Meridiano

Add Article

Articles default

Showing articles 496 - 510 of 518 total (matching filters).

• 
  default 2

  The most beautiful sections of China's Great Wall

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-09-18 02:57)

  Summary:
  The article highlights lesser-known sections of the Great Wall of China, focusing on the Yongtai Turtle City fortress in Gansu province and the Mutianyu/Jiankou sections near Beijing. It notes the Great Wall's historical span of over 2,500 years and its vast length of more than 21,000 kilometers, while emphasizing that many parts remain obscure or in disrepair. The piece aims to guide travelers toward authentic and impactful experiences beyond the wall's most frequented tourist areas.

  Main Topics Covered:
  1. The historical scale and construction timeline of the Great Wall of China.
  2. The promotion of lesser-known sections, specifically Yongtai Turtle City and Mutianyu/Jiankou.
  3. Travel recommendations, including logistics, local cuisine, and preservation status.

• 
  default 5

  Look of the Week: Blackpink headline Coachella in Korean hanboks

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-18 15:39)

  Summary: Blackpink made history as the first Asian act to headline Coachella, using the milestone to highlight Korean culture by opening their performance in traditional hanboks before changing into their main outfits. The moment was celebrated by fans as a significant display of cultural pride and the group's global influence. The article also contextualizes this within Blackpink's record-breaking career and the broader power of stage costumes at defining cultural moments.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. Blackpink's historic Coachella headline performance and cultural homage. 2. The design and significance of the traditional hanboks worn. 3. Blackpink's broader achievements and global impact in music. 4. The role of fashion in creating iconic, culturally resonant moments in pop culture.

• 
  default 3

  Still haven't filed your taxes? Here's what you need to know

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-14 20:07)

  Summary: The article provides last-minute tax filing advice as the April 18 deadline approaches, noting that millions have yet to file. It highlights key exceptions to the deadline for those in disaster areas, combat zones, or with very low income. The piece also advises filers to report all taxable income sources and to ensure they have organized all necessary tax documents.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. Tax filing deadline reminders and exceptions for certain groups. 2. Guidance on identifying and reporting all sources of income. 3. Tips for organizing required tax documents and forms.

• 
  default 5

  Markets digest bank earnings after recent turmoil

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-14 20:00)

  Summary: Strong bank earnings, fueled by higher interest rates, increased market expectations for further Federal Reserve rate hikes in May and June, causing stocks to decline on Friday. Despite the daily losses, major indices posted weekly gains. Fed officials reinforced the need for continued monetary tightening, while mixed economic data showed weakening retail sales but steady consumer sentiment.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. Stock market performance and reaction to bank earnings. 2. Federal Reserve interest rate policy and expectations. 3. Quarterly earnings reports from major banks. 4. Economic indicators (retail sales, consumer sentiment) and recession concerns.

• 
  default 5

  Retail spending fell in March as consumers pull back

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-14 14:29)

  Summary: US retail sales fell 1% in March, a steeper decline than expected, as consumer spending weakened. Economists attribute the pullback primarily to smaller tax refunds and the expiration of enhanced pandemic-era food assistance benefits. While the labor market remains solid, there are signs of cooling, including moderating wage growth, which contributed to the spending slowdown.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The decline in US retail sales in March and its severity. 2. The contributing factors, including smaller tax refunds and expired government benefits. 3. The state of the labor market, noting solid conditions but moderating wage growth and momentum. 4. Broader economic concerns, such as recession fears following the banking crisis.

• 
  default 7

  Analysis: Fox News is about to enter the true No Spin Zone

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-14 06:41)

  Summary: Jury selection has been completed for Dominion Voting Systems' $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox News, with the trial set to begin as scheduled. The author, a longtime Fox News observer, notes this is a significant departure from the network's usual ability to evade accountability, as it will now have to defend its actions in a formal legal setting where facts are paramount. Based on pre-trial proceedings, the network is expected to face a difficult challenge in court.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The imminent start of the Dominion Voting Systems defamation trial against Fox News. 2. Fox News's history of broadcasting controversial content without facing major consequences. 3. The expectation that the legal process will force Fox News to operate in an unprecedented fact-based environment.

• 
  default 6

  Silicon Valley Bank collapse renews calls to address disparities impacting entrepreneurs of color

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-13 21:13)

  Summary:
  The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has heightened concerns about ongoing lending discrimination and disparities in access to capital for minority entrepreneurs. SVB was known for actively supporting founders of color, immigrants, and women—groups that often face rejection from larger banks. The bank’s failure has left these entrepreneurs particularly vulnerable, prompting community-led efforts to find alternative funding and support.

  Main Topics Covered:
  1. The impact of SVB’s collapse on minority, immigrant, and women entrepreneurs.
  2. SVB’s role in serving underrepresented communities in banking.
  3. Systemic lending discrimination and capital disparities in the banking industry.
  4. Community and alternative support efforts following the bank’s failure.

• 
  default 3

  'I was up to my waist down a hippo's throat.' He survived, and here's his advice

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-12 12:44)

  Summary: In 1996, experienced Zimbabwean safari guide Paul Templer was leading a canoe trip on the Zambezi River when a hippo attacked one of the other canoes, throwing its guide, Evans, into the water. While attempting to rescue Evans, Templer's own canoe was struck by a hippo, which then grabbed him, leading to a traumatic and life-threatening attack.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. Paul Templer's background as a safari guide in Zimbabwe. 2. The hippo attack on the Zambezi River during a canoe expedition. 3. The attempted rescue of a fellow guide and Templer's subsequent attack.

