Author: tnpump.com

Polly Sellman, one of the brides from the reality TV show *Married at First Sight*, recently opened up about her experiences on the Channel 4 series. Speaking to BBC Radio Kent, Polly expressed feeling “mortified” after watching herself on the show, especially due to the heated arguments she found herself in with other contestants.

The premise of *Married at First Sight* is a social experiment where singles marry strangers, meeting for the first time at the altar, although these weddings aren’t legally binding. Initially, Polly garnered sympathy from viewers when her groom, Adam Nightingale, admitted she wasn’t his type. However, as the series progressed, the public’s perception shifted, leading to online abuse directed at her.

Reflecting on her journey, Polly acknowledged that she could have approached conflict differently during the show. “Watching it back, I have been absolutely mortified, I cannot deny that,” she admitted. “I can’t sit here and say I don’t think I did anything wrong. It was awful. I do not condone that behavior.”

Despite the challenges, Polly praised the show’s production team and the welfare support they provided throughout her experience, noting that it was “amazing from start to finish.” She emphasized that she’s learned valuable lessons about conflict resolution, saying, “I definitely have learned that there are ways of going about things to solve conflict, and I know that me being like a dog with a bone isn’t the best way to go about things.”

As the current season continues, Polly, a careers advisor, couldn’t predict the future of her relationship with Adam, but she did clarify one thing: she has no plans to relocate from Kent to Nottingham, where he lives. “There’s no sea,” she pointed out. “There’s no coastline. I have to be near a body of water. I am a water baby.”

On October 26th, athlete Deng Ronghua shared his thoughts during the 2024 Quzhou-Kecheng-Lingjiu Mountain Ancient Trail Ultra Marathon held in Quzhou, Zhejiang. “This competition is not just a test of physical endurance and skill; it’s also a true test of willpower,” he said.

The event drew over 1,600 runners and enthusiasts from 29 provinces across the country, all competing fiercely amidst the picturesque landscape of mountains and rivers.

As the starting gun fired at 5 a.m., competitors in the 100-kilometer race took off like arrows, battling through the winding course. Deng Ronghua, last year’s champion in the women’s 70-kilometer category, decided to challenge himself this year by entering the 100-kilometer race, hoping to push his limits once again.

Local trail-running enthusiast Zheng Shihua reflected on his journey: “Last year, I competed in the 15-kilometer category, and this year I’ve entered the 40-kilometer race in hopes of pushing myself further.” To prepare, he began training along the race route in August. “The first time I completed 40 kilometers, it took me seven hours, and my legs were sore for a month afterward. But I believe that if I can just finish the race, the effort I put in will have been worthwhile.”

The Lingjiu Mountain race course is known for its treacherous terrain, with an elevation gain of 7,255 meters across the 100-kilometer route. The steep slopes and varied environments present significant challenges to participants. However, the race also weaves through stunning natural and cultural sites, including the Lingjiu Sacred Ground, Taoyuan Qilai, the Doyin Mountain Jungle Adventure Park, and Jiuhua Miaoyuan, allowing runners to soak in the breathtaking scenery of Keccheng while enjoying the thrill of ultra-running and experiencing the beauty of nature.

A representative from the Keccheng District’s Bureau of Culture, Tourism, and Sports expressed optimism for the future: “Once the Lingjiu Mountain Tourist Resort is fully established, we will collaborate with nearby projects like the Ordovician to provide visitors with a comprehensive and high-quality tourism experience.”

**Interview with Minister Ni Hong on Recent Policies for Youth and Economic Stability**

**Interviewer:** Minister Ni, could you shed some light on the recent set of policies that were launched at the end of September? What impact do you believe they will have on families and young people in China?

**Ni Hong:** Absolutely. The recent policies are designed to address critical issues within our economy while also providing substantial support for people’s livelihoods, particularly regarding young citizens. For instance, we’ve lowered mortgage rates for existing homes, which will benefit around 50 million households, reducing their annual interest expenses by approximately 150 billion yuan. We’re also seeing a significant approval increase for loans related to “white list” projects in the real estate sector, aiming to exceed 4 trillion yuan by the end of the year.

Additionally, we’re set to implement changes facilitating the renovation of rural communities and dilapidated buildings, as well as ensuring that 4.5 million new city residents and young people have access to affordable housing. The goal is to provide stability and a sense of belonging to our young citizens through initiatives that are both practical and impactful.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like there is a clear commitment to youth welfare and economic stimulation. What measures have been taken specifically for students in higher education?

