2025 - Year of the Snake
What you didn’t know about the Chinese Zodiac...
Introduction
2025 is the Year of the Snake, a sign associated with intelligence, elegance, and mystery. People bornunderthissignareoftenseenasdeepthinkers, strategic planners, and natural problem solvers. Theyhaveacalm,observantnatureandaknackfor making insightful decisions. However, their reserved demeanour can sometimes make them appearsecretiveordifficulttoread.
In Chinese culture, the Snake symbolises wisdom andintuition,makingthisyearanexcellenttimefor thoughtful planning and self-discovery. If you’re aiming to tackle long-term goals or reflect on personal growth, the Snake’s influence might just guideyoutowardsuccess.
TheLegendaryRace
The origins of the Chinese Zodiac come from a famous legend about a race organised by the Jade Emperor. Twelveanimalscompetedtodetermine their order in the Zodiac cycle, with the rat using its cleverness to ride on the ox’s back and leap ahead to claim first place. This race story gives the Zodiacitsiconicorder.
A12-YearCycle
TheChineseZodiacfollowsa12-yearcycle, with each year associated with a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal comes with unique traits that are believed to influence thepersonalityanddestinyofpeoplebornin theiryear.
CompatibilityPredictions
The Zodiac is often used to predict compatibility in relationships, friendships, andevenbusinesspartnerships.Eachsignhas its “best matches” and signs it should avoid. For instance, the Dragon is said to get along bestwiththeRatandMonkey.
CelebratedWorldwide
While the Chinese Zodiac originates from China, it is celebrated across East Asia, including countries like Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The Lunar New Year, a major holiday, often includes festivities centered aroundtheZodiacanimaloftheyear.
TheMissingCat
Ever wondered why the cat isn’t one of the Zodiac animals? Legend has it that the rat tricked the cat into missing the race, leading to an eternal rivalry between the two. This story is said to explain why cats chaseratstothisday.
ZodiacAnimalsinPopCulture
The Chinese Zodiac has inspired countless references in movies, books, and TV shows. For example, Jackie Chan starred in a movie called Chinese Zodiac, and anime often features characters or themes basedonthetwelveanimals.
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota, is one of the most influentialmusiciansofalltime. He is known for his poetic lyrics and uniquevoice.Dylanreshapedfolkand rockmusic.Hiscareerspansoversixty years, and during this time, he has constantlyevolved.
By Nick Willan
Dylan grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota, where he developed an early interest in music, especially rock and roll. He was influenced by artists like Little Richard and Elvis Presley,andheplayedinmanybands in high school. His exposure to folk music,especiallyoftheartistWoody Guthrie, impacted him strongly. In 1959,DylanenrolledattheUniversity of Minnesota, but he dropped out after a year and moved to New York Cityin1961tobecomeamusician.
Arriving in New York, Dylan quickly established himself in the folk scene in Greenwich Village. He started performingincoffeehousesandgota reputation for his powerful songwriting.
In 1962, he released his self-titled debutalbum,whichwasmostlymade up of traditional folk covers. His second album, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963), featured songs like "Blowin’ in the Wind" and "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall," which became anthems of the civil rights and antiwar movements, as well as some of hismostfamoussongs.
By the mid-1960s, Dylan began moving away from traditional folk, including electric instruments into his music. He played his first full electric set in 1965 at the Newport Folk Festival. His first album with electric instrumentation was Bringing It All Back Home (1965). His next two albums like Highway 61 Revisited (1965) and Blonde on Blonde (1966) were completely made up of his new sound, and are now seen as his best, featuring hits like "Like a Rolling Stone." Despite this many folk purists criticised him strongly,andhegotalotofhateforthischange.
