#it's cute when “The Simpsons” writers predict the future

[therighthandofvengeance]

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

similarity is not a requirement for the exercise of compassion

[harryandmeghan0-blog]

The Sussexes Visit the Atlas Mountains in Support of Girls' Education Programmes

New Post has been published on https://harryandmeghan.xyz/the-sussexes-visit-the-atlas-mountains-in-support-of-girls-education-programmes/

The Sussexes Visit the Atlas Mountains in Support of Girls' Education Programmes

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to the Atlas Mountains for day two of Royal Visit Morocco.

It’s been a hectic 24 hours for the couple. They travelled from London on a delayed Royal Air Maroc commercial flight yesterday. Following a short arrival ceremony, they were driven to the royal residence in Rabat where they were greeted by Crown Prince Moulay Hassan. This morning, they took a helicopter to the town of Asni for several engagements focused on education. They were both in great spirits upon arrival and we saw plenty of great shots like this…

British Ambassador to Morocco Thomas Reilly told The Times, the visit is intended to “open up new avenues and potential areas of co-operation”. Last night a Kensington Palace aide said: “Their Royal Highnesses are very much looking forward to the visit and are grateful to their hosts and the British Embassy for arranging such an interesting programme. They are particularly pleased that they will have the opportunity to meet so many young Moroccans over the next few days.”

More from The Sunday Times:

‘Despite its brevity, the visit nonetheless represents a testing challenge for the visitors, not least because the town of Asni is only 10 miles from the mountainous area where two Scandinavian tourists were murdered in December, allegedly by Moroccan jihadists. Both British and Moroccan officials are confident that this was an isolated incident and no security problems are expected.

Less predictable are the protests that have lately shaken Morocco, which had seemed to escape largely unscathed from the regional turmoil of recent years.

Police in Rabat last week used water cannons and truncheons to break up a march by teachers and others marking the anniversary of the 2011 Arab Spring protests. Other unforeseen hazards include Morocco’s notoriously mangy cats, which solicit stroking but can often pass on infections.’

The Atlas Mountains extend some 2,500km across northwestern Africa, spanning Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, separating the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline from the Sahara Desert.

Meghan is incredibly passionate about girls’ education, which is why it came as no surprise when Her Majesty passed her patronage of the Association of Commonwealth Universities to her. During Harry and Meghan’s visit to Fiji in October, the Duchess gave a powerful speech in which she drew on her own experiences and the importance of making every effort to educate young people. “I am fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people around the world – myself included. It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and work-study where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition – that I was able to attend university,’ she said. And, without question, it was worth every effort. Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.”

When it came to planning the itinerary, Educational For All was a perfect match for Meghan.

The organisation supports girls from very rural communities to continue their education beyond primary school. They are often prohibited by the costs associated with travelling to the nearest secondary school, often a number of kilometres away in larger towns. In some rural areas, up to 83% of women are illiterate – a shocking figure. They believe “Educate a Girl, Educate the Next Generation”.

Meghan was given a Henna tattoo by seventeen-year-old Samira. It is considered a blessing in Morocco for any significant event.

— Lizzie Robinson (@LizzieITV) February 24, 2019

Chris Ship shared a photo of the tattoo.

According to Roya Nikkhah both Harry and Meghan were eager to speak French to the students. Meghan recently revealed she’s been “trying to get better at my French over the last year”. Several reporters commented Meghan’s command of the language was “impressive”.

More from the Mail Online:

‘First they chatted in English, ‘your English is fantastic’ Meghan told her. ‘You do your homework here as well as research? It’s your last year of school, do you want to go to university and what do you want to do?’

Saida said she wanted to be a writer like her favourite author William Shakespeare. Meghan then started chatting in French to a group of girls, telling them it was nice they could all do their exams together. Saida said: ‘Her French was good and it was a surprise she spoke it so well ‘But Harry said he didn’t speak French at all. ‘She was better than her husband!’

As Meghan chatted with the girls, one said (in English): ‘Thank you so much for being here with us.’ Meghan replied: ‘It’s an honour to be here ‘I’d love to come back. What’s happening here and so many places all over the world with more girls getting an education, it changes the future and changes the future for everyone not just the girls.’

Education For All build and run high-quality boarding houses for girls from 12–18. Everything is provided for free including three nutritious meals a day, hot showers, cosy beds, access to computers, study support via an international volunteer programme and dedicated, local housemothers. The overall environment makes it easy for the girls to settle in and thrive in their studies. They see an average of 90% pass rate across all years and over fifty girls from EFA are currently enrolled in University.

