Namur: between history and modernity, an unmissable destination
Namur, located in Belgium, is a city that offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. With its many historical monuments, fascinating museums and warm atmosphere, Namur is an unmissable destination for lovers of culture and history.
Namur’s history dates back to Roman times, when the city was known as “Namurcum”. Since then, Namur has been the scene of many historical events which have left their mark on the city. One of Namur’s most emblematic monuments is the citadel, built in the 13th century. Located at the top of a hill, the citadel offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Meuse valley. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and bears witness to the turbulent history of Namur.
Walking through the cobbled streets of the city center, one discovers many historic buildings, such as the town hall, built in the 17th century in a Baroque style. The Saint-Aubin cathedral, for its part, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside the cathedral, you can admire magnificent stained glass windows dating from the 15th century. These monuments testify to the historical importance of Namur and its rich past.
But Namur is not limited to its history, the city is also turned towards the future with many modern attractions. The museum of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, for example, presents contemporary exhibitions by Belgian and international artists. You can admire contemporary works of art in a modern and elegant setting. The Felicien Rops museum, meanwhile, is dedicated to one of the greatest Belgian artists of the 19th century. You can discover his provocative engravings and paintings that testify to his exceptional talent.
Namur is also renowned for its dynamic culinary scene. The town’s restaurants offer refined and inventive cuisine, highlighting local products. Beer lovers will be delighted to discover the many craft breweries in Namur, where they can taste traditional and experimental Belgian beers. The local markets, on the other hand, offer a variety of fresh and local products, perfect for food lovers looking for new flavors.
For those who love nature, Namur also offers many opportunities for outdoor relaxation. Parc Louise-Marie, for example, is a true haven of peace in the heart of the city. You can take a relaxing walk or have a picnic by the pond. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the magnificent landscapes of the Meuse valley, which surrounds Namur.
In conclusion, Namur is an essential destination for lovers of history, culture and nature. With its rich history, its emblematic monuments and its fascinating museums, Namur offers a dive into the heart of Belgium’s past. At the same time, the city is resolutely turned towards the future with its modern attractions, its gourmet restaurants and its green spaces. Whatever your passion, Namur will seduce you and offer you a unique experience.
There is no doubt that the automotive industry is entering a new era. An era in which traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) will be seen as archaic and new cars will rely on alternative means of propulsion.
Regulations are also gradually getting tighter. This predictably raises concerns about what will happen to the already produced CNG cars and whether we will be able to enjoy them. The industry is actively working in this direction, with bio and synthetic fuels being one of the solutions.
Their production is much more ecological than that of traditional fuels. This would offset a large part of the harmful emissions, which would be a good argument for regulators and institutions to leave current and vintage cars on the road even in the era of fully electric and other environmentally driven cars.
During the “Festival of Speed” in Goodwood, several companies tested such fuels in real conditions. Among them was Bentley, which has made an experiment with a new biofuel.
The company climbed the Goodwood hill 32 times during the festival with 6 different cars. They spanned the entire history of Bentley, from the latest W12 Batur to the 103-year-old Bentley EXP2.
All climbs and all cars used test biofuel. It is made from 100% renewable sources and materials, yet it meets the EN228 standard, making it practically the same efficiency as petrol.
Only waste from agricultural activity, the food industry and vegetation was used. They have undergone fermentation to extract ethanol. It is dehydrated into ethylene, which in turn is processed into gasoline. Bentley says this biofuel reduces CO2 emissions by 85% compared to burning regular petrol.
And another very important thing – biofuel does not require any modifications to the engines, regardless of their age and generation. This is exactly what the tests during Goodwood have shown. All the cars of the brand used the biofuel all the time and had no problems.
This makes the development much more suitable for mass application and preserves the value of the vintage cars as nothing needs to be changed on them. Bentley has also already installed a huge tank of this fuel at its headquarters, which will be used for the company’s demonstration cars, as well as those in its museum as part of their regular maintenance.
On August 7, the arrested abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of Vyshgorod and Chernobyl Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed) was released early from pre-trial detention, where he was supposed to remain until August 14. A bond of $920,000 was posted for his release. According to information from the UOC, the amount of 33.3 million hryvnias was collected “by about a thousand believers”, and a donation account was announced on the website of the UOC.
Metropolitan Pavel (Lebed) is accused of justifying Russian aggression against Ukraine and using his position as abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra to spread the ideology of the “Russian world” as well as “stirring up inter-religious enmity”.
