Brazil: People Celebrate As “I’m Still Here” Wins Oscar For Best International Feature Film 2

People across Brazil enthusiastically celebrated a historic moment as "I'm Still Here" won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on Sunday, March 2. The movie became the first Brazilian film to win the Best International Feature.

Brazil: People Celebrate As “I’m Still Here” Wins Oscar For Best International Feature Film

People across Brazil enthusiastically celebrated a historic moment as "I'm Still Here" won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on Sunday, March 2. The movie became the first Brazilian film to win the Best International Feature.

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

Trump Supporters Celebrate Election Win - Virginia

A Trump supporter draped in an American flag gestures enthusiastically in Virginia on November 8, 2024, showing support for his presidential campaign. Photo by Ali Khaligh/Middle east Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Moviegoers in Egypt enjoy domestic films during Eid al-Adha holiday

STORY: Moviegoers in Egypt enjoy domestic films during Eid al-Adha holiday SHOOTING TIME: June 18, 2024 DATELINE: June 19, 2024 LENGTH: 00:02:09 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ENTERTAINMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of moviegoers 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SAMIR, Moviegoer 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AHMED EMAD, Moviegoer 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Arabic): MAHMOUD ASHOUR, Moviegoer 5. various of moviegoers STORYLINE: Moviegoers in Egypt are enthusiastically embracing screenings of several locally produced films during the Eid al-Adha holiday. Movies including Ahl El-Kahf, Essabet El-Max, Welad Rizk 3, and El-Leab Maa El-Eyal are jointly released for this traditional holiday season. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): SAMIR, Moviegoer "These days are the best, as everyone has been working hard all year long. They can visit the Pyramids, go to the movies, or enjoy outings during the holiday." SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): AHMED EMAD, Moviegoer "We're heading to the movies to watch Welad Rizk 3. It's a good one, especially with Aaser Yassin joining the

Chinese proficiency competition in Myanmar enhances communicating skills

STORY: Chinese proficiency competition in Myanmar enhances communicating skills SHOOTING TIME: June 8, 2024 DATELINE: June 9, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:16 LOCATION: YANGON, Myanmar CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Chinese proficiency competition in Myanmar STORYLINE: Students from Chinese schools across Myanmar competed enthusiastically in the Chinese proficiency competition on Saturday. The competition has three categories: college level (ages 18-25), middle school level (ages 13-18), and primary school level (ages 6-12), according to an event organizer. "Many participants from Chinese schools across Myanmar competed in the competition. Among them, 15 from the college level, 15 from the middle school level and 19 from the primary school level reached the finals. We choose first, second and third prizes in each level among the finalists," she said. Myo Min Han, 18, said, "This is my first time competing, encouraged by my teacher to gain experience. In the past, I struggled with communication, but

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia gives a training session to a hearing-impaired child at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 27, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situat

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia and hearing-impaired children visit a supermarket in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 20, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situations, and have the courage to communicate with ot

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia gives a training session to a hearing-impaired child at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, March 27, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situat

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia gives a training session to hearing-impaired children at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, May 17, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situati

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia and hearing-impaired children play at a park in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 20, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situations, and have the courage to communicate with others.

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia gives a training session to hearing-impaired children at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, May 17, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situati

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia gives a training session to hearing-impaired children at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, May 17, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situati

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia gives a training session to a hearing-impaired child at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 20, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situat

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

ChineseToday | Teacher brings more possibilities to hearing-impaired children in central China's Hubei

(240518) -- WUHAN, May 18, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Li Hongjia and hearing-impaired children fly a kite at a park in Jiangxia District of Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 20, 2024. Li Hongjia is a special education teacher at the Little Sunflower rehabilitation center in Wuhan. Her job is to conduct auditory and speech trainings for hearing-impaired children with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Li tailors each child's training plan. She uses slightly exaggerated facial expressions, tone of voice and body movements to communicate with the children in order to help them better perceive sounds and recognize their meanings. Whenever a child is brave enough to speak or pronounce a word accurately, she praises the child enthusiastically. When the weather is good, Li will also take the children to participate in outdoor activities, go to the supermarket to buy things, and set up stalls to sell goods. She hopes that the children can adjust to real-life situations, and have the courage to communicate with o

Italian orchestra eyes promoting friendship with Chinese people

STORY: Italian orchestra eyes promoting friendship with Chinese people SHOOTING TIME: April 24, 2024 DATELINE: April 29, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:11 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of performances 2. SOUNDBITE (English): CARLO NATALE, Pianist of the Playtoy Orchestra 3. various of performances STORYLINE: The Playtoy Orchestra from Italy performed this month in Beijing after a nearly five years' absence from China. The orchestra is famous for playing with real toy-instruments. It has captured the attention of Chinese audiences over the past two weeks, with many children enthusiastically taking to the stage to participate in the interactive performances. SOUNDBITE (English): CARLO NATALE, Pianist of the Playtoy Orchestra "It is a pleasure for me to be here to share our music, to share our passion with all these audiences. There are less keys, and it is also smaller than a real piano. And it is part of the show, of course. You can play real music even with the toy system. It is the main

Villagers revitalize centuries-old ox-cart racing tradition in Cambodia

STORY: Villagers revitalize centuries-old ox-cart racing tradition in Cambodia SHOOTING TIME: April 7, 2024 DATELINE: April 8, 2024 LENGTH: 00:05:22 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of ox-cart racing in Cambodia's Kampong Speu province 2. various of people watching ox-cart racing 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): CHHIM MAO, Ox-cart racer 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): SIEK SOTHEA, Spectator of ox-cart races 5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Khmer): SUN MEANCHEY, Director of the Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Culture and Fine Arts STORYLINE: Cambodian villagers gathered in Kampong Speu province on Sunday to race their ox-carts across a field, reviving centuries-old ox-cart racing tradition in the Southeast Asian nation. Held in Samraong Tong district's Prey Rumduol village, some 40 km west of the capital Phnom Penh, contenders raced their carts pulled by two oxen in a 1,300-meter dirt track, as hundreds of spectators enthusiastically watched and cheered on the winners of the race. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer):

Romania hosts cultural event to celebrate Lantern Festival

STORY: Romania hosts cultural event to celebrate Lantern Festival SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 23, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 25, 2024 LENGTH: 00:03:07 LOCATION: Bucharest CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of street view in Bucharest 2. various of performances and experiences of Lantern Festival traditions STORYLINE: The Chinese Cultural Center in Bucharest, Romania hosted a cultural event on Friday evening to celebrate the traditional Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The event featured captivating performances including traditional Guzheng music and Tibetan dance. Attendees also enjoyed a variety of activities such as guessing lantern riddles, writing the Chinese character "Fu," and playing games like pitch-pot and peanut pick-up challenge with chopsticks. Additionally, they had the opportunity to make wishes at the wishing tree and taste delicious Chinese food. Approximately 200 guests from China and Romania enthusiastically immersed themselves in the charm of trad

Award ceremony for short video competition about China-Laos Railway held in Laos

STORY: Award ceremony for short video competition about China-Laos Railway held in Laos DATELINE: Oct. 18, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:16 LOCATION: Vientiane CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the awarding ceremony STORYLINE: The award ceremony of a short video competition themed "My story with China-Laos Railway," aimed at celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, was held in Lao capital Vientiane. The award ceremony, held on Monday, was organized by the Chinese embassy in Laos, together with Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC), and the China Cultural Center in Laos. The competition focused on the stories of Lao people with the China-Laos Railway, attracting many people to participate enthusiastically. Since the beginning of the competition, nearly 100 short videos have been submitted, and finally, the committee selected 21 winning entries and broadcasted part of them at the award ceremony. The winning videos showed that the China-Laos Railway has helped the development o

MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR-MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL-DECORATION

MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR-MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL-DECORATION

(230926) -- KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- People buy decorations for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sept. 23, 2023. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date. The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, has been observed by people of Chinese origin for thousands of years, usually marked by family reunions, a full moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR-MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL-DECORATION

MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR-MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL-DECORATION

(230926) -- KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A woman takes pitures of lanterns installed for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival at Kwai Chai Hong in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sept. 23, 2023. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date. The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, has been observed by people of Chinese origin for thousands of years, usually marked by family reunions, a full moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR-MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL-DECORATION

MALAYSIA-KUALA LUMPUR-MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL-DECORATION

(230926) -- KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 26, 2023 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on Sept. 23, 2023 shows a moon-shaped installation for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival features prominently in multicultural Malaysia, with the overseas Chinese and their local friends enthusiastically marking the key cultural date. The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, has been observed by people of Chinese origin for thousands of years, usually marked by family reunions, a full moon viewing and the consumption of mooncakes. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

African acrobats pursue dreams in China

STORY: African acrobats pursue dreams in China DATELINE: Aug. 23, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: HENGSHUI, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of African acrobats preforming acrobatics 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): FUNDI SAIDI MOHAMED, African acrobat 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ATHUMAN KEVIN HILLARY MAJALIWA, African acrobat 4. various of African acrobats learning Chinese culture STORYLINE: Four African acrobats from Tanzania have been captivating audiences with their incredible acrobatic performances at Hengshui Wildlife Park in north China's Hebei Province. These talented performers have been living and working in China since 2020, and they have grown to love their life in the country. They enthusiastically embrace various aspects of Chinese culture, such as making dumplings, learning calligraphy, dancing, and exercising with their Chinese colleagues and friends. During traditional Chinese festivals, they have been warmly welcomed into the homes of local families, creating happy memories for t

Lebanon's Valentine's Day gloomy as financial crisis continues

STORY: Lebanon's Valentine's Day gloomy as financial crisis continues DATELINE: Feb. 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:25 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a flowers shop 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): RABIH BOU KHEIR, Flower shop salesman 3. various of street views in Lebanon 4. various of a gift shop 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): FADI BOU DARGHAM, Jewelry shop owner STORYLINE: Valentine's Day in Lebanon was usually celebrated enthusiastically in various ways. But this year, the financial crisis prompted many couples to either give up the tradition or turn to less expensive celebrations. Flower shops complained about the low demand for their items on this occasion amid the collapse of the local pound to the U.S. dollar. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): RABIH BOU KHEIR, Flower shop salesman "There is no demand because prices are rising and the dollar is expensive. Nobody is buying except for last year and the years before." Lebanon's financial crisis plunged over 80 percent of the population into poverty as sa

'Gal Mikoshi' carried at summer festival

'Gal Mikoshi' carried at summer festival

OSAKA, Japan - Women enthusiastically carry a "Gal Mikoshi" (all-female portable shrine) through a shopping arcade in Osaka, western Japan, on July 23, 2014, on the eve of the annual Tenjin Festival.

African-American "enka" singer Jero enchants hometown audience a

African-American "enka" singer Jero enchants hometown audience a

PITTSBURGH, United States - Popular African-American ''enka'' singer Jero sings enthusiastically on Aug. 27 at the University of Pittsburgh, his alma mater. (Kyodo)

GANDHI IN ENGLAND 1931

GANDHI IN ENGLAND 1931

MAHATMA GANDHI with enthusiastically supportive factory workers in Lancashire, 1931. Date: 1869 - 1948

Former residents find prewar roots in Russian territory

Former residents find prewar roots in Russian territory

Nozomi Takahashi speaks enthusiastically on June 16, 2015, about his trip earlier in the month to his birthplace in Karafuto, currently Russia's Far Eastern region of Sakhalin, for the first time in 76 years with the help of a travel agency in Wakkanai, Hokkaido Prefecture, northern Japan. Arrangements by the agency included finding the location of Takahashi's old family home based on Japanese address records. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

'Gal Mikoshi' carried at summer festival

'Gal Mikoshi' carried at summer festival

OSAKA, Japan - Women enthusiastically carry a "Gal Mikoshi" (all-female portable shrine) through a shopping arcade in Osaka, western Japan, on July 23, 2014, on the eve of the annual Tenjin Festival. (Kyodo)