Those travelling to Tenerife have been warned to take extreme action after the sunshine island was ‘gripped by deadly infection’. A huge rise in ‘deadly’ winter viruses has arisen on the Canary Islands which is popular among winter sunshine hotspots overseas. But there has been a surge in the number of cases of Covid, flu…
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The Met Office has slapped a rare amber weather warning on four UK regions as Storm Bert threatens to wreak havoc across large parts of Britain later this week.The 10-hour alert is in place for parts of Scotland this weekend, as gusts of up to 70mph will hammer into the British Isles.The Grampian, Central, Tayside & Fife, Highlands & Eilean Siar, and Strathclyde areas are all impacted by the severe warning between 7am and 5pm on Saturday, November 23.Storm Bert’s arrival follows a week of wintry showers and freezing temperatures, which have already caused hazardous conditions across northern and exposed areas.Snow and ice warnings remain in place for parts of the UK through Friday, as cold air persists.The weather warning from the Met Office reads: “Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on hills above 400m.”Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.”Southern and western regions of the UK will face heavy rainfall, with 50-75 mm expected widely and over 100 mm possible in parts of Wales and southwest England.Rapid snowmelt and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate the risks of flooding and travel disruption. In northern England and Scotland, snowfall could be heavy, particularly over elevated areas.What to ExpectTravel Delays: Roads are likely to face significant delays, with some vehicles and passengers potentially stranded.Power Cuts: Outages are likely, impacting mobile phone coverage and other essential services.Rural Communities: Some rural areas may become cut off due to heavy snowfall.Rail Travel: Delays and cancellations are expected across the rail network.Hazardous Surfaces: Untreated pavements and cycle paths may become impassable.Injuries: Slips and falls on icy surfaces are likely, posing risks to pedestrians.The Met Office urges everyone to prepare for severe weather impacts and follow updates as Storm Bert approaches.The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Cold Health Alerts for England, urging health and social care professionals to prepare for the impacts of prolonged cold weather. The public is also encouraged to stay informed and take precautions.RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With freezing temperatures already causing disruption, we advise motorists to plan well and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Stick to major roads, reduce speeds, and carry essentials like blankets, warm clothing, and phone chargers.”The unsettled weather is expected to persist into early next week, with strong winds and showers affecting many areas.Although temperatures will average out for most, a brief return to colder conditions with wintry showers may occur before milder weather resumes by the end of next week.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani: Praise be to God that our country, Qatar, has been successful at management. Its management is exemplary in many aspects. The country has a great global standing, with good relationships built on mutual respect and shared interests with other countries. This is attractive to investors both from Qatar and abroad.I believe that Qatar will one day become one of the most important commercial centres in the world, just like Singapore and Hong Kong. We have the potential to become like these countries. When Doha created Al Dafna, and towers were built there, it was the private sector that built 70-80% of them. The Pearl was also built by the private sector, where as the government focused on building infrastructure.The same applies to Lusail. The government ensured compliance with quality standards, and so on. The same approach was followed in the manufacturing sector, as in Mesaieed Industrial City. The more opportunities the government offers, whether in manufacturing, business, real estate, or any other sector, the more creative businessmen, citizens, and entrepreneurs are.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Thani: Much investment has been made in the country, especially in infrastructure. If we look at the airport today in Qatar, it is one of the leading airports globally. One of the advantages that we have today is the new port in Doha, which makes accessibility in Qatar much easier. The free zone is also one of the key strengths of the market here, offering a one-stop shop and all the foundations required for any manufacturing business. These are all aspects that provide a great opportunity for any business or investor that is looking to invest in Qatar.Tarek El Sayed: As part of its economic diversification strategy, Qatar has been focusing on improving its hospitality sector to make it a world-class tourist destination. Al Faisal Holding has created an iconic hotel portfolio through its fully-owned subsidiary, ARTIC. As of early 2024, the ARTIC portfolio had 35 hotels, 12 of which are in Qatar. The remaining are elsewhere in the MENA region, Europe and the US. Al Faisal Holding was one of the first Qatari companies to successfully expand its operations overseas.Sheikh Turki Bin Faisal Al Thani: Al Faisal Holding is a very diverse company that is investing in many different sectors. Having access to the knowledge of those sectors is hugely beneficial to Al Jazi Real Estate. One of the main points of knowledge that we have is the impact of digital transformation on these different sectors.Sherif Shehata: We are starting to think about the next vision, which will focus on health IT. We will continue our business in medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, and we will expand into health IT. We managed to secure a significant countrywide project with the Hospital Information Exchange (HIE) initiative, as well as track-and-trace for medications, which will enhance healthcare services in Qatar.Sheikh Jassim Bin Faisal Al Thani: Qatar National Vision 2030 provides the main guidelines