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Second largest diamond ever unearthed in Botswana

Venus L Peñaflor
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Second largest diamond ever unearthed in Botswana

LETLHAKANE, Botswana. A momentous discovery has been made in Botswana’s Karowe mine, where a colossal 2,492-carat diamond was recently unearthed. This extraordinary find, announced on Wednesday by Lucara Diamond, a Canadian mining company, marks the second-largest diamond ever discovered globally and the largest in Botswana’s history.

The diamond, hailed as “exceptional” and “high-quality” by Lucara, was uncovered using the company’s advanced Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology, a method that has been in use since 2017. William Lamb, President and CEO of Lucara Diamond, expressed the company’s elation over the discovery, describing the stone as “extraordinary” and a testament to the unparalleled wealth found in Botswana’s soil.

The Botswanan government, equally thrilled by the find, referred to the diamond as “precious.” President Mokgweetsi Masisi is set to preside over a special viewing ceremony for the gemstone, underscoring the national significance of this discovery.

This diamond now holds the title of the largest ever recovered in Botswana, surpassing previous records held by gems from the same mine. The Karowe mine has been the source of several of the world’s largest diamonds, including the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond, discovered in 2019, and the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, found in 2015.

The newly discovered diamond is second only to the legendary 3,106-carat Cullinan diamond, which was unearthed in South Africa in 1905. The Cullinan diamond was famously divided into several gems, some of which are part of the British Crown Jewels. The largest of these, Cullinan I, known as the “Great Star of Africa,” was mounted on the Sovereign’s Scepter with Cross and played a prominent role in the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.

The Cullinan diamonds, though cherished by the British monarchy, have been the subject of controversy, with calls from South Africa for their return, highlighting the complex history of these treasured stones.

Lucara Diamond’s recent find in Botswana further cements the country’s position as a global leader in diamond production. As William Lamb emphasized, this discovery symbolizes Botswana’s “continued ascent” in the diamond industry, showcasing the immense natural wealth of the region.

In recent developments, Botswana has proposed new legislation that would require mining companies to sell a 24% stake in mines to local investors, a move aimed at ensuring that the benefits of these resources are shared more broadly within the country.

This historic diamond, alongside others discovered at Karowe, stands as a testament to Southern Africa’s pivotal role in the global diamond industry, a legacy that continues to grow with each remarkable find.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch found dead after yacht sinks in Sicily storm, daughter still missing

EDGARDO HERNAL
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British tech tycoon Mike Lynch found dead after yacht sinks in Sicily storm, daughter still missing

Porticello, Italy. The body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch was recovered from the wreckage of his family’s superyacht, the Bayesian, on Thursday, following its tragic sinking off the coast of Sicily earlier this week. Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, remains missing, according to Italian authorities.

Massimo Mariani, an official from Italy’s interior ministry, confirmed that Lynch’s body was found and brought ashore in a blue body bag, later transported to a hospital morgue. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, Hannah Lynch is still unaccounted for. Mariani stated, “It is possible that Hannah Lynch’s body is not in the boat and may have been swept out to sea.”

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) superyacht flying the British flag, was anchored off the port of Porticello near Palermo when it was struck by a violent storm in the early hours of Monday. The yacht, carrying 22 passengers and crew members, disappeared beneath the waves within minutes.

Among the other victims were Judy and Jonathan Bloomer, a non-executive chair of Morgan Stanley International; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo; and the yacht’s chef, Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian-Antiguan national. Thomas’ body was found near the wreck on Monday.

Fifteen people, including Lynch’s wife, managed to survive the disaster. The families of the missing have yet to comment publicly on the tragedy.

Rescue teams, facing extreme challenges due to the depth and confined spaces of the submerged yacht, have been searching inside the hull for the past three days. The yacht rests on its side at a depth of 50 meters (165 feet), making the search particularly difficult. Luca Cari, a spokesman for the fire brigade, warned that it might take days before all the missing bodies are recovered.

The sinking of the Bayesian has perplexed naval experts. The yacht, built by the renowned Italian manufacturer Perini, was considered to be among the safest vessels of its kind. Giovanni Costantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which owns Perini, described the Bayesian as “one of the safest boats in the world” and suggested that the crew might have failed to follow proper safety protocols. He remarked to Corriere della Sera newspaper, “A Perini boat survived the Category 5 Katrina hurricane. Do you think one couldn’t survive a waterspout here?”

