Month: October 2024

Since its release on September 30, “The Volunteer Army: The Battle of Survival” has sparked considerable excitement among audiences across China. On October 1, a special screening for the China News Network was held at Chengdu’s Eying 1958 Cinema.

Directed by Chen Kaige, the film centers on the fifth campaign of the Korean War, specifically focusing on the intense battle at Iron Field. During this conflict, the 63rd Army was assigned a crucial task to safeguard the relocation and rest of hundreds of thousands of volunteer troops. Around 25,000 soldiers faced nearly 50,000 “UN troops,” engaging in fierce combat for 12 consecutive days and nights. Their tenacity successfully repelled numerous enemy assaults, which played a vital role in protecting the rear bases of the volunteer army and ensuring stability on the Korean front.

On the first day of the National Day holiday, dozens of viewers gathered at the Chengdu cinema to reflect on this pivotal event from more than 70 years ago. Many were profoundly moved by the gripping battle scenes and the patriotic spirit displayed by the volunteer soldiers, with some shedding tears during the film. After the screening, local elementary school teacher Huang Kaiwen shared his emotional response, stating that the stories of the volunteer army reinforced his appreciation for today’s hard-won peace. “I have to tell my students that their comfortable lives today are a result of the sacrifices made by those who came before us. We must remember their contributions to our country.”

For 94-year-old Yang Zhenjie from Chengdu, the film stirred memories of his early years. Following high school, he worked as a teacher in Korea and Tianjin, tutoring volunteer soldiers. The inspiring tales of bravery and resilience he encountered have stayed with him. “I taught one soldier who, after being injured in battle, pushed his intestines back in place and continued to fight in Korea after recovering,” he reminisced.

Another local resident, Yue Haiquan, brought his elementary school-aged son to the screening. “Today is a significant day, and as a parent, I want my child to understand history and feel a sense of national pride,” he explained. Yue mentioned that his grandfather was a volunteer soldier, and he grew up listening to his grandfather’s stories from the Korean War. “My grandfather would often show me his medals and share moving tales from the battlefield, helping me grasp the spirit of the Korean War deeply. This generation of youth must not forget this part of our history.”

“The Volunteer Army: The Battle of Survival” marks the second installment in Chen Kaige’s trilogy about the volunteer army, following “The Volunteer Army: The Brave Offensive,” which premiered just before the 2023 National Day and became a box office success. As of 1:26 PM today, online sources indicate that the film has grossed over 129 million yuan, making it the top new release during the National Day holiday.

In an interview with a representative from the Chinese Ministry of Transport on October 8, we discovered that the recent National Day holiday, from October 1 to 7, saw a remarkable total of 2.003 billion inter-regional trips. This translates to an average of approximately 28.62 million trips per day, indicating a 3.9% increase compared to the same period last year, and an impressive 23.1% rise compared to 2019.

Diving deeper into the numbers, railway travel accounted for 131.25 million trips, averaging 18.75 million per day, which marks a 6.3% increase from 2023. Waterway travel also saw a boost, with 9.8 million passenger trips recorded—an average of 1.4 million per day, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year. Air travel was also on the rise, as 16.1 million passengers took to the skies, averaging nearly 2.30 million per day, representing an 11.1% jump from last year.

The road network experienced a staggering 1.846 billion trips, averaging 26.37 million daily, up by 3.7% from the previous year. Notably, non-commercial small passenger vehicle trips on highways and regular national and provincial roads accounted for about 1.585 billion of those trips, averaging 22.65 million per day, a rise of 3.8% compared to 2023. On the other hand, commercial road passenger transport logged 26.08 million trips, averaging 3.73 million per day, showing a 2.8% increase from last year.

This surge in travel highlights a significant recovery and growth within China’s transportation sector, showcasing a positive trend in domestic travel.

Cecilia Zhao has been volunteering at a palliative care center in Toronto, Canada, every two weeks for nearly a year now. Despite having a full-time job and two young children at home, Cecilia sees her time at the center as a profoundly enriching experience, one that allows her to accompany residents through the final stages of their lives. “It may seem dark and draining,” she reflects, “but it’s actually a nurturing process that has given me many enlightening moments.”