for investors to choose the sectors they want to invest in. We are beginning to recognise that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles have become critically important to investors. As a private equity investor, we place great importance on ESG.Sheikha Al Jazi Bin Faisal Al Thani: Qatar has become a cultural hub by showcasing its local heritage and also hosting and displaying its global heritage. The population of Qatar is growing at a fast pace, and it is ethnically and nationally diverse. This have provided the country an opportunity to become a cultural hub for both local and global heritage. We have created one of the largest private museums in the world, the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. It houses more than 17,000 artefacts and covers over 25,000 square meters in size. The museum is a symbol of our commitment to the local community, and to nurturing a place for heritage for future generations to enjoy.Mona El Helbawi: The museum launched an international exhibition, “The Majlis – Cultures in Dialogue,” and it has traveled to many European cities and countries, visiting under the patronage of UNESCO. Culture, education, and sports have been essential pillars at Al Faisal Holding. This is due to the vision of the founder, Sheikh Faisal, over the past 40 years.This focus comes not just from his vision, but also, I believe, from a true passion for investing in future generations. Many organizations have been established within the sports sector, such as the Sheikh Faisal Sports Academy, which is affiliated with various national federations in Qatar and the Olympic Committee. We also have the Al Samriya Riding School, which operates in line with international equestrian standards in terms of facilities and programs.Mohammad Ramahi: Al Faisal Holding operates in a dynamic environment, leveraging the strength of its diversified operations. This diversification allows us to mitigate risks and navigate fluctuations in economic conditions and market terms.Ali Mahmoudy: We are a group with more than 60 years of heritage, which is why we need to have solid corporate governance that will ensure family succession, and meet business needs in a rapidly changing environment. In today’s world, we are living in a very complex business environment that pushes all groups to be agile and ensures good corporate governance. This is essential to growing our footprint while preserving our heritage.Abdulrazzaq Kuwari: Currently, Al Faisal Holding has a very robust procurement department. We focus mainly on supporting small and medium local businesses here, depending on their specialty. We look into the companies in terms of how we can support them, offering assistance to all our entities, and following international best practices.Rashid Al Mansoori: Aamal was one of the first companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) in 2007. The chairman, Sheikh Faisal, has been a key player in the Qatari economy for 60 years. When he was thinking of listing Aamal, he selected a number of companies that were suitable to be listed on the stock exchange. He thus created a catalyst and motivated other companies in Qatar to list on the QSE, as they saw the success of Aamal in capital markets. If you consider the current cost of finance, the listing of family-owned companies is a more affordable means of financing and raising capital.Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani: The most important element of success is adhering to highly moral values, and to want for others what you want for yourself. Do not look at competitors as enemies. The market is big enough, and each investor will get their share. You should not try to control the whole market.If you do that, you will fail. Look at competitors as brothers, and support one another. That is better than competing. I was lucky to choose the right people to start this journey with me.I chose people who loved to work. This is the most important pillar of success. The people working with me are more important than capital or any other factor. In the last few years, I have aimed to have an impact on the Qatari, Arab, and global societies.I started with charity work through the Al Faisal Without Borders Foundation, which is focused on education. We try to try to educate others as much as possible; I believe that education is what matters. It is the one thing nobody can take away. If you offer someone something to eat or wear, it will be consumed quickly – but if you provide them with education, they and their family will evolve.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Faisal Al Thani: Qatar had humble beginnings, starting with the discovery of oil. Today it has transformed into a more sustainable economy that is less reliant on the hydrocarbons sector. All this has been achieved by having a vision and a private sector that supports that vision. At Al Faisal Holding, we are very proud of what has been achieved over 60 years.Sheikh Tamim Bin Faisal Al Thani: Al Faisal Holding is an excellent example of a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), as it started as a small business founded by my father, Sheikh Faisal. Over time, it grew bigger and bigger, and now it is one of the most diverse companies in the country, setting an example of what can be achieved by SMEs. You always have to start with something, even if it is something small.Sheikh Thani Bin Faisal Al Thani: I believe family businesses provide strong foundations for younger generations, as they encourage entrepreneurship. One thing that makes me proud is that we are always together. When I see people working, I see a family working.Sheikh Khaled Bin Faisal Al Thani: If you go back 20 years, there were only a few people involved in the private sector. Today, many hundreds of Qataris are joining the private sector. They have their own businesses; it has become part of the culture. A lot of Qataris, once they grow up and finish high school, start thinking about what to do to create their own business. There is a lot of encouragement from the government for growth. There is also a lot of encouragement for foreign investment, so there is much potential to be seen over the next 10 years.