**Ni Hong:** We are indeed driven to support our students significantly. Recently, we made adjustments to student funding policies, which include doubling the number of national scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. For undergraduates, we’ve raised the scholarship amount from 8,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan annually. These changes reflect our commitment to enhancing financial assistance for students, thereby improving their overall educational experience while also easing financial burdens.

**Interviewer:** There have been notable recent adjustments to interest rates as well. How do you see these changes influencing economic growth?

**Ni Hong:** The reduction of the loan market quoted interest rate (LPR) by 0.25 percentage points is a significant move. It allows for further reductions in existing mortgage rates, translating to savings for homeowners. For example, a household with a mortgage of 1 million yuan could save about 170 yuan monthly due to the new rates. This kind of easing will likely invigorate consumption and support the overall economy.

**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned a range of proactive measures aimed at sustaining economic growth. How do these relate to long-term goals for young people’s employment?

**Ni Hong:** We recognize that the economic environment poses challenges, particularly in the real estate and capital markets. The recent economic policies underline our dedication to addressing these issues. Our strategy not only aims at immediate relief but also focuses on developing long-term conditions for high-quality growth. Employment opportunities for young people are critical, and our financial support of industries and skills training plays a crucial role in this strategy.

**Interviewer:** Many are curious about the specific housing policies for new residents and young people. Can you elaborate on how these policies will guarantee housing security?

**Ni Hong:** Certainly. We have established a framework of policies designed to enhance housing security for youth and new residents. This includes eliminating restrictions on purchases and selling properties, as well as reducing the financial burdens associated with housing loans. The collective efforts of various government departments aim to ensure that everyone, especially young people, has access to secure and affordable living conditions. We’re focused on building a sustainable environment for our youth to thrive.

**Interviewer:** Finally, it’s encouraging to see governmental focus on youth welfare, but what’s your vision for how these policies will enhance overall societal well-being?

**Ni Hong:** My vision is clear: investing in our youth is investing in the future. By supporting education, improving job prospects, and ensuring affordable housing, we are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous society. Our ultimate goal is to foster a sense of hope and opportunity within our young population—where their aspirations can materialize, leading to a more dynamic economy and community overall.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Ni, for sharing these insights and your vision for the future of China’s youth and economy. It’s encouraging to witness such proactive measures being put in place.

**Ni Hong:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can create an environment where our youth can thrive and contribute to our nation’s growth.

**Interviewer:** Can you provide us with the latest updates on the adjustments to existing home loan interest rates in China?

**Spokesperson:** Absolutely. As of October 25, a substantial adjustment has been made to existing home loan interest rates, benefiting around 150 million people nationwide. Many regions across China, including Guangzhou, will see their interest rates reduced to LPR minus 30 basis points. The Vice Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Tao Ling, announced at a recent press conference that most borrowers can check their new rates through their banks starting October 26. Some smaller banks may require a bit more time to make these adjustments, but all changes are expected to be completed by October 31.

**Interviewer:** That’s interesting. Have banks made it easy for borrowers to track these changes?

**Spokesperson:** Yes, several banks have introduced a dedicated section in their mobile banking apps specifically for “existing home loan interest rate adjustments.” According to recent figures released on October 21, the five-year LPR is currently at 3.6%, which means that with the new adjustment, the rate will be approximately 3.3%. However, one local resident, Ms. Chen from Guangzhou, reported that her new interest rate is dropping from 4.2% to 3.9%, not the anticipated 3.3%. She also pointed out that her friend’s adjusted rate is 3.55%, and she is confused about why their rates differ.

**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about the reasons behind these discrepancies?

**Spokesperson:** The current adjustments are based solely on changing the LPR margins without resetting the loan pricing. Essentially, if a borrower’s loan reset date hasn’t arrived yet, the LPR will remain at the previously agreed level. For example, according to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the five-year-plus LPR can differ based on individual loan reset dates. As a result, while all adjusted rates are calculated at LPR minus 30 basis points, the final rates will differ, with some borrowers seeing reductions to 3.55%, 3.65%, or 3.9%.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like the adjustments can vary quite a bit. Are there any specific steps borrowers should take?

**Spokesperson:** Yes, borrowers with fixed or benchmark-rate loans will need to apply to convert their loans to variable rates in order to take advantage of the new adjustments. Most borrowers can complete this process easily online or through their mobile banking apps without needing extensive documentation. However, for those with fixed-rate loans, they need to make the conversion first either online or in-person before adjustments can be applied. Banks have said that any conversions completed by October 25 will be fully processed by the next day under the new rate.

