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Articles by Ryan Smith
Decades in the making, SA’s embassies are in ruin
In early July I received notice that South Africa House, the seat of the South African High Commission to the UK in London’s Trafalgar Square, had shut its doors unexpectedly. There was no public notice from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), no explanation as to why the building had closed, no announcement on the High Commission’s website, and no details on the sign nailed to the High Commission’s front door.
Soldiers of Song
Aggiungi tra i tuoi film preferiti Riceverai un avviso quando il film sarà disponibile nella tua città, disponibile in Streaming e Dvd oppure trasmesso in TV.
My Friends in Ukraine
As Ukraine continues its fight for survival, I reflect on the incredible people I’ve met while working on my films Who If Not Us and Soldiers of Song. Who If Not Us is an Emmy-winning documentary that follows Ukrainian football players as they fight on the frontlines, while Soldiers of Song, which premiered at Tribeca, captures the extraordinary journey of Ukraine’s most beloved musicians as they unite their war-torn nation through the transformative power of music.
The Pamphleteer's 2023 Christmas Gift Guide
As is tradition for any thoroughgoing publication, we've compiled a list of gift suggestions for our readers below. You'll find everything from seed trays to men's pants to books. Merry Christmas! Portland Leather Goods XL Leather Messenger Bag I'm not a fan of Portland or altruism, but I’m even less fond of pricy mass-produced Chinese goods that won’t last until next Christmas. With leather sourced from U.S. beef cows, this messenger bag is as handsome as it is sturdy.
Taylor Swift's Record Store Day Exclusive: "Folklore: the Long Pond Studio Sessions"
the 2020 disney+ documentary soundtrack encapsulates the artist's most vulnerable moments Black velvet skies, desolate streets, and lilac bags beneath everyone’s somnolent eyes. Is the foreboding purple from sleep deprivation, early morning’s merciless frost, or both? Fossilised fingers despite wool gloves, numb toes underneath double-layer socks; next year remember three pairs. It seems an ordinary Saturday yet early as 3:00 AM record collectors camp outside. Why?
How to Experience the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, According to People Who Have Been There
The natural world is an incredible place. There are soaring mountains and rolling sand dunes, spectacular beaches and shimmering lakes, steaming geysers and bubbling volcanoes—and so much more. Although it’s all truly dazzling, there are a few destinations and sights around the world that stand out from the rest. And the most significant of all are the seven natural wonders of the world.
Lucky Luciano is Revived In New Graphic Novel by Christian Cipollini
Christian Cipollini is an American author and historian with a focus on organized crime in the United States, especially Lucky Luciano. He has written several books on the subject and has also contributed articles to various publications. His work has been well received by audiences, and he has become a respected voice in the field of organized crime history.
Lion Links: 4/8/23
Happy Easter weekend, Mane Landers! My wife’s family is in town visiting our new house for the holiday. Currently, this brings our total up to eight, plus a dog, all under one roof. While I’m sure that isn’t a lot for some of you, it is for us, as we are usually just a duo. It is all in good fun though, and I’m glad we are lucky enough to still have the opportunity to spend time with family on holiday weekends.
Meth Soaked Rug Gets Man 20 Years In Prison
For many years, meth has ravaged rural American communities and left a string of addicts. Dealers can either dangerously cook up their own batches or get it shipped in from other countries. A Southwest Georgia man who did the latter will spend the next few decades in federal prison.
How HBCUs Are Empowering the Next Generation of Higher Education
How HBCUs Are Empowering the Next Generation of Higher Education Summary: From small beginnings to immense influence, HBCUs are an important milestone in Black American history and pivotal to American culture. They have made significant contributions to the world and are continuing to have a major impact on higher education in the US. The reason why HBCUs were started is clear, but what exactly is their value today?
Film Music Aotearoa, part 4: the late 80s
A song for Bowie’s POW film Stephen McCurdy was very prolific as a film composer during the 1980s. His background set him up well for a career in the field. Since the 1970s he had been a composer and musical director in theatre, and he created music for several hundred television commercials. His first taste of film scoring was in the early 1980s when a musical piece was needed for a child character in Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence. The film, directed by Nagisa Ōshima, was mostly shot in Auckland.
