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For the first few hundred thousand years humankind knew exactly where food came from. There was a close relationship between hunter and prey, gatherer and bounty, farmer and harvest. But somehow, in the last few decades, humankind just lost it. Beyond the fact that milk may contain more growth hormones than certain baseball players (looking at you big headed Barry Bonds) and genetically modified veggies may be insect-lettuce hybrids, it is simply difficult to fall in love with food when you don’t know its origin.
Subject: A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle...
To Invite Gregory da silva,The Famous Egg man, to your Events or Festivals, please Contact : Cellphone: 0737507923
Email: eggman@galmail.co.za
A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle - he is a symbol of Africa's many diverse cultures...
A Symbol of African Unity
In the first heady years of the African Union, the world's eyes are increasingly turned to the continent from which humankind first appeared. Beneath the seemingly impenetrable mask of violence portrayed in popular media, lies a living and thriving cultural climate which Des Warde finds well depicted by West African street artist Gregory Da Silva.
The outfit always turns heads, and each day it boasts a new feature, a new symbol of an African culture or practice.
His headdress weighs up to twenty five kilograms, his body is armoured with artifacts and his face painted with tribal patterns and an undying smile. Each day, Gregory Da Silva presents the city centre with a new display of his symbolic art.
Gregory's voice is lively and he repeatedly offers phrases and words in French. Born in Benin, West Africa, 1979, he was trained in computer science at university, but went on to found a theatre group in Benin called 'Voice of Spirit' or 'Voix de l'Esprit' which performed politically motivated as well as comic and poetic theatre at the Benin National Library.
After receiving an invitation to perform at the MASA - Market for African Performing Arts - Festival in the Ivory Coast in 2003, where he represented his country, Benin, for a week before flying to South Africa. He sold his creations at the V&A Waterfront and began to grace the streets of Cape Town with his unique form of art. It was so unique it initially led the bemused Cape Town police to put him in the back of their car and call their superiors for advice! Naturally they were advised them to let him go and Gregory now enjoys a good relationship with the city authorities...
My attention is soon turned to his artifact-laden tunic which Gregory says is about "all African tradition, all African culture[s]" and he goes on to explain some of the more prominent objects displayed.
"Everything must be life,
everything must shine, and be positive"
First, he points out the clusters of sea shells hanging around his neck, saying that in Africa these shells were "old money" and once used as currency. He explains the eggs on his head dress as being symbolic of life and says "everything must be life, everything must shine, [and] be positive". Next his hands grab the arcane black bottle near his waist to explain that in his culture, the Sangoma people would place "good spirits" in a bottle, with which they would "heal sick people [they] passed while walking on the roads".
The broken shards of mirror found on his chest bear similar spiritual significance, and are often worn by Voodoo people in Africa and are said to be a kind of window into the spiritual world, and a "way to talk to [their] ancestor[s]".
Gregory says his main inspiration or motivation is to "make people laugh" and "make people happy" and to represent different African cultures. He says he always thinks "how we can put all of Africa together to make [it] one", adding that "not one country can be forgotten".
When he is travelling in Africa, be it in Senegal, Cameroon, Mali or the Congo, the local people invariably look at him and say "ahh, that is our culture" as they see something of their own represented. "All Africa is in my clothes" he says, drawing attention again to his peerless suit.
When not walking St. Georges Mall or Green Market Square, Gregory features at the Grahamstown festival, the Hermanus Whale Festival, has been hired to receive guests at hotels and airports, and has also appeared on SABC 2 and E-TV News.
He is very popular with tourists, especially those from Italy, England, America and Germany, who frequently ask why he does not come over and do his thing in their own country. But he says his focus is on Africa. Pictures of him certainly do get back to their countries though, as Gregory says everyday "hundreds" of pictures are taken of himself, usually posing with the tourists.
Asked about his dreams and ambitions, Gregory (or the "Egg Man" or "Ei man" as he is also known) says that this year he is planning on starting an art school, which is part of his 'Project For Africa' for this year. He wants to impart creative knowledge to South African youth, giving them the power to create beautiful things and also to support themselves, all part of his ultimate venerable ambition to "[bring] Africa together to make one".
Indeed, and good luck to him.
Egg On His Face But He's Happy
Gregory da silva, A Symbol of African Unity
Who is that Guy with all the Eggs on his head that you see at all the bestest Festivals in South Africa ? His name is gregory da Silva - An Artist Comedian, Storyteller, dancer from Benin West Africa. Gregory da Silva ( Egg Man ) was born in Benin West Africa, Voodoo Country. He speaks French and English and is staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory da silva has appeared at many Festivals in Africa and is presently staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory has appeared at many Festivals in Africa :
The Masa Festival 2003 ( market for African Performing Arts) in Ivory coast West Africa,
The grahamstown Festival South African National Art Festival,
The Hermanus Whales festival,
The Darling festival, The Gariep Kimberley Festival, Innibos Film Festival Nelspruit Mpumanlanga,
Moorresberg farm Shows,
The Biltong Castle Larger Festival in Somerset East South africa,
The Stellenbosch Street Festival,
The Simonstown Penguin Festival South Africa. He performs every day in Market square Cape Town and adds an air of rio - style festivity wherever he performs. Many Tourrists from Germany, England, America, Italy, France, Belguim call Gregory : The Egg man, or Chicken Man. Very famous in Africa.
AFRICAN EXTRAVAGANZA : The National Arts Festival had its usual colourful start in Grahamstown South Africa. Here Gregory da Silva from Benin, West Africa, wears headgear adorned with African artifacts. Gregory da Silva has becomes an Institution at the National Art festival Grahamstown. Picture by ALAN EASON
A festival favourite for many years, the ubiquitous "Eggman" was back at the 2006 National Arts Festival, making an appearance at the Village Green (CuePix/daylin paul)
Conceived as a participatory environment that reframes the conceptual relationship between humankind and structure, Pole Dance is an interconnected system of poles and bungees whose equilibrium is open to human action and environmental factors. Throughout the courtyard, groups of 25-foot-tall poles on 12 x 12-foot grids connected by bungee cords whose elasticity cause the poles to gently sway, create a steady ripple throughout the courtyard space. Each grid contains a number of playful activators, such as hammocks, pulls, misters, and rain collecting plants. An open net covering the entire scope of the grid system provides shelter and stabilize the movement of the poles, preventing them from exceeding a predetermined maximum pivot. A generous series of multi-colored balls move above the net offering mutable shade and the appearance of a communal game. Dropping down at two points, the net surrounds a pool and a sandpit.
Pole Dance includes an audio device that measures the motion of eight of the fiberglass poles and converts it to sound, which is audible in the courtyard and streamed live in 3d on poledance.so-il.org. In the passive state, movement is generated by wind moving the poles or net structure. As the audience begins to interact with elements of the structure by pushing, pulling, or shaking the poles or moving the balls or the net, modulated tones are generated, which have been specifically composed to blend with the sonic environment and bring harmony to the soundscape in and around MoMA PS1.
In other words; Weird for the sake of Weird.
Subject: A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle...
To Invite Gregory da silva,The Famous Egg man, to your Events or Festivals, please Contact : Cellphone: 0737507923
Email: eggman@galmail.co.za
A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle - he is a symbol of Africa's many diverse cultures...
A Symbol of African Unity
In the first heady years of the African Union, the world's eyes are increasingly turned to the continent from which humankind first appeared. Beneath the seemingly impenetrable mask of violence portrayed in popular media, lies a living and thriving cultural climate which Des Warde finds well depicted by West African street artist Gregory Da Silva.
The outfit always turns heads, and each day it boasts a new feature, a new symbol of an African culture or practice.
His headdress weighs up to twenty five kilograms, his body is armoured with artifacts and his face painted with tribal patterns and an undying smile. Each day, Gregory Da Silva presents the city centre with a new display of his symbolic art.
