The post A Young Austrian Artist Becomes the Artist of February 2024 According to BE OPEN Art Gallery appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>BE OPEN Art congratulates the talented Lisa Einkemmer, a self-taught painter from Austria. Lisa works with oil and acrylic paint on canvas. While creativity has always played an important role in her life, Lisa began painting only a few years ago. She was trained as a graphic designer and used to create drawings and illustrations which now translates into her paintings. To Lisa, painting is a way of exploring the world around her. She is forever fascinated by the relationship between people and their environment, which is a recurring theme in her artwork.
To be featured in the gallery, BE OPEN Art selects artists at an early stage of their career who emphasize social consciousness, philosophical meaning and the aesthetical solutions for the wrongs of the contemporary world, such as inequality, lack of diversity, environmental issues, and consumerism. In a way, the project sees its mission in looking for the new influencers in the art scene, and invites everyone to contribute to this process.
Aiming to showcase and support young talents, every month for the last three years, BE OPEN Art invited art enthusiasts to choose the best artist among those 20 exhibited in the online gallery. Out of 12 monthly winners, the artist whose works gain the majority of votes throughout the year becomes the Artist of the Year and receives a grant of €1000.
BE OPEN Art is an online art gallery created by BE OPEN foundation with an ambition to provide emerging artists with an opportunity to showcase their work to the world. In 2023, a regional competition was set up for those artists who best represent the artistic identity of their regions, which will continue into 2024.
BE OPEN is a global initiative to foster creativity and innovation, founded and supported by the Austria-based international philanthropist and businessperson Elena Baturina. It is a global initiative to foster creativity and innovation, a think tank whose mission is to promote people and ideas today to build solutions for tomorrow through a system of conferences, competitions, exhibitions, master classes and cultural events.
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]]>The post Infants Exposed to High Levels of Microplastics, Study Finds appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>In a shocking study, researchers from the University of New Mexico have uncovered startling levels of microplastic contamination in newborn babies, raising serious concerns about the extent of plastic pollution in our environment.
The study, which focused on infants in New York City, found that babies had significantly higher concentrations of microplastics in their guts compared to adults living in the same area. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the extent of plastic ingestion among humans and highlights the urgent need for further research into the health impacts of microplastic exposure, especially on vulnerable populations like infants.
The researchers collected fecal samples from six one-year-old babies and ten adults, as well as meconium (earliest stool) from three newborns. They analyzed these samples using mass spectrometry to detect the presence of two common types of microplastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC).
The results were alarming. On average, the feces of one-year-old babies contained ten times more PET microplastics than adult feces. Even more concerning, meconium from newborns showed concentrations of microplastics that were similar to those found in adult feces, indicating that infants are exposed to high levels of microplastics from a very early age.
The study also highlighted the possible sources of microplastic exposure in infants, including child-safe plastic feeding utensils, pacifiers, sippy cups, and plastic toys that babies often chew on while teething. Additionally, the researchers noted that infants may be exposed to microplastics through the air and dust in indoor environments, as well as through the consumption of food and liquids stored in plastic containers.
While the health impacts of ingesting microplastics are still not fully understood, recent studies have suggested that these tiny particles can enter the circulatory system and potentially affect cell function. This raises concerns about the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure, particularly for infants whose bodies are still developing.
The researchers emphasized the need for further studies with larger sample sizes to confirm their findings and to better understand the implications of microplastic exposure on human health. They also called for more awareness and action to reduce plastic pollution and protect vulnerable populations from its harmful effects.
This study underscores the urgent need to address the issue of plastic pollution and its impact on human health. As the researchers continue to investigate the effects of microplastic exposure, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the health and well-being of future generations.
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]]>The post OpenAI Sora Revolutionizes Text-to-Video AI Technology appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>OpenAI has introduced a groundbreaking text-to-video AI model named Sora, which has astounded the online community with its ability to generate hyper-realistic videos based on text prompts. Sora’s deep understanding of language allows it to create compelling characters with vibrant emotions and intricate scenes featuring multiple characters, specific motions, and accurate background details.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman encouraged users to suggest prompts for Sora, leading to the creation of astonishing videos. Examples include two golden retrievers podcasting on a mountain, a grandmother making gnocchi, and marine animals participating in a bicycle race on the ocean’s surface. The realism of these videos has left users stunned, with many describing the results as “out of this world” and a “game changer.”
