#johannesburg north

[treasurem]

A RMB LATITUDES COLLECTION 2023

Studio Maduna x Treasure Mlima Collaboration

Excited to drop my first body of work for the year and my participation in this year's Art Fair

Johannesburg, Shepstone Garden 26-28 May 2023.

There's a lot I want to say, I'll show you on Friday.

See you soon, with love❤️

Cover Art : Studio Maduna (IG)

#artfair #latitude #south africa #johannesburg north #artists on tumblr #art #linocarving #artistsoninstagram #contemporaryabstract #contemporaryart #black art

[andmaybegayer]

why

#i thought i was moving to the fridgid north! #this is basically Johannesburg summer!

[xtruss]

‘The Hypocrite Western Propaganda Machine’ Claims BRICS Is A ‘Challenge to NATO’ And A ‘Mortal Threat’ – Is This True?

Since the Johannesburg Summit, BRICS has become bigger, more influential and potentially more financially independent. Should that cause concern?

— RT | August 26, 2023

Even 30 years after the end of the Cold War, it is difficult for the Western world to abandon the mentality of that period. Thus, Russia and China are still used as credible threats which can be manipulated for intimidation. Especially when it comes to the enlargement of the BRICS – a bloc in which both Moscow and Beijing play a key role.

It is even harder to get rid of thinking in terms of class struggle. After all, the rich and the poor are still at loggerheads. In this case, the emergence of an alliance against the wealthiest countries is fresh fodder.

BRICS, which was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (South Africa joined the club two years later), provides excellent material for panic headlines. The group has been described as a “challenge to NATO,” a “new world order” and a “mortal threat to the West.” Now, after the organization’s summit in Johannesburg, there will be more such statements.

This is a fascinating narrative. But the harsh, boring truth is that BRICS does not unite “anti-capitalist countries” – and even the only de jure communist country in the alliance is far removed from Marxist practices. Nor is BRICS a grouping of poor countries – the five members account for almost a third of the global economy, and Russia has long been classed as a developed state.

In other words, BRICS is not a threat to the West’s status. At least not as dramatically as it is portrayed.

So what is its raison d’être?

Why are the BRICS Not a Threat to North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO)?

Comparisons of BRICS with NATO or the ‘Eastern bloc’ do not work for one simple reason – the group has no common defense forces, nor a common military program. Even joint military exercises are infrequent and involve only a fraction of the participants.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov says that this was not particularly important for the union. According to him, no one sees the need to “chase the five-party format.” Member states agree on military cooperation on an individual basis, outside the framework of the bloc.

In addition, the position of participating states on armed conflicts, as articulated by some of them both at the summit in South Africa and in the run-up to it, is indicative.

China’s President Xi Jinping, for example, recalled the Global Security Initiative he had previously proposed, which called for a collective approach to global security issues.

“Facts have shown that any attempt to keep enlarging a military alliance, expand one’s own sphere of influence or squeeze other countries’ buffer of security can only create a security predicament and insecurity for all countries. Only a commitment to a new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security can lead to universal security,”the Chinese leader said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a meeting during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik

Just before the summit began, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a similar statement. However, he did not speak about the global context, but only about his own country.

“While some of our detractors prefer overt support for their political and ideological choices, we will not be drawn into a contest between global powers…we have resisted pressure to align ourselves with any one of the global powers or with influential blocs of nations,” Ramaphosa outlined in an address to the nation.

Both statements can be interpreted as a rebuke to the West, with criticism of NATO enlargement and dissatisfaction with the polarization of world politics. But they can also be seen as a refusal to give Moscow unconditional support in the Ukraine conflict. This emphasizes the non-military nature of BRICS and makes it more attractive to potential new members who do not want to get involved in conflicts.

“BRICS and NATO are fundamentally different. BRICS has never prioritized military cooperation,” Alexey Maslov, director of the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Moscow State University, told RT. “Most of the participants are absolutely unwilling to turn BRICS into a military alliance and do not want to disrupt relations with other blocs. This applies both to the current members of the alliance and to those who want to join, such as the ASEAN countries.”

BRICS – the Foundation of the “New World Order”?

When it comes to controlling the world order, the BRICS’ ambitions are not very remarkable either. Simply put, the union has no plans to overthrow existing leaders and impose its own laws.

BRICS statements often mention the UN and the G20. And these references are almost always positive. Members of the group agree with UN resolutions and regulations, support the G20’s plans to fight poverty, and increase global GDP, and acknowledge the G20’s leadership in addressing global economic issues.

At the Johannesburg summit, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recalled the friendly attitude of BRICS. “We do not want to be a counterpoint to the G7, G20 or the United States. We just want to organize ourselves,” he stated.

Members of the alliance hold specialized forums and support cooperation programs. But apart from the annual summits, the BRICS diplomatic institutions are not much different from any other regional partnership.

The real interest and strength of the BRICS lies in the economy. Here the organization moves much faster and more efficiently than in other areas.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends a meeting during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik

Key Achievements of BRICS

Two areas of the group’s activities deserve special attention: the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

Founded in 2015, the New Development Bank acts as an analogue and competitor to the World Bank, issuing large loans for infrastructure projects. Its total financial volume is smaller than that of the Washington-based lender: in 2021, the New Development Bank lent $7 billion to participants, while the World Bank disbursed nearly $100 billion.

But the terms of the loans are often quite generous, so demand is high. The New Development Bank has already secured funding for dozens of projects, from roads in India and water pipelines in Russia, to infrastructure upgrades in Brazil and a smart logistics hub in China. Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates will join the bank in 2021, Egypt in 2023, and Uruguay may soon join.

The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is essentially a common reserve of currencies available to members in the event of a liquidity crisis. It is designed to provide them with the means to trade smoothly and meet financial obligations even under severe pressure. In times of an investment famine that is threatening global economic growth and with some members under sanctions, such a reserve can be very useful.

In addition to ‘currency insurance’, the CRA could also help to create a single BRICS currency, a kind of analogue to the euro. This titanic project has been discussed for a long time, and recently experts have suggested that the New Development Bank could issue a single digital currency. This is not a far-fetched idea, given that China, Russia and India have already launched their own CBDCs (central bank digital currency), and Brazil and South Africa are preparing to do the same.

