Bridge that collapsed in Baltimore: several precedents in the United States (II)

EADS BRIDGE: 50 INJURED

April 14, 1998: The tugboat Anne Holly, which was traveling in the port of Saint-Louis, struck the central span of the Eads Bridge. Eight barges broke away. Three of them hit a gambling boat permanently moored under the bridge. Fifty people were slightly injured.

BIG BAYOU CANOT: 47 DEATHS

September 22, 1993: Barges pushed by a tugboat in heavy fog struck and displaced the Big Bayou Canot railroad bridge near Mobile, Alabama. Minutes later, an Amtrak train with 220 people on board reached the displaced bridge and derailed, killing 47 people and injuring 103 others

SEEBER BRIDGE: 1 DEAD

May 28, 1993: The tugboat Chris, pushing the empty barge DM3021, struck a pillar of the Judge William Seeber Bridge in New Orleans. Two spans and the two-post bridge collapsed onto the barge. Two cars carrying three people fell with the deck of the four-lane bridge into a canal. One person died and two others were seriously injured.

SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE: 35 DEAD

May 9, 1980: The 609-foot cargo ship Summit Venture was navigating the narrow, winding channel of Tampa Bay, Florida, when the ship's radar was disrupted. The vessel sheared off a support of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, bringing down a 1,400-foot section of concrete roadway during the morning rush hour. Seven vehicles, including a bus with 26 people on board, fell 150 feet into the water. Thirty-five people died.

Bridge that collapsed in Baltimore: several precedents in the United States (I)

A container ship hit a large bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to plunge into the river below.

From 1960 to 2015, 35 major bridges collapsed worldwide following a collision with a ship or barge, killing a total of 342 people, according to a 2018 report from the World Infrastructure Association waterborne transport infrastructure (World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure). Eighteen of these collapses occurred in the United States.

Here is a list of notable disasters involving ships or barges that struck bridges in the United States:

POPP'S FERRY BRIDGE

March 20, 2009: A ship pushing eight barges struck Popp's Ferry Bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi, causing a 150-foot section of the bridge to collapse into the bay.

INTERSTATE 40 BRIDGE: 14 DEAD

May 26, 2002: A barge struck the Interstate 40 bridge over the Arkansas River in Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, causing a 500-foot section of the road to collapse and plunging vehicles into the water . Fourteen people died and 11 were injured.

QUEEN ISABELLA CAUSEWAY: 8 DEAD

September 15, 2001: A tugboat and barge struck the Queen Isabella Causeway in Port Isabel, Texas, causing a midsection of the 80-foot bridge to fall into the bay below. Eight people died after motorists drove into the hole.

(to be continued)

Empty river barge hits bridge in China, at least two dead

The accident occurred in Guangzhou, in the south of the country, on Thursday morning. Three people are still missing, according to the local maritime affairs bureau.

At least two people died and three remain missing after a collision on Thursday  in China between a river barge and a road bridge, reports AFP. The shock caused a section in the middle of the bridge to collapse, authorities announced.

The empty barge was traveling between Foshan and Guangzhou, provincial capital of southern China's Guangdong, when it hit the bridge around 5:30 a.m. (Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. GMT), the business bureau said Canton Maritime Services. The ship hit a pillar of the Lixinsha Bridge, causing the deck of the structure to rupture and five vehicles to fall, either into the water or onto the boat below, he said in a press release.

According to the latest report provided by the office, two people were rescued, two died, one crew member was slightly injured and three people are still missing.

Dozens of rescuers

The Guangzhou Maritime Affairs Bureau said the cause of the accident was being investigated and rescue operations were continuing.

According to the Chinese channel CCTV, dozens of rescuers were dispatched to the scene, including some who came as reinforcements from the neighboring metropolis of Shenzhen.

Baltimore's nightmare returns: barge against bridge in Oklahoma

A barge crashed into a bridge in the US state of Oklahoma. This is what local authorities reported, specifying that the accident caused no casualties and that traffic was first blocked then reopened after safety checks.

According to what the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (Okdot) posted on its X account, US Highway 59 was closed on the Arkansas River, south of Sollisaw, due to the collision. The causes of the accident are currently unknown. Just last Tuesday, a merchant ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse, an accident in which six construction workers remain missing.

On May 26, 2002, in the same Arkansas River, also in Oklahoma, 14 people died and eleven were injured when another bridge collapsed, causing ten vehicles to fall into the water after a tugboat pushing two barges struck a pylon of the structure along the river. Highway I 40, the most important highway in the Midwestern state. In this case, it was an illness of the captain of the tugboat which caused the accident.

No injuries were reported on the highway or the barge, according to state patrol officials. The bridge crosses the Arkansas River where it enters the Robert S. Kerr Reservoir, which is not far from Oklahoma’s border with Arkansas.

The highway reopened to traffic around 4 p.m.

