#win draw win kenya

[just-an-emily-existing]

anything on Rebecca and Nia?

Oooo the new girls ok I gotcha!

Headcanons for Rebecca

Loves any kind of cake.

She’s from Turkey. Why? Idk lol

Loves swimming.

Loves to sing and dance.

Plays the Recorder.

Will make an occasional dress.

Is a gentle giant.

Her favorite season is Spring.

Can drive, cook and bake.

Is a sensitive soul but won’t be afraid to stick up for her self or others.

Loves to dance even though she isn’t good at it.

Is very clumsy.

Is always positive and never lets the others’ negativity get the better of them or her.

Acts like a big sister/ therapist for the other engines.

Loves those soft, icing cookies.

Loves the Descendants movies.

She loves watching MLP with Nia, her fave is Pinkie Pie.

She can make amazing baked sweets, mainly cupcakes.

She loves dad jokes and finds them genuinely hilarious.

Rebecca also has a pet frog named Sweetie-Pie.

Rebecca loves playing board games, but no one wants to play with her.

She also loves drawing anime comics.

Headcanons for Nia

She’s from Kenya and loved being a park ranger for a zoo she would go to all the time.

Has a love for animals, giraffe’s especially.

Loves Jambalaya and has a wonderful recipe for it.

She just loves to cook in general.

Is a very fast runner and loves having races with others, even if she wins all the time. She can even beat Spencer!

She can’t bake for shit, she always manages to burn it.

Is a tenor and loves to sing in her native language (Swahili).

Is a bit of a caffeine addict and loves drinking coffee.

Nia has an incredible long-term memory, but an awful short term memory.

She can never sit in a chair properly.

She can crack her knuckles very loudly and has startled people on multiple occasions.

Very a very high alcohol tolerance and can put drink almost everyone (second to D&D).

Nia knows how to make wonderful beaded bracelets, necklaces, ect. She’s very crafty.

Always has an emergency survival kit on her.

Nia is wonderful with kids, she’d love to be a mom someday.

Has multiple pets ranging from mice to bears.

Nia loves watching MLP with Rebecca, her fave is Applejack.

She has an incredibly high spice tolerance. She could drink sriracha hot sauce and still say it’s bland.

[the-nosy-neighbor]

Tic-Tac_Toe (Part 1)

Throughout the website, we have found instances of Tic-Tac-Toe games, so I decided to write about it, to see if I couldn’t find some reasoning for the inclusion of this, beyond Julie’s love of games. 

(I have separated this into 4 posts because I write very long things that are bad for morale.)

Rules of Tic-Tac-Toe

It seems like this is something that everyone knows (though sometimes under a different name, like noughts and crosses or x's and o's).  We will look, though, in case it gives any clues.

Of course there is a wikihow.  Draw the board (9 spaces).  First player goes and can choose to be x’s or o’s (but it do believe there is a rule that x goes first).  The first recommended move is to take the center, as it gives more options in getting three in a row or diagonal (winning).  Second player goes. They go back and forth until someone wins or the board is full, which is a tie. 

Ancient Origins of Tic-Tac-Toe

Huh, the game dates back to Ancient Egypt, called “Three Men’s Morris” and consisting of each player having three pieces and trying to put them all on one line.  The board looks like this:

The Roman version was also played with three pebbles.  (Roman version is called “Three Pebbles at a Time”?).  https://www.coolmathgames.com/blog/tic-tac-toe-history-three-in-a-row-thru-the-ages  It is also found in Middle Eastern and American Indian culture.  From what I can tell, this version in ancient Rome was circular, with an unknown name, but we call it “Rota” the Latin world for “wheel.”  These gameboards can be found in the streets of Roman cities.  https://mythologycrafts.com/rota-a-game-of-roman-tic-tac-toe/

“Rota is a very fast and simple game and you can play it almost anywhere. Each player moved three pieces around on a circular board until they got three in a row. The reason that Rota is called Roman Tic-Tac-Toe is that it is played on a board that has nine spaces and the main objective is to get three pieces in a row. However,  these two games are different because Rota takes longer,  you can move the pieces from their original positions, and unlike Tic-Tac-Toe it cannot end in a tie."

According to the coolmathgames.com website, the most comparable thing about these games is a 3 x 3 board.

The American Indian version (Zuni or Pueblo) looks like this:

Other versions:

Tant Fant:  India

Nine holes:  England

Achi:  Ghana

Shisima:  Kenya

Dara/dili/doki/derrah:  West Africa

Wali:  Africa

Dama Tuareg:  North Africa

Tria/Tris/Grisia:  Italy

Each version in the top half is pretty recognizable as tic tac toe, but the second half are further away.

