Thursday 2 August 2012

Performance of Ye Shiwen Leads Trending Topics in China, According to Tencent Weibo

 

  • Chinese Olympic swimmer Ye Shiwen lead trending topics on Tencent Weibo with 12.5 million posts, votes and discussions focused on the swimmer’s determination and talent.
  • Further trending topics included commiserations for the Chinese women’s gymnastic team and discussions on who winning athletes should thank.       

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tencent, the leading online media company in China, today announced the top trending topics on its Tencent Weibo platform for today. The success of Ye Shiwen, the double gold medal-winning athlete, achieved the top trending spot with just under 12.5 million posts, votes and discussions posted on the site during a 24 hour period. Members of the Chinese audience viewing the Games used Tencent’s online services to voice their opinions.
Under the trending topic: “How can Ye Shiwen swim faster than a man?”, Chinese posters voted on the international discussion taking place about the swimmer’s performance and voiced support for the athlete.
The top ten topics of the past 24 hours have been ranked based on trend. Post numbers shown are the total number of posts about a topic since it was first posted.
1. ‘How can Ye Shiwen swim faster than a man?’ – 12,481,546 posts.
2. ‘Don’t cry, gymnast girls’ – 3,996,265 posts about the Chinese women’s gymnastic team ranking fourth in the group event.
3. ‘Professional Congratulations Team’ - 2,014,344 posts on the TV host and actor He Jiong sending posts of congratulations to all of China’s medal winners, leading to him and his partner Xie Na becoming known as the Professional Congratulations Team. Athletes are also asking the host for congratulations on Weibo.
4. ‘Olympic flag raising’ – 716,004 posts on the flags of China and South Korea not being raised to the same level when Sun Yang won the Silver at the men's 200m freestyle swimming.
5. ‘All the athletes are heroes, though some of them have not won gold’ – 10,573,141 posts on this theme.
6. ‘Who should the athletes thank after winning a medal?’ – 6,652,116 posts.
7. ‘Appeals during London Olympics’ – 1,741,393 posts on appeals raised by athletes during the Games.
8. ‘Journalists in the London Media Centre’ – 8,719,689 posts about this notice.
9. ‘Zhang Chenglong away from home’ – 49,774,787 posts on the Chinese athlete training dedication.
10. ‘Ling Dan enters top eight’ – 3,805,019 posts on Chinese athlete reaching the quarter finals of the badminton competition.
Statistics include:
Why can Ye Shiwen swim so fast?
1. Due to hard-work and perseverance - 14,464 votes (41.89%)
2. She is so talented in swimming – 10,752 votes (31.14%)
3. Due to her good state and performance on the day – 8,776 votes (25.42%)
4. Other reasons – 536 votes (1.55%)
What do you think of the athletes that have not won gold?
1. Respect all their hard work – 16,712 votes (94.76%)
2. Feel sorry for them - 504 votes (2.86%)
3. Only champions are heroes/heroines - 286 votes (1.62%)
4. Other - 134 votes (0.76%)
Post themes
1. Chinese defending Ye Shiwen, commenting on the Western coach suspicious of her performance.
2. In support for Ye Shiwen's clean record, they say she attained the world record due to her talent and endeavour.
3. Chinese looking forward to Ye Shiwen's next competition and believe she can also do well in future events.
Wang Yong Zhi, Vice Chief Editor of QQ.com, said: “The positive response of the Chinese audience to Ye Shiwen has been massive. She has become the star of the Games so far. We have also seen a lot of discussion about the reporting of her performance in the Western media. This was split between those that wanted to criticise and were suspicious of the swimmer’s performance and those that stated journalists had to report on what was taking place, irrespective of whether they agreed with the content.”
Topics and post numbers taken at 5pm August 1st 2012, Chinese Standard Time.
About Tencent
Tencent aims to enrich the interactive online experience of Internet users by providing a comprehensive range of Internet and wireless value-added services. Through its various online platforms, including Instant Messaging QQ, web portal QQ.com, the QQ Game platform under Tencent Games, multi-media social networking service Qzone and wireless portal, Tencent services the largest online community in China and fulfills the user’s needs for communication, information, entertainment and e-Commerce on the Internet. Tencent has four main streams of revenue: Internet value-added services, mobile and telecommunications value-added services, online advertising and e-Commerce.
Shares of Tencent Holdings Limited are traded on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, under stock code 00700. The Company became one of the 43 constituents of the Hang Seng Index (HSI) on June 10, 2008. For more information, please visit www.tencent.com/ir.
Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to the business outlook, forecast business plans and growth strategies of Tencent. They are based on information currently available to Tencent and its outlook at the time of this press release. These statements are made under certain expectations, assumptions and premises, some of which are subjective or beyond Tencent’s control. These forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect and may not be realised in future. Underlying these statements are a large number of risks and uncertainties. As such, the inclusion of any forward-looking statements in this press release should not be regarded as representations by Tencent or any of its directors and employees that the business outlook, forecast, plans and strategies will be achieved, and no undue reliance should be placed on any of such statements.