The captain of the yacht, James Cutfield, and his eight surviving crew members have not yet made any public statements regarding the incident. Under maritime law, the captain holds full responsibility for the safety of the ship and everyone on board.

A judicial investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the disaster. Experts will also decide whether, or how, to salvage the vessel once the final body is recovered. Costantino mentioned that the yacht’s automatic tracking system indicated that it took just 16 minutes from the onset of the storm to the sinking, suggesting that large amounts of water were taken in, possibly due to open doorways or hatches.

The Bayesian’s sinking has drawn comparisons to the Costa Concordia disaster in 2012, where a luxury cruise liner capsized off the Italian island of Giglio, resulting in the deaths of 32 people. The captain of the Costa Concordia is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence for his role in that catastrophe.

Kapatid ni Alice Guo at isa pang kasama, huli sa Indonesia at ibinalik sa Pilipinas

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Kapatid ni Alice Guo at isa pang kasama, huli sa Indonesia at ibinalik sa Pilipinas

MAYNILA. Naibalik na sa bansa ang kapatid ng nasibak na Bamban, Tarlac Mayor na si Alice Guo, na si Sheila Leal Guo, kasama ang kasamang si Cassandra Li Ong, matapos silang mahuli sa Indonesia. Ang dalawa ay dumating sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 bandang 5:00 ng hapon kahapon.

Ayon sa ulat, sina Guo at Ong, mga kinatawan ng Lucky South 99, isang POGO na sinalakay sa Porac, Pampanga, ay nagtangkang lumabas ng Indonesia ngunit naharang ng Indonesian authorities.

Si Sheila Leal Guo ay may warrant of arrest mula sa Senado matapos siyang ma-contempt dahil sa ilang beses na hindi pagdalo sa hearing ng komite ni Sen. Risa Hontiveros kaugnay sa mga isyu sa POGO. Si Ong naman ay pinaghahanap ng Kamara.

Sa isang post ni Sen. Raffy Tulfo sa Meta, kinumpirma niya na nahuli sina Guo at Ong sa Mega Mall Batam Centre, isang mall sa Riau, Indonesia noong Agosto 20. “Dahil sa intelligence data sharing, ang Philippine Bureau of Immigration ay sumulat sa Indonesian Immigration at nag-request na manmanan ang tatlo at kung mahuli ay agad na maimpormahan sila at i-turnover sa kanila,” ani Tulfo.

Hindi kasama si Alice Guo sa mga nahuli at pinaniniwalaang nakapuslit ito. Pumasok ng Jakarta sina Alice Leal Guo, Sheila Leal Guo, at Cassandra Li Ong mula Singapore sa pamamagitan ng isang cruise ship.

Noong Agosto 21, isang grupo mula sa Philippine Bureau of Immigration ang lumipad patungong Jakarta, Indonesia upang asikasuhin ang pag-turnover sa mga nahuli. Sa halip na idiretso sa Senado kung saan may warrant of arrest si Guo, idiniretso ito sa Bureau of Immigration.

Ayon kay PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, hindi mapipigilan ng lookout order ng Bureau of Immigration ang pag-alis ni Guo ng bansa dahil tanging ang hold departure order lamang ang maaaring humarang dito. “Ang immigration lookout bulletin [order] is just a lookout order na ini-issue, parang alert list lang ito na certain individual ay aalis ng bansa at aalamin kung ano ang purpose ng pag-travel niya, saan siya pupunta, gaano katagal at titingnan kung siya ba ay may intensyon na lumabas,” ani Fajardo.

Samantala, iginiit ni Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos na patuloy ang mga hakbang upang mahanap si Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, na pinaniniwalaang nasa Pilipinas pa, at tiyakin na hindi ito makakatakas ng bansa tulad ni dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. Tiniyak ni Abalos na seryoso ang mga kapulisan sa pagtugis sa mga may warrant of arrest, hindi lang kay Quiboloy at Guo, kundi sa lahat ng mga indibidwal na may kinakaharap na kaso.

Biden urges Netanyahu as the U.S. pushes Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement

Venus L Peñaflor
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Biden urges Netanyahu as the U.S. pushes Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire agreement

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, pushing for a “bridging proposal” that could pave the way for peace, in a critical effort to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning the presence of Israeli troops in key strategic areas within Gaza.

