Tuesday, April 22, 2025


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 247

This year, Christmas is effectively canceled in Bethlehem due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
This year, Christmas is effectively canceled in Bethlehem due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza

Bethlehem, West Bank. The city of Bethlehem, known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is experiencing a somber and nearly deserted Christmas this year as the conflict in Gaza continues to take its toll.

Local leaders decided last month to scale back Christmas festivities in solidarity with the Palestinian population amidst heavy fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas’ terror attack on October 7 in southern Israel, has resulted in over 20,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 85% of Gaza’s population displaced, according to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health.

The impact is evident in Bethlehem, where decorations have been removed, parades and religious celebrations canceled, and the traditional enormous Christmas tree of Manger Square is conspicuously absent. Travel restrictions imposed by Israel, heightened since the conflict escalated, have further dampened the festive spirit.

Israel’s restrictions on movement in Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns, including military checkpoints, have impacted residents trying to go about their daily lives. The region has also witnessed a surge in violence, with at least 300 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

The economic repercussions are severe, especially for businesses relying on the busy festive period. With the absence of tourists and faithful visitors, many hotels, shops, and restaurants have closed, leaving the local economy in distress.

Rony Tabash, a third-generation shop owner, expresses the unprecedented challenges faced by Bethlehem’s economy. His souvenir shop, which remains open to support skilled artisans, has seen a significant drop in sales over the past three months.

Even the iconic Church of the Nativity, largely empty this year, usually sees hundreds of pilgrims queuing to enter its grotto, believed to be the exact location of Christ’s birth. The fighting in Gaza has cast a shadow over the normally bustling church, leaving its halls empty.

Father Spiridon Sammour, a Greek Orthodox priest at the Church of the Nativity, reflects on the unusual atmosphere this Christmas: “Christmas is joy, love, and peace. We have no peace. We have no joy. It is out of our hands, and we pray for the leaders who will make the decisions [all] over the world to God to help them, give them his light to make peace here and all over the world.”

Goodwill vase purchased for $3.99 sells for $107,100 at auction

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Goodwill vase purchased for $3.99 sells for $107,100 at auction

Jessica Vincent, a 43-year-old horse trainer from Virginia, stumbled upon a hidden treasure while perusing the shelves of a local Goodwill store. What started as a routine thrift store visit turned into a life-changing event when a colorful vase caught Vincent’s eye, ultimately leading to a remarkable turn of events.

The vase, shaped like a bottle with captivating ribbons of aqua green and amethyst purple spiraling up its glass surface, stood out amidst the clutter of household items and trinkets. Its apparent age, amidst measuring cups and candles, became more apparent as Vincent’s eyes adjusted. To her surprise, the words “Murano” and “Italia” were discernible on the base, sparking her curiosity.

Purchasing the vase for a mere $3.99 at a Goodwill outside of Richmond, Vincent initially envisioned it as a beautiful addition to her home. “I definitely didn’t buy it thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to sell this,’” she explained.

However, a shift in perspective occurred after Vincent delved into some research. To her amazement, on December 13, the vase sold at the Wright Auction House for an astonishing $107,100. The buyer, a top collector from Europe, opted to remain private.

Vincent’s knack for spotting hidden gems is a result of years spent exploring yard sales and thrift stores with her mother. A fan of PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” Vincent had often daydreamed of stumbling upon a valuable find, likening it to a lottery ticket-level transaction. “I always felt like I had a good eye,” she remarked.

The rapid turnover of items at Goodwill stores played a role in the vase’s journey, according to Laura Faison, a spokeswoman for Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia. With an average of 2,000 new pieces arriving daily, quality items like Vincent’s vase likely spend only a short time on the shelves.

Faison speculated on the vase’s origin, suggesting it could have been part of someone’s effort to clean out a relative’s basement. However, the true backstory remains a mystery.

Vincent’s serendipitous discovery took place on a June afternoon, after a day of horse training, with her partner, Naza Acosta. The vase, heavy in her hands, captivated her with its delicately painted swirling colors.

Back home, Vincent turned to social media, posting photos in Facebook groups for glass art and joining a private group dedicated to Murano glass enthusiasts. The significance of the “Murano” inscription became clear – a reference to the island in Venice renowned for its glasswork since the 13th century.