Gregory's voice is lively and he repeatedly offers phrases and words in French. Born in Benin, West Africa, 1979, he was trained in computer science at university, but went on to found a theatre group in Benin called 'Voice of Spirit' or 'Voix de l'Esprit' which performed politically motivated as well as comic and poetic theatre at the Benin National Library.
After receiving an invitation to perform at the MASA - Market for African Performing Arts - Festival in the Ivory Coast in 2003, where he represented his country, Benin, for a week before flying to South Africa. He sold his creations at the V&A Waterfront and began to grace the streets of Cape Town with his unique form of art. It was so unique it initially led the bemused Cape Town police to put him in the back of their car and call their superiors for advice! Naturally they were advised them to let him go and Gregory now enjoys a good relationship with the city authorities...
My attention is soon turned to his artifact-laden tunic which Gregory says is about "all African tradition, all African culture[s]" and he goes on to explain some of the more prominent objects displayed.
"Everything must be life,
everything must shine, and be positive"
First, he points out the clusters of sea shells hanging around his neck, saying that in Africa these shells were "old money" and once used as currency. He explains the eggs on his head dress as being symbolic of life and says "everything must be life, everything must shine, [and] be positive". Next his hands grab the arcane black bottle near his waist to explain that in his culture, the Sangoma people would place "good spirits" in a bottle, with which they would "heal sick people [they] passed while walking on the roads".
The broken shards of mirror found on his chest bear similar spiritual significance, and are often worn by Voodoo people in Africa and are said to be a kind of window into the spiritual world, and a "way to talk to [their] ancestor[s]".
Gregory says his main inspiration or motivation is to "make people laugh" and "make people happy" and to represent different African cultures. He says he always thinks "how we can put all of Africa together to make [it] one", adding that "not one country can be forgotten".
When he is travelling in Africa, be it in Senegal, Cameroon, Mali or the Congo, the local people invariably look at him and say "ahh, that is our culture" as they see something of their own represented. "All Africa is in my clothes" he says, drawing attention again to his peerless suit.
When not walking St. Georges Mall or Green Market Square, Gregory features at the Grahamstown festival, the Hermanus Whale Festival, has been hired to receive guests at hotels and airports, and has also appeared on SABC 2 and E-TV News.
He is very popular with tourists, especially those from Italy, England, America and Germany, who frequently ask why he does not come over and do his thing in their own country. But he says his focus is on Africa. Pictures of him certainly do get back to their countries though, as Gregory says everyday "hundreds" of pictures are taken of himself, usually posing with the tourists.
Asked about his dreams and ambitions, Gregory (or the "Egg Man" or "Ei man" as he is also known) says that this year he is planning on starting an art school, which is part of his 'Project For Africa' for this year. He wants to impart creative knowledge to South African youth, giving them the power to create beautiful things and also to support themselves, all part of his ultimate venerable ambition to "[bring] Africa together to make one".
Indeed, and good luck to him.
Egg On His Face But He's Happy
Gregory da silva, A Symbol of African Unity
Who is that Guy with all the Eggs on his head that you see at all the bestest Festivals in South Africa ? His name is gregory da Silva - An Artist Comedian, Storyteller, dancer from Benin West Africa. Gregory da Silva ( Egg Man ) was born in Benin West Africa, Voodoo Country. He speaks French and English and is staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory da silva has appeared at many Festivals in Africa and is presently staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory has appeared at many Festivals in Africa :
The Masa Festival 2003 ( market for African Performing Arts) in Ivory coast West Africa,
The grahamstown Festival South African National Art Festival,
The Hermanus Whales festival,
The Darling festival, The Gariep Kimberley Festival, Innibos Film Festival Nelspruit Mpumanlanga,
Moorresberg farm Shows,
The Biltong Castle Larger Festival in Somerset East South africa,
The Stellenbosch Street Festival,
The Simonstown Penguin Festival South Africa. He performs every day in Market square Cape Town and adds an air of rio - style festivity wherever he performs. Many Tourrists from Germany, England, America, Italy, France, Belguim call Gregory : The Egg man, or Chicken Man. Very famous in Africa.
AFRICAN EXTRAVAGANZA : The National Arts Festival had its usual colourful start in Grahamstown South Africa. Here Gregory da Silva from Benin, West Africa, wears headgear adorned with African artifacts. Gregory da Silva has becomes an Institution at the National Art festival Grahamstown. Picture by ALAN EASON
A festival favourite for many years, the ubiquitous "Eggman" was back at the 2006 National Arts Festival, making an appearance at the Village Green (CuePix/daylin paul)
Subject: A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle...
Contact : Gregory da silva Cape Town South Africa Cellphone: 0737507923
Email: eggman@galmail.co.za
A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle - he is a symbol of Africa's many diverse cultures...
A Symbol of African Unity
In the first heady years of the African Union, the world's eyes are increasingly turned to the continent from which humankind first appeared. Beneath the seemingly impenetrable mask of violence portrayed in popular media, lies a living and thriving cultural climate which Des Warde finds well depicted by West African street artist Gregory Da Silva.
The outfit always turns heads, and each day it boasts a new feature, a new symbol of an African culture or practice.
His headdress weighs up to twenty five kilograms, his body is armoured with artifacts and his face painted with tribal patterns and an undying smile. Each day, Gregory Da Silva presents the city centre with a new display of his symbolic art.
Gregory's voice is lively and he repeatedly offers phrases and words in French. Born in Benin, West Africa, 1979, he was trained in computer science at university, but went on to found a theatre group in Benin called 'Voice of Spirit' or 'Voix de l'Esprit' which performed politically motivated as well as comic and poetic theatre at the Benin National Library.
After receiving an invitation to perform at the MASA - Market for African Performing Arts - Festival in the Ivory Coast in 2003, where he represented his country, Benin, for a week before flying to South Africa. He sold his creations at the V&A Waterfront and began to grace the streets of Cape Town with his unique form of art. It was so unique it initially led the bemused Cape Town police to put him in the back of their car and call their superiors for advice! Naturally they were advised them to let him go and Gregory now enjoys a good relationship with the city authorities...
My attention is soon turned to his artifact-laden tunic which Gregory says is about "all African tradition, all African culture[s]" and he goes on to explain some of the more prominent objects displayed.
"Everything must be life,
everything must shine, and be positive"
First, he points out the clusters of sea shells hanging around his neck, saying that in Africa these shells were "old money" and once used as currency. He explains the eggs on his head dress as being symbolic of life and says "everything must be life, everything must shine, [and] be positive". Next his hands grab the arcane black bottle near his waist to explain that in his culture, the Sangoma people would place "good spirits" in a bottle, with which they would "heal sick people [they] passed while walking on the roads".
The broken shards of mirror found on his chest bear similar spiritual significance, and are often worn by Voodoo people in Africa and are said to be a kind of window into the spiritual world, and a "way to talk to [their] ancestor[s]".
Gregory says his main inspiration or motivation is to "make people laugh" and "make people happy" and to represent different African cultures. He says he always thinks "how we can put all of Africa together to make [it] one", adding that "not one country can be forgotten".
When he is travelling in Africa, be it in Senegal, Cameroon, Mali or the Congo, the local people invariably look at him and say "ahh, that is our culture" as they see something of their own represented. "All Africa is in my clothes" he says, drawing attention again to his peerless suit.
When not walking St. Georges Mall or Green Market Square, Gregory features at the Grahamstown festival, the Hermanus Whale Festival, has been hired to receive guests at hotels and airports, and has also appeared on SABC 2 and E-TV News.
He is very popular with tourists, especially those from Italy, England, America and Germany, who frequently ask why he does not come over and do his thing in their own country. But he says his focus is on Africa. Pictures of him certainly do get back to their countries though, as Gregory says everyday "hundreds" of pictures are taken of himself, usually posing with the tourists.
Asked about his dreams and ambitions, Gregory (or the "Egg Man" or "Ei man" as he is also known) says that this year he is planning on starting an art school, which is part of his 'Project For Africa' for this year. He wants to impart creative knowledge to South African youth, giving them the power to create beautiful things and also to support themselves, all part of his ultimate venerable ambition to "[bring] Africa together to make one".
