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Gov. Garcia wants Boljoon pulpit panels returned
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has called for the return of 19th-century Boljoon pulpit panels to their original home at the Patrocinio de Maria Santisima Parish Church stressing the importance of preserving Cebuano heritage. Speaking to the media earlier on Friday, February 16, she emphasized the need to request the National Museum.....»»
St. Petersburg s authentic CYBERpunk!? (PHOTOS)
Until the end of the 19th century, it hosted powder cellars and an artillery range. In the USSR, meanwhile, the island was closed: secured facilities were located there - a port and a shipyard. Right until 1983, one could only reach the mainland from there by boat (or swimming!). Today, you can reach the island by an underground road through the Ka.....»»
Africa’s top pop culture festival showcases homegrown superheroes
Africa's largest pop culture festival opened this week with a spotlight on home-grown superheroes including a black knight battling South Africa's rolling power cuts and a warrior inspired by the legendary Zulu king Shaka. Clad in superhero capes and sci-fi costumes, thousands of people flocked to a vast expo center south of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday for the first day of Comic Con Africa, which runs until Monday. The festival, in its fourth edition, has a dedicated 'Afro Geek' pavilion, showcasing comics reflecting African heritage and society. "The cartoons we used to watch, particularly Tarzan, had this colonial mentality around Africans... it would be a character in Africa but the Africans would be invisible," Trevor Ngwenya, an artist, told AFP. "It didn't sit well with me". Ngwenya's latest project is a superhero inspired by King Shaka, the 19th-century leader still revered for having united a large swathe of the country as the Zulu nation. Other 'Afro Geek' offerings include a paladin fighting the relentless power outages that have battered South Africa in recent years and a comic series inspired by African mythology. "Seeing superheroes that I look like brings more of a relatability to me. It makes me want to read the comics a little more," said Ethan Msithini, 26, an animator promoting the Kidwiz Inc. series featuring the blackout-busting hero. The festival has been praised for opening doors for cosplayers in a country and continent where the industry is not as established as in more developed parts of the world. "I just really love that people of color are taking back ownership of certain things like fantasy and sci-fi," said Abigail Backman-Daniels, a festivalgoer dressed as a Valkyrie from the Thor movie franchise. The post Africa’s top pop culture festival showcases homegrown superheroes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rediscovered art gem’s curious past
A fascinating tale forms the backdrop of the “Bust of Juan Luna y Novicio,” withdrawn from a public auction yesterday that may be a prelude to a possibly long process to establish a claim. The National Museum of the Philippines, or NMP, as custodian of the country’s heritage works, is considering the recovery of the Filipino treasure. Salcedo Auctions announced on Saturday the withdrawal of the sculpture from “The Well-Appointed Life” sale. It said the bust’s owner agreed to withhold the bust from the bidding as a gesture of “goodwill.” A spokesperson, however, lamented that the NMP had never filed a claim on the bust despite its existence being public knowledge for a long time. An in-depth article in a broadsheet was even written about it. Only after the auctioneer was able to authenticate the piece of art did the NMP stake its claim to it, according to the auction house. The Fundación Mariano Benlliure assisted Salcedo Auctions in authenticating the Luna bust. The artwork has a deep history. Its creator, Mariano Benlliure y Gil, was a Spanish sculptor noted for his many public monuments celebrating notable Spanish figures, such as the ones of King Alfonso XII in Madrid and Queen Isabel la Católica in Granada. Benlliure, a friend of the Filipino patriot, was known as the last master of 19th-century realism; careful executions of everyday events and persons characterized his sculptures. In the pursuit of his dream to become a painter, Luna sailed for Europe in 1877. A year later, he accompanied his mentor, Alejo Vera, to Rome as his assistant. There, Luna made the acquaintance and friendship of Benlliure and his brother, Juan Antonio, and Spanish pensionados who were in Rome at the time for their studies. When Vera departed for home, Luna stayed behind and joined the Benlliures in an apartment on Via Marguita, where many other struggling artists lived. Theirs would be a lifelong and loyal friendship, with Luna painting a portrait of Lucrecia Arana, the sculptor’s wife, one of the most famous zarzuela singers of the time. Records show that a bronze bust of Juan Luna by Mariano, together with a copy of the Spoliarium painted by Juan Antonio, was commissioned by Don Vicente Palmori, Consul General of Spain. Palmori was a personal friend of Luna’s back in Rome in 1883, and it was written that these works were presented to the then-Philippine Governor General Leonard Wood on 21 October 1922 at the Marble Hall of the Ayuntamiento Building in Intramuros. Wood created a Committee on Arrangements through Executive Order 54 of 1922 for the ceremony of delivery of these artworks. The committee was headed by Don Fernando Zóbel, with the Spanish consul general heading the Committee on Presentations and the Governor General serving as chairman, representing the Philippine colonial government. Both works were later displayed at the Old Legislative Building on Padre Burgos but were lost during the battle for the liberation of Manila in 1945. In the aftermath of the war, a “junk collector presumably retrieved the bust from the rubble” and sold it to a junk dealer for P5 — not so much for its historical value but probably for its bronze content. The junk dealer then offered it to Elsie “Inday” Cadapan, an influential social realist Filipino artist who used to run an antique store at the Mabini Arts Center in the 1970s. It was Cadapan who, in 1979, sold the bust to East Asia Corporation for Arts & Antiquities, an affiliate of Multinational Investment Bancorporation, that was engaged in art dealership and brokerage that later merged with the institution via its managing director Amado Lacuesta. The post Rediscovered art gem’s curious past appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Guardians of the seas
