In a significant milestone for space exploration, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket on November 13, 2025, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, designated NG-2, carried NASA’s ESCAPADE twin spacecraft, which are set to orbit Mars as part of the agency’s Mars exploration initiative. The launch occurred at 3:55 pm Eastern Time, with the rocket’s main engine cutting off and stage separation confirmed approximately three minutes after liftoff. Blue Origin later reported that the second stage and payload were on track to continue their journey into space. This marks the second flight of the reusable New Glenn rocket, which is designed to support the scientific objectives of the ESCAPADE mission. The successful launch underscores Blue Origin’s growing role in advancing space technology and its collaboration with NASA in exploring the Red Planet.
作者： admin
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American musician finds new meaning in Chinese music and community
Princeton University recently hosted a vibrant celebration of the Double Ninth Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday honoring health, longevity, and respect for the elderly. The event, organized by Asian student groups and Chinese-descendant students, featured Chinese music, graceful dance, and traditional desserts, creating a tapestry of cultural pride and community spirit. Among the attendees, one figure stood out: Vince Di Mura, a resident music composer and director at Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, who has found a new musical voice in Chinese music and a deep connection with the Chinese community.
Di Mura, born into an Italian-American family, discovered his passion for music at a young age. From blues and jazz to classical music, his career has been marked by exploration and reinvention. However, it was his introduction to Chinese music that truly transformed his artistic journey. About three years ago, Di Mura began collaborating with the Princeton University Chinese Music Ensemble, learning to compose for traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu, pipa, and suona. This experience, initially ‘very alien,’ gradually became a source of profound inspiration.
His collaboration with the local Chinese community deepened when he met Wendy Fan, who challenged him to reinterpret Chinese music in his unique jazz style. This led to the formation of the Summer Breeze Chinese Jazz Fusion Ensemble, a band that blends Chinese melodies with jazz improvisation. The ensemble has performed over a hundred shows, from prestigious venues like the Lincoln Center to intimate community gatherings, and has released three albums.
Di Mura’s latest project, ‘Oh God … Beautiful Machine,’ is a 90-minute, three-part production that includes a 20-minute segment dedicated to the Chinese community. The piece, which premiered in October 2025, features librettos by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa and has been met with overwhelming support from the Chinese community. Di Mura describes his work as an expression of love and gratitude for the community that has embraced him.
Wu Hongyan, a longtime supporter of Di Mura, praised the musician’s ability to seamlessly blend Eastern and Western musical traditions. ‘The Cassowary,’ a segment of the production, exemplifies this fusion, carrying a distinctly Chinese spirit while speaking in the language of jazz. Wu noted that Di Mura’s work demonstrates how cultural voices can coexist harmoniously, creating new artistic possibilities.
Di Mura’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the transformative impact of community. His story resonates not only as a musical achievement but also as a bridge between cultures, fostering mutual respect and understanding. As he continues to explore and celebrate Chinese music, Di Mura remains a beloved figure in the Chinese community, embodying the spirit of genuine friendship and artistic collaboration.
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Watch: Seal jumps aboard photographer’s boat to escape orcas
In a remarkable encounter off the coast, wildlife photographer Charvet Drucker witnessed a dramatic escape as a seal leapt onto her boat to evade a pursuing pod of orcas. Drucker, who was capturing images of the orcas, found herself in the midst of a life-and-death chase when the seal sought refuge on her vessel. The incident highlights the intense predator-prey dynamics in marine ecosystems. Orcas, known for their intelligence and hunting prowess, often target seals as part of their diet. This unexpected interaction provided Drucker with a rare opportunity to document the seal’s desperate bid for survival. The event underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife photography and the delicate balance of marine life. Drucker’s experience serves as a reminder of the raw and unfiltered realities of the natural world.