The White House issued a statement emphasizing Biden’s concern over the urgency of finalizing a ceasefire and a deal for hostage releases. The President and Vice President Kamala Harris, currently in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, joined the call to discuss these pressing issues. They highlighted the need for high-level negotiations in Cairo involving the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar to resolve the “remaining obstacles” to an agreement.

However, the prospects of an immediate deal seem bleak. Biden’s optimism, which he expressed on Friday after discussions with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, has waned. By Tuesday, Biden acknowledged that Hamas appeared to be retreating from negotiations but reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to pushing for a ceasefire. “We’re going to keep pushing,” he told reporters at the Democratic convention.

Biden’s call with Netanyahu took place while the President was vacationing with his family at the 8,000-acre estate of medical technology mogul and Democratic donor Joe Kiani in Santa Ynez, California. Their discussion also covered escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as with other militant groups supported by Tehran, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.

The conversation followed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meetings in Israel, Egypt, and Qatar earlier this week. Blinken underscored the critical nature of this moment, describing it as “probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire, and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security” during his meetings in Tel Aviv.

Despite these efforts, officials in Egypt expressed skepticism about Hamas agreeing to the bridging proposal. According to an anonymous Egyptian official familiar with the negotiations, the proposal’s first phase requires Hamas to release vulnerable civilian hostages taken during its October 7 attack on Israel, which triggered the war. The subsequent phases would be negotiated without any “guarantees” from Israel or mediators, raising concerns for Hamas.

A major sticking point in the negotiations is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from two strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt and the Netzarim Corridor that cuts across the territory. Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow 14.5-kilometer stretch on Gaza’s southern border. Netanyahu, however, has reportedly assured right-wing groups of families of fallen soldiers and hostages in Gaza that Israel will not relinquish control of these critical areas.

While Blinken has stated that the bridging proposal is “very clear on the schedule and the locations of [Israeli military] withdrawals from Gaza,” specific details have not yet been disclosed. The uncertainty continues to cast doubt on the immediate success of the negotiations as the U.S. persists in its diplomatic efforts to broker peace.

Movie Review: Style outshines logic in Zoë Kravitz’s visually stunning but puzzling ‘Blink Twice’

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: Style outshines logic in Zoë Kravitz’s visually stunning but puzzling ‘Blink Twice’

Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice is a visual feast that struggles to maintain its narrative logic. The film opens with Slater King, a tech mogul played by Channing Tatum, issuing a public apology on live television. “I’m sorry,” he says, for reasons left unexplained, echoing the familiar trope of a fallen public figure seeking redemption. This scene sets the tone for a film that explores themes of guilt, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked power.

Kravitz, who directs and co-writes this ambitious project, aims to deliver a gender-themed thriller with echoes of Get Out and Promising Young Woman. With Tatum’s smarmy charm as Slater, the film initially captivates, especially as it delves into the luxurious yet sinister world of Slater’s remote island retreat. Here, Frida, portrayed by Naomi Ackie, and her roommate Jess (Alia Shawkat) find themselves entangled in a high-stakes game of deception.

The film’s first half is a masterclass in building tension and atmosphere. Kravitz showcases her directorial prowess with stylish visuals, confident pacing, and a strong ensemble cast. Adria Arjona delivers a standout performance as Sarah, a sharp and calculating guest with her eyes on Slater. The supporting cast, including Simon Rex, Christian Slater, and Geena Davis, contribute to the film’s eerie and unpredictable tone.

However, as the plot progresses, the film’s logic begins to unravel. The story descends into a chaotic mix of horror and psychological thriller elements that while entertaining, lack coherence. The sudden shifts in tone and the introduction of graphic violence leave the audience questioning the narrative’s direction. Unlike Jordan Peele’s Get Out or Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman, Blink Twice struggles to tie its themes together into a cohesive whole.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, Blink Twice remains a captivating experience, largely due to Kravitz’s bold artistic vision and the film’s striking visuals. The resort setting, with its sparkling waters and chic white wardrobes, contrasts sharply with the underlying sense of dread that permeates the story. This tension between appearance and reality is central to the film’s commentary on societal expectations, particularly regarding women’s roles and the pressures they face to conform.