Indeed, and good luck to him.
Egg On His Face But He's Happy
Gregory da silva, A Symbol of African Unity
Who is that Guy with all the Eggs on his head that you see at all the bestest Festivals in South Africa ? His name is gregory da Silva - An Artist Comedian, Storyteller, dancer from Benin West Africa. Gregory da Silva ( Egg Man ) was born in Benin West Africa, Voodoo Country. He speaks French and English and is staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory da silva has appeared at many Festivals in Africa and is presently staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory has appeared at many Festivals in Africa :
The Masa Festival 2003 ( market for African Performing Arts) in Ivory coast West Africa,
The grahamstown Festival South African National Art Festival,
The Hermanus Whales festival,
The Darling festival, The Gariep Kimberley Festival, Innibos Film Festival Nelspruit Mpumanlanga,
Moorresberg farm Shows,
The Biltong Castle Larger Festival in Somerset East South africa,
The Stellenbosch Street Festival,
The Simonstown Penguin Festival South Africa. He performs every day in Market square Cape Town and adds an air of rio - style festivity wherever he performs. Many Tourrists from Germany, England, America, Italy, France, Belguim call Gregory : The Egg man, or Chicken Man. Very famous in Africa.
AFRICAN EXTRAVAGANZA : The National Arts Festival had its usual colourful start in Grahamstown South Africa. Here Gregory da Silva from Benin, West Africa, wears headgear adorned with African artifacts. Gregory da Silva has becomes an Institution at the National Art festival Grahamstown. Picture by ALAN EASON
A festival favourite for many years, the ubiquitous "Eggman" was back at the 2006 National Arts Festival, making an appearance at the Village Green (CuePix/daylin paul)
Subject: A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle...
Contact : Gregory da silva Cape Town South Africa Cellphone: 0737507923
Email: eggman@galmail.co.za
A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle - he is a symbol of Africa's many diverse cultures...
A Symbol of African Unity
In the first heady years of the African Union, the world's eyes are increasingly turned to the continent from which humankind first appeared. Beneath the seemingly impenetrable mask of violence portrayed in popular media, lies a living and thriving cultural climate which Des Warde finds well depicted by West African street artist Gregory Da Silva.
The outfit always turns heads, and each day it boasts a new feature, a new symbol of an African culture or practice.
His headdress weighs up to twenty five kilograms, his body is armoured with artifacts and his face painted with tribal patterns and an undying smile. Each day, Gregory Da Silva presents the city centre with a new display of his symbolic art.
Gregory's voice is lively and he repeatedly offers phrases and words in French. Born in Benin, West Africa, 1979, he was trained in computer science at university, but went on to found a theatre group in Benin called 'Voice of Spirit' or 'Voix de l'Esprit' which performed politically motivated as well as comic and poetic theatre at the Benin National Library.
After receiving an invitation to perform at the MASA - Market for African Performing Arts - Festival in the Ivory Coast in 2003, where he represented his country, Benin, for a week before flying to South Africa. He sold his creations at the V&A Waterfront and began to grace the streets of Cape Town with his unique form of art. It was so unique it initially led the bemused Cape Town police to put him in the back of their car and call their superiors for advice! Naturally they were advised them to let him go and Gregory now enjoys a good relationship with the city authorities...
My attention is soon turned to his artifact-laden tunic which Gregory says is about "all African tradition, all African culture[s]" and he goes on to explain some of the more prominent objects displayed.
"Everything must be life,
everything must shine, and be positive"
First, he points out the clusters of sea shells hanging around his neck, saying that in Africa these shells were "old money" and once used as currency. He explains the eggs on his head dress as being symbolic of life and says "everything must be life, everything must shine, [and] be positive". Next his hands grab the arcane black bottle near his waist to explain that in his culture, the Sangoma people would place "good spirits" in a bottle, with which they would "heal sick people [they] passed while walking on the roads".
The broken shards of mirror found on his chest bear similar spiritual significance, and are often worn by Voodoo people in Africa and are said to be a kind of window into the spiritual world, and a "way to talk to [their] ancestor[s]".
Gregory says his main inspiration or motivation is to "make people laugh" and "make people happy" and to represent different African cultures. He says he always thinks "how we can put all of Africa together to make [it] one", adding that "not one country can be forgotten".
When he is travelling in Africa, be it in Senegal, Cameroon, Mali or the Congo, the local people invariably look at him and say "ahh, that is our culture" as they see something of their own represented. "All Africa is in my clothes" he says, drawing attention again to his peerless suit.
When not walking St. Georges Mall or Green Market Square, Gregory features at the Grahamstown festival, the Hermanus Whale Festival, has been hired to receive guests at hotels and airports, and has also appeared on SABC 2 and E-TV News.
He is very popular with tourists, especially those from Italy, England, America and Germany, who frequently ask why he does not come over and do his thing in their own country. But he says his focus is on Africa. Pictures of him certainly do get back to their countries though, as Gregory says everyday "hundreds" of pictures are taken of himself, usually posing with the tourists.
Asked about his dreams and ambitions, Gregory (or the "Egg Man" or "Ei man" as he is also known) says that this year he is planning on starting an art school, which is part of his 'Project For Africa' for this year. He wants to impart creative knowledge to South African youth, giving them the power to create beautiful things and also to support themselves, all part of his ultimate venerable ambition to "[bring] Africa together to make one".
Indeed, and good luck to him.
Egg On His Face But He's Happy
Gregory da silva, A Symbol of African Unity
Who is that Guy with all the Eggs on his head that you see at all the bestest Festivals in South Africa ? His name is gregory da Silva - An Artist Comedian, Storyteller, dancer from Benin West Africa. Gregory da Silva ( Egg Man ) was born in Benin West Africa, Voodoo Country. He speaks French and English and is staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory da silva has appeared at many Festivals in Africa and is presently staying in Cape Town South Africa. Gregory has appeared at many Festivals in Africa :
The Masa Festival 2003 ( market for African Performing Arts) in Ivory coast West Africa,
The grahamstown Festival South African National Art Festival,
The Hermanus Whales festival,
The Darling festival, The Gariep Kimberley Festival, Innibos Film Festival Nelspruit Mpumanlanga,
Moorresberg farm Shows,
The Biltong Castle Larger Festival in Somerset East South africa,
The Stellenbosch Street Festival,
The Simonstown Penguin Festival South Africa. He performs every day in Market square Cape Town and adds an air of rio - style festivity wherever he performs. Many Tourrists from Germany, England, America, Italy, France, Belguim call Gregory : The Egg man, or Chicken Man. Very famous in Africa.
AFRICAN EXTRAVAGANZA : The National Arts Festival had its usual colourful start in Grahamstown South Africa. Here Gregory da Silva from Benin, West Africa, wears headgear adorned with African artifacts. Gregory da Silva has becomes an Institution at the National Art festival Grahamstown. Picture by ALAN EASON
A festival favourite for many years, the ubiquitous "Eggman" was back at the 2006 National Arts Festival, making an appearance at the Village Green (CuePix/daylin paul)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 16 - Nicole Dean, Suzanne Dean, and Caretha Coleman attend Dignity Health Foundation's Humankindness Gala at City Hall in San Francisco, CA. (Photo - Arthur Kobin for Drew Altizer Photography)
…a fall here could be dangerous, if not fatal. These are pieces of shale that have been placed very carefully.
The shot is actually a bit of an optical illusion. The stones are sitting horizontally, and make up the face portion of a wall on the outside of a building. The complete wall was approximately 20 feet high by 40 or 50 feet wide. It was quite a spectacle when I rounded the side of a building, and was faced with this.
To thwart children, and drunk adults from climbing the wall, there was a pool of water that ran along the length of the base. But I think I could have scaled it, and I was not even that drunk :)
This photo was taken with a Zuiko 9-18 mm lens at 9 mm. The shale was actually parallel throughout, I stood very close in an attempt to give maximum distortion to the photo.