The Philippine Navy formally added two fast boats to its Alvarez-class patrol vessels. The former Cyclone-class patrol ships of the US Navy are now in service of the Philippine Fleet’s Littoral Combat Force as BRP Valentin Diaz-PS177 and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS178) in honor of two Filipino patriots who were among the founding members of the Katipunan, which ignited the Philippine Revolution against Spain in the 19th century. Paoay, Ilocos Norte-native Valentin Diaz was also a signatory in the Pact of Biak-na-Bato while Ladislao Diwa from San Roque, Cavite was instrumental in affecting the surrender of the Spanish forces in the province. Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro underscored that the acquisition of these vessels was a welcome and timely addition “because the sooner we can complete our littoral defenses the sooner we can pursue a more robust position in defending our sovereign rights in the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone and under jurisdictions of the Republic of the Philippines.” In March 2023 at Manama in Bahrain, the Philippines formally accepted the former USS Monsoon (PC4) and USS Chinook (PC9) following their decommissioning from the US Navy in accordance with the Excess Defense Articles program. As Secretary Teodoro described this acquisition as a symbol of the continuing cooperation and collaboration between the Philippine and the United States. US Embassy in the Philippines Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reaffirmed US support “as the Philippines continues its courageous stand to uphold the international order and defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea.” The Philippine Navy eyes the deployment of these vessels in “the soonest possible time” upon the completion of reactivation activities and specialized training of the crews “to ensure the optimal and efficient use of these vessels, its machinery, sensors and weapon systems.” “We can expect that soon, BRP Valentin Diaz and BRP Ladislao Diwa will inherit the critical roles played by their predecessor, BRP General Mariano Alvarez-PS38, currently deployed at Naval Forces Western Mindanao,” he added. These formidable platforms will complement the navy’s fast-attack interdiction crafts and multipurpose attack crafts in carrying out various naval, support to law enforcement, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations within the littoral waters of the country’s porous borders and vast maritime environment. The post Guardians of the seas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Savoy dynasty daily life on display with Geneva auction
Porcelain figurines, a white faux-leather sofa and a foosball table: these are among the items in a House of Savoy auction, providing a rare glimpse into the everyday life of royals. More than 200 objects are going under the hammer this week, drawn from the former Geneva home of Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy -- the son of the last king of Italy, Umberto II -- and his wife Marina. Royal aficionados may be interested in a delicate 18th century tea cup, a modernist game of chess, or two motorcycles owned by the couple's 51-year-old son, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy. A portion of the lots are being sold off online until September 18, while others will feature in an in-person auction two days later hosted by the Geneve Encheres auction house. In all, the objects being sold by the couple are expected to fetch between 100,000 and 150,000 Swiss francs ($112,000-$168,000). But Cyril Duval, a partner at Geneve Encheres, told AFP the value estimates were not really important, since the collection was more about "falling in love". This auction, he said, "makes it possible for collectors to obtain certain objects they may have dreamt about after seeing them in magazines or on the screen". The collection comprises of historical memorabilia and some household items from the villa the Savoy family had built in the 1970s in Vesenaz, on the outskirts of Geneva. Vittorio Emanuele is the 86-year-old head of the House of Savoy, whose family was forced to leave Italy after the monarchy was abolished in 1946. 'Rock and roll' Among the items for sale is "a 19th century dinner set used during a ball hosted by Queen Victoria in London City Hall", Duval said. There are also objects linked to the Savoy family heritage, including engraved silver coat of arms and porcelain figurines, but also bronze statuettes recalling the modernist interior style of the Geneva villa. The collection also includes items that are "much more pop", Duval said. He highlighted one of the two motorcycles, a 1941 Indian Sport Scout, with an asking price of 15,000-20,000 Swiss francs ($16,800-$22,400). "It belonged to crown prince Emanuele Filiberto, a 20th century rock and roll prince with tattooed arms," he said. The grandson of Italy's last king, who is married to French actress Clotilde Courau, enjoyed riding his motorcycles with Johnny Hallyday, the late French rock legend, he added. Duval explained that the auction was taking place after "the prince and princess left and sold" the Geneva villa this year, opting to stay in their residence in the luxury Swiss ski resort town of Gstaad instead. Vittorio Emanuele was born in Naples in 1937, less than a decade before the monarchy ended and his family was forced to leave Italy. He and other male heirs of the Savoy family were sent into exile because his grandfather Vittorio Emmanuele III had collaborated with the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini on anti-Jewish laws during World War II. Vittorio Emmanuele III abdicated in May 1946 after 46 years on the throne, and his son Umberto II succeeded him, but only for a month before a June referendum abolished the monarchy. The Italian parliament only ended a constitutional ban on the House of Savoy's male heirs returning to Italy in 2002, after Vittorio Emanuele and Emanuele Filiberto swore loyalty to the republic, but they have continued living mainly in Switzerland. The post Savoy dynasty daily life on display with Geneva auction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Amateur makes ‘gold find of the century’ in Norway
A Norwegian out walking on doctors' advice unearthed rare 6th-century gold jewellery using a newly bought metal detector, a discovery archaeologists said on Thursday was Norway's "gold find of the century". "At first I thought it was chocolate coins or Captain Sabertooth coins," said 51-year-old Erlend Bore, referring to a fictional Norwegian pirate. "It was totally unreal." The cache comprised nine Norwegian gold medallions and gold pearls that once formed an opulent necklace, as well as three gold rings. Archaeologists say the find is unique because of the design on the medallions -- a type of horse from Norse mythology. Bore, who dreamt of becoming an archaeologist as a child, made the discovery on a farmer's land near Stavanger in August after he bought a metal detector on his doctors' recommendations to get more exercise. He had been out searching and was about to head home for the day when the device suddenly began beeping on a hillside. He called archaeologists, who took over the search. The jewels, which weigh a little more than 100 grams, were discovered to date from around 500 AD. "It's the gold find of the century in Norway," said Ole Madsen, the head of the University of Stavanger's Museum of Archaeology. "To find that much gold all at once is extremely unusual." The most recent comparable find in Norway dates back to the 19th century. "Given the location of the discovery and what we know from other similar finds, this is probably a matter of either hidden valuables or an offering to the gods during dramatic times," professor Hakon Reiersen said. In line with Norwegian law, both Bore and the landowner will receive a reward although the sum has not yet been determined. The post Amateur makes ‘gold find of the century’ in Norway appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