However, it will not be easy to implement such a project and its preparation will take a long time. The head of Russia’s central bank, Elvira Nabiullina, notes that now it is more important to work on free and reliable payment systems – analogues to SWIFT.

Besides, the currency issue has already been resolved differently at the summit.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) shake hands after a news conference during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Sputnik

What Happens in Johannesburg Might Not Stay in Johannesburg

Four out of five heads of state attended the summit in Johannesburg: the aforementioned Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Xi Jinping, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin was unwilling to travel to South Africa and participated in the summit remotely. Moscow was represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The UN secretary-general, African leaders, business people, and many others also accepted invitations.

The summit participants not only signaled their intentions, but also took very concrete decisions that could determine the future of BRICS. And perhaps the world.

First, the participants endorsed the use of national currencies in international trade and settlements between members of the union. The new development bank will also start lending in the currencies of South Africa and Brazil.

Second, BRICS is getting bigger. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, all of which had previously wanted to join the club, will be invited to join. They will officially enter on January 1, 2024. With the new members, BRICS will account for 45% of the world’s population, about half of the world’s wheat and rice crops, and 17% of its gold reserves. And, crucially, 80% of the world’s oil production.

Membership in BRICS of major oil suppliers (Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, UAE) and consumers (China and India), together with a focus on using national currencies in trade, may finally shake the dollar’s dominant position. Given that China is the largest trading partner for the above suppliers, new settlements are likely to be made in yuan.

This does not mean guaranteed ‘de-dollarization’, which many BRICS members are seeking. But it is a serious step towards weakening the US currency.

And the union does not have to admit everyone: of the 23 countries that have expressed an interest in joining, only six have received an invitation. “Enlargement is proceeding cautiously, without sudden leaps, and according to a specific principle: only fully autonomous countries are invited, which have a clear development plan and are not under the influence of anyone else,” says Alexey Maslov.

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the 15th BRICS Summit via videoconference in Moscow, Russia © Sputnik

The final declaration also states that:

BRICS will strengthen cooperation on food security among the countries of the grouping and beyond;

The BRICS leaders expressed concern about the use of unilateral sanctions and their negative impact on developing countries;

The BRICS countries see the UN as the cornerstone of the international system;

The BRICS countries support the aspirations of Brazil, India and South Africa to play a greater role in the UN Security Council;

The BRICS countries are concerned about conflicts in the world and insist on peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue;

The BRICS countries supported the strengthening of the non-proliferation mechanism for weapons of mass destruction;

The BRICS call for greater representation of developing countries in international organizations and multilateral forums;

The BRICS countries agreed to work on increasing mutual tourist flows;

BRICS supports the African Union’s 2063 agenda, including the establishment of a continental free trade area.

“This is a declaration of a multipolar world, all participants agree on that. It is also a declaration of open trade borders and neutrality,” Maslov said.

So is BRICS Scary?

It is important to understand that BRICS does not want to reverse globalization or take over the global economic order. In some ways, it even wants to preserve the existing order more than the US does.

The members of the alliance – especially China – have achieved rapid growth thanks to global trade and cooperation with other countries, and it is not only pointless but also harmful for them to cut ties with the West. They do not want to choose ‘their own camp’ to the detriment of others: an example is India, which buys weapons from both Russia and Western countries.

But they are no longer prepared to see themselves as junior potential partners. They want to be free from the threat of politically motivated sanctions. They are ready to accept UN and G20 decisions, but only if they are truly collective.

And to do so, they are prepared to depose the dollar from its throne. If need be.

— By Vadim Zagorenko, a Moscow-based journalist focused on international relations and tech

#Feature #Hypocrite West #Propaganda Machine #BRICS #North Atlantic Terrorist Organization (NATO) #Mortal Threat #Johannesburg Summit #South Africa 🇿🇦 #Bigger | Influential | Potentially Effective #Financially Independent #Cold War #Russia 🇷🇺 | China 🇨🇳 #Brazil 🇧🇷 | India 🇮🇳 | South Africa 🇿🇦 #New World Order #Achievements #Johannesburg | South Africa 🇿🇦

[cheriladycl01]

2026 Rewind - Grid x AudiDriver! Reader

Plot: After some devastating deaths within the F1 industry from unmistakable names in 2025, the FIA decide to make a plan to race at all of the old tracks that are iconic but haven’t been on the grid for a while.

A/N: this is racing heavy with only drivers name dropped, but if you want cool Ted and Crofty with Y/N vibes while learning more about some of the FIA Grade 1 Tracks, have a read!

Credit to celestinovietti for the GIF

“So Ted, let’s talk about this years line up. It’s just so iconic that I can’t bear it!” David Croft says as they are in the commentator box at pre-season testing.

“Yeah Crofty, obviously it’s so unfortunate the reason behind what we are calling the 2026 rewind because of some losses we had in the industry and this was the way the FIA decided to pay tribute to those people!" Ted explains before the onscreen for the year comes up.

"So, lets go through the year together and analyze it. We're starting of the season strong in the lovely Kuwait, here at Kuwait Motor Town, this is where we are kick starting off this season. It's a high speed track here just north of where we would typically start in Bahrain. This is a track consisting of 20 turns, and is 5.609km of racing ahead. I'm very excited as no-one in F1 history has raced here in an F1 car. Who do you think's going to do well here Ted?"

"Well, there's some really nice corners, and it's a similar temp to Bahrain so i think it's difficult to tell but I can imagine the Audi with Y/N now having done her rookie season learning all those key values about the F1 car and how it works. McLaren will also be good here, really tightening up the constructors championship this year!" Ted offers looking at all the onboard footage.

"Yes I agree, I think Red Bull tend to be quiet strong a the start of the year naturally and its a game for the other teams to be playing catch up!" Crofty agrees.

"Okay, then after Kuwait, we'll be travelling to and correct me if I'm saying this wrong but the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa near the wonderful capital Johannesburg. It's in replacement of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, we haven't raced in South Africa since 1993 and what a beautiful circuit this is, its got some really high speed corners and yeah, I think the Ferrari will really be great on those long straights." Ted says analysis the data of the cars in testing.

