admin | Common News Update

Aug92020 by adminNo Comments

What is Tencent?

Based in Shenzhen and founded in 1998, the Chinese company Tencent enjoys huge popularity - and profits - in China.Its cute penguin symbol is as familiar to Chinese children as the McDonalds "golden arches" logo is to children in the West, says the BBC's China media analyst Kerry Allen."Tencent is thought of as so much more than just a Chinese company in China - it has gained a reputation as a family-friendly organisation that connects families, friends and work colleagues in a digital age," she said."It has a business model that other Chinese companies can only envy - it can reach an audience of, basically, everyone."But many people in the West have never heard of it. That doesn't mean it isn't present in our everyday lives, th...

Aug92020 by adminNo Comments

MV Wakashio: Mauritius declares emergency as stranded ship leaks oil

Science

The island nation of Mauritius has declared a "state of environmental emergency" after a vessel offshore began leaking oil into the ocean.MV Wakashio ran aground on a coral reef off the Indian Ocean island on 25 July and its crew was evacuated.But the large bulk carrier has since begun leaking tons of fuel into the surrounding waters.France has pledged support and the ship's owner said it was working to combat the spill.Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth declared the state of emergency late on Friday.He said the nation did not have "the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships" as he appealed to France for help.The French island of Reunion lies near Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is home to world-renowned c...

Aug92020 by adminNo Comments

Kelly Reilly: ‘Yellowstone’ is the ‘mirror of the days we live in’

Entertainment

Aug. 9 (UPI) -- True Detective and Britannia alum Kelly Reilly says she is proud that her latest TV drama, Yellowstone, addresses real-life issues and asks big questions. "That's the role of storytellers," Reilly told UPI in a recent phone interview. "We are, basically, the mirror of the days we live in, if we are getting it right." Advertisement Now in its third season, the contemporary western/family drama from writer-producer Taylor Sheridan follows wealthy John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his family as they fight real-estate developers, government officials and criminals to hold on to their enormous cattle ranch, which borders Yellowstone National Park and a Native American reservation. Reilly plays John's fiercely loyal and brilliant daughter Beth, who will do anything -- really anyth...

Aug92020 by adminNo Comments

Bayern Munich, Barcelona reach Champions League quarterfinals

Sports

Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals with aggregate wins Saturday to finalize the final eight of the European soccer tournament. Bayern star striker Robert Lewandowski struck twice and set up two more goals as his side cruised past Premier League club Chelsea 4-1 to reach the next round with a 7-1 aggregate victory. Advertisement The Bavarians will be on an 18-game winning streak across all competitions entering next week's final eight in Lisbon, Portugal, where they will take on Barcelona. "We're already excited. Barca are a quality side but we want to compete with them," Bayern defender David Alaba said. "We will go to Portugal with confidence and, after the last few months, we have nothing to hide from." Bayern, who won their ei...

Aug92020 by adminNo Comments

Beirut explosion: World leaders to hold aid summit

World

Media playback is unsupported on your device International leaders will hold talks on Sunday to raise aid for Beirut, five days after the massive explosion which devastated the Lebanese capital.The virtual conference - set up by France and the United Nations - starts at 14:00 Lebanon time (11:00 GMT).US President Donald Trump has said he plans to join the call.Officials estimate the blast at the warehouse, which stored 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, caused up to $ 15 billion (£11.5bn) in damage. The explosion left at least 158 people dead, 5,000 injured and 300,000 homeless. On Saturday several thousand people took to the streets, with police firing tear gas at stone-throwing protesters and some demonstrators storming government ministries.