South African rhino farm, world’s largest, bought by NGO
The largest rhino farm in the world, which is home to 2,000 animals and located in South Africa, has been bought by the NGO African Parks, the organization said Monday. Home to nearly 80 percent of the world's rhinoceroses, South Africa is a poaching hotspot, driven by demand from Asia, where horns are used in traditional medicine for their supposed therapeutic effect. The government said 448 of the rare animals were killed across the country last year, only three fewer than in 2021 despite increased protection at national parks such as the renowned Kruger. "African Parks has stepped in as the new owner of the world's largest private captive rhino breeding operation," the conservation NGO said in the statement. The NGO will take over the 7,800 hectare "Platinum Rhino" site in the North West province, which it says currently is home to 15 percent of the world's remaining wild population of southern white rhino. The rhino farm was previously owned by 81-year-old South African conservationist John Hume, who auctioned the property earlier this year. Although he said he was looking for a "billionaire" to take it over, African Parks said that no offers were received, leaving the rhinos at "great risk of poaching". The NGO said it received from the South Africa government. Hume told AFP in an interview before the sale that through the years he had lavished around $150 million on his massive philanthropic project to save the world's second largest land mammal. Security and surveillance was the farm's biggest cost, he said. African Parks, which manages 22 protected areas across the continent, says it plans to return 2,000 southern white rhino to the wild over the next 10 years. The species was hunted to near extinction in the late 19th century but gradually recovered thanks to decades of protection and breeding efforts. The post South African rhino farm, world’s largest, bought by NGO appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, UK strengthen bilateral relations, geopolitical issues cited
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met in Manila on Tuesday to further discuss ways to strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations. In his meeting with British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. underscored the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and the UK, which dates back to the early 19th century. He also noted the growing trade and investment ties between the two countries, as well as the increasing cooperation in areas such as climate change, security, and defense. In particular, Marcos said that the security and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United Kingdom is a "welcome evolution." Creating security ties and collaborations with the United Kingdom, according to Marcos Jr., is "not traditional" for the Philippines. "But that seems to be the evolution, the geopolitics these days. It is a welcome evolution in my view, and again, your visit here I think, is a clear indication of that intent," the President said. Marcos added there has been a change in Europe's post-pandemic focus toward Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, to start the economic reform process. "We are not quite at pre-pandemic levels yet, but we are fast approaching that, and that, of course, is very important for us," Marcos said. Cleverly, for his part, said the UK is "committed to working with the Philippines to build a stronger, more prosperous future for both our countries." He also said that the UK is "ready to invest in the Philippines' economic growth and development." “There is still growth. I know that you are very focused on attracting investment into the country and I’ve been discussing with our ambassador about a UK export finance facility, which I hope would encourage UK companies to invest more broadly,” Cleverly said. The foreign minister said both nations can also work “very, very closely together” to combat climate change and accelerate clean energy access. “So I see lots of opportunities to build on what is a really positive bilateral relationship. And so my final thank you is to thank your nation through you, sir, for being a really good friend and partner to the UK, but with huge growth potential for that partnership,” added Cleverly. The post Phl, UK strengthen bilateral relations, geopolitical issues cited appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National Heroes’ Day A nation’s profound respect for its past
In a country with a rich history of struggles, triumphs and the indomitable spirit of its people, the observance of National Heroes’ Day stands as a testament to the nation’s profound respect for its past. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="176395,176399"] [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="176396,176397"] Photographs by Joey Sanchez Mendoza, Yummie Dingding, And Afp For The Daily Tribune @tribunephl_joey @tribunephl_yumi National Heroes’ Day, which is observed every 28th of August, holds deep significance for Filipinos as it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by their forebears in the pursuit of freedom and sovereignty. Beyond the pageantry and public holiday, the event fosters a sense of unity, patriotism and reflection that continues to shape the Filipino identity and inspire generations to come. The roots of National Heroes’ Day can be traced back to the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century. Throughout this struggle, countless individuals exhibited extraordinary courage, leadership and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence. These heroes, from Andres Bonifacio to Jose Rizal, laid the foundation for the Filipino nation’s aspirations. National Heroes’ Day serves as a platform to honor and remember these figures who paved the way for the Philippines’ eventual freedom. National Heroes’ Day serves as a wellspring of inspiration for the younger generation. As they learn about the struggles and triumphs of their national heroes, they are instilled with the values of courage, resilience and patriotism. By understanding the sacrifices made by their forefathers, young Filipinos are encouraged to take an active role in the development and progress of their country. This inspiration can lead to future leaders, innovators and change-makers who are dedicated to upholding the ideals set by our national heroes. Beyond the commemoration of historical figures and the declaration of a public holiday, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation’s freedom. The relevance of National Heroes’ Day extends far beyond the date itself — it is a reminder of the past that shapes the present and guides the future of the Filipino people. The post National Heroes’ Day A nation’s profound respect for its past appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo City: Bold, vibrant, indelible