RYAN SMITH: World should reject SA’s captured foreign policy
SA’s recent abstention from a UN General Assembly vote to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine has rightly been met with outrage across the board. From local political commentators to foreign ambassadors, and among many civil society organisations, this tacit support for an autocratic and oppressive government attacking a sovereign nation has been strongly condemned.
‘Striking Chords’ Review: subtle, intriguing, captivating
Tucked inside the Rockefeller Gallery for Asian Art on the fourth floor of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, a dimly lit room reveals 15 small Japanese woodblock prints. Opening last Friday and on view until July 31, “Striking Chords” offers a window into the lives of those living in Edo-period Japan (1603-1868), highlighting music as an integral part of their everyday leisures and cultural celebrations.
This Is Wipeout That Made Evel Knievel a Legend
Whether or not you consider yourself a fan of stunt biking, it is safe to assume the name Evel Knievel rings a bell. A prototype of American recklessness and audacity, Knievel is remembered not only for his successful long-distance jumps, but also for his crushing, can't-look-away failures.
Communities and national healing
January 20, 2021 As this country enters uncharted waters, it is important to remember who we are and what makes us American. Being American is not defined by the color of our skin, sexual orientation, digits in a bank account, nor political affiliation. Being American comes from within, who we are as people, and the roots that nurture our communities. In recent travels I stopped at a truck stop in middle Nebraska.
Mr C. Ovid Rides Again
Dear Forge, I’ll be honest, I’m getting so sick of writing to you. Oh, not through any fault of your own. It’s just the trouble of letter-writing in today’s world: the second you start writing, give it two days and the whole world has shaken itself again. That is partly my fault, I admit, but I started this letter last week when work was drying up due to the sodding national lockdown, and you’d best believe I was annoyed. How could I not be? All through lockdown, jobs have been harder to come by.
Howard University Hosts Its First Ever Virtual Art Exhibitions To Celebrate New Grads & Faculty — Official MeWeFree
If you know about me, you know that I attended the illustrious Howard University. If you aren’t hip, Howard (also known as “The Mecca”) is one of (if not thee) premier historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU). I didn’t get a chance to graduate from Howard (explained in my bio), but I’ll always consider myself a Bison (Howard’s mascot). Though I’m proud of my degree from Penn State, I always say I did all my learning at Howard.
CISED: A Word With Toy Designer Brovinci About His Career & Divine 9 Collectibles — Official MeWeFree
Mar 7 Mar 7 CISED: A Word With Toy Designer Brovinci About His Career & Divine 9 Collectibles If you’ve been following me, you know that I’m into designer/art toys. My main method of keeping up with what’s new is by following several accounts and hashtags on Instagram. For this blog, I’ve been trying to find more Black people working in this space to interview about it. One day, one of the hashtags introduced me to artist/toy designer Brovinci.
Imaging Manager Brings 3 Decades of Experience to Polk
Shaunda Farrington-Hardwick is relatively new to Polk Medical Center, but she is an expert when it comes to mammography. She was named Imaging Services Manager at the hospital this summer. She leads a team of 11 full-time technologists. Polk Medical Center’s Imaging department offers a full array of outpatient, inpatient and emergency imaging services, including radiography, CT, ultrasound, mammography and bone densitometry.
Cover Story | Big! Bright! Bizarre!
Midway through the season two debut of Starz’ American Gods, protagonist Shadow Moon’s face lights up with wonder and the reflected glow of more than 20,000 incandescent lights. The ex-con turned bodyguard is standing in a cavernous room dominated by what’s billed as the World’s Largest Carousel, a dizzying, 80-foot wide, 36-ton ride fitted with 182 chandeliers and a menagerie of 269 fantastical creatures including half-naked centaurs, zebras in battle armor, and leering mermaids and mermen.
OPINIONISTA: South Africa’s journey to the right to know
The International Conference of Information Commissioners, set to take place in Midrand on 10-13 March, will bring together officials from all over the world, whose job it is to serve their citizens’ ‘right to know’ and who will share successes and challenges in protecting the right to information in their jurisdictions. South Africa has come a long way from apartheid-era secrecy to a constitutional democracy rooted in transparent government and the right to know.
