WORTH JOURNEY VOLUME 8

EDITOR’S NOTE

WORTH JOURNEY MAGAZINE

Greetings,

I know it has been roughly seven years since the last proper edition of the WorthJourney via The Worthwhile Journal.

Our explanation is quite simple:

Relevant media has changed during those seven years with repeated subjects that have depleted the consensus interest in learning. We wanted no part of media that isn't traditional.

IN THIS ISSUE

A Ukrainian filmmaker, who does not leave anything on the table while exemplifying the studies from his country's history.

Liz Mills. The pioneer basketball coach who is a part of the construction of basketball on the continent of Africa.

Jerome Fitts

Editor-in-Chief

Parkensine. Samansta Leoncio nails the reality of what humans consume and function from these days.

"WJ Allowed The Time To Serve Its Justice"

Vladyslav Tereshchuk

History Repeats

Vladyslav Tereshchuk

12

Creating Opportunities Coach Liz Mills

9 Parkesine Samansta Leoncio

2 Editor's Note- Jeromes' words.

6 In touch with Vladyslav Tereshchuk Refurbishing a history that is seldom studied.

14

WJ supporting Indie Filmmakers Announcing feature films of the Month Supplied by Film Freeway

18 Basketball Africa League- Liz Mills Creating opportunities while understanding the environment

25 Featured Albums Albums distributed by Proper Music. This month is legendary rockers Therapy?

27 Parkesine Samansta Leoncio explains the control of Parkesine (Plastic) through a live performance

Disclaimer:

24 Albums WORTH purchasing.

Therapy? A Northern Ireland band releases their 16th album in 40 years and the band is still on their tour bikes, worldwide

The Worhwhle Journal is the magazine division of WorthJourney Media Portal a division of Pivatell Network LLC (United States) and Granted Distribution LTD. (E.U).

All publishing rights are controlled by Will/Matt Publishing of Pivatell Granted Networks LTD.

HIS.TORY RE·PEAT·ING Vladyslav Tereshchuk

Forwarded By: Jerome Fitts

Since February 2022, according to social media data and engagement, ninety per cent of the world "are with Ukraine". The conventional newsagents and bulletin boards are repeating what other networks are broadcasting. In other words, the viewers do not have the slightest idea of what they are "with" other than the sympathy they have for the victims of the callous acts of the invaders.

If you, the reader, were to ask a Ukrainian why the Russians are showing their barbaric side? A patriotic Ukrainian will inform you about the Ukrainian and Russian storied history.

Does the world know the history between the two countries were essentially the same country under the Soviet Union?

We, the Worth Journey, in our quest for relevant stories that are facts, asked a list of questions directed at a Ukraine patriot by the name of Vladyslav Tereshchuk.

The first initial engagement with Director Vlady was based on his film "Live" 8 months after the initial invasion of Ukraine. It is fair to write that I wasn't prepared for further questions as I did not know more than what I had read via reputable news sources. Plus, I did not want to pry into any other country's business or affairs if I did not know the complete history.

Now that the world has inherited the war in Ukraine as part of the Western world's new problem, we (WJ), considered the subject and its sensitive nature.

When (WJ) reminded him that before the start of the war, based on news sources and videos, it seemed as if Ukrainian citizens were not concerned about a potential war.

Vlady explains in detail what the experience is like while living in a time of war from within the war.

He points out the love that his fellow Ukrainians have for one another and their country.

Vlady was direct to the point in his response;

"Yes, you are right, Ukrainians at large did not feel that the war was coming. I can only speak for myself. I have been interested in history in general, especially my country's history, since my childhood." (brief pause).

"Hopefully, some people will research Ukrainian history. The majority of our history is about war and rebellion for our independence."

"Once people are aware of our history, then perhaps the propaganda that has been told by the invaders will change. I studied the Ukrainian rebels of the past so naturally, I felt that at a certain point in my life, our history would repeat itself. This is not a new problem. We are talking about a hundred years of constantly defending our independence."

"There were the same patterns decades ago against our independence as there were leading up to the war since February 2022."

Vlady continued to emphasize: "Those of us who paid attention to the pattern of the past could feel that another war was imminent. This time there will be no surrender."