Just a note to include that humans attach a lot of importance to the numbers 3 and 9, but especially 3.  Humans can process around three things in our short term, it has become a waypoint in writing or speaking (example:  x, 1,2,3 essays), and in symbols.  Symbols relying on the rule of three:  heaven, earth, hell; the father, the son, the holy spirit; birth, life, death; youth, middle age, old age; mind, body, soul.  Because of this human tendency, lots of things have been categorized by threes, but importantly, it has achieve a mystical significance in magic and luck.  In the European tradition, three is used in casting spells (bubble, bubble, toil, and trouble).  Also, how many times have we seen three witches as a storytelling device or focus?  In numerology, 3 has an association with Jupiter.

The History of Tic-Tac-Toe after 1884

The first instance of the name “noughts and crosses” is from 1858, “tic tac toe” is seen in 1884.  Tic Tac Toe is a game used to test artificial intelligence.  From Wikipedia “Arcade games with tic-tac-toe playing chickens were popular in the mid-1970’s. Apparently this comes from an appeal for a mentally ill murderer in which they introduced chickens playing tic-tac-toe as evidence that it doesn’t prove someone is mentally sound." From r/todayilearned, “TIL that in the 1960s there were coin operated machines with live chickens that would play piano, ring a bell or play you in tic tac toe when you dropped in a dime.“

This would have been during the time of the show, but what it could mean is curious (I wonder if Mama Beagle plays tic-tac-toe.)  I thought they meant a graphic of a chicken playing this game, but they really mean live chicken:

There were several game shows that used the game as their format, notably “Hollywood Squares,” “Tic-Tac-Dough,” Secret X from “The Price is Right,” and “Minute to Win It.”

There is a connection between Muppets and Hollywood Squares.  It seems that Kermit, Big Bird, Elmo, Piggy, and Zoe have all been on Hollywood Squares.  Also, Bear from Bear in the Big Blue House.  I love Bear. 

There is a cipher related to Tic-Tac-Toe.  There is a letter associated with the placement of the symbols.  They use the grid to denote the position of the letter. 

[magicpotatoobsession]

Hello!! I recently, very recently, fell into the Given fandom - what started as a laze watch of the Given anime, ended up with me reading the fan translations, getting all 😱, reading posts and comments on official translations, reading the official Eng version, followed by devouring almost all of your Given meta posts and of those others on tumblr (they were ALL fantastic and I cannot stress how much I appreciate the nuances that were explained for all three couples in the manga by all of you meta writers).

However, I still have a couple of questions and was wondering if you could kindly clarify? Firstly, what's the deal with Masashi - Haruki's "stand"?

Second: Who is the "he" Uegetsu was referring to in V03, C13 and V05, C27? I initially thought he was referring to Mafuyu (and official English translations seem to support this); however, fan translations seem to leave it as "he" and it is assumed to be Akihiko as the next shots show Haruki with Uegetsu thinking, "so he (Haruki) was the trigger for the evolution." I honestly thought maybe Mafuyu was referring to some extent to Akihiko and Uegetsu and not so much Haruki (I get the feeling Mafuyu already understood that while Haruki was badly hurt, he was going to be okay) but maybe both Uegetsu and Akihiko needed that "letting go" push? I'd like to hear your thoughts on why Uegetsu thought it was Haruki instead - if I understood that correctly from the panels.

Thanks once again for all the meta - they have been fuelling my Given obsession and I can't wait for the sequel to be out soon!

hi @sillyfanturtle, thank you for your questions!

Haruki's stand "Mathathi"

Honestly, this was something I am super baffled with as well! And short answer is, I honestly don't know! I've done a bit of digging and one theory is that he is Martin Mathathi, a Kenya long distance runner, which matches the name but not the aesthetic because Martin Mathathi is this super thin guy.

but what is sort of interesting is that he did win bronze in the 10,000 metres at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, and many other medals in Fukuoka Cross Country races. If Kizu referred to him, then it could mean that Haruki is the "patient" type, happy to endure the long-game in order to see through people's growth.

Another theory is something I saw on reddit, according to this reddit post,

@jefcat and a few other Given fans were wondering if Haruki's stand is Inoue Takehiko, who is the Vagabond and Slam Dunk mangaka. Aesthetically, he does resemble the Kizu's drawing a bit more but I would not be able to guess for the life of me why Kizu would reference him as Haruki's stand????? Maybe Haruki or Kizu herself are big fans of him? I mean it's already a bit baffling and jarring as to why other Given characters are all animals but Haruki's a creepy kind of looking man 😆😆🫠🫠 Kizu's very mysterious LOL so your guess is as good as mine 😂

I will answer your other question in a separate post, thank you for your patience!