In 1966, Dylan was involved in a motorcycle accidentthatledhimtoretreatfrompubliclifefor awhile.Hecamebackwithamoresubduedsound in albums like John Wesley Harding (1967) and Nashville Skyline (1969), which leaned more towards country music. These albums were given less praise and many thought that he had lost his spark. In the 1970s, he continued to experiment, releasing Blood on the Tracks (1975), one of his most acclaimed albums, showing he had not lost whathadmadehismusicspecial.
Dylan’s career stayed very unpredictable, as he explored gospel music in the late 1970s, returned to folk traditions in the 1990s, and continued to tour in what became known as “The NeverEnding Tour”. He won multiple Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 for his contributions to songwriting.BobDylanisnotjustamusicianbut a storyteller and cultural icon whose work has remained incredibly well loved, even to this day. Dylan’s legacy continues to inspire artists and listeners worldwide, proving that music can be a powerfulforceforchange.
MEDUSA, POWER, AND THE PATRIARCHY: A MYTH REWRITTEN
byKovacsDorottya
EveryonethinkstheyknowthestoryofMedusa.Butdowetrulyunderstandher?AsoneofGreekmythology’s mosticonicfigures,Medusahascapturedpeople'simaginationsforcenturies,herstrikingimageappearingin allformsofart,rangingfromancientpotterytomoderndaycinema.Traditionally,sheisseenasamonster,a terrifyingfigurewhosesickeninggazeturnsallwhodarelookathertostone.Forgenerations,Medusa’sstory wasoneofhorror,hernameequivalenttodread.
Butisthatallshewas?
Inourpresentday,Medusa’stalehasbeenre-examinedandreinterpreted.Hernamefindinganewmeaning, todayshehasbecomeapowerfulsymboloffeminism,reclaimingherownnarrativeandchallengingthesocalled ‘male gaze’. Her complex story, long seen as one of destruction and terror, now holds significant elementsofempowermentandresilience.TheoncehatedcharacterofMedusanowembodiesfemalerageand defianceagainstsystemsthatsilenceandoppresswomen.
So how did such a shift come to be? How did the villainous Medusa become a symbol of strength and resistance?Tounderstand,wehavetodigdeeperintotheevolutionofherstory,ajourneythatreflectsnot onlysimplechangesinartandliteraturebutalsobroadertransformationinhowsocietyviewspower,gender, andjustice.
I. Medusa in Classical Myth: The Male Gaze
Thefairestacknowledgementsandoriginalversionsof the character of Medusa in ancient Greek mythology are largely led by the male perspective. With the earliest mentions of her dating back to the Archaic period of Greece (8th–6th centuries BCE), her tale comesfromancientGreekoraltraditions.
Later,hermythwascodifiedinitsfirstliteraryform: mentionedinHesiod'sTheogony,Medusaisoneofthe three Gorgon sisters, the only mortal among the immortal Stheno and Euryale. She is described as a monstrouscreaturewithsnakesforhair,sharpfangs, andagazethatcouldturnanyonewholooksatherto stone. Reinforcing her uniqueness, isolation, and showingherasafigureoffear,Hesiodwriteshowshe lives on the edge of the world, far from any civilisation.
Although her decapitation is only briefly mentioned, thespotlightshinesonPerseus,andpaintstheimageof the killed Medusa as an obstacle or trophy, highlighting Perseus as the hero of the story. This earliest version centres around his bravery rather than Medusa's perspective, heavily influencing the wayshewasdepictedinancientGreece.
Later,fullyarticulatedinMetamorphosesbyOvid(1stcenturyBCE–1stcenturyCE),wegettoseethe whole story of this so-called monster. Ovid describes Medusa as a beautiful woman, particularly emphasizing her stunning hair, which was her most prominent feature and was admired by many. MedusaisthensaidtohavebeenrapedbyPoseidoninthetempleofAthena.Thisactofviolencepolluted Athena'ssacredspace.However,insteadofpunishingPoseidon,AthenadirectsherangeratMedusa.