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Shohei Ohtani’s fourth MVP award sparks celebrations in Japan
Tokyo witnessed a wave of jubilation as Shohei Ohtani, Japan’s baseball sensation, clinched his fourth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The announcement, made on Thursday night in the United States, was met with immediate celebration in Tokyo, where newspapers released special editions to honor the achievement. Ohtani’s latest accolade marks his second consecutive National League MVP title, following his 2023 American League MVP win while playing for the Los Angeles Angels. His unanimous selection underscores his unparalleled dominance in the sport. Ohtani’s remarkable season included a .282 batting average, a league-leading 1.014 OPS, 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. Despite recovering from an elbow injury, he returned to pitching in June, striking out 62 batters in 47 innings. His postseason performance was equally historic, highlighted by a game where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series victory. Japanese officials and fans alike lauded Ohtani’s dedication and impact. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara praised his contributions to team morale, while fans like Mai Koga called him a national pride. Ohtani’s legacy continues to inspire, solidifying his status as one of baseball’s greatest.
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South Africa wins the toss and will bat in first cricket test against India
The much-anticipated first cricket test between India and South Africa kicked off at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens on Friday, with South African captain Temba Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bat. This marks Kolkata’s first test match since 2019, when India faced Bangladesh in a day-night encounter. India’s strategy leaned heavily on spin, fielding four spinners, including all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, alongside left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack was led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Notably, vice-captain Rishabh Pant returned to the playing XI after recovering from a foot injury sustained during the England series. On the South African side, Kagiso Rabada was sidelined due to a rib injury, with medium-pace all-rounder Corbin Bosch stepping in. The Proteas opted for a dual-spin approach with Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. The second test is scheduled to begin on November 22 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, which will host a men’s test for the first time after being a venue for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. Recent form suggests India enters the series with confidence, having defeated West Indies 2-0, with Yadav emerging as the leading bowler with 12 wickets. South Africa, meanwhile, drew their two-test series in Pakistan 1-1. The match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in the World Test Championship.
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US coach featured on Netflix series shot on California school campus
John Beam, a renowned former American football coach featured in Netflix’s documentary series *Last Chance U*, was shot on the campus of Laney College in Oakland, California. The incident occurred on Thursday just before noon at the college’s athletics building. Beam, 66, was the sole victim and was hospitalized with unspecified injuries. The assailant, described as wearing dark clothing, remains at large, with no motive yet disclosed. The shooting prompted a campus-wide lockdown, which was lifted after authorities confirmed no ongoing threat. Beam, who retired from coaching last year after a 40-year career, currently serves as Laney College’s athletic director. He gained national recognition through *Last Chance U*’s fifth season, which highlighted his leadership of the Laney Eagles football team and his efforts to inspire players both on and off the field. Beam has coached numerous players who went on to professional careers, including 20 NFL athletes and over 100 Division 1 players. Known for his dedication to student success, he has emphasized preparing athletes for life beyond sports, often showcasing alumni who pursued diverse careers. Laney College, established in 1953, is located approximately 13 miles from San Francisco. The incident has raised concerns about campus safety and the broader issue of gun violence in the region.
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UAE vs Iraq: Luanzinho’s goal leads to hard-fought draw in World Cup playoff
In a thrilling encounter at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and Iraq played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of the AFC World Cup playoff on Thursday. The match, filled with dramatic moments, sets the stage for a decisive second leg in Basra on November 18. Iraq struck first in the 10th minute through Ali Al Hamadi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse following a well-executed free-kick. However, the UAE responded swiftly, with Brazilian-born midfielder Luanzinho equalizing in the 18th minute with a precise header. The home team dominated possession and created several chances but were unable to break through Iraq’s resilient defense. In a dramatic finale, the UAE thought they had secured a late winner when Caio Lucas found the net in the 96th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call. The result leaves the tie finely balanced as both teams prepare for the crucial second leg, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental qualifying tournament in March 2026. The UAE, aiming to end a 35-year World Cup drought since their debut in 1990, will need to overcome the challenge of playing in Iraq’s hostile environment. Meanwhile, Iraq will look to leverage their home advantage to secure a historic qualification.