In a video shared on his Telegram channel, he thanked everyone who supported him. The record shows that Metropolitan. Pavel (Lebed) leaves prison in a luxury car.
The abbot of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was placed under house arrest in his luxurious mansion in April, and in July the house arrest was replaced by pretrial detention, and the new measure was supposed to last until August 14. The court set the large bail amount because of the luxurious life of the metropolitan, known for its large car fleet.
Meanwhile, today it became clear that one of the metropolitans in the Vinnytsia region, Metropolitan Yonatan of Tulchyn (74 years old), was sentenced to five years in prison. A famous church conductor and composer, Yonatan, as an archimandrite, was also the abbot of the Kiev-Poecher Lavra. He is now accused by the Ukrainian authorities of collaborating with Russia and using his official position to distribute propaganda materials calling for the change of Ukraine’s state borders in favor of Russia. The Metropolitan denied the accusations as false. He also rejected the prosecutor’s offer to show remorse in order to reduce his sentence. The decision is of the Vinnytsia City Court, and according to the metropolitan’s lawyer, it will be appealed.
HRWF (04.08.2023) – On 27 July 2023, the Fourth General Jurisdiction Court of Cassation upheld the sentence and appeal ruling against Aleksandr Nikolaev, a resident of Kholmskaya – 2 years and 6 months in prison. At the same time, the court cancelled the additional freedom restriction, which is imposed on the convict after serving the main term.
On 23 December 2021, the Abinsk District Court of the Krasnodar Territory found him guilty of participating in the activities of an extremist organization for reading the Bible and discussing religious issues in private with relatives and friends. The investigation considered it was “a crime against the foundations of the constitutional order and the security of the state” and initiated a criminal case on the grounds under Part 2 of Art. 282.2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
In the cassation complaint, the defense drew attention to significant violations of the norms of the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code that influenced the outcome of the case. Thus, no evidence was presented in court that the convict had committed any unlawful acts or that his behaviour was of a socially dangerous nature. In addition, there was not a single evidence that exercising his right to freedom of religion, Aleksandr Nikolaev had the intent to commit a crime or a motive to incite hatred or enmity.
Brief history of the case
In April 2021, FSB officers, accompanied by OMON fighters, came with a search to the Nikolaev spouses, who have five children two of whom are adopted. Shortly before, the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case against Alexander Nikolaev, accusing him of participating in extremist activities for reading the Bible. The believer was placed under house arrest for almost six months. In July 2021, the case went to trial. Two months later, he was sent to a pre-trial detention center. In December of the same year, the court sentenced the believer to 2.5 years in a penal colony. In October 2022, the regional court approved the verdict, adding a number of restrictions to the punishment.
At the time of the entry into force of the verdict, Nikolaev had served more than half of his sentence in a pre-trial detention center. In March 2023, he was placed in a colony. In April 2023, the court denied him parole. At the end of July 2023, the cassation instance upheld the verdict, cancelling only additional restrictions that would have come into force after the believer left the colony.
More than 140 Jehovah’s Witnesses are now behind bars in Russia for practicing their faith in private. See these documented cases in HRWF Database of FORB prisoners.
In the world of music, collaboration has always been a powerful force. Whether it’s two voices harmonizing, or multiple instruments playing together, the magic of music duets is undeniable. These collaborations not only create beautiful art but also showcase the power of working together towards a common goal. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of music duets and how they highlight the significance of collaboration in the music industry.
1. Music Duets, Harmonizing Souls: The Art of Blending Voices
One of the most captivating aspects of music duets is the art of blending voices. When two voices come together, harmonizing and intertwining, it creates a new level of emotional depth and richness in the music. The combination of different vocal timbres, ranges, and styles can evoke a range of emotions, from joy and happiness to melancholy and longing.
Music duets allow singers to play off each other’s strengths, providing a platform for vocal improvisation and experimentation. They challenge the artists to listen and respond to each other, creating a dynamic and interactive performance. By collaborating vocally, artists can push each other to new heights, harnessing the power of teamwork and mutual support.
Several iconic music duets have left an indelible mark on the industry. From Freddie Mercury and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” to Elton John and Kiki Dee’s “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” these collaborations have stood the test of time, testament to the enduring power of blended voices.
