows more cumbersome and frustrating, platforms risk alienating their users to an irretrievable point. Once consumers decide to leave, regaining their trust becomes a monumental challenge; only genuine practices will earn their loyalty.

In the British series “Black Mirror,” one episode depicts a future where people navigate an “advertisement era,” earning points—similar to digital currency—by cycling and watching ads, with those nearing a low point forced to consume even more advertisements. This dystopian vision underscores the reality most of us want to avoid, emphasizing the critical need to prevent such a future from materializing, starting now.