Masterlist of my Given Metas

[marmiteprinter]

Round 6 - Summer 2 (Part 1) - The Neetor Family

ROS has something exciting in store for the Neetors - a big lottery win! I'm not sure what they'll actually do with all that money right now. TBD...

As the round began early on Friday morning, Bethany scooped up her kids and headed straight off to school. She was in charge of the teens today so Stephen and Octavia were given some homework and told to get on with it independently. All the other children in town were given the day off from school.

She started the day with a Science lesson.

"If you look through your microscopes, you should hopefully be able to see all the individual parts of your plant cell. Your task is to draw and label the cell!" she said.

At lunchtime, the teens all got to know each other outside on the field. Of course, Evan, Charlie, Talia and Verity all knew each other already, but it was the first time they had properly met the townie teens.

Evan, Talia and Verity all found themselves attracted to Kenya (the dark-haired black girl in the centre left) but Charlie didn't like either of the boys. Talia also liked Jonty (the blonde boy playing basketball).

They spent the lunchtime chatting and playing but no one actually acted on their nascent crushes yet.

[thestarlense]

US Elections 2024: What Donald Trump Win Means for Kenya, Africa

As the United States approaches its 2024 elections, the impact of the potential outcomes is drawing global attention. Many countries, particularly in Africa, have a keen interest in who assumes the American presidency, as it influences their economies, immigration policies, and foreign relations. African nations have historically felt the ripple effects of U.S. policy shifts, given America’s…

[positivedevelopment]

Monthly Roundup July 2024

The official theme for World Elephant Day 2024 is “Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental importance.”

Are you planning an event to support your favourite elephant charity for #WorldElephantDay2024? Check out all the #Elevents being planned on the official World Elephant Day site HERE

And learn more about the history of World Elephant Day HERE

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World Elephant Day is a day where organizations and individuals can rally together to give a voice to the issues threatening elephants.

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World Elephant Day 2024: A Call to Protect and Preserve

"World Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12, plays a crucial role in spotlighting the urgent issues faced by elephants and advocating for their protection and preservation. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the threats confronting these majestic creatures and promoting efforts to safeguard their future."

World Elephant Day 2024: Know Surprising Cultural Significance Elephants Have Around the World

"Elephants are not just majestic creatures; they hold deep cultural significance across many societies, embodying wisdom, strength, and spiritual power. This blog delves into the rich cultural significance of elephants around the world, highlighting how these gentle giants have shaped human history and tradition."

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We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we consider the finest human traits: empathy, self-awareness, and social intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst of human behavior.

– Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair

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An Afternoon with Elephants: Virtual Safari with founder of World Elephant Day Patricia Sims

Join Canadian Geographic, Vaya Adventures and award-winning documentary filmmaker, conservationist and Founder of World Elephant Day, Patricia Sims on Oct 3 at 11PST / 1pm EST. Learn how her film “Return To The Forest” narrated by William Shatner launched the global elephant conservation movement and the birth of World Elephant Day, which is now in its 13th annual year of reaching millions of people across the globe about the critical issues impacting African and Asian elephants and conservation solutions required to protect them.

Take a virtual safari with Patricia to experience her exclusive World Elephant Day Tour through Kenya, August 13 – 30, 2024, in partnership with Canadian Geographic Travel and Vaya Adventures, to meet some of the incredible organizations and inspiring people behind the African elephant conservation movement.

From child soldier to scriptwriter - storytelling for good

"Life in Lulu storylines highlight these and other social challenges in the country, including the impact of dangerous power dynamics and sexual and gender-based violence. None of these storylines would be possible without our scriptwriters’ knowledge and passion to share their stories, which help to change perspectives and attitudes."

[beardedmrbean]

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has urged young people not to join nationwide cost-of-living protests planned for next week, saying they are the work of “sinister” people “capitalising” on the country’s economic woes.

Organisers are said to have drawn inspiration from events in Kenya.

Protesters in the East African nation are now calling on President William Ruto to resign after winning key demands - including the scrapping of planned tax rises and the dismissal of almost the entire cabinet.

Nigeria’s last mass demonstration was three years ago, against a reviled police unit accused of extra-judicial killings.

The #EndSARS movement achieved its aim of disbanding the force but was met with a violent crackdown in which dozens of protesters were killed.

As demonstrations planned for 1 August in Nigeria draw nearer, President Tinubu has urged organisers to drop their plans.

“Capitalising on the economic hardship in the country, some men and women with sinister motives have been reported to have been mobilising citizens, particularly youths, to stage a protest,’’ he said.

The speech was delivered on the president's behalf to a gathering of traditional leaders on Monday by the secretary to the government, George Akume.

Referring to India, which has been hit by religious clashes, and Sudan, which has been destroyed by a civil war, he added: “Let’s learn from India and Sudan’s experiences. We are a country with more than 200 million people. Therefore, we can’t afford to have this kind of situation.”

