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Balamban site is for road project, not Capitol bldg – Gwen
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The cleared site in Barangay Cambuhawe, Balamban, in western Cebu, is not for the new Capitol building, but for nationally funded road projects. Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia made this clarification after photos of a deforested mountain in Balamban, initially thought to be the site development of the new Capitol building,.....»»
Garcia: Excavation of mountain in Balamban for DPWH access road
Garcia: Excavation of mountain in Balamban for DPWH access road.....»»
Before You Travel to Japan Read This
Japan is one of the top tourist destinations in the world because of its rich heritage, culture, arts, natural wonders, and more. But before you pack your bags and go, here are a few important things to know. Climbing Mount Fuji Mount Fuji stands as a majestic symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. One of the […].....»»
Cliffhanger
One of the challenges of operating a convenience store is theft by shoplifters. In the United States alone, the losses of small city retail stores were estimated at over $94 billion in 2021, Bloomberg reported. Washington State recorded the highest retail store losses from theft in the country, according to the National Retail Federation. Local stores have installed security cameras, motion sensors, and inventory control systems to help prevent shoplifting, an NRF survey showed. It remains to be seen if such high-tech security measures work, but location and size are definitely effective in discouraging shoplifters for one remote convenience store in China. The tiny wooden store at the Shiniuzhai Scenic Area in the Chinese province of Hunan is only two square meters. Opened in 2018, the store recently trended online after a popular military blogger with 889,400 followers posted on the popular Chinese social network Weibo a photo with the caption: “The most inconvenient convenience store,” CNN reported. Few customers are served by the store but not because of its limited offerings. It just so happens to be located along a route less traveled called via ferrata. The pathway for climbers consists of steel bars driven into the mountainside to serve as steps and metal anchors for fastening climbing ropes. In any case, the store is convenient for adventurers summiting the mountain, as they can get a water refill or buy a beverage for hydration while perched on the side of a vertical cliff. At the same time, the store looks inconvenient for its sole attendant as it hangs halfway to the top of the cliff, 120 meters from the ground, with its floor supported only by steel brackets bolted to the cliffside. Moreover, restocking requires the storekeeper to pull up supplies from the ground with a rope, according to Oddity Central. To others, inconvenient is an understatement for the store hanging from a cliff. Scary should be a more accurate description......»»
Three times the funin Eastwood City township
The country’s friendliest global indoor multi-activity park from Finland opens in Megaworld’s 18.5-hectare Eastwood City township in Quezon City. The new SuperPark Philippines brings a plethora of fun from three themed zones and wows visitors with 21 high-energy activities that people of all ages will enjoy. Megaworld Corporation, through its subsidiary MegaPark Philippines, Inc., has collaborated with SuperPark for the exclusive license of two global multi-activity establishments in Metro Manila. “We are thrilled to open the doors of SuperPark Philippines and share the joy and adventure that SuperPark is known for worldwide. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life, representing our commitment to creating a world where everyone can experience the joy of movement and play,” shared Juha Tanskanen, chief executive officer of SuperPark LTD. An unparalleled experience for thrill-seekers, sports enthusiasts and families looking for a day of fun and adventure awaits at the fourth level of Eastwood Mall in Quezon City and soon in McKinley Hills in Taguig City. Known as the world’s friendliest activity park, this dynamic facility will present a diverse range of synergetic world-class activities tailored to individuals of all ages and fitness. “We are excited to introduce a new dimension of entertainment to our valued patrons at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. SuperPark Philippines is set to be a flagship attraction at Eastwood City, providing a dynamic space for Filipinos to bond, play and create unforgettable memories,” Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls shared. Thematic zones The ADVENTURE AREA provides a play haven for kids and their parents, featuring a multi-story playground — with climbing structures and obstacles, a toddler’s ball game and a digital wall. The zone promotes an active playstyle with visitors having the option to go for TapWall, FunBall or Sliding Mountain. Participants will be tested on their reaction speed, memory power and coordination in TapWall. For free-spirited fun, the FREESTYLE HALL awaits, sharing a mission of promoting health, happiness and a vibrant fitness culture. Guests can run around, jump into trampolines complete with a giant airbag, immerse themselves in mixed-reality games and scale digital climbing walls. The professional-grade trampoline airbag is safer and more hygienic than the usual foam pit. Try the Valo Jump, which comes complete with digital sensors and allows guests to bounce with plenty of missions and never-ending fun. Enjoy the Bagjump and Augmented wall climbing for some Augmented Reality fun. Patrons can engage in sports-themed activities