"And now here we have with us, Y/N Y/L/N Audi F1 driver here to talk through the rest of the tracks!" David says and points to the camera for you to smile and wave before he pulls out the microphone in front of you.

"Hello!" you grin and David and Ted both burst out laughing.

"What did I miss, I'm really sorry i was late!" you smile looking between them and they both nod in understanding of how tight the weekend schedule could be, they are shocked they actually have your time right now.

"It's completely okay, we understand! We've only introduced Kuwait and South Africa, we are about to move onto the changed Australia track! Your thoughts?" he exclaims and you smile.

"Yeah, obviously it's going to be exciting with all these new tracks that none of us have driven, so of course there was a lot of testing in the sims... but yeah its great to be here in Kuwait, and I'm excited to go to South Africa as well!" you smile.

"Yes, and how do you feel about Australia being changed from Albert Park in Melbourne to the Adelaide Street Circuit?" Ted asks with a grin on his face knowing how you felt about the Australian races.

"Well, after the spider incident in 2022, I've always been so scared to drive in Australia" you giggle, before Crofty pulls up the video of you in P4 of the Australian Grand Prix in 2022.

Y/N - Theres a fucking tarantula in my car Race Engineer - Copy that Y/N - No i dont think you guys get it, its on me

"And you ended up pitting there was no time to get it out of the car because of where it was, you were crying for the rest of the race and you were going so quick so you could just finish that you actually ended up winning your first race here and overtaking Charles Leclerc in, what back then was an Alfa Romeo." Crofty smiles and you nod.

"Yeah, so where ever that race is in Australia I know ill be on edge the whole time, I'll have my crew do like 6 inspections on my car before each session to make sure. It was traumatizing i tell you!" you admit.

"So after what will hopefully be a spider free stint in Adelaide on their street circuit we move on to south east Asia where we will exchange Suzuka Japan, for the Fuji SpeedWay, a truly iconic track before going back to an old favorite of some of the older driver on the grid like Lewis and Fernando in South Korea at the Korea International Circuit!" Ted says showing the line up for the races after Australia.

"I'm really excited for these, the atmosphere of the fans is always amazing and the tracks here are great I think Audi thrive on these sort of tracks and yeah, I'm excited to see what we can do there!" you smile, looking at the spinning track layout that popped up on screen.

You move on to Miami's replacement being the iconic Californian Long Beach Street Circuit.

"And we've been tipped of, by a certain Cash App driver that he'll be taking you to DisneyLand while out there?" he asks looking at you.

"Yes, Liam has already been once and when I said about wanting to go to radiator springs he and Daniel jumped on the opportunity to go, which then Yuki and Max wanted to come so it's now turned into this whole massive group trip!" you laugh knowing that half the grid would come with you guys.

"And of course much like the UK Italy is another pinnacle of Motorsport and we've had to change out two of the iconic track Monza and Imola. So for the first change of Italy we've changed it to the iconic Mugello track which I just really love, don't you Y/N?" Ted asks looking at you.

"Yeah I think Lando and Osc will be really strong there, I'd like to think me and Carlos are as well with the Audi this year... so yeah I'm excited for Mugello! Obviously they raced here in 2020 so it's the most recent of all the races this year to make a return so its only really me, Oscar, Logan, Fred, Theo and Kimi who haven't raced there" you smile analyzing the twisty track up on the screen.

"Yes, then we'll be moving onto, what was probably one of the toughest decisions of this year which was switching out Monaco and what to switch out such an exciting race with, so they didn't its the only race on the calendar this year that has remained unchanged!" David explains making you nod.

"I think, where this year is to show the history of F1 and what it means to all of us, the teams and the fans. And by keeping Monaco on there where its such a historic track, i think that's actually staying true to a rewind year!" you smile, you'd always loved the vibes in Monaco, from the fans to the track to how your car performed there.

"Yeah i agree i think it was the right choice keeping Monaco!" Ted exclaims also loving the vibes at Monaco.

"Okay, then moving all the way to the west, we'll be in Canada moving from Montreal over to Quebec at the second oldest track, the Mont-Tremblant Circuit!" David shows the new Canadian circuit on screen.

"Then after Canada we've got a really special double header with two Spanish Grand Prix's at different locations. We have the Valencia Street Circuit and Del Jarama Circuit. Both very exciting and it will be a long weekend in Spain!"

"I'm excited to see a street circuit in Spain, obviously we had Madrid for the last two years after Barcelona, so I'm excited for both Valencia as a street circuit and Jarama which is such an iconic track because of those tights turns and yeah I'm really excited for this one!" you smile.

"Obviously next one was another tough one, Silverstone again another iconic track and the UK has so many other iconic tracks that its hard to choose, there was talks of Aintree, Watkins Glen and Donington Park but ultimately they went with Brands Hatch what do you think on this?" Ted asks looking over to you, holding up a page showing all the different UK tracks.

"Yeah, I think there's some really iconic tracks in the UK, its my home so i grew up racing on a lot of those tracks in different motorsport categories, I think there's ones that are arguably better for Formula one, which is why Silverstone is the main circuit as it gives for the most interesting race, however for me it would have been a call between Brands Hatch and Watkins Glen so I'm glad that they chose Brands Hatch, I've got some great memories there at testing and showcasing the car or working with the Top Gear team, so I'm excited to race there!" you explain, the United Kingdom is the like Monaco in being both a founder and royalty when it comes to Motorsport.

"I 100% agree with that, however I just love Aintree so much and am gutted we wont see it!" David Croft admits.

"So after Brands Hatch we move to Monsanta in Portugal which we haven't raced in Portugal since 2021 because of the COVID restrictions but that was in Algarve so it'll be interesting to see the difference!" Ted offers looking at the next circuit floating on their screen as he zoom's in on turn 4.

"Then, again there another track we hate to see go even if its for one year but Spa, its so iconic and its one of the most dangerous circuits we race now and it's being swapped out for Circuit Zolder on the other side of Belgium! Thoughts?" David asks out in the open.

