Vietnam among top 20 countries for global travelers

Travel

Over 575,000 readers of the New York-based magazine participated in the survey, sharing insights on various travel experiences, including cities, islands, hotels, resorts, cruise ships, spas, and airlines.
Vietnam is rated as a culturally diverse destination. The Southeast Asian nation scored 89 out of 100 points, ranking 15th in the list.

According to Conde Nast Traveler, Vietnam’s charming rusticity means it is high on the list of gap-year adventurers each year.

An increasing number of international tourists are choosing to explore the “hidden gems” of the S-shaped country, to experience traditional cultural identities, and its diverse natural landscapes.

The country welcomed 12.7 million international tourists in the first nine months of 2024, representing a year-on-year surge of 43%. Last year, Vietnam served 12.6 million foreign travelers.

This figure increases each year, as travelers choose to explore the country’s secrets and experience the towns and cultures, which mass tourism has yet to encroach on.

The country has also won an array of prestigious awards at the 31st World Travel Awards (WTA) 2024, including the “Asia’s Leading Destination” for the sixth time.

Condé Nast Traveler said Vietnam is no longer just a noteworthy destination, it is now a must-visit country.

Japan was ranked the best country in the world for the second consecutive year, followed by Portugal and Turkey. Italy and Spain rounded out the top five, with New Zealand, Iceland, and Greece completing the top 10.

Source: VNA

Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti Addresses Mbappe Case: ‘I Don’t Have A Travel Agency For Players’ Trips’

Travel

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti addressed Kylian Mbappe’s recent visit to Stockholm and stated, “I don’t have a travel agency to organise the player’s trips” at a prematch press conference on Friday.

Mbappe traveled to the Swedish capital over the international break, with local authorities confirming that a prosecutor is looking into a report of a suspected rape there without anyone in connection to the case being named.

The France star called reports about the accusation “fake news” on X, formerly known as Twitter, amid his lawyer saying the striker is “astonished” to see his name being linked to a rape inquiry by the media.

Ahead of Madrid’s match against Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu on Saturday, Ancelotti was asked what he thought about Mbappe’s expedition and whether the player had told him he was leaving Spain.

“The rest days were scheduled for him and then everyone chooses what they want to do,” Ancelotti said. “I went to London for two days and I haven’t asked anyone’s permission. I also don’t have a travel agency to organise the players’ trips.”
After he nursed a muscle injury last month, Mbappe is now “close to 100%” according to Ancelotti, who added that “it’s a pleasure to watch him train”.
“He’s taken advantage of the break to improve his condition,” Ancelotti revealed. “He’s very well, happy, and looking forward to returning tomorrow and being important for the team. These 15 days have helped him a lot, because he is a different player to what he was before the break.”

Probed on whether Mbappe is “affected” by the inquiry, Ancelotti said: “I talk to the players every day. I can comment on what I said before, which at this point is speculation. I don’t see him affected at all, [and instead] with a lot of enthusiasm to contribute to the team.

Ancelotti stressed that he has only worked with Mbappe on a “physical” level.
“On a tactical level, his position does not change from how he has played in recent games. He can vary his position on the left wing with Vinicius, but we have been focused on physical work. This break has been good for him and I see him very well,” Ancelotti reiterated.

Away at Celta then, Mbappe looks set to continue as a central number 9 with Vinicius to his left and most probably Rodrygo to his right.

Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James cameo in Jim Irsay film at Heartland

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

INDIANAPOLIS — The world premier of one of the movies at the Heartland Film Festival this week included a few faces familiar to the city of Indianapolis from an entirely different arena.The movie is “Off The Record,” the directorial debut of stuntwoman Kirsten Foe, a film about a musician, Rainey Qualley, looking for her big break who falls into a romance that calls to mind “A Star Is Born,” except that her male counterpart, played by Ryan Hansen, is a predatory figure both romantically and professionally.Colts owner Jim Irsay is the executive producer of “Off The Record.”“His love and support for this project was endless,” Foe said. “This never would have happened without him.”Foe, a stuntwoman with more than 30 credits to her name, wrote the movie, wanted to direct it herself and brought it to Irsay to get it made.Irsay provided the backing Foe needed, and along the way, helped deliver a trio of actors who remain legendary figures in Indianapolis: Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James and Irsay himself in cameo roles.Manning plays a commercial director, offering notes to Qualley’s character, Astor Grey, in a scene of comic relief.The former quarterback is obviously no stranger to the camera.“Peyton came in perfectly prepared, absolutely killed it,” Foe said. “He did make me nervous because he was running on set, and I was imagining ‘SportsCenter’ being like ‘Peyton Manning broke his leg today on a Hollywood film set,’ but yeah, he was fantastic. He did clean us out of fruit snacks; turns out he has a huge thing for fruit snacks.”James made an appearance at a record label after a meeting for Grey; Irsay appears as a man fishing off a dock, joking that he’s hit it rich and suddenly has enough money to buy a football team.Irsay could not be there on Thursday night.He attended the NFL’s league meetings in Atlanta earlier this week, and after coming back to Indianapolis, Irsay wanted to rest in preparation for Colts tight end Dallas Clark’s induction into the Ring of Honor during Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.But Irsay was there in spirit, sending a pre-recorded message of gratitude and belief in Foe, who wants to make a career transition from stuntwoman to working behind the camera, and found a business partner in Irsay.“I’d love to be here tonight, but I’m just taking care of myself, knowing that there’s a big weekend in store,” Irsay said. “I’m so excited about ‘Off the Record.’”