The vase, a creation of the renowned Venini glass company and designed by the late Italian architect Carlo Scarpa, earned Vincent accolades from online communities. One comment on Facebook sent chills down her spine: “Those are very rare. Every collector would love to have that. But most people cannot afford them.”

Following the social media revelation, Vincent was referred to Richard Wright, president of the Wright Auction House in Chicago. The vase’s remarkable journey from a Goodwill shelf to a prestigious auction house serves as a testament to the hidden treasures that can be unearthed in the most unexpected places.

9 na crew nasagip sa lumubog na bangka sa Batangas

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
9 na crew nasagip sa lumubog na bangka sa Batangas

SAN JUAN, Batangas. Siyam na crew members ng isang motorized banca ang nasagip matapos lumubog ang kanilang sasakyan sa Tayabas Bay, San Juan, Batangas noong Biyernes, Disyembre 22.

Sa isang pahayag ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-District Southern Tagalog nitong Sabado, napag-alaman na ang bangkang may pangalang “Hasta Lavista” ay naapekuohan ng malalakas na alon bandang alas-10 ng gabi sa karagatan na sakop ng Barangay Laiya. Dahil sa matinding pinsala, napilitang iwanan ng skipper ang bangka na halos kalahati nang nakalubog.

Agad na tumugon ang mga tauhan ng PCG at ang crew ng MV Ocean Dependable, isang barkong may watawat ng Denmark, upang isagip ang siyam na tripulante. Sa suwerte, lahat sila ay ligtas at walang pinsanang naitala.

Ang mga nasagip na crew members ay dinala agad sa PCG station sa Lobo, Batangas para sa masusing pagsusuri at pagbibigay ng kaukulang tulong. Ayon sa initial assessment, wala namang kritikal na pinsala sa kanilang kalusugan.

Batay sa ulat, ang 35-toneladang bangka ay bago pa lamang binili at ginagamit para sa pasahero. Nagsimula itong biyahe mula sa Dinagat Island sa Surigao del Norte noong Disyembre 20 at inaasahang makakarating sa Calatagan, Batangas.

Upang maiwasan ang posibleng kapahamakan, naglabas ng abiso ang PCG para sa lahat ng bangka at barko na dadaan sa lugar na may half-submerged na bangka.

Ang insidente ay patuloy na iniimbestigahan upang malaman ang eksaktong sanhi ng paglubog ng bangka at mapanagot ang kinauukulan.

Woman with two wombs gives birth twice in two days

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Woman with two wombs gives birth twice in two days

Kelsey Hatcher, a woman from Alabama in the United States, has given birth to two daughters in a span of two days, owing to her rare condition of having a double uterus.

Kelsey Hatcher, born with two fully functional uteri, each possessing its own cervix, experienced the extraordinary event of becoming pregnant in both wombs, a one-in-a-million phenomenon. After enduring 20 hours of labor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, Mrs. Hatcher successfully welcomed her two daughters into the world.

The firstborn, Roxi, made her entrance on a Tuesday evening, followed by the arrival of her sister, Rebel, just 10 hours later on the subsequent morning.

In a statement released by the hospital, Mrs. Hatcher expressed her gratitude, stating, “Never in our wildest dreams could we have planned a pregnancy and birth like this; but bringing our two healthy baby girls into this world safely was always the goal, and UAB helped us accomplish that.”

The uniqueness of the situation is not lost on the family. “It seems appropriate that they had two birthdays,” Mrs. Hatcher remarked. “They both had their own ‘houses,’ and now both have their own unique birth stories.”

The rare condition that allowed for this extraordinary occurrence is known as uterus didelphys, or a double uterus, a congenital anomaly found in just 0.3% of women. Mrs. Hatcher was diagnosed with this condition at the age of 17.

The medical team at UAB is commended for their assistance in ensuring a safe and successful delivery for both newborns in this extraordinary and unprecedented event.