and unique freeform mixed-reality games with digital twist parkour experiences in the GAME ARENA. The themed activities are fully augmented to focus on enhancing motor skills, improving balance and agility, and boosting stamina. The zone with the most number of activities and attractions boasts exciting stations that include: Iwall, Superball, Sub Soccer, Hot Stepper, Street Soccer, Skill Hoop, Table Soccer, Air Hockey, Cyclobeat, Super Dash, Valo Arena and Sissy Fox, Super Pinball and Street Game Court, among others. Since 2012, it has captivated audiences from Finland and became globally acclaimed in 2017. With Finnish roots influencing its approach, SuperPark values delivering joy through active play, fostering social interaction, prioritizing inclusivity, blending digital with physical movement, investing in research, embracing their Finnish heritage and believing in the power of joyful play. Creating safe, high-quality venues brimming with fun and activity across Asia and Europe, has made SuperPark a sought-after destination for corporate team-building events, recreational activities and celebrations. It’s not just any global indoor multi-activity park, SuperPark strives to bring endless smiles, laughter and “all-you-can-play” activities to all birthday heroes and their guests. A minimum of 15 people are needed for such bookings with the friendliest indoor park. SuperPark is one with the world to celebrate the most exciting season of the year — Christmas! SuperPark is ready to provide a perfect venue for super Christmas parties, super valuable bonding and get-together experiences. The park is uniquely facilitated for a SuperTeam Building. The activities also come with a SuperSquad Challenge where teams can decide the sequence of the tasks they wish to complete. Guests can book tickets and prepare for all-out fun via the SuperPark website or pay over the counter upon arrival at the park’s reception area. Tickets come in affordable packages with Junior Tickets available for P200 all days of the week. Adults who wish to partake in the fun activities have a weekday rate of P650 from Monday to Thursday, and a “Superday” rate of P750 from Friday to Sunday. Special grip socks that are needed inside the venue are sold at P75 per pair. The friendliest indoor activity park is also open daily during mall hours. Customers can also follow SuperPark on Facebook or Instagram for more information and to avail of special promos. The post Three times the funin Eastwood City township appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Old Montreal churches get a second life
Inside a former Anglican church in central Montreal, crucifixes, prayer benches and candlesticks have been replaced by books and chessboards -- part of an effort by developers and community groups to breathe new life into abandoned churches. "I really like coming here. I like the little church feel, it is conducive for concentrating," university student Alexia Delestre whispered at the Mordecai-Richler library, which is housed in the old church building. Across the once highly religious French-speaking province of Quebec, dozens of churches have been transformed into daycare centers, spas, basketball courts, climbing centers, and a cheese factory. "In general, we do not want to destroy churches if we can preserve them because they are beautiful buildings that mark the urban space well," said Justin Bur, 58, a member of the local historical society Memoire du Mile-End. "They are important landmarks." Another 1960s church in Montreal was saved from demolition at the last minute and now houses a residence for the elderly, social housing, and daycare. Outside, its imposing white concrete structure and its high-perched cross stand out in the urban landscape. Inside, seats and children's toys fill rooms with high ceilings and large windows. "It's really the Rolls-Royce of daycare centers," boasted Isabelle Juneau, deputy director of La Creche daycare, highlighting the modernist architecture and the brightness of the place. City of 100 steeples The repeal in the 1960s -- during Quebec's Quiet Revolution or secularization -- of a tax that paid for the maintenance of churches contributed greatly to the abandonment and deterioration of places of worship. Many have been deserted, including in Montreal, which was nicknamed "the city of 100 steeples" by the writer Mark Twain who once famously said that "you couldn't throw a brick without breaking a church window." Quebec used to be home to around 2,800 churches, but their number has been dwindling, explained Lucie Morisset, an urban heritage researcher. In Montreal alone, there were about 1,000 churches at the beginning of the 20th century, of which only 400 are left today. "There are no more priests, there are no more religious practices. Society has moved on to something else," said Morisset. Over the past two decades, about 100 churches have been redeveloped, according to the Quebec Religious Heritage Council. About ten have been demolished and some forty have transitioned into synagogues, mosques, or other types of places of worship. Costly conversions Conversions are not always easy, but they have become even more costly lately due to galloping inflation. Marc-Andre Simard, general manager of the Chic Resto Pop restaurant said it cost several hundred thousand dollars to convert an old church into a community cafeteria. The entire basement was repurposed into a kitchen and the grounds had to be decontaminated after an old heating oil tank leaked. The restaurant now serves more than 300 meals each day to the neighborhood's needy while providing kitchen training for the unemployed -- amid the original woodwork, multicolored stained glass windows, and confessionals. For Simard, it is "essential that the entire religious heritage is not left to rot" because old churches can still serve as community spaces or residences. The post Old Montreal churches get a second life appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian markets fall on rate fears as bond yields rise