ShetransformsMedusa’sbeautifulhairintohorrificsnakesandcursesherwiththewell-knowngaze. EventhoughOvidprovidedafoundationforviewingMedusaasatragicfigure,hisversionwaslargely overshadowedbythebroaderculturalpreferenceforPerseus’sheroismandMedusa’smonstrosity.Her gaze,whichturnedmentostone,representedtheultimatereversaloftraditionalgenderroles,wherea woman could dominate and destroy men. Due to this, she ultimately became a symbol of the fears associatedwithfemaleautonomyandpower.Furthermore,Perseus’striumphoverherwasframedasa restoration of order, reinforcing patriarchal ideals where men reassert control over dangerous, untamedforces.
II. Feminist Reinterpretations: Reclaiming Medusa
Inmorerecenttimes,Medusa’sstoryhasbeenreclaimedasapowerfulsymboloffemalerage,uprising, and justice. Feminist thinkers and activists reframed her transformation from a victim of Poseidon’s assaulttoacursedfigurepunishedbyAthenaasacritiqueofvictim-blamingandthesilencingoftrauma survivors.
Forexample,HélèneCixousinheressayTheLaughoftheMedusaencouragedallwomentoembrace their power and reject societal norms, echoing Medusa’s symbolic resistance. Furthermore, Medusa’s imagealsogainedpopularityincontemporaryart.LucianoGarbati’ssculptureMedusawiththeHeadof Perseus(2008)reversesthetraditionalnarrative,showingMedusaholdingPerseus’sseveredhead.This shocking reinterpretation became a feminist emblem of reclaiming power and rewriting oppressive narratives.
Ultimately,duringthe#MeToomovement(startedin 2017) Medusa became a representative of defiance against patriarchal oppression, with her petrifying gaze reinterpreted as a metaphor for women refusingtobesilenced.
Medusa’s image also became a popular icon in tattoos, shifting into a symbol of survival and empowerment for many women. Her look, often featuringhericonicsnakehair,wasreimaginedasa badge of honour, representing the strength to overcome trauma and reclaim control. Finally, Artistsandfilmmakershavefurthercontributedto this re-examination, transforming Medusa into an iconofresistanceagainstinjustice,settingherplace asatimelessrepresentativeoffeministstrengthin stone.
Fromherdarkoriginsinancientmythtohermodernreclamationasafeministicon,Medusa’s journeyshowsussociety’schangingviewsongender,power,andjustice.Today,sheremainsasa reminderoftheimportanceofchallengingoppressivenarrativesandtheweightofreclaiming one’svoice.Herstoryteachesusthateveninthefaceofinjustice,thereisstrengthandpowerin survival.Alessonthatresonatesdeeplyinourworldtoday.
the L.A. fires
California’s Most Ferocious Flame
By Nathan Dart
Throughout LA wild fires have destroyed countless housesasthisbecameoneofCalifornia'slargestand most devastating natural disasters in its history. Millions have had to flee their homes, some having toleavetheirspetsinthehurry.Some12,000homes have been destroyed at the time of writing, with many more expected to fall in the coming days and hours. This article will dive into the LA wild fires so youknowwhat'shappening.
Displacement and Housing Challenges
One of the most immediate impacts of the fires was displacement. Thousands of families were ordered to evacuate, totalling to around 88,000 people, often with little warning, being forced to leave behind their homesandbelongings.
Temporary shelters set up in schools and community centres were soon overflowing, and finding long-term housinghasbecomeasignificantchallenge.WithLA’s already tight housing market, those who lost their homes will find it very difficult to find new accommodation, especially because many housing insurance companies have left LA after the previous fireslostthemlotsofmoney,leavingonlyaroundtwo leftinthearea.
The Scope of the Fires
Thisyear’swildfireshavebeenamongthemost devastatingonrecord,consumingthousandsof acres of land, destroying homes, and forcing entireneighbourhoodstoevacuate.