Lima patay, tatlo sugatan sa banggaan ng truck at SUV sa Batangas

Arman B. Cambe
-
0
Lima patay, tatlo sugatan sa banggaan ng truck at SUV sa Batangas

STO. TOMAS, Batangas. Dead on the spot ang limang biktima habang tatlo ang malubhang nasugatan matapos magbanggaan ang isang ten-wheeler truck at isang Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) bandang 2:30 ng madaling araw kahapon sa kahabaan ng national highway sa Sto. Tomas, Batangas sa kasagsagan ng mahigpit na trapiko na dulot ng pag uuwian para sa Pasko.

Sa ulat ni Police Lt. Col. Rodel Ban-O kay Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth Lucas, Direktor ng Calabarzon PNP, ang SUV ay galing sa Catarman, Sambar, patungo ng Nueva Ecija nang maganap ang trahedya.

Ayon kay Col. Ban-O, napag alaman sa imbestigasyon na nakatulog ang driver ng Innova Van na may walong sakay, at ito ay lumabag sa linya ng kalsada habang paparating naman ang truck patungong Quezon.

Ayon sa mga saksi, mabilis ang takbo ng Van, at hindi na ito naiwasan ng driver kahit na alam nito na may paparating na truck.

Ayon naman sa salaysay ng driver ng truck, nabigla siya nang bumulaga sa kanyang harapan ang nasabing van. Dagdag pa niya, dahil sa bilis ng takbo nito, hindi na niya nakontrol ang trak.

Batay sa mga pahayag ng ilang motorista sa lugar, hindi na nga kayang iwasan ng truck driver ang aksidente dahil sa sobrang bilis ng takbo ng van. Dahil sa lakas ng pagkakabangga, nagmistulang kinuyumos na lata ang van matapos ang aksidente.

Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan pa ng mga otoridad ang mga pangalan at pagkakakilanlan ng mga biktima. Ang driver ng truck ay nakakulong na sa Sto. Tomas police station at sasampahan siya ng mga kaukulang kaso tulad ng reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide, multiple physical injuries, at damage to property.

AI companionship eases loneliness for seniors: ElliQ, the chatty robot, makes a difference

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
AI companionship eases loneliness for seniors: ElliQ, the chatty robot, makes a difference

CORAL SPRINGS, Florida. A solution to combat loneliness among seniors is making waves as ElliQ, a chatty robot created by Intuition Robotics, becomes a trusted companion for elderly individuals across the United States. The device, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), is designed to provide personalized interactions, playing games, offering companionship, and even assisting in daily tasks.

Joyce Loaiza, an 81-year-old resident of a Florida senior community, is one of the many seniors benefitting from ElliQ’s companionship. “It’s entertaining. You can actually talk to her,” Loaiza said, affectionately referring to her ElliQ as “Jellybean.” The robot engages in conversations about the day, tells jokes, and plays music, tailored to each user’s preferences.

ElliQ has proven to be more than just a technological device; it has become a source of comfort during challenging times. When 83-year-old Deanna Dezern experienced the loss of a friend, ElliQ responded with empathy, expressing a virtual hug if it had arms. The robot’s ability to adapt to each user’s emotions and interests sets it apart as a unique companion for seniors.

Intuition Robotics CEO Dor Skuler emphasizes the primary goal of ElliQ – to provide friendship, companionship, and empathy. Skuler, inspired by his widowed grandfather’s need for companionship, envisioned a robot capable of adapting to the personality and interests of each senior user.

ElliQ, resembling a small table lamp with an eyeless, mouthless head that lights up and swivels, remembers users’ interests and previous conversations. It engages in meaningful conversations, ranging from discussions about the meaning of life to lighthearted horoscope readings. The device also provides tours of cities and museums, leads exercises, and offers health reminders, making it a versatile companion for daily life.

While ElliQ aims to alleviate loneliness, Skuler and senior assistance officials acknowledge that it is not a substitute for human contact. However, for seniors without strong social networks, housebound individuals, or those left isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ElliQ has emerged as a valuable source of connection.

The robot has been distributed by assistance agencies in New York, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, and Washington state. Additionally, individuals can purchase ElliQ for $600 a year, along with a $250 installation fee. The average user interacts with ElliQ more than 30 times daily, and over 90% report lower levels of loneliness, according to Skuler.