Asian markets fell across the board Wednesday following Wall Street's lead after robust US employment data and rising Treasury yields exacerbated fears that interest rates will be higher for longer. The labor report, known as JOLTS, showed a surprise increase in the number of job openings to 9.6 million, a sign of continued tightness in the market and fuelling worries of a further rate hike by the Federal Reserve before year's end. The report comes ahead of Friday's highly anticipated September US employment report. Following the JOLTS report, 10-year US Treasury note yields climbed to levels last seen in 2007. Treasury bond yields are seen as a proxy for US interest rates and are closely watched. All three major US indices closed in the red, falling by more than one percent. "Stock market investors were sent reeling after US job openings unexpectedly rebounded in August, adding to concerns that the Federal Reserve could hike rates in November but unquestionably maintain elevated borrowing costs for an extended duration," said SPI Asset Management's Stephen Innes. Tokyo and Seoul, which resumed trade after a long holiday weekend, led the Asian selloff Wednesday, both falling around two percent, while Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, Singapore, Sydney, and Wellington were all sharply lower in a sea of red. Markets in mainland China were closed for a week-long holiday. "It is difficult (for investors) to move towards bargain-hunting as yields in US Treasury notes keep climbing," analyst Shutaro Yasuda of Tokai Tokyo Research Institute said. On forex markets the yen was trading at 149.28 to the dollar after hitting 150.16 in London on Tuesday, its weakest level in a year. Japan's top finance officials declined to comment Wednesday on whether Tokyo had intervened to support the yen after it had breached the psychological 150 level. In recent months, the yen has plummeted against the dollar in part because of the widening gap in interest rates set by the Bank of Japan and the US Federal Reserve. The post Asian markets fall on rate fears as bond yields rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Climbing stairs reduces heart disease risk by 20%: study
Title: Climbing Stairs Found to Be More Beneficial for Heart Health Than Simply Walking, Says Study Wordcount: 361 In a recent study conducted by Tulane.....»»
More than 50 killed, dozens wounded in Pakistan blasts
More than 50 people were killed and dozens more wounded in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday by a suicide bomber targeting a procession marking the birthday of Islam's Prophet Mohammed, officials said. A second suicide attack by two men at a mosque hundreds of kilometers north in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province led to a roof collapse that killed four people, officials said. While the celebration of the Prophet's birthday is accepted by the majority of Islamic sects in Pakistan and elsewhere in the Muslim world, certain denominations view it as an unwarranted innovation. In southwestern Balochistan, officials said a suicide bomber detonated a device as rallies from neighborhood mosques converged on a meeting point in Mastung, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the provincial capital, Quetta. "My feet trembled and I was thrown to the ground," said 49-year-old Hazoor Bakhsh. "As the dust settled, I saw people scattered in all directions, some screaming while others called out for help." Local hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of wounded, and provincial authorities used social media platforms to appeal for blood donors. The death toll kept climbing throughout the day. "I can confirm that the death toll has increased to 52, with over 70 individuals injured," Munir Ahmed Shaikh, the deputy inspector-general of Balochistan's police force, told AFP. Every year, mosques and government buildings are elaborately illuminated with strings of lights, and people march in processions to mark the Prophet's birthday. On the same occasion in April 2006, a suicide bomber killed at least 50 people in the port city of Karachi after detonating a device at a gathering of Sunni Muslims. Surge in violence Friday's blast comes as Pakistan prepares for an election due in January next year -- while grappling with a political crisis, a crippled economy, and a surge in militant violence inspired by the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021. Jan Achakzai, Balochistan's minister for information, announced a three-day mourning period. Balochistan, Pakistan's least populous province, is also home to several militant groups fighting for independence or a greater share of the region's mineral resources. Hundreds of kilometres north in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, four people were killed after the roof of a mosque collapsed following a suicide attack. "Two militants, armed with automatic firearms, hand grenades, and suicide vests attempted to breach the mosque's security," senior district police officer Nisar Ahmad told AFP. "They were intercepted at the main entrance leading to an exchange of gunfire. One of them detonated his vest, while the other managed to enter the mosque's hall through a window." Ahmad said most of those inside had managed to escape as the shooting started, but the detonation of the second bomber's vest brought the roof down, killing four people. In