2. Instrumental Conversations: The Dance of Musical Instruments
Music duets are not limited to vocals alone; they also encompass instrumental collaborations. When two musicians play their instruments together, it creates a musical conversation like no other. Each instrument brings its unique personality to the duet, with different textures, tones, and techniques blending seamlessly to create a sensory experience.
It is through instrumental collaborations that musicians can showcase their technical prowess and creativity. Whether it’s a piano and violin duet or a guitar and saxophone collaboration, the interplay of melodies, harmonies, and rhythms highlights the magic of collaboration. Musicians have the opportunity to inspire and challenge each other, resulting in a performance that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Iconic instrumental duets have mesmerized audiences throughout history. Think of Carlos Santana’s guitar duet with Rob Thomas in “Smooth” or Yo-Yo Ma’s duets with various artists, showcasing the versatility of the cello. These collaborations prove that when musicians come together, they produce breathtaking music that resonates with listeners worldwide.
Conclusion
Music duets embody the true essence of collaboration, where artists leverage each other’s strengths and inspire one another to reach new heights. Whether it is through blended voices or instrumental conversations, these collaborations bring a unique magic to the music industry.
The power of collaboration in music duets goes beyond the creation of beautiful art; it serves as a reminder of the significance of teamwork and mutual support. As artists come together, they demonstrate the immense potential that lies in collective efforts, reminding us of the transformative power of collaboration in our own lives. So, next time you listen to a music duet, let it serve as a reminder of the magic that unfolds when voices and instruments combine, and the immense power of collaboration in creating something truly exceptional.
Mysteries of the dark universe which have bewildered astronomers for centuries could finally be solved by Southampton scientists after the Euclid satellite was fired into space.
Artist impression of the Euclid mission in space. Image credit: ESA via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA IGO 3.0
The £1billion Euclid rocket was launched by SpaceX in July to reveal the origins of the cosmos. The satellite, which is fitted with telescopic space cameras, is on a six-year mission to shed light on dark energy and dark matter – which scientists say account for 95 per cent of the known universe.
Professor of Astrophysics Francesco Shankar, from the University of Southampton, is part of the international consortium working on Euclid with NASA and the European Space Agency. He said the satellite will create a giant map of the structure of the universe by observing billions of galaxies.
Prof Shankar added: “The Euclid space telescope will chart the distribution of galaxies across cosmic space and time to reveal the rate of expansion and formation of the universe. These are invaluable observational constraints which can shed light on the nature of dark energy.”
Euclid satellite launches into space. Image credit: University of Southampton
The Euclid satellite was launched from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket at its Cape Canaveral station in Florida and is currently flying towards the L2 Lagrange point — located 1.5million kilometres from Earth.
It intends to photograph more than one-third of the extragalactic sky outside the Milky Way using its high-precision camera – and will perform near-infrared spectroscopy of hundreds of millions of galaxies and stars over the same area.
Scientists will use the data collected by the satellite not only to test dark energy, dark matter, and alternative gravity theories, but also to unravel the evolution of galaxies and supermassive black holes, which is the subject of Prof Shankar and his team’s work at Southampton.
He added: “Dark energy and dark matter are elusive components – and we don’t know much about either. By imaging billion of galaxies, Euclid will give us data on the structure of the universe up to very large scales and at different cosmic epochs, providing invaluable observational constraints on the nature of dark matter and dark energy.”
The University is a founding member of Space South Central, the UK’s largest regional space cluster, which champions the space industry across the region to fuel innovation through new business and academic collaborations.
The Euclid satellite’s space mission will last until at least 2029. The European Space Agency, which funded the project, said the quality of the images will be four times sharper than those taken from the ground.
Despite the many wars, climate disasters, plagues and pandemics, some of the most important problems that lie in the eyes of the evolution of humanity.
We often give an account of it, but it is more accurate to take for a small chat from it the printing press, the father, the windmills, the glasses, the libraries and even the purchased paps . About these inventions, without which we cannot live a day, the site Medievalіѕtѕ.net reminds.
Mechanical watch
The name is a valuable pecypc. Although the method of measuring time has been known since ancient times, only through advanced technology has it been possible to create mechanical mirrors. They measure time more accurately and people can better organize their lives.
Printing press
The Chinese have known printing technology since the 11th century. Four centuries later, the German Johannes Gutenberg created the printing press, without which modern life would not be the same.