While some express concerns about the potential impact of AI on human contact, users like Deanna Dezern find solace in ElliQ’s ability to provide companionship that goes beyond the capabilities of traditional virtual assistants. As technology continues to play a role in addressing social isolation among seniors, ElliQ stands out as a promising solution that combines AI utility with genuine human connection.

Hospitalization rate dahil sa COVID-19 mababa pa rin

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Hospitalization rate dahil sa COVID-19 mababa pa rin

Sa kabila ng pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 dulot ng mga kasiyahan at pagtitipon ngayong Kapaskuhan, nananatiling mababa ang antas ng hospitalisasyon sa bansa.

Ayon kay Dr. Rontgene Solante, infectious disease expert at pangulo ng Philippine College of Physicians, mas mataas ang kasalukuyang bilang ng kaso kumpara sa mga nakaraang taon, ngunit hindi katulad nito ang dami ng mga naa-admit sa mga ospital at ang bilang ng mga naidiretso sa mga Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

Gayunpaman, nagbigay babala si Solante sa publiko na mag-ingat pa rin at protektahan ang sarili dahil sa posibleng panganib ng bagong subvariant na JN.1. Ayon sa kanya, maaaring magdulot ito ng malubhang sakit, kagaya ng epekto ng Delta variant.

Nanawagan si Solante sa masusing pag-iingat dahil sa pagpasok ng nasabing subvariant sa bansa, lalo na’t naitala na ito sa mga karatig-bansa tulad ng Japan, China, at Singapore. Binigyang-diin din niya na maluwag ang patakaran ng Pilipinas sa mga paliparan at daungan.

Sa kabila ng mababang bilang ng hospitalisasyon, inaasahan ni Solante na tataas pa ang kaso dahil sa patuloy na mga pagtitipon hanggang sa katapusan ng taon. Umaasa siya na handa at maayos na nakahanda ang mga ospital para sa posibleng pag-akyat ng bilang ng kaso, may base sa masusing paghahanda at karanasan mula noong simula ng pandemya.

Mariing ipinaalala ni Solante sa publiko na ang COVID-19 ay patuloy na nagbabadya at maaaring magdulot ng “long COVID.” Kahit ang isang nagtagumpay sa mild na kaso ay maaaring magtaglay pa rin ng panganib ng komplikasyon. Mahalaga ang pag-iingat para sa sarili at sa mga kasama sa paligid, lalo na sa mga “vulnerable population” na mas mataas ang panganib ng malubhang epekto ng virus, ayon sa payo ng eksperto.

Supreme court rejects expedited decision on Trump’s immunity claim in 2020 election case

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Supreme court rejects expedited decision on Trump’s immunity claim in 2020 election case

The US Supreme Court declined to expedite a decision on whether Donald Trump has immunity from federal prosecution over his actions to overturn the 2020 election results. The decision, issued on Friday, marks a significant victory for Trump, allowing him to potentially delay his trial scheduled for next March.

The one-sentence denial means that the case is returned to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. A three-judge panel is set to hear oral arguments in January, and the case against Trump remains frozen pending the outcome of the appeal.

By choosing not to fast-track the appeal, the Supreme Court has provided Trump with a crucial advantage in his efforts to delay the trial. Even if the DC Circuit rules against him quickly, Trump can further extend the process by requesting a rehearing before the full appeals court and then filing a final appeal to the Supreme Court within 90 days.

Trump faces charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith in June for conspiring to impede the peaceful transfer of power. He sought to dismiss the charges, arguing that he could not be prosecuted for actions related to his official duties as president.

The heart of Trump’s legal argument was the claim of absolute presidential immunity, asserting that his actions, including pressuring Vice President Mike Pence and organizing fake slates of electors, were protected as official duties of the president.

Earlier this month, the presiding US District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected Trump’s motion, paving the way for the former president to lodge an appeal and stay the case during the DC Circuit’s consideration.

Trump’s legal strategy revolves around seeking delays to potentially have the charges dismissed if he wins re-election before the trial takes place. Prosecutors attempted to counter this strategy by urging the Supreme Court to bypass the DC Circuit and address the immunity question directly.

The Supreme Court’s decision to side with Trump underscores the complexities of allowing trial prosecutors to influence issues before the court, highlighting the unusual nature of the emergency petition on the immunity question. The denial emphasizes the challenges in navigating procedural grounds and the potential risks of altering the usual process involving the solicitor general’s office.