OPINIONISTA: Dear MEC Maile, this is the legacy left behind by the ANC in Tshwane and Joburg
Your claim that one of the ‘unintended consequences of the outcomes of the 2016 local government elections has been the debunking of the myth (lie) that the DA is innately more competent and cleaner than the ANC when it comes to issues of governance’ is disingenuous, to say the least. What you fail to mention, is that DA-led administrations in Tshwane and Joburg took over metros that had been severely crippled by widespread looting and mismanagement, and were on the brink of collapse.
OPINIONISTA: Where is the ANC’s Western Cape Premier candidate?
The ANC, the party hellbent on winning back the Western Cape in the upcoming elections, has still not named a Premier candidate for the province. A provincial government in South Africa begins and ends with the premiere. The Premier exercises the executive authority, appoints the provincial ministers and assigns their powers and functions, and is responsible for implementing provincial legislation.
Get your kicks: Illinois’ 10 must-see Route 66 roadside attractions
Route 66 is more than a sprawling, 2,440-mile connection between Chicago and Los Angeles. It’s a destination unto itself. Designated in 1926 as the nation’s first-ever all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles, the iconic roadway literally put the idea of the cross-country road trip on the map.
Cruise down memory lane at 7 Chicago-area car museums
Whether you dream of speedy hot rods, vintage Fords or one-of-a-kind celebrity vehicles — including three Batmobiles — the Chicago area has a wide range of car museums and collections for gearheads and pop culture aficionados alike. Here are seven of the best showrooms that are a quick drive from downtown: The 1966 TV series Batmobile was built from a 1955 Lincoln concept car by George Barris of Barris Kustoms.
Arizona Border Patrol Agent Busted For Copping Illegal Firearms & Paying The Plug $650K For Cocaine
It’s no secret that law enforcement personnel will abuse their power and break the laws that they swore to enforce. Sometimes, that check from the state just isn’t enough and sworn officers will wild out and make more money illicitly. The latest example of such involves Ramon Antonio Monreal Rodriguez, a 32-year-old Border Patrol agent in Arizona. He is currently locked up on charges that he was trafficking a significant amount of drugs and buying guns illegally.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Heist Out Next Tuesday, Adds 3 New Suits
Since we launched Marvel’s Spider-Man, we’ve been absolutely floored by the amazing response from everyone. Since then, one of the most common questions we have received is, “when can I get more content to play?” You’ll be happy to know that our first chapter of our Marvel’s Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps DLC Series, Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Heist, will release in one week on October 23rd.
An Interview With Writer/Producer Seth Ferranti About His New Doc 'White Boy' About "White Boy Rick"
In the mid 1980’s Detroit was in the throws of the crack epidemic. As the city rotted, a legend emerged; that of a teenage white boy leading a major drug organization. The legend made a great story for the local news and even found it’s way into rap lyrics, but it was all a lie. “White Boy” is a thorough examination of the shocking truth. Learn who inserted Rick into the drug world, who was protecting drug gangs, and who wanted him dead when he became a risk.
The Wolfpack: 3 Best Friends, 2 Homicides, 1 Messy Love Triangle
Jeffrey Neal. Delano Wingfield. Leon Young. Three best friends who all went by one name: The Wolfpack. But The Pack had complexities to it that w
College student's guide to taking a perfect nap in GIFs · The Badger Herald
As many college students have come to learn, napping isn’t just reserved for five year olds. Take a hint from kindergarten, nap time is important and an often necessary part of the day. However, many nappers don’t realize that naps aren’t a one size fits all type of deal. Different length naps have different results and fortunately, I’m here to present you with a guide to become a tactical napper.
Spirit of American POWs Lives On in These Vietnam Prison Keepsakes
If the cold metallic frame and sharp rotor blades of the Smithsonian’s 1966 Bell Huey helicopter evoke the impersonality and mechanization of the Vietnam War, the humble cup and tube of toothpaste donated to the National Museum of American History earlier this week bring into stark focus the conflict’s human cost For the duration of Col. Johnson’s time in H?a Lò, the cup and tube were the only worldly possessions he could claim.
New York Limiting The Selection Of Books Inmates Can Receive To Sex Novels & The Bible
If you talk to anyone who’s done time, you know that one of their saving graces while locked up is books. Inmates can use books to escape their reality and kill dull stretches on time during their bids. However, the state of New York is seriously limiting the selection of books that inmates can receive.