As Frida becomes increasingly disoriented by the island’s bizarre happenings—phones confiscated, dirt under her fingernails, and mysterious stains on her dress—the film intensifies its exploration of manipulation and control. Slater’s repeated question, “Are you having a good time?” becomes a haunting refrain that underscores the characters’ growing unease.

In the end, Blink Twice leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Kravitz’s commentary on the Instagram-era obsession with appearances and the pressure to “forget” unpleasant realities is thought-provoking, but the film’s conclusion feels rushed and unsatisfying. The potential for a powerful statement is there, but the execution falters, leaving audiences eager for Kravitz’s next project, hoping she will “stick the landing” next time.

Blink Twice, an Amazon/MGM release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use, and language throughout, with some sexual references. The film runs for 103 minutes and earns two and a half stars out of four.

World’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies at 117

EDGARDO HERNAL
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World’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, dies at 117

The world’s oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, has passed away at the age of 117, her family announced on social media. Born in the United States, Morera’s death was confirmed by Guinness World Records (GWR) as occurring at 117 years and 168 days old, making her the eighth-oldest person with a verifiable age in history.

“Maria passed away peacefully at the nursing home in Catalonia, Spain, where she had lived for the past two decades,” GWR stated, adding that she died on Monday.

In a tribute posted on her X account, Morera’s family shared that she had “gone the way she wanted: in her sleep, at peace, and without pain.” Just before her death, Morera reportedly said, “I don’t know when, but very soon this long journey will come to an end. Death will find me worn down from having lived so much, but I want it to find me smiling, free, and satisfied.”

Morera was named the world’s oldest living person by GWR in January 2023, following the death of French nun Sister André at 118. Reflecting on her longevity, she attributed her long life to “order, tranquility, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people.” She also noted that “longevity is also about being lucky. Luck and good genetics.”

Born on March 4, 1907, Morera’s life witnessed remarkable historical events, including the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight and the construction of the Titanic. Her early years were marked by her family’s emigration from Spain to the U.S. and back to Barcelona during World War I. Her life also spanned the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

In her later years, despite her advanced age, Morera stayed active on social media with the help of her daughter, communicating with thousands of followers. Her X bio read, “I am old, very old, but not an idiot.”

Morera was also among the oldest people known to have recovered from COVID-19, having tested positive in May 2020. According to the Gerontology Research Group, the title of the oldest living person now belongs to 116-year-old Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka. The record for the oldest person ever is held by Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to be 122 years and 164 days old.

Pangulong Marcos: May mga masisibak sa pagpapatakas kay Alice Guo!

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pangulong Marcos: May mga masisibak sa pagpapatakas kay Alice Guo!

MAYNILA. Mariing tiniyak ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. na masisibak sa puwesto ang lahat ng may kinalaman sa paglabas sa bansa ni Alice Guo, ang sinibak na mayor ng Bamban, Tarlac.

“The departure of Alice Guo has laid bare the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust. Let me be clear: Heads will roll,” pahayag ni Marcos, na nagsasabing walang tatakas sa responsibilidad.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ilalantad ang mga salarin na nagtaksil sa tiwala ng bayan at tumulong kay Guo sa kanyang pagtakas. Aniya, isang malawakang imbestigasyon ang kasalukuyang isinasagawa upang masigurong mananagot ang mga responsable sa ilalim ng batas.

“We will expose the culprits who have betrayed the people’s trust and aided in her flight. A full-scale investigation is already underway, and those responsible will be suspended and will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” dagdag pa ni Marcos, na binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan ng tiwala at integridad sa pamahalaan.

Idinagdag ng Pangulo na walang puwang sa gobyerno ang sinumang inuuna ang pansariling interes kaysa sa paglingkod ng may dangal, integridad, at katarungan para sa sambayanang Pilipino.

Nauna rito, iniutos ni Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ang kanselasyon ng Philippine passport ni Guo matapos isiwalat ni Sen. Risa Hontiveros na nakalabas na ng bansa si Guo noong Hulyo 18 patungong Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at ngayo’y nasa Indonesia na.

Two bodies recovered from Mike Lynch’s sunken yacht off Sicily

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Two bodies recovered from Mike Lynch’s sunken yacht off Sicily

PORTICELLO, Italy. Scuba divers have recovered the bodies of two individuals from the wreck of a luxury yacht owned by British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch. The vessel sank off the coast of Sicily two days ago during a severe pre-dawn storm.