The Duchess was delighted to meet students.

Rebecca English reports:

‘During their visit to Asni today, Meghan told a group of Moroccan schoolgirls how proud she was of them. At present, few girls from rural communities in Morocco continue their education after primary school due to a host of economic and social reasons. 

Chatting to some of the girls that are being helped by EFA, Meghan said through an interpreter: ‘We are very proud of all of you. You are such good role models. Admiring the view of the mountains from the roof top of a local hotel, Harry said: ‘Maybe we should move here. Amazing views. Have you all been helped to go to school here? Do you take everything back to your communities?’

A video from the engagement.

[embedded content]

Meghan and Harry ran over to meet two very excited little girls afterwards.

More from the Mail Online:

‘Meanwhile, two little girls got their wish to meet ‘the Prince and Princess’ after waiting in their party dresses for two hours. Rania, five, and Ryannna, two, were taken by their mother, Clare Minejem to see Harry and Meghan as they visited the small town in the Atlas Mountains.

The couple walked in without seeing the youngsters, who were waving a British and Moroccan flags, but they spotted them as they left and Meghan immediately made a beeline for the sisters and bent down to say hello. Meghan shook their hands and said: ‘Hi girls, so cute! What are are your names? So sweet!‘ The duchess also showed them a henna drawing on her hand and said: ‘Nice, isn’t it? So pretty! ‘

The girls’ mother is nurse who moved to Morocco from Bangor, Northern Ireland, 12 years ago and settled down in Marrakesh, where she also runs a health education charity. As her couple said their goodbyes, her father, Russell McCaughey, who is visiting shouted out to a laughing Harry: ‘No grand slam then?‘ in relation to the England rugby result. ‘No-one did,’ he shouted back.’

The Ambassador described it as a “lovely, genuine moment”.

— RàChiDovitCh (@RaCh_glm) February 24, 2019

Next, the Duke and Duchess visited Lycee Qualifant Grand Atlas to hear about their efforts in education.

They received a very warm welcome.

The Duke and Duchess observed a class practicing English lessons.

The couple very much enjoyed watching students playing football.

They posed for photos.

Finally, at another Education For All boarding house in Asni, Harry invested founder Michael McHugo with his MBE. He was awarded for his work in education and gender equality in the New Years honours list. Harry said: “It is with great pleasure that on Her Majesty’s behalf, I present you with the badge of honour. May I congratulate you on all the work you have done to improve gender equality.” Meghan changed into a white blouse and heels for the investiture.

The Duchess selected a smart casual look for the engagements in Asni.

The Duchess sported the Alice + Olivia Simpson Collarless Blazer (with many thanks to Meghan’s Fashion). The ‘sapphire blue’ piece features rolled cuffs, a front hook closure and a sharp tailored fit. It’s available for £395 in sizes 0-12 on the Alice + Olivia website.

Meghan teamed the blazer with the $68 Artizia Wilfred Diamond Mosaic Scarf  in Birch/Grey (with thanks to Duchess Data).

The Duchess wore her $120 Birdies Starling slippers. She’s had them in her closet for several years.

It was very interesting to see Meghan accessorise with the Boh Runga earrings Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave her in New Zealand. The pair got along brilliantly during the tour and last month PM Ardern visited the Duchess at Kensington Palace. The earrings feature the native Miromiro feather, reworked into a kiss motif. In Māori mythology the Miromiro feather was a magic token of devotion that would bring loved ones back to you. They are described as a gift for “The sister with the brave and bold streak”.

The eagle-eyed Elizabeth from Meghan’s Fashion identified Meghan’s sunglasses as the Illesteva York Sunglasses.

The couple will attend a reception at the Ambassadors’ residence this evening.

**This post will be updated as the day progresses**

Source: http://madaboutmeghan.blogspot.com/2019/02/first-look-harry-and-meghan-visit.html

[fivegreatestblog-blog]

Five Greatest “TV Cartoon Series”

October 4, 2018

Honorable Mentions - 

Rugrats - A great children’s show chronicling the adventures of Tommy Pickles and friends. If you’re a fan of Rugrats, check out this conspiracy theory https://www.bustle.com/articles/169393-this-rugrats-fan-theory-is-dark-af-so-please-read-with-cautio

Recess - worth watching just for the occassional showcasings of Mikey Blumbergs vocal skills, or sometimes the insane Yo-Yo skills of Gretchen Grundler. 