Trade union bosses are urging Mr Tinubu to sit down with the protest organisers, and not to dismiss their concerns as “sponsored political dissent”.

“A situation where most Nigerian families are forced to eat one miserable meal a day and eating from the dustbin beckons for serious intervention by the government,” said the Nigeria Labour Congress.

But Mr Tinubu’s camp has accused supporters of defeated presidential candidate Peter Obi of planning the protests, and galvanising support on social media with hashtags such as #TinubuMUSTGo and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

“Obi should be held responsible for anarchy,” said presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga in an online post.

Mr Obi’s Labour Party has issued a statement denying this, calling the allegations a “figment of his imagination” and branding the government “puerile”.

“Labour Party, Peter Obi and our supporters are not planning any protests,” the statement continued, but pointedly added: “The people have the right to protest and it is within their constitutional right”.

Mr Obi rallied young people, mostly in southern Nigeria, in the 2023 election, but came third. He alleged that the result was rigged in Mr Tinubu's favour, but a court dismissed his case.

Local media say there is also opposition to the planned protests from a group of small-scale retailers, called the Self Reliance for Physically Challenged Traders of Nigeria, who say they “do not want to experience the turmoil and violence that occurred during the #EndSARS protests, which left deep scars on our nation.”

Across the continent in Uganda, there are similar fears from President Yoweri Museveni who warned anti-corruption protesters against "playing with fire” and accused them of undermining his government while “we are busy producing wealth” for the country.

A number of protesters were arrested on Tuesday trying to make their way to parliament to protest against what they say are high levels of corruption in government.

On the same day in neighbouring Kenya, police tear-gassed hundreds of protesters in the capital city Nairobi. Many were attempting to reach the main airport and shut down operations.

[gadgetrevive]

50 Hours in Africa: A Journey of Challenges and Heartwarming EncountersThe adventure began with a lively trip to Kenya, marking the first of many anticipated ventures for the Bet Squad. Excitement was in the air as they boarded the plane, eager for the journey ahead. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the Water Project team with smiles and flowers, setting a positive tone for the trip.Their first stop was a hotel in Kakamega, about an hour and a half from the airport. Despite the jet lag, the team’s spirits remained high as they anticipated the challenges ahead. The next day, they visited the regional service hub of the Water Project, greeted by enthusiastic local staff and community members. The warm welcome included music, dancing, and heartfelt greetings, making the squad feel at home.The first challenge took place at Ematiha Primary School, where each squad member had to teach a lesson. AJ, Mr. Triangle, proved to be the most popular teacher, winning the students' votes. The experience was both humbling and inspiring as they connected with the children and shared laughs.Next, the team headed to Lubino Primary School for a football match against a local team. The turnout was immense, with the entire school seemingly present to cheer. Despite the intense heat and the skilled opponents, the squad played with determination. The match ended in a draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Shaki scored the winning goal. The squad, in a heartwarming gesture, decided to give the victory trophy to the local team, acknowledging their incredible effort and sportsmanship.After the football match, the squad visited Humphrey's home for dinner. The hospitality was overwhelming, providing a perfect end to an exhausting but fulfilling day. Humphrey's family welcomed them warmly, and they enjoyed a meal together, sharing stories and laughter.Day two started with another challenge: fetching water from a distant stream, simulating the daily struggle many locals face before water pumps were installed. The walk was long and arduous, making the squad appreciate the work done by the Water Project even more. They then visited a nearby well, where they were shown how the pumps are repaired. The experience was eye-opening, highlighting the importance of clean water access.The day continued with a visit to Moraba Primary School, where they were once again welcomed with songs and dances. The next challenge was to match outfits with their teammates within a budget. Divided into two teams, they roamed local markets, negotiating and bargaining for the best deals. In the end, AJ and Nik won the challenge, showcasing their knack for finding great outfits.Their final challenge took them to Nairobi for a safari. Each squad member picked three animals they hoped to see, competing in a game of animal bingo. Despite the excitement, the safari was underwhelming, with the team spotting only a few animals. The rough terrain and mosquito bites added to the struggle, but the experience was still memorable.As their trip concluded, the squad reflected on their journey. They were moved by the love and hospitality they received and the impactful work of the Water Project. The visit to Kenya was more than just a series of challenges; it was an enlightening experience that left them with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local communities and their resilience.Before heading back to the UK, they expressed their gratitude to Humphrey and the Water Project team. The adventure ended with a heartfelt message encouraging viewers to support the Water Project's efforts, emphasizing the incredible difference clean water can make in these communities.Their journey in Kenya was a blend of fun, challenges, and heartwarming encounters that left a lasting impression on the Bet Squad. They returned home with memories of an unforgettable experience and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact.