"I" you start.

"Well I think" Ted also starts and you both look at each other in shock before laughing. You let Ted go first to say his piece.

"Well, I think it's no where near interesting as Spa, and especially where its the last race before a break... I think it's going to be way more uneventful than Spa!"

"Y/N?" Crofty asks looking at you.

"I actually think the opposite most of the tracks have been very high risk with lost of turns and chicanes and hairpins that really catch you out, however this reminds me of the simplicity of Monza and everyone, everyone loves Monza. So i think it will really even out the mid field cars" you says observing the track that had nice long straights and minimal turns.

"I agree with you there Y/N! Next after Zolder we head over to the heavily missed Nurburgring in Germany, the last time we saw it was 2019 so again, up until our 2019 rookies would have driven there how'd you feel about this track Y/N?" David asks.

"Well, it's such an iconic track for so many reasons I really wanted to race there after I watched Lando, George and Alex all race there in 2019, I was actually there in the paddock that year with Ferrari as a part of their driver development programme" you nod, explaining to them how excited you were for it.

"Now next in the place of Monza which we just mentioned we have a complete wild card of the Scandinavian Raceway in Sweden! Now this, this is one I'm excited for it's a beautiful track and has the coldest track temps we'll probably get all season! So it'll be a real fight to see who can protect their tyres and manage them well!" Ted explains and you nod, knowing it would be an exciting race.

"Then after that we travel to France where we haven't been for a while, however the Bugatti Au Mans Track in France is iconic, there are so many great tracks in France like Paul-Ricard or the Charade Circuit or Dijon de Prenois, all of them are great but the Bugatti hasn't been done is so long and really means a lot historically to the sport" David offers, showing you one of the only tracks you didn't feel too excited a lean towards.

"Then, we move back across to Aisa, going to an age of favorite of the age old Sepang International Circuit in Malasiya which is one fans have been wanting to see back on the race calendar for a while so i wonder if this will stay into 2027!" Ted takes over, and you nod.

"I'm also very excited for Sepang! After Malaysia we move onto the first ever FIA grade 1 race track the Chang Circuit in Thailand, how to we feel about this?" David asks directly looking at you.

"Not only is it a beautiful track, but it means that Alex now has a chance to race at his home track while racing under his home flag and I think he's really excited for it. He's in a great car, the Williams has come leaps and bounds and are top midfield contenders and definitely will be up there fighting for race wins!" you smile, knowing Alex was so happy to have this opportunity to race in his home country.

"I agree Alex Albon to win in Chang Circuit, I've put my money on it! Our next circuit it one that NASCAR share with us in F1 taking it back to the Indianapolis Speedway, on the lower F1 circuit of course rather than the Oval that the NASCAR drivers use!" Ted explains.

"Yeah, that lower track is great, you got the nice curve and we'll be able to get to those really high speeds. It's an iconic US track just like COTA!" you admit, taking a sip of the water you'd brought with you.

"After Indi, we'll make our way a little further down south to the Rio de Janiro International Track in Brazil, which is instead of Sao Paulo" David explains looking at the second F1 track in Brazil, it was a nice track but Sao Paulo had been on the roster for so long.

"Then, we are back in Las Vegas, but not on the Strp track that was created in 2023, no we are going back to the Ceaser's Palace Track and I know many people complain about these Las Vegas Grand Prix's because of the timings and the drivers not really liking driving at 12pm!"

"Yeah, i agree they are really strenuous just like Qatar for the heat but I love the vibe Las Vegas brings and I like the whole weekend with all the activities in the fan zone and yeah I'm excited they used Ceaser's Palace rather than the Pheonix Street Circuit which i know they were considering.

"I agree. Our last two races, then consist of the Buddah International Circuit in India and rounding off instead of in Yas Marina in the Dubai Autodrome, which will be a really nice round off" David exclaims.

Slowly you end the interview up, needing to go down to the track to get into the car for you leg of pre-season testing.

What a year it would be.

Taglist:

@littlesatanicassholebitch @hockey-racing-fubol @laura-naruto-fan1998 @22yuki @simxican @sinofwriting @lewisroscoelove @cmleitora @stupidandunnecessary @clayra-g @daemyratwst @honey-belden @moonypixel @lauralarsen @vader-is-hot @ironcowboycopnickel @itsjustkhaos @the-untamed-soul @beebo86 @happylittlereader @ziejustme @lou-larcher5 @thewulf @purplephantomwolf @chasing-liberosis @chillyleclerc @chanthereader @annoyingmoonballoon @summissss @evieepepi08 @havaneseoger08 @celesteblack08 @gulphulp @fandom1ruined2me @celebstories @starfusionsworld @jspitwall @sierruhh @georgeparisole @dakotatankbig @youcannotcancelquidditch @zzonsbeek @tallbrownhairsarcastic @mellowarcadefun @ourteenagetragedy @otako5811 @countingstacksandpanicattacks @peachiicherries @formulas-bitch @cherry-piee @hopexcroc @mirrorball-6 @spilled-coffee-cup @mehrmonga @bigsimperika @blueberry64857959 @eiraethh @lilypadlover @curseofhecate @alliwantisadonut @the-fem1n1ne-urge @21stcenturytaegi @dark-night-sky-99 @spideybv28 @i-wish-this-was-me @tallrock35 @butterfly-lover @barnestatic @landossainz @darleneslane @barcelonaloverf1life @r0nnsblog @ilove-tswizzle @kapsylia @laneyspaulding19 @lazybot @malynn @cassielikereading @viennakarma @teamnovalak @landosgirlxoxo @marie0v @jlb20416 @yourbane @teamnovalak @nikfigueiredo @fionaschicken @0picels0 @seomako @urdad-hot @formula1mount @tinydeskwriter @butterfly-lover @ironmaiden1313

#f1 imagine #f1 x reader #formula 1 x you #formula 1 #formula one #formula one fanfiction #lando norris imagine #lando norris #charles leclerc #charles lecrelc x reader #lewis hamilton #max verstappen x you #oscar piastri f1 #alex albon fluff #alex albon imagine #lance stroll fanfic #lance stroll

[operafantomet]

...I am there - inside...!