Taken at The Cradle of Humankind Museum, Maropeng, South Africa.
The serpent is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. Snakes have been associated with some of the oldest rituals known to humankind and represent dual expression of good and evil.
In religion, mythology, and literature, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through moulting, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
In the Abrahamic religions, the serpent represents sexual desire. According to the Rabbinical tradition, in the Garden of Eden, the serpent represents sexual passion. In Hinduism, Kundalini is a coiled serpent, the residual power of pure desire.
At Angkor in Cambodia, numerous stone sculptures present hooded multi-headed nāgas as guardians of temples or other premises. A favorite motif of Angkorean sculptors from approximately the 12th century A.D. onward was that of the Buddha, sitting in the position of meditation, his weight supported by the coils of a multi-headed naga that also uses its flared hood to shield him from above. This motif recalls the story of the Buddha and the serpent king Mucalinda: as the Buddha sat beneath a tree engrossed in meditation, Mucalinda came up from the roots of the tree to shield the Buddha from a tempest that was just beginning to arise.
The Gadsden flag of the American Revolution depicts a rattlesnake coiled up and poised to strike. Below the image of the snake is the legend, "Don't tread on me." The snake symbolized the dangerousness of colonists willing to fight for their rights and homeland. The motif is repeated in the First Navy Jack of the US Navy.
Serpents are connected with poison and medicine. The snake's venom is associated with the chemicals of plants and fungi that have the power to either heal, poison or provide expanded consciousness (and even the elixir of life and immortality) through divine intoxication. Because of its herbal knowledge and entheogenic association the snake was often considered one of the wisest animals, being (close to the) divine. Its divine aspect combined with its habitat in the earth between the roots of plants made it an animal with chthonic properties connected to the afterlife and immortality. Asclepius, the God of medicine and healing, carried a staff with one or two serpents wrapped around it, which has become the symbol of modern medicine.
In the Hebrew Bible the serpent in the Garden of Eden lured Eve with the promise of forbidden knowledge, convincing her that despite God's warning, death would not be the result. The serpent is identified with wisdom: "Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made" (Genesis 3:1). There is no indication in Genesis that the Serpent was a deity in its own right, although it is one of only two cases of animals that talk in the Pentateuch, Balaam's ass being the other. Although the identity of the Serpent as Satan is implied in the Christian Book of Revelation, in Genesis the Serpent is merely portrayed as a deceptive creature or trickster, promoting as good what God had directly forbidden, and particularly cunning in its deception. (Gen. 3:4–5 and 3:22)
Following the Christian context as a symbol for evil, serpents are sometimes featured in political propaganda. They were used to represent Jews in antisemitic propaganda. Snakes were also used to represent the evil side of drugs in such films as Narcotic and Narcotics: Pit of Despair.
“Not allowing [women and girls] to fulfil their potential through education, decent job opportunities and essential health services, is to disregard the potential of half of humankind.” -- Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia, at the UN General Assembly 2013
To read the full speech, click here.
Photo: Dana Smillie/World Bank
…after a long walk, with the threat of heavy rain, you get to spend a good hour or two slipping and sliding, crouching and crawling along one of the oldest tunnels dug by humankind. That mud is sticky…very sticky and I’ll defy anyone to go down there and not come out covered!
It’s normal to spend a good couple of hours cleaning your camera equipment once you have been down here!
Went with a good friend Jim who, as a postman, you would have thought a long walk would have been no bother…jeez…the moaning !
All pictures copyright to www.mckenzie.photos
The full history....
The idea of a fixed link across the English Channel was first put forward in the early part of the 19th Century but concerns over national security stalled attempts to progress it.
But an Anglo-French protocol was established in 1876 for a railway tunnel under the Channel. South Eastern Railway Chairman Sir Edward Watkin and French Suez Canal contractor Alexandre Lavalley conducted exploratory works on either side of the water, coming together in 1882 under the umbrella of the Submarine Railway Company.
In 1880, No.1 shaft was sunk and a 7-foot diameter pilot tunnel begun below Abbot's Cliff, between Dover and Folkestone, 10 feet above high water level. The driving force was Captain Thomas English's rotary boring machine - 33 feet in length and powered by compressed air - which was capable of cutting 5/16" for every rotation of its cutting head, at a rate of two revolutions per minute and almost half-a-mile per month. It was though hoped that this performance could be improved over time.
In February 1881, with about 800 feet driven and the machine proven, work was refocused at a site further along the coast, accessed via the 160-foot No.2 shaft at Shakespeare Cliff. Here another pilot tunnel was started under the foreshore, progressing through lower grey chalk towards a meeting with the French pilot tunnel - which was extending from Sangatte - 11 miles out to sea. This phase of the work was expected to be complete by 1886. Machinery was being developed which would then have enlarged the heading to 14 feet in diameter before a 2-foot thick concrete lining was inserted. The approach railways would fall on a gradient of 1:80 before reaching a depth of 150 feet below the sea bed. Operational ventilation would be provided by the compressed-air locomotives used to haul the trains.
But 1882 saw the government call a halt, worried about the military implications of a land-link to Europe. Sir Edward's well-reasoned reassurances fell on deaf ears with 2,040 yards of the Shakespeare Cliff heading driven, another 897 yards at Abbot's Cliff and 1,825 yards on the French side of the Channel. Both shafts were later backfilled.
When the idea of a tunnel was revisited in both 1974 and 1988, various remedial works were carried out on the 1880s workings as a result of the new alignments potentially intersecting with them. This work discovered a number of roof falls and broken timber supports. A concrete bulkhead was installed 890 yards into the No.2 heading, effectively entombing the boring machine.
Access to the original heading has been maintained as it meets one of the drainage adits driven from the base of the cliff under the coastal railway. This joins the 1880 tunnel 70 metres from the surface, after passing beneath Shakespeare Cliff Tunnel where it has been reinforced with concrete arches. Adjacent to the junction is a timber-lined passage leading to the base of the shaft where the boring machine would have been assembled.
The oak tree has been tasked with destroying the world's asphalt and concrete. Though this particular oak tree won't accomplish the task, the oaks will continue producing acorns for longer than humans will continue producing asphalt and concrete. The forces of Nature have affirmed their ability and willingness and eagerness to erase all memories of humankind's existence from the Earth.
Can Nature accomplish such a task? Easily. Nature has demolished entire mountain chains taller than Mt. Everest numerous times throughout the Earth's history so defeating a thin skin of concrete and asphalt on the Earth's surface is easily and swiftly accomplished.
From a geological standpoint, the human era will round down to zero on a planet which was 4.5 billion years old when humans first left the trees and will be 4.5 billion years old when the last human falls asleep the very last time on the Earth.
The Universe won't preserve any memories of humankind's existence, either. Extinction means that all of humankind's accomplishments will be altogether forgotten.
God won't preserve any human souls for either eternal reward or eternal torment, either. There is no eternal component of a human. Humans are nothing more or less than animals. There is no such thing as a human spirit or a human soul or even a human individual or human free will.
Is it possible to save humankind from itself? You'd have much better luck preaching to Influenza and convincing it to no longer sicken its hosts. You'd have as much luck preaching to the rattlesnakes and convincing them to abandon their fangs and poison. You'd have as much success preaching to lions and convincing them to actually live at peace with the lambs.
Humankind is lost. Humankind cannot be saved. Extinction is inevitable. The point of no return was passed decades ago and yet humankind continues to accelerate down a dead end path.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 10 - Atmosphere at Humankindness Gala 2018 on May 10th 2018 at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)
Auryn Piers decides not to push the subject at this point, sighing as Tarin insists on moving about. She locates and fills a glass full of water before sitting it on the table in front of her. “Well, hopefully you got it all outta your system.” She was, of course, referring to the drinking.
Tarin Perian looks at the water and then picks it up and takes a swallow. "There's some...gatorjuice crap in the fridge....I think." She rests her forehead in her hand. "Everything fucking hurts...even numb, it hurts.."
