1/09/2025: News from California, China and Colombia

Summary

The Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto, Colombia celebrates the region’s rich ethnic diversity with vibrant parades, dances, and costumes. The event, dating back centuries, symbolizes equality and integration through traditions from Africa, Spain, and Colombia’s indigenous peoples. Meanwhile, Los Angeles faces devastating wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds, forcing mass evacuations and extensive damage. In Tibet, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake tragically claimed over 120 lives, while health experts warn about the potential risks of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. The broadcast also features stories from the history of photography and scientific studies on animal behavior in virtual reality.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto, Colombia celebrates the region's ethnic diversity, incorporating traditions from Africa, Spain, and indigenous Colombian groups.
• 😀 The carnival, added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2009, features parades, dances, and elaborate costumes.
• 😀 The name 'Blacks and Whites Carnival' comes from a tradition where revelers apply black cosmetics and white talcum powder on separate days to symbolize equality and integration.
• 😀 California declared a state of emergency due to massive wildfires exacerbated by Santa Ana winds, with over 250 firefighting engines sent to LA County for reinforcements.
• 😀 Several hundred buildings were destroyed, and tens of thousands of residents were evacuated in the Los Angeles area during the wildfire disaster.
• 😀 In Tibet, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck, causing significant damage and displacing over 46,000 people, with freezing temperatures complicating relief efforts.
• 😀 The H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu, was confirmed as the cause of a death in Louisiana, though the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low.
• 😀 Experts warn that the H5N1 virus could mutate and potentially spread among humans in the future, with advice to avoid contact with sick or dead animals.
• 😀 On January 9, 1839, the French Academy of Sciences announced the daguerreotype, the first practical form of photography, revolutionizing the way people capture the world.
• 😀 In 1909, British explorer Ernest Shackleton planted the British flag near the South Pole, setting a record for the closest anyone had gotten to it at the time.
• 😀 On January 9, 2007, Apple unveiled the iPhone, a groundbreaking device combining a touchscreen, music player, internet browser, and phone, priced at $500-$600.

Q & A

What is the Blacks and Whites Carnival, and where does it take place?

The Blacks and Whites Carnival is a major cultural event held in Pasto, Colombia, celebrating the region's ethnic diversity. It features parades, dances, and elaborate costumes, incorporating traditions from Africa, Spain, and Colombia's indigenous groups. The carnival has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

What is the significance of the namesake of the Blacks and Whites Carnival?

The namesake of the Blacks and Whites Carnival refers to a practice on the last two days of the event, where people cover themselves in black cosmetics on one day and white talcum powder on the next. This symbolizes equality, integration, and celebrates cultural differences.

What were the consequences of the wildfire in Los Angeles?

The wildfire in Los Angeles, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, destroyed hundreds of buildings, led to tens of thousands of evacuations, and left hundreds of thousands without power. The situation worsened as winds fanned flames, and some fatalities were reported. California declared a state of emergency, and federal resources were mobilized to assist.

What challenges did firefighters face during the Los Angeles wildfire?

Firefighters faced numerous challenges, including high winds, rough terrain, and fast-moving flames. Some evacuees had to abandon their vehicles and escape on foot, while others tried to protect their homes with inadequate resources, like garden hoses.

What impact did the 7.1 magnitude earthquake have on Tibet?

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Tibet on Tuesday resulted in the loss of over 120 lives and forced the relocation of more than 46,000 people. The region experienced hundreds of aftershocks, and many people who lost their homes had to endure freezing temperatures in temporary shelters.

What are the risks associated with the H5N1 bird flu virus?

While the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, poses a low current public health risk, experts are concerned about the possibility of the virus mutating to allow human-to-human transmission in the future. In Louisiana, a case of a person contracting the virus after exposure to sick animals was reported, though no person-to-person transmission has been observed yet.

How did the H5N1 virus affect a patient in Louisiana?

A patient in Louisiana, over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions, died after contracting the H5N1 virus from exposure to backyard flocks and wild birds. Health officials are advising people to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and to report any flu-like symptoms after such exposures.

What historical event took place on January 9th, 1839?

On January 9th, 1839, the French Academy of Sciences announced the invention of the daguerreotype, the first practical form of photography, which allowed people to capture scenes without having to paint or draw them.

What significant achievement did Ernest Shackleton accomplish on January 9th, 1909?

On January 9th, 1909, British explorer Ernest Shackleton planted the British flag 97 miles from the South Pole during one of his Antarctic expeditions, marking the closest anyone had come to the South Pole at that time.

What groundbreaking technology did Apple introduce on January 9th, 2007?

On January 9th, 2007, Apple introduced the iPhone, a revolutionary device featuring a touchscreen, music playback, internet browsing, and calling capabilities. It was priced between $500 and $600.