The Santa Ana winds added to the spread of flames, making containment efforts more difficult for firefighters. The destruction was not confined to remote areas; suburban and urban communities fell increasingly at risk with thousandsbeingdestroyedinafewdays.
This brought the danger closer to home for millions of Angelenos with a confirmed 25 people having lost their lives at the time of writingandafurther11beingreportedmissing.
Health Concerns
The fires posed serious health risks, even for those far from the flames. Smoke and ash in the air led to a surge in respiratory problems, particularly among children, the elderly, and thosewithpre-existingconditionslikeasthma.
Public health officials issued repeated warnings about poor air quality, urging residents to stay indoors and use air purifiers. Schools were forced to cancel outdoor activities, disrupting routines for students and families.
Economic Struggles
The economic toll of the fires extended beyond property damage. Many small businesses had to close temporarilyorpermanently,cuttingofflivelihoodsforworkersandowners.Forthosewhocommute,road closuresanddamagedinfrastructuremadegettingtoworkadailychallenge.Additionally,risinginsurance premiums in fire-prone areas are putting financial strain on families already struggling with high living costs.
Lucia Coibion
February 20th
WORLD ANTHROPOLOGY DAY
World Anthropology Day is coming up so here’s a smallglimpseintothecaptivatingfield!
AnthropologyisdefinedbytheCambridgeDictionary as“thestudyofthehumanrace,itscultureandsociety anditsphysicaldevelopment”.
The definition captures the essence of anthropology andwhatsetsitapartfromothernaturalsciences,the exploration of humans both culturally and biologically.Anthropologyisusuallysubdividedinto4 subfields: archaeology, linguistic, biological and sociocultural.
Anthropologists are like detectives that puzzle on the what,whyandwhenofhumanexistencebutdifferent anthropologistsstudydifferentfacetsofhumanity.
Sociocultural anthropologists examine human interaction. They look at ethnography, which involves observing people in their environment. This field of anthropology claims to have a broad approach, with “universalism” and “cultural relativism” at its core; two seemingly opposed ideas but actually deeply connected. “Universalism” is the search of a thread, an underlying, inherentlinkthatconnectsallcultures.It’salsothebasic assumption that all civilizations are equal in value. “Cultural relativism” is the investigation of differences between cultures and how these can be explained by environment and history. “Cultural relativism” is often seen as a reaction to “cultural evolution”, a widely disregarded concept in anthropology that forces civilizations into categories of “evolved” and “less developed”whereEuropeanculturesareoftenplacedat thetopandothercultureslowerdown.Modernconcepts and assumptions like “universalism” and “cultural relativism”haveallowedanthropologiststodiveintothe historyofoursocietieswhilebeingpoliticallycorrectand respectfulofotherwaysofliving.
Biological anthropologists frequently study skulls from early hominins to understand human evolution
Archeologists mapping out their finds at Pachachamac, Peru
Biological anthropology is all about linking our behaviour to our physical anatomy. For example, the reason we have a longer thumb as opposed to other primates has been attributed by biological anthropologists to our toolmaking skills. Biological anthropologists investigate human evolution and the genetic adaptations that allowed us to survive and createdhomosapiensasweknowtoday.
Linguistic anthropologists dive into the history of language and the way language has shaped our culturesandsocieties.Morethanthat,thisfascinating field of anthropology shows us the influence of grammar and vocabulary on our way of thinking and seeing the world. Imagine a language without numbersforexample,wherethewordfor“seven”or “twenty-four” simply does not exist. Believe it or not, numberlesslanguagesdoexist.
“Mundurukú” is an indigenous Amazonian language whereexactnumbersoverfivedonotexistandthey rely on approximate language for quantities that involvemorethanfiveunits.
Theabsenceofnumbersinalanguagecertainlyalters ourperceptionofquantities,timeandsomuchmore.