The Philippines is no doubt a country with a rich and diverse history, having been colonized by the Spanish, Americans and Japanese and becoming a melting pot of cultures still evident in modern times. [caption id="attachment_175000" align="aligncenter" width="1015"] Iloilo City skyline. Photograph Courtesy Of Wikicommons/paulo Alcazaren/ Cc By-sa 4.0[/caption] [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="175004,175005"] The influence of these colonizers left a deep imprint in the Filipinos’ heritage and culture, and the semblance of these inherited traits can be seen in Iloilo City, located on Panay Island in Western Visayas. The city faces Iloilo Strait and Guimaras Island across it, making it a natural harbor and a safe anchorage for ships. It is bordered by the towns of Oton in the west, Pavia in the north and Leganes in the northeast. Just across the Iloilo Strait in its eastern and southern coastlines are the towns of Buenavista and Jordan in the island-province of Guimaras. The metropolitan area is composed of the City of Iloilo, the municipalities of Leganes, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, San Miguel, Oton, the Island Province of Guimaras and its five municipalities — Sibunag, San Lorenzo, Nueva Valencia, Buenavista and Jordan. The city was founded in 1566 by Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It quickly became a major trading center due to its strategic location on the coast of the Sulu Sea. In the early days of the Spanish period, the first Manila galleons were originally constructed at the port of Oton to the west of Iloilo. The early Visayans were already constructing huge multi-masted four- to five-decked caracoas in their wars against the other kingdoms. Thus, the technical know-how to construct the first Manila galleons was a blend of Visayan shipbuilding and Spanish shipbuilding. After the defeat of the Spanish forces in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish–American War, the capital of the Spanish East Indies was transferred to Iloilo, with General Diego de los Rios as the new Governor General residing in the city. A truce was declared between the American and the Spanish forces pending the negotiations of the joint commission of both warring countries in Paris, France, for the terms of peace. In the 19th century, Iloilo City became a major producer of sugar which helped further develop the city’s economy and infrastructure. Iloilo City was also a major center of the Philippine revolution against Spain. Major center of education During World War II, Iloilo City was heavily damaged. However, the city was rebuilt after the war, becoming an industrial center and its port transforming into one of the busiest in the Philippines. Iloilo City also became a major center of education, with many universities and colleges opening in the city. The next three decades saw the moderate growth of Iloilo City with the establishment of fish ports, an international seaport, and other commercial firms. Iloilo City also became the regional center of Western Visayas. In 1977, a Comprehensive Urban Development Plan for Iloilo City was approved and was adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance was the implementing tool. However, the 1977 Plan was unable to cope with the demands of rapid urbanization. In late 1993, a multi-sectoral group prepared the 1994-2010 Comprehensive Development Plan of Iloilo City to amend the old plan and address the present and future challenges of urban development. The plan, however, was not carried pending the approval of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board. Today, Iloilo City is a major commercial and industrial center in the Philippines. It is also a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and vibrant culture. It has become a hub for trade, commerce, finance, technology, medical tourism, hospitality, real estate, tourism, education and industry in the Western Visayas region. Major industries in the city include port management, telecommunications infrastructure and utilities, banking and finance, retail trading, real estate, tourism and business process outsourcing. The local government has also provided incentives to businesses in certain investment areas, such as income tax holidays and free issuance of permits and licenses. Tourism contributes in a major way to Iloilo City’s economy. Not only is it a gateway to Western Visayas, but the metropolis itself hosts notable festivals that entice thousands of tourists annually, especially during the Dinagyang, Paraw Regatta — Asia’s oldest sailing event — and Fiesta de Candelaria festivals seasons. 'City of Love' Iloilo City’s bannered monickers like “City of Love” and “City of Mansions” and intensified local government’s programs such as the beautification of major thoroughfares in the city and building of parks have all played a role in attracting local and foreign visitors. There are myriad attractions in the city that tourists can visit — heritage landmarks, museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants, to name a few. Nightlife in the metro, with Smallville Complex as the mecca for party-goers, sees revelers out and about every night especially on Friday and weekends. Since it’s a well-known Philippine heritage city built during the Spanish era, heritage tourism also adds to Iloilo City’s charm. Centuries-old churches, old edifices and mansions of well-known Ilonggo families lure sightseers from different places who want to discover Iloilo City’s rich and glorious past. Iloilo City is also a respected gastronomic capital, with famous local dishes that have gained popularity throughout the country — La Paz Batchoy, Pancit Molo, Kansi, Laswa and KBL (Kadyos, Baboy kag Langka). In 2018 alone, Iloilo City attracted the highest tourist arrivals in Western Visayas, posting 1,242,087 total arrivals, including 1,154,550 domestic visitors, 70,787 foreign guests and 16,750 overseas workers. In 2019, it garnered an 11.59 percent increase in tourist arrivals, and in 2020, the city again achieved its target with 1.4 million tourists. The post Iloilo City: Bold, vibrant, indelible appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Victorian-era disease hits Scotland’s poorest