Despite its impressive capabilities, the demonstration of Sora has raised concerns about potential risks, especially regarding misinformation, hateful content, and bias. In response, OpenAI has committed to several safety measures, including collaborating with domain experts and developing tools to detect misleading content.
However, Sora is not without its limitations. It struggles with continuity and distinguishing left from right, highlighting areas for improvement. Despite these challenges, Sora’s achievements have surpassed those of its rivals, including Meta and Google, who have also demonstrated text-to-video AI technology but have not achieved the same level of realism.
The development of Sora marks a significant advancement in AI technology, with implications for various industries, including entertainment, education, and advertising. Its ability to create realistic videos from text prompts opens up new possibilities for storytelling and content creation.
As Sora continues to evolve like ChatGPT, it will be interesting to see how it is integrated into various applications and how it shapes the future of AI-generated content. OpenAI’s commitment to safety and innovation ensures that Sora’s impact will be carefully managed and responsibly utilized in the years to come.
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]]>The post Hoteliers’ Association Urges Chancellor: Resolve Corona Aid Dispute appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>The hoteliers’ association has issued a pressing demand to the Chancellor, calling for a resolution to the ongoing dispute over upper limits for Corona aid. This request comes in a letter that has been pending for months, highlighting the urgency of the situation. In response, the finance minister has cited a coalition partner as a key factor in the delays.
As the world approaches the four-year mark since the onset of the corona pandemic, many crisis measures have expired, and the “Covid Financing Agency” (Cofag) is set to be dissolved in the near future. Despite these developments, significant questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding Cofag. The hoteliers’ association recently underscored this in a letter to the Federal Chancellor, expressing frustration over the prolonged delay in deciding on outstanding Corona aid payments. The association criticized the government for failing to provide compensation for loss of income during the Corona lockdowns, as mandated by the Constitutional Court. This lack of action has created a climate of uncertainty, especially considering rising costs in energy and salaries over the past three years.
At the heart of the issue is an EU decision under state aid law, which stipulates that Covid aid can only be granted to groups of companies, rather than individual locations. While Austria initially adopted a business-friendly approach to defining what constitutes a group, the absence of clear guidelines has led to delays in processing applications. As a result, several chains are at risk of repayment, while others are still awaiting financial assistance. The finance department has identified 179 companies affected by this issue, with Corona aid totaling around one billion euros currently under review. The hotel industry has also been caught in the crossfire of these complications.
In response to the association’s letter, Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) wrote on behalf of the Chancellor, emphasizing the significance of tourism to the national economy and expressing a commitment to addressing the concerns raised. However, he highlighted challenges in reaching an agreement with the Vice Chancellor on implementing guidelines for aid distribution. According to Brunner, the Greens, the coalition partner in question, have expressed reservations about the potential impact on certain companies. Despite assurances that traditional companies will be considered in the decision-making process, there has been no concrete timeline provided for a resolution.
The Greens have openly expressed their skepticism, stating that while they support a swift resolution to the issue, they are equally concerned about over-funding. The Green Parliamentary Club emphasized the need for targeted support rather than blanket subsidies. The government has yet to provide clarity on when a solution can be expected.
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]]>The post U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq and Syria Escalate Regional Tensions appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>In a recent escalation of military actions, the United States conducted a series of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, resulting in at least 16 reported casualties, including civilians, and 25 individuals wounded. The bombings, which targeted both civilian and security areas, have drawn strong condemnation from the Iraqi government.
The airstrikes were executed in response to an earlier attack that claimed the lives of American soldiers in Jordan during the Israel war on Gaza. However, the Iraqi government has decried these strikes as “new aggression” against its sovereignty, issuing warnings of severe consequences for the region.
Challenges in communication have arisen as Washington claims coordination with Baghdad, a stance firmly rejected by the Iraqi government. They label these assertions as “false” and further accuse the U.S.-led military coalition of jeopardizing Iraq’s security and stability.
