Foot Locker, the US-based footwear retailer, is undergoing a transformation in Asia as it looks to simplify its business model and focus on core regions and banners. As part of this, Foot Locker will be closing both its eCommerce and brick-and-mortar stores in Hong Kong and Macau, while converting all of its current owned and self-operated stores and eCommerce in Singapore and Malaysia to a license model. Foot Locker's fourth quarter 2022 results revealed that the company is taking a series of actions to streamline its business model and focus on core regions and banners. The closure of stores in Hong Kong and Macau is part of this strategy. Meanwhile, the company will convert its operations in Singapore and Malaysia to a license model, with…

Sutro Baths, a historic landmark that once housed the world's largest indoor swimming pool complex, continues to captivate locals and tourists alike with its fascinating history and stunning ocean views. Built in 1896 by former San Francisco Mayor Adolph Sutro, the baths were a grand attraction that welcomed visitors from all over the world. The complex was an engineering marvel, featuring six saltwater pools, a massive glass dome, and seating for thousands of spectators. Over the years, the baths underwent several changes in ownership and purpose. In the 1960s, the complex fell into disrepair and was eventually destroyed by a fire in 1966. Today, all that remains of the once-mighty complex are the concrete ruins that stand as a testament…

A powerful storm recently hit the Bay Area, causing chaos and destruction in San Francisco. The extreme weather conditions led to numerous trees collapsing, which ultimately hit cars and created dangerous situations on the streets. As the storm raged on, people in the city were having a difficult time under the relentless rain. The strong winds and heavy downpour made it nearly impossible to go outside without proper rain gear. Those who were caught outside without protection were drenched in seconds, leaving them cold, wet, and uncomfortable. The impact of the storm was most visible in the Bay Area's trees. Many of these trees, which are so integral to the city's beauty and character, could not withstand the powerful winds and rain. Some…

In-N-Out Burger is a fast-food chain that has become a cultural icon of the West Coast. The company was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, and has since grown to become one of the most recognizable fast-food chains in the United States. In-N-Out is known for its fresh ingredients, simple menu, and the iconic red and yellow logo. The restaurant's menu consists of classic fast-food items, such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and fries, but with a focus on quality over quantity. Unlike many fast-food chains, In-N-Out uses fresh, never-frozen, beef and high-quality produce. The company also has a "secret menu," which includes items like the "Animal Style" burger, which includes grilled onions, pickles, and a…

After two years of renovations, the iconic San Francisco City Hall has finally reopened its doors to the public since June 2021. The $550 million project aimed to restore the building's historical elements while modernizing it to meet the needs of the 21st century. The project involved the restoration of the City Hall's iconic dome, which now boasts a new lighting system that can change colors to mark special events and holidays. The dome's intricate murals have also been restored to their original glory, along with the building's grand staircase and its historic furnishings. In addition to the restoration work, the renovation project included upgrades to the building's infrastructure, including a new heating and cooling system, plumbing,…

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. The bridge, which spans the Golden Gate Strait and connects San Francisco to Marin County, has been an engineering marvel since its completion in 1937. The Golden Gate Bridge has become a symbol of San Francisco and a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The bridge is not only a major transportation hub but also a piece of art, with its striking orange color and unique design. Despite its popularity and iconic status, the Golden Gate Bridge has also faced many challenges over the years. The bridge is constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and fog, which require constant maintenance and…

San Francisco's Japantown is a vibrant and historic neighborhood, with a rich cultural heritage that draws visitors from all over the world. From its beautiful gardens and unique shops to its delicious food and lively festivals, Japantown is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the city's diverse and fascinating culture. Located just a few blocks from Union Square, Japantown is a bustling enclave that has been a hub of Japanese-American life in San Francisco for over a century. Today, the neighborhood is home to a diverse array of businesses, including restaurants, specialty stores, and cultural centers. One of the most popular destinations in Japantown is the Peace Plaza, a beautiful public space that serves as the…

