PUNTA ARENAS — Chile confirmed on Thursday that a military plane with 38 people aboard crashed in the sea, with no hope of finding survivors. "The condition of the plane wreckage that was found makes it practically impossible that there are survivors from this air accident," Air Force chief Arturo Merino told a news conference in the southern port of Punta Arenas. Merino, flanked by Defense Minister Alberto Espina and other officials, confirmed reports that remains recovered from the sea were "most likely to be body parts of those traveling on the C-130". Parts of the aircraft's landing gear, fuel system, wing and a wheel were among the recovered debris, along with two bags, a backpack and a shoe. Search teams have been combing waters off the southern tip of South America for any sign of the C-130 Hercules transport plane, which disappeared late on Monday. Thirty-eight people -- 21 passengers and 17 crew -- were on board the plane headed to the Eduardo Frei base across the Drake … [Read more...] about Chile says no hope of survivors from missing plane
Open ended plane tickets
US social-ecologist reflects on destruction of world’s oceans at Saigon film screening, panel discussion
An American social-ecologist offered her insights into the effects of ocean pollution on fishing communities around the world, including Vietnam, during a panel discussion following a screening of environmental documentary ‘Trashed’ in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday afternoon. The American Center, run by the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, hosted a screening of the feature-length documentary followed by a panel discussion on December 9 as part of an effort to address the global challenge of saving the ailing oceans. First released in May 2012, ‘Trashed’ follows Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons around the world as he explores several destinations that have been hit particularly hard by ocean pollution, including Sidon - the third-largest city in Lebanon, the Gulf of California, and Plymouth - a port city situated on the south coast of Devon in England. In Sidon, a mountain of household garbage towering 40 meters high is wreaking havoc on the Eastern … [Read more...] about US social-ecologist reflects on destruction of world’s oceans at Saigon film screening, panel discussion
Removing “cheap tour” bottlenecks
Tourism Removing “cheap tour” bottlenecks By Nhan Tam Friday, Dec 13, 2019,19:16 (GMT+7) Removing “cheap tour” bottlenecksBy Nhan Tam Truong Thi Hong Hanh, director of the Danang Tourism Department - PHOTO: NHAN TAM DANANG - At the ongoing 12th session of the Danang City People's Council, Truong Thi Hong Hanh, director of the Danang Tourism Department, talked about how a budget or zero-dong tour is designed in the central coastal city and reports her solutions. The Saigon Times: How is a low-cost tour designed? - Truong Thi Hong Hanh: A cheap or zero-dong tour is a competitive pricing tactic used by tour operators to attract more clients. Tourists can buy the tour at no charge, or it may only include a return air ticket. These tours often include shopping excursions, low-cost meals and sightseeing that is free of charge or low-priced. Travel companies can find many ways to offset their losses … [Read more...] about Removing “cheap tour” bottlenecks
May wins right to launch EU divorce talks, question is when?
May, who was appointed prime minister shortly after Britain voted to leave the EU in June, faced down attempts in both the lower and upper houses of parliament to add conditions to legislation giving her right to launch the divorce. Both houses backed the so-called Brexit bill and after securing symbolic approval from Queen Elizabeth, which could come early on Tuesday, May has the right to begin what could be Britain's most complex negotiations since World War Two. But beyond saying she will begin the formal process by the end of this month, May has yet to answer the question of exactly when, and end nine months of guesswork as to how her government will approach the unchartered territory of leaving the EU. "We are now on the threshold of the most important negotiation for our country in a generation," Brexit minister David Davis said in a statement after parliament approved the legislation on Monday. "We have a plan to build a Global Britain, and take advantage of its new place in the … [Read more...] about May wins right to launch EU divorce talks, question is when?
Vietnamese beverage giant nourished by founder’s timeless vision
Tan Hiep Phat Beverage Group (THP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Its CEO and founder, Dr. Thanh, is thinking beyond their $3 billion revenue target in the next 10 years. The aim is to make it a business which remains sustainable for at least a century, if not centuries. Tran Qui Thanh, CEO and founder of Tan Hiep Phat. Isn’t it too early to consider a 100-year plan since Tan Hiep Phat is just 25 years old? When we talk about aspirations, we mean our desires for the future. 25 years ago, when my wife and I started out in the beverage industry, we wanted to grow the company to become the top in Vietnam, then in Asia. People thought that was my wishful thinking because at that time I had nothing ... no brand, no product, no manufacturing line, no corporate governance system. However, we have invested, worked hard and done everything to make that dream come true. We always try to be better than we were yesterday, with the attitude that nothing is impossible. Now … [Read more...] about Vietnamese beverage giant nourished by founder’s timeless vision