The Syrian Ministry of Defence has joined the chorus of criticism, denouncing what they term as the “aggression of the American occupation forces.” The strikes targeted areas where the Syrian military is actively engaged against remnants of the ISIS group. Syrian state media reported casualties in the desert region and border areas with Iraq. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggests that at least 23 fighters aligned with Iran were killed, though independent verification is pending.
Despite the strikes not occurring within Iranian territory, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the actions as “adventurous” and predicted an escalation of instability in the region. In response, the U.S. National Security Council clarified that the primary objective of the attacks was to deter Iran-aligned groups, emphasizing that the intent is not to provoke a war with Iran.
Against the backdrop of heightened tensions, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs attributes the root cause to Israel’s occupation, ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the plight of the Palestinians. They underscore the need for resolving these underlying issues as crucial for restoring stability in the region.
The situation remains volatile, with the Iraqi government formally protesting the strikes. Concerns are mounting regarding the broader implications for regional security and stability as diplomatic tensions continue to escalate. The international community closely watches the evolving situation, mindful of the potential repercussions on the geopolitical landscape.
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]]>The post ÖBB Temporarily Adjusts Services for Improved Punctuality appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>In a bid to enhance punctuality and reliability, Austria’s national railway company, ÖBB, has unveiled a strategic plan for the eastern region that involves a reduction in the number of train services on specific routes. This adjustment, slated to commence on February 12th, aims to streamline timetables and mitigate delays caused by the current challenges faced by ÖBB, primarily linked to the delayed delivery of new trains.
The overall reduction in service is estimated at 1.9%, translating to 50 out of 2,700 local trains daily. While this might mean fewer train connections, ÖBB assures passengers of a more dependable and punctual travel experience.
One of the notable changes will be observed on the S3 route between Korneuburg and Floridsdorf, which will see a decrease in the number of daily trips from 102 to 84. Similarly, the St. Andrä-Wördern to Vienna Franz-Josefs-Bahnhof connection, served by R40 and S40, will experience a reduction from 116 to 108 trains.
Moreover, on routes connecting Vienna, Wiener Neustadt, Deutschkreutz, and the Franz-Josephs-Bahn heading towards Gmünd, four trains will now operate with single-deck sets instead of double-deck sets. ÖBB acknowledges the inconvenience caused by these adjustments but attributes them to the delays in the delivery of new trains.
The railway company has expressed its apologies and emphasizes that these measures are temporary, lasting until Easter. ÖBB assures passengers that active communication about these changes will be provided on trains and at stations. Additionally, the entire fleet and timetable will undergo thorough evaluations in the coming weeks. ÖBB plans to engage in discussions with workshops and suppliers to swiftly resolve the challenges and restore a more reliable and robust train service.
In conclusion, ÖBB recognizes the importance of maintaining a punctual and reliable transport system and is taking proactive steps to address current challenges and ensure an improved travel experience for passengers in the near future.
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]]>The post Die Eternity Inc Community: Eine Plattform für gemeinsame Erfahrungen und Wachstum geschaffen von Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>Einleitung
In der dynamischen Welt der Finanzen steht ein Name besonders hervor: Eternity Inc. Unter der visionären Führung von Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser hat sich Eternity Inc zu einem Vorreiter in der Demokratisierung der Finanzbildung und des Zugangs zu vielfältigen Investitionsmöglichkeiten entwickelt. Diese beiden Führungspersönlichkeiten haben es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, praktisches Finanzwissen für alle zugänglich zu machen – ein Schritt, der in der heutigen Finanzwelt als revolutionär gilt.
Die Eternity Inc Community, die sich unter der Leitung dieser beiden charismatischen Führungskräfte formiert hat, ist mehr als nur ein Netzwerk von Investoren und Finanzexperten. Sie ist eine Plattform, die individuelles Wachstum und kollektiven Austausch fördert. In dieser Gemeinschaft kommen Mitglieder aus unterschiedlichen sozialen und ökonomischen Hintergründen zusammen, vereint durch das gemeinsame Ziel, ihre finanziellen Kenntnisse zu erweitern und voneinander zu lernen.