Over the past few years, Cecilia has lost several elderly family members, pushing her to contemplate how to approach death in a more meaningful way. Among those losses were two relatives who battled cancer. One received aggressive treatment but eventually slipped away without being mentioned by family afterward; the other’s wishes were honored, offering a more comfortable and even celebratory farewell, allowing family members to reminisce joyfully about their time together. This juxtaposition sparked Cecilia’s desire to understand the workings of a palliative care center.

After undergoing training, she became a “Resident and Family Support” volunteer at the local center last August, where she provides emotional support and companionship to residents and their families. The experience has surprisingly nourished her spirit in return. She recalls meeting a resident who loved to chat and share her observations about the flowers and trees outside the window. It wasn’t until a nurse entered the room that Cecilia realized this resident was unable to move from the neck down. “She said, ‘In the past, my time was always about others. Now, my time is all mine. I can lie here and quietly appreciate everything outside.’ This was a wake-up call for me—where I focus my attention is a choice I can make.”

Cecilia’s children, an eight-year-old and a soon-to-be-four-year-old, have also been impacted by her volunteering experience. Inspired by the residents, she reevaluated how she reacts when her kids get on her nerves. “Every time I come home from the center, I’m reminded that I can choose to focus on what bothers me about them or on how adorable they are. It’s all about doing the inner work to find happiness in life,” she says, reflecting on her experiences.

People often associate palliative care centers with sadness and darkness, but Cecilia offers a different perspective. While it’s true that residents come and go quickly—80% turnover in just two weeks—she has witnessed many moments filled with peace and love. She describes how families have lovingly decorated rooms for their loved ones during holidays or organized special music events to honor them. One of the most memorable experiences for Cecilia was a thirty-something cancer patient who used her last bits of energy to cherish her children. “She would hold off on pain medication just to have a half-hour of playtime with them, focusing on being present in her best state possible. That deeply moved me.”

Despite her bi-weekly volunteer commitment, Cecilia’s schedule is incredibly packed. Alongside her full-time role as an audit accountant, she juggles caring for her young children, participates in various charitable activities, plays the guzheng, takes pole dancing lessons, and organizes a Chinese book club. She laughs at the inquiry about her time management skills. “I’ve finally found my life’s purpose in the past couple of years, which has clarified why I felt so drained before. Working in audit at a big company was exhausting, and when my children were born, I felt even more stressed and anxious, prompting me to slow down and reflect on my life.” She discovered that engaging in meaningful interactions at work was a source of nourishment, so she shifted to the training department for a better work-life balance, allowing her to pursue activities that recharge her energy—like volunteering at the palliative care center.

“I’ve come to understand that my life goal is to inspire growth, both for others and for myself. Gradually, I’ve developed my own energy management manual; it’s more crucial than time management. With every depleting task, I make sure to add something that replenishes my energy. This approach helps me control my energy levels throughout the day.”

Now, another avenue Cecilia has found for nourishing herself and others is through life coaching. She shares her insights and experiences with her clients, offering advice on work-related issues and conflicts in intimate relationships. Those interested in learning more about Cecilia can reach out via her website at https://www.ceciliazhaocoaching.com/.

Are you still turning to Yelp for the best food finds? That approach might be falling behind the times. If you’re looking to discover the hottest and most tantalizing dishes in New York City, social media, especially TikTok, has emerged as the go-to platform for uncovering local dining treasures.

According to the New York Post, TikTok user Rachel Brotman has played a key role in putting various dishes on the viral map through her engaging videos. She pointed out how a single post can make a dish explode in popularity overnight, sometimes even reviving a restaurant’s fortunes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the exciting culinary hotspots she and others in the TikTok community have shared with hungry New Yorkers:

1. **Fedoroff’s Roast Pork:** Nestled in Williamsburg, this Philadelphia-inspired eatery is famous for its juicy cheesesteaks and decadent roast pork sandwiches. With an astonishing 44.5 million views on her TikTok, it’s clear why this place is a beloved local haunt. Owners Dave and Stella Fedoroff bring authentic South Philly flavors to every sandwich.