Ghirardelli Square, located in San Francisco's iconic Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, is a historic landmark that has been delighting locals and tourists alike for over 50 years. Originally built in 1893 as the headquarters of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, the square has undergone numerous renovations and changes over the years, but has remained a beloved destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Today, Ghirardelli Square is a bustling hub of activity, with over 30 unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of dining options, from classic seafood dishes to international cuisine and gourmet chocolate treats. The square is also home to a number of specialty boutiques, including artisanal gift…

The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco has been facing a significant challenge with long waiting times for visa processing since China reopened for visitors. The long waiting times for visa processing have resulted in frustration and inconvenience for many, affecting their travel plans and business opportunities. With the reopening of China for visitors, there has been a surge in visa demand, leading to an overwhelming number of applications. The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco has struggled to keep up with this demand, resulting in significant waiting times for visa processing. The Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco has recognized the issues…

The streets of San Francisco's Chinatown were alive with excitement as the annual Lion Dance Show took place on Saturday. The show, which is a traditional Chinese New Year celebration, featured dozens of performers dressed in colorful lion costumes. The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association organized the event. This local community group works to preserve and promote Chinese culture in San Francisco. The Lion Dance Show has been a staple of the Chinese New Year celebrations in San Francisco for over 100 years, and this year's event was no exception. The show began with a parade through the streets of Chinatown, with the lion dancers leading the way. The performers, who were accompanied by traditional Chinese music, danced and twirled…

The San Francisco Railway Museum is a museum that is dedicated to the history of the city's iconic cable cars, streetcars, and electric trolleys. Located in the heart of San Francisco, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the city's public transportation history and to see some of the original cable cars and streetcars that were used over a century ago. The San Francisco Railway Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that showcase the evolution of public transportation in the city. The exhibits cover the entire history of San Francisco's transit system, from the earliest days of horse-drawn streetcars to the present-day cable cars still in operation.

At the call of several trade unions, more than a thousand people gathered on Place General de Gaulle to protest against the pension reform wanted by the French government and which would push back the retirement age from 62 to 64 years old.

At the call of several teachers' union organizations, teachers and parents of students from the schools of Castellane Saint-André (16th) and François-Moisson (2nd) demonstrate in front of the departmental directorate of education services (DSDEN) against the probable closure of classes at the start of the next school year.

A hundred magistrates, lawyers and police gathered on the steps of the Marseille courthouse to protest against the reform of the judicial police.

Chiang Mai became top pollute city of the world with concentration of PM2.5 more than 100.3 µg/m³ that more than 20 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. The city was cover by the mist of air pollute that might cause health effects.

At the call of several unions and other political organizations, several thousand people marched in the streets of Marseille and everywhere in France to protest against the pension reform wanted by the French government which would postpone the retirement age from 62 to 64 years.

Chiang Mai became top pollute city of the world with concentration of PM2.5 at 147.3 µg/m³ that 29.5 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. The city was cover by the mist of air pollute that might cause health effects.

Thousands of people demonstrated on the streets of Marseille on the occasion of International Women's Rights Day.

The Alfred Merlin arrives in Marseille, France

A Thai farmer burns a paddy field in preparation for the next planting session in Nakhon Sawan province, north of Bangkok.Thailand is experiencing poor air quality as fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) caused by different factors such as crop field burning and vehicle exhaust emissions.

Buddhists carry candles while circling a large Buddha statue during Makha Bucha Day at a temple in Nakhon Pathom province on the outskirts of Bangkok. Makha Bucha Day honours Buddha and his teachings, and falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month.

People demonstrated for peace and against all wars at the Old Port in Marseille.

Rescue van from the Bataillon des Marins Pompiers de Marseille (BMPM).

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission stocks streams and lakes for fishing season. They stock using a truck with a tank that holds fish from a hatchery, hoses, nets and buckets. Today they stocked Frances Slouch State Park with rainbow, golden and regular trout.