Contact:
Tencent contact:
Wynne Wang
Tencent
Phone: +86-10-82154906
Email: wynnewang@tencent.com
or
PR contact:
Mark Kember
Goode Communications
Tel: +44 (0)1491 873323
Email: mark.kember@goode.co.uk

Honeymooning in South America

From , former About.com Guide

What makes the ideal honeymoon?
Soft, romantic tropical breezes, luxurious accommodations, fabulous scenery, out of the ordinary experiences?Perhaps shared adventure, a journey to someplace wild and wonderful? The fabled "trip of a lifetime?"These and many more are all in South America!Here are some suggestions. There are many more,of course, and you'll find more ideas in the pages of this site, but for starters:Soft, romantic tropical breeze
  • Los Roques National Park is an island park in Venezuela offering superb diving, snorkeling, sailing and swimming in an ecologically preserved area - a favorite destination.
  • Maybe a little too breezy, with the constant winds sailboarders love, Isla de Margarita, called the pearl by the conquistadores, Margarita Island is nonetheless a gem.
  • The old walled city and fortress of Cartagena, Colombia repelled invaders and pirates in its early days. Now it welcomes visitors to its colonial charm, energetic nightlife and nearby attractions.
  • Brazil's Northeastern states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe include great beaches, like the Recife beach shown here, and lively nightlife.
  • While not tropical, the Beaches of Chile offer you a choice of hundreds of beaches, coves and inlets for swimming, diving, surfing, windsurfing and sea fishing. Some, like Viña del Mar are upscale resorts, with deluxe accommodations, restaurants and casino.
  • More wonderful white sand beaches in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil, plus African-influenced music, dance, religious traditions and caipirinhas.Luxurious accommodation
  • You can camp or travel budget-style, but Chile's Lake District is renowned for the great resorts like Antumalal. The spectacular arrangement of lakes, volcanos, rivers and waterfalls here are a major travel destination and yet offer plenty of seclusion for honeymooners.
  • Developed before Punta del Este along the lines of a European spa resort, Piriápolis, Uruguay attracts visitors for its excellent beaches, lively nightlife, recreational facilities and relaxed vacation lifestyle.
  • Do it up in style in the European flavored resort of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina'sNahuel Huapi National Park.
  • Buenos Aires is chic, sophisticated, with excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping, and of course, the romantic tango!
  • Rio de Janeiro, a cidade maravilhosa, has it all: beaches, nightlife, sightseeing, lodgings for every budget, and did I mention nightlife?
  • Santiago is cosmopolitan, sophisticated, with superb hotels and restaurants, plus its only hours away from the beaches and great ski resorts. If you need more, these Excursions from Santiago give you the chance to visit ski resorts, wineries, natural reserves, arts and craft markets, plus places to camp, hike, raft, ride horses, picnic and sightsee.Fabulous scenery
  • Colca Canyon This spectacular canyon is thought to be deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the home to condors, pre-Colombian terraces and ruins, and awesome vistas.
  • Tierra del Fuego is cold, windy and rainy, but visitors to the Land of Fire in the southernmost tip of South America will find plenty to do and see. And the cold makes great cuddling weather!
  • Iguazu FallsThe huge thundering falls are a popular destination. See why honeymooners rate this a premium destination.
  • Get your woolies for a trip to The Glaciers of Argentina in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares with 47 major glaciers, including Perito Moreno, the only one in the world still growing, two lakes and is a favored destination in any season.
  • Billed as the "Park at the End of the World," Chile'sParque Nacional Torres del Paine, a vorite with trekkers, is a region of wild peaks, rushing rivers, icebergs, waterfalls, wildlife and varied flora.Out of the ordinary
  • The week long celebration of Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun in Cuzco, Peru draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and is the second largest festival in South America.
  • San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the middle of the Atacama desert in northern Chile, has supported life since 11,000 BC and is now a prime destination for travelers interested in natural wonders and archaeological ruins. The celebrations for San Pedro and San Pablo is June are a wonderful reason to visit.
  • Like to party til you drop? Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and other Brazilian cities,or the celebrations in Bolivia, Venezuela and Colombia, will keep you busy 24/7.
  • The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria sometimes lasting days, is a mix of Christian and pagan religions and is celebrated in Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela on February 2.