Auryn Piers: “Drink the water.” The command was a softly-spoken one as she settles into the nearby chair. Despite humankind’s efforts when it came to hydration, nothing quite beat good ol’ H2O.
Tarin Perian works on getting the water down already starting to sober up. "Hate this..." she mumbles and then slides a hand over to Auryn. "I'm glad you're here."
Auryn Piers offers a weak smile as she allows her hand to be taken. “Well, you’re definitely a girl that needs looking after.” The words are offered in half jest as brows are comically lifted.
Tarin Perian finishes the glass of water and pushes it aside. "Now..can I have some of th'juice?" She grins at Auryn and her smile flickers and fades. "I'm sorry. I am. But...it was so scary...and it all happened so fast..."
Auryn Piers: “Yeah.” She collects the glass before rising, sliding her hand from beneath the other. “I really am sorry you had a rough time of it.” She tosses the statement over her shoulder while finding and then filling the container with the desired beverage. She returns to the table and places it neatly before Tarin. “Musta shook you up pretty bad.” She reclaims her seat while casting a concerned glance in the woman’s direction.
Tarin Perian drinks about a third of the glass as soon as it's set down, then closes her eyes and leans back. 'Better...thanks for this. I mean it. And yeah...I can't say much about it, but...basically, someone that was...well..family...was so very -not-. And it got messy..and...when it was all done...everyone had somewhere to be...someone to be with..."
Auryn Piers: “Bad stuff happens fast. Then again, so does the good stuff.” She lifts slender shoulders into a shrug. “That’s life, I guess.” Fingers absently trace the table’s surface as she listens, head adopting a shallow cant as green eyes remain upon the other’s features. She finds herself unsure of what to say, lips forming a thin line as she considers. “No matter what happens or doesn’t happen with us, you have a friend in me, okay? You need someone after something bad like that? Gimme a call.”
Tarin Perian glances over at Auryn and then back down at the table. "Sounds a lot like I'd just be using you when the bad shit happened. Then again, in this place...that's been about once every couple of weeks on an average."
Auryn Piers: “Eh. Different people mean different things to each other. A friendship is a friendship, right? ‘Sides, I’m sure you’d do the same for me.” She begins to fidget, weight shifting within the chair.
Tarin Perian nods a little. "Yeah...I'd do the same for you in a heartbeat. I guess...I'm just fumbling my way. See...I never...saw relationships. Or...anything...really. I mean..I have some vague memories from when I was like..five..but after that, for the next twelve years, I lived in Facilities. Labs." She looks down at the glass, now about half empty. "I'm kinda learning as I go here. We weren't around a wide variety of people, or a large number of them."
Auryn Piers: “Yeah, I kinda figured that.” She leans backward in her chair, fingers lacing behind her neck as a swiveling of her head allows for a sideways glance. “I’ve lived on the streets and in-” She cuts off the statement, debating the wisdom of being so forthcoming. “Let’s just say I may not be all that older than you or anything but I’ve had my share of.. Uh… experiences. I don’t mean sex.. ’though there’s that. I just mean with people. I know who I am. It’s something I had to figure out for myself and that’s something you’re gunna have to do.”
Tarin Perian nods a little. "I know. And...I don't want you to think I don't...appreciate you. Or care for you. Or find you amazing. But...you're like..light years ahead of where I'm at with being sure about things. Me? Give me an arsenal to strip down and reassemble, or a tactical situation to analyze, and I'm fine..." No..no real signs of being drunk now that she's drinking the 'juice'. "...but put me in a club or a party? I panic. I don't know how to behave, or react, or..." She sighs. "I couldn't even live in a family. I had to leave."
Auryn Piers: “You’ll find your way, darlin’” A genuine smile finds her lips as she continues to indulge in the backward lounge. “People ain’t all that hard to figure out and once you been around them for awhile, you’ll start to see who you really are.” Auryn was young, yes, but did have an uncanny insight into human behavior. Most of which was born of a necessity, a tool required for survival. “Can’t really rush these things. Takes time.”
Tarin Perian tips her head and looks at her, resting one bruised cheek in her hand. "You think you've got patience enough to deal with me? That Judge guy....he's used up every last ounce of patience in his bucket, I swear."
Auryn Piers had noted her sudden lack of intoxication and inwardly puzzles but chooses not to currently address it. “Depends on whatcha mean by patience. Will I stick around and be your friend? Sure. Confused straight girl or not, you’re still worth knowing.” This is followed by a quick wink. “Will I stand around and chew on my guts while you figure stuff out?” She slowly shakes her head. “Naw, that I ain’t gunna do.”
Tarin Perian nods a little. "Guess that's fair." She drains the last of the 'juice' and leans back gingerly, closing her eyes a moment. "Hopefully, you won't think it's too big a waste of your time."
Auryn Piers: “People worth knowing ain’t ever a waste of time. Can’t be everything to everybody, right? See, I know what I want outta life.” She falls silent a moment, chest rising and falling as she issues a lingering sigh. “Ain’t had much in the way of family myself and what I’m looking for is to be good enough for someone, you know?” The question is punctuated by an arch of a single brow. “Right now, that ain’t you.” She shrugs, allowing arms to slide forward in order to fold upon the table. “Nothing to feel bad about or nothing. What is.. Is.”
Tarin Perian murmurs. "And I'm not 'straight'. I'm definitely bi." She looks at Auryn carefully. "Very definitely bi. But...I'm not going to jerk you around. You are good enough...maybe too good." She grins a little and moves slowly to get up, injuries still present if the blessed whiskey haze isn't. She puts the glass in the sink and runs water on her hands, then wets her face, twisting her hair back with a damp hand before finding a towel and drying up. "So much for numb."
Auryn Piers: “Mebbe. Mebbe not.” She also rises, watching Tarin for a moment before squaring her shoulders in quiet determination. “You seem pretty okay now. Think I’ll just be headed on my way.” She jerks her head toward the door while wearing a small smile. “Need anything else before I take off?”
Tarin Perian turns and one hand lifts...then falls. "No...the juice stuff works pretty well. I'll be fine. Thank you, though. I mean it."
Auryn Piers: “Sure. I meant it too. Anything I can ever do for you, lemme know. You have my number.” She pats her pocket in emphasis before walking toward the door, fingertips hovering over the knob as she hesitates a long moment. She sighs, tapping the metal with her knuckles before finally opening the door. “See ya, Tarin?” She cranes her neck in order to cast a glance over her shoulder.
Tarin Perian watches her go and lets out a soft breath. "Yeah...see ya, Auryn." She waits until the door is closed, then moves to flip the lock, resting her head against the cool metal and closing her eyes. It had taken all her willpower to not kiss her or touch her - but she was right. It wasn't fair. She hit the button on the coffee pot and sat down in front of the computer. Maybe some work...
Auryn Piers wears something of a grim expression as she leaves the apartment, one hand thrust deeply within her pocket. She’d done as she’d intended and put the skids on anything romantic between the two of them. Even though she’d done it early and preferably before she got too attached, it still stung. In fact, more so than she’d expected.
I took the photos in this series for Birth for Humankind, an organisation that provides free birth support and education for pregnant women in Melbourne who are experiencing financial and social hardship.
You can read the story behind these photos here: medium.com/@Birth_for_HumanKIND/the-beautiful-bond-betwee...
A few thoughts on Memorial Day... Bertrand Russell was not a Christian. He stated so in a lecture he entitled Why I Am Not A Christian. He was, however, considered one of the greatest logicians (one who views that mathematics is in some sense reducible to logic) of the 20th century, one of the founders of analytical philosophy, an essayist, a social critic, and a committed atheist and pacifist. To Bertrand Russell this life was all there was and all there ever would be, and anyone who thought otherwise was a fool in his estimation. His understanding was that humankind just crawled out from some mindless process, and that our lives had no ultimate purpose other than to be lived out in some noble way that would eventually present humanity a future of total enlightenment, whatever that means in a God-less society... such an eventuality seems pointless to me.