The Pipe Laying Vessel (PLV) Castorone, docked in the French Mediterranean port of Marseille for maintenance and repairs, spits an impressive cloud of black smoke.

Ukrainians from France and their supporters demonstrated before the Russian Consulate in Marseille to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine after a year of war.

Carnival celebration in Alsasua 2023, ancestral and rural carnival. Momotxorros as a typical character of the act.

The Navarrese ancestral carnival is a ritual related to purification and fertility, killing the old and giving life to the new.

Maritime Affairs Patroller in Marseille, France.

Orange Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, France.

The "zaku-zaharrak" are typical characters of the Lesaka carnival, stuffed into sacks full of straw with their faces covered by scarves, who carry inflated bladders to hit the people who walk the streets of the town at sunset.

Lanz Carnival, a festival classified as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Navarra, Miel Otxin, Ziripot, Zaldiko and Txatxos are the characters that come together at this carnival held in a small town in the north of Navarra, Spain.

Several hundreds of people demonstrated in Paris, Lyon and Marseille against the immigration bill and against the Administrative Detention Centers (CRA), demanding the regularization of undocumented migrants.

The Toulon - Toulouse rugby match, for the Top 14, is played at the Stade Orange Velodrome in Marseille on Saturday February 18, 2023 at 9:05 p.m.

26 Galeries Lafayette stores in the region will be placed under court safeguard and not placed in receivership as previously announced. Michel Ohayon, who controls these stores, specifies that their situation is healthy and that there is no cessation of payment. This does not concern Galeries Lafayette in Paris on boulevard Haussmann, which does not belong to the same group.

At the call of several unions and other political organizations, thousands of people marched on the streets of Marseille and everywhere in France to protest against the pension reform wanted by the French government which would postpone the retirement age from 62 to 64. years.

Wilkes University held a vigil to bring attention to the death of Tyre Nichols. The vigil included speeches bringing awareness to the need for change in policing, the singing of Amazing Grace and a Three Minute moment of silence, one minute for every day Tyre was in the hospital.

The Costco egg shortage is widespread across the United States

Starbucks has announced the closure of its store located at Broadway and Denny in Capitol Hill, Seattle, due to "safety and security incidents." The location, which was the first Starbucks store to unionize in Seattle, has sparked controversy among employees who claim that the closure is a result of union-busting tactics. Workers United, the employees' union, argues that the closure is scheduled on the anniversary of the union's formation last year, and the Capitol Hill store is the fourth unionized Seattle location to close. In response, Starbucks denies these allegations and states that they have made several attempts to resolve the issues at the store but closing it was the only option to ensure the safety of staff and customers. A Starbucks…

Bed Bath & Beyond, once a popular retailer known for its affordable home decor and kitchenware, has struggled to keep up with the shift to online shopping and competition from larger chains like Walmart and Target. In response, the company has closed hundreds of stores and discontinued some of its weaker brands in recent years. Despite the closures, which can reduce costs and raise cash for a struggling company, they also result in decreased sales. Bed Bath & Beyond defaulted on its debt on or around Jan. 13, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, and may be forced to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization due to its financial difficulties.

The South West's No.1 Anime Con is held at Mercure Grand Hotel from 4th to 5th February. Participants can play video games, watch stage performances and shop from the Japanese Exhibitors.

Estaque Sails Challenge in Marseille, France.

The French three-masted sailing ship Belem arrives at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille. The last French tall ship has been chosen to transport the Olympic flame from Athens to Marseille in the spring of 2024, as part of the next Olympic Games in France.

The Olivia I arrives in Marseille, France

The container ship Fort Saint Louis of the company CMA CGM arrives at the French Mediterranean port of Marseille.

The Grenoble commercial court has placed the sporting goods distributor Go Sport in receivership after noting its state of cessation of payment.

Lunar New Year celebration at Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Residents of Chinese descent pray on Lunar New Year's Eve 2574 at the Hok Lay Kiong Temple.

2023 Lunar New Year celebration at Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat road) after 2 years of COVID restrictions.