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The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) created a poll
Jul 20, 2018
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Vain (The Seven Deadly, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
Well i'll be honest...from the read up the story sounded like it was going to be about some spoilt brat who got what she want the entire story before something went wrong and the first twenty per cent or so was like that. Then we began to see a softer more vulnerable side to Sophie. At around 30% she's sent to Africa and things got really interesting.
As it turns out i really enjoyed it. It was a lot different to other NA books I've read hence the 5* review.
As it turns out i really enjoyed it. It was a lot different to other NA books I've read hence the 5* review.
Nitin Sawhney recommended Searching for Sugar Man (2012) in Movies (curated)
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated A United Kingdom (2017) in Movies
Sep 29, 2021
“In to Africa”.
I managed to miss this film when it was first shown at the end of 2016. And what a shame as it would have UNDOUBTEDLY made my “Films of the Year” list.
Directed by Amma Asante (“Belle”) this is the true tale of a real-life fairy story, featuring a handsome prince and his love, who can never be his princess thanks to the Machievellian schemings of court-do-gooders and bureaucrats.
The prince in this case is Seretse Kham (David Oyelowo, “Selma“) , heir to the throne of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), who meets and falls in love with a lowly white Lloyd’s of London clerk Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl“, “The World’s End“). The plot has many parallels with that of another film from earlier this year: “Loving” with Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton. As an inter-racial couple in 1947 this is taboo enough, but the fact that Kham is soon to be king in a country bordering the apartheid tinderkeg that is South Africa blows the affair up to be a diplomatic crisis.
Concern in the corridors of power for Prime Minister Atlee (Anton Lesser) being faced up to by the couple’s supporter – a young Anthony Wedgewood Benn (Jack Lowden).
Defying the officials he marries his true love, driving a wedge between both his own uncle (Vusi Kunene ) and sister (Terry Pheto) and making Ruth an outcast in both countries. As things turn from bad to worse, can true love conquer all their adversities?
Just everything about this film delights. Oyelowo and Pike – always a safe pair of hands – add real emotional depth to their roles. Their relationship feels natural and loving without either of them trying too hard. The estrangement of Ruth from her parents (particularly her father played by Nicholas Lyndhurst) is truly touching.
Another star turn is Harry Potter alumni Tom Felton, playing Rufus Lancaster – a weaselly and very unpleasant local official. I have a prediction…. that in 30 year’s time, the young Potter actor that will be the ‘Ian McKellen of his day’ (that is, a world recognized great actor… not necessarily gay!) will be Felton.
Sam McCurdy (“The Descent”) delivers cinematography of Africa that is vibrant (to be fair, for anyone lucky enough to visit Africa will know, cameras just love the place) and the John Barry-esque music by Patrick Doyle (“Murder on the Orient Express“) is pitch perfect for the mood.
When it says “Based on a true story” it means it: the real family.
A beautifully crafted film that older viewers will just love.
Directed by Amma Asante (“Belle”) this is the true tale of a real-life fairy story, featuring a handsome prince and his love, who can never be his princess thanks to the Machievellian schemings of court-do-gooders and bureaucrats.
The prince in this case is Seretse Kham (David Oyelowo, “Selma“) , heir to the throne of Bechuanaland (now Botswana), who meets and falls in love with a lowly white Lloyd’s of London clerk Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike, “Gone Girl“, “The World’s End“). The plot has many parallels with that of another film from earlier this year: “Loving” with Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton. As an inter-racial couple in 1947 this is taboo enough, but the fact that Kham is soon to be king in a country bordering the apartheid tinderkeg that is South Africa blows the affair up to be a diplomatic crisis.
Concern in the corridors of power for Prime Minister Atlee (Anton Lesser) being faced up to by the couple’s supporter – a young Anthony Wedgewood Benn (Jack Lowden).
Defying the officials he marries his true love, driving a wedge between both his own uncle (Vusi Kunene ) and sister (Terry Pheto) and making Ruth an outcast in both countries. As things turn from bad to worse, can true love conquer all their adversities?