A disease linked to poverty and malnutrition that once crippled the crowded slums of 19th-century Britain is on the rise in Scotland, according to data published at the weekend. A total of 442 cases of rickets -- a skeletal disease caused by a sustained lack of Vitamin D -- were recorded in 2022 compared to 354 in 2018, data from 13 of 14 Scottish health boards showed. "Generally preventable conditions such as these are indicative of Scotland having the lowest life expectancy in the UK," Chris Williams, the joint chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, told The Sunday Times newspaper. He also suggested environmental factors such as a colder climate could be behind the increase. Rickets, which can lead to skeletal deformities such as bowed legs or knock knees, has been linked to a lack of exposure to sunlight and Vitamin D which is found in foods like oily fish or eggs. Some 482 cases of the disease, which largely disappeared from Britain more than half a century ago after efforts to improve diet and exposure to sunlight, were found across England. Most of the cases in Scotland were recorded in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area with 356 diagnoses. Glasgow is one of the most deprived local authority areas in Scotland with 32 percent of all children in the city were estimated to be living in poverty in 2021-2022, according to Glasgow Centre for Population Health. According to the latest data from 2019, men living in the most deprived areas of the city on average live 15.4 years less than those in the most affluent parts. For women, the gap has increased from 8.6 to 11.6 years. Health workers suggested an increase in diversity in the city plus lifestyle changes to more sedentary, indoor activities and cheaper, unhealthy food may have contributed to the increase in rickets. Other so-called Victorian-era diseases such as tuberculosis and scarlet fever are also increasing in Scotland. Data collated by The Times showed 112 cases of tuberculosis in 2022 and a sharp rise in scarlet fever diagnosis, with 223 cases in 2022 compared with 39 the year before. In England there had been 171 cases of scurvy in 2022, with three recorded in Scotland. "Victorian diseases are diseases of poverty and they are common in parts of the world where people are poor," Stephen Baker, a molecular microbiologist at the University of Cambridge, told the paper. "Rickets is associated with a poor diet and the likelihood of a poor diet may be encouraged by the cost of living." The post Victorian-era disease hits Scotland’s poorest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Classic Belarus poems labeled ‘extremist’
Belarus’ prosecutor has declared two famous 19th century poems extremist material in the latest crackdown on critics of the government. The label potentially bans the poems by Vintsent Dunin-Martsinkyevich, a well-known figure in Belarusian literature, and the preface to an edition of his works by literary critic Yazep Yanushkevich. The works revolve around the uprising led by Polish-Belarusian writer Kastus Kalinouski against the Russian empire in the 19th century. A well-known group of Belarusian volunteers fighting against Russian forces in Ukraine has named their regiment after Kalinouski. Literature expert Ales Pashkevich told Agence France-Presse that classics calling for national resistance are being banned as the dictatorship tranzitions to a totalitarian regime. Independent human rights organization Viasna says nearly 1,500 political prisoners are currently detained in Belarus. Since his disputed re-election triggered mass protests in 2020, Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko has intensified the repression of critical voices. The Belarusian leader received decisive support from Russian President Vladimir Putin during the protests. Lukashenko last year provided the Belarusian territory as a staging ground for Russia’s offensive in Ukraine. WITH AFP The post Classic Belarus poems labeled ‘extremist’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
British Museum sacks employee over ‘missing, stolen or damaged’ items
The British Museum said Wednesday that it had dismissed a staff member and alerted the police after items from its collection were found to be "missing, stolen or damaged". The items included gold jewelry and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century, it said in a statement. "This is a highly unusual incident," said Hartwig Fischer, director of the museum in central London, which is best known for housing collections including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles. "We take the safeguarding of all the items in our care extremely seriously," he said. "The museum apologizes for what has happened but we have now brought an end to this -- and we are determined to put things right." The museum said legal action would now be taken against the former employee, and an investigation was underway headed by the economic crime unit of London's Metropolitan Police. Most of the items affected were described by the museum as "small pieces kept in a storeroom belonging to one of the museum's collections". None had been on recent public display and they were kept mainly for academic and research purposes, it added, without elaborating. Fischer said security had been tightened and outside experts had been brought in to help compile a "definitive account" of what was missing, damaged or stolen. "This will allow us to throw our efforts into the recovery of objects," he said. The post British Museum sacks employee over ‘missing, stolen or damaged’ items appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise
A terrifying wildfire that left a historic Hawaiian town in charred ruins has killed at least 55 people, authorities said Thursday, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state's history. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii's Maui island -- fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane -- broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina. The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape. "It really looks like somebody came along and just bombed the whole town. It's completely devastated," said Canadian Brandon Wilson, who had traveled to Hawaii with his wife to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but was at the airport trying to get them a flight out. "It was really hard to see," he said, teary-eyed. "You feel so bad for people. They lost their homes, their lives, their livelihoods." The fires follow other extreme weather events in North America this summer, with record-breaking wildfires still burning across Canada and a major heat wave baking the US southwest. Europe and parts of Asia have also endured soaring temperatures, with major fires and floods wreaking havoc. "What we've seen today has been catastrophic... likely the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history," Governor