**Interviewer:** That’s helpful information. What advice would you give to borrowers considering early repayment of their loans?

**Spokesperson:** According to Xiao Wenxiao, Chief Analyst for the Guangzhou-Foshan region, the reduction in existing home loan rates diminishes the necessity for early repayments. Borrowers should carefully assess whether paying off their loans early is beneficial. If the returns on investments can exceed the loan costs, it may be better to hold off. Additionally, it’s crucial to note that early repayment is more advantageous in the early stages of the loan. Once borrowers have surpassed half of their repayment period with equal principal and interest, or one-third with diminishing principal, most of the interest has already been paid.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights! This will certainly help borrowers navigate their options better.

In a recent interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Gerald Connolly, a Democratic U.S. Congressman and the acting head of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, raised concerns about the implications of North Korean soldiers joining Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine. He remarked that this development highlights “some weakness in the Russian military,” suggesting that “Russia might be running low on troop strength.”

When asked about the need for North Korean troops in European operations, Connolly questioned, “Do you genuinely need North Korean forces deployed in Europe? Why would Russia require them? Perhaps, to be honest, it’s because Russia’s troop numbers may indeed be dwindling.”

Connolly further elaborated on the staggering estimates of Russian military casualties, stating that approximately 600,000 Russian soldiers have been reported dead, wounded, or missing. He noted that these figures are reminiscent of those seen during the early stages of Operation Barbarossa in 1941, the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II.

South Korean intelligence indicated that North Korea has dispatched around 1,500 special forces to Russia’s Far East for training and acclimatization, with potential deployment to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Ukrainian officials released footage appearing to show dozens of North Korean recruits receiving Russian military uniforms. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), stated that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently undergoing training in eastern Russia.

If North Korean soldiers indeed participate in the Russia-Ukraine war, it would signal a strengthened military relationship between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. Last summer, Russia and North Korea formalized a strategic partnership agreement to provide mutual military assistance, while North Korean weaponry has already been utilized by Russian forces.

On the topic of Ukraine’s NATO membership, Connolly acknowledged Ukraine’s eagerness to join but advised that it should occur “once the Russia-Ukraine war is concluded.”

Regarding President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plans to see Ukrainian forces replace U.S. troops at European outposts, Connolly found this notion “inappropriate,” likening it to giving “Trump a political pass in case he wins the election.” He pointed out that Trump has historically believed NATO is outdated and that European nations should bear the financial burden of their own security.

Hong Kong officials recently announced a remarkable discovery: dinosaur fossils have been found for the first time in the city, on a remote and uninhabited island. The fossils, which belong to a large dinosaur from the Cretaceous period, dating back approximately 145 to 66 million years, were uncovered on Port Island, located in the northeastern waters of the city’s UNESCO Global Geopark.

During an official statement, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho remarked, “This discovery is of great significance and provides new evidence for research on palaeoecology in Hong Kong.” She further explained that while the species of the dinosaur remains unidentified, studies will be conducted to confirm its classification.

Experts suggest that the dinosaur’s remains may have been originally buried beneath sand and gravel due to a flood, only to be uncovered and then buried again at the excavation site. The discovery was prompted earlier this year when the conservation department notified the Antiquities and Monuments Office about sedimentary rock that appeared to contain vertebrate fossils.

To bolster investigations, the government enlisted the help of experts from mainland China. Currently, Port Island is closed to the public until further notice to allow for continued research and excavations.

On Friday, the fossils will be publicly displayed at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping district. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a temporary workshop by the end of 2024, allowing visitors to watch experts prepare the fossil specimens.

On October 24, the Tibetan city of Shigatse hosted an investment promotion conference focused on barley, organized by the Shigatse Municipal Government. During this event, a processing investment agreement valued at 11 million yuan (approximately $1.5 million) was signed, alongside five corporate collaboration agreements with a total sales figure of 50 million yuan (around $7 million).

Shigatse has a rich history of barley cultivation, deeply intertwined with the local culture and tradition. The region boasts over 900,000 acres dedicated to barley farming, producing around 400,000 tons, which constitutes about 50% of Tibet’s and approximately 30% of China’s total barley output. This has established Shigatse as a vital barley production hub, earning it the title of “Tibet’s Granary” and “The Hometown of Barley in the World.”