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Landslides in Indonesia’s Java island leave 2 dead and 21 missing
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Devastating landslides, triggered by relentless torrential rains, have claimed the lives of two individuals and left 21 others unaccounted for in Central Java, Indonesia, as confirmed by officials on Friday. The calamity struck on Thursday evening, engulfing numerous homes across three villages in the province. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the region had been subjected to several days of intense rainfall, which destabilized the terrain and led to the catastrophic event. Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the BNPB, highlighted the challenges faced by rescue teams due to the precarious ground conditions. Despite these obstacles, search and rescue operations persisted into Friday morning, with heavy machinery being deployed to expedite the efforts. Footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) depicted rescuers meticulously combing through the debris of collapsed homes, utilizing a combination of heavy equipment, extraction tools, and manual labor to access hard-to-reach areas. Indonesia, an archipelago comprising 17,000 islands, is no stranger to such disasters, particularly during the heavy seasonal rains that typically span from October to March. These rains often result in flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous regions and fertile floodplains where millions reside. This incident echoes a similar tragedy in January, when over 20 lives were lost to floods and landslides in Central Java following torrential downpours.
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Vote counting under way in Indian state election that is key test for Modi
The eastern Indian state of Bihar is currently in the spotlight as votes are being counted in a closely contested election that could shape the political landscape of the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in alliance with the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), is vying to retain power in a state where it has never managed to form a government independently. The election, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, saw a record-breaking voter turnout of 66.91%, the highest since Bihar’s first elections in 1951, according to India’s Election Commission (EC).
Several exit polls suggest a victory for the BJP-led alliance, though such predictions have been unreliable in the past. The election was conducted following a contentious revision of electoral rolls, which the opposition claims was designed to exclude genuine voters and favor the BJP. Both the BJP and the EC have denied these allegations.
The counting of votes began at 08:00 local time on Friday, with trends expected to emerge by noon and final results anticipated by evening. The outcome of the Bihar polls is seen as a precursor to several other crucial state elections next year in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, where the BJP has struggled to gain a foothold.
Bihar, India’s poorest state with over 74 million voters, has witnessed significant migration for employment opportunities. The outgoing government was a coalition between the BJP and JD(U), while the main opposition Congress party allied with the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and smaller parties. The election also marked the debut of a new political party led by Prashant Kishor, a former political strategist who has worked with both the BJP and Congress.
This election is particularly significant as it could be the last to feature two veteran leaders, JD(U)’s Nitish Kumar and RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav, who have dominated Bihar’s politics for nearly four decades. Both leaders, now in their 70s and reportedly in poor health, have occasionally joined forces to maintain power. Kumar, the incumbent chief minister, has been a central figure in Bihar’s governance for most of the past two decades, while Yadav, currently on bail following corruption convictions, has seen his son Tejashwi emerge as the opposition’s chief ministerial candidate.
Female voters played a pivotal role in this election, with women comprising nearly half of the electorate. The state recorded its highest-ever female voter turnout at 71.6%, prompting both alliances to introduce financial assistance schemes to attract their support.
The election was conducted after a controversial voter list revision by the EC, which removed 4.7 million names from the rolls. This process, now underway in 12 states and federally administered territories, has faced sharp criticism from the opposition, who accuse the EC of disproportionately targeting Muslim voters to benefit the BJP. Both the BJP and the EC have refuted these claims.
As the results unfold, the Bihar election is being closely watched for its implications on India’s political trajectory, particularly in the lead-up to next year’s key state elections.
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UAE President honours first Emirati family to donate their 5-year-old child’s organs
In a poignant ceremony at Qasr Al Hosn, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honored Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori, the first Emirati family to donate their five-year-old daughter Zahia’s organs. Zahia’s heart saved the life of one child, while her kidneys went to another child and an adult patient. The Al Mansoori family’s selfless decision, made amidst their grief, has brought hope and awareness to the UAE’s Hayat organ donation programme. Dr. Ali Al Obeidli, chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee, emphasized that organ transplants restore hope not only to patients but also to their families, creating a lasting legacy tied to Zahia’s name. The Abu Dhabi Awards, which celebrated its 20th anniversary, recognized the Al Mansooris alongside nine other individuals for their contributions to community development, education, healthcare, and culture. The event underscored the UAE’s commitment to generosity, unity, and social harmony, coinciding with the Year of Community. Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honored 110 individuals from 18 nationalities, reflecting the nation’s enduring values of compassion and responsibility.