2. **Adel’s Famous Halal Food:** If you stroll down Sixth Avenue and spot a food truck with a serpentine line, it’s probably Adel’s. Their hearty to-go boxes filled with tender beef, lamb, fried rice, and mouthwatering sauces have made them an absolute staple. Toronto native Clement Leung called it “an incredible combination” after braving an hour-long wait in the rain.

3. **Ess-a-Bagel:** Known for their iconic poppy seed bagels, this spot has sparked a love for classic New York fare among TikTok users. Alongside generous toppings, their long morning lines have become a trademark. Curious about the appeal? There are plenty of videos offering insider tips on skipping those pesky waits.

4. **Pasta de Pasta:** Located in the East Village, this place offers handmade cream cheese pasta for just $9, attracting food lovers from far and wide. Brotman pointed out that fresh, al dente pasta often comes at a steeper price, making this gem a rare find.

5. **Ceremonia Bakeshop:** Home to what many claim is the best breakfast burrito in New York, stuffed with savory sausage and hearty potatoes, this bakeshop has earned glowing reviews. The owners, a Dominican Republic and Vietnam couple, have curated a menu that celebrates their rich culinary backgrounds.

6. **Fellini Coffee:** Named after the iconic Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, this coffee shop, with several locations around the city, has been dubbed one of the coolest coffee spots in New York. Owner Franco Noriega, a former athlete and model from Peru, delights customers with his inventive drinks, including tiramisu lattes and protein coffee that keep everyone buzzing.

7. **L’Industrie:** Recognized by the prestigious 50 Top Pizza as one of the best pizzerias in the world, this beloved spot has also won over TikTok users. Owner Massimo Laveglia shuns social media, opting instead to focus on sourcing top-quality ingredients for his pies.

8. **Ariston Coffee Bar:** This floral-inspired cafe, inundated with the rich aroma of coffee, left a lasting impression on Kari Dowiak, who described it as the quintessential coffee and flower shop. Her TikTok video received 100,000 likes and over 600,000 views.

9. **Thisbowl:** Brotman admitted she never thought New Yorkers would queue for hours for a salad, but the Noho location of Fish Bowl, which boasts over 45 spots in Australia, has drawn crowds with its fresh ingredients and protein-packed meals.

10. **Lil Sweet Treat:** Open for just under a month, this charming mini-shop, run by food influencer Elly Ross, has quickly captured hearts with its vibrant Swedish candies. One video from top fan Ella Kahan boasted 125,000 likes.

So, if you find yourself in New York City, make sure to explore these trending eateries—they just might become your new favorites!

On September 30, a significant partnership was announced between the Xinjiang Guanghui Basketball Club and the 12th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. During a signing ceremony, it was confirmed that the Wuyi New District Cultural and Sports Center will be the home venue for the Xinjiang men’s basketball team in the first phase of the upcoming season.

Covering an impressive 35,000 square meters, the Wuyi New District Cultural and Sports Center is a multifunctional facility that can accommodate up to 8,000 spectators.

At the ceremony, Hu Sanhu, a member of the Party Standing Committee and deputy head of the 12th Division, emphasized the strategic advantages of the venue’s location. “The 12th Division is centrally located between Urumqi and Changji and is right next to the Urumqi-Changji Expressway, making it easily accessible. Our goal with this partnership is not just to successfully host CBA events, but also to promote ‘sports + tourism’ and drive development in the surrounding regions,” he remarked.

Guo Jian, chairman of the Xinjiang Guanghui Basketball Club, shared his enthusiasm for the new venue. “We are eager to showcase the outstanding sports facilities in the Wuyi New District and ensure that fans from all ethnic backgrounds in Xinjiang have the opportunity to attend our games. Furthermore, our club is committed to providing support and services related to public transportation and parking for our attendees.”

With the 2024-2025 CBA season on the horizon, the Xinjiang men’s basketball team is gearing up for their first home game against the Jiangsu Kentier Basketball Team on October 13.