Just everything about this film delights. Oyelowo and Pike – always a safe pair of hands – add real emotional depth to their roles. Their relationship feels natural and loving without either of them trying too hard. The estrangement of Ruth from her parents (particularly her father played by Nicholas Lyndhurst) is truly touching.
Another star turn is Harry Potter alumni Tom Felton, playing Rufus Lancaster – a weaselly and very unpleasant local official. I have a prediction…. that in 30 year’s time, the young Potter actor that will be the ‘Ian McKellen of his day’ (that is, a world recognized great actor… not necessarily gay!) will be Felton.
Sam McCurdy (“The Descent”) delivers cinematography of Africa that is vibrant (to be fair, for anyone lucky enough to visit Africa will know, cameras just love the place) and the John Barry-esque music by Patrick Doyle (“Murder on the Orient Express“) is pitch perfect for the mood.
When it says “Based on a true story” it means it: the real family.
A beautifully crafted film that older viewers will just love.
b.Young (97 KP) rated The Ivory Needle in Books
May 7, 2018
Quick read (3 more)
Magic
Adventure in Africa
Immortal elephants
Magic, Immortal Elephants and a trip to Africa! Sign me up!!!
I was not sure what to expect from this book and was pleasantly surprised!
This is a magical story about a 16-year-old Chessie and her brother who get shipped off to Kenya to spend the summer with their Gram. Chessie is not all too excited about the trip and is more concerned with the reasons their mother has made this hastey decision.
Her opinion is changed shortly, when upon seaching Gram's attic, she comes across a small ivory box that contains a sewing needle that happens to be made out of ivory from an ancient elephant. Upon using the needle, she is immediately linked to the elephant and it's herd and some weird trances and chanting ensue.
The story is told by 3 characters: Chessie; Daniel, a young native of Kenya who is dealing with poverty; and Ayleph, an ancient elephant spirit. All three are dealing with loss and change and struggling to accept the world around them.
This book had me at the mention of magic, and was a heart-warming tale that goes to show that all are possible, even magic, if you believe it to be so.
Highly recommended for everyone.
This is a magical story about a 16-year-old Chessie and her brother who get shipped off to Kenya to spend the summer with their Gram. Chessie is not all too excited about the trip and is more concerned with the reasons their mother has made this hastey decision.
Her opinion is changed shortly, when upon seaching Gram's attic, she comes across a small ivory box that contains a sewing needle that happens to be made out of ivory from an ancient elephant. Upon using the needle, she is immediately linked to the elephant and it's herd and some weird trances and chanting ensue.
The story is told by 3 characters: Chessie; Daniel, a young native of Kenya who is dealing with poverty; and Ayleph, an ancient elephant spirit. All three are dealing with loss and change and struggling to accept the world around them.
This book had me at the mention of magic, and was a heart-warming tale that goes to show that all are possible, even magic, if you believe it to be so.
Highly recommended for everyone.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Sissala Goddess by Wiyaala in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Wiyaala is a charismatic singer-songwriter from Funsi, Upper West, Ghana. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Village Sex” single, featured on her second studio album, entitled, “Sissala Goddess”.
Wiyaala’s name means ‘the doer’ in her Sissala dialect.
Thanks to a musical mother, The Young Lioness of Africa dodged FGM and child marriage. Also, the patriarchal society which she grew up in made it very difficult for her to become an entertainer.
Since then, she has won over fans across the world. Also, the most remarkable thing is she’s from Ghana, a country with a notoriously conservative music industry, where any challenge to the norm is frowned upon.
Wiyaala’s “Village Sex” single contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocal. Also, the song possesses energetic instrumentation flavored with West African folk, Afro-pop, and world elements.
‘Sissala Goddess’ is a fascinating, often moving glimpse at Africa old and new through the Young Lioness of Africa’s eyes.
Wiyaala sings part of the album in Sissala—one of the world’s most endangered languages.
Also, she celebrates the love of those who have supported her as well as challenging traits of bigotry, jealousy, and greed.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/wiyaala-village-sex/
Wiyaala’s name means ‘the doer’ in her Sissala dialect.
Thanks to a musical mother, The Young Lioness of Africa dodged FGM and child marriage. Also, the patriarchal society which she grew up in made it very difficult for her to become an entertainer.