Finally,archeologyisthemorefactual,concretesideof anthropology.Itinvolvessearchingthroughthepastto find evidence about lost or existing cultures. Archaeology puts the accent on field and lab work more than other types of anthropology. Films often depict archaeologists excavating, and although excavation is a big part of archaeology, there is much more complexity to it than movies give credit for. Stratigraphy is the measure of the location of objects in the soil, giving archeologists an idea of the context and the age of the remains. As you might expect, newer remains can be found on a higher level in the soil, so this can help indicate the date at which a particular event happened. Finally, computers and moderntechnologyarethemaintoolsfortheanalysis of data in this modern age. They can bring objects, people and even cities to life through threedimensionalviewingsoftware.
Are you interested in anthropology? Lots of information about career options and anthropology news is on: www.americananthro.org. Anthropology is intrinsically linked to evolutionary psychology, for which Macken Murphy has a great podcast: Species. The host explores fascinating stories including the mystery behind complex human love life and relationships or even the reason behind our proactively aggressive nature…You can listen to it on Spotify or on this link: https://pod.link/1334821500.
Legless Legends Snake World Records
2025 is the Year of the Snake, a time associated with wisdom, transformation, and mystery. What better way to celebrate the new year than by exploring some of the mostincrediblesnakesthathaveeverexisted?
From the longest and heaviest to the fastest and smallest, these record-breaking serpents continue to amaze scientists, snake enthusiasts, and animal lovers alike. Whether it’s the massive Reticulated Python, the lightningfast sidewinder rattlesnake, or the heavyweight champion Green Anaconda, these snakes prove that the world of reptilesisfullofsurprises.
The Longest 1.
TheReticulatedPython(Malayopythonreticulatus) holds the title of the world’s longest snake, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 9 meters. Found in Southeast Asia, this massive serpent is known for its geometric pattern of black, gold, and brown colours, which help it blendintojunglesandgrasslands.
Unlike venomous snakes, the Reticulated Python coils around its prey and squeezes until the animal can no longer breathe. Despite their intimidating size, these snakes generally avoid humans and are more focused on hunting birds, mammals, and even deer. Incredibly, some have been documented swallowing prey almost as largeasthemselves.
2. The Heaviest
The Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the heavyweight champion of the snake world, holding the record as the heaviest snake on Earth. Living in the swamps and rivers of South America, particularly the Amazonrainforest,thismassiveserpentcanweighover 227kgsandgrowupto9meterslong.
Unlike its slimmer relative, the Reticulated Python, the Green Anaconda has a thick, muscular body built for powerratherthanlength.
3. The Fastest
The Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) holds the title of the fastest-moving snake in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 29 km/h traveling across the hot desert sands of the United States and northernMexico.
Unlike most snakes that move in a straight line, the Sidewinder moves in a unique "sidewinding" motion, liftingpartsofitsbodyoffthegroundtoreducecontact with the surface. This specialized movement not only helpsittravelquicklybutalsoprovidesbetterstabilityon loosesand.
4. The Smallest
TheBarbadosThreadsnake(Tetracheilostoma carlae) holds the record as the world’s smallestsnake,measuringjustabout10cmin length,whichisaboutthesizeofaspaghetti noodle.
Native to the forests of Barbados, this tiny serpent is so small that it could comfortably curl up on a coin. Unlike its larger relatives, the Barbados Threadsnake is completely harmless and non-venomous, feeding mainly onantsandtermitelarvae.
Keith haring spreading optimism through art
By Nick Willan
Keith Haring was an American artist known for his bright, bold, and energetic artwork that is still well known today. Born on May 4, 1958, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and raised in Kutztown, Haring was very interested in art from a young age. He was inspired by his dad's cartoons and the art of Dr. Seuss and Disney. His art is easy to spot because of his thick lines and bright colors.
In 1978, Haring moved to New York City to study at the School of Visual Arts. There, he got inspired by graffiti, hip-hop, and the whole street art scene. He started drawing with chalk on blank advertising panels in subway stations, turning blank spaces into exciting art displays. People loved it, and his subway art helped him get noticed.
