分类: entertainment

  • Superman copy found in mum’s attic is most valuable comic ever at $9.12m

    Superman copy found in mum’s attic is most valuable comic ever at $9.12m

    In a remarkable turn of events, three brothers discovered a pristine copy of the first edition Superman comic from June 1939 while cleaning out their late mother’s attic in California last Christmas. The comic, found under a stack of faded newspapers in a cardboard box, has now become the most valuable comic book ever sold, fetching an astounding $9.12 million at auction. The sale was hosted by Texas-based Heritage Auctions, which described the find as the ‘pinnacle of comic collecting.’ The brothers, who have chosen to remain anonymous, are in their 50s and 60s and were unaware of their mother’s valuable collection until the discovery. Their mother had preserved the comics since purchasing them between the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. The cool northern California climate played a crucial role in maintaining the comic’s excellent condition, earning it a 9.0 rating from CGC, a leading third-party comics grading service. This rating surpasses the previous record of 8.5 for a Superman #1 comic. The sale price of over $9 million, including the buyer’s premium, easily eclipsed the previous record of $6 million set by Action Comics No. 1 last year. The youngest brother reflected on the discovery, stating that it was not just about a collectible but a testament to memory, family, and the unexpected ways the past resurfaces.

  • Dubai Shopping Festival to begin on December 5; prizes up to Dh400,000

    Dubai Shopping Festival to begin on December 5; prizes up to Dh400,000

    The much-anticipated Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is set to return for its 31st edition, running from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026. This year’s festival promises to transform Dubai into a vibrant winter wonderland, offering an array of shopping, entertainment, culinary delights, and cultural experiences. Spanning 38 days, the festival will feature a series of events, competitions, and giveaways designed to captivate both residents and visitors alike. Shoppers spending Dh200 or more will have the opportunity to win daily prizes, including a brand-new Nissan and Dh100,000 in cash. The grand finale will see one lucky winner take home a staggering Dh400,000. Additionally, weekly draws will distribute over Dh2.6 million worth of gold, adding to the festival’s allure. The DSF has become a hallmark of Dubai’s festive season, drawing millions of participants each year. This edition aims to surpass previous years in scale and excitement, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for shopping and entertainment. With its blend of luxury, culture, and community spirit, the Dubai Shopping Festival continues to be a must-attend event on the international calendar.

  • SRK gets his own tower in Dubai: Danube launches ‘SHAHRUKHZ by Danube’

    SRK gets his own tower in Dubai: Danube launches ‘SHAHRUKHZ by Danube’

    In a historic move, Danube Properties has unveiled ‘SHAHRUKHZ by Danube’, a state-of-the-art commercial tower named after Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan. This 55-storey marvel, located on Dubai’s prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road, commemorates 33 years of excellence for both Khan and Danube Group, symbolizing their shared ethos of resilience, innovation, and relentless ambition. The tower, designed for visionaries and empire builders, is set to redefine Dubai’s skyline as a beacon of luxury and success. The announcement was made at a grand gala event at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, attended by Khan and Danube’s founder, Rizwan Sajan, alongside prominent influencers, business leaders, and media personalities. Khan expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘Dubai has always been a city of dreams, and this tower is a testament to the power of belief and hard work.’ Sajan echoed this sentiment, highlighting their shared journey of humble beginnings and global impact. Spanning over 1 million sqft, SHAHRUKHZ by Danube offers world-class amenities, including a sky pool, helipad, and exclusive business lounges, with prices starting at $475,000. Its strategic location near landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai International Airport further enhances its appeal. Danube’s innovative 1% monthly payment plan continues to make premium real estate accessible, reinforcing its commitment to value-driven investments.