Gründung und Vision der Eternity Inc Community durch Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser
Die Entstehung der Eternity Inc Community war ein bedeutender Meilenstein in der Finanzgeschichte. Mykhailo Romanenko, ein renommierter Geschäftsmann mit einem ausgeprägten Sinn für soziale Verantwortung, erkannte die tiefe Kluft in der Verfügbarkeit von Finanzwissen. Viele sahen Finanzbildung als Privileg der Elite, während die breite Masse oft im Dunkeln blieb. Romanenko, zusammen mit Roman Leithäuser, einem erfahrenen Medien- und Rundfunkexperten, beschlossen, diesen Status quo zu durchbrechen.
Die Gründung der Eternity Inc Community war ein direktes Ergebnis dieser Vision. Romanenko und Leithäuser sahen eine Welt vor sich, in der jeder unabhängig von seinem Hintergrund Zugang zu finanziellen Ressourcen und Wissen hat. Ihr Ziel war es, eine Plattform zu schaffen, die nicht nur Bildung, sondern auch praktische Anwendungen in der Finanzwelt bietet. Sie wollten eine Gemeinschaft ins Leben rufen, in der Menschen durch das Teilen von Wissen und Ressourcen wachsen und gedeihen können.
Die Community ist auf diesen Grundprinzipien aufgebaut: Transparenz, Inklusivität und das Bestreben, jedem Mitglied zu ermöglichen, finanziell selbstbestimmt zu handeln. Eternity Inc. hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, nicht nur die Elite, sondern jeden, der lernen und sich entwickeln möchte, mit den notwendigen Werkzeugen für finanziellen Erfolg auszustatten.
Die Rolle von Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser in dieser Bewegung ist wegweisend. Sie sind nicht nur Führungspersönlichkeiten, sondern auch Inspirationsquellen. Ihr Engagement für finanzielle Bildung und ihre Vision einer zugänglicheren Finanzwelt haben die Richtung vorgegeben, in die sich die Eternity Inc Community entwickelt.
In der Eternity Inc Community geht es um mehr als nur um Finanzen. Es geht um das Empowerment jedes Einzelnen, um fundierte finanzielle Entscheidungen zu treffen und ein Leben zu führen, das nicht durch finanzielle Unsicherheiten eingeschränkt ist. Die Gründung dieser Gemeinschaft markiert den Beginn eines neuen Kapitels in der Geschichte der Finanzbildung, eines, das von Inklusivität, Wachstum und gemeinsamen Erfolgen geprägt ist.
Eternity Inc Struktur und Angebote der Community
Die Struktur der Eternity Inc Community unter der Leitung von Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser ist gezielt darauf ausgerichtet, ihren Mitgliedern einen umfassenden Rahmen für Finanzbildung und -wachstum zu bieten. Die Community ist so konzipiert, dass sie ein dynamisches Netzwerk bildet, in dem Informationen, Ressourcen und Unterstützung fließen. Dieses Netzwerk bietet eine Vielzahl von Dienstleistungen und Ressourcen, darunter interaktive Webinare, Workshops und Informationsveranstaltungen, die darauf abzielen, das Finanzwissen der Mitglieder zu erweitern und zu vertiefen.
Eternity Inc bietet eine breite Palette von Ressourcen an, die darauf abzielen, den Mitgliedern praktische und theoretische Kenntnisse zu vermitteln. Dazu gehören sowohl Basis- als auch Fortgeschrittenenkurse in Bereichen wie Forex Trading, Immobilieninvestitionen und Risikomanagement. Diese Angebote werden durch regelmäßige Updates und Analysen zu Marktrends und finanziellen Strategien ergänzt, um die Mitglieder stets auf dem neuesten Stand zu halten.