Robyn North and Ramin Karimloo, West End

Gina Beck and David Shannon, West End

Sofia Escobar and John Owen-Jones, West End

Robyn North and Ramin Karimloo, West End

Emmi Christensson and Peter Jöback, Stockholm

Unidentified, Shanghai

Magdalene Minnaar and Jonathan Roxmouth, Johannesburg

Lana English and André Schwartz (?), Cape Town

Valerie Link and Mathias Edenborn, Hamburg revival

Colby Thomas and Thomas Schulze, Hamburg

Jeon Dong Seok and unidentified, Busan

Kyoko Suzuki and Yuichiro Yamaguchi, Tokyo (?)

Sarah Brightman (?) and Michael Crawford, West End

Kaley Ann Voorhees and Ben Crawford, Broadway

Hanne Damm (?) and Peter Jorde, Copenhagen

Hong Kwang Ho and unidentified, Seoul or Daegu

Ben Crawford, Broadway (by Greg Mills)

(original design by Maria Bjørnson)

#mirror scene #the phantom's cloak #phantom of the opera #hot dang #maria bjørnson #not tagging them all #i am there inside #angel of music

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Ben Cohen

South African Jews reacted with outrage on Friday after the country’s governing body for the sport of cricket stripped the Jewish captain of the U-19 national team of his role, citing the “risk of conflict or even violence” as the reason.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that David Teeger, who is Jewish, would no longer captain the side just one week before the opening of the U-19 Cricket World Cup, when teams from 16 nations will compete in South Africa for the sport’s top prize.

In a statement released on Friday, CSA said that its security team had advised “that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament.”

It added that such protests would likely focus on Teeger — an observant Jew and resident of Johannesburg who made his professional cricket debut in 2023, scoring an impressive 51 runs for the South Africa Emerging Players side against North Cape. Teeger was only appointed to the captaincy of the U-19 team last month.

The targeting of Teeger could result “in conflict or even violence between rival groups of protestors,” CSA said. Invoking its “duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup,” it said that Teeger had been “relieved of the captaincy … in the best interests of the players, the U-19 team, and David himself.” Teeger would “remain an important and active member of the team and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament,” CSA concluded.

CSA’s decision — against the background of rising antisemitism in South Africa, widespread support for Hamas in the wake of its Oct. 7 pogrom in Israel, and the charge of “genocide” brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) — provoked fury in South Africa’s Jewish community.

Prof. Karen Milner, chair of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), told The Algemeiner that CSA’s decision was “an outrageous act of antisemitism.”

“There is no basis for this decision, other than the fact that Teeger is Jewish,” Milner said. “It is shameful that CSA is embarking on a path that is dangerously reminiscent of Nazi Germany, when Jews were actively discriminated against, including among sporting clubs.” She stressed that the SAJBD “would do everything in its power to fight against this vicious prejudice.”

In a separate statement, the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) said it would be calling on the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s global governing body, “to investigate the CSA’s blatant act of discrimination.”

“The ANC [ruling African National Congress] government’s political hostility to Israel and its friendship with Hamas has created a climate in which it is entirely acceptable to target a sportsman because he is proudly Jewish,” the SAZF stated.

Among those expressing sympathy for Teeger on social media was three-time MLB All-Star Kevin Youkilis. “Heart goes out to this young Jewish man,” Youkilis posted on X/Twitter. “The ‘security risk’ excuse is bullshit.”

Former Boston Red Sox star Youkilis also referred to a speech that Teeger made just weeks after the Hamas pogrom, delivered after he received the “Rising Star” Award at a Jewish community ceremony. Teeger paid tribute to the Israeli military, saying, “Yes, I’ve been [given] this award, and yes, I’m now the Rising Star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel.” He went on to dedicate the award to “the State of Israel and every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora.”

Teeger was being “punished for showing gratitude to the State of Israel,” Youkilis commented.

#david teeger #cricket south africa #cricket #kevin youkilis

[stephensmithuk]

The Boer War (1899-1902)

If the 1897 Diamond Jubilee is seen as the zenith of the British Empire, the Boer War is arguably the start of its collapse.

There are two conflicts with the name "Boer War", of which the second is by far the better known.

"Boer" is Afrikaans for farmer. The two wars are known as "the Freedom Wars" in the Afrikaans language and "the South African War" in the country itself.

More specifically, the Boers were Dutch farmers who emigrated from the Dutch and then British-controlled Cape Colony north and east into the Transvaal region that is now north-east South Africa, to get away from what they saw as an oppressive government. As well as the fact that the British abolished slavery, which they wanted to keep. So yeah. They were more specifically known as "Trekboers" or travelling farmers. Trek is of course where we get the term Star Trek from.

The first conflict from 1880-1881 started after a farmer refused to pay an illegally inflated tax, had his wagon seized - and his friends then assaulted the auction.

The Boers, better equipped, better trained and far more experienced at shooting than their British opponents, managed to defeat the latter in three major engagements. Unwilling to become engaged in a major conflict, London negotiated a peace deal that gave the South African Republic effectively full control over internal affairs, although the British retained control of external relations. This was the first time the British had lost a war to rebels since the American War of Independence.

Then gold was found in the region and an influx of immigrants, mostly British, turned up, seeking their fortune. Johannesburg emerged as a major community overnight. This caused a lot of tensions, even more so when the government in Praetoria (the SAR capital) denied the 'uitlanders' civil rights.

In 1896, Cape Colony Prime Minister Cecil Rhodes authorised Leander Starr Jameson to conduct a raid into the territory with the aim of triggering a revolution. The raid was badly botched, failed and caused massive embarrassment to the British government, especially when Kaiser Wilhelm II sent a congratulatory telegram to the SAR government... and telegrams showing Rhodes' involvement were found. Jameson, while lionised in the press, spent 15 months in Holloway for the raid.

Shortly after this, the Second Matabele War saw the British have to deal with an uprising by the Ndebele and Shona peoples in what is now Zimbabwe. They defeated it, but with many losses on both sides.