Lenovo announces comprehensive new hybrid AI portfolio at Tech World event

Technology

Last October 15, global technology leader Lenovo unveiled the next phase of its Smarter AI for All vision at the company’s annual global innovation event, Tech World, held in Bellevue, Washington. Lenovo showcased a comprehensive portfolio of AI solutions, services, and devices that deliver transformation and tangible return on investment to industries, enterprises, and individuals around the world, as well as announcing key new technologies.

Building on last year’s momentum, Lenovo further embraced hybrid AI as the way forward: a seamless, secure integration of private and public clouds, individual and enterprise solutions. New technologies announced include the launch of Hybrid AI Advantage for enterprises; the latest ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition AI laptop, Lenovo AI Now local AI agent, and Lenovo Learning Zone software platform; next-gen Lenovo Neptune liquid cooling for servers for more sustainable AI; and proofs of concept that harness AI for social impact.- Advertisement –

Victoria Monét Announces ‘Everywhere You Are’ Children’s Book Release Helping Children Cope With Separation Anxiety

Arts & Culture, Books

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Source: Courtesy / Penguin Random House
Grammy Award-winning artist and songwriter Victoria Monét is set to debut her first children’s book, Everywhere You Are, next summer with Penguin Young Readers. Read more about the book, its illustrator and when it’s set to be released inside.

Published by Putnam Books for Young Readers, Everywhere You Are, is a lyrical and heartwarming story aimed to comfort children experiencing separation anxiety while offering solace to hardworking parents. The book will be available in both English and Spanish editions, ensuring its reach to a broader audience.

The story, beautifully illustrated by Alea Marley, follows a moon comforting a young star as they part ways at dawn, symbolizing the connection between parents and their children even when they’re not physically present. Inspired by Monét’s own experiences as a working parent, Everywhere You Are serves as a touching reminder of the enduring love between parent and child.
“This book means so much to me,” Monét shared in a statement. “It brings so much joy to know that families will share moments of reflection, understanding and quality time while reading this book for generations to come! I’m passionate about the subject of the book and explaining it in a way that is digestible for a child.”
The acclaimed singer and songwriter expressed her love for writing in all forms, sharing a special excitement about creating a work that can spark meaningful moments for families.
“I can’t wait to share it,” Victoria added.
Monét, who has been celebrated for her talents in songwriting and performing, including her breakthrough album Jaguar II, continues to push boundaries in her career. Her ability to connect with audiences through music is sure to translate seamlessly into her literary debut, as she explores themes of love, separation, and comfort in a way that resonates with children and parents alike.
Victoria’s exceptional career has already made her a household name in the music industry, and with this foray into children’s literature, she adds another dimension to her creative pursuits. Her unique perspective as both an artist and a mother brings authenticity to Everywhere You Are, making it a book that promises to be cherished by families for generations.
Be sure to look out for the children’s book on June 24, 2025.

Victoria Monét Announces ‘Everywhere You Are’ Children’s Book Release Helping Children Cope With Separation Anxiety 
was originally published on
globalgrind.com

Kelly Macdonald’s vampire movie now on Sky Cinema

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Kelly Macdonald’s new vampire movie The Radleys is now available to watch for fans on Sky Cinema.The film stars the Line of Duty actor and Billions’ Damian Lewis as vampire couple Helen and Peter, whose teenage children Rowan and Clara discover their family secret of bloodlust.The Radleys is based on the book by Matt Haig and currently has a 73% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.Sky UK/ NIck WallRelated: Best streaming services in 2024Sky users can watch the movie on Sky Cinema from today (October 18) – perfect if you’re looking for a weekend watch.The movie follows the two “abstaining vampires”, who choose “not to drink blood despite their natural cravings, yet becoming more and more bloodthirsty by the day”.“When Clara is unexpectedly attacked by a boy in her class and her natural instincts take over, Peter and Helen are forced to reveal the truth,” the synopsis adds.KEVIN BAKER//SkyRelated: Peter Dinklage’s new movie is now available to watch on Prime Video“The shocking revelation encourages lovesick son Rowan and previously vegan Clara to question their own identity and suppressed desires.”In Digital Spy’s four-star review, we wrote: “The most impressive element of The Radleys is that, thanks to its talented cast and smart tweaks to the original story, you’ll care for this family come the inevitably bloody finale.Sky UK/ NIck Wall Related: 2024’s best thriller is now available to watch at home”They might be vampires, but they feel believably human in their desires and fears, even relatable to a certain extent.”As well as Macdonald and Lewis – who also plays Peter’s twin brother Will, a vampire who “embraces his hedonistic, bloodthirsty lifestyle” – the movie stars Loki’s Sophia Di Martino, Harry Baxendale and Bo Bragason.The Radleys is available to watch now on Sky Cinema.October 2024 gift ideas and dealsSam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International.  Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘i’ as a sub-editor.