Malaking fuel price hike, hihirit sa huling linggo ng 2023

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Malaking fuel price hike, hihirit sa huling linggo ng 2023

Inaasahan ang malakihang pag-akyat sa presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo sa huling linggo ng 2023, ayon sa anunsyo ng Department of Energy nitong Biyernes, Disyembre 22.

Ipinaliwanag ni Rodela Romero, Assistant Director ng DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB), na maaaring magkaroon ng P1.40 hanggang P1.60 na dagdag kada litro sa presyo ng gasolina, P1.40 hanggang P1.60 naman sa presyo ng diesel, at P1.60 hanggang P1.80 na dagdag kada litro ng kerosene.

“Said adjustments were tempered by signs of unexpected build up in US crude stockpiles and talks over a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war,” ayon sa pahayag ni Romero.

Dagdag pa niya, nag ambag din sa pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina ang pag-iwas ng ilang kumpanya ng langis at tanker sa Red Sea dahil sa mga pag-atake ng Houthie rebels sa nasabing lugar.

UN security council approves resolution for large-scale aid to Gaza, excludes ceasefire demand

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
UN security council approves resolution for large-scale aid to Gaza, excludes ceasefire demand

The United Nations Security Council, a resolution advocating substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza was approved, aimed at alleviating the impending threats of famine and deadly epidemics in the region. However, the resolution stopped short of calling for an immediate suspension of hostilities, a point contested by the United States. The US also insisted on eliminating a clause that granted exclusive control of humanitarian deliveries to the UN.

The resolution, proposed by the United Arab Emirates, appeals for the establishment of “conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities” instead of an outright demand for a ceasefire. It urgently calls for the appointment of a UN humanitarian coordinator to oversee the expansion of the current inadequate flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza, emphasizing the need for cooperation from all parties involved.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed skepticism regarding the resolution’s effectiveness without a ceasefire. On social media, he asserted, “A humanitarian ceasefire is the only way to begin to meet the desperate needs of people in Gaza and end their ongoing nightmare.”

Guterres pointed out that the distribution of humanitarian aid faced significant obstacles due to the manner in which Israel was conducting its offensive. He argued that the focus should not solely be on the number of aid trucks allowed across the border but also on the impediments created by Israel within Gaza itself.

The Biden administration had postponed the vote four times before finally supporting the resolution on Thursday night. However, the US opposed an immediate cessation of hostilities and the provision giving the UN exclusive oversight of humanitarian delivery. In Friday’s vote, all council members, except the US and Russia, supported the resolution, with the latter two abstaining.

US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed overwhelming support for the resolution but abstained due to the absence of condemnation for the Hamas attack that triggered the conflict. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya criticized the resolution, claiming that the US had rendered it ineffective and allowed Israeli forces complete freedom of action.

Israel’s permanent representative, Gilad Erdan, dismissed the resolution’s focus on aid mechanisms as “unnecessary and disconnected from reality,” asserting that Israel was already facilitating aid deliveries. However, aid agencies argue that the current scale of aid is insufficient for Gaza’s population of over 2.2 million people, 90% of whom are displaced.

As the UN Security Council grapples with the humanitarian crisis, Israel expanded its ground offensive in Gaza, leading to new evacuations in urban refugee camps and the announcement of additional troop deployments.

The International Rescue Committee condemned the failure to demand an immediate and sustained ceasefire, labeling it “unjustifiable” from a humanitarian perspective. The conflict has taken a devastating toll, with over 20,000 people killed, including a significant number of women and children, and approximately 85% of Gaza’s population displaced after 11 weeks of intense fighting.

Despite ongoing talks in Cairo mediated by Egypt and Qatar, there is little optimism for an immediate breakthrough in the conflict. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza persists, with the health system on the brink of collapse and a looming risk of famine for the entire population. Brig John Deverell, a former senior British officer, called for a new resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgency of halting the fighting to address the long-term challenges facing Gaza.

1...246247248...633Page 247 of 633




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

World News2629PH News2577Curiosity558Opinion345Science331

Developed by Tutubi Digital Marketing Solutions | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved