Luminary Times

  The culinary landscape is evolving rapidly, with the Asia Pacific (APAC) region emerging as a powerhouse inthe global food industry. The recently launched Future of Food Report 2025 Marriott International's LuxuryGroup highlights this transformation, drawing insights from over 30 chefs, mixologists, and industry insiders across the APAC region. The report emphasises how the rise of new food trends, advanced technology, and sustainability-focused initiatives are shaping the future of global dining, positioning APAC as a premier destination. Asian cuisine, in particular, is gaining increased global recognition. With Michelin stars now being awarded to APAC restaurants more frequently than to those in Central London, the region has achieved a status equal to that of Europe. The report also suggests that an Asian restaurant could soon become the world's top-rated dining destination. Japanese cuisine continues to be a significant global influence, while Cantonese flavors are being...

  A remarkable discovery has uncovered underground marine life near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Researchers from the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, led by marine biologist Sabine Gollner, made the groundbreaking find. They explored the Pacific seabed using the deep-diving robot SuBastian. This area, the East Pacific Rise, is where tectonic plates meet and gradually separate. In the volcanic rock beneath the ocean floor, scientists found cavities teeming with life. These underground spaces revealed a unique marine ecosystem. Giant tubeworms, snails, and bristle worms, all known to inhabit hydrothermal vents, were found in these lava cavities. This is the first time such species were discovered living beneath the ocean floor. The hydrothermal vents release superheated. chemical-rich water, creating ideal conditions for these organisms to thrive. The discovery also changes our understanding of marine ecosystems by showing that life extends beyond the ocean floor. Read ...

  Netflix's shares soared to a record high on Friday, driven by strong subscriber additions and a robust content lineup that continues to attract viewers. The stock surged nearly 10%, poised to add more than $28 billion to its market value, currently standing at about $295 billion.  The company added 5.1 million new subscribers in the third quarter, surpassing analyst expectations, although this number was lower than last year's 8.76 million additions. Netflix expects even higher subscriber growth in the last quarter, fueled by the much-anticipated return of the hit South Korean drama "Squid Game." Financial Performance Exceeds Expectations Netflix's profit and revenue outperformed estimates, signaling a positive shift in investor sentiment. Recent price hikes in regions like Japan, Europe, and Africa have contributed to the revenue boost, with analysts expecting a similar price increase in the U.S. next year. Read More: https://luminarytimes.com/netflix-hits-reco...

  A NASA spacecraft embarked on a mission on Monday to explore Jupiter's intriguing moon. Europa, in hopes of uncovering whether its vast hidden ocean might offer clues to the existence of life. Europa Clipper will take 5 1/2 years to reach Jupiter, where it will enter orbit around the gas giant and conduct dozens of flybys of Europa, braving intense radiation. Scientists are confident that a deep global ocean lies beneath Europa's icy shell. With water often considered a key to life, Europa is regarded as one of the most promising places in the search for extraterrestrial life. The Europa Clipper isn't designed to detect life directly. Instead, it will focus on identifying the building blocks essential for life, such as organic compounds, and look beneath the ice for conditions that could support life. Read More: https://luminarytimes.com/nasas-mission-to-jupiters-moon-europa-launches-successfully/

  Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille has been named the world's coolest neighbourhood. Known for its rebellious spirit, this vibrant area is full of energy. It's a hub of creativity, with hip bakeries, indie bookstores, and eclectic art galleries that draw locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of Marseille, Notre-Dame-du-Mont reflects the rich cultural diversity of the city. Visitors can explore its lively streets, enjoying a mix of old and new as they wander through vintage shops and street art-filled corners. Read More: https://luminarytimes.com/discover-the-worlds-coolest-neighbourhood-in-france/

  Veteran Taiwanese producer Patrick Mao Huang has established Eyes Wide Open Productions, a film production company based in China. This venture kicks off with As The River Goes By, which is already a competitor in Busan's New Currents category. Huang's entry into China signifies a bold expansion in his accomplished career within international film production. Huang has gained recognition through his Taiwan-based Flash Forward Entertainment, where he has produced several successful Southeast Asian films. Notably, his credits include Tiger Stripes, which won the Critics' Week award at Cannes 2023, and Pierce, recognized as the best director at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2024. Read More: https://luminarytimes.com/patrick-mao-huang-opens-new-film-production-company-in-china/