Tensions between the British and the Boers continued to grow after the Jameson Raid; the uitlanders did not see their rights improve, the Boers mistreated the African population, and a lot of the British establishment thought it would be an easy victory. The generals, for their part, did not.

The SAR had acquired high quality weaponry from Germany and France, including bolt-action Mauser rifles. The British Army for its part was in dire need of reform.

The war broke out in 1899 after an ultimatum from SAR leader Paul Kruger for the British to withdraw their forces from the border. The SAR had allied with the Orange Free State by this point.

The Boers had formed civilian militias called "commandos". They launched an invasion of the Natal and Cape Colony, soon putting British garrisons under siege. One notable such siege was at Mafeking, where the British commander was one Robert Baden-Powell, whose use of scouting, along the deception to make his defences look better than they were allowed his force to hold out for 217 days until relieved. He would later use his experience in scouting to form, well, the Scouting Movement.

After a series of major reverses, it was clear the British were going to need to send major reinforcements, recruiting a lot of volunteers - the biggest overseas force Britain had sent to date. They also removed their local commanders and put new ones in.

The sieges were lifted and Praetoria was captured on 5 June 1900 - at which point the Boers (along with foreign volunteers) moved to guerilla warfare, something that they were very adept at, in stark contrast to the British. However, harassment is not the same as taking and holding ground.

Both forces tried to minimise the involvement of people of colour due to fear of what would happen if they armed Africans, but personnel shortages meant they ended up being involved anyway, usually in supporting roles. Mahatma Gandhi, who was a civil rights activist there, formed a corps of volunteer stretcher bearers from the Indian population.

Realising that they were only controlling the territory that they were physically in, the British changed their tactics.

Firstly, they built fortified blockhouses and armoured trains to control their supply routes.

Secondly, the British adopted a "scorched earth" policy; they rounded up Boer and African civilians, placing them in concentration camps, while also systematically destroying farms, crops etc. that the Boer forces could use to supply themselves.

The Spanish had used concentration camps in Cuba earlier in the 19th century, but this was a much wider use. With little or no soap, along with dirty water, disease swept through the overcrowded camps, with over 46,000 dying in them, including a quarter of the Boers in them - African numbers interned were not properly counted. Emily Hobhouse exposed the horrific conditions, and the matter was taken up by domestic politicians. A government commission led by Millicent Fawcett then recommended major improvements, which were largely implemented and brought down the death rate, but the damage had been done by this point.

The brutal tactics were sadly effective; the Boers were beginning to give up. However, the British themselves were running out of time and money, so gave them a generous settlement in the 1902 Treaty of Vereeniging; while the SAR and Orange Free State would be absorbed into the British Empire, Dutch could be used in schools and courts, there would be a general amnesty and reconstruction aid would be given.

Self-government was also promised and granted; it was decided that the issue of black enfranchisement would not be discussed until then - and full enfranchisement would not come until 1993.

The war was controversial in the UK; it was opposed by the opposition Liberal Party. Lord Salisbury called a snap election in 1900 and won with a slightly reduced majority. The next election in 1906 was a massive defeat for them though.

The conflict also exposed the dire state of British public health - with up to 40% of volunteers for the war being rejected on health grounds. This spurred the creation of the National Insurance system.

Arthur Conan Doyle volunteered for military service in the conflict; but was turned down due to his age. Instead, he served for three months in a field hospital and then wrote two books about the conflict. The second one, defending Britain's involvement in the war, was felt by Doyle to be the work that got him his knighthood in 1902.

The war was also notable for one journalist who after being captured by the South Africans, managed to escape from behind enemy lines, using the publicity to get into Parliament on his second attempt. His name was Winston Churchill.

At 2022 values, the war cost Britain over £19.9 billion.

They had also had 26,092 soldiers killed to the Boers 6,189. As with all wars at this time, disease was the biggest killer.

#letters from watson #sherlock holmes #history #factoids #the boer war #the blanched soldier #blan #acd canon

[amazingarchitecturewebsite]

Sandton Residence in #Johannesburg, South Africa by Nico van der Meulen Architects @nicovandermeulenarchitects. Read more: Link in bio! Photography: Franz Rabie Nico van der Meulen Architects: A new house where the architects worked with the clients for about twelve years before they started building. The 1200sq.m. home is situated on a 4000sq.m. east sloping/facing stand though the house itself is north facing with the major rooms having the view to the east… #pool #southafrica #архитектура www.amazingarchitecture.com ✔ A collection of the best contemporary architecture to inspire you. #design #architecture #amazingarchitecture #architect #arquitectura #luxury #realestate #life #cute #architettura #interiordesign #photooftheday #love #travel #construction #furniture #instagood #fashion #beautiful #archilovers #home #house ‎#amazing #picoftheday #architecturephotography ‎#معماری (at Sandton) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm5kWfosXV9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#johannesburg #pool #southafrica #архитектура #design #architecture #amazingarchitecture #architect #arquitectura #luxury #realestate #life #cute #architettura #interiordesign #photooftheday #love #travel #construction #furniture #instagood #fashion #beautiful #archilovers #home #house #amazing #picoftheday #architecturephotography #معماری

[leanstooneside]

AROUND THE U.S.A

DAMASCUS

MALAWI

TOKYO

USA

AFRICA

MOSCOW

IA

MOZAMBIQUE

NORTH AMERICA'S

FL

NORTH AMERICA

ISRAEL

JOHANNESBURG

LAS

CHILE

ST

AMERICA

ASIA

ANCHORAGE

ATLANTA

GREAT BRITAIN

LAX

CHINA

BLVD

AUSTRALIA

USA CANADA

UNITED STATES

EUROPE

TORONTO

ATHENS

HAMPSHIRE

ALBERTA

NEW ZEALAND

BAKU

BELIZE

[andmaybegayer]

Slowly realising that I actually live in an extremely weird city. Johannesburg is big. I did not realise how big Johannesburg is because I've lived in a tiny desert town and here. The Johannesburg Metro Area is home to 10 million people. The city sprawls so far north it is practically joined to the neighbouring Pretoria in a contiguous urban and suburban outgrowth of almost 15 million people. Most cities have like, 0.1-3 million people in the fairly vague urban area and maybe double that in the ambiguous metropolitan periphery. Johannesburg City proper alone holds almost 6 million people. Of course, what land belongs to a city is a crapshoot but the point stands, the Johannesburg-Pretoria Megacity Sprawl is weird.

If you get on the highway near Ennerdale and drive north towards Pretoria, you can drive over 100km without ever hitting rural land or countryside. I actually had to do this run one time at my old job because we had customers in Ennerdale and Pretoria who both needed me to fix things. This wasn't the case when I moved back here in the late 2000's, Pretoria and Johannesburg used to be separated by a bunch of farmland, that's largely been carpeted over with enormous housing estates.

Eyeballing some graphs it looks like majority of other cities like this (huge headcount but also sprawling) are in China and India, big industrial sprawls at relatively low density constructed quickly, or really old cities that gradually ate up the landscape. The rest are mostly sprawling older cities in other countries, like Johannesburg, Lagos, Los Angeles and Rio, and then you get New York and Jakarta and Metro Manila where you've squeezed a city onto a postage stamp.

#South Africa #Johannesburg #Pretoria #cities

[joeturpinart]

ECHAD MI YODEA? ECHAD ANI YODEA 2022 – 14 canvas panels, measurements variable, oil on canvas

The Jewish prayer shawl, known by the name “Tallis”, floats on a specific landscape – that of the Bojanala district in the North West of South Africa. Because although I was born and raised in Johannesburg, Bojanala is where my great grandparents arrived from Lithuania – where they fled the antisemitic pogroms. The landscape is the geographic location where my Jewish identity meets Africa. There is no longer a Jewish community in Rustenburg due to urban migration and white flight – but I still visit the cemetery there, as often as I can. In our Jewish culture, when we are buried, we are buried wearing our tallit.   I am interested in how painting one image over several spaced out panels abstracts each ‘element’ as a painting in itself. Many canvasses comprise of one art work. Each one by itself may be too abstract to be read coherently, but alongside the others, the whole image begins to form. So this begins to play with painting and the canvas as the site – the whole – of the painting’s subject matter. It extends beyond one – and this begins to relate to the title as well. Who knows one? I know one! The title comes from a song sung during the Passover festival, and is played as a memory game, where the lyrics are recited without looking at the written word. It is this relation to culture and memory that informs this work

#Art #Joe Turpin #turpin #pratt #joeturpin #Painting #Artist #Oil on Canvas #Oil Painting #Installation #African Art #Jewish Art

[bucktommys]

6, 9 & 11 for the end of the year asks!

hi ali!!! <3

6. If you travelled this year, where did you go?

i went to johannesburg for a cousin's wedding and then north carolina for a friend's wedding!!! my nc trip was the first time ive flown alone (especially CROSS CONTINENTAL omg) but it was such a lovely time w @thebluewritingbench @thebreakfastgod we had a grand ole time and went on lots of hikes

9. What was your favorite article of clothing this year? Post a pic if possible?

my dungarees!!! i got them secondhand in march i think?? and i wear them at least 2 times a week i love them SO much

11. What was your favorite movie of the year?

i cant actually remember a lot of the movies ive watched this year but the other day my family and i went to see the newest hunger games and it was very good. we came out the cinema and my mother turned to me and went "i bet the gay men LOVE tom blythe"

2023 asks!

#ask #devirnis

[indigodreams]

Charles Noel van Sandwyk was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1966. In 1977 he emigrated with his family to Vancouver, Canada. By the early 1980s, he was selling his drawings and watercolours in a style reminiscent of the old prints and paintings which hung in the family home. Van Sandwyk studied graphic design at the Capilano College art programme in North Vancouver.

[laeveld-legislative]

Laveld Legislative Training School Nelspruit [phone]

 Skill attained at the forklift training centre an minimal forklift course fees. Forklift truck operators work in warehouses and stores. .

FOR WHATSAP TEXT OR CALL [phone]

Modules for Forklift driver training include

Explain the specified requirements pertaining to lifting, securing, transferring and positioning of loads.

Prepare for lifting, securing, transferring and positioning of loads.

Operate the forklift.

Perform post-lifting, securing, transferring and positioning activities.

forklift training price

Offers accommodation to students from all these locations like Durban, Pinetown, Richardsbay, Empangeni, Port shepstone, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Kokstad, Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Vryheid, Ulundi, Stanger, Eshowe, Amanzimtoti, Isipingo, Umkomaas in KwazuluNatal(KZN). We have other branch offices in different provinces of South Africa(sa) Mthatha/Umtata, Butterworth, East London and Port Elizabeth in Eastern cape, Bloemfontein in free state, Pretoria, vereeniging, kempton park, alberton, Germiston and Johannesburg(JHB) in Gauteng, Polokwane and Lephalale in Limpopo, Nelspruit, Witbank, Secunda in Mpumalanga, Kimberley in Nothern cape, Rustenburg and Mafikeng in North West, Cape town in Western Cape etc.

We train students from other southern African countries Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Angola

OTHER COURSES INCLUDE

COURSES - DURATION - FEES (RANDS) [phone]

BULLDOZER Operator training 2 Weeks R4500 call

LHD SCOOP Operator training 2 Weeks R6500

GRADER Operator training 2 Weeks R5000

EXCAVATOR Operator training 2 Weeks R4500

TLB Operator training 2 Weeks R3500

FRONT END LOADER Operator training 2 Weeks R4000

BOBCAT Operator training 2 Weeks R3000

DUMP TRUCKS Operator training 2 Weeks R5000

DRILLING RIGGER training 2 Weeks R6000

COMPACTOR Operator training 3 Weeks R5000

ROAD ROLLER Operator training 2 Weeks R3500

SCRAPPER Operator training 2 Weeks R7000

777 (RDT) DUMP TRUCK Training 2 Weeks R6000

ROLLER Operator training 2 Weeks R3500

REACH TRUCK Operator training 2 Weeks R2500

COURSES - DURATION - FEES (RANDS)