JD Vance demanded $40,000 and first-class flights during speaking tour for hit book, report says

Arts & Culture, Books

Your support helps us to tell the storyThis election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreCloseJD Vance demanded $40,000 and first-class flights while promoting his Hillbilly Elegy book in 2017, years before he entered politics, according to a report.Vance made the lavish request for an appearance at a Midwestern public university four years before he was elected to the Senate, records obtained by POLITICO show.But the University of Wisconsin-Madison, according to the outlet, eventually bowed out of negotiations with Vance because they were “too much to overcome.”According to the outlet, in February 2017, a representative from the university contacted Vance’s publisher, HarperCollins, enquiring about an appearance from the author as his book had been shortlisted as a finalist for its 2017 – 2018 Go Big Read.The publisher informed the college that a 45-minute appearance, including a question-and-answer session and book signing, would cost $25,000 plus first-class flights, hotel, meals, and travel on the ground, according to POLITICO.Vance’s book was confirmed as the winner and when the university informed the publisher, they reportedly told them his speaking fee had gone up to $40,000. The university managed to negotiate the fee back down to $30,000, but talks reportedly came to a halt over difficulty pinning down a date.JD Vance at a campaign event in Greensboro, North Carolina on October 10. Vance allegedly made a lavish request for an appearance at a Midwestern public university four years before he was elected to the Senate

Are Aliens hiding under ICE on Mars? Nasa scientists reveal why it could be the perfect survival spot

Science and Health

ALIEN life could be lurking under frozen water to survive on Mars, Nasa scientists have suggested.Living on the Red Planet is near impossible on the surface because of extreme ultraviolet radiation.3Scientists have long wondered whether aliens ever lived on MarsCredit: Getty3Experts want to explore areas like this, where there’s dusty water iceCredit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona3Cryoconite holes like these – found on Earth – could be the answerCredit: Kimberly Casey, licenced under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0Earth is protected by harmful radiation thanks to the magnetic field – which Mars does not have.But scientists have proposed that staying beneath thick ice could shield microbial life from this danger.Experts haven’t uncovered any evidence that aliens are there – the study outlines such spots as a possibility worth exploring for clues.They say that the amount of sunlight that can shine through dusty ice could be enough for photosynthesis to occur in shallow pools of meltwater below the surface of that ice without high levels of radiation getting through.Read more about MarsIt’s plausible because back home on Earth similar pools of water that form within ice are known to be teeming with life, including algae, fungi, and microscopic cyanobacteria.Nasa’s Aditya Khuller, who led the study, said: “If we’re trying to find life anywhere in the universe today, Martian ice exposures are probably one of the most accessible places we should be looking.”Using computer modeling, scientists looked at water ice, most of which formed from snow mixed with dust that fell on the surface during a series of Martian ice ages in the past million years.If there is dust within ice it can create something known as cryoconite holes, Nasa explains.These are small holes that form in ice when particles of windblown dust fall there.They take in sunlight and melt farther into the ice each summer on Earth.Weirdest things spotted on Mars revealedOver time, they lower further down but eventually reach a point where they stop sinking.However, they still generate enough warmth which creates a pocket of meltwater around them, which life can feed off.”This is a common phenomenon on Earth,” explained co-author Phil Christensen, from Arizona State University in Tempe.”Dense snow and ice can melt from the inside out, letting in sunlight that warms it like a greenhouse, rather than melting from the top down.”The full study was published in the Nature journal Communications Earth & Environment.Mars factsHere’s what you need to know about the Red Planet…Mars is the fourth planet from the SunIt is named after the Roman god of warThe landmass of Mars is very similar to Earth but due to the difference in gravity you could jump three times higher there than you can hereMars is mountainous and hosts the tallest mountain known in the Solar System called Olympus Mons, which is three times higher than EverestMars is considered to be the second most habitable planet after EarthIt takes the planet 687 Earth days to orbit the SunSo far, there has been 39 missions to Mars but only 16 of these have been successful