Expert

McDonald’s opens in Holy See despite protests

Lifestyle

  The ubiquitous fast-food chain McDonald’s currently has almost 40,000 locations worldwide. Recently, their newest restaurant opened at the most unthinkable location: within the jurisdiction of the Holy See, near St. Peter’s Square. The announcement of plans to open the restaurant last October was opposed by cardinals. It was said that tenants in the Vatican-owned building would cover the cost to accommodate McDonald’s which was later disclaimed by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APAS). Cardinal Elio Sgreccia reported to La Repubblica that the establishment of McDonald’s was inconsiderate with tradition and industry. Cardinal Domenix Calcagana, the head of APAS, approved the occupancy of McDonald’s saying that…
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Amsterdam to unleash self-driving boats

World News - Expert

  In 2017, the product of a $27 million partnership between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) will head for the waterways in Amsterdam — self-driving boats called “Roboats.” This leading edge will be a solution to public transport through water , and if it induces a favorable outcome, it will soon be launched not only in the Dutch capital, but also around the world. Dr. Stephan van Djk, the research program manager at AMS, says that they will try to shift the transport of goods and people to the waterways to ‘get people out of their cars and reduce traffic…
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Nokia releases a revamped version of 3310

technology

Nokia launches a revamped version of 3310. It will be available in four different colors – red and yellow glossy finish, andblue and gray matte finish. It has text messaging, internet browsing, MP3 player, camera, and 2 sim slots, which are main features of a daily phone. It also has the new version of the classic Snake game. The phone will be sold at a bargain price of €49.99. The release of Nokia 3310 aims to encourage people to try out other Nokia devices. It may fall short on some exciting applications, but it exceeds when it comes to battery life. It has 25.3 days standby time and 22.1 hours…
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Sunflowers light up Pangasinan in Philippines

Lifestyle

  In 1996, Filipino seed organization Allied Botanical Corporation chose to assemble their primary research station in Tayug with a dream to make a “pinakbet line of tropical oriental vegetable assortments,” from bitter gourd to squash, onions, chili, and some more. As they infiltrated the nearby cultivating industry, ABC and Tayug agriculturists experienced a progression of preparing projects and trade of innovation. In the long run, the agriculturists figured out how to grasp new products and methods for developing them. From simply rice and corn, they figured out how to plant watermelons, tomatoes, and even fancy plants. Tayug ranchers in association with ABC, the local government, and the Department of…
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Dirty environments cost young children’s lives

Health - Intermediate

  World Health Organization recently releases reports about the yearly mortality rate of estimated 1.7 million children across the world due to environmental pollutants. The causes of these early deaths are unsafe drinking water, secondhand smoke, and poor hygiene and sanitation practices. One child’s developing body cannot contain the harmful effects of these pollutants, making him prone to have chronic diseases as he ages. WHO also highlights the dangerous effects of climate change in the health of young children. Pollution is not the sole problem, though. The report suggests way for the risk factors and the death rates to cut down. Most of the causes – like diarrhea and malaria…
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Italy’s rarest pasta revealed

Lifestyle

Paola Abraini is one of only three women left in the world who can make su filindeu. For hundreds of years, the technique required to make su filindeu has been handed down from one generation to the next. And now, Paola Abraini, her niece and sister-in-law are the only ones left to preserve and pass the knowledge to the next generation. For Paola Abraini, passing this culinary tradition to the next generation is no mean feat. Of her two daughters, only one knows the basics to making su filindeu and has neither the patience nor passion for it. Abraini’s daughters don’t have daughters of their own. The other two women…
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Vegemite brand back in Australian ownership

Business - E

The iconic yeasty spread that once became an American brand is finally back in Australian. Bega Cheese, a Melbourne-based dairy company, snapped up Vegemite and other range of food brands from the US giant, Mondelez International as a part of A$460 million deal. This deal will also grant the Australian company the right to Kraft brands and products like nut spreads and mayonnaise under license. Mondelez will now concentrate on their core products in Australia and New Zealand, such as Cadbury and Oreo. This beloved spread enjoyed by Aussies is a dark, bitter spread that is made from brewer’s yeast, and is rich with vitamin B. For years, Australians moaned…
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Cancer drugs may threaten the heart

Health - Intermediate

A set of drugs that fight off cancer is linked to heart complications, a study warns. These medicines called checkpoint inhibitors, caused a few of their takers to develop heart trouble by triggering the body’s immune system to attack the heart. The drugs are a form of immunotherapy that trains the body to counter malignant cells and they have been proven to be very effective for many as they resulted to longer remissions even to those who are suffering from advanced cancer. Although the adverse effect has only been observed to less than a percent of the patients, doctors need to conduct cardiac testings prior to taking the said drugs….
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Parents to be penalized if children are always late for school

Education - E

  In the most recent newsletter of Winter Gardens Academy in United Kingdom, parents are told that they may be fined for their children’s habitual tardiness from school. Catherine Staltham, the primary school head teacher, announced that any pupils arriving after the 9:00 am bell will be considered late starting April 1. Parents could be penalized as much as £60, which can rise up to £120 if not paid within 21 days. Parents and guardians of late comers may also be prosecuted in court if not paid within 28 days. This policy is in line with the local Department of Education’s school guidance which seeks to undermine tardiness. The school…
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Turkish international school ‘bans’ Christmas

World News - Expert

  German media reports that an international school in Istanbul forbids celebrating and teaching Christmas to its students. The reports state that staffs at Istanbul Lisesi were told that Christmas traditions and carol-singing are not allowed. Istanbul Lisesi is a Turkish-German school attended by Turkish students but is partly endowed by the German government. According to Spiegel Online, teachers were enjoined to teach about German Christmas traditions during class. Education Policy spokesman Özcan Mutlu was appalled by the incident. German politicians argued that Christmas is a part of Germany and that applies to German schools abroad. Reports state that this might be the first time for Istanbul Lisesi to call…
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