  • Natuzzi Italia honoured Dubai Design Week as the region’s top destination for design innovation

    Natuzzi Italia honoured Dubai Design Week as the region’s top destination for design innovation

    Dubai Design Week 2025, the region’s premier design festival, celebrated its 11th edition with Natuzzi Italia taking center stage. The renowned Italian brand unveiled its latest collection, ‘Rooted in Harmony,’ through an immersive installation at Downtown Design, the festival’s flagship event. Held from November 5 to 9 in the Dubai Design District (d3), the exhibition showcased Natuzzi Italia’s commitment to design innovation and cultural fusion. Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, the brand’s project and contract chief officer, emphasized Dubai Design Week’s role as a hub for pioneering design and innovation, expressing pride in the brand’s continued participation and success during VIP Day. The event, a global meeting point for architects, designers, and developers from over 100 countries, highlighted Natuzzi Italia’s collaboration with Studio Etereo, a leading UAE-based design studio. Together, they transformed the traditional exhibition space into a multisensory residential environment, reflecting the brand’s vision for contemporary living. With over 22,000 visitors and the presence of international brands, Downtown Design solidified its reputation as a leading platform for contemporary design in the region. Natuzzi Italia’s participation not only reinforced its global positioning but also underscored its dedication to bespoke and branded residential concepts tailored to modern lifestyles.

  • Mexico crowned Miss Universe 2025 after controversy-filled edition

    Mexico crowned Miss Universe 2025 after controversy-filled edition

    In a dramatic and emotionally charged finale, Mexico’s Fátima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025, marking a historic moment in the pageant’s storied history. The event, held on November 21, 2025, was not without its share of controversy, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the competition. The final question posed to the top five contestants—representing Thailand, Philippines, Venezuela, Mexico, and Cote d’Ivoire—was: ‘If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?’ Bosch’s heartfelt response resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike. She declared, ‘As Miss Universe, I will say to them: Believe in the power of your authenticity. Believe in yourself. Your dreams matter, your heart matters, and never let anyone make you doubt your worth, because you are worth everything. Your voice needs to be heard.’ Her victory comes as a surprise twist, especially after a highly publicized incident two weeks prior, where pageant host Nawat Itsaragrisil allegedly called her a ‘dumbhead’ during a dispute over her social media obligations. Bosch’s journey to the crown has been marked by resilience and determination. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at a young age, she channeled her challenges into community service, creating art from discarded materials and donating the proceeds to marginalized groups, including migrant communities and children with cancer. Her win not only celebrates her personal triumph but also highlights her commitment to empowering others through her platform.

  • From walkout to winner: Who is Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch?

    From walkout to winner: Who is Miss Universe 2025 Fátima Bosch?

    In a dramatic turn of events, Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025, marking a triumphant end to a controversy-filled pageant. The 25-year-old beauty queen, who has long been a champion for migrants and vulnerable communities, emerged victorious after a tumultuous journey that included a high-profile walkout during the competition. Bosch’s win not only solidified her place in pageant history but also highlighted her resilience and advocacy for empowerment. The event, held in Thailand, was marred by a heated exchange between Bosch and the host, Nawat Itsaragrisil, who allegedly insulted her during a dispute over social media promotions. Bosch’s bold decision to leave the stage in protest, supported by fellow contestants, sparked a global conversation about respect and the role of women in leadership. Her actions earned widespread praise, including recognition from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who commended her for speaking out. Bosch’s journey to the crown is a testament to her determination. Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at a young age, she transformed her challenges into a passion for service. A multifaceted talent, Bosch is also a designer, poet, photographer, and painter, using her skills to support causes like sustainable fashion and migrant rights. Her victory serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for one’s values.

  • Eurovision plans changes to voting, security after allegations of Israeli government ‘interference’

    Eurovision plans changes to voting, security after allegations of Israeli government ‘interference’

    The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world’s most celebrated musical events, is undergoing significant changes to its voting system following allegations of interference by the Israeli government. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Geneva-based organization overseeing the contest, announced on Friday that the reforms aim to bolster trust, transparency, and audience engagement. These measures come amid growing calls to exclude Israel from the competition due to its government’s actions during the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza. Israel, a long-standing participant with four victories, has faced criticism for allegedly using the contest as a political tool. In September, Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS cited human suffering in Gaza as a reason to oppose Israel’s participation, a stance echoed by several other countries. The EBU’s new voting rules include halving the number of votes per payment method to 10 and reintroducing professional juries in the semifinals for the first time since 2022. Additionally, enhanced safeguards will be implemented to detect and prevent suspicious voting patterns. Contest director Martin Green emphasized the importance of maintaining the event’s neutrality and integrity, stating that it must remain a non-political space. The EBU’s general assembly, meeting on December 4-5, will decide whether Israel can participate in the 2024 contest, scheduled for May in Vienna. A vote on Israel’s participation will only occur if member broadcasters deem the new measures insufficient.