From a young age, Sif Steendahl Grandorf dreamed of a career in furniture design and crafting, a passion that started with just cardboard and tape. Growing up on a commune, she was surrounded by adults who were always building and repairing, immersing her in creativity. The old workshop doors were always open, and a basement filled with colorful paint pots offered her endless opportunities to explore her imagination. “I spent countless hours creating model landscapes and cities,” Grandorf recalls. “Before long, my cardboard and tape transformed into wood and screws.”

“I’ve always aimed to create immersive room experiences by designing furniture and interiors, but I often struggled to find a place that balanced both innovative design and practical craftsmanship,” she shares. Her love for rearranging furniture and styling spaces began in her childhood home, where she would frequently freshen up her siblings’ rooms and eventually reimagine her parents’ house entirely. “Even when I travel, my first instinct is to reorganize my surroundings to fit my personal style,” she adds.

Now, living in a lively home with her partner Mathias and their two young children, Grandorf has turned her living space into a dynamic playground of creativity. She has designed nearly every piece of furniture in their 75 m² apartment, emphasizing both space maximization and functionality. Recently, the apartment underwent a significant color makeover, as Grandorf sought a bold contrast to her typical pastel palette. “Our home is bursting with color,” she explains. “These vibrant hues stimulate our senses, energizing us and creating a lively atmosphere.”

One of her initial design decisions was to eliminate all doors except for those in the kitchen and bathroom. A long bench she created using drawer modules from a Danish furniture supplier lines one wall. Additionally, she custom-designed a “settle box” to achieve the ideal sitting height. A round table purchased online can comfortably seat up to 30 guests, reflecting the warm and inviting spirit of the home. Above the table, a delicate pink Murano glass lamp adds a touch of charm to the room.

Decorating the wall above the dining area are various prints, including a photograph by Stefan Wesse and a poster from a Marsden Hartley exhibition. Large sloping windows in the sitting room allow light to stream in, creating an inviting ambiance. “I love to think about all the people who have looked out of this window over the years,” she reflects, sharing the story behind the old window salvaged from a villa in Frederiksberg.

In the sitting room, a distinctive bookcase—composed of smaller modules arranged at different angles—holds an impressive collection of glass art and children’s toys. A refurbished glass lamp hangs below, showcasing Grandorf’s talent for discovering treasures at flea markets. Meanwhile, the corridor features a charming wicker chair sourced from @bohemehjem.

Grandorf and her family share their bedroom, where she designed a multifunctional sofa that can be configured in various ways: as a corner sofa, an elongated four-meter-long sofa, or even a large double bed for guests. “It also provides storage for visitors’ duvets and for all of Mathias’s books waiting to be shelved,” she details. To the delight of her children—and herself—there’s a swing in the living room that brings daily joy.

Her colorful home is an ever-evolving canvas. “I thrive on change,” she admits. “Whenever I have a new idea, I act quickly. I rarely adhere to a fixed plan, and often, the results are completely different just a month later.” Adaptations to the bedroom to accommodate her growing family have become second nature. Luckily, Mathias fully supports her creative endeavors. “For years, he’s encouraged me with: ‘Just do it – go for it!’ whenever I propose a new idea. He understands that transformation is my passion.”

In a recent conversation, we explored the surging popularity of Stephen Curry’s signature “Night-Night” celebration, which has captivated fans especially after his impressive performance at the Paris Olympics. There, Curry played a crucial role in helping the U.S. men’s basketball team clinch the gold medal. Following the game, he celebrated with the same gesture, further cementing its iconic status. In fact, Curry has even sought trademark protection for the celebration in both the EU and the U.S.

Since the Golden State Warriors’ championship run in 2022, the “Night-Night” celebration, where Curry places his palms together at the side of his tilted head, has created a buzz among fans and energized arenas across the country.

In the Olympic final against France, Curry truly shined in the last two minutes of the game, delivering four pivotal three-pointers that dashed the host nation’s comeback hopes. This celebration not only resonated with fans but also sparked inspiration among other stars, including LeBron James, who began to mimic the move. During the Olympics, Curry led his team in scoring, averaging 14.8 points per game, along with 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He has now joined an elite group of just five players in NBA history to have won at least four NBA championships, two MVP awards, and an Olympic gold medal, standing alongside legends like LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell.

