Africa

An alleged hit-and-run driver has been released on R3 000 bail after he appeared in the Kuils River District Court.

Google is reportedly working on a multi-layered effort to bring the next one billion people to the internet. Part of these efforts, the company is currently working with governments in sub-Saharan Africa and South-east Asia to develop wireless networks that will provide internet access. Google’s effort are not just limited to creating wireless networks, the company is take a more holistic approach. It is building an ecosystem of new microprocessors and low-cost Android phones that will act as the devices to connect to the internet in the emerging markets, reports Wall Street Journal. The WSJ article is a little vague about Google’s plans with low-cost Android phones but it is very likely that the company is working with phone manufacturers to makes these phones and not doing that itself. Given the increasing affordability, Android phones do seem like a decent option to bring more people to the internet. Even without Google’s efforts, low-cost Android phones are acting as the first access point to internet for many in the emerging countries, however the expensive or limited access to data or Wi-Fi networks mars the usage and this is what Google wants to sort out with its new wireless networks. Check out more in the video below: Image Credit: AP

Nissan India has announced a recall for its Micra and Sunny for changing the master brake cylinder. As an estimate a total of about 22,188 units will be affected by this recall. These vehicles were manufactured in Chennai and were sold all over India. The company has issued the recall stating that Nissan is planning to notify individual customers in May. Nissan dealers will be replacing the brake cylinder at no extra cost. The statement also states that Nissan is committed towards high level of customer satisfaction, service and safety. It is working continuously with the dealers for dealing with the issue. This recall include a total of 67,089 units of Micra and Sunny that were sold in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, India and Middle east markets. No accidents injuries or any type of mishap has been reported till now due to the malfunctioning of the brakes. But the Nissan has issued the recall at the first hand to prevent any of these.

Here's a fun photo of some of our Montreal members, taken on a visit to a new museum in Montreal: the Museum of Costume and Textile. It is located on the lower floor of the Marché Bonsecours, in the historic neighbourhood where Linda F. lived during her years in Canada. The current exhibit features some forty "gala" dresses, some 150 years old, and many of them made by big-name designers: Dior, Schiaparelli, Patou and others. The work of local designers was also included.Pam wasn't able to join us, but we were able to invite a Montreal member of SAQA, Rebekah Crown, whom Heather met when they attended the SAQA conference in Santa Fe. No doubt we will be seeing more of Rebekah in the months ahead.We included a visit to la Guilde Graphique, a collective of Montreal printmakers, and walked along the cobbled streets to a new spot, the Avenue Gallery, to see a photography show by Dylan Macdermott. Dylan is the stepson of Eve Ensler, who has established the City of Joy as a refuge and clinic for women victimized by war in Africa. Dylan's photos focused on Masai tribespeople and others who have been sheltered at the City of Joy. The gallery itself was a treat, with its thick stone walls and a simple café in the back. The get-together ended with a "trunk show" that was literally staged in the trunk of Heather's parked car. Another wonderful day of inspiration and friendship.

vikingpower writes "A team of international experts has drawn up the Soil Atlas of Africa — the first such book mapping this key natural resource — to help farmers, land managers and policymakers understand the diversity and importance of soil and the need to manage it through sustainable use. A joint commission of the African Union and the European Union has produced a complete atlas of African soils, downloadable as 3 hefty PDFs ( Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. ) The initiative was announced four years ago, and is intended 'to help farmers, land managers and policymakers understand the diversity and importance of soil and the need to manage it through sustainable use.' A digital, interactive series of maps is (still) in the making." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

vikingpower writes "A team of international experts has drawn up the Soil Atlas of Africa — the first such book mapping this key natural resource — to help farmers, land managers and policymakers understand the diversity and importance of soil and the need to manage it through sustainable use. A joint commission of the African Union and the European Union has produced a complete atlas of African soils, downloadable as 3 hefty PDFs ( Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. ) The initiative was announced four years ago, and is intended 'to help farmers, land managers and policymakers understand the diversity and importance of soil and the need to manage it through sustainable use.' A digital, interactive series of maps is (still) in the making." Read more of this story at Slashdot.

10,000 workers from the Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union ended their protected strike [SUB REQ.]:

Architects: Cornell University Sustainable Design Location: Johannesburg, South Africa Year: 2011 Photographs: Courtesy of Cornell University Sustainable Design Professors: Jeremy Foster, Kifle G Gebremedhin, Werner Goehner, George Hascup, Alex Mergold, Arthur Ovaska, Andrea Simitch Students: Barry Beagen (Project Director), Andrew Fu (Lead Designer), Shuping Liu (Construction Drawing Coordinator), Thomas Shouler (Structural Engineer), Jonathan Leape (Construction Manager), Mikey Jiang (Utilities), Karen Chi-Chi Lin (Marketing and Communications), Carly Dean (Exhibition Director and On-Site Safety Manager), Jesse McElwain (Director of Development) Sidney Beaty, ?Joe Beaudette, Yen Chiang, Christine Chung, Alex Cote,? Jorge Cuervo Manrique, Mercedes Cuvi,? Will Dibernardo, Robert Dicker,? Juliette Dubroca, ?Mary Bray Erickson, Ben Fleury, ?Jessica Fracassini, Stephanie Glass, Stephanie Gitto, Mikhail Grinwald, Wendy Gu,? Peter Gudonis,? Laura Hammerer, Donald Hicks,? Wei-Yen Hsieh, Siyabonga Jezile, Alexandrea Klimoski, Yoonjee Koh, ?Joecyln Kuo,? Tiffany Kuo,? Johnny Lau,? Brian Lee,? Michael Lee,? Jacqueline Liu,? Daniel Lu,? Erin Pellegrino, ?Lexi Quint,? Jake Rudin,? Eric Rutgers,? Lillian Simon,? Alex Simpson,? Tito Soto, ?Elliot Sperling,? Carina Steinhoff, ?Jose Tijerina,?Daniel Torres,? Maria Villarraga,? Shu Wang Local Construction Team: Ntumeko Fodom, Siyabonga Jezile, Beerlina Kedibone, Thobelahi Kotji, Anthony Longo, Oupa Mabuza, Patience Mahlangu, Tlantla Mahlangu, Winnie Mdekazi, Adill Mike, Apacia Ndubane, Mouso Nkosi, Looseboy Nthogelany, Lefa Phogole,Rejinah Seefane, Dinah Sefularo, Kara Schnoes, Tshepo Simon, Victor Ubisi Concept Design: Andrew Fu in collaboration with Nicholas Cassab-Gheta, Manuela Garcia, Abigail Jean, Lingbo Sun, and Yoana Taseva under the guidance of Professor Arthur Ovaska Armadillo Crèche is the design for an early childhood development (ECD) center in Johannesburg, South Africa. It accommodates 80 children and houses a teacher-training center. Standing on an elevated site, the ECD center is a beacon for education. To embrace the necessity of a fence, the design likens itself to an armadillo: it curls in on itself, protecting its soft underbelly with a hard shell. The design integrates the boundary condition with the buildings and landscape, creating zones of different scales for various activities as it unfurls. At the heart of the ECD center lie communal programs: a semi-outdoor dining space and a paved play area. These communal spaces are angled to open up to views of the natural conservation zone. The school is a product of a two year process orchestrated by Cornell University Sustainable Design, an interdisciplinary student-led organization at Cornell University. Students, with the help of academic advisors and industry professionals, executed the project through a semester of research, a semester of design development integrated into the Bachelor of Architecture comprehensive design studio curriculum, and three months of construction. Students collaborated with local partners in construction and education to refine the design. Over thirty student volunteers traveled to South Africa to construct the school alongside local laborers from the surrounding neighborhood, Cosmo City. Strong emphasis is placed on sustainable passive sustainable technologies to decrease cost and energy dependency. Conscientious decisions in resiliency are found in all dimensions of the project: the architectural design, construction methods, material production and purchasing, included facilities, project financing and day-to-day operations. (A year after construction, the ECD center was still not connected to the grid. The teachers, however, were not worried: they explained that these passive technologies create a bright, warm, and efficacious school without the use of electricity.) This project was completed with generous support from Cornell University, in partnership with Education Africa, Pla