"When the act of war happened in Crimea and Donbas in February 2014, any sensible person knew that the Russians would not stop. How could they? They threw the first stone as an act of war. There were also Russian agents here, and judging by what they were doing, one could see they had plans for an invasion."

"Because I always kept up with the current events of my country, I thought there would be an invasion in the late spring or early summer of 2021. The Russians were positioning their troops along our borders while explaining such actions as training. How could you ignore that? There was nothing we could do at the time."

"Russia has a large land mass, yet they surrounded our borders as part of their training exercise. Ha ha! They were positioning themselves for an invasion eight or nine months later."

"I had predicted that there would be a fullblown invasion in 2023 or even in 2024, which would have been during our election time. The Russians were faster and more confident than any of us predicted."

"Most people do not study their history until it is too late. They may learn about history in school, but do they study their history?"

"The world knows that history will repeat itself if certain parts are ignored. It is what the victorious ones want. They can tell their side of the story and alter vital details of what happened and why it occurred. We tend to overlook the patterns leading up to conflicts or domination of the people. History is an experience of the time past written by those who were a part of it."

In awe of Vlady's acknowledgement of utilizing patterns of history, WJ politely asked to give an example:

"It has not been a thousand years ago since Soviet rule."

"When a child touches the blade of a knife, they cry from the pain as the blood pours out of the skin. That child remembers the experience as if there is a scar to remind them. We have a history of conflict with the Russians. How could we have trusted the Russians in the first place when we have witnessed certain acts that surrounded our borders for years?"

"Now that the wolf has entered through the door of our home (our country), we are either fighting to protect our home or taking advantage of leaving by running for cover."

"I choose to stay and protect my country and will never leave. I prefer to die than live under Russian control. I know I am not the only one that feels that way."

(WJ): How did you adjust to the war?

"Normally you can predict certain things and prepare for the outcome. With the Russians, you would have thought our prediction would have prepared us for defence. Who knows what the enemy will do next based on their barbaric acts since the war started?"

"I am an artist, and film director, so my lifestyle differs from someone who works nine to five. I am not better than they are, but the view of my country and the world is different. Who knows when and how, but we will continue to defend our land. We have to accept reality and maintain our defence."

(WJ): What are your genuine thoughts on the West since the war?

"We have always felt a part of the West. I had always felt a part of Europe. I never felt that Ukraine was a part of Asia or Russia."

"I am happy that the West is helping Ukraine. Without their help or involvement in terms of military equipment, I do not think we would be able to stop the Russians."

"I had dreamed that Ukraine would become a part of the European Union. We are hard workers, but we could never be a part of slavery in Russia."

"We are a Western family based on our ideology. If we do not stick together the Russians will continue west with their invasion. It is modern fascism, yet they call us Nazis."

"I had a dream that Ukraine would become a member of the European community."

Through Vlad's omission, Ukrainians are welcomed everywhere because of the war.

One factor was the favouritism towards Ukrainians regarding immigration. They have managed to migrate with little due process everywhere while refugees of war-torn countries are deported to Rwanda (United Kingdom).

(WJ) also wanted to know if this was true regarding the foreigners' exit treatment at the start of this war. In this case, foreigners mean non-white (Arabs, Africans).

(WJ): Ninety-nine per cent of all major media outlets have neglected this subject.

"The acceptance of Ukrainians in other countries makes us all feel good. It shows what the world thinks of us."

(WJ): Some of us think it is because you are white or Aryan.

"I live close to a medical university that has nationalities from everywhere. The negative press is more or less a propaganda statement from the Russian Government."

February 2022

What about the reports supported by photos and videos where the African and Arab students were not allowed to leave when the bombing happened until the Ukrainians were safe?

We have racism here, just like other countries in the West, but I am sure our numbers are much smaller than in most countries. Did you know we have someone not of the white race or non-Ukrainian in our Parliament?

Ok, but it is duly noted that you don’t want to speak about equal immigration policies. You guys do have an advantage that all Latino, African and Arab countries don’t have. You are white so you are trusted before anyone else. If you don’t want to answer it is ok.

No answer>

And rightfully so. Valdy should not have to explain.

Photo courtesy of Honeywell Comfort com Free Use All Rights Reserved 2023

African student at Ukraine/Polish Border.