Exklusive Zugänge zu Finanzprodukten durch die Mitgliedschaft
Ein wesentlicher Aspekt der Eternity Inc Community ist der exklusive Zugang zu einer Reihe von Finanzprodukten und -dienstleistungen. Mitglieder haben die Möglichkeit, in sichere und lukrative Bereiche wie Immobilieninvestitionen und Forex Trading einzusteigen. Diese Angebote sind normalerweise nur einer begrenzten Elite zugänglich, aber durch die Mitgliedschaft bei Eternity Inc werden sie einem breiteren Publikum zugänglich gemacht. Dies wird durch die Zusammenarbeit mit von der BaFin zertifizierten Unternehmen ermöglicht, die gewährleisten, dass alle Investitionsmöglichkeiten und Finanzprodukte den höchsten Standards für Sicherheit und Compliance entsprechen. Eternity Inc hat selbst keine Zulassung der FMA oder Bafin, da sie diese als Community nicht braucht!
Erfahrungen aus der Eternity Community
Die Eternity Inc Community ist reich an Erfolgsgeschichten und Berichten von Mitgliedern, die von den angebotenen Ressourcen und Möglichkeiten profitiert haben. Viele Mitglieder teilen ihre persönlichen Erfahrungen, wie sie durch die Community signifikante Fortschritte in ihrem finanziellen Verständnis und ihren Investitionskompetenzen gemacht haben. Diese Berichte unterstreichen nicht nur die Effektivität der von Eternity Inc bereitgestellten Ressourcen, sondern auch die positive Auswirkung der Community-Führung auf das Leben der Mitglieder.
Die Geschichten reichen von kleinen persönlichen Siegen im Bereich des Vermögensaufbaus bis hin zu größeren Erfolgen bei komplexen Investitionen. Diese Erfahrungen verdeutlichen die transformative Kraft der Eternity Inc Community, die es ihren Mitgliedern ermöglicht, über ihre finanziellen Grenzen hinauszuwachsen und dabei von einem Netzwerk von Gleichgesinnten und Experten unterstützt zu werden.
In der Eternity Inc Community geht es um mehr als nur um finanzielle Gewinne; es geht um das Schaffen einer Umgebung, in der Wachstum, Bildung und gemeinschaftliche Unterstützung Hand in Hand gehen. Unter der Leitung von Romanenko und Leithäuser hat sich die Community zu einer Plattform entwickelt, die nicht nur finanzielle, sondern auch persönliche Erfolge fördert.
Bildung und Entwicklung in der Community
Die Bildungs- und Entwicklungsangebote innerhalb der Eternity Inc Community sind vielfältig und innovativ. Die Community legt großen Wert darauf, ihren Mitgliedern ein breites Spektrum an Lernmöglichkeiten zu bieten, von Online-Kursen und Seminaren bis hin zu interaktiven Workshops. Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser, die treibenden Kräfte hinter diesen Initiativen, haben ein Umfeld geschaffen, in dem kontinuierliches Lernen und Entwicklung im Vordergrund stehen.
Die beiden Führungskräfte fördern eine Kultur des lebenslangen Lernens und der ständigen Verbesserung. Sie glauben fest daran, dass Bildung der Schlüssel zur Ermächtigung der Menschen ist, um ihre finanzielle Zukunft selbst in die Hand zu nehmen. Unter ihrer Führung hat die Community Zugang zu Ressourcen erhalten, die auf die Vermittlung praktischer, anwendbarer Finanzkenntnisse ausgerichtet sind.
Eternity Inc Erfahrungen: Netzwerken und Kollaboration
Netzwerken und Zusammenarbeit sind zentrale Säulen der Eternity Inc Community. Die Community fördert aktives Networking und die Bildung von Partnerschaften, sowohl innerhalb der Mitgliederbasis als auch mit externen Experten und Organisationen. Diese Kooperationen haben zu einer Reihe von Erfolgsgeschichten geführt, bei denen Mitglieder von den gemeinsamen Ressourcen und dem Wissen profitierten.
Die Community hat eine Reihe von Plattformen und Events etabliert, die den Austausch von Ideen und Strategien fördern. Diese Netzwerkmöglichkeiten bieten den Mitgliedern wertvolle Gelegenheiten, sich zu verbinden, zusammenzuarbeiten und voneinander zu lernen.
