social networking | VinaGecko

Promise of riches: Gold rush in small Kenyan village

In the remote Kenyan village of Cheporor, a recent discovery of gold sent thousands of amateur prospectors rushing to the area in recent weeks. The village now looks like a bustling small town, but is lacking the infrastructure to house these arrivals, posing security challenges. [...]

'Truly unique': Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations

Dolly Parton, the country music icon whose soaring vibrato vocals, poignant songwriting and sparkling costumes defined her rise from a log cabin in the Tennessee mountains to the height of stardom and acclaim, has died in Nashville. She was 80 years old. Known for her curvy physique, massive blond wigs and skin-tight outfits that served her self-deprecating wit, she was among the most beloved personalities in music and beyond — the rare celebrity whose appeal transcended generations, geography and politics. FRANCE 24's Culture Editor Eve Jackson tells us more. [...]

El Nino reaches century-high intensity, threatens more extreme weather in 2027

Panama on Tuesday became the latest Central American country, after Honduras and El Salvador, to declare an emergency over El Nino, which has already forced a reduction in shipping through the Panama Canal. El Nino is a weather pattern that raises surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, generating global changes in winds and rainfall as well as erratic weather conditions. It is also nudging up global temperatures in a year predicted to be the hottest on record. [...]

AI encouraging racist stereotypes? 3 out of 5 chatbots tested promote bias

Is Artificial Intelligence encouraging racist stereotypes? Internet users have noticed that Gemini, Google's AI assistant, suggests very different advice when they say they are alone with someone, depending on their nationality. Our colleagues at France 2 report. [...]

France to ease strict rules on iconic cheeses as heat dries pastures

France is temporarily relaxing strict production rules for several iconic cheeses as drought and record heat leave pastures severely depleted. Producers of abondance, beaufort and comté can now use more imported fodder and grain to feed their cows, while other traditional cheeses will also receive temporary exemptions. [...]