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The Literal Translation of Every Country’s Name In One World Map !

“We’re free to roam the planet and discover new countries and cultures. 

But how much do you know about the people who lived and explored these destinations in times past?

Learning the etymology, the origin of words, of countries around the world offers us fascinating insight into the origins of some of our favorite travel destinations and the people who first lived there.”

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The end of a species #RIPSudan

The world’s last male northern white rhino has died

Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, has died in Kenya after “age-related complications,” researchers announced Tuesday, saying he “stole the heart of many with his dignity and strength.”

The 45-year-old rhino had been part of an ambitious effort to save the subspecies from extinction after decades of decimation by poachers. Read more here.

Photo: Dai Kurokawa/EPA

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Fractal Architecture throughout the African Continent

El Molo Hut, Lake Turkana, Kenya

Classical architecture consists of mostly Euclidean or flat shapes and straight lines (bricks, boards, pitched roofs etc). Fractal Architecture consists of spherical or curved shapes that can be found in nature. Fractal architecture is essentially the opposite of Classical architecture and is generally defined as contemporary architecture. However this form of design has been tradition in many African tribes and villages for ages. Specifically when looking at the forms of both modern huts and ancient structures.  These structures fuse materials, functional design, and aesthetic in an eco-friendly way. 

If you have been following my blog for a while, you may have noticed many of the newer buildings possess a space-like or otherworldly vibe. This stems from the practice of using traditional techniques to incorporate cones, prisms, and spherical elements into modern design.  Modern architecture does not necessarily reference new structures, in this case it represents an ancient technique that is being rediscovered and reused in a modern context. Please enjoy these images of fractal architecture in various parts of Africa.

Multi-purpose building in Hargeisa, Somalia.

Tataouine, Tunisia - Ancient ruins have such an extraterrestrial element to them the location was used as a set in the original Star Wars film

Modern hut interior in Mapungubwe, South Africa

Great Mosque of Djenné in Djenné, Mali

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Katanu Kay’s Vibrant Paintings

19-year-old Katanu Kay from Kenya has taken Instagram by storm through her lovely paintings. The young woman who is immensely talented uses the name @mellow_bones on Instagram, where she also markets and sells her paintings. (via)

Instagram.com/WeTheUrban

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Ballet dancers in the Kibera neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya one of biggest slums in Africa. The ballerinas (ballerinos) are young students who study dance for fun, made possible through a program run by U.K.-based charity Anno’s Africa, which provides alternative arts education to over 800 children in Kenya. The classes are taught by Mike Wamaya previously worked as a dancer throughout Europe.  His classes focus on both the physical and mental well-being, that promotes confidence-building.  The children feel and see how much they can accomplish if someone gives them the chance, in turn improves their self-esteem and makes them stronger in their daily life.

Photo series by Fredrik Lerneryd h/t huffpost

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Skhayascraper, Justin Plunkett, 2014

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I love this <3

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FENTY BEAUTY

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I hate it when i pay attention to trap music and hear the lyrics by mistake. They say stupid things.

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"Rake It Up" Music Video is Trash Bruh! Like, you could have filmed in KOD or any strip club. Feature the dancers. They literally are the people who determine if these songs are good or not. Instead, it looks like old Taylor Swift & Katy Perry directed it. Nicki looks cute tho.

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Zebra. Like Zaddy for Debra.

Maternal bond | by Mogens Trolle

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There are a lot of different birth control methods out there. Learn more about all your options and find the method that’s best for you. 

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Loving Rocks