Author: shuiyaoinns.com

The 12th MiDou Music Festival wrapped up on October 2nd at the stunning Tian Sheng Qiao Scenic Area in Lishui, Nanjing, featuring captivating performances from major artists like Chen Chusheng, Da Zhangwei, and Wei Chen. This electrifying two-day event drew over 60,000 music enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement.

The festival showcased a diverse array of talents, including Huang Zihongfan, Shijian Qintian, Yu Jingtian, Eric Zhou Xingzhe, Jiao Maiqi, Pu Yixing, and Huang Yubo. Their performances not only highlighted the richness of the Chinese music scene but also introduced fresh, dynamic voices. Attendees enjoyed a blend of musical styles, celebrating everything from timeless Chinese classics to the latest trends in contemporary pop.

Organized by the Music Broadcasting wing of the Jiangsu Provincial Radio and Television Station, this year’s festival aimed to bring fans together through the unifying power of music. Impressively, 79.9% of the attendees traveled from outside Nanjing, with 61.6% coming from beyond Jiangsu province. A significant 70% of the audience was aged between 18 and 29, infusing the event with youthful energy and demonstrating its strong appeal among younger generations.

Moreover, the MiDou ART area offered fans a fully immersive experience, inviting them to participate in various artistic activities. With over a decade of history, the MiDou Music Festival is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences, carefully planning every detail of the event. It has truly become a shining symbol of the city’s allure and a driving force for local economic development.

Prominent Sydney restaurateur Alan Yazbek, the owner of the Nomad restaurant group in Surry Hills, has been arrested following a pro-Palestine protest over the weekend. The 56-year-old faces serious charges under New South Wales law for allegedly knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol in public.

The arrest follows a large rally in Sydney that attracted around 10,000 participants advocating for Palestine. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Yazbek was seen holding a sign that altered the Israeli flag, substituting the Star of David with a swastika, and included the phrase “Stop Nazi Israel.”

According to authorities, Yazbek, who has been taken to the Surry Hills police station, is being charged for displaying the symbol “without excuse.” He is set to appear in the Downing Centre local court on October 24. The public display of Nazi symbols has been prohibited in New South Wales since 2022.

Yazbek, who co-founded the Nomad Group with his wife Rebecca, opened their flagship restaurant Nomad in Sydney in 2013. The group later expanded with Nomad Melbourne in 2021 and added Reine & La Rue in 2023. They also launched a sibling restaurant, Beau, in Sydney earlier this year, although it has since closed.

In a statement to the Daily Telegraph, Yazbek conveyed his profound concern for the lives lost in the ongoing conflict, noting, “So many of us have family in the region. Every loss of life is a tragedy. We’re in mourning.”

As discussions around the protests deepen, NSW Premier Chris Minns highlighted the financial burden of policing these demonstrations, estimating costs to the state at around $5 million this year, and suggested that law enforcement should have the ability to shut down such events. The protests have spurred from the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which prompted Israel’s military response in Gaza.

As the anniversary of the attacks approaches, tension surrounding the protests has increased. While NSW police sought a supreme court injunction to stop the demonstrations, a consensus was ultimately reached with protest organizers to allow them to proceed. Police officials expressed satisfaction with the peaceful nature of the large gathering.

Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna remarked on the extensive planning that went into the event, stating that the police worked closely with partner agencies to ensure a robust and effective operation across Sydney’s CBD.

This report has been updated to correct an earlier inaccuracy regarding Alan Yazbek’s background, which misidentified him as Jewish according to incorrect information provided by NSW authorities.

On October 1, the inaugural Guizhou “Village Super” International Friendship Match kicked off with a friendly game between the Malaysian football team and China’s Chongqing football team. This event also marked the start of the Guizhou-Greater Bay Area “Village Super” Football Friendship Match.

Coinciding perfectly with the National Day holiday, the “Village Super” event attracted many tourists to Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province. Chengdu visitor Li Jinghui expressed his excitement about the sports-centric travel experience he and his friends chose. “The thrill of ‘Village Super’ has totally reignited my passion for football,” Li told reporters from China News Service. “At the ‘Village Super’ football field, I didn’t just witness some incredible matches; I also got to soak in the charm of Guizhou’s ethnic culture and savor its delicious food. Here, everyone feels like a star.”