What's going on at Dodger Stadium for three game series against the St. Louis Cardinals? For the series against St. Louis, Levy Restaurants is offering a special extreme loaded dog, the St. Louis BBQ dog will feature an all-beef hot dog topped with pulled pork and crispy onions. Extreme loaded dogs concession stands are located on the Loge and Reserve level. Friday May 24 7:10pm Prime Ticket Chris Capuano vs Lance Lynn Lil Jon, rapper, record producer, entrepreneur and international DJ who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Lil Jon will also announce the Dodgers’ starting lineup. It is YMCA Night at Dodger Stadium. Several local YMCAs will be on hand. Tonight, U.S. Army Specialist Tyler Jeffries will officially start the game with “It’s Time for Dodger Baseball!” Jeffries was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2012 and spent six months overseas until he was severely injured on a clearing mission in October 2012. Jeffries lost both of his legs and is undergoing vigorous physical and occupational therapy at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington D.C. He is currently in Los Angeles to meet his new Red Cross service dog and service dog trainer, Brandon McMillan, who has been preparing Jeffries’ new dog to be of service to him. Tonight, A.J. Ellis and Brandon League will host a total of 500 guests from Vision to Learn, including kids who received eye glasses through the charity and their families. The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation recently partnered with Vision To Learn, a non-profit organization that provides free eye exams and free glasses to elementary students in low-income communities throughout Los Angeles, and held a launch event on May 13 at Dorris Place Elementary School, where Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti, Ellis and League joined the charity’s founder, Austin Buetner, to distribute glasses to students. The youngsters will be recognized on the field as part of pregame ceremonies. The Vision to Learn Mobile Eye Exam vehicle will be in lot F. All fans are invited down to the field for Friday Night Fireworks presented by Denny’s. Saturday May 25 4:15pm Fox 11 Ted Lilly vs John Gast It is Jaime Jarrín Bobblehead Night presented by Time Warner Cable. Auto and stadium gates open early at 1:45 p.m. The first 50,000 fans in attendance will receive the first-ever Dodger Stadium bobblehead of Jarrín. The first 20,000 fans will receive a Universal Studios coupon for a free kids’ ticket with a purchase of an adult ticket. The Hall of Fame Dodger broadcaster and “the Spanish Voice of the Dodgers” is in his 55th season at the helm of the Dodgers’ Spanish-language radio broadcast on Univision Radio KTNQ 1020 AM. A native of Ecuador, Jarrín began his professional baseball broadcasting career in 1959 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the same year the club won the World Series, the first in Los Angeles franchise history. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998 as the recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award. During his unprecedented Spanish-language broadcasting career, he has called three perfect games, 16 no-hitters, 26 World Series and 21 All-Star Games. Jarrín called the Dodgers’ World Championships in 1959, ’63, ’65, ’81 and ’88. Since broadcasting his first game on April 14, 1959, Jarrín has called countless iconic moments in Los Angeles Dodger history.Saturday’s Veteran of the Game is U.S. Army Master Sergeant Bobby Farmer of Bluefield, West Virginia. Farmer enlisted in 1992, took Special Forces training and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group. Farmer was an engineer with Operational Detachment Alpha 391. He has served in Kosovo, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan on several deployments. He is currently undergoing treatment for injuries he sustained from an improvised explosive device. His accolades include the Bronze Star for Valor, the Army Commendation for Valor and the Purple Heart

by Kameron Hurley I’m going to tell you a story about llamas. It will be like every other story you’ve ever heard about llamas: how they are covered in fine scales; how they eat their young if not raised properly; and how, at the end of their lives, they hurl themselves–lemming-like–over cliffs to drown in the surging sea. They are, at heart, sea creatures, birthed from the sea, married to it like the fishing people who make their livelihood there. Every story you hear about llamas is the same. You see it in books: the poor doomed baby llama getting chomped up by its intemperate parent. On television: the massive tide of scaly llamas falling in a great, majestic herd into the sea below. In the movies: bad-ass llamas smoking cigars and painting their scales in jungle camouflage. Because you’ve seen this story so many times, because you already know the nature and history of llamas, it sometimes shocks you, of course, to see a llama outside of these media spaces. The llamas you see don’t have scales. So you doubt what you see, and you joke with your friends about “those scaly llamas” and they laugh and say, “Yes, llamas sure are scaly!” and you forget your actual experience. What you remember is the llama you saw who had mange, which sort of looked scaly, after a while, and that one llama who was sort of aggressive toward a baby llama, like maybe it was going to eat it. So you forget the llamas that don’t fit the narrative you saw in films, books, television – the ones you heard about in the stories – and you remember the ones that exhibited the behavior the stories talk about. Suddenly, all the llamas you remember fit the narrative you see and hear every day from those around you.  You make jokes about it with your friends. You feel like you’ve won something. You’re not crazy. You think just like everyone else. And then there came a day when you started writing about your own llamas. Unsurprisingly, you didn’t choose to write about the soft, downy, non-cannibalistic ones you actually met, because you knew no one would find those “realistic.” You plucked out the llamas from the stories. You created cannibal llamas with a death wish, their scales matted in paint. It’s easier to tell the same stories everyone else does. There’s no particular shame in it. It’s just that it’s lazy, which is just about the worst possible thing a spec fic writer can be. Oh, and it’s not true. ••• As somebody with more than a passing knowledge of history (All the Thing That Came Before Me), I’m passionately interested in truth: truth is something that happens whether or not we see it, or believe it, or write about. Truth just is. We can call it something else, or pretend it didn’t happen, but its repercussions live with us, whether we choose to remember and acknowledge it or not. When I sat down with one of my senior professors in Durban, South Africa to talk about my Master’s thesis, he asked me why I wanted to write about women resistance fighters. “Because women made up twenty percent of the ANC’s militant wing!” I gushed. “Twenty percent! When I found that out I couldn’t believe it. And you know – women have never been part of fighting forces –” He interrupted me. “Women have always fought,” he said. “What?” I said. “Women have always fought,” he said. “Shaka Zulu had an all-female force of fighters. Women have been part of every resistance movement. Women dressed as men and went to war, went to sea, and participated actively in combat for as long as there have been people.” I had no idea what to say to this. I had been nurtured in the U.S. school system on a steady diet of the Great Men theory of history. History was full of Great Men. I had to take separate Women’s History courses just to learn about what women were doing while all the men were killing each other. It turned out many of them were governing countries and figuring out rather effective methods of birth control that had sweeping ramifications on the makeup of particular states, especi