All posts by admin

07Jul/23

Why is the mining of Sugilite controversial in Zambia?

Environment, , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 7, 2023 /Environment/ — Sugilite is a relatively rare cyclosilicate mineral with a complex chemical formula of KNa₂(Fe, Mn, Al)₂Li₃Si₁₂O₃₀. It is typically found in shades of pink to purple, but can also be colorless, pale pink, or reddish violet. Sugilite crystals are rarely found and the form is usually massive. It has a hexagonal crystal system and a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5.

Sugilite is named after the Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi (1901-1948). It was first discovered in 1944 in the Iwagi island in the Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Since then, it has also been found in other countries, including South Africa, Russia, and the United States. Continue reading →

07Jul/23

How holidaying in developing countries affects local inequality

Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A few years ago, one of us (Alex) went for a vacation to the Dominican Republic. The motivation was similar to millions of other tourists every year: escape the daily routine, enjoy the sun and beaches, and gather some strength to face another cold winter.

Unfortunately, a few things weren’t very conducive to a happy break. The staff at the mammoth hotel were making as little as US$1 (£0.79) for a 12-hour shift. Worse, most of them lived in a shanty town nearby. They had no sewers and no reliable electricity.

The hotel also exploited its power over local farmers to procure food exceedingly cheaply. Schools were overcrowded and many children dropped out to work in businesses like these hotels and farms, perpetuating the cycle.

Continue reading →

07Jul/23

The Body Shop US Partners with HeadCount to Increase Voter Access and Registration

Politics, , , , ,

The Body Shop is proud to announce its partnership with national nonpartisan organization HeadCount to register as many first-time voters as possible and support democracy protection. These bold actions to uphold voting rights are a part of Be Seen. Be Heard, The Body Shop’s joint campaign with the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, which aims to increase young people’s participation in public life in more than 75 countries. Continue reading

07Jul/23

FAST Accelerator Program Accepting Startup Applicants with AI-Powered Solutions for 2nd Cohort

Innovation, ,
Flapmax, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company on a mission to enrich the lives of everyone on the planet through innovation, announced today the launch of the second FAST Accelerator program. It is designed to support and fund the next generation of innovative companies and entrepreneurs throughout the African continent. Building on the success of the inaugural program, FAST Accelerator 2023 offers a transformative experience for startup founders seeking to scale rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program. Continue reading

06Jul/23

World’s oldest profession: still fighting

Social, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
By Lauren Crosby Medlicott | Freelance Journalist

The policies:

Street Offences Act 1959, Section 1.

The Crime and Disorder Act, 1998.

Sexual Offences Act 2003, Section 53.

Modern Slavery Act 2015

The Impact:

Criminalised for kerb crawling and working together, British sex workers feel they are fighting a desperate battle with the law to provide for themselves and their families. Continue reading →
06Jul/23

First ever Angry Birds Retail Café Launching in NYC

Innovation, , , , , , ,

One of the world’s most popular games is getting a delicious real-life twist in Flushing, Queens. The retail café, named iSwii by Angry Birds Retail Cafe, will feature playful desserts, trendy bubble teas, gaming stations, a retail section, and unique interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy. Continue reading

05Jul/23

Racism has pitched the black youth against white authority.

Social, , , , , , , , ,

July 4, 2023 /World/ — Racism has a long and ugly history in the United States, and it has had a profound impact on the relationship between black youth and white authority figures. For centuries, black people have been subjected to discrimination, violence, and oppression at the hands of white people. This history of racism has created a deep distrust and resentment among many black youth, who see white authority figures as symbols of oppression. Continue reading →