Since then, she has won over fans across the world. Also, the most remarkable thing is she’s from Ghana, a country with a notoriously conservative music industry, where any challenge to the norm is frowned upon.
Wiyaala’s “Village Sex” single contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocal. Also, the song possesses energetic instrumentation flavored with West African folk, Afro-pop, and world elements.
‘Sissala Goddess’ is a fascinating, often moving glimpse at Africa old and new through the Young Lioness of Africa’s eyes.
Wiyaala sings part of the album in Sissala—one of the world’s most endangered languages.
Also, she celebrates the love of those who have supported her as well as challenging traits of bigotry, jealousy, and greed.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/wiyaala-village-sex/
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in Books
Nov 30, 2020
As it states in my profile on here, I will read non-fiction, but it really depends on the subject matter. My usual reading go-to is fiction. I like the distraction, the "virtual escape" it provides from Life now and again. Trevor Noah's recollections of growing up in South Africa was definitely the non-fiction I did not know I was seeking.
I am turned 50 last November. I can remember Ronald Reagan's presidency in the 80s. I can also remember hearing about apartheid, and later, Nelson Mandela in the news at the time, thinking it quite bad, but not really knowing/understanding the fullest extent to just how bad it truly was. Through Trevor's stories, I truly what apartheid was and the horrible conditions non-white people were forced to live under.
The stories are presented in such way as to be insightful, but to also, at times, to be fun or amusing or even serious. We learn the meaning behind to the book's title, BORN A CRIME, and what that means for Trevor's life growing up in both apartheid/post-apartheid South Africa.
Profoundly eye-opening! It should definitely be <b>required reading</b> in high school! Jus' sayin'..
I am turned 50 last November. I can remember Ronald Reagan's presidency in the 80s. I can also remember hearing about apartheid, and later, Nelson Mandela in the news at the time, thinking it quite bad, but not really knowing/understanding the fullest extent to just how bad it truly was. Through Trevor's stories, I truly what apartheid was and the horrible conditions non-white people were forced to live under.
The stories are presented in such way as to be insightful, but to also, at times, to be fun or amusing or even serious. We learn the meaning behind to the book's title, BORN A CRIME, and what that means for Trevor's life growing up in both apartheid/post-apartheid South Africa.
Profoundly eye-opening! It should definitely be <b>required reading</b> in high school! Jus' sayin'..
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Robinson Crusoe in Books
Oct 10, 2017 (Updated Oct 11, 2017)
Outdated colonial claptrap
I didn't particularly like this book even as a child, especially its overt racist storyline. Robinson Crusoe, an explorer and wanderer, at one point becomes a slave owner, aligning himself with other planters and undertaking a trip to Africa in order to bring back a shipload of slaves. At this point, he survives a storm and a shipwreck and ends up as the sole survivor. Because of the initial plot, I found it difficult to sympathise with his plight. They also speak of cannibalism, addressing others as "savages". It's a colonial tale that has become outdated.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) in Movies
Apr 24, 2021
Lions Among Us
The Ghost and the Darkness- is a good film. Both Micheal Douglas and Val Klimer are good in it.
The plot: Sir Robert Beaumont (Tom Wilkinson) is behind schedule on a railroad in Africa. Enlisting noted engineer John Henry Patterson (Val Kilmer) to right the ship, Beaumont expects results. Everything seems great until the crew discovers the mutilated corpse of the project's foreman (Henry Cele), seemingly killed by a lion. After several more attacks, Patterson calls in famed hunter Charles Remington (Michael Douglas), who has finally met his match in the bloodthirsty lions.
Its a good film.
The plot: Sir Robert Beaumont (Tom Wilkinson) is behind schedule on a railroad in Africa. Enlisting noted engineer John Henry Patterson (Val Kilmer) to right the ship, Beaumont expects results. Everything seems great until the crew discovers the mutilated corpse of the project's foreman (Henry Cele), seemingly killed by a lion. After several more attacks, Patterson calls in famed hunter Charles Remington (Michael Douglas), who has finally met his match in the bloodthirsty lions.
Its a good film.