MOBILE CRANE Operator training 2 Weeks R5000

TOWER CRANE Operator training 2 Weeks R5000

OVERHEAD CRANES training 2 Weeks R5000

TELESCOPIC LIFTING training 2 Weeks R6000

FORKLIFT Operator training 1 Week R1800

RIGGING RIGGER Operator training 2 Weeks R7000

CONTAINER HANDLER Operator training 2 Weeks R7000

REACH STACKER Operator training 2 Weeks R6000

GANTRY CRANE Operator training 2 Weeks R12000

OFFSHORE CRANE Operator training 3 Weeks R15000

TRUCK MOUNTED CRANE Operator training 2 Weeks R6000

COURSES - DURATION - FEES (RANDS)

Arc welding Training 4 Weeks R8000

Co2 welding Training 4 Weeks R8000

Argon welding Training 4 Weeks R8500

Gas welding Training 4 Weeks R8000

Steel welding Training 2 Weeks R8000

Aluminum welding Training 4 Weeks R8500

Trade test Preparation 4 Weeks R15000

Gas cutting Training 2 Weeks R8000

Boiler making Training 4 Weeks R8000

MIG Welding Training 4 Weeks R8000

TIG welding Training 4 Weeks R8000

#dump truck #forklift #excavator #boilermakers

[navdeepoutofoakland]

Greetings all! Welcome to chapter three of my world travels. I reach the one year milestone on 24 June.

In the last four months, I left Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦 and traveled to Gaborone, Botswana 🇧🇼 then flew up to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼. Came back into Botswana and did an incredible safari through Chobe and Moremi National Parks and the Okavango Delta. Took a separate trip to the Makgadikgadi Pans and then traveled to Windhoek, Namibia 🇳🇦. Visited the incredible Namib Naukluft Desert, west coast at Swakopmund/Walvis Bay and Etosha National Park.

Right now I’m chillaxing in Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek. Have a lovely apartment in the center of town with an Indian restaurant less than a block away. Yummy 😋

On 19 July, I fly north to Luanda, Angola.

[scotianostra]

On September 28th 1864 Charles Murray,, a  poet who wrote in the Doric dialect of Scots, was born at Alford, Aberdeenshire.

I’ve posted a few times about him, but since then have found a biography of him written in the dialect he knew and worked with, for all the Aberdonians out there I hope you like this, for those not too familiar with “The Doric” enjoy…..this has played havoc with my spellcheck, but not for the first or last time!

Charles Murray is easily the maist-kent and maist popular Scots makars fae 1910 tae the 1960s; bit his scrievin wis modest, three sma buikies o verse.  Though there wisna onything amateur aboot his wark, Murray wisna professional screever and hid tae scrieve fan iver he hid ony spare time, fittin it aroon his wark life first is a prospecter and heid-chiel o a mine then as a heid colonial civil servant in the new-biggit Union o Sooth Africa.

Three individual collections cam oot in his lifetime - Hamewith; A Sough o War  and In the Country Places - the latter twa the traditional ‘slim volumes’ in fit verse afften appeart. The poems fae a three were vrocht the gather in Hamewith and Other Poems in 1927 fit bed print till the 1960s.

Charles Murray wis born on this day 1864, oot by Alford and wis the second bairn an only loon o Peter Murray, a jyner turned grieve.  His mither Margaret deid fan he wis three and he vrocht up be his aunt, Mary Robbie.  Efter skweel it Gallowhill, he served his time for five eer at Walker and Beattie, land surveyors in Aiberdeen.

He mynt later thit 'I came to Aberdeen, a country lad of sixteen with a “cockit” bonnet and, because it was winter, a big “gravit.’  His only worry in the big city 'was when the chief’s bell rang and I had to go to him and try to say a few sentences in what I thought to be English… The difficulty of translating my thoughts… was a real trouble.’

​Bit that worry didna last lang and Murray seen got lairnin aboot his chosen wark and despite his modest backgrun, became a richt social success.

​Ae freen mynt thit he, in nae time, became the maist popular member o the maist hail gran club o West End young chiels syne apairt fae his rare personality he hid a kyne o gifts:

'He was… a good shot, a keen angler, played several games well, could take his part in amateur theatricals, even took prizes at athletic sports such as throwing the hammer, played the fiddle, did pen and ink caricatures, was a good hand at bridge.

Efter three eer o wark in Aiberdeen, he went tae Sooth Africa, far he wis tae bide for neist 25 eers.  He landit it Cape Toon in Januar 1889 an, efter a fylie there, set oot for Kimberley, the diamond toon far he visited the De Beers Mine.  Efter this he went on tae Johannesburg and worked in mines in the Transvaal and Mashonaland.  He served in the Second Boer War and wis eventually appyntit Deputy Inspector of Mines. Within ten eers was Secretary for Public Warks for the Union of Sooth Africa.  He wis made a CMG (Companion of St Michael and St George) in 1922 and came hame tae Scotland we his wife, Edith, an settled in Banchory. He deid there on 12 April 1941.

MURRAY AND HIS SCOTS

'the vernacular was under a cloud…tabooed and frowned upon by most of our educational mentors. Hamewith helped to change attitudes in schools and in many…some or other of [Murray’s] poems are being committed to memory by the pupils’ and 'even HM Inspectors hail the "Hamewith” ​ Alexander Mackie.

Bit Murray’s wark wisna confined tae Doricland in e North East; mony of his poems - lik his maist popular The Whistle - became weel-kent far ayont Aiberdeenshire.   Murray follaet the gran echteenth century predecessors Ramsay, Fergusson and Burns and creatit a poetic tung fit wis draan on the Scots he heard arooo him as he wis grouwin up. Mony o the wirds and phrases he uses belong tae the Doric o his ain Aiberdeenshire bit he wis canny tae mak his Scots open tae fowk fae ither placies an a.  So, like Mary Symon, he bytimes uses the regular north-east 'f’ for 'wh’, and his best known poem is 'The Whistle’ and not 'The Fussle’.  Mony a Doric reader tho will ayewis read it as Fussle.

#Scotland #scottish #poet #soldier #The Doric #Aberdeenshire #history #literary figure #makar