Villagers dig by hand to find those still trapped, with few signs of an official response in some areas.
from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/YXTx4GU
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Intro Video
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Morocco: Inside village with 90 people dead after quake
Sudan conflict: Dozens killed in attack on Khartoum market, medics say
Morocco earthquake: CCTV footage shows man narrowly avoiding building collapse
Morocco: Inside remote mountain village devastated by quake
Morocco earthquake: Rescuers joyous following rescue
Morocco's national football team give blood after quake
Morocco: BBC reporter at the scene of famous mosque collapsed by quake
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Morocco earthquake: Mountain villages plunged into grief
G20: Why it needs African Union at the table
Friday, September 8, 2023
Piles of rubble left in street after deadly Morocco quake
The Nigerians learning to speak with British accents
Gabon coup: New PM tells BBC country should hold elections within two years
Rugby World Cup 2023: South Africa's 1995 captain Francois Pienaar 'the luckiest player ever'
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Rwanda suspected serial killer arrested after bodies found in kitchen
Salif Keita: How Mali's 'Black Panther' became a pioneering icon
The Influence of African Culture on Contemporary Jewelry Design
The story of a humble bead from Africa finding its way onto the necks of Hollywood A-listers isn't just a narrative of aesthetic evolution; it's a tale of cultural imprinting that moves far beyond the notion of mere adornment.
Ever paused and examined a piece of jewelry you were about to wear? The beads, the gems, the texture. They are so much more than random collections of shiny objects; they are intricate tales woven in metal and stone. Well, get ready to rethink that string of beads or that gold cuff on your wrist, because it might just have an ancestral lineage tracing back to African soil. If you think you're wearing just a piece of jewelry, think again—you're donning a history lesson, a geography test, and a culture class all rolled into one.
Hold up, and listen to this: there's a habit we all need to embrace, especially if you're a LinkedIn power-user like I presume you are. Before putting on your jewelry every morning, pause. Just pause. Look at that piece and ask, "What story is dangling from my earlobe?" I promise you, the reflection will resonate through your day and perhaps even amplify your professional aura. You're not just wearing an accessory; you're wearing a global exchange of ideas and identities.
Feeling jazzed yet? Feeling like that piece of jewelry is less a fashion statement and more a declaration of cultural unity? Because let me tell you, the influence of African culture on contemporary jewelry design is like the great Nile River fertilizing the lands of Egypt; it breathes life into an otherwise barren landscape. And that's not just exciting, it's awe-inducing. The way African motifs have traveled, transcending geographical and cultural borders, to adorn your wrists and necks, is nothing short of magic.
So, there was this artisan from Ghana. Let's call him Kwame. Kwame wasn't just creating necklaces; he was braiding generations of his lineage into each piece. His beadwork wasn't merely aesthetic; it was a symphony of colors that spoke of the lands, the spirits, and the people of his village. Kwame never thought his artistry would leave his local market. But there's a plot twist: his designs caught the eye of a visiting fashion designer from Paris. Fast forward a year, and you find Kwame's once humble beads now adorning haute couture runway models. His work didn't just cross the Atlantic; it performed a cultural coup d'état on the global fashion industry.
To summarize this journey we've just undertaken together: African culture isn't just influencing contemporary jewelry design; it's redefining it. It's imbuing it with stories, cultures, and an emotional power that we often overlook. So the next time you pick up a piece of jewelry, know that it could be a passport to another world, an open diary in the form of beads and metals, and a potent testament to the influence of African culture on contemporary jewelry design.
From Vision to Action: A 3-Year Plan to Transform Africa
So, you're telling me you want to transform an entire continent in three years? Good luck, buddy! No, really, I mean it—because luck alone won't cut it. You'll need a plan so robust, it could give a Marvel superhero a run for their money. But hey, let's talk strategy, not fantasy.
From Vision to Action: A 3-Year Plan to Transform Africa
Ever heard the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day"? Well, I've got news for you—Africa won't transform in one either. But Rome had a blueprint and Africa, my friend, needs one too. A 3-year plan may sound like the timeline for your gym transformation, but we're talking about a continent here. It's not about flaunting six-packs; it's about packing a punch in the global arena.
Now, let me hit you with a daily routine that even LinkedIn's algorithm can't ignore: "The Africa Minute." Every day, take just 60 seconds to engage with a piece of content related to Africa's transformation. Could be an article, a tweet, or a video. Why? Because a minute a day keeps the ignorance away. Those 60 seconds will compound, like interest on a savings account you forgot you had, into a well of knowledge and perspective.
Are you excited? You should be! This is the Marvel Cinematic Universe of plans, but with real stakes. Think about Africa's untapped resources, its vibrant cultures, its young population yearning for opportunity. Imagine harnessing all that into a force so powerful, it alters the economic landscape of the world. Feel that tingle in your spine? That's not just your phone vibrating—it's the thrill of possibility!