“Engineers inspected the structure and found it safe to reopen,” the Oklahoma Department of Transportation said in an email.

Is the TikTok algorithm sending you messages from the universe? (II)

“If you came across this video, it was meant for you”

In the part of TikTok reserved for New Age followers, this idea that the algorithm is a spiritual force that delivers messages to users at the right times has become a kind of evidence. Many influencers start their video by stating: “If you came across this video, it was meant for you. Stop scrolling and listen to what I have to say.” For followers of the laws of attraction, this ideology according to which the universe bends to our thoughts, then there is a certain logic: the TikTok algorithm reflecting our personality could respond to our desires or our questions. More prosaically, the application would have a whole bunch of tools to aim correctly and give you the right information at the right time.

The algorithm that loved me...

The thing is known: all beginner users start with the same experience on TikTok. The first videos that appear come from accounts with a lot of subscribers and always presenting similar content. You have to watch videos of young women waddling or pranks filmed in time-lapse for TikTok to start offering more specific content. It is in particular the watch time (the fact of watching the video to the end) and our engagement (the fact of liking, sharing or commenting on the video) which will give clues to the algorithm. It will be able to determine what makes us stay or leave a video. If you are a long-time user, it is easy to spot the moments when the platform offers you a new type of content that you might like.

The rest also comes down to suggestions and interpretation. As in the divinatory arts, everyone can interpret chance and other coincidences as messages from the universe.

...the app that sucks up my data

It remains to be agreed that TikTok is an application literally listening to you. Since 2020, we have known that the platform can activate the microphone of smartphones even when you are not scrolling videos. iPhone users are protected, but those on Android are therefore likely to be recorded without their knowledge. And that's not all. TikTok also uses so-called third-party trackers that tell the company about your online activity outside of its app. 

According to a report from the URL Genius site, 13 trackers out of the 14 on TikTok record your Google searches, your location, etc. When we understand to what extent each user is spied on by the application, then the magic tends to disappear slightly.

Black swan, the new internet trend after the Baltimore bridge collapse

Extreme-right commentators are claiming Tuesday's dramatic collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge is a "black swan" event, a niche phrase that has recently captured the imagination of internet conspiracy theorists.

What conspiracy theories are circulating on social media

"The ship was the target of a cyber attack. They turn off the lights and head deliberately towards the bridge supports. US foreign agents attack digital infrastructures. Nothing is certain,” wrote Andrew Tate on X, about six hours after the container ship collided with the bridge. "The Black Swan Event is imminent."

"This is a BLACK SWAN event," General Mike Flynn, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, also wrote on X. Others, including Benny Johnson, Laura Loomer, and some verified QAnon-affiliated accounts, can be found on a search quickly with the "black swan event", with many claiming that the bridge collapse was an act of terrorism.

"It looks deliberate to me. It's probably a cyber attack. World War III has already begun,” Alex Jones of Infowars wrote on X in response to Andrew Tate's post.

Is the TikTok algorithm sending you messages from the universe? (I)

More and more users believe that the TikTok algorithm possesses a form of divinatory magic comparable to the tarot deck.

“It’s a crazy story,” says François*, 33 years old. While someone close to me underwent an operation requiring them to wear a very specific medical device for a while, my TikTok feed offered me videos of influencers who were going through the same thing and who were giving popular speeches on this ultra-specific subject. However, I have never done any research on this on the platform and I had never seen any videos on this subject before the operation. I came to wonder if the algorithm was sending me messages. »

“Doctor TikTok sees into the future and brings back your loved one”

Halfway between wonder and paranoia, it is very possible that you have already read or heard this type of testimony. In the same way that we constantly have the impression that Instagram is listening to us, TikTok leaves all its users with a strange impression; that the platform knows us better than ourselves and that its algorithm sends us content which resonates very strongly with our private lives, to the point that it would play a role of divination.

In the media, many articles echo these funny coincidences, similar to Jungian synchronicities. In June 2021, GQ journalist Louis Hanson already found it strange the fact that the platform suggested videos to him on microbehaviors that he thought he was the only one to have, such as, for example, pretending to be surprised when a waiter brings him a dish at a restaurant.

(to be continued)

Viral TikTok trends revolutionizing the beauty industry

In recent years, TikTok has become a dominant player in the world of social media, with over 1 billion active users worldwide.

The platform has become a go-to destination for beauty enthusiasts, with makeup artists, skincare experts and beauty influencers using it to showcase their skills and share their knowledge.

With the rise of viral trends on TikTok, the beauty industry has been significantly impacted, and many brands have taken notice. .

How TikTok is affecting the beauty industry

With nearly half of all social media users expected to make a purchase on a social platform this year, TikTok has become a game changer for the beauty industry.

Consumers aged 18-44 are most likely to make a purchase on social media, with beauty products ranking second after clothing. TikTok and Instagram are the most popular apps for beauty brands and consumers, with almost 60% of users making a beauty purchase after seeing a product on social media.