Curry’s celebration has transcended basketball and permeated popular culture, influencing icons worldwide. Just a couple of weeks ago, soccer legend Lionel Messi mirrored the celebration after scoring twice for Inter Miami. Meanwhile, golfer Kim Si Woo adopted the gesture after sinking a tricky putt during the Presidents Cup. Even Warriors coach Steve Kerr got in on the action during a speech at the Democratic National Convention, stating, “Come November, we can tell Trump ‘Night-Night.’”

Recently, collectibles company Fanatics launched a jersey featuring Curry alongside the French word for “night,” “NUIT. NUIT.” Following this, Curry officially registered the “Night-Night” trademark. At the Warriors media day, he remarked on how finishing plays with this gesture amplifies the energy in the arena.

Brandon Podziemski, a second-year player with the Warriors, has had a front-row seat to Curry’s talents both in practice and in games. Reflecting on the Olympic gold medal game, he said, “I really thought this is Curry at his best; he was in the zone, and I didn’t know what would happen next. You just give him the ball and let him do his thing. I see that happen all the time in practice; he just lets his body take over.”

To celebrate Curry’s first Olympic gold medal, the Warriors plan to distribute bobblehead dolls of him to the first 10,000 fans at their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on November 11th, with 1,500 of those featuring a unique gold spray paint variant randomly mixed in.

On October 2nd, the Chinese team secured a convincing victory over South Korea, winning 110 to 69 at the 2024 Yonex World Junior Badminton Championships held at the Nanchang International Sports Center in Jiangxi. This win guaranteed their place in the quarter-finals as the top team in Group A.

The tournament features both team and individual events, with China competing in Group A alongside South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Ghana. In the first two days of team matches, China advanced without contest after Ghana withdrew and then went on to defeat both Hong Kong and Australia.

As China faced South Korea on the third day, Lin Xiangyi took to the court, competing in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He teamed up with Hu Keyuan for the opening men’s doubles match, where they dominated the South Korean pair of Lee Hyung-woo and Park Kyeon-ho, winning easily with a score of 11-2. Xu Wenjing followed this up in the women’s singles, helping China build a solid 22-10 lead by the end of the second match. The mixed doubles round presented more of a challenge, with Lin Xiangyi and Liu Yuanyuan feeling pressure from Lee Hyung-woo and Kim So-hee, but they managed to finish with a slim lead of 33-20.

In the fourth and fifth matches, China further widened their lead, concluding the first five rounds with a score of 55-29. The following five matches continued in the same fashion, ultimately leading China to a decisive final score of 110 to 69 against South Korea.

In a post-match interview, Xu Wenjing commented, “This format has been a great test for us. No matter the system, our team is a strong support system. It allows us athletes to push forward confidently, without any burdens.”

The championships feature a total of 457 athletes from 40 countries and regions, organized into eight groups, A through H. Each team match follows a new relay format, consisting of 10 matches across men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, with cumulative scores determining the winning team.

**Interview with Sophie and Harry: A Blind Date Recap**

**What were your expectations going into this blind date?**
Sophie: I was really hoping for an enjoyable evening with a fascinating person, some great food, and maybe a memorable story to tell later.
Harry: I was looking for a little excitement—something unexpected to shake things up.

**How did you feel about each other when you first met?**
Sophie: Harry kicked things off perfectly by ordering champagne, which helped ease my nerves right away.
Harry: She had this warm, welcoming energy when she walked in, like we were old friends.

**What kind of topics came up during dinner?**
Sophie: Harry was very open and shared a lot about his life. We covered various topics, but we did tiptoe a bit too close to politics at one point.
Harry: We talked about work, cooking, family, holidays, and then, since we were at a steakhouse in a casino, we even got into gambling.

**Did you experience any awkward moments?**
Sophie: For sure, when Harry confessed that he doesn’t actually read The Guardian, I found that a bit awkward.
Harry: For me, it was when some older guys at a nearby table were escorted out by bouncers—it felt straight out of a gangster movie!

