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WhatsApp debuts one-to-many broadcasting ‘Channels’
WhatsApp on Thursday began letting select organizations try a new feature called "Channels" that lets them broadcast to followers on the popular, Meta-owned messaging service. The debut comes as an array of agencies and organizations grow disenchanted with Elon Musk-owned Twitter in the face of fees, performance problems, and dramatically scaled-back content moderation. Meta described Channels as "a simple, reliable, and private way to receive important updates from people and organizations, right within WhatsApp." A video shared by Meta showed the potential for Channels to keep people up to date on race results, soccer match outcomes, weather, and traffic, and even share cooking or home repair tips. "We think the time is finally right to introduce a simple, reliable, and private broadcast tool," Meta said in a post. Meta said WhatsApp's priority will continue to be private messaging, but that users have been asking for a feature like Channels for years. WhatsApp is known for encryption that protects against snooping. More than two billion people around the world use WhatsApp, according to the platform. Meta said it is exploring the option of making encrypted channels available for groups such as nonprofits or health organizations where that level of security might be needed. Channels was described as a one-way broadcast tool that lets account administrators sent text, photos, videos, stickers, and polls. Global launch partners include the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization, as well as the FC Barcelona and Manchester City football clubs, according to Meta. The Silicon Valley tech titan said it planned to gradually expand availability of Channels in the months ahead. The post WhatsApp debuts one-to-many broadcasting ‘Channels’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Messi future decision drawing near with Barca return hopes fading
With Lionel Messi's time at Paris Saint-Germain drawing to a close, the Argentine forward will soon reveal his future -- but hopes of a romantic return to Barcelona are fading. Messi, who turns 36 in June, is Barcelona's all-time record goalscorer and biggest icon and was forced to wave a tearful goodbye in 2021 at the end of his contract, with the club unable to afford to keep him. Coach Xavi Hernandez has been pushing hard for the World Cup winner to come back, but Messi's camp has told Spanish media no offer from Barcelona has arrived yet. "For me, there is no doubt that if Messi comes back he will help us on a footballing level, that's what I've let the president know," Xavi told Spanish daily Diario Sport. Barcelona is waiting for La Liga to approve a financial viability plan ahead of spending in the summer transfer window. "At the moment it seems difficult for Messi to return to Barca," said La Liga president Javier Tebas in April. "Barca are not like PSG, who have a fuel tap and money for a big salary." La Liga's financial fair play rules currently limit Barcelona to spending 40 percent of any savings made through salary cuts or player sales, because of the club's losses. Even if they bring in enough new income to break free of the league's financial handcuffs, what they can offer Messi would be modest. By contrast, elsewhere Messi will be paid a king's ransom, into the hundreds of millions. A source close to the deal told AFP in May the forward has an agreement to move to the Saudi Arabian league, joining his former Real Madrid sparring partner Cristiano Ronaldo in the Gulf state. [caption id="attachment_139853" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Graphic showing the main statistics of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi[/caption] Risks Many Barcelona fans and coach Xavi would like Messi to add a much-needed coda to a story left incomplete by his shock departure. The forward arrived at Barcelona at 13 years old and departed without a proper goodbye to supporters, who at that point were still shut out of stadiums because of the pandemic. Messi showed by leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar that he can still deliver at the elite level when motivated. The forward is the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or and remains sublime at breaking down stubborn defenses, something Barca has struggled with even on their way to winning La Liga this season. His return would be costly in terms of wages but, without a transfer fee, could still represent good value for a club hungry for short-term success. "Reclaiming" Messi's legacy is positive in its own right, ensuring he finishes his career at the club where he spent two decades. The romance of a fairytale return and a chance to seal his glorious chapter in the club's history are tempting, but with Barcelona moving forward and transforming, it could be a mistake for both club and player to turn back to the past. Some believe Barca should not direct a significant chunk of their limited financial resources towards an aging great when there are clear areas where the squad needs improvement. Xavi has said replacing veteran holding midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is departing, is the key to any success next season. Barcelona also needs a first-choice right-back, a backup for striker Robert Lewandowski and a left-winger. Some fans are worried a return for Messi may tarnish his brilliant legacy at Barcelona and hamper the team's progress at the same time. Messi may consider that in terms of his legacy, there is more to lose than gain by returning to Barcelona. French champions PSG host Clermont in their final Ligue 1 match of the season on Saturday, with Messi's future set to take center-stage after that. The post Messi future decision drawing near with Barca return hopes fading appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
If you can’t stand the heat…
Our former weather bureau, now with the unwieldy name of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (really, they should revert to the old, shorter name), or Pagasa, has predicted hot weather in the days ahead. It’s not just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill summer, mind you, but a true blue heat wave. Temperatures are expected to rise to 50 degrees Celsius come May. Now that is hot. When my first-born and I were in Barcelona in July 2019, the temperature was only 47 degrees, but we actually saw a cyclist collapse from heat stroke practically right before our very eyes. I hope he survived the cycle of life. With the weather getting weirder globally, we humans must cope, consistent with the first law of evolution: Adapt or die. Fortunately, since we are supposed to be smarter than other species who have died out (some of us, sadly, only marginally so), experts amongst us have given tips on how to survive the scorching weather. From the web and social media — and as a public service — I have compiled a list of the best suggestions: Keep hydrated. Adults must drink eight to ten 300 milliliter glasses of water or other hydrating products a day. But do not drink like you’ve just