Malaysian player Huang Jiaxing shared his personal transition from watching online to experiencing Guizhou’s football scene firsthand. He described the experience as “remarkable.” Huang said, “I can’t believe the love for football in such a small county. Running on this green pitch is always exhilarating, especially with over ten thousand enthusiastic fans cheering me on. That energy drives me to score even more goals.”

Chongqing footballer Chen Long, who was visiting the “Village Super” for the second time, highlighted the event’s increasing international aspect. “This year’s events not only give Rongjiang locals a chance to shine but also open doors for numerous football fans from China to engage in international exchanges,” Chen noted.

As part of the National Day celebrations, the Guizhou “Village Super” event offered a variety of interactive activities for visitors. Attendees enjoyed performances including the Dong People’s Grand Song and the Miao ethnic lusheng dance, allowing them to immerse themselves in Guizhou’s rich cultural heritage. Chongqing tourist Zhang Fu humorously added, “It doesn’t matter if you know much about football at ‘Village Super’; being here and soaking in the atmosphere is what really counts!”

The Guizhou “Village Super” International Friendship Match aims to unite football enthusiasts and promote Chinese culture among countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, fostering joy through sports and cultural exchange. Additionally, local village teams and ethnic-style cheerleaders from Rongjiang are set to engage in both football and cultural exchanges, showcasing a vibrant and dynamic image of rural China.

In July, Hashem Safieddine, a senior figure in Hezbollah, was seen attending the funeral of the organization’s high-ranking commander Nasrallah in southern Beirut. Recently, an Israeli government spokesperson expressed uncertainty regarding Safieddine’s status, who is widely speculated to be Nasrallah’s potential successor. Three sources in Lebanon have informed Reuters that since the Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut on October 4, they have lost contact with Safieddine.

When David Mencer, the spokesperson for the Israeli government, was asked about the possibility of confirming Safieddine’s death during an online briefing, he stated, “We still cannot confirm this matter. Once we have verified information, we will publish it on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) website.”

The October 4 airstrike is believed to have specifically targeted Safieddine. A cousin of the deceased Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, Safieddine plays a vital role in the party’s political and social operations. The Jerusalem Post previously quoted a Lebanese security source who indicated that the odds of anyone surviving that targeted strike were “close to zero.”

In a recent incident that has drawn significant attention, Syria’s foreign ministry strongly condemned a suspected Israeli airstrike targeting an apartment building in Damascus, alleging that the assault resulted in the deaths of seven civilians. Can you provide more details about the casualties from this tragic event?

The foreign ministry reported that among those killed were women and children, emphasizing that the strike hit the Mezzeh neighborhood, home to the Iranian embassy and several diplomatic facilities. However, the Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.

Additionally, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported a higher death toll, claiming that 13 individuals lost their lives, including nine civilians and two Hezbollah members, who are key allies of both Iran and the Syrian government. Could you elaborate on the significance of this location in relation to Iran’s influence?

The UK-based monitoring group noted that the building was frequently visited by leaders of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.” Furthermore, a military source cited by Syria’s state news agency Sana indicated that Israeli aircraft fired three missiles at the building from the direction of the occupied Golan Heights. Can you describe the extent of the damage resulting from this strike?

Witnesses have described severe damage to the first three floors of the building. One resident, 61-year-old electrician Adel Habib, recounted his experience during the explosion, sharing, “I was on my way home when the explosion occurred. Communications and electricity were cut off, and I couldn’t reach my family. Those five minutes felt like an eternity until I finally heard my wife, children, and grandchildren.”

The Syrian Observatory has identified some of the deceased civilians, including a Yemeni doctor, his wife, and their three children, as well as a woman and her child, a female doctor, and a man. Interestingly, Iran’s embassy has claimed that no Iranian citizens were among the casualties. What does this imply about Iran’s role in the region?

Moreover, reports indicate that the day after this incident, a member of the Syrian security forces was killed in another Israeli strike near Quneitra. This follows a previous Israeli strike in Mezzeh last week, which reportedly killed the son-in-law of the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. How might these escalating events influence the existing tensions in the region?

Israel has publicly acknowledged that it has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria over recent years, targeting sites it associates with Iran and allied groups such as Hezbollah. Notably, these strikes have increased since the war in Gaza began last October, in response to cross-border attacks on northern Israel.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, there have been 104 Israeli air and artillery attacks on Syrian territory since the start of the year, leading to at least 296 deaths and damaging or destroying around 190 targets, including weapon depots and militia headquarters. How do you interpret the escalation of hostilities between Israel and its allied groups in the region?

