Новости за 17.12.2015

The famous department stores and shopping streets are beautifully lit and decorated, but Christmas isn't exactly in the air in Britain, where unexpectedly mild temperatures are causing some daffodils to bloom and some ice rinks to suspend operations.

The world's largest social networking service is offering a feature call "Photo Magic" that will automatically address a message so it can be sent quickly to Facebook friends identified in a picture. The option relies on the same image-recognition technology that attaches people's names to Facebook posts.

The global rollout of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is already breaking records abroad and in pre-sales ahead of its Thursday evening debut in the United States.

The United States and Cuba have struck a deal to allow 30 regular airline flights a day, allowing a surge of American travel to Cuba that could eventually flood the country with hundreds of thousands more U.S. visitors a year, officials said on the anniversary of detente between the Cold War foes.

Maybe he was mixing his "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" references, but when President Barack Obama spoke of getting congressional leaders into a "Jedi mind meld" back in 2013, eight years after the last "Star Wars" movie had come out, he was displaying in one small way just how firmly the franchise had rooted itself in our popular culture.

The U.S. appears poised to lift at least some sanctions against Iran, possibly as early as January.

Russian President Vladimir Putin fired off an angry tirade against Turkey on Thursday, December 17, ruling out any reconciliation with its leaders and accusing Ankara of shooting down a Russian warplane to impress the United States.

Pope Francis entered his 79th year on Thursday, December 17, amid hopes among his critics that it will be his last, at least as pope.

By Ellalyn B. De Vera, Sheen Crisologo, and Edd K. Usman Officials yesterday warned of widespread flooding in Central Luzon as floodwater starts to flow downstream to low-lying areas in Bulacan and Pampanga following the onslaught of typhoon “Nona.” And the decision to release excess water from four major dams in Luzon may even worsen the situation. While low-lying areas in Bulacan and Pampanga are expected to be submerged in floodwaters in the next few days, key cities and municipalities of Nueva... Читать дальше...

It was early November when Cebuanos got the shock of their lives. Right there in the middle of Ayala Center Cebu’s outdoor area called The Terraces, it seemed as if a giant red hanger had crashed down from fashion heaven. It hit its exact target as you could even see how the cement had cracked where the hanger landed. And hanging from its metal hook was a hangtag that read, “Ayala Center Cebu, see you! Nov. 27, 11am. H&M.” That’s all it took for the entire Cebu to get into a frenzy over the opening... Читать дальше...

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. yesterday said the global and local markets could now step away from the “lift-off uncertainty” following the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rates’ hike after a six-year wait. “We may see the US yield curve flatten which would be positive for EMEs (emerging market economies) that have exposures in the long end of the curve or are planning to tap this sector for funding,” Tetangco commented after the US Fed increased its overnight rates... Читать дальше...

Singapore – Oil prices extended losses in Asia Thursday after rising US stockpiles reinforced fears of a prolonged global glut, while the dollar strengthened after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates. The commodity suffered fresh selling pressure on Wednesday after a report from the US Department of Energy showed that crude supplies rose 4.8 million barrels in the week ending December 11. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for January delivery fell to $35.52 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange... Читать дальше...

A lightning-quick red vehicle has recently arrived in town, and it’s not Santa’s sleigh. The Ferrari 488 GTB officially made its Philippine debut last Dec. 10 at the Autostrada Motore showroom in BGC. GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history. The new vehicle nods back to iconic Ferrari’s of the past, like the 308 GTS, by positioning its engine in the mid-rear configuration. It also bears the scalloped side scoops, popularized by the model closely associated with American TV show... Читать дальше...

The anticipated correction in rental rates due to the increased supply of office spaces in the country will be felt by property developers starting the second half of next year, which will eventually result to a slowdown in the launches of new office buildings. Dom Frederick Andaya, a client services manager at Collier International Philippines, said there will still be an aggressive take up in office spaces in the near term, a development that will pull down the rental rates in the country. The... Читать дальше...

In this time of great need, aid has started pouring in for typhoon victims. The Catholic Church through its social action arm, NASSA/Caritas Philippines, has responded with its own emergency assistance to the people left grieving and homeless by typhoon “Nona.” Raring to get some help and much of the burden from the typhoon’s impact, Nona victims found comfort from the disaster relief efforts of NASSA/Caritas Philippines, which has started utilizing its local emergency funds called “Alay Kapwa.”... Читать дальше...

By PNA and Aaron B. Recuenco Cebu City — Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma on Wednesday urged the faithful to use the power of the ballot to choose the best person to lead the country in 2016. “We must use the power of the ballot to elect the best leader for our country,” he said. Palma said it is for the people to know the qualities and qualifications of the candidates for president and to pick the one who is best qualified to lead the country. Palma said he was saddened by the word war between presidential... Читать дальше...

Sre Pinoy motorists ready for hybrid systems? With the entry of hybrid cars, Filipino car nuts are now fast becoming interested in the motor-electric combo engines that are slowly, but surely penetrating the local market. From big SUVs to luxury sedans, the hybrid system has now gained momentum. And it’s now in sports cars, too. A hybrid system is the answer to calls for alternative fuel and lower emission. Take the case of the Honda CR-Z. It might have not stirred the sports car segment when it... Читать дальше...

Zamboanga City – A world renowned urban developer and architect yesterday stated that this city, with its natural resources, location, topography and other key factors, has great potential to be like Dubai, the bustling commercial, industrial and tourism hub of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Felino Palafox Jr., who was among those involved in the urban development planning of Dubai in 1977, was in the city, Wednesday and presented to the local government officials his proposed development plan for Zamboanga. Читать дальше...

The Internet-breaking love tandem AlDub is the most entered topic on Google’s search bar for 2015 in the Philippines, Google revealed the other day. AlDub is composed of Eat Bulaga’s Kalyeserye protagonists Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza and Alden Richards – both landing a spot on the said list at third and sixth, respectively. “Dubsmash,” a mobile application widely used by Filipinos, including Mendoza, was also part of the most searched trend at fifth place. Following the phenomenal love team at No.... Читать дальше...

By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos It will be a homeless Christmas for some 100 families whose houses were razed by a fire early yesterday morning in a residential area in Tondo. The fire started at 4:36 a.m. at the corner of Capulong corner Imelda Streets, Tondo, Manila. It quickly spread due to strong winds brought by the rainy weather of Typhoon “Nona” and the light materials of the structures. HOMELESS FOR CHRISTMAS — Residents scour through the charred remains of their houses in Capulong Street, Tondo... Читать дальше...

The death toll for Typhoon "Nona" has now reached eight, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday.

The destruction of typhoon "Nona" (international name "Melor") to the country's agriculture sector has reached P732.59 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.

Around eight domestic flights were cancelled this afternoon, December 17, 2015, due to bad weather brought by the low pressure area (former typhoon "Nona"), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said.

Around eight domestic flights were cancelled on Thursday afternoon due to bad weather brought by typhoon "Nona", the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in an advisory.

Three of the dams managed by National Power Corporation (Napocor) discharged water to prevent damages caused by uncontrolled water spilling, December 17, 2015.