Author: Adrian (釋大道)

Adrian Chan-Wyles is a British expert specialising in the forensic translation of historical and contemporary political, cultural and philosophical Chinese texts - providing reliable English language interpretations. A number of his English language articles (interpreting Chinese affairs) have been published within the PRC - referenced in a number of Chinese language academic and news texts as examples of reliable transliterations regarding the (correct) 'foreign' understanding of Chinese culture.
Gordon Cree seen knitting on Game of Wool. Photo: Channel 4

UK: Shetland Organisation of Knitters “Shocked & Saddened” by Representation in Channel 4 “Game of Wool” Show! (7.11.2025)

Small patterns in Fair Isle are referred to as “peerie patterns”, but Leask has said they “would never” refer to them as “peeries”.

“That’s never been used by a Shetlander,” she said.

“A lot of Shetlanders have said they have never even heard of that.”

Leask described the misinformation in the show as “frustrating”, and said knitters locally spent a lot of their time having to clear up similar confusion with visitors to the isles.

SOK worries now that Game of Wool will have a further damaging effect on misinformation around Shetland knitting.

“The SOK are having to stand up for ourselves,” Leask said.

“The term Fair Isle is going to be lost. Fair Isle is being used when what they are making is not Fair Isle. It’s appropriation.”

And she also railed against Game of Wool as a whole, calling the first challenge – to knit a Fair Isle tank top in 12 hours – “just unrealistic”.

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Market Overton - 17th Century Window!

Market Overton: 17th Century Window! (6.11.2025)

What is now the dining area – where I set-up my study space – was probably once part of the garden. Therefore, the window itself was once considered the height of building technology. In those days, draughts from blowing winds were a major issue. The frame of this window is firmly embedded in the wall-structure so that no wind can penetrate. The cement and plaster hold it robustly in place – whilst its relatively small surface area allows for strength and stability. As glass was not as strong then as it is now – the panes of glass used were far-smaller – with each held in-place by its own frame. Furthermore, and a feature I like, is the central pane that possesses a stout hinging and opening and shutting mechanism. Even today – this design still retains much of its original strength – whilst being now inside the house means it is now better preserved.

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A Cuckoo Pecks the Tree Outside Our Bedroom Window!

Sutton: A Woodpecker Outside Our Bedroom Window! (6.11.2025)

Whilst getting ready for school – our youngest daughter (Kai-Lin) – heard a “knocking” outside our bedroom window in our first-floor flat (the window is more or less in-line with the treetops nearby). When Gee pulled-back the curtain (it was around 8 am) to everyone’s surprise – there was what looked like a juvenile Woodpecker attempting to develop a head of steam through its inexperienced pecking! Normally, we only ever hear these birds “out of sight” as it were, but even then, only at a considerable distance (usually in woodland or nears forests) – but I have never seen such a rural bird landing within a city context.

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This photo taken with a mobile phone shows a supporter presenting a poster of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani during the New York City mayoral election in New York City, the United States, Nov. 4, 2025. Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election Tuesday night, becoming the first muslim mayor of the most populous city in the United States. (Photo by Winston Zhou/Xinhua)

New York: Democrat Zohran Mamdani Wins Race for New York City Mayor! (6.11.2025)

NEW YORK, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) — Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election Tuesday night, becoming the first muslim mayor of the most populous city in the United States.

By 00:30 a.m. East Time (0530 GMT) Wednesday, Mamdani had seized around 50.4 percent of the votes, while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, had collected 41.4 percent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa had garnered only 7.1 percent, according to the preliminary results issued by the Board of Elections in the City of New York.

Mamdani, born in Uganda, is currently a member of the New York State Assembly and is set to take office on Jan. 1, 2026.

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (4th R) receives the G20 Extraordinary Committee Report on Global Inequality from Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz (3rd R), UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima (1st R), and four other leading global experts of the committee at a ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, on Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo by Shakirah Thebus/Xinhua)

South Africa: G20 Report Warning of Global Inequality Crisis Unveiled! (6.11.2025)

Drawing on data from the World Inequality Lab, the analysis showed that the world’s richest one percent have increased their average wealth by 1.3 million U.S. dollars since 2000, while the poorest 50 percent gained only 585 U.S. dollars, adjusted for inflation. Though income gaps between individuals have narrowed largely due to growth in China, the wealth divide between the Global North and South remains substantial.

“The world understands that we have a climate emergency; it is time we recognized that we face an inequality emergency too,” said Stiglitz, who chaired the six-member committee behind the report.

Much of the wealth at the top stems from “monopoly power and exploitation,” he said, adding that inequality is “not the laws of nature, but the laws of man.”

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Officials and guests make a toast during a reception commemorating the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Andy Chong/China Daily)

Hong Kong: Leader Promotes “Certainties” Following 28th Hand-Over Anniversary! (5.11.2025)

In a social media post, Chief Secretary for Administration Chan Kwok-ki attributed Hong Kong’s ability to overcome difficulties during the interval to the enduring vitality of “one country, two systems”, as well as the central government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.

Political parties, including the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong — the city’s biggest political party — reaffirmed their support for deeper integration into national development and seizing new opportunities under “one country, two systems”.

Sunny Tan, chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, pledged to leverage Hong Kong’s global connectivity to strengthen industry ties through international fashion events, strengthen the city’s brand and support internationalization efforts.

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