Max Verstappen has shared his frustration regarding the FIA’s management of Formula One, labeling their decision-making process as “really tiring.” This sentiment surfaced after the Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen secured a second-place finish behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. Following the race, he hinted at possibly reevaluating his future in the sport, especially after facing repercussions for an expletive he used during a pre-race press conference, during which he described his car as “f***ed.”

When questioned about how these “petty altercations” might influence his career, the 26-year-old driver expressed, “For sure, yeah. I mean, these kinds of things definitely decide my future as well. When you can’t be yourself and have to deal with these kinds of silly things, it’s really tiring.”

Prior to the race weekend, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem indicated a desire to enforce stricter penalties for driver swearing, equating it unfavorably to the conduct of rap artists. This remark drew criticism from Lewis Hamilton, who interpreted it as having racial undertones. Both Norris and Verstappen voiced their disapproval of the FIA’s focus on what they considered trivial matters.

After receiving a community service penalty, Verstappen attended the post-qualifying FIA press conference but kept his responses brief, opting instead to engage more freely with journalists outside of the formal session. He maintained this stance in subsequent interactions after the race, emphasizing how the FIA’s regulations were dampening his passion for racing. “Of course it’s great to win, but after achieving all that, you want to have a good time as well,” he said. “Dealing with all these kinds of silly things is not a way to continue in this sport, that’s for sure.”

Hamilton, who finished sixth in the race, dismissed the FIA’s position as “a joke,” suggesting that Verstappen shouldn’t have to serve his punishment, adding that he himself would not accept such a penalty.

In light of Verstappen’s candid remarks, he raised the question of whether the FIA would genuinely consider the implications of potentially driving a world champion away from the sport. “At one point, when it’s enough, it’s enough,” he noted. “Formula One will go on without me, but it’s also not a problem for me. So it’s how it is.”

Following the race, both Hamilton and George Russell, who came in fourth, opted out of media obligations, citing what their team described as “borderline heatstroke.” The challenging 62-lap race in Singapore took place in high heat and humidity, with track conditions soaring to 37°C. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that both drivers received medical attention but assured everyone that they were okay. “They just did not feel well. There were no bad feelings or any annoyance—it was just that they needed the doctors with them,” he stated.

In an exclusive interview, Fu Liquan, the Chairman and CEO of Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd., shared his insights on success, often describing himself as “lucky.” During our conversation, which spanned over an hour, Fu reflected on his remarkable journey from a stable government job to heading a publicly traded company generating annual revenues exceeding 32.2 billion yuan.

Fu’s entrepreneurial path began over three decades ago, distinguishing him from many of his peers in Zhejiang, who typically started with traditional manufacturing. With a technology background, he initially focused on developing communication equipment before exploring video surveillance and ultimately expanding into the global smart IoT market.

Recalling 1992, a defining year for him, Fu mentioned how inspired he felt amid China’s transformative changes. Motivated by the reforms of the era, he made the bold decision to leave his secure position as a technology department head in the government and start his own venture—no small feat, particularly after having passed the college entrance exam only on his third attempt.

Starting out modestly, Fu rented two classrooms in an elementary school in Hangzhou and led a team of fewer than ten people to establish Dahua Communications Equipment Factory, focusing on dispatch communication equipment. He took on multiple roles, serving as CEO, salesperson, and technician, often working late into the night.

In the early days, securing orders was a struggle, and his business encountered significant challenges. However, through relentless hard work and genuine engagement, Fu eventually landed a major contract that revitalized the company. This success enabled Dahua to develop its first dispatch communication machine, marking the start of its upward trajectory.

As technology and market demands shifted, Fu noticed a decline in the market share for dispatch communications and decided to pivot toward remote monitoring solutions for the electricity sector. This strategic move led to the creation of a remote image monitoring system, which quickly gained popularity and established Dahua’s presence in the security sector.

In 2002, Dahua made headlines by launching the industry’s first audio and video synchronous embedded hard disk recorder, effectively replacing outdated mechanical tape systems. Fu highlights this innovation as a crucial turning point for the company’s growth and current standing.

To finance these innovations, Fu and his wife sold multiple properties to reinvest in the business, driven by their passion for its products. Today, with the rapid growth of digital economy sectors such as AI, IoT, and big data, Dahua is concentrating on smart IoT initiatives aimed at enhancing urban governance and facilitating digital transformation for enterprises.

