A less than glittering Oscars ceremony

14 Sept 00:17 Key points summarised by AI

COVID-19 severely dampened the 93rd Oscars, leading to record-low TV ratings and a significant drop in public engagement compared to previous years.
The ceremony's subdued nature reflected the broader challenges facing the movie industry, including theater closures and a shift towards streaming platforms for film distribution.
Despite the reduced glamour, the pandemic inadvertently opened doors for greater diversity, highlighted by historic Oscar wins for non-white talents like Chloé Zhao and Yuh-Jung Youn.

The Buddha Comes Home

Today 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.