[tongoamedia]

Tongoa Media Sports Corner

1. Tusker FC vs. Kariobangi Sharks: Thrilling 3-2 Victory for Sharks in Nail-biting Encounter2. Gor Mahia vs. Kakamega Homeboyz: Defensive Standoff Ends in Goalless Draw3. AFC Leopards vs. Sofapaka: Dramatic 1-1 Draw Unfolds in Second Half4.Shabana Secures First Win in Three Months with 3-0 Victory over Post Rangers5.Bankers Suffer 29-5 Defeat against Kabras Sugar in Kenya Cup Final: Kabras…

[bestinteriordecorators]

La Sorogeeka is among the top interior design companies in Kenya, offering comprehensive solutions for bespoke luxury interiors for both commercial and residential spaces. Drawing on a rich legacy of three decades, they established a global reputation with their bespoke interiors for clients.

Head Office :INTERIORS LA SOROGEEKA LLC.

Office No 102, CNPC Middle T: +97144572300 East Building Emaar Business Park, Near The Greens Dubai, UAE P.O. Box. 413305

[thxnews]

ZIFF Film Festival: Celebrating African Cinema

  A Cinematic Celebration Across Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania. An exciting cultural collaboration will kick off on November 3, 2023, as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) extends its reach to mainland Tanzania. This expansion, aptly named "ZIFF Goes Mainland 2023," is a joint effort by the Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania and the Embassies of Spain, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, France, Poland, Finland, Italy, and Sweden, to bring award-winning films from ZIFF and select European movies to audiences in Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, and Morogoro.   Connecting Students to the World of Cinema Across various universities, students will have the unique opportunity to engage with the world of cinema. Award-winning films from ZIFF, along with select European movies, will grace the screens, offering students a glimpse into the rich tapestry of filmmaking techniques. Post-screening discussions will provide a platform for students to dissect and explore the art of filmmaking.  

A Showcase of Cultural Diversity

The festival's inaugural night will feature the Tanzanian film "EONII," directed by a local talent. The event is set to be a celebration of homegrown creativity and storytelling. In addition to highlighting Tanzania's cinematic prowess, the festival will feature a selection of European films, emphasizing the rich cultural diversity of the participating countries. Notably, this year's lineup also demonstrates a gesture of solidarity, with Ukrainian films being added to the program amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.   Celebrating Excellence The 26th ZIFF edition showcased outstanding talent in filmmaking. Winning entries from South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Tanzania will be on display during the festival, celebrating excellence from across the African continent. The festival will draw to a close on November 23rd with a special evening dedicated to Ukrainian cinema, reaffirming the power of film in fostering understanding and unity in challenging times.  

Strengthening Cultural Ties

Martin Mhando, the outgoing CEO of ZIFF, emphasized the crucial role played by "#TeamEurope" in enhancing the festival's offerings. Their collaboration extends beyond this initiative, with past engagements encompassing support for training workshops, sponsorship of ZIFF programs, and the presentation of co-production opportunities.   Fostering Growth and Inspiration Christine Grau, the EU Head of Delegation to Tanzania, highlighted Europe's significant contribution to ZIFF's growth and impact. The European Union's commitment goes beyond showcasing films; it includes supporting cultural stakeholders and establishing the infrastructure necessary for artists to thrive and inspire their communities. This approach reflects the European Union's dedication to nurturing the cultural arts in Tanzania. The grand unveiling of the ZIFF program took place on October 26th at the Alliance Française in Dar es Salaam. Representatives from the nine embassies attended, underlining their role in making this cultural convergence possible, highlighting the spirit of #TeamEurope, and promoting peace and understanding between Europe and Africa through cultural diplomacy.   Sources: THX News & Delegation of the European Union. Read the full article

[thecastingcircle]

Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire | Official Trailer | Disney+

Disney+ today released the trailer for the upcoming animated anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, which will premiere exclusively on the streaming service on Wednesday, July 5.

Featuring stories from creators hailing from Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, the action-packed anthology draws on Africa’s rich histories and diverse cultures to present 10 sci-fi and fantasy stories that bring to life boldly imaginative visions of the continent’s future.

The 10 films are:

“Stardust” (Ahmed Teilab, Egypt)

“Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer” (Simangaliso “Panda” Sibaya and Malcolm Wopé, South Africa)

“Hatima” (Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane, South Africa)

“Enkai” (Ng’endo Mukii, Kenya)

“Moremi” (Shofela Coker, Nigeria)

“Surf Sangoma” (Nthato Mokgata and Catherine Green, South Africa)

“Mukudzei” (Pious Nyenyewa and Tafadzwa Hove, Zimbabwe)

“First Totem Problems” (Tshepo Moche, South Africa),

“Herderboy” (Raymond Malinga, Uganda)

“You Give Me Heart” (Lesego Vorster, South Africa).