When discussing Dahua’s success, Fu emphasized that innovation is embedded in the company’s DNA and is critical to its competitive edge. He shared examples of how Dahua leverages video technology across various sectors, continually refining its offerings to meet evolving market demands.

Fu believes that even smaller businesses can achieve success amidst transformation challenges by carving out a niche market and prioritizing quality and efficiency. “If you can dominate a specific segment, you can become an invisible champion in the industry,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the global opportunities stemming from China’s openness, Fu explained Dahua’s strides in international markets. The company embarked on its global expansion in 2003, showcasing its products at international exhibitions. Their persistence bore fruit when they secured their first overseas order at a trade show in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of their international journey.

Over the last two decades, Dahua has built a significant global presence, with revenue from overseas markets surpassing domestic earnings for the first time this year. Fu envisions deepening Dahua’s global reach, building a multi-tiered supply network, and enhancing its international supply capabilities.

“Starting the business was about realizing personal dreams, but Dahua has evolved into a substantial organization with 23,000 employees, each carrying their hopes for the future,” Fu expressed. He firmly believes that providing value and solving problems for customers, alongside offering opportunities for employees, is the key to sustaining the company’s long-term success.

**Interview with Rich Wordsworth: Analyzing the Silent Hill 2 Remake**

**Interviewer:** Rich, you recently had a chance to dive into the remake of Silent Hill 2. What were your initial thoughts as you approached the game, especially since you missed the original back in 2001?

**Rich Wordsworth:** As I stepped into the foggy outskirts of Silent Hill, I was genuinely excited. This was my opportunity to experience a horror classic that I’d always heard about but was too young to appreciate at the time. Playing as James Sunderland, the protagonist, I was ready to uncover the mystery behind the letter from my presumed-dead wife that beckoned me to Silent Hill.

**Interviewer:** You mentioned encountering a character named Angela early in your journey. How did that affect your experience?

**Rich Wordsworth:** Initially, that encounter felt like a success—a glimmer of hope. However, it quickly turned into frustration. Angela, like James, is searching for closure, but her character doesn’t contribute much to the narrative or gameplay. Instead of deepening the story, she comes across as an obstacle in James’s quest, ultimately stretching the game’s length without adding any real substance.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like character depth was a major concern for you. Could you elaborate on that?

**Rich Wordsworth:** Sure. The game features several one-dimensional characters who drift through James’s journey without offering anything particularly engaging or meaningful. This lack of development makes it hard to form an emotional investment in their stories. James is steeped in his own sorrow about his missing wife, but when the supporting characters feel so shallow, the game becomes more tedious than engaging.

**Interviewer:** You also pointed out the gameplay mechanics and environment. How did these aspects affect your overall experience?

**Rich Wordsworth:** The gameplay felt overly drawn out and repetitive. The foggy town of Silent Hill is intended to be eerie, but navigating through countless locked doors while solving obscure puzzles just becomes a drag. There are moments that might seem puzzling, like James stopping to fix a jukebox—it’s both nostalgic and a bit absurd. It feels like a leftover from a different era of gaming that doesn’t really mesh well with modern expectations.

**Interviewer:** On the topic of visuals, what did you think of the game’s graphics and monster design?

**Rich Wordsworth:** Silent Hill 2 isn’t visually impressive by today’s standards. While it looks slightly better than it did two decades ago, the graphics still feel aged. The monsters, which could have been a highlight, appear crude and lack the unsettling charm of earlier designs. Their behavior, like getting stuck on environmental elements, detracts from the immersion, making interactions feel more like a chore than an engaging experience.

**Interviewer:** From your perspective, how does the remake hold up for newcomers experiencing this series for the first time?

**Rich Wordsworth:** For newcomers, this remake might come off as too lengthy and somewhat dated. While it might evoke nostalgia for fans of the original, it doesn’t deliver the excitement needed to captivate new players. The psychological horror that should feel unsettling ends up losing some of its impact with updated visuals and voice acting. It’s a different experience, but unfortunately, it falls short of the high standards set by more recent titles in the genre.

**Interviewer:** In summary, what would you say is the overall takeaway from your experience with Silent Hill 2’s remake?

**Rich Wordsworth:** It’s a mixed bag. While it might offer nostalgia for those who played the original, the pacing, character development, and gameplay mechanics could leave newcomers feeling more bored than terrified. The game feels like it’s stuck in its era, which can be appealing to some, but ultimately, I found it more tedious than frightening. Silent Hill 2 is available now, but it might benefit from a disclaimer for modern audiences.