Beauty, cosmetics and personal care influencers have the largest number of followers on social media, and brands can leverage their reach, but they need to be thoughtful to do so.

Adopt TikTok

TikTok has proven to be a game changer in the beauty industry, with many viral trends revolutionizing the way people approach skincare and makeup. From grunge makeup to skin cycling, the platform has given birth to a multitude of new beauty trends that have caught the attention of millions of people.

The power of TikTok as a marketing tool for beauty brands cannot be ignored, and many businesses are now leveraging the platform to connect with younger, more diverse audiences. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how the platform continues to shape the beauty industry and what new trends emerge.

Ami Paris - trendy men's brand of 2024!

Men's fashion is no longer the last wheel of the merco. On the contrary, it is these gentlemen who push the boundaries the most when it comes to style. 

To follow trends, find basics, have fun with style, here are the top 10 men's fashion brands of 2024!

The man is a fashionista like the others and if men's fashion has for a long time paled in comparison to its female counterpart, all that is ancient history. The proof: menswear brands now offer clothing and accessories with such an assertive style that they overshadow the offerings for women. While men's Fashion Weeks have become ultra-popular and ultra-monitored events, there are a plethora of men's brands on the market to stand out. In order not to be mistaken, we have put together a small list of ten tested and approved men's brands to shop the coolest products of 2024 with your eyes closed. Follow the leader.

Ami Paris is the French success story par excellence, that of Alexandre Mattiussi who imagines his brand as the perfect men's wardrobe and who, thirteen years later, finds himself at the head of a powerful label (which even offers itself Fran Drescher as muse). If the offer has expanded considerably, the ambition remains the same. The probability of finding as many perfect basics to keep for a long time as well as strong pieces too.

The Mob Wife aesthetic that is everywhere on TikTok is easy to recreate

(If interested, you can start reading from here)

What is the Mob Wife look?

Exit the “clean girl” look, the no make-up look, the discreet jewelry and the beige yoga set as a uniform in 2024. The Mob Wife trend is more about the abundance of materials. Puffy mane, bright red lips, very tanned complexion, fur coat: there are no limits, because the more, the better!

TIP: Just dress like the women in The Sopranos, for example.

The Mob Wife style is all about nothing. To achieve this vintage aesthetic, you have to dive headfirst into the trend, like Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber and the Jenner sisters. Here's how to adopt it:

Hair

The bigger the better. Puffy hair is the signature of the mobster's wife. To do this, you must make sure you have a good dryer if you excel in the art of styling. Otherwise you can very well use heated rollers. We finish with a lot of hairspray.

TIP: Others will complete the whole thing with a furry headgear or a cap for a confident cool girl look.

Makeup

Get out your self-tanner, because the Mob Wife's skin tone is dark. For the lips, we opt for THE color of winter, a blood red, or even a shade of matte brown lipstick. Lip liner is also making a comeback, and we're not skimping. For the eyes, it’s the smokey eye that fits the trend best. The important thing about all this? Makeup doesn't have to be perfect.

Fashion

The absolutely necessary fashion accessory to achieve your Mob Wife look is sunglasses.

TIP: Otherwise, we dare to wear a leopard print, gloves, massive jewelry, leather or faux leather, which are all fashion elements to have in your wardrobe for spring-summer 2024

TikTok Tenniscore: 3 fashion essentials for adopting spring's hottest trend

These tenniscore pieces will allow you to lead the game on and off the court.

Although tennis clothing has been around for decades, the last two summers have seen a strong resurgence of tenniscore. With pleated miniskirts and preppy polo shirts, traditional clothing is finding its way on and off the court with much more regularity and style. As we get closer to the start of the tennis season and we quietly begin to obsess over Challengers, let's focus on the ultimate tenniscore pieces to treat yourself to now.

Casablanca

We can't shop cream Louis Vuitton ensemble yet, but this sporty zipped cardigan from Casablanca is a great alternative. Contrasted with green and red stripes, this energetic model is inspired by retro sportswear. Featuring a loopback construction and two side pockets, this vest can bring a touch of tenniscore to any outfit, even for those who have never touched a racquet.

Lacoste

With this Lacoste mini dress, it's impossible to go unnoticed on the field. Mad from breathable fabric and featuring a built-in bra that provides support while allowing you to move freely, it's the perfect workout dress for the hot days ahead. Additionally, its striking clash of colors and sleek silhouette allow it to be worn off the field and in non-sporting contexts.

Miu Miu

Nobody does a miniskirt like Miu Miu, even if it's a tennis miniskirt. This ultra-cropped style is cut in a classic A-line silhouette and features the brand's signature pleats. Although this leisure-inspired style is more suited to a Sunday brunch than a Wimbledon match, its logo-embroidered ribbed waistband and double-line detail offer the perfect tenniscore aesthetic to take advantage of the trend.