Eternity Inc Community Führung und Inspiration
Die Führungsstile von Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser haben einen tiefgreifenden Einfluss auf die Entwicklung und Stärkung der Eternity Inc Community. Ihre Visionen und ihr Engagement für Transparenz, Ethik und Inklusivität haben die Richtung vorgegeben, in der sich die Community entwickelt hat. Ihre Führungsstile sind geprägt von Offenheit, Inspiration und einem starken Fokus auf ethisches und nachhaltiges Wachstum.
Ihr Beitrag zur Stärkung der Community ist unbestreitbar. Sie haben eine Umgebung geschaffen, in der Mitglieder ermutigt werden, über sich hinauszuwachsen und ihre finanziellen Ziele zu erreichen.
Zukunftsausblick und Pläne
Die Zukunft der Eternity Inc Community sieht vielversprechend aus. Unter der Leitung von Romanenko und Leithäuser ist die Community auf dem besten Weg, ihre Vision einer inklusiven und gebildeten Finanzwelt zu verwirklichen. Die Pläne für die Zukunft umfassen die Erweiterung der Bildungsangebote, die Vertiefung der Partnerschaften und die Weiterentwicklung der Community-Plattform.
Die langfristigen Visionen von Romanenko und Leithäuser sind ambitioniert und zielen darauf ab, die Reichweite und den Einfluss der Eternity Inc Community weiter zu vergrößern. Ihr Engagement für Innovation und kontinuierliches Wachstum verspricht eine aufregende Zukunft für alle Mitglieder der Community.
Schlussfolgerung
Die Eternity Inc Community steht exemplarisch für das, was erreicht werden kann, wenn Bildung, Zusammenarbeit und visionäre Führung zusammenkommen. Die Community hat sich als einflussreiche Kraft etabliert, die ihre Mitglieder befähigt, finanziell unabhängig und gut informiert zu sein. Unter der inspirierenden Führung von Mykhailo Romanenko und Roman Leithäuser hat sich die Community zu einem Modell für Erfolg, Wachstum und positive Veränderung entwickelt. Ihre Auswirkungen auf die Mitglieder sind tiefgreifend und werden noch lange nachhallen.
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]]>The post ICJ Provides Technical Clearance to Israel on its Genocide in Palestine appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued six emergency orders to the State of Israel in response to Immediate ceasefire, allegations of genocide and a brutal bombardment of Gaza. However, the court stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire and provide Israel a green light to continue. This ruling coincides with the ongoing deliberations on South Africa’s genocide case against the State of Israel.
South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and urgently called for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. Despite Israel’s argument that the ICJ lacks jurisdiction, citing a “dispute” over the interpretation of genocide law, the court dismissed these claims.
The six measures, described as “softcore orders,” are outlined as follows:
These orders address critical aspects, including the prevention of genocide, the protection of civilians, and the facilitation of investigations into alleged war crimes. The potential impact of these measures and future developments will hinge on the State of Israel’s willingness to adhere to the court’s directives.
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]]>The post First Austrian Space Tourist’s Historic Virgin Galactic Flight appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>A 61-year-old Austrian entrepreneur Franz Haider became the first Austro space tourist, achieving astronaut status on Friday evening. The journey, which began 17 years ago with the purchase of a $200,000 ticket, culminated in a breathtaking flight to the edge of space with Virgin Galactic, the pioneering space company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson.
Haider, hailing from the Waldviertel region and known as “Astronaut 025” in Virgin Galactic’s records, embarked on the “Galactic 06” mission from Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA. The mission was a realization of a long-held dream for Haider, who bought his ticket back in 2007. After years of anticipation and numerous delays, clear weather finally allowed for the mission to proceed, offering Haider and his fellow passengers an experience of a lifetime.
The flight commenced with the carrier aircraft “VMS Eve” taking the spaceship “VSS Unity,” resembling a private jet, to an altitude of approximately 15 kilometers. From there, “VSS Unity” soared to around 90 kilometers above the Earth. This altitude, as defined by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), qualifies the passengers to be listed as astronauts.
Aboard the “VSS Unity,” a slightly more than 18-meter-long spacecraft, Haider, three other space tourists, and two pilots experienced the thrill of a near-vertical climb, accelerating to up to 3,600 kilometers per hour, thrice the speed of sound. This intense ascent brought them to a state of near weightlessness, a surreal experience as the craft passed the apex of its trajectory upside down.