The eventuality of humanity’s future from Russell’s perspective seems more likely to lead us into despair rather than enlightenment. If you believe that this life is all there is to live for, I suppose despair can look like enlightenment. Russell seemed to have had this in mind when he expressed that war was such an evil, that we should do anything rather than have it, including surrender, which gave rise to the phrase, “Better Red (Communist) than dead.” Had he not been born a citizen of a free society, I wonder if he would have been as flippant with his observations.
For Russell, the loss of this life meant the loss of all things, something to be avoided at all cost… “Peace at any cost.” How contrasting an attitude compared to that of Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry was a Christian, who, unlike Bertrand Russell, believed that the end of this life was but the initiation of another everlasting and undying life with Christ. Faced with the decision of giving in to the torment of British tyranny, or to fight for the freedom that would ultimately set our country apart from all others, Patrick called on the same strength, courage, and conviction that Abraham had demonstrated four-millennium prior in the first recorded war in history (Genesis 14). With these powerful words spoken March 23, 1775 at St. John's Henrico Parish Church in Richmond, Virginia, Patrick Henry became a symbol of the American struggle for liberty and self-government: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? (“Yes”, said Bertrand Russell, and “No”, said Patrick Henry!) Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” The thread of liberty weaves throughout the Bible, and peace will not be found without it.
The common sense of G. K. Chesterton comes to mind: “Unless a man become the enemy of evil, he will not even become its slave but rather its champion. God Himself will not help us to ignore it, but only to defy and defeat it.” God gives us the faith that steels the nerves of men to stand up to the tyrants of this world. There would be no liberty anywhere on Earth today without the sacrifice of those men and women whose strength of conviction would not allow them to cringe and hide when the critical moment came. Rather, they stood even as Abraham stood in faith to the One who is the Resurrection and the Life, and who has promised those who trust in Him that they will never truly die. May God restore to us all the faith to do all in our power to maintain peace throughout the world, and the assurance in Him to fight the well fought fight when peace can be found no other way.
Though unproven in actual combat, this U. S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, built with fifth-generation stealth technology, is the most advanced air superiority fighter in the skies today... no enemy pilot would welcome a confrontation of it. Yet, even for so formidable a deterrent as it is, the pilot understands that it is merely a tool of last resort to defend the free world against real and prevalent adversaries. War is a fearsome reality, even for these highly trained pilots... yet, they will put their lives on the line when the time comes. I fear that it may not be long before the Raptor becomes proven beyond performances such as this at an air show.
Remember a vet this Memorial Day... thanks to all the men and women who have served and still serve to preserve freedom the world over.
The Damanhur, Temples Of Humankind, a gorgeous series of underground temples in northern Italy.
www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.ht...
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 18 - Atmosphere at CommonSpirit's Humankindness Gala 2023 on May 18th 2023 at San Francisco in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)
Spotted in the checkout line at Walmart tonight. I marvel at Time's optimism about the future of humankind. Can't speak for the rest of the world, but I see such a dumbing down of American society in general that I have trouble even imagining a future world of artificial intelligence.
day 282/365
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 16 - Starlight Strings perfomrs at Dignity Health Foundation's Humankindness Gala at City Hall in San Francisco, CA. (Photo - Arthur Kobin for Drew Altizer Photography)
If we cannot swiftly abandon our current suicidal attempt to ensure endlessly growing consumption, and direct our efforts into energetically devising and implementing a sustainable society, humankind (and not the non-human component of biodiversity) will discover, in short order, that it is not sustainable. At least, not sustainable at the present levels of population and rates of consumption; perhaps we will discover that thinly scattered New Palaeolithic settlements can be sustained. Provided, of course, that we can remember how to make stone choppers, or catch animals that don't want to be caught, neither of which is a given.
What might help us to determine that we have established a sustainable relationship with the non-human elements of biodiversity? I suggest we should be looking for indicators like this: the wild populations of every species of non-human primates are growing, and at a rate faster than the human population, and the area of the planet occupied by healthy coral reef is constant or increasing.
The reductionist approach to our world has not only given us every scientific advance since Descartes, but has simultaneously contributed in very large measure to our present predicament. We have led ourselves sadly astray by divorcing ourselves (but only in our minds) from nature, and in divorcing our drive for technology from our understanding of its consequences on the rate of growth of the human population and of its appetites.
Nature was never different from us. But she gave us the rope on which we have hanged ourselves: abundant cheap energy in the form of coal, gas, and especially oil. We have glutted ourself on fossil fuels, pouring it into our cities, fields, and bellies as though tomorrow would never come. We have used it to fuel exponential economic growth which has now reached the end of whatever surplus the planet could provide.
It is not just that we need interdisciplinary research, which we do, but more; we must understand at a very fundamental level that "society" and "nature" are not separate. They are simply different perspectives on the same reality. A complex reality, yes, but it does not help our understanding of that reality to treat it simplistically. The world, Nature, or biodiversity will not be dominated, and we have been fooling ourselves to imagine ourselves separate. Aldous Huxley said that “facts do not cease to exist because they're ignored” and we must not use science or technology to ignore our intimate entanglement with nature.
While we need biodiversity, biodiversity does not need us.
Any targets we set to guide our behaviour must serve on a conceptual scale that goes far beyond protecting wildlife. A target must give us direction and hope. It must be of practical benefit to guide everyday behaviour. It must be something that all of us individually and collectively feel ownership for. It must be something that helps to move us swiftly away from unsustainable behaviour – perhaps by making such behaviour socially unacceptable. Finding such a target will not be easy, and will require a great deal of research, involving natural and social scientists, economists, historians, artists, philosophers and lawmakers working together in an urgent and important effort. It will not be easy to turn this great fleet of humanity from its present dangerous course, but I am not alone in believing that if we do not do so, and quickly, there is little cause for optimism about the human future.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 18 - Lada McGinn attends CommonSpirit's Humankindness Gala 2023 on May 18th 2023 at San Francisco in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography)
Roseate spoonbill with snowy egret. They say, "Humankind, how could you destroy the Earth? Humankind, what other choice did you have than to destroy the Earth? Humankind, now that the end of your species has come, do you have any regrets?"
I tell the birds that it is quite silly to preach to humans or request that humankind stop self-destructing because humankind has as much free will as a stone perched at the unstable edge of a cliff.
Things would have turned out differently if humankind had free will.
After mechanical apocalypse there are 3 factions - Humankind Army, Junk Raiders and Machines Hivemind. This is unit 1 from Humankind Army. It has shield generator on right manipulator and its main purpose - shielding the attaking units.
I took the photos in this series for Birth for Humankind, an organisation that provides free birth support and education for pregnant women in Melbourne who are experiencing financial and social hardship.
You can read the story behind these photos here: medium.com/@Birth_for_HumanKIND/the-beautiful-bond-betwee...
Eastbound billboard on the Santan Freeway Loop 202 for Dignity Health.
ER kindness.
Stat.
Hello humankindness
Chandler Regional Medical Center, 1955 W Frye Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 728-3000
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, 3555 S Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85297
(480) 728-8000
The Dignity Health Name
We chose the name Dignity Health because the value of dignity is woven into the fabric of our culture. Our mission, vision and values were all formed out of the recognition of the inherent dignity of each person. It also represents our commitment to delivering excellent medical care to all, to advocating on behalf of the poor, and to partnering with others to improve the quality of life.
The Dignity Health Logo
The logo represents the coming together of caregivers, services, care centers, etc., to create a continuum of care. The three sections remind us of the three dimensions of our mission—healing, advocacy, and partnering. The icon surrounds a central space, symbolizing how an integrated health system honors the inherent dignity of each individual.
To learn more please visit Dignity Health at dignityhealth.org.
The Santan Freeway is in the southeast valley of Phoenix. Onsite Insite offers billboards along the Santan Freeway between I-10 and the Price Freeway Loop 101 in Chandler.