How are you adjusting or surviving?

"On December 31st, New Year's Eve, when the rest of the world was celebrating with firecrackers, we were being celebrated with Russian drones and rockets. Now we celebrate each day as if it is a new year."

"Then there were the blackouts and shortage of water in the debt of the winter. But to us, these are short-lived adversities."

"We created our lights during the blackouts with generators and temporary makeshift generators. We found a way to collect water for drinking, water that we use to clean clothes and water we would use for the bathroom."

"The hardest part for us during the blackouts is when we have nothing to do."

"Since the war started I have kept a diary. I have even managed somehow to direct a short film. It is a short film but somehow I did it."

"These days through the experience of this atrocity, I try to write about love and pain."

"The love part is easy because it releases the pain. We try to think about good things in life that we had taken for granted in the past. However, the pain, unfortunately, comes in the form of hate."

When you see a fellow citizen that was living their life in peace, then suddenly suffering, dying or lying dead due to an enemy rocket, it is hard not to hate the Russians."

What about your social life and the regulations at night during this time?

"The soldiers patrol the streets at night as there is a curfew, so no one is allowed at night. Besides, during this time, no one wants to go out at night. Although I do miss the freedom."

"Everyone understands that this is a time for safety and structure."

SUPPORT INDIE ARTIST

Basketball Africa Empress

COACH LIZ MILLS

Photos via "Free Use" Liz Mills.2023

The successful strategy of cooperating with the NBA, FIBA (Federal International Basketball Association) should validate the authenticity of the Basketball Africa League.

When WJ became aware of BAL, in October 2021, there was no visible advertising or promotion to attract the attention of basketball fans that resort to watching the NBA or EuroLeague on Youtube.

A little over a year afterwards, while covering the basketball league in Turkeyi, we decided to Google this year's BAL Tournament games.

Liz Mills, the national Kenyan head coach and coach of league qualifiers ASL Sale of Morroco's, kept coming up during the search.

First and foremost, our quest was to know what led Coach Mills to coaching a national team from a conflict zone African continental country (Kenya).

Coach Mills started by stating:

"I previously worked in Kenya in 2015 and enjoyed my time there. In 2019, when the Kenyan Mens' National Team competed in the AfroCan basketball tournament, the team played well together and had potential."

I watched them participate in the first round of the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket qualifiers and felt they were underperforming. The team manager and I started corresponding as we worked together to secure my position as head coach for the final window of AfroBasket Qualifiers.

I was excited to be named as Head Coach of Kenya. I was thrilled to be working with a team with potential and the ability to work hard to achieve goals. I knew I would bring value to the team and that together we'd be able to do something special, which we did.

"From a career perspective, it also allowed me to go back to being a head coach and my first opportunity to head coach a national team," stated Coach Mills

It seems that other clubs or connections within the African basketball community took notice. How did the AS Sale Morroco come about?

"As with all my previous roles in Africa, I sought positions with certain teams. I would approach teams directly or get assistance from friends by relying on my basketball network to secure a position. Creating a network and understanding your environment matters. It also highlights, especially for women, the importance of creating opportunities. Too often, we wait for someone to hand us the opportunity, but in reality, for women in sports, this is rare. We must create our own."

"With the position in Morrocco, I have been good friends with a former player, Mohamed Sekkak, and he put my name forward as he was aware of the head coaching position at AS Sale Basketball Club. That is how I got the job."

True to Coach Mills' words, this should serve as an example as AS Sale were preparing for the Moroccan and BAL season in 2023. She created her opportunity by submitting her name to the club based on her qualifications and putting one foot forward with confidence.

Photos via "Free Use" Liz Mills.2023

Photos via "Free Use" Liz Mills.2023

In 2023, Coach Mills with ABC Fighters of the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

SmellFresh AllDay

She responded by saying:

"The three key challenges facing basketball in Africa are; the lack of professional administrators, the lack of infrastructure and the poor development of local coaches with experience. These factors significantly impact the development of the game in Africa. The clubs' and federations' infrastructure are by men who have no experience in sports or business development. Some teams have to train outdoors or indoor gyms that are barely functional, and getting your hands on one basketball can be challenging. There is also a lack of coaching education programs for local coaches across the continent. Most players have to take their development into their own hands."