  • Shared adventure
  • Patagonia of Argentina and Chile offers plenty of reasons to cuddle up and stay warm.
  • If getting there is half the fun, then Getting to Machu Picchu - Beginning of the Journey by Train or by the Inca Trailwill be worth every minute of the way. [
  • If you like to combine sports and recreational activities, from auto racing to treeking, look into the Sports and Recreation resources.Someplace wild and wonderful
  • Over 1330 miles long, Venezuela's Orinoco River runs the length of the country, and is home to most of the indigenous population as well as tourism and the country's largest growing economic sector.
  • Amazonia comprises the Amazon and its tributaries and the Amazon delta. How about a cruise downriver from Iquitos, Peru to Belém, Brazil?
  • Interested in wildlife? The Pantanal is home to thousands of wildlife species, the Pantanal is a huge wetlands, and a must on a wildlife-lover's travels.
  • A cruise to the Galapagos Islands offers an ocean voyage, exotic wildlife, scuba and diving, and memories for a lifetime. Trip of a lifetime
  • Easter Island, the Navel of the World is also known as Isla de Pascua and Rapa Nui. Explore the mystery of the moais, the BirdMan petroglyphs and Easter Island, past and present.
  • Once a dreaded penal institution, Devil's Islandnow offers a resort on Île Royale, and if you're up to it, you can stay overnight in the former guard's mess.
  • Happy honeymooning!
  • The Unexplored North - Peru Travel Itinerary

    By , About.com Guide

    This Peru travel itinerary features the best of what to see Northern Peru in two weeks.
    A region overshadowed by the jewel of the South - Machu Picchu, Northern Peru has so much to offer and yet is often only visited by other South American tourists. And while it doesn't have the flash and luxury of Lima or Cuzco the prices are bargain basement and many times you'll find you're the only tourist around. For that reason it is one of my top recommendations for South America.
    Below is a great itinerary for 10-14 days if you're coming in from Ecuador. If you're coming in come Lima simply do the North-South itinerary in reverse!
    Mancora 3-4 days
    Mancora is most often visited by travelers coming from Ecuador or tourists who have just hiked Machu Picchu and want to relax on the beach. With a reputation of being a world class surfing site it attracts a big surf crowd. If you're looking to surf all day and party all night then stay in town.
    For those looking for a more relaxed holiday, take a cue from Peruvians and visit one of the quieter beaches just outside Mancora. The beach hotels are much less expensive, as are the restaurants and if you want to head into town taxis are only $1-2.
    Chiclayo 2-3 days
    This is not a pretty city but it is a great stopping point to see the Lord of Sipán collection, often called the King Tutankamon of the Americas because his tomb was found in impeccable condition.
    The museum is new and rivals any modern museum in the world with only an admission price of $10 to see the exhaustive collection of gold, copper and silver. You can take a day trip out to the tomb which is currently being excavated. Discover more about Chiclayo.
    Cajamarca 3-4 days
    My absolute favorite place in Peru and one that few tourists know about. I only discovered it on a bus ride when the woman next to be insisted that I go.
    This small town, hidden in the mountains, is well known to Peruvians for its delicious cheese and chocolate. Many Peruvians travel to Cajamarca to visit its natural hot springs, pre-Colombian aqueduct and pre-inca necropolis. As most tourists are Peruvian, day tours are very inexpensive at $5-8.
    One final tip - do not leave without trying sudado, tomato based fish stew.
    Trujillo 2-3 days
    A pretty colonial city, it is nice to simply walk around and enjoy the views. However, it is also a great home base for taking day trips to ancient ruins.
    Most people come to Trujillo to see the famous Chan Chan, which are ruins are an ancient city built from mud but with tours ranging from $5-10 I highly recommend spending a few days to visit others such as the Moche Pyramids (photo above). Read more about Trujillo.
    Piura 2 days
    Spend a bit of time in Northern Peru and you will inevitably hear locals discuss how Lima has stolen their cuisine and is passing it off as their own. In a typical, big city vs. rural country battle Northern Peruvians are very proud of their tradition for the best ceviche in the country and unhappy big city Lima is passing it off as its own.
    Those in "the know" visit Pirua which is home to the best ceviche in the country and where chefs from Lima find their inspiration. Conchas negras or black conch ceviche is the crowning jewel and must be sampled.
    If you aren't a seafood lover you may want to pass on Piura as it doesn't have much to offer outside culinary prowess and could be in the running for the ugliest city in Peru.