Recently, Shigatse has made significant plans for the development of the barley industry. The local government emphasized their commitment to balancing the increase in production with quality improvement. They aim to support enterprises in developing high-value, deep-processing barley products and fostering long-term, stable supply chains between barley processing companies and major retailers. The initiative aims to ensure that “The Hometown of Barley in the World” truly reaches a global audience.

Wang Fanghong, the Deputy Secretary and Mayor of Shigatse, shared insights on the region’s agricultural advancements. In recent years, significant improvements have been made in agricultural infrastructure, including an expansion and enhancement of irrigation systems covering 600,000 acres. The city has invested 3.5 billion yuan to establish 1.35 million acres of high-standard farmland, creating a distinctive barley industry cluster.

Furthermore, a robust breeding system for barley has been developed, featuring a three-tiered propagation framework involving parent seed fields and first- and second-generation seed fields, alongside the establishment of Tibet’s largest barley seed breeding base covering 67,000 acres. The coverage of high-quality barley seeds in the city has surpassed 95%, with Shigatse supplying over 500,000 jin (approximately 250 tons) of barley seeds annually to markets within and beyond Tibet.

The city has also set up a big data center for the barley industry, offering digital services that facilitate critical aspects such as seed propagation, traceability, agricultural machinery management, and disaster prevention. The Sangzhuzi District has successfully established a national innovation application base for digital barley planting. Additionally, connections have been made with major groups like Beidahuang and Sinochem to develop a 577-acre standardized barley demonstration base and a 100-acre MAP demonstration farm, ensuring a concentrated and large-scale approach to organic barley cultivation.

When Andrew and Sue Dawson purchased a static caravan at a holiday park along the East Yorkshire coast in 2022, they envisioned blissful weekends spent by the seaside, enjoying the company of their daughters and grandchildren. However, their dream was shattered when, in February of this year, Andrew, 59, received a terminal cancer diagnosis. “The doctors estimated I had six months to a few short years,” he shared. “Naturally, we started contemplating the future, and it turned everything upside down.”

Faced with this life-altering situation, the couple decided to sell their caravan at Parkdean’s Skipsea Sands resort. What happened next left them reeling. The three-bedroom caravan, which had cost them £62,400 just two years prior, was now worth a mere £17,000. “We were absolutely stunned,” Mr. Dawson recalled. “Nobody told us we would encounter such drastic depreciation. The salesman painted a rosy picture but never explained the reality.”

The Dawsons are not alone in their experience. As the popularity of caravan getaways has surged since the 1960s, many families have invested in holiday homes. Today, over 3,000 parks beckon holidaymakers in the UK, contributing approximately £7.2 billion to the economy last year. However, many caravan owners, like the Dawsons, have reported severe financial losses that have drained their life savings and pensions.

The founder of a support group for caravan owners expressed outrage, calling it “scandalous” that individuals’ lives are being profoundly affected. Despite Parkdean’s website stating that purchasing a holiday home is not a financial investment, Mr. Dawson revealed that a Skipsea Sands salesperson assured him that caravans “mostly retain their value.” It was only when the couple attempted to sell their caravan that the harsh reality hit them.

After some negotiation, the couple reluctantly agreed to sell their caravan for £17,000. However, as they prepared to finalize the sale, Parkdean lowered their offer to £16,000. “The way we’ve been treated feels incredibly deceptive and lacking transparency,” Mr. Dawson expressed, adding that there was a disturbing lack of empathy given their circumstances.

Following the BBC’s inquiry, a Skipsea Sands manager contacted the Dawsons and offered to resolve the situation with a £1,000 compensation. Mr. Dawson, however, made it clear that it was “never about the money,” and his opinion of Parkdean and the industry remained unchanged.

Similarly, James and Emma Richardson invested £110,000 in a caravan at Tattershall Lakes resort in Lincolnshire in 2022, using part of an inheritance left by Emma’s late parents. They intended to provide their family with free holidays and rent the caravan to offset costs. “I wanted to give back to my family, as my parents worked so hard,” Emma, 43, explained.

Despite promises from a salesperson that rental income would cover their monthly finance payments of £1,269, the Richardsons found themselves “haemorrhaging money.” James, 46, described a scenario where rental income of £1,200 would yield only £200 after fees. Ultimately, they lost over £50,000 in two years, crippling their financial situation. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow, losing my parents’ hard-earned money,” Emma lamented.

Sally Nicholls, 70, from Sheffield, faced a similar fate after investing her entire pension and taking out a small loan for a £69,000 caravan at Tattershall Lakes in 2021. Initially optimistic about the rental income, Nicholls quickly learned that escalating park charges made it nearly impossible to compete with the park’s offerings. After the park declined to buy back her caravan, she sold it for just £17,500, forcing her to sell her house to secure her financial future.

