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UNESCO gives a shout-out to Switzerland's yodeling by adding it to list of cultural heritage

UNESCO gives a shout-out to Switzerland's yodeling by adding it to list of cultural heritage

The U.N.'s cultural agency has listed Switzerland’s long-celebrated yodeling among 67 traditions honored its list of intangible cultural heritage
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Iranian Missile Strike Claims Lives, Inspires Memorial Through Science Education

Iranian Missile Strike Claims Lives, Inspires Memorial Through Science Education

In June, Hala Raja Khatib, a student at Al-Hekma Middle School in Tamra, was killed in an Iranian missile strike that also claimed the lives of her sister Shada, mother Manar, and aunt Manar. Her father, Raja, and sister Razan survived. Hala was a participant in the Shavit program, an academic excellence initiative led by the Davidson Institute of Science Education. In her memory, students from 14 schools across Israel, both Jewish and Arab, participated in a Rube Goldberg machine competition. The machine was designed in mourning colors, symbolizing Hala's presence and the community's resilience. The project served as a tribute to Hala's passion for science and her impact on her peers.
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NASA Predicts Longest Solar Eclipse in 100 Years to Occur in 2027, Affecting Multiple Regions

NASA Predicts Longest Solar Eclipse in 100 Years to Occur in 2027, Affecting Multiple Regions

NASA has announced that the longest total solar eclipse in a century will occur on August 2, 2027. This astronomical event is expected to be the third longest in a millennium, with a maximum duration of totality lasting 6 minutes and 22 seconds near Luxor, Egypt. The eclipse will be visible across several countries, including Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia, as well as parts of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. The last total solar eclipse occurred in April 2024 across North America, lasting four minutes and 28 seconds. The upcoming eclipse is anticipated to cause brief spells of darkness, which may affect the behavior of birds and animals, and could lead to ionospheric changes that disrupt radio services and GPS.
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U.S. Treasury to probe businesses involved in Minnesota fraud case, Bessent says

U.S. Treasury to probe businesses involved in Minnesota fraud case, Bessent says

WASHINGTON, Dec 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury is boosting financial reporting requirements for money services businesses that will help track where cash goes, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday after a fraud scandal involving Minnesota's social services system.
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Ethiopia embraces big projects but escalates regional tensions by seeking more access to the sea

Ethiopia embraces big projects but escalates regional tensions by seeking more access to the sea

Ethiopia’s prime minister loves big projects
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UNESCO Recognizes Haitian Compas Music for Cultural Significance

UNESCO Recognizes Haitian Compas Music for Cultural Significance

Compas, a Haitian music and dance genre, has been added to UNESCO's cultural heritage list. This genre, which originated in the 1950s, is known for its syncopated rhythm and is a source of cultural pride and solace in Haiti, especially amidst the country's ongoing challenges with poverty and violence. The music is celebrated for its ability to unite people across different demographics and often addresses themes of love, freedom, and resistance. The recognition by UNESCO highlights the genre's deep cultural significance and its role in bringing joy and hope to the Haitian people.
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UNESCO Recognizes Haitian Compas Music and Dance as Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Recognizes Haitian Compas Music and Dance as Cultural Heritage

Compas, a Haitian music and dance genre, has been recognized by UNESCO as part of its cultural heritage list. Originating in the 1950s, compas is inspired by merengue and features a syncopated rhythm that has become a staple in Haitian culture. The genre is known for its ability to lift spirits and provide solace amidst Haiti's challenges, such as poverty and gang violence. The recognition by UNESCO highlights the genre's cultural significance and its role in bringing together people of various backgrounds. Compas incorporates traditional Haitian instruments like the tanbou drum, as well as congas, electric guitars, and trumpets. The genre's themes often revolve around love, freedom, peace, and resistance. The recognition has been celebrated by Haitians worldwide, with many expressing pride in the global appreciation of their cultural music.
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Trump once denied using this slur about Haiti and African nations. Now he boasts about it

Trump once denied using this slur about Haiti and African nations. Now he boasts about it

President Donald Trump admits he used the slur “shithole countries” during a private 2018 meeting with lawmakers to disparage Haiti and African nations
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Ethiopia embraces big projects but risks another war by seeking access to the sea

Ethiopia embraces big projects but risks another war by seeking access to the sea

Ethiopia’s prime minister loves big projects
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Googoosh's Memoir Highlights Her Role as a Cultural Icon in Iran's History

Googoosh's Memoir Highlights Her Role as a Cultural Icon in Iran's History

Googoosh, an iconic Iranian pop star, has released a memoir titled 'A Sinful Voice,' detailing her life and career. Known as a cultural unifier in Iran, Googoosh's music transcended political and social divides, resonating with diverse audiences. Despite being banned from performing for 21 years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, her music remained influential. The memoir explores her rise to fame, personal struggles, and eventual exile. Googoosh's story is intertwined with Iran's history, reflecting the country's cultural and political shifts. Her music symbolizes a longing for Iran's pre-revolutionary era, marked by economic growth and social liberalism.
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Somalia Urged to Enhance Maritime Security and Economic Exploitation

Somalia Urged to Enhance Maritime Security and Economic Exploitation

Somalia, possessing the longest coastline in mainland Africa, is being urged to capitalize on its maritime resources to boost its economy and security. Despite its strategic location along the Indian Ocean, Somalia has not fully leveraged its maritime potential. The country is encouraged to strengthen its maritime governance, enhance security, and actively participate in regional maritime organizations. This includes developing a robust coast guard, modernizing ports, and investing in the blue economy. The call to action emphasizes the need for Somalia to protect its marine ecosystems and engage in international maritime diplomacy.
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UNESCO Recognizes Haitian Compas Music as Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Recognizes Haitian Compas Music as Cultural Heritage

Compas, a Haitian music and dance genre, has been recognized by UNESCO as part of its cultural heritage list. Originating in the 1950s, compas is inspired by merengue and features percussion, electric guitars, and trumpets. It is a significant cultural expression in Haiti, providing solace amidst the country's challenges, such as poverty and gang violence. The recognition by UNESCO highlights the genre's ability to unite people across different backgrounds and its themes of love, freedom, and resistance. The music's popularity extends beyond Haiti, reaching regions like West Africa. This acknowledgment is seen as a beacon of hope and cultural pride for Haitians worldwide.