Starbucks is currently weighing its options regarding its Chinese operations and considering the possibility of selling shares in the business to a local partner, according to a report.The international coffee chain, which has been experiencing declining demand for its beverages in key markets like the U.S. and China, has been in discussions with advisers to consider bringing a local partner on board, Bloomberg reported, citing people in knowledge of the matter. ‘This development comes as Starbucks aims to revamp its U.S. stores while gaining a deeper insight into its operations in China. The company has been actively gauging interest from potential investors, including domestic private equity firms.A stake sale could also attract interest from Chinese conglomerates or local firms with industry expertise. However, Starbucks is still in the evaluation phase and has not made a final decision.The coffee chain has been under a lot of pressure from Elliott Investment Management, which wants the company to thoroughly review its Chinese business. This approach is not unprecedented, as similar restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Yum! Brands have opted to sell shares to local entities to better harness growth and cater to local tastes.China ranks second in terms of global market share of Starbucks. The Chinese market alone generated approximately US$3 billion of net revenue in the most recent financial year, thanks to an extensive store expansion in the country.Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Starbucks said that the company is “fully committed to our business and partners, and to growing in China.””We are working to find the best path to growth, which includes exploring strategic partnerships,” the spokesperson added.Meanwhile, under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, Starbucks is focused on improving employee work conditions, an issue that’s become so prevalent that it led to unionization. Niccol plans to tackle operational challenges by increasing staffing in 3,000 stores and implementing the Siren Craft System — a legacy from former CEO Laxman Narasimhan — to streamline operations and minimize bottlenecks.Niccol wants to recover the brand by making Starbucks more employee-friendly like his previous employer, Chipotle, which has seen its shares increase by 31%.This year, Starbucks shares have underperformed, with its stock currently valued at 3 times its total sales in 2023. This is lower than McDonald’s, which is valued at 8 times its sales, and Dutch Bros, which is valued at 3.7 times its sales.
Iris (Isabelle Huppert), a stranger who teaches French in Seoul, is at the center of an enigmatic film by Hong Sang-soo.“Why’d she come to Korea?” a man (Kwon Hae-hyo) asks his wife (Lee Hye-young) in the park, as Iris (Isabelle Huppert) is walking away from them. Iris is a stranger in Seoul who has started teaching French to the wife. Whether Iris is up to the task is uncertain. She has no background in instruction, and the only language that she and her pupils share is English, which is not a native tongue for any of them.Iris takes an oddball approach to acclimating her students to French: She extracts personal confessions from them in English, then writes wildly extrapolated versions of the French on index cards. “You’ll love your true emotion being expressed in a foreign language,” she says. Better that than to learn phrases from a textbook — something she declines to use. She is also a fiend for makgeolli, the Korean rice wine, of which she claims to drink one or two bottles every day.Is Iris for real? That question hangs over “A Traveler’s Needs,” just as it does over the career of the director Hong Sang-soo. Hong routinely turns out two features per year with methods nearly as baffling as Iris’s: His devotees see infinite subtlety in his use of theme and variation, while the skeptical can’t help but wonder if his movies have become increasingly repetitive and slapdash. In “A Traveler’s Needs,” which won second prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, the sunlit interiors often suggest a deliberately amateurish look.This is his third overall feature with Huppert, who adds drollery and an air of mystery. And there is just enough intrigue this time — one motif involves the difficulty of translating a work by Yoon Dong-ju, a Korean poet who died in 1945 after being imprisoned in Japan — to suggest hidden depths.A Traveler’s NeedsNot rated. In English, Korean (with subtitles) and French. Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes. In theaters.
Travelers from the United States, Australia and Denmark have died in the Southeast Asian nation in recent days. Officials warned of poisoning caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol.At least four people traveling in Laos, including an American, have died in recent days as officials in Australia and New Zealand said there had likely been an outbreak of methanol poisoning there caused by tainted alcoholic drinks.Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, said on Thursday that Bianca Jones, an Australian, had died in Thailand, where she had been brought after becoming sick in Laos.Ms. Jones, 19, had been hospitalized last week after consuming an alcoholic drink in Laos, said Col. Phattanawong Chanphon, the superintendent of the police station in Muang Udon Thani, the town in Thailand where she died. He said the cause was swelling in the brain caused by methanol.It was unclear whether three other deaths of foreign travelers reported this week in Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia that is popular with backpackers, had been caused by methanol.The State Department said in an emailed statement on Thursday that an American had died in Vang Vieng, a tourist town in Laos. It did not offer details.The Associated Press reported that two Australian women in the same town had been sickened after taking shots of Lao vodka offered to them by a hostel where they were staying, citing a manager of the hostel.Methanol, a toxic chemical used in household and industrial products like antifreeze, is sometimes added to drinks as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, the alcohol used in alcoholic beverages.Australia’s Foreign Ministry said in an advisory this week that it suspected several Australians had gotten methanol poisoning from consuming alcoholic drinks in Laos this month. It warned travelers to be wary of risks with spirit-based drinks, including cocktails.New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that its embassy in Bangkok, which oversees Laos, had been contacted by a citizen who was ill and had likely suffered methanol poisoning in Laos.Denmark’s Foreign Ministry said earlier this week that two Danish citizens had died in Laos. The ministry did not specify whether the deaths were linked to methanol poisoning.Another Australian, Holly Bowles, a friend of Ms. Jones who the Thai authorities said had been drinking with her, remained hospitalized in Thailand with a critical illness, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia said on Thursday. Ryn Jirenuwat