On the afternoon of September 18, the Echelon Care & Rehabilitation Center’s Chinese Department hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in the center’s dining area, bringing together elderly residents for an afternoon of joy. Hu Huixia, the director of the Chinese section, along with General Manager Sam Atlas, Vice President Dassy, and their dedicated staff, created a festive atmosphere that highlighted the essence of unity within Chinese culture, welcoming seniors from diverse backgrounds with kindness and support.

Reflecting on the day’s significance, Hu Huixia shared, “Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival this year reminds us of our loved ones. I want to express my deep gratitude to the volunteers who performed today; you are like family to our elderly residents, filling their lives with joy and warmth. Our mission at Echelon is to spread ‘love’ to seniors from all walks of life. May everyone who puts in hard work find happiness and enjoy beautiful moments under the moon with their dreams realized.”

General Manager Sam Atlas underscored the importance of Chinese traditions as a vital part of America’s multicultural landscape. He stated, “At Echelon, we truly value celebrating traditional Chinese holidays. Every year, during the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, we hold events that ensure our seniors feel the warmth of family. We hope everyone enjoys this joyful afternoon together.”

Leading the celebrations, Chen Zi, an elder from the Philadelphia Harmony Association, directed a lively dance troupe made up of spirited performers from the Harmony Dance Company. They were joined by the Pennsylvania Chinese Association’s Prosperous Military Band and volunteers from the Good Friends Activity Center, who collectively presented captivating performances, including traditional dances, Tai Chi fan routines, and poetry recitations. The audience, a diverse group of seniors, watched with keen interest, sharing laughter and conversations, cultivating a warm, joyous atmosphere. Following the performances, attendees savored mooncakes and traditional Chinese dishes carefully prepared by the center.

The Echelon Care & Rehabilitation Center stands out as a haven of warmth and compassion, offering 24-hour services in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Teochew, and Fuzhou dialects. The center also employs Chinese chefs to craft delicious meals for the seniors and provides access to Chinese television and a variety of cultural enrichment activities.

In late September, New York City Mayor Eric Adams found himself facing federal charges, resulting in a significant shake-up within his administration. As of the evening of October 7, reports confirm that Phil Banks, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, and Zheng Qirong, the Senior Asian American Advisor, have both resigned. Meanwhile, Rana Abbasova, a former senior aide for community affairs who is said to have collaborated with prosecutors in the case against Adams, has reportedly been dismissed from her role.

Phil Banks is particularly noteworthy as the highest-ranking official to step down amidst this upheaval. His home was searched by federal investigators on September 4, just as inquiries were being conducted involving his brother, David Banks, and his then-fiancée, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. David Banks, who served as the city’s education chief, had resigned early from his post. While reports indicate that Sheena Wright also intends to resign, this has yet to be confirmed. Furthermore, a third brother, Terence Banks, is currently under federal investigation.

According to The City, Zheng Qirong’s attorney, Steven Brill, stated that her resignation was a personal decision and claimed he was unaware of any city pressure influencing her departure. Zheng has been a volunteer with Adams since 2014, focusing on strengthening connections with the Chinese and Asian communities. She played a key role in fundraising for Adams’ mayoral campaign in 2021 but has faced media scrutiny for alleged financial issues and claims that she assisted the Chinese government and pro-communist groups in swaying Adams’ policies, sometimes at the expense of interactions with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the FBI searched her home, but she has yet to be charged with any wrongdoing. Currently, Zheng’s phone is no longer operational, and the city has provided no comment on her resignation.

Rana Abbasova also played a crucial role as a liaison between Adams and the Russian-speaking and Muslim communities in New York. After being investigated by federal authorities last November, she has been on unpaid leave since. Reports suggest that a substantial amount of evidence regarding Adams’ alleged connections was handed to prosecutors by an unnamed “city insider,” believed to be Abbasova. While this has not been confirmed in public, it appears that Adams’ legal team is attempting to undermine her credibility, hinting at deeper challenges.

The list of senior officials either resigning or expected to depart Adams’ administration continues to expand, with former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, Health Commissioner Ashwin Wasan, and Senior Advisors Lisa Zornberg and Timothy Pearson all facing federal investigations. Additionally, Wright is reportedly planning to resign within the week.