#StayWoke: Police Can Request Your DNA From Genealogy Companies Like Ancestry & 23andMe
Over the past few years, people have been flocking to companies like Ancestry and 23andMe to find out their genetic makeup. To find out, you send in a swab of your saliva to the companies to see what areas of the world your ancestors came from. However, now it has come to light that the police can request your DNA from the genealogy companies for investigations. Both Ancestry and 23andMe confirmed that they will turn over your genetic information to law enforcement if a warrant is presented.
Odaxelagnia | Boston Review
When I sink my teeth into you, there is a taste, a satisfaction, the start of a match, the catch in your throat. We are rich with the exhilarations of our blood, we are rich with our print-blackened roots, like the crowns of my teeth in you cracked like dirt, enamel-fragile and eggshell-veined. I sink my teeth and they knit your history a coat. I shut the cold like a tap and lean like a trunk and we unravel as though thread and when we fall, the quiet is like a feather, like a bough.
Feel Happier in Nine Seconds
I learned the secret of serenity by waterboarding daffodils. My Buddha is landfill. My mantra choked from a bluebird’s neck. It’s ruthless, the pursuit of happiness. Eighteen seconds have elapsed. My happiness is twice your size, gold-chained to the lamppost. It strains its waistcoat as it grows. Flog a sunbeam, harness a cloud. You should be feeling five times happier now: the world is your Kleenex.
Getting Around It
First thing you do is get around it. It is a hard thing to get around but the way you do it you are able to get around it. It is a difficult thing to get around. Next thing you do is reel it in. In and under. You reel it in. That’s also difficult so it is good that you succeed, reeling it in. When you have managed to get around it and have succeeded in reeling it in, what you do next is consider it. You consider it briefly. But you cannot live with yourself considering it.
OF BEING TRANSMITTED ON A SILVERY ALIEN WHEEL
Last night’s songbird. Tonight’s theremin or kite. Owls, abduction. Alighting lights. We each had dreamed a calling, a cantillating dove, transmission, telepathy, elation. Were or were not of the same mind or neither, the same kind or hybrid. In a sedan on fire or not on fire, or the cottage on the waste of a highway’s long strip. Then lab or labyrinth. Pristine bone or carving on a plinth of crystal, cool master breath.
Man Busted With 10 Pounds Of Coke Strapped To His Legs At JFK Airport
Every few weeks, it seems, somebody is getting busted trying to smuggle some drugs through the airport. We’ve seen all types of failed tactics used to try to get packs through security, but folks still try it. This time, we’re back at JFK Airport, where a man was busted trying to bring ten pounds of coke into the United States. He had it strapped to his legs. FOX Philly reports: Officers at John F.
2 Tons Of Weed Disguised As Limes Intercepted At The Border
Two tons of weed disguised as limes gets intercepted at the border.
#Movie4Flo: Ballad For Florence Ballard, By Her Grandson [EXCLUSIVE]
This piece is presented without bias on behalf of Don Diva Magazine. We just figured we’d let the grandson of Florence Ballard air his grievances against the legendary Diana Ross and Motown Records founder, Berry Gordy. He is readying a movie bout his grandmother and wanted the people to know Ms. Ballard’s side of the story: My grandmother, Florence Ballard, founded The Supremes. She’s the reason Diana Ross is who she is. Not saying she didn’t have talent. She didn’t have the heart.
Larry Hoover and Jeff Fort Eat Lunch Together In Prison
To understand Chicago as “Chiraq,” you must understand the gangs/organized crime element of the city. Two names that come up immediately in Chicago gang history are Larry Hoover and Jeff Fort. Seen as the “Godfathers of Gangbanging” Hoover was “King” of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation a.k.a. the Folks Nation, and Fort lorded over the Black P Stone Nation.
DON DIVA MAGAZINE PRESENTS: 'The Chop Shop', Ep. 4 w/ Felonious Munk
Felonious Munk stops through 'The Chop Shop' for an exclusive interview.
Colombian Farmer Finds 0,000,000 Of Pablo Escoabar's Money Buried
According to official data, the cocaine industry generates roughly $85 billion per year. Seeing that laundering drug proceeds and/or putting profits in the bank is a tricky business for many cocaine traffickers, many utilize the strategy of stashing cash somewhere. This method was used especially by Pablo Escobar, the most successful cocaine trafficker in the history of the world. Escobar stashed his influx of cash in various places, like in furniture and under floorboards.
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