An American citizen has died at a popular adventure spot in Laos where alcohol tainted with methanol has been blamed for a spate of poisonings in recent days. The State Department said the U.S. citizen died in Vang Vieng, a town popular with backpackers to the north of the South East Asian country’s capital. “We offer our sincerest condolences to the family on their loss,” a spokesperson told NBC News Thursday. They did not reveal the victim’s identity or their cause of death out of respect to the family.Their comments came as Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to 19-year-old Bianca Jones who died in Thailand after being evacuated from Vang Vieng for treatment, along with her friend Holly Bowles, also 19. “Our first thoughts in this moment are with her family and friends who are grieving a terrible and cruel loss,” Albanese said in an address to Australia’s parliament. “This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure.”He added that Bowles was “fighting for her life.”Thai authorities confirmed to the Associated Press that Jones had died by “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”Denmark’s foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday that two of its citizens had died in Laos. Citing confidentiality, it would not comment when asked whether they died of methanol poisoning. New Zealand’s foreign ministry also said its embassy in Thailand’s Bangkok, which also manages Laos, had been contacted by one of its citizens “who was unwell and may be a victim of methanol poisoning in Laos.” Britain is providing consular assistance to its nationals and their families “following an incident in Laos,” a spokesperson for the British foreign office told NBC News in a statement without elaborating further. It came after the U.K. issued a travel advisory for Laos on Wednesday. “You should take care if offered, particularly for free, or when buying spirit-based drinks. If labels, smell or taste seem wrong then do not drink,” it said. One of South East Asia’s poorest countries, authorities in Laos have long cautioned foreign travelers about tainted drinks at nightclubs and bars.Several travelers have died from methanol poisoning in the past after consuming drinks mixed with the liquid which unscrupulous bar owners use to increase their volume. Reports about the mass poisoning in Vang Vieng began to emerge last week after Jones and Bowles fell ill on Nov. 13 after a night out drinking with a group in the remote town.The teenagers were staying at one of the most popular hostels in the area, Nana Backpacker hostel, where the manager Duong Duc Toan told the AP that the teenagers were unwell after they failed to check out on their planned date of Nov. 13 and that he arranged transport to the hospital for the duo.The hostel had offered free shots of Lao vodka as a hospitality gesture to nearly 100 guests, including the two teenagers, he said, adding no other guests has reported any issues. Bowles and Jones then went out and returned early that morning. Jones remained in critical condition for several days after being evacuated to Thailand, where her parents flew in from Australia.Duong Duc Toan, the manager of Nana Backpack hostel displays a bottle of vodka at his bar in Vang Vieng, Laos, on Tuesday.Anupam Nath / APAustralian foreign minister Penny Wong expressed her sorrow over the tragedy, saying in a statement on Instagram, “I strongly urge parents and young people to please have a conversation about the risks.” Australia and New Zealand are advising citizens to exercise caution when consuming alcoholic drinks in their updated travel advisory to Laos.The State Department has not followed suit.
WASHINTGON — Lawmakers are warning the country about a growing number of scammers using artificial intelligence technology.The warning comes as the use of AI rises rapidly across multiple sectors.Channel 2 Washington Correspondent Nicole D’Antonio was at the Capitol, where efforts to crack down on fraud and increase protections related to the use of AI were the subject of a congressional hearing.From deepfakes to voice cloning scams, advocates say AI has made it easier for scammers to target families in a more personalized way.At the Capitol, lawmakers discussed ways to strengthen guardrails on AI, while advocates warned about how it’s become harder to differentiate what’s real, and what’s manipulated or generated.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]TRENDING STORIES:They said it includes deepfake videos showing celebrities endorsing politicians or products, as well as how many children and teenagers are being depicted in sexual ways online due to the technology’s use.“My 14-year-old daughter, along with her sophomore classmates at Westfield High School, was as confirmed victim of AI deep fake misuse,” Dorota Mani, a parent, told members of Congress. “Boys in my daughter’s grade used AI to generate sexually explicit images of her and other girls.”Mani says she wants to see school districts implement AI literacy programs on how to use the technology safely and ethically and to make sure students understand the responsibilities associated with the powerful programs.“I strongly believe there is a critical missing component in our approach to artificial intelligence which is education to prevent misuse,” Mani said.Both Democrat and Republican lawmakers are working together on a series of bills to increase protections related to AI.Lawmakers say they hope to get the bills across the finish line and passed into law in the coming weeks.[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]©2024 Cox Media Group