Disney+’s first South African original animated series, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire is executive produced by Peter Ramsey (co-director of the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into he Spider-Verse), alongside Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston from Cape Town-based Triggerfish, the lead studio on this anthology.

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: Kids' Nonfiction Read in February 2023: Rebel Girls

*Summaries, Ratings, and Reviews for all three books below the cut.

Rebel Girls Animal Allies

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Add to Goodreads

Publication Date: January 17, 2023

Synopsis:

TRUE STORIES OF ANIMAL ADVOCATES Meet 25 brave, compassionate scientists, veterinarians, activists, and others who fight for animal rights and conservation. Animal Allies takes readers all around the world—to the tops of trees and the bottom of oceans, deep into the jungle and high into the mountains. Swim with the sharks alongside Eugenie Clark, build bat houses with Amanda Lear, nurse a baby hippo to health with Christina Gorsuch, and protect endangered seahorses with Amanda Vincent and Heather Koldewey. With a foreword by zoologist Lucy King and activities curated by conservationist Bindi Irwin, this book is sure to inspire animal lovers everywhere. Plus, scannable codes let you listen to longer stories on the Rebel Girls App!

My Rating: ★★★★★

My Review:

Kiddo (8) and I really enjoyed this one! There are many inspiring stories about girls and women who are helping and caring for animals. There are also ideas about ways for you to help animals. Kiddo is very very into cute animals at the moment (The number of stuffed animals he sleeps with just keeps growing) and though he protested reading anything over Christmas break, he was happy to curl up with me and listen to the stories once I cajoled him into listening to "just one." In fact, every time I stopped for a minute to rest my voice he immediately flipped to the next page himself. We enjoyed the beautiful illustrations that go with each one page story (there were many exclamations of "It's so cute!" about the various animals pictured) and the quotes from each featured girl and woman. The reading level is a bit higher than kiddo's (3rd grade) just because of how dense the text is on the page. It makes a great read-aloud for kids age 6-9 however, and a slightly older kid could read it on their own. I found it was also helpful to read aloud because of some science words and names of animals kiddo was unfamiliar with that I could explain when he asked as we went along. *Thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for providing an early copy for review.

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Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest

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Publication Date: February 7, 2023

Synopsis:

From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes the historical novel based on the life of Dr. Wangari Maathai, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist from Kenya. Wangari lives in a magical place in rural Kenya where the soil is rich for planting, the trees abundant, and the nearby pond full of mysterious creatures. She drinks from cool, clean streams and plays beneath her favorite fig tree under her mother’s watchful gaze. Then Wangari grows up and goes away to school, and things start changing at home. Farmers chop down the trees. Landslides bury the stream. The pond dries up. The soil becomes overworked, dry, and unusable for planting. And people go hungry. Dr. Wangari Maathai has a simple solution to all of these problems: plant trees.

My Rating: ★★★★★

My Review:

This was an incredibly moving and inspiring account of the life of Dr. Wangari Maathai, from when she was a young girl all the way through her life and her fight for the environment and the ordinary people of Kenya. I had somehow never heard of her, and I learned so much while reading this. Her thirst for knowledge and her love of the natural world were clear from the very beginning, so it is fitting that she studied so long and worked tirelessly to plant forests and protect nature. I will be sharing this with my 3rd grader - it's just the sort of story he likes and there are a lot of important lessons in here. It's very well-written, in such a way that it immediately draws you in and makes you want to know more. The illustrations are cute and colorful and add to the story. *Thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for providing an early copy for review.

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Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music

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Publication Date: March 7, 2023

Synopsis:

TRUE STORIES OF WOMEN WHO RAISE THE ROOF! This collection features 25 stories of extraordinary women in music--women who have moved hearts and minds with their lyrics, uplifted other musicians, and gotten people to jump, dance, and sing along with their music. Belt out pop anthems with Lizzo, bang on the drums with Nandi Bushell, and write country hits with Dolly Parton. The women in this book come from all around the world. They play different instruments, experiment with new sounds, and stand out in their genres. But one thing is true of them all: They rock! With a foreword by iconic rocker Joan Jett and activities curated by Gibson Guitars, this book will have readers everywhere jamming out! Plus, scannable codes let you listen to more stories on the Rebel Girls app.

My Rating: ★★★★★

My Review:

I really enjoyed this installment of the Rebel Girls series. I recognized many of the artists featured, but not all, and I learned many new things about them. I came away feeling inspired by the energy and creativity and determination to be oneself that shone from the pages. This is a fabulous book for young girls who love music to inspire them to reach for their dreams and live their life unapologetically. The illustrations are bright and colorful and fierce and full of the personality of each artist being featured. They add a lot of emotion and impact to the stories. I would recommend this to all elementary, middle, and high school girls (and boys too, because it's not just girls who need to see that girls can do anything they set their minds to), especially those who love music. *Thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for providing an early copy for review.