Gunpowder
The invention of the father is dated somewhere between the 10th and 11th centuries in China. It takes a lot of time before it is used, writes labrujulaverde.som. We know that the Mongols respected fathers throughout Europe, causing a revolution in military affairs.
Water and windmills
Man has been using mills since Neolithic times. Through the Panno, however, they become much more dirty. Many species have been created that differ from the construction.
The cafe
The tradition of drinking coffee arose in the Arabian Peninsula around the 15th century. For this purpose, in the Ottoman lands, special places – cafes – were built. They began to appear in Europe later, completely changing domestic customs and creating new ways of maintaining social contacts.
Glasses
Ethiopia does not remember who exactly invented glass glasses, but knows that they came into demand in Western Europe at the end of the 13th century. the problem is the closure and it is one of the most valuable.
Public libraries
It is believed that the first public library in the world was Malatėsta Novello in Cesena, Northern Italy. It opened for the second time in 1452.
Photo by Tom Swinnen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vintage-black-windmill-during-sunset-952632/
A major step, towards promoting harmony and addressing the growing problem of hate speech took place at the United Nations General Assembly on July 25 2023. The assembly adopted a resolution titled “Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and Tolerance in Countering Hate Speech” The resolution highlights the importance of encouraging conversations between faiths and cultures as a tool in preventing the spread of hate speech and prejudice.
This resolution is based on the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter building upon commitments. It places emphasis on recognizing the role that dialogue between religions and cultures plays. It reaffirms the value of respecting rights and freedoms regardless of one’s religion or beliefs.
Recognizing that dialogue contributes to cohesion, peace and development this resolution urges member states to consider intercultural dialogue as a powerful means to achieve peace, social stability and internationally agreed-upon development goals.
Acknowledging the essential contribution of dialogue to social cohesion, peace, and development, the resolution appeals to Member States to consider interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a potent instrument in realizing peace and social stability, as well as in achieving internationally agreed-upon development objectives.
This landmark resolution also addresses the concerning proliferation of hate speech. It stresses the importance of formulating an internationally agreed-upon definition of hate speech and invites all relevant stakeholders to observe the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. The resolution also underscores the role of education, culture, peace, and mutual understanding in combatting discrimination and hate speech.
The General Assembly strongly condemns the promotion of hatred that leads to discrimination, hostility or violence whether it spreads through media or digital platforms. It emphasizes the connection, between freedoms such as religion/belief and freedom of opinion/expression advocating for their combined role in combating intolerance and discrimination.
Moreover, the resolution urges measures to combat the concerning spread of hate speech on social media platforms while upholding human rights standards. It calls upon member states and social media companies to work to reduce hate speech and improve user access to reporting mechanisms.
To effectively address this growing challenge the General Assembly has called upon the UN Secretary-General to organize a conference in 2025. This conference will bring together UN entities, member states, religious leaders organizations, media representatives and civil society to discuss strategies for promoting dialogue among religions and cultures as a means of countering hate speech.
With this resolution in place, the international community is ready to intensify its efforts towards creating a world where understanding, tolerance and mutual respect prevail over religious barriers. By countering hate speech and discrimination we aim to foster an environment that embraces acceptance and respect of rhetoric.
The resolute commitment of the General Assembly, towards fostering dialogue among religions and cultures serves as evidence of our determination to build a future characterized by peace, understanding, and unity while transcending divisive language.
Today, in a public statement about the ongoing incidents in Niger, the High Council of the Resistance for the Republic (HCRR) declared that:
“The situation currently prevailing in Niger calls for the mobilisation of all our fellow citizens. In a spirit of responsibility, the nation’s driving forces have decided to mobilise and unite their forces around a new framework for action aimed at bringing patriots together at national and international level.
In the coming hours, the High Council of the Resistance for the Republic will make its intentions known in order to contribute to the restoration of constitutional order and the full presidency of His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum.”
Tracing basketball’s journey from an American import to a cherished European pastime, this article chronicles how the sport rapidly took the continent by storm. From improbable origins in a Springfield YMCA to rabid fandom today, relive basketball’s enthralling history in Europe through wars, political strife, and cultural revolution. Join us as we recount how basketball won over European hearts, fueled ambitious dreams, and became intrinsically its own on foreign soil. The long-shot story of how an indoor American recreation ascended to dizzying heights across the Atlantic will leave you cheering for more.