    Image: Cuba and Caribbean Islands As Seen By Envisat

     




    The Caribbean country of Cuba is pictured in this image from the Envisat satellite. Cuba is an archipelago of islands in the northern Caribbean Sea at the confluence with the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. In the southeast, the dark coastal area is home to the Sierra Maestra mountains. It is the highest mountain range on the island, with Pico Turquino reaching nearly 2000 m. The area is also rich in minerals, like copper and iron.

    The rounded green zone on the central southern coast of the island is the Sierra Del Escambray mountain range, including the 1160m-high Pico San Juan, Cuba's second highest peak.

    Staying on the south face of the island, the brownish-green area west of the mountains is the swampy Zapata Peninsula, home to a national park - an ideal destination for bird-watching.

    Off the southern coast is the Isle of Youth, the country's second largest island. Much of the island is covered in pine forests, but is also the site of many beaches and resorts.

    Northwest of Cuba, we can see the tip of the Florida Keys, a coral archipelago belonging to the US state of Florida.

    To the east, the southern portion of the Bahamas is also visible.

    This image is a compilation of three images from Envisat's MERIS instrument, acquired on 15 April, 23 April and 12 May 2011. The images were stitched together to give us a nearly cloudless view of the island.

    Monday 30 July 2012

    Hyundai recalls Santa Fe, Sonata on air bag issues

    REUTERS

    First posted: | Updated:





    Hyundai Motor Co is recalling some Santa Fe SUVs and Sonata sedans for separate air bag issues, U.S. safety regulators said.

    In the United States, Hyundai is recalling 199,118 Santa Fe SUVs from the model years 2007 to 2009 that were made from April 2006 through July 7, 2008 because the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a filing.

    Separately, Hyundai is recalling 22,513 Sonata sedans in the United States for the model years 2012-2013, made from January to June this year, because the side air bag may inflate, to the surprise of the driver.

    The Santa Fe SUVs may have difficulty detecting “small statured adults” in the front passenger seat so that the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash, the NHTSA said.

    Hyundai told regulators it needed to update its software on the Santa Fe and would do so without charge. It has not yet given the NHTSA a schedule for notifying customers.

    The curtain, or side air bag, in the Sonata sedan “may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle,” NHTSA said. Also, an air bag deploying when there is no crash or other normal cause for it doing so can hinder the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, the agency said.

    Hyundai will replace the side air bags on the Sonata free of charge. The recall is to begin next month, the automaker told the NHTSA.

    Sunday 29 July 2012

    Scenes from underground show in New York City

    By Jim Genia, Cage Writer

    Just another day at the underground fight show.
    Earlier today there was an edition of the Underground Combat League (UCL), New York City's long-running, unsanctioned MMA promotion. Unlike most of the other states in the country, New York has deemed professional MMA to be illegal. But a loophole in the law has allowed amateur events to flourish — albeit in a quasi-hush-hush world where fighters sometimes use aliases and the locations of shows are kept secret from the athletic commission.
    Choke out.
    Please, don't judge them too harshly. The UCL, for instance, has churned out over forty events since its debut in 2003, and can count among its alumni such fighters as former UFC lightweight champ Frankie Edgar and International Fight League heavyweight Bryan Vetell (as well as a slew of dudes who went on to fight in Strikeforce, the WEC, Bellator and top regional promotions). And before you accuse anyone of exploitation, remember this: everyone from promoter Peter Storm to the fighters to the fans wants to see New York State sanction the sport; it's only because New York won't that events like this exist.
    Right hand of doom.
    The ol' stanky leg.
    You're probably about to ask something along the lines of "Well, don't you think underground shows like this one are setting the sport back and keeping it from being sanctioned?" That's a clown-question, bro. The politicians who favor MMA in New York have cited the state's thriving underground fight scene as a reason why the sport must be sanctioned.
    Another choke.