July, more than 40 people were killed in a suicide bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at a religious political party's gathering. Pakistan's Taliban have stepped up attacks against military and government targets since the return to power of the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan. But the group said it had nothing to do with the Balochistan attack. The regional chapter of the Islamic State group, known as Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), has also carried out attacks in the area in the past. "The attack on innocent people who came to participate in the procession... is a very heinous act," the interior ministry said in a statement. Separately, Pakistan's military said Friday four soldiers had been killed as they fought an attempt by TTP militants to infiltrate Balochistan from Afghanistan. The post More than 50 killed, dozens wounded in Pakistan blasts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Balmain races to recover from robbery at Paris Fashion Week
The fashion world loves drama but normally it does not involve violent robberies, so there is outsize attention on Wednesday's Balmain show after the French label had 50 outfits stolen just days earlier. Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing announced on September 17 that a driver had been "hijacked" on the way from a Paris airport to the house's headquarters by a gang of thieves who stole 50 outfits. He and his team have since been racing to put together a collection for the show on Wednesday night. There were no signs of panic from Rousteing on Tuesday when he posted a video from his workshop showing the finishing touches being put to a dress that looked like a pink garden trestle with blue flowers climbing over it. He added the apparently ironic comment: "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking..." Paris Fashion Week kicked off on Monday and runs to 3 October, with 107 brands presenting, of which 67 are giving runway shows. One of the first big names was Pierre Cardin, which has returned to the official Paris lineup this year for the first time in a quarter-century. Its show was full of retro space-age outfits that harked back to its glory days, but the relatives of Cardin, who died in 2020, are currently tearing each other apart in court over the inheritance. "My uncle gave me the mission to perpetuate the house and its style," Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, who is currently overseeing the label, said backstage. "If the brand is sold, it will be the end of the house. I am confident the court decisions will ensure continuity," he added. Among the other highlights so far was the latest collection from Dior on Tuesday, which saw the walls of the show plastered with mock sexist slogans from old adverts, such as "Save your marriage -- iron properly". The collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who recently dressed Queen Camilla for her state dinner at Versailles, was a largely monochrome affair with comfortable, breezy items alongside straight masculine jackets, pleated skirts, and plenty of knitwear. Coming later this week are the final shows for two big-name designers. Gabriela Hearst is leaving Chloe after fewer than three years. Her focus on sustainable fashion was critically acclaimed but did not bring a major boost to sales. It will also be the last show for Sarah Burton, who took over at Alexander McQueen following the founder's suicide in 2010. The post Balmain races to recover from robbery at Paris Fashion Week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Monumental mistake
There has been a rash of vandalism of historical landmarks in Europe by unruly tourists. On 23 August, the 460-year-old Vasari Corridor, a beautiful riverside passageway connected to the famous Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy, was sprayed with soccer-related graffiti. Local police used video surveillance footage to identify the vandals, two German students aged 20 and 21, who were staying with other students at a nearby Airbnb. The video footage showed the two spraying black paint on the arches of the elevated passageway running along the Arno River at 5:20 a.m. Italy’s Culture Ministry said the vandalism would require 10,000 euros worth of repairs, CNN reported. Police tracked the location of the two vandals and a search of their room yielded the evidence: two cans of black spray paint and paint-stained clothing. Uffizi Director Eike Schmidt called for the jailing of vandals defacing cultural heritage sites to deter similar violations in the future. In Brussels, Belgium, an Irish tourist visiting the local stock exchange known as The Bourse fancied the statues at the entrance of the building a day after it reopened on 9 September following three years of renovations that cost 90 million euros. A police officer caught on his camera the drunk Irishman climbing on the statue of a naked torch bearer beside a statue of a lion to have his picture taken. When the tourist was dismounting, he held onto the hand with the torch, breaking it with his weight. Police later arrested the Irishman in a nearby fast food restaurant, according to reports. The tourist was charged the cost of repairing the statue, a staggering 17,600 euros. The post Monumental mistake appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
VeritasPay is empowering SMEs through digital payment acceptance
VeritasPay Philippines Inc. is a payment provider that offers digital payment solutions. They are consistently climbing up the ranks, expanding more and more, and steadily making the rounds in the industry supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through their platform. .....»»
Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang
Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang was recently commended by his hometown Mexico, Pampanga for his dedication to public service and exemplary leadership, enabling him to rise from the ranks. The Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico on 11 September 2023 presented Bingcang a copy of Municipal Resolution No. 138-2023, which expresses the municipality’s “pride and honor” on the recent appointment of Bingcang to the top management position of BCDA. This comes on the heels of the Angeles City Council’s resolution last month commending Bingcang for bringing pride to the province of Pampanga. “Engr. Bingcang has performed vital tasks that prove his commitment and love for Pampanga and the Metro Clark areas through his roles in the planning and implementation of key projects,” a resolution issued by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico read. Bingcang led the completion of some of BCDA’s biggest projects, which serve as major social and economic growth drivers in Northern and Central Luzon. These are the completion of the Philippines’ longest toll road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway; the development of Clark Freeport Zone and the first phase of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; as well as the expansion and modernization of Clark International Airport. “We at BCDA will not be able to achieve all these accomplishments without the help of our public and private sector partners, like the Municipality Government of Mexico. A lot still needs to be done. We would like to get your continued support as we move forward with our One Clark vision, which will further put Pampanga and the rest of Northern and Central Luzon into the center of investment and development,” Bingcang said. Climbing the career ladder, Bingcang started working at BCDA as Project Development Officer III in 1996. He then held various positions on development and project management through the years until his promotion as Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group in 2019. In March 2023, he was appointed as President and CEO of the Clark International Airport Corporation, a subsidiary of the BCDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. then appointed Bingcang as BCDA President and CEO, taking his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 6 June in Malacañang Palace. Born and raised in Mexico, Pampanga, Bingcang is a licensed electrical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He also attended an Urban Policy and Governance program at the Nanyang Technological University, and trained at the Harvard Kennedy School in Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure. -end- The post Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
American tourists found sleeping it off atop Eiffel Tower
Two American tourists were found sleeping off a heavy night at the heights of Paris' Eiffel Tower on Monday, after dodging security the night before, the monument's operator said Tuesday. Security guards roused the men "in the early morning" as they were making their rounds before the French landmark's 9:00 am opening time, publicly-owned Eiffel Tower operator Sete said. They "appear to have got stuck because of how drunk they were," Paris prosecutors told AFP. The inebriated Americans had spent their illicit night under the stars in a spot normally closed to the public between the tower's second and third levels, but "did not pose any apparent threat," said Sete. After paying for an entry ticket around 10:40 pm on Sunday, the pair hopped security barriers while climbing down the stairs from the tower's top, a police source said. Firefighters, including a specialist unit for recovering people from dangerous heights, were sent to recover the interlopers, the police source added. Both men were brought to the police station in Paris' seventh district for questioning, while Sete said it would file a criminal complaint. The discovery of the nocturnal infiltrators delayed the tower's opening to the public on Monday morning for around an hour. Two bomb threats on Saturday forced the evacuation of the landmark, and police are now investigating. A further email with a bomb threat against the 330-metre (1080 feet) steel tower was sent to three Paris police stations on Monday, but police advised against evacuating it. The post American tourists found sleeping it off atop Eiffel Tower appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Metamorphosis: Fairy tale come true