Let's weave this all into a story shall we? Picture yourself as the protagonist in a novel written by Africa's future. You start by defining your vision, your "why." You're armed with a 3-year plan that's as dynamic as a jazz improvisation. You navigate through plots twists like corruption, bureaucracy, and naysayers who think your plan should remain on paper, not progress into reality. But by the climax, oh boy, you're not alone. You've rallied a cast of characters—policymakers, entrepreneurs, everyday citizens—all unified by the vision you laid out. And as you turn the last page, you realize this isn't the end, but a new beginning.
In summary, a 3-year plan to transform Africa isn't just a vision; it's a call to action. It demands daily engagement, stokes high-arousal emotions like excitement and awe, and begs to be part of a narrative larger than any one individual. So, what are you waiting for? The clock's ticking, and your "Africa Minute" starts now.
Symbols, Imagery, and Brand Perception: A Psychological Overview
You're about to discover something powerful, something that may forever change the way you look at branding and, dare I say, even the daily products you use. In this article, I'll share with you some eye-opening insights on symbols, imagery, and brand perception, drawing from firsthand experience as a consumer, cursory research, and keen observations.
Symbols are not just icons; they're visual magic spells that tap into our subconscious. Take the Apple logo. You see an apple with a bite taken out of it, and somehow it's not just fruit; it's innovation, it's sleek design, it's a lifestyle. That's the power of a symbol—a single image capturing a universe of feelings and ideas.
But let's make this tangible and fold it into your daily routine. Think of your morning coffee. Whether it's Starbucks or a local artisan brand, the logo on that cup does more than just look pretty; it stirs emotions within you. Maybe it's comfort or perhaps anticipation for the day ahead. Keep this in mind tomorrow morning: look at that logo and ask yourself, what does this make me feel? That moment, where branding meets daily routine, is where the magic happens.
Now, let's infuse some high-arousal emotions into the mix—excitement and awe. Imagine stepping into a Tesla showroom. The logo isn't just a 'T'; it represents a future of sustainability and cutting-edge technology. You're not just buying a car; you're buying into a future, a vision. That's the power of imagery and symbols, and it's awe-inspiring. It's a narrative that excites us, that makes us want to be a part of something greater than ourselves.
So, here's a story for you. I was at an art gallery, lost in the visuals, when I stumbled upon a painting that was essentially just a series of geometric shapes. But the moment I read the description and learned what those shapes symbolized—the struggles and triumphs of life—I saw it anew. It wasn't just shapes; it was a story, a message. It hit me then; this is what brands do. They take the ordinary—a swoosh, an apple, a 'T'—and load it with meaning, making it extraordinary.
Women in the Shadows: A Controversial Perspective on Gender in Espionage
In a recent exploration into the labyrinth of intelligence, geopolitics, and ethics, I found myself captivated. The intersections between technology, ethical quandaries, and the global stage were not just fascinating but deeply relevant. With the world at such a crucial pivot point, I felt compelled to share these insights—insights that navigate the nuanced corridors where nations, ethics, and individual narratives intersect.
The world of espionage is rarely seen in black and white; its intricacies demand a broader palette, one that includes the often overlooked colors of gender dynamics. The role of women in espionage offers a lens to understand not just the world of covert operations but also the very society in which these operations are nested.
Take the recruitment strategies within intelligence agencies, for example. The CIA has made strides in diversifying its workforce, challenging the stereotypical image of a spy as a suave male with a knack for avoiding danger. Today, women are recruited for roles that leverage their unique skills, from linguistic prowess to cultural understanding. The notion of a "female James Bond" isn't merely a Hollywood fantasy; it's a reality reshaping the corridors of Langley and other intelligence hubs worldwide.
So, what's the daily habit you should consider? Make it a point to challenge stereotypes. Whether it's in your professional environment or a casual conversation, each time you question a generalized assumption, you're taking a step toward a world that values diversity and inclusion, which is not just socially responsible but also strategically advantageous.
The awe-inducing element here is the impact of this gender shift on the global stage. Women spies have played crucial roles in geopolitical outcomes, from Cold War diplomacy to counter-terrorism operations. Think Valerie Plame, the CIA operative whose cover was blown, affecting U.S. intelligence gathering in Iran. Or consider the Mossad agents who, irrespective of gender, ensure Israel's survival amid a sea of geopolitical threats.
This narrative isn't just a fanciful recounting of isolated incidents. It's a compelling reminder that women in espionage are not peripheral figures but core components of complex geopolitical machinery. Their stories are intricately woven into the fabric of global dynamics, influencing outcomes that range from diplomatic negotiations to covert military operations.
The curiosity that should be piqued here is twofold. First, how does the increasing role of women in espionage reflect broader social changes? And second, what untapped potential could be harnessed if intelligence agencies further diversified their ranks?
As we navigate this complex landscape, it's essential to recognize the role of women in intelligence as a mirror to our society's evolving values and norms. Their contributions are a testament to the profound transformations occurring not just within the enigmatic world of spies but also within the larger tapestry of human history, one that's continually being rewritten by diverse hands.
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