Inside the cabin, cameras captured the euphoric moments of the crew unstrapping themselves and floating freely, savoring a few minutes of weightlessness. At the peak of their journey, they were approximately 89 kilometers above the Earth. The joy and relief were palpable in the cabin, a testament to the success of the mission and the fulfillment of their long-awaited dream. The journey concluded with a smooth glide back to the spaceport, where they landed at around 6:56 p.m., welcomed by the applause of numerous onlookers.
Reflecting on his journey, Haider shared with APA his unwavering belief in the mission, despite the years of waiting. His ticket, purchased at a significant $200,000 (183,604.15 euros at the current exchange rate), is now a historic artifact, as prices for new buyers have more than doubled.
The environmental impact of such ventures, as calculated by the Austrian Space Forum (ÖWF), is comparable to the per capita emissions of a transatlantic flight. Gernot Grömer, the head of ÖWF, in a press release, highlighted the growing market in low Earth orbit, forecasting a significant increase in annual suborbital flights by 2031. This new era of space travel is not only about the state space programs but also about the burgeoning private sector, including privately run space stations expected in the next decade.
Virgin Galactic’s journey to this landmark event has been filled with years of development, challenges, and setbacks. However, the successful space venture of “VSS Unity” in 2018, followed by a team flight with Branson in 2021, paved the way for commercial flights. Since its inaugural tourist flight in July last year, Virgin Galactic has been steadily advancing in the space tourism industry, with “Galactic 06” marking the first flight of the year. This historic flight not only adds a new chapter to Virgin Galactic’s story but also heralds a new age of space exploration and tourism, led by private enterprise.
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]]>The post Gulmarg’s Dry Spell Hits Ski Tourism Hard in Kashmir (IIOK) appeared first on Vienna Times | European English Newspaper.
]]>In a disheartening turn of events, the breathtaking ski slopes of Gulmarg in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOK) are grappling with an extraordinary challenge this winter. The region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant tourism industry, is facing an unusually dry spell that not only disrupts the tranquility of its snow-covered vistas but also poses a severe threat to the livelihoods of many.
The once vibrant ski trainers and mountain guides, accustomed to the bustling activity between December and February, find themselves abruptly out of work. All ski bookings until early February have been canceled, leaving professionals like Ahmad contemplating alternative livelihoods as the region navigates through this unexpected crisis.
Gulmarg, situated near the Line of Control that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, now bears witness to a hauntingly deserted landscape. In stark contrast to the region’s historical abundance of snow, which reached impressive heights of 30 to 40 feet at higher altitudes, the current dry spell has reduced it to a mere three feet. This unprecedented lack of snowfall has not only shattered the routines of seasoned professionals like Ahmad but has also triggered a reevaluation of their careers in the face of an uncertain future.
Muhammad Yasin, one of the oldest ski trainers in Gulmarg, expresses profound sadness at the desolate state of the ski grounds during what would typically be a thriving season. The repercussions of the dry spell extend beyond the ski trainers themselves, posing a substantial threat to the broader economy of Kashmir (IIOK), where tourism plays a pivotal role. In 2023, the region welcomed 16.8 million tourists, and in 2022, after almost three years of lockdown, the number surged to 19 million. The region had already weathered significant challenges in 2019, marked by the revocation of its special status, a subsequent security clampdown, and the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourists, like Muhammad Suhail, share their disappointment at the scarcity of snowfall. The looming fear of another wasted year not only affects ski trainers but also casts a shadow over hoteliers, guides, and various other workers dependent on tourism. This situation emphasizes the vulnerability of Kashmir’s economy to external factors, highlighting the profound impact of climate variations on the region’s ongoing challenges.
As the dry spell persists, the fate of this year’s tourism season in Gulmarg hangs in the balance, creating a ripple effect that touches the lives and plans of both locals and visitors. The story, as reported by Al-Jazeera, encapsulates the profound struggle faced by a community that thrives on the beauty of its snow-covered landscapes but is now grappling with the harsh reality of an unprecedented climatic shift.
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