By the 1980s, Haring's career took off. He had big gallery shows and worked with famous artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. But even with all the fame, Haring wanted his art to be for everyone. In 1986, he opened the Pop Shop, where people could buy affordable items featuring his art, making sure his work wasn't just for museums.
Haring's art wasn't just fun to look at, it also had strong messages. He used his work to talk about important issues like AIDS, apartheid, drug abuse, and LGBTQ+ rights. One of his famous pieces, the "Crack is Wack" mural (1986), was his way of speaking out against drug use in NYC. Haring, who was openly gay, became an advocate for AIDS awareness after he was diagnosed with HIV in 1988.
His later art reflected his activism and personal struggles.
Sadly, Keith Haring passed away on February 16, 1990, at just 31 years old due to AIDS-related complications. But his impact didn't end there. He started the Keith Haring Foundation in 1989 to support children's programs and groups working on AIDS education and prevention.
Today, Haring's art is still everywhere, in galleries, on murals, and even in fashion. His simple but powerful themes of love, unity, and activism still connect with people all over the world. Keith Haring's bold figures and important messages make him one of the most memorable artists of the 20th century.
world cancer day
By Noah DB
World Cancer Day is a global event held annually on February 4th, and its aim is to raise awareness about cancer, advocating for its prevention, and supporting those affected by the disease.
History and Origins
It was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in 2000 and was created as part of a global effort to unite organizations, governments, and individuals in the fight against cancer. It has since become a major campaign to spread knowledge and encourage action globally.
Significance and Purpose
World Cancer Day is seen as very significant, as cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated cancer accounts for nearly one in six deaths globally. This day serves to remind everyone that cancer is not just a medical issue but a societal challenge that requires collective action.
Interesting Fact
There are more than 50 different ribbons representing various forms of cancer.
World Cancer Day 2025
The theme of World Cancer Day 2025, “United by Unique”, highlights the value of individualised, patient-centred care in the fight against cancer. It highlights how important it is to personalise treatment to each patient's unique needs
1. .
How many times does a snake shed its skin each year?
A) Once a week, so 52 times
B) Once
C) 2 or 3 times
D) They don’t
2. How does a snake smell?
A) Through its nose
B) Awful!
C) Through its eyes
D) It flicks its tongue out to smell the air
3.If nocturnal snakes are active at night, what are snakes called who are active during the day?
A) Daynurnal
B) Diurnal
C) Mornurnal
D) Sunurnal
4. What makes Kingsnakes so tough?
A) They have very tough scales
B) They sound tough to other snakes, so they stay away
C) They have a set of scales on their head which look like a crown
D) They’re immune to other snakes’ venom
5. What length can a Reticulated Python grow up to?
A) 1 foot
B) 4 feet
C) 12 feet
D) 16 feet
6. (How many times does a snake shed its skin each year?)
A) Yes, big ones
B) No, none at all
C) Some do, but they’re on the inside and you can’t see them
D) Yes and no?
7. All snakes lay eggs. True or false?
A) True
B) False
8. Which of these is not a real snake?
A) African Puff Adder
B) Rosy Boa
C) Boomslang
D) Spotted Biter
9. Which of these places has zero snakes?
A) Antarctica
B) Russia
C) The Sahara
D) North London
10. What do people use snake venom for?
A) To make face cream
B) To make food spicy
C) To develop new medicines
D) For cruel pranks
From Red Carpet to Awards:
Everything You Missed at the 2025 Grammys
The 67th Grammy Awards, held on February 2nd 2025, celebrated a year of inspiring musical achievements. Hosted by Trevor Noah, the ceremony was marked by amazing wins, exciting performances, and heartfelt tributes.
Wins
Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" dominated the night by winning both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. This accomplishment made him only the second rapper to win both categories, following Childish Gambino's win in 2019.