Josh Green said. "In 1960 we had 61 fatalities when a large wave came through Big Island," he said earlier in the day, referring to a tragedy that struck a year after Hawaii became the 50th US state. "This time, it's very likely that our death totals will significantly exceed that." Maui County officials said just after 9:00 pm Thursday (0700 GMT Friday) that fatalities stood at 55, and firefighters were still battling the blaze in the town that served as the Hawaiian kingdom's capital in the early 19th century. Pictures taken by an AFP photographer who flew over Lahaina showed it had been reduced to blackened, smoking ruins. The burned skeletons of trees still stand, rising above the ashes of the buildings to which they once offered shelter. Green said 80 percent of the town was gone. "Buildings that we've all enjoyed and celebrated together for decades, for generations, are completely destroyed," he said. Thousands have been left homeless and Green said a massive operation was swinging into action to find accommodation. "We are going to need to house thousands of people," he told a press conference. "That will mean reaching out to all of our hotels and those in the community to ask people to rent extra rooms at their property." President Joe Biden on Thursday declared the fires a "major disaster" and unblocked federal aid for relief efforts, with rebuilding expected to take years. 'Bodies in the water' US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN around 100 people were believed to have jumped into the water in a desperate effort to flee the fast-moving flames as they tore through Lahaina. Kirksey said helicopter pilots struggled to see because of dense smoke, but that a Coast Guard vessel had been able to rescue more than 50 people from the water. "It was a really rapidly developing scene and pretty harrowing for the victims that had to jump into the water," she added. For resident Kekoa Lansford, the horror was far from over. "We still get dead bodies in the water floating and on the seawall," Lansford told CBS. "We have been pulling people out... We're trying to save people's lives, and I feel like we are not getting the help we need." Green said around 1,700 buildings were believed to have been affected by the blaze. "With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time," Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. "In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a... community," he added, "as we rebuild with resilience and aloha." Evacuations Thousands of people have already been evacuated from Maui, with 1,400 people waiting at the main airport in Kahului overnight, hoping to get out. Maui County has asked visitors to leave "as soon as possible," and organized buses to move evacuees from shelters to the airport. The island hosts around a third of all the visitors who holiday in the state, and their dollars are vital for the local economy. At the airport in Kahului, Lorraina Peterson said she had been stuck for days without food or power, and was now looking at a lengthy wait for a flight. "I don't know if we'll be able to get a hotel room, or we'll have to sleep here on the floor," she said. With a hurricane passing to the south of Hawaii, high winds fueled flames that consumed dry vegetation. Thomas Smith, a professor with the London School of Economics, said that while wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, the blazes this year "are burning a greater area than usual, and the fire behavior is extreme, with fast spread rates and large flames." As global temperatures rise over time, heat waves are projected to become more frequent, with increased dryness due to changing rainfall patterns creating ideal conditions for bush or forest fires. The post Hawaii fire death toll hits 55, expected to rise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hawaii fire death toll expected to rise ‘very significantly’: governor
The death toll from a terrifying wildfire that razed a historic Hawaiian town is expected to rise "very significantly", the state's governor said Thursday, with 36 people already known to have perished. Brushfires on the west coast of Hawaii's Maui island -- fueled by high winds from a nearby hurricane -- broke out Tuesday and rapidly engulfed the seaside town of Lahaina. The flames moved so quickly that many were caught off-guard, trapped in the streets or jumping into the ocean in a desperate bid to escape. Governor Josh Green said Thursday the latest confirmed death toll of 36 would dramatically increase. "That number is going to go up very significantly," Green told CNN. "In 1960 we had 61 fatalities when a large wave came through Big Island. This time, it's very likely that our death totals will significantly exceed that." An official update was expected later Thursday, but Green said the numbers would "go into the 40s today at the least." Lahaina on Thursday lay in charred, smoking ruins, with Green saying 80 percent of the town was gone. "There is no doubt everyone would describe this as though a bomb hit Lahaina," he said. "It looks like total devastation; buildings that we've all enjoyed and celebrated together for decades, for generations, are completely destroyed." President Joe Biden on Thursday declared the fires a "major disaster" and unblocked federal aid for relief efforts, as residents said they needed more help in a recovery that could take years. Bodies US Coast Guard commander Aja Kirksey told CNN around 100 people were believed to have jumped into the water in a desperate effort to flee the fast-moving flames as they tore through Lahaina. Kirksey said helicopter pilots struggled to see because of the dense smoke pouring from the huge fire, but that a Coast Guard vessel had been able to rescue more than 50 people from the water. "It was a really rapidly developing scene and pretty harrowing for the victims that had to jump into the water," she added. For resident Kekoa Lansford, the horror was far from over. "We still get dead bodies in the water floating and on the seawall," Lansford told CBS. "We have been pulling people out... We're trying to save people's lives, and I feel like we are not getting the help we need." Aerial photographs of Lahaina, which served as the Hawaiian kingdom's capital in the early 19th century, showed entire blocks reduced to cinders. Green said around 1,700 buildings were now believed to have been affected by the blaze. "With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other during this inconsolable time," Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. "In the days ahead, we will be stronger as a... community," he added, "as we rebuild with resilience and aloha." Evacuations Thousands of people have already been evacuated from Maui, with 1,400 people waiting at the main airport in Kahului overnight, hoping to get out. Maui county has asked visitors to leave "as soon as possible," and has organized buses to move evacuees