标签： North America

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.

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.

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.’