The yacht, the 56-meter-long (184-ft) Bayesian, was anchored near the port of Porticello, close to Palermo, when it capsized early Monday morning. The yacht was carrying 22 people, including Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter, and Jonathan Bloomer, a non-executive chairman of Morgan Stanley International.

According to a source close to the rescue operation, the bodies recovered are among the six passengers who had been reported missing. The names and genders of the victims have not yet been released. One of the bodies was described as belonging to a “heavily built man.”

The yacht’s cook, Recaldo Thomas, was the first fatality confirmed, with his body found near the wreck hours after the incident.

The Italian fire department described the operation as “long and complex” due to the wreck’s position, lying sideways at a depth of approximately 50 meters. The inside spaces were obstructed by debris and furniture, limiting divers’ underwater time to just 8-10 minutes.

A remotely operated vehicle was deployed by the coast guard to scan the seabed and collect underwater footage that may aid in the ongoing investigation. Survivors, including the yacht’s captain and passengers from a nearby vessel who witnessed the incident, are being questioned. Currently, no one is under investigation, judicial sources confirmed.

Japanese airport shut down for hours after missing scissors incident

Venus L Peñaflor
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Japanese airport shut down for hours after missing scissors incident

HOKKAIDO, Japan. New Chitose Airport (CTS), one of Japan’s busiest hubs serving the Sapporo area on Hokkaido Island, experienced significant disruptions recently when a pair of scissors went missing, prompting a lengthy security search.

The scissors, which had been used in a store located in the departure waiting area for domestic flights, were discovered missing on August 17. Fears that the scissors could be used as a weapon led to an hours-long search, halting traffic at the airport. During the search, 36 flights were canceled and 201 others were delayed.

The airport authorities expressed their concerns about the missing item in a statement: “We are aware that the incident occurred due to the lack of proper usage, storage, and management systems by the store users. We will investigate this incident, determine its cause, and prevent its recurrence. We will also reaffirm that this incident could relate to hijacking and terrorist attack, and we will ensure that all airport personnel are fully aware of the importance of management.”

Flights resumed after the scissors were eventually located. The incident had broader impacts, including disrupting Japanese rock band 9mm Parabellum Bullet’s performance at the annual Rising Sun music festival in Hokkaido. The band, whose flight was canceled, expressed their frustration: “We will definitely get our revenge!!” The festival organizers announced that ticket refunds would not be issued.

Travelers took to social media to share their frustrations and sentiments. One passenger tweeted, “I feel like crying because my flight was canceled due to someone losing a pair of scissors.” Another lamented, “Because of this incident, the flight I was supposed to take was canceled, and now my reunion with my family I was looking forward to has been shortened. It’s a major disappointment.”

Despite the inconveniences, some travelers appreciated the thorough safety measures taken by the airport. One user remarked, “As a passenger, I’m grateful that they take such thorough measures to ensure safety.”

Tanker na may tripulanteng 23 Pinoy inatake sa Red Sea

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Tanker na may tripulanteng 23 Pinoy inatake sa Red Sea

MAYNILA. Na-stranded sa Red Sea ang isang oil tanker na may sakay na 23 Pilipino matapos atakihin nitong Miyerkules, Agosto 21, ayon sa ulat ng United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Ang barkong Sounion, na may bandila ng Greece, ay unang inatake ng dalawang maliliit na bangka na pinaniniwalaang Houthis sa layong 77 nautical miles mula sa kanluran ng port city ng Hodeidah sa Yemen. Ayon sa UKMTO at sa Greek shipping ministry, tinamaan ang tanker ng mga projectile mula sa mga bangka.

Nagkaroon din ng mabilis na palitan ng putok sa pagitan ng mga umatake at ng mga nasa barko. Kasunod nito, muling napaulat na inatake ang barko, na nagdulot ng sunog at pagkawala ng engine power nito, dahilan upang hindi na ito makagalaw at magmaniobra.

Sa kabila ng mga nangyari, ligtas ang lahat ng 25 crew members, na kinabibilangan ng 23 Pilipino at dalawang Russian.

Kinumpirma naman ng Delta Tankers, ang operator ng barko, na nakahimpil na ang Sounion at nagtamo lamang ito ng minor damage.

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