[ashitakaxsan]

Iran’s children have the Say!

  Nine Iranian children have been honored at the 22nd JQA International Environmental Children’s Drawing Contest in Japan.

Photo: Painting by the 12-year-old Iranian, Setareh Shaveisi, won a prize at the 22nd JQA International Environmental Children’s Drawing Contest in Japan.

Helma Hassanzadeh, Asma Najafi and Setareh Shaveisi are among the 45 winners of first prizes in the competition, which is organized every year by the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) and International Certification Organization Network (IQNet).

Shaveisi’s drawing has been published on the front cover of the JQA contest, which was held on the theme of “Choosing Eco-Friendly Lifestyles”.

A jury headed by Kinutani Koji, a Japan Art Academy member who is also an Emeritus Professor of Tokyo University of the Arts, selected the winners from about 6400 submissions from 61 countries.

The jury was also composed of Roberto Benes, Oishi Minako, Alexandru Stoichitoiu, Kobayashi Noriaki and Hosumi Masayasu.

“I want to give the first prize to every drawing here. Choosing one is really tough every time,” Kinutani said in a statement published by the organizers.

“We, the judges, cherish each momentary encounter with each drawing and select the works that resonate with us,” he added.

“Children are the ones who strongly hold our original feelings… If we do so, wars and wasteful spending will cease to exist in the world,” he noted.

The Iranian children Ilia Qorbani, Nazila Jamlu, Masumeh Qasemi, Zahra Khorramdel, Elnaz Khodabakhshi and Sana Abdollahzadeh were awarded honorable mentions.

The children are all members of Iran’s Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults -- Kanoon.

Angela Wu, a fourteen-year-old girl from the U.S., was the top winner of the competition as she took home the Environmental Best Prize.

The International Best Prize was given to Zupan Sara from Slovenia, while the UNICEF Prize was awarded to Miriam Clus from Romania.

Adna Aisha Aufa from Indonesia and Muriuki Solomon Mwit from Kenya won the IQNet Special Prizes, and Ardino Joyce P. from Indonesia and Kao Yu Han from Taiwan won the JQA Special Prizes.

Meghan Nishith Gajjar from India received the special jury prize.

In the Japanese competition, the top award went to Tomita Aoi, while Fukuzato Kaori won the UNICEF Prize.

Suzuki Momoka and Okada Mikuru received the IQNet Special Prizes, and Hashimoto Iroha won the special jury prize. Source:https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/482535/Iranian-children-win-awards-at-Japan-s-environmental-drawing

[gladysm]

HOW TO PLAY BIG WHEEL ON GAMEMANIA

Gamemania is the best legal and safest betting platform Kenya. It has proven its attentiveness to its customers by providing easy ways to understand the game as well as different ways of earning within the game. This diversity in their games caters to their immense population as each of its customers has different tastes and preferences. Their games have attractive colors and good background music which makes them more interesting and alluring. Games within the platform as categorized into different genres.

There are table games, slot games, virtual football games as well as live games. The idea is to cater to all customers. Simply by inviting a friend one gets to earn. Inviting a lot of friends and their bet is an easy way to earn substantially within the game. Click on the link to learn more https://www.gamemania.co.ke/inviteFriend

 Big wheel game is one of the fun games on the platform. Under the table games category, it is an easy game to sight just from the name description. There are seven symbols on big wheel to place bets on. They are red 7, blue 7, bell, plate, watermelon, cherries, and pinwheel. Pinwheel is one of the symbols in the game so when the spin hits the pinwheel a player gets an additional chance to draw either the blue 7symbol or the red 7symbol.

What triggers the mega win is when the value of the jackpot reaches 50000 and above. This lets players win 10 times additional money. It’s important to note players have to place bets before a 5-second countdown begins. When the countdown stops the wheel starts to spin.

There are two wheels in this game. Your winning is the outer wheel multiplied by the multiple of the inner circle. Big wheel also offers a demo that allows you to practice before playing the real game. Consistency is advised. The demo money however is purely for practice therefore any wins made cannot be withdrawn. Good luck with the big wheel. Cheers!.

[dailyrugbytoday]

New Zealand HSBC World Sevens Women’s/Men’s teams from 21-22 January.

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/new-zealand-hsbc-world-sevens-womens-mens/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/new-zealand-hsbc-world-sevens-womens-mens/

New Zealand HSBC World Sevens Women’s/Men’s teams from 21-22 January.

The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series heads to Hamilton, New Zealand for the first event of the 2023 calendar year, with the 12 Women’s and 16 Men’s teams in action from 21-22 January.