Beyoncé made history by winning her first Album of the Year award for ‘Cowboy Carter’ ,her country-inspired album that also earned her the Best Country Album
Chappell Roan won Best New Artist, recognizing her stellar entrance into the music
Doechii's win for Best Rap Album with "Alligator Bites Never Heal" marked her as only the third woman to receive this honour, following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B.
Performances
Theeveningfeaturedaplethoraofstandoutperformances: Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas delivered an emotional rendition of"BirdsofaFeather,"setagainstabackgroundofchildhoodphotos. SabrinaCarpenter showcased her theatrical flair with performances of “Espresso”and“PleasePleasePlease”inanoldhollywoodaesthetic. Chappell Roan energized the audience with “Pink Pony Club”, incorporated with extensive choreography and a striking pink horse prop.
Tributes and Social Messages
The ceremony paid tribute to Los Angeles, recently affected by wildfires, by raising $7 million for relief efforts Artists like John Legend and Sheryl Crow performed "I Love L.A." to honor the city.
A tribute to the late Quincy Jones featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Cynthia Erivo, and Janelle Monáe, celebrating his contributions to the music industry.
Several artists used their platform to address social issues: Shakira, upon winning Best Latin Pop Album for "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran," dedicated her award to immigrants. Lady Gaga, after winning Best Pop Duo/Group
Performance with Bruno Mars for "Die With A Smile," voiced her support for transgender rights, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the music industry and wider world.
SPORTSATBSBANDBEYOND
By Abir Kumar
SHOULDPOLITICSBEKEPTOUTOFSPORT?
During a Champions League knockout match against Bayern Munich, Celtic fans displayed a bannercallingforIsrael’ssuspensionfromfootball, riskingUEFAsanctions.Theclubpreviouslyfaceda £15,000finein2023forasimilarprotest.
Whilebansonpoliticalmessagesaimtokeepsport neutral and avoid division, sport has long been a platform for activism, making such rules difficult to enforceconsistently.
Bayern Munich won the tie 3-2 on aggregate progessing to the last 16 where they will face the current German champions, Bayer Leverkusen (Football)
BSBRUGBY
BSB kept their long unbeaten run against ISB on the 8th of February 2025. They are continuing their good form since coming 2nd in a tournament in the Netherlands in December2024.
NBATRADE
Inastunningmove,theLakersacquiredLukaDončić's from the Mavericks in exchange for Anthony Davis. LosAngelesbenefitsmore,landingayoungsuperstar who can lead them for years. Dončić’s offensive brilliance makes the Lakers immediate title contenders,whileDavisgivesDallaselitedefensebut comes with injury concerns. If healthy, Davis could helptheMavericks,buttheLakersclearlysecuretheir long-termfuturewiththisdeal.
Gabriel Medina’s Iconic Surf Shot Wins 2024 World Sports Photography Award
SAUDI ARABIA and Sports Washing
The Land of Fights But Not Rights
WhatisSportsWashing?
Sports washing is the use of Sports by Governments to try improve the reputation of a country. Sports washing is not a new thing per say, Saudi Arabia has just brought it to the next level by investing in and corrupting a huge range of sports. If you are a fan of a popular sport including, Formula 1 and Football you arelikelyavictimofSaudiArabia’ssportswashing.
What Human Rights Violations is Saudi Arabia responsible for?
Imprisonment for individual expression
Extortion of migrants
Rigged trials
Lack of rights for women
OK, Saudi Arabia Sports Washes. What Now?
First, educate yourself and others. Being ignorant is no excuse when people are suffering to produce entertainment.
Next, Remember YOU are the customer. Don’t watch sportsthattakesplaceinSaudiArabia,speakoutagainst it, even small actions have large impacts in the grand schemeofthings.
Snake Quiz Answers!
Ssssssee how many you got right.... 1) C 2) D 3) B 4) D 5) D 6) C 7) B 8) D 9) A 10) C