Basketball, a quintessentially American sport, has taken Europe by storm over the past several decades. Emerging from humble beginnings to enormous popularity across the continent today, the journey of basketball in Europe reveals a fascinating story of cultural exchange.
Unlike baseball or American football, basketball was not hampered by complex rules or specialized equipment. This allowed the sport to gain quick acceptance when introduced to Europe in the early 1900s. The simple requirements of a ball and a basket enabled basketball to take root rapidly, especially among youth.
Basketball was invented in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts by Canadian professor James Naismith. As an instructor at the YMCA Training School, Naismith was tasked with devising an indoor game to keep students occupied during cold New England winters. His solution involved nailing two peach baskets at opposite ends of a gymnasium and throwing a soccer ball into them.
This modest start spawned one of the most popular sports worldwide. Following basketball’s almost immediate adoption by colleges, the American Armed Forces spread the game internationally during World War I. U.S. troops brought basketball to Europe, kindling interest throughout the continent.
Early Growth
During the interwar period, basketball gained traction, particularly in eastern and southern Europe where French and American influence was strong due to military presence. Countries like Italy, Yugoslavia, and Poland emerged as early adopters.
The first continental tournaments were staged in 1935 for both men and women. Switzerland hosted the men’s European Championship while Italy held the inaugural women’s event. Lithuania took gold in the men’s tournament, while host Italy won the women’s bracket. This heralded the start of international competition.
Obstacles Emerge
The outbreak of World War II halted basketball’s growth in Europe. Leagues folded and equipment became scarce. In the postwar era, communist regimes in Eastern Europe viewed basketball as incompatible with socialist values. They promoted sports perceived to require greater cooperation like volleyball and soccer instead.
Countries controlled by the Soviet Union like Czechoslovakia and Hungary had to play covertly until the 1970s. Nevertheless, spirited fans kept basketball alive even through bleak times. The sport ultimately prevailed as communist regimes liberalized.
Resurgence & Growth
By the late 1940s basketball rebounded, as evidenced by the founding of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in Geneva in 1946. Building on renewed energy, the first Olympic basketball tournament was held in 1936 with 23 nations entering.
The inaugural FIBA World Championship took place in 1950 in Argentina. Gold medalists Argentina illustrated basketball’s expanding reach. The Soviet Union’s bronze medal foreshadowed their future dominance.
The advent of the European Champions Cup, now known as the EuroLeague, in 1958 marked another milestone. Club teams from across Europe competed in a new continental league. Real Madrid emerged victorious in the first season.
Professional leagues soon formed, starting with Italy in 1920. Leagues in France and Spain followed. The basketball craze was sweeping the continent again.
Eastern Europe’s Rise
From the 1960s through the 1980s, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia became international powers. Coaching systems and talent development programs propelled them to the forefront.
The Soviets captured three straight Olympic golds from 1988 to 1980 with powerhouse squads. Yugoslavia also medaled repeatedly by harnessing players from diverse republics. Their success put Europe in direct competition with the U.S.
Both nations won multiple World Cups during this period as well. European talent was blossoming and gaining recognition worldwide. Players like Drazen Petrovic of Croatia and Arvydas Sabonis of Lithuania entered the NBA, paving the way for others.
Continued Globalization
After the Cold War ended, basketball’s globalization accelerated further. More European stars like Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki joined the NBA. Foreign player restrictions relaxed, enabling greater migration.
The NBA also committed to expanding its popularity overseas. Exhibition and regular season games tipped off in Europe. Merchandise and broadcasting deals brought American basketball to European fans.
At the same time, the EuroLeague grew into the world’s premier international club league. Top clubs from all over Europe compete annually for the championship. Club budgets and salaries now rival NBA teams.
Basketball fever continues spreading across Europe. Youth participation has skyrocketed. NBA Europe now conducts camps and tournaments for prospects across the continent. The sport’s development remains in full swing.
Enduring Passion
In just over a century, basketball has remarkably evolved from an American novelty to a beloved European institution. The continent’s passion is evidenced by raucous sell-out crowds, intense team rivalries, and dedicated fans.
Europe has embraced basketball on its own terms while making unique contributions to the game’s evolution globally. From Lithuania to Greece, European nations have emerged as formidable basketball powers who now compete on level terms with the U.S.
While initially an imported American sport, basketball has become intrinsically European. The history reveals a dynamic process of cultural transmission, adaptation, and growth. The future surely promises continued development as basketball strengthens its place in the European sporting fabric.