"In recent years, there have been positive developments to tackle these issues. You now see diverse and younger federations and club boards with business/sportssavvy individuals taking the helm."

"To make basketball more accessible, more courts and stadiums are being constructed. The NBA, FIBA and private organizations are organizing coaching clinics across Africa."

"Coming from a more secular society, it was challenging to be in countries where religion dominates every aspect of life. There was also the concept of time which was frustrating at first."

"African time" is a real thing and something I constantly joke about. If I want training to start at six pm, I'll tell the players that practice begins at fivethirty. This experience has taught me to stop living my life according to a watch and slow down and relax to appreciate the time we have."

"My focus is on continuing to be a part of the development of the game in Africa. There is a lot of talent and potential in every aspect of the sport on the continent."

When asked what were some of the challenges she faced culturally?

Photo via Free Use Liz Mills.2023

Photo via Free Use Liz Mills.2023

"To be a part of the development of the game has not only been rewarding for me as a coach but also as a person off the court."

"I owe a lot of my success to the continent and I will forever be indebted for the opportunities it has given me. There is nowhere else in the world would I be able to do what I've done. Other leagues should be looking at the Basketball Africa League (BAL), by adopting its strategies on inclusion and diversity."

"I will forever be grateful to the fans and supporters I have across the continent. I have been embraced by the African basketball community and that is why I will always represent the teams I coach here to the best of my ability. And also promote African basketball across all my platforms."

Founded

Therapy? Therapy?

"" Cold Hard Fire " Cold Hard Fire "

www.therapyquestionmark.co.uk

ForNorthernIreland-originatingrockers Therapy?resilienceandsurvivalhavebecome watchwords.Enduringoverthreedecadesas themusical,culturalandsociallandscapes haveshiftedaroundthem,thetriohaveforged andretainedapowerfulandlastingconnection withadedicatedfanbasearoundtheworld, doingsobyputtingtheiremphasisonthe music,solidifyingahard-wonreputationas forward-thinkingwritersandafiercelive propositionintheprocess.

OUT NOW:

As Therapy?’s fourth decade finally gets underway in earnest, sixteenth album ‘Hard Cold Fire’, written and pre-produced during an unprecedented time for music, is hefty, compact, and accessible, a distillation of everything that has made them what they are – hewn from County Antrim basalt, still possessed of their stoicism, but casting a renewed focus on catharsis and healing.

Photo courtesy of Proper Music. All Rights Reserved.2023

PARKESINE?: (PLASTIC)

Parkesine, invented by Alexander Parkes in 1855 and patented the following year, is considered the first plastic produced by man. It was manufactured from cellulose (the major component of plant cell walls) and treated with nitric acid as a solvent.

In 1907 Leo Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, meaning it contained no molecules found in nature.

In the 1940s, the recognised company Tupperwear issued the first commercial use of what we know as plastic.

Samansta Leoncio, an anti-plastic activist from the Dominican Republic, shares her in-person show in detail.

All photos courtesy of Samansta Leoncio

We (humans) eat plastic, defecate plastic, think plastic and replace our bodies with plastic through surgery. The plastic used for medical treatment to save or extend life should be considered justified.

The secondary stage of the Parkesine Performance is to imply ambiguous feelings that express behaviour interpretation. We (humans) all ignore these feelings unless unwanted plastic is on our doorstep. Then we sweep the plastic rubbish away only to be restored somewhere else. We cannot help ourselves.

Because we surround ourselves with plastic or plastic controls us, our feelings go beyond beauty, love, hate and pain. At the same time, we are transcending our world where plastic controls. We validate our ignorance and choice by ignoring the facts.

The comfort level is in vain that via a plastic satisfaction and pleasure that we enjoy based on the response from others. As we evolve in life, some of us humans rely on plastic surgery. The procedure is to satisfy people who either love us or people whom we want to love us. Either way, it is fake as it is plastic.

The closing version of the "Parkesine Performance" is to captivate the audience by accepting the dependency on plastic while reflecting on the negligence of organic matters.

These actions influence body language, and together with the plastic element, it highlights the evolution of "Parkesine" (plastic) since we are part of it.

Someone is making a difference!