Fairy tales are true stories, if you know what I mean. This story is inspired by a children’s book entitled, “Hope for the Flowers,” by Trina Paulus. It is a children’s book for adults. Once upon a time, there were two caterpillars, brother and sister Paul and Liz. Paul was thinking of climbing to the top of a mountain along with a pile of other caterpillars all struggling to get to the top. PAUL: I am going up there to try my luck. LIZ: What for? Do you know what’s up there? PAUL: Perhaps a rainbow or a blinding light, who knows? Why would so many other caterpillars try to climb up? Of course to achieve success, fame. LIZ: I’m not going. Tell me about it when you get back. PAUL: I may never come back. LIZ: It’s too much trouble. I will stay here and wait. PAUL: Wait for what? LIZ: I don’t know. Something to happen perhaps. PAUL: I’m bringing several coins with me as a way for me to communicate with you. When I throw down a silver coin, it means I am all right. If I throw down a lead coin, it means I’m having problems. LIZ: That’s a good plan. I will wait. And so Paul embarks on his dream to achieve success. It is hard at first. Everyone is pushing everyone. Midway, he hesitates and wants to go back. He is tired. He tosses a lead coin. But after a while he regrets it. His dream energizes him. He strengthens his resolve and tosses a silver coin. Liz understands what is happening — the hesitation followed by the ambition. She is glad he moved on. Almost at the top, there is a frenzy, everyone is stepping on each other, pushing and shoving. The situation gets violent once everyone can see the mist at the top of the mountain. Paul is inside the mist, in a trance. He decides to toss another silver coin before he reaches the very top. He is imagining a rainbow or a bright light at the very top. Instead, he found nothing. Those around him were equally disappointed and started to go down. But running into the surging caterpillars trying to go up, they simply jumped down, tumbling towards the bottom of the pile. Getting the silver coin, Liz’s heart jumps. Paul is perhaps now at the top. Just as she is celebrating with other fellow caterpillars who decided not to climb up, a lead coin drops from the sky. Everyone is stunned, staring at each other in silence. There ensues a violent debate on theories of what was really happening up there. Some said the strongest caterpillar prevailed and it was not Paul. LIZ: (Seeing the shower of caterpillars tumbling down from the sky). Guys, there is nothing up there. Zero. They are jumping down in despair and frustration. Just as Liz is speaking, she suddenly explodes into a radiant blue and silver butterfly. Metamorphosis. The others follow, in a series of explosions. They all fly up to investigate. Indeed, there is nothing at the top but caterpillars violently pushing each other. Paul decides to jump and stumble down. The butterflies descend and find Paul unconscious. Then, finally, he regains consciousness. PAUL: Why didn’t I turn into a butterfly like you? LIZ: You need energy to become a butterfly. You were too weak from struggling and fighting each other. (Paul weeps violently.) Don’t worry, when you regain your strength, you will become a butterfly. There is no choice. No one has remained a caterpillar all his life. True enough, Paul finally achieves metamorphosis. All the new butterflies fly together, led by Liz and Paul, searching for paradise. In no time, they discover a dark, cool rainforest where they all live happily ever after. *** PAUL: I will study to be a lawyer. I have this dream to be a congressman so I can help people. LIZ: Good luck. Me, I’ll just read books and work in a library. PAUL: And then what? You will rot with boredom in a library. LIZ: Not if I have dreams. PAUL: And what is your dream? LIZ: I don’t know yet. Give me time. I’m not in a hurry. I’m working on it. Paul finished law but never got to be a congressman. He worked for a while as a corporate lawyer, which he hated. Liz became a celebrity with her own TV show called “Street Food for the Gods.” She yanked Paul out of corporate life to become her chef and cameraman. They traveled around the world together, shooting street food everywhere. They discovered that street food in poor countries was way more advanced than in rich countries. They made a pile of money beyond their dreams and lived happily ever after. *** eastwindreplyctr@gmail.com The post Metamorphosis: Fairy tale come true appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stocks waver on uncertain rate outlook