The silent pandemic of Tuberculosis continues its ravages against humankind, with 10 million persons contracted with the disease and killed an estimated 1.4 million persons in 2019, translating to around 4,000 deaths in each day. The situation in Pakistan, that stands fifth on the list of worst affected countries globally, is equally grim where around 580,000 people estimated to have contracted the disease, out of which only 360,000 were identified in 2019 and put on treatment. The remaining 220,000 persons were missed to notification and got added to the prevalent pool of patients that go undetected and further spread the disease. We just cannot look at these facts as mere statistics and move on. That is simply not an option – neither today on World TB Day nor on any other day of the year!
We need to know that Tuberculosis is a deadly and contagious disease which mostly affects lungs but can affect almost any part of the body, and occurs mostly in low-income people. While our TB control programme initiated in the fiscal year 2000-2001 succeeded to a large extent in expanding TB care facilities across the country during its first decade, the case detection seems to have more or less stagnated during the second decade while actually being on the decline over the past two years.
The United Nations convened a first ever high-level ministerial meeting for elimination of Tuberculosis in September 2018. The world leaders made the commitment for ending the tuberculosis epidemic globally by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and pledged to provide leadership to work together to address the social and economic determinants of the epidemic and protect and fulfil the human rights and dignity of all people. An important signatory to the declaration was Pakistan’s Foreign Minister H. E. Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi who stressed the importance of fighting the TB epidemic that places a heavy burden on the world’s most poor and vulnerable.
World Tuberculosis Day is Being Observed Globally today
The Stop TB Partnership moved swiftly to delineate country level targets and actions required by each government particularly in high-burden countries. Twelve days before World TB Day last year, however, the global community was struck by another massive challenge – COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization jolting the routine activities of the Health Sector. The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the provision of care for people with tuberculosis. Access to diagnostic testing has declined with TB notifications dropping by 17% for all forms of TB in 2020 in Pakistan with a significant drop of 40% in quarter 2 (April – June) of that year, partly because of partial lockdowns and limited human and material resources, but also because of the social stigma of having a cough or being unwell. With the pandemic having drastically reduced the TB case notification rate, urgent actions are required. Policymakers have to rise to the challenge and ensure that TB care is not affected and its preventive, diagnostic and treatment infrastructure is not disrupted due to the COVID-19 response.
‘The Clock is Ticking’ – the theme for World TB Day 2021 highlights the urgency for intensifying the efforts for ending TB by an inclusive approach involving the political leadership, parliamentarians, community leaders, TB survivors, healthcare professionals, workers, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders. With only 21 months remaining for meeting the 2022 targets, the COVID-19 pandemic has put progress towards End-TB on hold while decelerating the progress towards attaining Universal Health Coverage. The theme also conveys that the global investment is at less than 50% of the US$13 billion per year pledged towards this end, while countries are falling extremely short of the agreed targets to find people with TB and provide them with the prevention, treatment, and care, particularly in case of children and those with drug-resistant TB. Moving forward towards TB elimination, Pakistan will need to encompass the transformation of the political declarations to End-TB by a concrete increase in the domestic governmental spending to reduce the funding gap of the National Strategic Plan, with improved surveillance systems in place to fulfil the unmet needs of people living with TB. It just cannot be business as usual. TB needs to be placed higher within health sector priorities to match its commitments made at international forums and serve poor and marginalized population segments most in need of TB care services.
So where do we go from here – essentially, we need to cast our net more broadly by rapidly scaling up services and reaching out for the marginalized and at-risk population segments by providing them with the requisite diagnosis and treatment facilities and preventive treatment to contacts of people affected by tuberculosis, and other people at risk. Our previous experience has shown that this will require the robust involvement of communities and civil society. Transcending sociocultural barriers to TB care services cannot be accomplished by the public health sector alone. We will also need to provide services that are integrated, community-based and gender-responsive, ethical, equitable and founded on the basic principles of human rights. We will also require the help of communities to ensure that preventive measures for tuberculosis are enacted at workplaces, schools, transportation systems, and other settings where people congregate.
And let us face it, we will need to mobilize adequate and sustained resources for universal access to the quality services outlined above, with the main responsibility falling on the provinces and federally administered territories such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the Islamabad Capital Territory to bridge the funding gaps in the national/provincial tuberculosis strategic plans. Assertions of commitment alone are not effective unless backed up with concrete budgetary allocations. We also need to develop multisectoral mechanisms encompassing social safety nets to monitor progress towards ending the tuberculosis epidemic with high-level leadership while actively involving parliamentarians, local governments, academicians, private sector and other stakeholders within and beyond the health sector. End-TB efforts will also need social mobilization and mass awareness by the imaginative use of social media and other electronic media to achieve the December 2022 targets and accelerating the march toward the 2030 targets under SDG # 3 eliminating TB as a public health problem in Pakistan. To do anything less, will constitute a grave injustice to our coming generations. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking!
The writer is a senior public health specialist of Pakistan and can be reached at gnkaziumkc @gmail.com
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 18 - Atmosphere at CommonSpirit's Humankindness Gala 2023 on May 18th 2023 at San Francisco in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Natalie Shrik for Drew Altizer Photography)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - May 18 - Brice Arlington and Joretta Arlington attend CommonSpirit's Humankindness Gala 2023 on May 18th 2023 at San Francisco in San Francisco, CA (Photo - Drew Altizer Photography)
for Our Daily Challenge topic 'Something in or on a vehicle'
I like to keep a few extra of these in the car. I give them to people who tell me they love the bumpersticker.
Ju Ming 2011: Cube
“Humankind created the cube, and is framed within it.” —Ju Ming
Rolleicord V,
Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 1:3.5/75,
Ilford Delta 400 @ ISO1600
HDR
1. -2,0 and +2 EV
2. Merged using Adobe Photoshop CS5
3. Toned mapped using photomatrix pro
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site first named by UNESCO in 1999, about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa in the Gauteng province. This site currently occupies 47,000 hectares (180 sq mi)[1]; it contains a complex of limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed "Mrs. Ples") was found in 1947 by Dr. Robert Broom and John T. Robinson. The find helped corroborate the 1924 discovery of the juvenile Australopithecus africanus skull, "Taung Child", by Raymond Dart, at Taung in the North West Province of South Africa, where excavations still continue.
The name Cradle of Humankind reflects the fact that the site has produced a large number, as well as some of the oldest, hominid fossils ever found, some dating back as far as 3.5 million years ago.[2] Sterkfontein alone has produced more than a third of early hominid fossils ever found.[3]
The Famous Eggman from Cape Town South Africa
Eggman Guinness World Record 2011
Mobile Germany: 004915227798420
Email: Eggmanfestival@gmail.com
The Famous Eggman Germany, Guinness World Records.(Tänzer Künstler Komiker) Gregory da Silva - An Comedian Artist, Storyteller, dancer and live street perfomer from Benin West Africa. Eggman Germany , Guinness World Record for the MOST EGGS CARRIED ON A SINGLE HAT. Gregory Da Silva (South Africa) created a hat bearing 642 real eggs on it and presented it on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, in Milan, Italy, on 25 March 2011.
The World Famous Eggman Guinness World Records ( Eggman Guinness Book of Records )
Gregory da Silva - An Comedian Artist, Storyteller, dancer and live street perfomer from Benin West Africa. Eggman Germany , Guinness World Record for the
MOST EGGS CARRIED ON A SINGLE HAT.
Gregory Da Silva (South Africa) created a hat bearing 642 real eggs on it and presented it on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, in Milan, Italy, on 25 March 2011.