  • Hai-Ye Ni charts incredible musical journey

    Hai-Ye Ni charts incredible musical journey

    Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, has carved an extraordinary path in the world of classical music. Born in Shanghai, Ni began her musical journey at the tender age of six, guided by her mother. Initially experimenting with various instruments, she found her true calling in the cello, captivated by its warm, human-like tones. Her early exposure to legendary cellists like Pablo Casals through recordings deeply influenced her passion for the instrument. At just nine years old, Ni was accepted into the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where her structured training laid the foundation for her future success. At 13, she moved to the United States to join her father, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. Ni’s international education included studying under renowned mentors such as Irene Sharp, Joel Krosnick, and William Pleeth. Her career skyrocketed after winning first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition in 1990, followed by a celebrated debut at Alice Tully Hall in 1991. In 2006, she became the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, an institution with a storied history of fostering US-China cultural ties. Ni’s illustrious career includes collaborations with luminaries like Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Joshua Bell, as well as performances at iconic venues such as the Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Despite her global acclaim, Ni remains deeply grateful for her roots, crediting her family, teachers, and mentors for her success. On November 23, she will perform at Carnegie Hall alongside pianist Li Jian and violinist Siqing Lu in a concert titled ‘An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor.’ Reflecting on her journey, Ni humbly acknowledges the support that has shaped her career, stating, ‘I had a lot of help to have a career like what I have now.’

  • Eurovision changes rules after Israel voting controversy

    Eurovision changes rules after Israel voting controversy

    The Eurovision Song Contest is implementing significant changes to its voting and promotional rules following widespread controversy surrounding Israel’s performance in the 2025 competition. Israel’s Yuval Raphael secured the highest public vote but ultimately finished second overall after jury votes were factored in. This outcome sparked concerns among participating countries, leading to a comprehensive review of the contest’s regulations. Starting next year, fans will be limited to casting 10 votes each, down from 20, and juries will be reintroduced for the semi-finals to ensure musical quality and diversity. Additionally, contestants and broadcasters will be prohibited from engaging in promotional campaigns supported by third parties, including governments, amid allegations that an Israeli government agency funded ads and used state social media accounts to influence voting. Eurovision director Martin Green emphasized the need to maintain the contest’s impartiality and neutrality, stating that the changes aim to address disproportionate promotional activities that undermine the event’s spirit. The presence of Israel at Eurovision has also faced opposition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with countries like Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands considering a boycott if Israel participates in 2026. Green expressed hope that the new measures would reassure broadcasters and preserve Eurovision as a celebration of music and unity. The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held on May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, marking the city’s third time hosting the event.

  • Child’s play

    Child’s play

    The Shanxi Grand Theater in Taiyuan recently hosted a vibrant open day event designed to introduce children to the captivating world of Chinese opera. Titled ‘Passing on Loyalty and Righteousness: Various Ways to Explore Guan Gong,’ the event seamlessly blended traditional opera performances with interactive modern elements, creating an engaging experience for young audiences. Guan Yu, or Guan Gong, a legendary figure from the late Eastern Han Dynasty, served as the central theme of the event. Known for his tales of loyalty and bravery, Guan Gong is a beloved character in Chinese opera and a household name across the country. The event featured children dressed in elaborate opera costumes, complete with makeup, performing alongside professional artists. This initiative aimed to foster an appreciation for traditional Chinese culture among the younger generation, ensuring that the rich heritage of Chinese opera continues to thrive. The Shanxi Grand Theater’s innovative approach to cultural education highlights the enduring relevance of traditional arts in contemporary society.