Magic School Bus - An odd show, but it’s uniqueness is what made it stand out. A magic bus can perform a variety of maneuvers such as shrinking, expanding, or transforming. The bus’s abilities allow a science teacher, Ms. Frizzle, to take her students on educational adventures. Who remembers the episode where the class went inside Ralphie’s body? #Terrifying. 

*Looney Tunes and Mickey Mouse are not included on this list because they are classified as short films rather than episodic cartoon series. 

# 5 - The Flintstones - Without the Flintstones, many other adult-oriented cartoons would not exist. The Flintstones takes place during the Stone Age and depicts the life of Fred Flintstone, his family, and his friends. It was the first animated show that aired in a primetime slot and became one of the most profitable animated series of all time. 

# 4 - Pokemon - Although I, like many of its cult-followers, believe Digimon Season 1 is a better show, Pokemon, has a longevity that Digimon can’t match. Although the show about digital monsters came out around the same time and has always been viewed as a sort of rival for Pokemon, Pokemon set itself apart and reached unparalleled levels of success through a larger fanbase. Boosted by merchandise from the card game and gameboy games, the Pokemon anime built a strong following as children loved tuning in to watch Ash Ketchum’s quest to become a Pokemon Master. The first season of Pokemon featured an iconic theme song, cute Pokemon characters, and the daily game of “Who’s That Pokemon!?” Ash’s time in Kanto and his interactions with the original 151 Pokemon will never be topped. Congratulations to Pokemon for surpassing 1000 episodes. 

# 3 - Spongebob Squarepants - With one of the catchiest theme songs around, Spongebob Squarepants is a show that despite recent rumors of its ending, continues to put out new episodes. The first three seasons of the show are arguably the best because they were helmed by creator Stephen Hillenburg, a marine biologist and animator. After the first Spongebob Squarepants movie was released, Hillenburg, who intended the film to be the series finale, left after disagreements with Nickelodeon who wanted to continue the show with more episodes. Hillenburg returned in 2015 after over a decade away from the show. Spongebob Squarepants features the titular character (voiced by Tom Kenny) interacting with the various inhabitants of Bikini Bottom on his daily adventures. Most episodes revolve around Spongebob’s experiences with a dim-witted starfish, a greedy crab, or a clarinet-playing octopus, but there is a whole host of characters equally as exciting as Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs, and Squidward. The charm of the show lies in the vast world that exists surrounding Spongebob’s home in the pineapple under the sea where Bikini Bottom’s many side characters are just as memorable as the three main ones. Whether Mrs. Puff, Larry, Sandy Cheeks, Gary, Plankton, or many of the other supporting cast, each character has their own unique personality and makes for a fun watch. Best episodes: Band Geeks, Sailor Mouth, Krusty Krab Training Video, Just One Bite

# 2 - Arthur - Arthur is still airing new episodes, having started 20 years ago with its premiere on October 7, 1996. It is the second-longest running animated series behind The Simpsons. Primarily targeted toward children, young viewers get to see life through the eyes of this anthropomorphic aardvark and his friends. Arthur teaches various concepts from bullying, asthma, autism, and diabetes. This show is especially nostalgic for me because I remember watching it before and after school even though they were the same episodes on repeat. I still find myself referencing Arthur with my brothers today, whether it’s when I stuff a whole piece of cake into my mouth as Arthur does, or listening to songs like The Binky Song or Crazy Bus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KdHv493m34  And how could any of us forget some of the most gruesome moments in television history, like when Arthur cut his knee on a lima bean can in the junkyard or when and he cold-cocked D.W. and nearly killed her? I mean...look at the face of this monster...

# 1 - The Simpsons - Since this show is a satirical description of the average working-man in Homer Simpson, it allows its writers to tackle almost any topic they want. Many times, episodes will focus on in-world stories between characters, but other times it will use current events or celebrity cameos (in Simpson-like form) to provide a running gag. Although the show has declined in quality in recent years, it still airs new episodes and shows no sign of slowing down. It is the longest running-animated show on television. Oddly enough, the show has a knack for foreshadowing real-life events. https://www.businessinsider.com/the-simpsons-is-good-at-predicting-the-future-2016-11