Legal expert Ibraheem Dulmeer emphasized the importance of due diligence for caravan buyers. He urged potential buyers to get promises in writing and seek legal advice, noting that many do not fully understand the agreements they’re signing.

The British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA) and the National Caravans Council (NCC) recommend that prospective buyers thoroughly read contracts and fully understand the agreements before making such significant financial commitments. Consumer protection in the industry is governed by laws enforced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which ensures businesses do not mislead customers.

Despite these protections, a petition for stronger regulations garnered 27,000 signatures last year but was rejected by the government. The Holiday Park Action Group’s founder, Carole Keeble, criticized the CMA for failing to address consumer concerns, calling the current situation a “national scandal.”

As Ms. Nicholls reflected on the devastating impact of her experience, she called for regulatory action to ensure that future buyers are adequately protected. “It’s had a monumental effect on my life,” she stated. “I want a regulatory body to take control of the sector.”

On October 21, the Yong County Beiliu River Grand Bridge, the largest continuous beam segment of the Yucun Railway, successfully completed its key mid-span connection (70+125+70 meters). This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing construction of the Yucun Railway.

The Beiliu River Grand Bridge spans 1,447.82 meters, featuring a main span of 125 meters supported by piers 12 and 13. The construction employs a cantilever casting method, making it the longest continuous beam crossing water and the deepest underwater bridge along the entire route.

Mid-span connections play a crucial role in bridge construction, significantly impacting the overall structural integrity and alignment. To ensure safe and efficient progress on the bridge, the Guangxi Transportation Investment Group and Nanyue Railway Company collaborated with the Nanning Railway Engineering Construction Command to continuously optimize their construction plans and ensure proper resource allocation.

The construction team, including China Railway No. 4 Engineering Group’s Nanzhu High-Speed Railway Yucun segment project department, established specialized technical and safety teams. They enhanced construction organization, improved quality control, and conducted thorough safety risk assessments. Additionally, they utilized pre-pressurized water buckets to adjust the elevation at both ends of the connection, ensuring precise alignment for the large-span continuous beam.

The Yucun Railway, an extension of the Nanyue Railway, is designed for a speed of 350 kilometers per hour over a total length of 111 kilometers. It will introduce two new stations: Yong County South and Cengxi East.

Upon completion, the project will establish a two- to three-hour transportation circle connecting Nanning with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, significantly enhancing the capacity of the “Two Guang” passage and filling critical gaps in the regional transport network, thereby driving economic development along the route.

The Southern California National Normal University Alumni Association recently hosted a virtual political forum featuring Eric Ching, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in District 38. Among the participants were members of the school board and the foundation. Moderator Wu Liyaohua urged Chinese American voters to think critically before casting their sacred votes.

Wu Liyaohua, the former trustee of the Los Angeles Community College District, expressed serious concerns regarding current domestic issues in the United States. “Inflation is worsening, and people are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “Crime rates are soaring, with brazen robberies occurring in broad daylight. We’re witnessing a sharp increase in homelessness, rampant drug use, and an influx of illegal immigration. It’s disheartening that what is touted as the world’s strongest nation is struggling more than some developing countries.”

Eric Ching, a Republican and former mayor of Walnut, highlighted his extensive community service and entrepreneurial background. With over 12 years of experience in public service, he has witnessed the darker side of politics. Initially an independent, he decided to run for office after observing the chaotic state of political affairs in recent years. Ching criticized the decision to establish a homeless shelter in Hawthorne, noting that the government is spending millions to support just over 100 homeless individuals, which he believes will not fundamentally solve the homelessness crisis. “Every dollar spent by the government comes from taxpayers, adding to their financial burden,” he asserted.

Ching also emphasized the importance of Proposition 36 in the upcoming election on November 5. He hopes to amend Proposition 47, which he argues has negatively impacted community safety. “Despite being backed by the Democratic Party and intended to enhance community security, the effects of Proposition 47 have been quite the opposite, leading to a decline in safety. Voters need to support Proposition 36,” he urged.

Another forum participant, Zhang Liangyu, voiced his concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris, a presidential candidate. He criticized her responses to questions, stating that they fail to address real issues. “During her four years as Vice President, many of the problems facing America today can be traced back to her policies,” he said, asserting that she is unfit to serve as President and advising young voters not to be misled.