• 
  default 3

  Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals sneakers sell for a record $2.2 million

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-12 03:17)

  A pair of game-worn Air Jordan 13 sneakers from Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA Finals "Last Dance" season sold at a Sotheby's auction for a record $2.2 million, becoming the most expensive sneakers ever sold. The sale highlights the high market value of Jordan's memorabilia from that season, following the 2022 auction of his Game 1 jersey for $10.1 million. The sneakers were part of a larger sports memorabilia auction featuring items from other notable athletes like Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The record-breaking auction sale of Michael Jordan's game-worn sneakers. 2. The high value and demand for Michael Jordan's "Last Dance" memorabilia. 3. The broader context of the sports memorabilia market and auction.

• 
  default 5

  How Playboy cut ties with Hugh Hefner to create a post-MeToo brand

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-11 07:10)

  Summary: The article examines the shifting legacy of Playboy as it approaches its 70th anniversary. It details how founder Hugh Hefner built the brand using women's images, often without their consent, and how recent allegations and the #MeToo movement have led to a reevaluation of his personal conduct. In response, the modern Playboy company has publicly distanced itself from Hefner, is now largely staffed and managed by women, and is pivoting its business model toward a creator-led platform that emphasizes female agency.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The founding and controversial history of Playboy under Hugh Hefner. 2. The re-evaluation of Hefner's legacy and accusations of misconduct in the post-#MeToo era. 3. The radical transformation of the Playboy brand's structure, values, and business model today.

• 
  default 3

  They bought an abandoned 'ghost house' in the Japanese countryside

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-10 12:22)

  Summary:
  Japanese traveler Daisuke Kajiyama returned to Japan with his partner to open a guesthouse but faced financial constraints and a desire for a traditional kominka house. He ultimately found and negotiated for two abandoned rural houses (akiya) in Shizuoka prefecture, which he is renovating into a home and guesthouse despite ownership complexities.

  Main Topics Covered:
  - The personal story of Daisuke Kajiyama pursuing his dream of opening a guesthouse in rural Japan.
  - The challenge of finding affordable traditional housing and the shift toward using abandoned homes (akiya).
  - Japan's issue of rural depopulation and increasing vacant properties.
  - The process of locating, negotiating for, and renovating the abandoned houses.

• 
  default 3

  Here's the real reason to turn on airplane mode when you fly

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-07 12:52)

  Summary: The article examines the rationale behind in-flight safety rules, particularly the requirement to set devices to flight mode. It explains that while modern aircraft systems are generally well-shielded from interference from personal electronic devices, the primary reasons for the rule are to prevent potential overload on ground networks and to mitigate emerging concerns about 5G signals interfering with critical aircraft navigation systems, especially during takeoff and landing.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The historical and technical reasons for in-flight safety rules regarding electronic devices. 2. The evolution of aviation technology and regulations regarding electromagnetic interference. 3. The current concerns driving the flight mode rule, specifically ground network overload and potential 5G interference with aircraft systems.

• 
  default 4

  'A definitive backslide.' Inside fashion's worrying runway trend

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-04-06 20:53)

  Summary: The Fall-Winter 2023 fashion runways in major cities showed a significant decline in the use of plus-size models, reversing recent progress toward size inclusivity. This trend coincided with widespread media attention on new prescription weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Fashion commentators criticized the industry's retreat from diversity, noting that many major designers who had previously featured curve models did not do so this season.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The reduction of plus-size models on major fashion runways for Fall-Winter 2023. 2. The concurrent rise and cultural conversation around prescription weight-loss drugs. 3. Criticism from industry advocates regarding the fashion industry's backslide on body diversity. 4. Statistical data and specific examples highlighting the decline in size-inclusive representation.

• 
  default 4

  Relaxed entry rules make it easier than ever to visit this stunning Asian nation

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-03-31 04:25)

  Summary: Mongolia is actively promoting tourism by easing visa requirements for citizens of 34 additional countries and opening new infrastructure, including a major international airport and a modern museum. The article highlights these developments alongside cultural attractions like music festivals and the historic Naadam festival as reasons to visit.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. Eased visa policies to attract international tourists. 2. New tourism infrastructure (airport, museum). 3. Cultural and event-based attractions (festivals, Naadam).

• 
  default 4

  Scientists identify secret ingredient in Leonardo da Vinci paintings

  (CNN.com - RSS Channel - World / 2023-03-30 17:43)

  Summary: A new study suggests that Old Masters like da Vinci and Rembrandt may have intentionally added egg yolk to their oil paints. This addition altered the paints' properties, such as reducing oxidation and wrinkling, and allowed for different textures while potentially conserving expensive pigments. The findings indicate this was a deliberate technical choice rather than accidental contamination.

  Main Topics Covered: 1. The discovery of intentional protein (egg yolk) use in historical oil paintings. 2. The technical benefits of adding egg yolk, including paint stability and manipulation. 3. The experimental recreation of historical paint-making to validate the hypothesis.