**Was there anything you noticed about each other’s table manners?**
Sophie: I didn’t see anything that stood out as poor manners; they were really quite good!
Harry: Absolutely no complaints—Sophie had impeccable table manners.

**What was the highlight of your date?**
Sophie: Even though we come from different backgrounds, Harry showed genuine interest in my life. His kindness towards our waiter also said a lot about him.
Harry: I really loved Sophie’s warmth; she had such a friendly vibe that made the whole evening enjoyable.

**Would you introduce each other to your friends?**
Sophie: I definitely would; there’s no reason not to.
Harry: Without a doubt, I’d have no problem introducing Sophie to my friends.

**If you had to describe each other in three words, what would they be?**
Sophie: A good egg.
Harry: Lovely, kind, approachable.

**How do you think the other person saw you?**
Sophie: Maybe I seemed a bit indecisive with the menu, but Harry called me “bubbly,” so I’m hoping that’s a compliment!
Harry: I’d like to think she found me engaging, fun, and maybe a little charming.

**Did you continue the night anywhere after dinner?**
Sophie: Yes, we went downstairs to the casino for a drink, but sadly, we didn’t hit the jackpot.
Harry: We had cocktails and wandered around the casino, soaking up the ambiance. We almost got roped into a game of roulette!

**Was there any romantic moment, like a kiss?**
Sophie: We shared a quick kiss on the escalator, which caught me off guard a little.
Harry: Just a quick peck on the lips as we were riding down the escalator.

**If you could change one thing about the evening, what would it be?**
Sophie: Even though I had a lovely time, I felt like some chemistry was missing.
Harry: Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing—it was a fantastic night!

**On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your date?**
Sophie: I’d give it a 10. Harry is definitely a 10/10 person, especially for putting himself out there like this.
Harry: I’d give it an 8. It was a wonderful night with great company.

**Would you want to see each other again?**
Sophie: I’m not sure we’ll cross paths again.
Harry: We exchanged numbers, so yes, but I think it’ll be more of a friendly meetup than a romantic one.

**Final Thoughts**
Sophie and Harry concluded their evening at Heliot Steak House located in the Hippodrome Casino in London. Interested in going on a blind date? Reach out to [email protected].

In an exclusive interview with Reuters on October 5th, Khaled Meshaal, the exiled leader of Hamas, spoke about the organization’s resilience in the face of substantial losses during its year-long conflict with Israel. He confidently stated that Hamas will “rise from the ashes like a phoenix,” highlighting the group’s persistent efforts to recruit fighters and manufacture weapons.

At 68, Meshaal is a central figure in Hamas, currently operating under Ismail Haniyeh’s leadership. His extensive experience includes surviving an assassination attempt by Israel in 1997, during which he was poisoned. Leading Hamas from 1996 to 2017, he is recognized as a significant diplomatic representative of the organization.

Meshaal emphasized that Hamas remains capable of launching attacks against Israel. On the anniversary of the conflict, the group fired four missiles into southern Israel, all of which were intercepted.

While he acknowledged that the war has led to some loss of munitions, Meshaal stated that recruitment efforts for young individuals are ongoing, and the production of ammunition and weapons continues, although he did not disclose specific details.

In addressing the current Israeli government under Prime Minister Netanyahu, he expressed doubt about any potential for peace, remarking, “As long as the Israeli occupation exists, this region remains a ticking time bomb.”

Analysts in the Middle East interpret his remarks as a signal that, despite setbacks, Hamas remains steadfast in its struggle.

As the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Israel approaches, cities across Europe have seen polarizing protests, with crowds both supporting Palestine and commemorating the victims of the attacks. Commentators suggest that this division could be fueling far-left and far-right political agendas, complicating decision-making within the European Union.

Since the conflict intensified, Jewish and Muslim immigrants in European countries have reported an uptick in discrimination. A survey released by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) in July indicated that 96% of over 8,000 surveyed Jews across 13 EU member states have experienced increased anti-Semitism in their daily lives since October of the previous year. Concurrently, Muslims in Europe often bear the brunt of blame for Hamas’s actions and are frequently associated with terrorism.