Gregory da Silva ( Egg Man ) was born in Benin West Africa, Voodoo Country. He speaks very good French, English and little German. He is staying in Germany Deutschland. He has appeared at many Festivals in Germany: Berlin International Festival, Afrika Festival Stuttgart Germany, Afrika Festival Dortmund (Positive Africa). Gregory Perform during The Fifa World Cup 2010 South Africa. Actor with many TV Commercials, Film with ZDF, 24 Stunden SUD AFRIKA ( ZDF, TV Germany 24 Hours South Africa), TV5 France Fifa World Cup, Spain Tv Fifa World Cup and many more. He participated in Hundreds Festivals, Tourism Exhibitions, Gala Dinners Awards, Film, Theater, Music and Dance. Gregory da Silva The Famous Eggman Future in Many World Wide Televisions, Best of Cape Town Awards, Best Performing Arts South Africa. South Africa Got Talents Television Show, IBM World Congress. Gregory presented many Theater Projects, Conferences, Movies in South Africa. Very famous in Africa. and almost an institution at Art festivals in South Africa. A walking work of art, Gregory Da Silva is more than an odd spectacle – he is a symbol of Africa’s many diverse cultures…In the first heady years of the African Union, the world’s eyes are increasingly turned to the continent from which humankind first appeared. The outfit always turns heads - and each day it boasts a new feature, a new symbol of an African culture or practice. His headdress weighs up to twenty five kilograms, his body is armoured with artifacts and his face painted with tribal patterns and an undying smile. Born in Benin, West Africa, 1979, he was trained in computer science at university, but went on to found a theatre group in Benin called 'Voice of Spirit' or 'Voix de l'Esprit', which performed politically motivated as well as comic and poetic theatre at the Benin National Library.
Eiermann Deutschland, Guinness Buch der Rekorde. Der Eiermann, Künstler Komiker Von Kapstadt, Südafrika. Wohne momentan in Deutschland, und will mich gerne mal vorstellen. Ladet mich zum Beispiel zu Ihrem Weihnachtsmarkt, Fest, Festival, Carnavalparty's. Ich spreche Englisch und Französisch, und mein Spass richte ich nach meinem Publikum also auch in Deutsch. Ich bin nominiert im Guinness-Buch der Rekorde 2011 in Mailand Italien. Nominiert für den weltweit größten Eierhut von der Welt. Erforschen Sie mich auch bei Google, unter Eiermann Süd-Afrika. Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Gregory da Silva. Die ZDF Mediathek. ZDF, DEUTSCHLAND. Hier kommt der Eiermann... 24 Stunden Südafrika. Eigentlich ist Gregory Computerfachmann. Doch statt am PC zu sitzen, balanciert er kiloweise Eier auf seinem Kopf. Als Attraktion in der Fußgängerzone Kapstadts lässt sich einfach mehr Geld verdienen. Wer Kapstadts Greenmarket Square mit seinen Souvenir- und Handwerksständen im Stadtzentrum besucht hat, der kennt ihn: den Eiermann mit seinem zusammengewürfelten afrikanischen Outfit, einem meterhohen Kopfschmuck aus hunderten von Eiern und einem breiten freudlichen Lachen. Der große kräftige Afrikaner Gregory da Silva sorgt täglich für gute Laune bei den Gästen der umliegenden Straßencafés sowie den Marktbesuchern. Dies mit einem Hintergrund: Der 1979 in Benin, Afrika, geborene da Silva, ist Schauspieler und Künstler. Sein ständig wechselndes Outfit aus Muscheln, Gras, den Flaggen Afrikas und anderen Symbolen, soll die Kulturen und Traditionen Afrikas vereinen. Auch sein bis zu 27 kg schwerer Kopfschmuck wechselt ständig: Auf der Basis, die meist immer aus Eiern besteht, sind anlässlich der FIFA WM 2010 Flaggen von Südafrika und den anderen WM-Teilnehmerländern drapiert, sowie Fussbälle und Vuvuzela-Fan-Tröten. Der Eiermann von Kapstadt Wer ist dieser Künstler mit all den Eiern und der sonderbaren Dekoration auf dem Kopf, den man in Kapstadt im Bereich des Greenmarket Square fast täglich antrifft? Sein Name ist Gregory da Silva - Ein Komiker, Künstler, Märchenerzähler, Tänzer und Street Perfomer aus Benin (Westafrika) und spricht englisch und französisch
Meine Telefonnummer ist
Handy Germany Deutschland: 004915227798420
Email: eggmanfestival@gmail.com
Ich bin Der Eiermann, Künstler Komiker Von Kapstadt, Südafrika. Wohne momentan in Deutschland, und will mich gerne mal vorstellen. Ladet mich zum Beispiel zu Ihrem Weihnachtsmarkt, Fest, Festival, Carnavalparty's. Ich spreche Englisch und Französisch, und mein Spass richte ich nach meinem Publikum also auch in Deutsch. Ich bin nominiert im Guinness-Buch der Rekorde 2011 in Mailand Italien. Nominiert für den weltweit größten Eierhut von der Welt. Erforschen Sie mich auch bei Google, unter Eiermann Süd-Afrika. Mit freundlichen Grüssen, Gregory da Silva. Die ZDF Mediathek. ZDF, DEUTSCHLAND.Hier kommt der Eiermann... 24 Stunden Südafrika. Eigentlich ist Gregory Computerfachmann. Doch statt am PC zu sitzen, balanciert er kiloweise Eier auf seinem Kopf. Als Attraktion in der Fußgängerzone Kapstadts lässt sich einfach mehr Geld verdienen.
Wer Kapstadts Greenmarket Square mit seinen Souvenir- und Handwerksständen im Stadtzentrum besucht hat, der kennt ihn: den Eiermann mit seinem zusammengewürfelten afrikanischen Outfit, einem meterhohen Kopfschmuck aus hunderten von Eiern und einem breiten freudlichen Lachen. Der große kräftige Afrikaner Gregory da Silva sorgt täglich für gute Laune bei den Gästen der umliegenden Straßencafés sowie den Marktbesuchern. Dies mit einem Hintergrund: Der 1979 in Benin, Afrika, geborene da Silva, ist Schauspieler und Künstler.
Sein ständig wechselndes Outfit aus Muscheln, Gras, den Flaggen Afrikas und anderen Symbolen, soll die Kulturen und Traditionen Afrikas vereinen. Auch sein bis zu 27 kg schwerer Kopfschmuck wechselt ständig: Auf der Basis, die meist immer aus Eiern besteht, sind anlässlich der FIFA WM 2010 Flaggen von Südafrika und den anderen WM-Teilnehmerländern drapiert, sowie Fussbälle und Vuvuzela-Fan-Tröten.
Der Eiermann von Kapstadt Wer ist dieser Künstler mit all den Eiern und der sonderbaren Dekoration auf dem Kopf, den man in Kapstadt im Bereich des Greenmarket Square fast täglich antrifft? Sein Name ist Gregory da Silva - Ein Komiker, Künstler, Märchenerzähler, Tänzer und Street Perfomer aus Benin (Westafrika) und spricht englisch und französisch.
My name is da Silva Gregory Adrien, The Famous Eggman from Cape Town South Africa ( SUDAFRIKA), A Comedian Artist Storyteller, Dancer Actor. I am living now in Germany. I was Awards World Guinness Book of records 2011 Milano Italy and Super Fan of Fifa World Cup in Cape Town Kaapstadt South Africa SUDAFRIKA. I am a great funny South African Comedian Artist: I would like you to invite me, to your Festivals and others Events. I will advertise your Festival by adding a great values and welcome your Visitors. You can also Google search: Famous Eggman South Africa or Eiermann SUDAFRICA.
Best regards, Gregory da Silva.
Eiermann Guinness Buch der Rekorde 2011 Milano Italy.
The Famous Eggman Guinness Book Of World Records 2011
Most eggs carried on a single hat
Gregory Da Silva (South Africa) created a hat bearing 642 real eggs on it and presented it on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, in Milan, Italy, on 25 March 2011.For the record
Who:
Gregory Da Silva
What:
Most eggs carried on a single hat
,
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The word "Bahá'í" is used either as an adjective to refer to the Bahá'í Faith or as a term for a follower of Bahá'u'lláh. The word is not a noun meaning the religion as a whole. It is derived from the Arabic Bahá, meaning "glory" or "splendour". The term "Bahaism" (or "Baha'ism") has been used in the past, but the generally accepted name for the religion is the Bahá'í Faith.
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Facebook: Wake Up London and / or Global Meditation Flash Mob
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from Damanhur Spiritual EcoCommunity, ift.tt/1m6ot1U