from shelters to the airport. The island hosts around a third of all the visitors who holiday in the state, and their dollars are vital for the local economy. Fires have also broken out on Hawaii's Big Island, but officials said they were under control on Thursday. The state's tourism chief Jimmy Tokioka acknowledged the tragedy but reiterated that the "rest of Hawaii is open." With a hurricane passing to the south of Hawaii, high winds and dry vegetation fueled the flames. Thomas Smith, a professor with the London School of Economics, said that while wildfires are not uncommon in Hawaii, the blazes this year "are burning a greater area than usual, and the fire behavior is extreme, with fast spread rates and large flames." The Hawaii fires follow other extreme weather events this summer in North America, with record-breaking wildfires still burning across Canada and a major heat wave baking the US southwest. Europe and parts of Asia have also endured soaring temperatures, with major fires and floods wreaking havoc. As global temperatures rise over time, heat waves are projected to become more frequent, with increased dryness due to changing rainfall patterns creating ideal conditions for bush or forest fires. The post Hawaii fire death toll expected to rise ‘very significantly’: governor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ode to Vincent
The new Montblanc Masters of Art Collection honors the immortal contribution of great artists in their quest for perfection in art, a quest Montblanc both celebrates and participates in as a Maison rooted in culture, creativity, and self-expression. This collection comes as the successor of the Montblanc Patron of Art collection, concluding after 30 years as Montblanc moves the focus from the patrons of art to the masters themselves. Montblanc is dedicating this series of limited editions to a variety of visual artists, whose work encompasses a broad range of disciplines, from painting and sculpture to design and architecture, covering different epochs like the Renaissance, the Baroque era, or Impressionism period and beyond. The proportions of every writing instrument in the collection are inspired by the golden ratio, a timeless aesthetic principle connecting many of the world’s most admired artworks. This golden ratio, or 1.61 (Phi), also serves as special inspiration for the new Edition limited to 161 and will be featured in all upcoming Masters of Art collections. Each Limited Edition 161 will carry an embossed Phi symbol on its handcrafted, solid Au 750 gold nib. The Montblanc Masters of Art collection’s first edition pays tribute to Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, one of the most popular painters of the late 19th century with visionary ideas now seen as precursors to modernism. Van Gogh is introduced into the Masters of Art Collection through five limited-edition writing instruments that pay homage to the various personal and artistic periods in the painter’s life, taking design inspiration from some of his most well-known works and idiosyncratic art style. Montblanc is pleased to cooperate with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to ensure that the Masters of Art Homage to Vincent van Gogh Limited Editions align with the museum’s insight into his work and life. As the leading center of expertise on Vincent van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum acts as a guardian of Vincent van Gogh’s heritage. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s art with over 200 paintings, close to 500 drawings, and more than 700 letters. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Van Gogh Museum continues to inspire countless devotees with the life and work of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. This limited-edition writing instrument, coming in a fountain pen and a rollerball version, celebrates Vincent van Gogh’s time in Arles with design details evoking the Provençal wheatfields and one of his most famous paintings, Sunflowers. In 1888, Vincent van Gogh left Paris and found new inspiration, new light conditions, and tranquillity in Arles in southern France, where he fell in love with the sun-drenched landscapes and settled down to capture the sun-infused mood and the beautiful colors of nature. The post Ode to Vincent appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Study highlights limitations of BMI in predicting death
People classified as overweight though not obese are not at a higher risk of death, according to a new study Wednesday that underscores the clinical limitations of body mass index, long a standard medical metric. The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, come as populations in both rich and poor countries are becoming heavier. In the United States, more than 70 percent of adults are defined as either overweight or obese. BMI, which was first described by a Belgian mathematician in the 19th century, is calculated by dividing a person's weight by the square of their height. It is increasingly seen as a crude instrument for measuring individual health. Authors Aayush Visaria and Soko Setoguchi of Rutgers University argued their work showed measures of body composition and body fat distribution, such as waist circumference, are more informative from a health risk perspective. Older studies on the link between weight and death rates drew inconsistent and uncertain results and were mostly focused only on non-Hispanic white adults. In the new work, the researchers drew on data on more than 550,000 American adults from the 1999-2018 National Health Interview Survey and the 2019 US National Death Index. They calculated BMI based on the self-reported height and weight of the participants and gathered data on demographics, socio-behavioral factors such as smoking and physical activity, underlying health conditions, and access to healthcare. More than 75,000 people who were included in the study died during the period of research. After adjusting for other variables, the results showed that people with a BMI between 25 and 30, which is classified as overweight, did not have an increased risk of death compared to people whose BMI was between 22.5 and 24.9. However, the mortality risk rose markedly among people whose BMI was under 20, and those with BMI greater or equal to 30, defined as obese. Obesity carries higher death risk For example, a person with "third degree" obesity, defined as a BMI of 40 or above, but had never smoked and had no history of cardiovascular disease or non-skin cancer, was more than twice as likely to die as an equivalent counterpart with BMI defined as average. The average age of participants was 46. Half were female, and 69 percent were non-Hispanic white. Of those included, 35 percent had a BMI between 25 and 30, and 27.2 percent had a BMI above or equal to 30. "It's a large study with a representative sample which is good," George Savva, a biostatistician at the Quadram Institute in the United Kingdom, told AFP. "The authors have, as far as I can see, done a good job of analyzing the mortality link with baseline weight status." He added it might be the case that diseases linked with higher weight are managed better than they once were, for example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. "So you would expect the relationship between weight and death to change over time, which potentially is what this is showing," Savva said. The post Study highlights limitations of BMI in predicting death appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pimentel blasts ‘tampering’ of Maharlika bill
