July 21, 2025, 4:01 pm EDT
Europe Aims to Cut U.S. Reliance with Nordic Spaceport Projects
As reported by Reuters on July 10, Europe is pushing forward with building domestic launch facilities in Sweden’s Esrange and Norway’s Andøya to reduce dependence on the U.S. and strengthen its independent space capabilities. The goal is to send satellites into orbit from the European continent for the first time. Previously, Europe’s only launch site was in French Guiana, South America—its remote location and high costs made it hard to meet rising commercial and military needs.more
Switzerland's Fondue: From Kitchen Tradition to National Cultural Icon
GENEVA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Amid the lush pastures of the Alpine foothills, Switzerland's time-honored pastoral tradition has nurtured a world-renowned cheese culture, with Fondue standing as its most iconic treasure. This beloved dish, which perfectly blends melted cheese with bread, is not only a staple on Swiss tables but also carries the memory of unity in this multi-ethnic nation.more
India's Fine Dining: Where Elegance Meets Exceptional Service
India’s culinary landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with modern Indian restaurants redefining global perceptions of dining out. Beyond the traditional image of casual eateries, these establishments are setting new standards with their sophisticated interiors, inviting ambiance, and meticulous attention to service, creating unforgettable experiences for patrons worldwide.more
Gastronomic Gems: Iconic Dishes from Three American States
Food is not just sustenance; it’s a window into a region’s culture and traditions. Here, we take a flavorful journey through three American states, exploring their most iconic and mouthwatering dishes.more
Brazil: Mountain Climbing for Happiness and Ear-Tugging Blessings
In Brazil, where New Year’s coincides with the height of summer, the celebrations blend natural joy with unique traditions. As the southern hemisphere welcomes the new year in sweltering heat, cities across the country light up with spectacular fireworks at midnight, painting the tropical sky in vibrant hues. But the most iconic ritual unfolds in the hills and mountains.more
Caution: The "V" Sign in the UK - Palm Direction Matters
When traveling in the United Kingdom, it’s crucial to be aware of a nuanced yet significant cultural aspect regarding the commonly - used “V” sign. While the “V” gesture, formed by holding up the index and middle fingers, is often associated with victory or peace in many parts of the world, in the UK, its meaning can drastically change depending on the palm’s direction.more
Mistral's Pixtral 12B: A New Multimodal AI Powerhouse Emerges
French AI startup Mistral has debuted its first multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) model, Pixtral 12B, signaling a significant leap forward in the realm of advanced AI capabilities. The new model demonstrates the immense potential of multimodal AI in tackling intricate tasks, impressing industry experts with its robust image and text processing proficiency.more
SpaceX's Starship Achieves Historic Mid - Air Booster Capture in Fifth Test Flight
On October 13th, local time, SpaceX, the American space exploration technology company, conducted the fifth test flight of its new - generation heavy - lift launch vehicle, Starship. This test flight witnessed a remarkable achievement as the rocket's booster was "caught" by a robotic arm nicknamed "chopsticks" on the launch tower during its descent, achieving the first mid - air capture and recovery. Subsequently, the Starship spacecraft splashed down in the Indian Ocean.more