Concerns about further interest rate hikes weighed on stock markets Monday even as data pointed to economic fragility in the United States and Europe -- but Wall Street eked out gains to start the week. Investors were spooked Friday by US jobs data that showed moderate hiring but further wage increases, underscoring persistent inflation pressures. Many have been betting the Federal Reserve is near the end of its monetary tightening cycle as it seeks to engineer a "soft landing" for the world's largest economy -- a strategy also being pursued by the European Central Bank. This refers to an outcome where inflation comes down on the back of interest rate hikes, without triggering a major recession. But Fed governor Michelle Bowman doused those hopes in a speech on Saturday, saying "consistent evidence" was needed that price increases are slowing. "I also expect that additional rate increases will likely be needed to get inflation on a path down to the FOMC's two percent target," she said, referring to the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee. Higher rates would increase the risk of broader economic slowdowns on both sides of the Atlantic. Bowman's comments underscored "the growing uncertainty that is not only starting to permeate central bank thinking but also investor sentiment more broadly", said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets. As a result, investors are likely to take a wait-and-see stance ahead of US consumer price data due on Thursday. For now, all three major US indices advanced to end the day, with the Dow gaining 1.2 percent and the broad-based S&P 500 climbing 0.9 percent. The tech-focused Nasdaq rose 0.6 percent, although it was initially pulled off of opening gains. Apple shares lost 1.7 percent after the company warned of further revenue declines, while Tesla also stumbled on news that its longtime chief financial officer was leaving. "Traders are punishing a couple of the most highly-weighted 'Big Tech' behemoths like Apple and Tesla," said Matthew Weller, research chief at StoneX, noting a "mixed" second-quarter earnings season for US companies overall. European markets closed little changed, tracking Wall Street's weakness on Friday and a mixed showing in Asia amid signs of further economic headwinds. Germany's industrial output plunged in June, official figures showed, with the economy ministry warning of a gloomy outlook as high energy prices and interest rates continued to take their toll in Europe's biggest economy. In Britain, average UK property prices fell 0.3 percent in July from June, major mortgage provider Halifax said, as homeowners struggle with surging borrowing costs. "Early economic data has done little to help lift the outlook for growth in Europe," said Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets. Elsewhere Monday, oil prices fell after a pre-weekend rally, in part reflecting supply concerns after a Russian oil tanker in the Black Sea was struck by Ukrainian drones. The Black Sea strikes increase geopolitical risks, according to analysts at DNB, noting the "significant volumes" of both crude oil and refined fuels transported via the Black Sea. The post Stocks waver on uncertain rate outlook appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Deranged man climbs electric post
A man believed to be suffering from severe depression after his wife abandoned him was rescued after climbing an electrical post in Intramuros, Manila on Saturday night. The man, identified as Jessie Pontipedra, first climbed onto the roof of a house at around 5 p.m. and stayed there until 6:40 p.m. It was then another man who had not sought permission from the rescue team climbed onto the roof as well which resulted into a fistfight. Police said that Pontipedra then climbed onto the electrical post. The lineman team from Meralco arrived at around 7 p.m. and shut off the power, which resulted in a brownout. The rescue team then used a ladder to reach Pontipedra and bring him down safely at around 11:30 p.m. According to some residents, Pontipedra had been acting strangely since his wife left him. They believe that he was suffering from severe depression. The rescue team said that Pontipedra was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The post Deranged man climbs electric post appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
For wannabe sportscasters
Every year, millions of new graduates enter the workforce. A sizable chunk try to find employment overseas. Many enter management seminars with the aim of climbing the corporate ladder. A small portion seek ways to enter the sports broadcasting profession, and it won’t be easy. Here’s what you need to know......»»