walked across the Sahara desert; drink slowly, at the rate of around one drop every two minutes. And when coming from the ambient heat of more than 36 degrees, do not drink very cold water; if the water you are drinking has ice, heat the ice to room temperature. This is because rapid ingestion of very cold water when the body is overheated may cause small veins — called capillaries — to explode. Men, please note that our penises are crisscrossed with capillaries. Those veins you DO NOT want to explode. When all else fails, drink ice cold beer. I know some doctors do not recommend it, but these are doctors who do not drink beer. Between those teetotalers and an expert beer drinker like me, who will you believe? Do not shower, or splash cold water on any part of your body, straight from a strenuous activity just so you will cool down. Let your body cool down naturally first by resting for two or three days before taking a shower. A doctor friend of mine treated a person who shoved ice into his rectum because he was feeling hot; he farted a lot and became very dizzy. An ambulance had to be called since his family got poisoned by his toxic fumes. It is important not to heat up or cool down suddenly. Thus, when coming from the heat outside, do not enter an air-conditioned room or car right away. Wait for your body temperature to gradually adjust for a while. To be on the safe side, do not use your air-conditioned car: just walk to the office or ride the jeepney. At least your body will remain constantly warm for the entire trip. I read that someone disregarded this advice by going inside the walk-in freezer because he was feeling so warm; he was accidentally locked in and almost froze to death. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to allow air to circulate within. Dark-colored clothes absorb more ultraviolet rays and make you feel warmer. For both genders — but especially for females, whose concentration of body fat in certain areas traps heat, less is better, including underwear. Thinner clothes are also cooler. Transparency is a very good policy to adopt, more so when it comes to women’s wear. If we follow these recommendations, we should all be able to weather (pun intended) the heat wave with nary an adverse effect. The best proposition, however, is that age-old adage (dating back to 15th century Europe) that if you can’t stand the heat, turn the air-conditioner on. The post If you can’t stand the heat… appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Messi weaves magic anew
MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Lionel Messi scored his fastest league goal as a substitute as his strike 136 seconds after coming on inspired Barcelona to a 3-2 victory over Real Betis on Sunday. Messi was among several key players rested, with Ronald Koeman seemingly prioritizing Wednesday’s Copa del Rey semifinal against Sevilla ahead of Barca’s […] The post Messi weaves magic anew appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Barca wins as Messi makes 500th Liga stint
Madrid---Barcelona won 1-0 at bottom side Huesca on Sunday as Lionel Messi became the first foreigner to make 500 appearances in Spain’s La Liga, while a late Luis Suarez goal secured leaders Atletico Madrid victory against Alaves......»»
Barcelona, Real Madrid both lose ahead of Clasico
Real Madrid and Barcelona will each head into the Clasico next weekend on the back of a defeat after La Liga’s two title favorites were punished for slack performances on Saturday. Zinedine Zidane made four substitutions at halftime but could not spark a lethargic Madrid into life as his team fell 1-0 at home to […] The post Barcelona, Real Madrid both lose ahead of Clasico appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Messi scores 700th goal but Barca title hopes hang
MADRID—Lionel Messi scored his 700th career goal but Barcelona suffered another blow to their La Liga title hopes after a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Messi chipped in a penalty to reach another astonishing milestone at Camp Nou but twice Atletico hit back with spot-kicks of their own, Saul Niguez converting both after […] The post Messi scores 700th goal but Barca title hopes hang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl at the crossroads
As we all take a break this Holy Week, some of us will pause and ponder on our own individual journeys and think about what lies ahead......»»
UAAP volleyball enters break amid wide-open semis race
It’s the calm before the storm as teams embark on a much-needed pause ahead of an expected all-out race to the UAAP Season 86 volleyball tournaments Final Four......»»
MPL PH Season 13: Smart Omega stays winless; AP.Bren takes solo lead
It's been a bad start for Smart Omega as the barangay remains winless in the 13th season of the Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines......»»
Malixi all geared up for Augusta Amateur debut
Rianne Malixi is channeling her excitement into thorough preparation ahead of her highly anticipated debut in the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur unfolding April 3 in Augusta, Georgia......»»
James Yap fulfilled after record All-Star appearance in Bacolod homecoming
James Yap claims the record for most PBA All-Star Game selections, seeing action for Team Mark in an entertaining clash with Team Japeth that ended in a draw in Bacolod City.....»»
Canino is Olympiad bound
It was sealed by an 83-move draw with Woman FIDE Master Cherry Ann Mejia of a Sicilian in the 10th and penultimate round of the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship at the Malolos City Hall in Bulacan......»»
Grand Lotto pot to hit P166 million tonight
The Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot is estimated to reach P166 million by tonight’s draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said yesterday......»»
Blue Eagles coach tempers Final Four expectations amid momentum
Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Sergio Veloso is not getting ahead of himself as his team is slowly showing its form in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament......»»
PBA All-Stars settle for draw
The 2024 PBA All-Star ended in a draw as Team Mark came from behind against Team Japeth, 140-140, Sunday night at the University of St. La Salle gymnasium in Bacolod......»»
Siete Palabras derby sa Tejero, Marso 26
Siete Palabras derby sa Tejero, Marso 26.....»»
LTFRB to inspect transport terminals
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Teofilo Guadiz is scheduled to inspect transport terminals tomorrow ahead of the exodus of passengers during the Holy Week, LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago said yesterday......»»
Investors take profits ahead of Holy Week break
The stock market fell below the 6,900 level once more to end the week in the red as investors cashed in on their profits......»»
LTFRB issues over 1,000 special permits to PUVs ahead of Holy Week
To ensure the smooth travel of Filipinos during Lenten season, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced the approval of special permits to 1,021 public utility vehicles (PUVs)......»»