Minority senators Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros on Thursday criticized the alleged “tampering” of the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund bill and warned that it raises serious questions about the constitutionality of the bill. In a statement, Pimentel, a staunch critic of the measure, said the enrolled Maharlika bill has been “tampered” with without proper plenary authority. “The enrolled bill being sent to the President is not the version properly and formally approved by Congress. There was a provision that they fixed without plenary authority,” he said. “The revisions made were not just matter of style. It showed a flagrant violation of our rules and the Constitution,” he added. Hence, the integrity and constitutionality of the bill are now in question, according to Pimentel. He issued the statement after Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri signed the “corrected” version of the Maharlika bill in Washington, D.C., a crucial requirement before the Senate transmits it to Malacañang for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s approval. According to Pimentel, vetoing the Maharlika Investment Fund bill will prevent national embarrassment. “It is not timely as the world economy and geopolitical situations are bad. This kind of law needs more time to be discussed by the Filipino People themselves, in fairness to them,” he said. “Is this being done solely to appease one individual's desire, just so that person will have something to announce during the State of the Nation Address?” Pimentel asked. To recall, the Senate approved the Maharlika bill on its last session day before the sine die adjournment of Congress for the president’s SONA next month. Zubiri, who is currently in the United States for an official trip, refused to answer questions about how the chamber addressed the different terms and prescriptive periods found in Sections 50 and 51 of the MIF bill. He, however, noted that “the corrections were thoroughly discussed by the majority bloc in our Viber group, including the letter of correction sent by Senator Mark Villar.” In the approved version of the MIF bill, Section 50 prescribes 10 years for the prosecution of crimes and offenses, while Section 51 provides 20 years. ‘Sad day for Senate’ The Senate minority chief stressed that the developments on the measure “marks a sad day for the 108th Senate, which has stood strong for over a century as the guardian of our Constitution and the rule of law. “The Constitution, the cornerstone of our nation, is no longer being read and followed. Our rules have been rendered meaningless and worthless,” Pimentel said. “The tyranny of numbers does what it wants to do, railroading and bulldozing all legal concepts and regulations out of the way,” he added. He continued: “Warnings and arguments now amount to nothing. Nothing is sacred anymore.” Meanwhile, Hontiveros said she will leave it to the constitutional lawyers to determine whether there are constitutional issues in the Maharlika bill. “But honestly, above and beyond the specific technical issue, what this speaks volumes about is the inordinate rush to pass a bill just to acquiesce to the wishes of the Executive,” she said in a separate statement. “They rushed it that’s why it has many errors.” Hontiveros said the Senate majority had a chance to rectify the error immediately after the third reading vote, during the bicameral conference committee. “However, the Senate and House leadership did not do it, and if history will take the legislature of the 19th Congress to task for it, then so be it,” she said. The post Pimentel blasts ‘tampering’ of Maharlika bill appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Piolo to play a priest-serial killer in period horror flick
After successfully playing the iconic role of Crisostomo Ibarra in his first musical theater experience, Piolo Pascual returns to the silver screen with another larger-than-life character. The 46-year-old actor is set to play the mysterious Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, a revered Filipino Catholic priest in the 19th century who turned out to be behind the gruesome murders of his own parishioners totaling to 57. Mallari is the first documented serial killer in the Philippines. “This is an interesting story to tell,” Pascual said during the media launch of his new project titled "Mallari," with the movie’s director Derick Cabrido and executive producer John Bryan Diamante (representing Mentorque Productions). “I’m proud to say that we have something like this,” he added, mentioning the impressive production valued that the historical horror flick promises to deliver. “It’s a true story, though we’re fictionalizing it. Having that cinematic experience, hopefully we can bring it to a bigger audience abroad.” Pascual, who was born into a Catholic family, revealed that he had serious thoughts about entering the priesthood in his youth. Years later, he became a born again Christian, and he likewise seriously thought of becoming a pastor in his church. He made it clear that there’s no problem with him playing a murderous priest: “In terms of my religion, my beliefs, I believe that you can actually kind of compartmentalize that in such a sense that your personal views are different from your professional job. “So this is something professional. Even before when I became a Christian, I asked my pastor, in terms of compromises, in terms of limitations, he said, ‘A role is a role.’ You don’t necessarily believe in it, but that’s just the story, it’s just a character. “When I commit to something, when I do a character, I don’t think of my compromises. I don’t think of me as a person, but I think for the role. So, I leave the compromises at home and I just be the character when I’m on the set,” he said. Pascual also confessed to being a fan of horror movies, that’s why he’s thrilled to be finally starring in one. It’s all systems go for the "Mallari" team, according to director Cabrido and executive producer Diamante. They’ve also submitted the script for consideration in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, which traditional opens every year on Christmas Day. The post Piolo to play a priest-serial killer in period horror flick appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»