Bourse gains big amid rising optimism
The local bourse extended its winning run climbing to the 6,600 level on Thursday as investors focused on corporate earnings, while the peso slightly slipped. The Philippine Stock Exchange index or PSEi ended at 6,613.50, gaining 71.59 points. All shares improved by 25 points to 3,515.91 level. “Philippine shares climbed higher again, buoyed by stronger-than-expected 2Q23 (second quarter 2023) earnings results locally and regionally. The latter (is) creating optimism for a soft landing for the economy,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Luis Limlingan said. Confidence gains Limlingan said the Department of Tourism’s foreign tourist arrivals report of over 3 million tourists in the first half of the year boosted confidence in the local market. Of all the counters, only the Services sector ended in the red, which declined by 4.25 points to 1,581.80. Leading the gainers was Holding Firms which increased by 68.39 points to 6,437.84; followed by Mining and Oil, 49.09 points to 10,011.44; Industrial, 40.76 points to 9,317.58; Financials, 35.86 points to 1,927.90; and Property, 34.16 points to 2,687.90. Volume of shares traded within the day reached 518.55 million, amounting to P4.52 billion. Advancers outnumbered losers at 99 to 81, with 44 firms left unchanged. Meanwhile, the peso closed almost unchanged at 54.52 to a dollar on Thursday from 54.51 finish in the previous day. The local currency opened the day weak at 54.55 from the last day’s kick-off at 54.45. The currency pair traded between 54.37 and 54.56 against the greenback, bringing the average level at 54.46. The volume of trade further increased on Thursday to $1.14 billion from $1.05 billion on Wednesday. The post Bourse gains big amid rising optimism appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Free divers find love and death in Netflix’s ‘Deepest Breath’
Early in "The Deepest Breath," an underwater drone follows free diver Alessia Zecchini as she plunges 100 meters down into the ocean's dark depths, and back up, all on a single breath. The heart-pounding, claustrophobic three-and-a-half-minute sequence is as difficult to watch as it is mesmerizing. As she ascends to the shallows, Zecchini's body begins to twitch. Rescue divers seize her and drag her up to the surface, her unconscious eyes rolling grotesquely backward as she is resuscitated. It may seem shocking, but "blacking out" from lack of oxygen is a common occurrence in free diving, an extreme sport in which athletes compete to go as deep as they can without any breathing apparatus. "You can watch all the videos in the world. It doesn't really prepare you for seeing a human being just pass out like that," said director Laura McGann, director of the Netflix documentary, out Wednesday. "It's scary to see." Through archive footage, interviews and a handful of re-enactments, McGann's film explores what drives these men and women to repeatedly risk their lives and push the limits of human endurance in pursuit of new competitive records. "Seeing a human being behave more like a seal or a dolphin in the water, with no tanks, was kind of like learning that there was a group of people in part of the world that knew how to fly," she told AFP. 'In the moment' Specifically, the film focuses on the relationship between record-breaking diver Zecchini and Stephen Keenan, a nomadic young Irishman who becomes one of the sport's top safety experts. Free divers, if not actively courting death, do not appear to fear it. Indeed, Zecchini airily claims in the movie's opening scene that she does not even think about death. Yet it quickly becomes apparent that some sort of tragedy has occurred. Neither Zecchini nor Keenan appear among the film's present-day interviews, leaving the question of their fates hanging for much of the movie -- at least, for those able to resist a quick Google search. That structure was criticized as being somewhat manipulative in early reviews at January's Sundance Film Festival, where the movie premiered, having already been acquired by Netflix days earlier. But McGann decided "really early" that her film would remain "in the moment" with its characters throughout their journeys. Death "was always going to be towards the end of the film," she said. Love and death "The Deepest Breath" is the latest documentary to explore dangerous obsessions through the lens of a love story. Last year's Oscar-nominated "Fire of Love" followed a husband-and-wife scientist couple as they risked their lives to explore the craters of erupting volcanoes. In 2019, "Free Solo" profiled death-defying climber Alex Honnold, as he juggled his obsession with climbing a notorious rockface without ropes, and his relationship with his understandably terrified girlfriend. For McGann, the relationship between Zecchini and Keenan was "a yin and a yang," like "they were each other's missing piece," even before they connected as celebrities in the small free diving community. It emphasizes that free diving is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one, requiring very specific personality types that not only stay calm, but actively enjoy being 100 meters under water, beyond rescue. "What the free diver is feeling is definitely close to the complete opposite to what we the audience are feeling," explained McGann. While viewers might struggle for breath just watching, divers speak of a "serene, quiet, peaceful silence," as they quieten their minds and reduce their heart rates to "that of a Tibetan monk." "You're almost in a meditative state," said McGann. "But you need to keep a little bit of your subconscious aware of what you're doing -- so that you remember that you have to come back up." The post Free divers find love and death in Netflix’s ‘Deepest Breath’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»