The organisers previously announced that the 2023 edition of the tournament which has been on New Zealand’s sporting calendar for more than two decades, will see the addition of a second playing field next to FMG Stadium Waikato to enable the full men’s and women’s draws to be played.

Fans will be able to access both fields with party zones, family zones, circus rides, as well as a wide array of food all part of the organisers’ plans.

Although there has been no official confirmation from World Rugby which 7 hosts will have the seven events for the new structured season after this year, all of the media reports suggest this could be the last time Hamilton hosts the Sevens.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed World Rugby would not be choosing New Zealand in World Rugby’s decision to “remodel” the series into combined men’s and women’s tournaments, to be played in seven yet-to-be disclosed countries from late 2023.

Exciting year of HSBC World Sevens Rugby gets underway in Hamilton.

The first event of 2023 kicks off next weekend with the return of the HSBC New Zealand Sevens at FMG Stadium Waikato as the race to qualify for Paris 2024 heats up.

HSBC New Zealand Sevens returns on 21-22 January.

Black Ferns Sevens and All Blacks Sevens look to defend titles won on home soil dating back to last event held in 2020

Paris 2024 Olympic qualification at stake for the top four teams in the 2023 Series

The action begins at 09:10 local time (GMT+13) on Saturday, with the final match on Sunday at 19:56

After a short break for the holiday season, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 continues with the HSBC New Zealand Sevens on 21-22 January kicking off what will be a thrilling year for rugby sevens.

Hamilton marks the fourth event in a busy 11-stop men’s Series, with Samoa and South Africa currently tied atop the standings, closely followed by New Zealand and USA.

In the women’s competition, Hamilton marks the third stop on the 2023 Series with trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand tied at the top of the standings after winning titles in Dubai and Cape Town respectively. USA and France are leading the chase in the race for the top four.

Having been on New Zealand’s sporting calendar for more than two decades, this year the tournament will see the addition of a second playing field next to FMG Stadium Waikato to enable the full men’s and women’s draws to be played over two action-packed days.

Women’s Sevens Pools – Hamilton 7s 2023

The women’s pools in New Zealand see the host and Cape Town as well as Olympic champions New Zealand drawn in Pool A alongside Great Britain, Fiji and invitation team Papua New Guinea.

Series defending champions Australia are in Pool B with France, Canada and the Asian representation Japan.

The USA will be aiming for their third straight podium finish in Hamilton and are in Pool C with Ireland, Brazil and Spain.

Pool A

NZ

GB

Fiji

Papua New Guinea

Pool B

Australia

France

Canada

Japan

Pool C

USA

Ireland

Brazil

Spain

Men’s Sevens Pools – Hamilton 7s 2023

The men’s pools for the action at the FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton sees new Series leaders Samoa in Pool A together with Pacific Island neighbours Fiji as well as France and Kenya.

Hosts New Zealand are in Pool B with Great Britain, Australia and invitation team Tonga.

In Pool C, the USA, Uruguay, Ireland and Japan will battle it out.

South Africa co-Seroes leaders (behind Samoa on points difference) are in Pool D with Argentina, Spain and Canada.

Pool A

Samoa

Fiji

France

Kenya

Pool B

NZ

GB

Australia

Tonga

Pool C

USA

Uruguay

Ireland

Japan

Pool D

South Africa

Argentina

Spain

Canada

Men’s Hamilton Sevens Rugby Schedule 2023

Match 1 South Africa 7s vs Canada 7s

Match 3 Argentina 7s vs Spain 7s

Match 2 Fiji 7s vs France 7s

Match 5 Uruguay 7s vs Ireland 7s

Match 4 Samoa 7s vs Kenya 7s

Match 7 USA 7s vs Japan 7s

Match 6 New Zealand 7s vs Tonga 7s

Match 8 Great Britain 7s vs Australia 7s

Match 9 Argentina 7s vs Canada 7s

Match 10 South Africa 7s vs Spain 7s

Match 11 Fiji 7s vs Kenya 7s

Match 12 Uruguay 7s vs Japan 7s

Match 13 Samoa 7s vs France 7s

Match 14 Great Britain 7s vs Tonga 7s

Match 15 USA 7s vs Ireland 7s

Match 16 New Zealand 7s vs Australia 7s

Match 17 South Africa 7s vs Argentina 7s

Match 18 Samoa 7s vs Fiji 7s

Match 20 USA 7s vs Uruguay 7s

Match 19 Spain 7s vs Canada 7s

Match 22 Ireland 7s vs Japan 7s

Match 21 France 7s vs Kenya 7s

Match 23 Australia 7s vs Tonga 7s

Match 24 New Zealand 7s vs Great Britain 7s