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IOL News
10-07-2025
- Science
- IOL News
The Soweto geologist uncovering the Earth's secrets
Tebogo Makhubela, a South African geologist recipient of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder Awards, dims the head lamp fixed on his safety helmet as he poses for a portrait inside the The Rising Star cave, in The Cradle of Humankind. In the 1997 action film "Dante's Peak", Pierce Brosnan plays the role of a volcanologist sent to investigate seismic activity beneath a long-dormant volcano. Years after its release, the story inspired South African Tebogo Makhubela to become a geologist, the 35-year-old said. Winner of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder awards, Makhubela leads a research team working to uncover ancient clues to human evolution. His turf lies below the surface of the Earth in the limestone caves of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. Speaking from inside The Rising Star cave, one of the numerous caves in the area, Makhubela said he and his colleagues have only "scratched the surface" of the site, which dates back five million years. In an unassuming savannah field, hidden under a rocky patch of grass, the cave is where scientists in 2013 discovered Homo naledi, an ancient human relative that lived about 300 000 years ago. "With this cave we've only studied 30 percent... To do the remaining 70 percent we need 20 years minimum," said Makhubela, wearing a dark green overall and a helmet fixed with a torchlight. And with many other caves to study, Makhubela's research isn't close to an end. "I will actually retire before we finish. Hence, I need to train a lot of students to take over from me." Makhubela, who lectures at the University of Johannesburg and supervises four PhD students, hopes more young scientists will join him on his mission -- one he believes is crucial to understanding the history of humankind and its environment. "Geology helps us understand Earth, our planet, how it works, how it was formed, its composition and its processes," he said, sitting on a rock next to his yellow backpack filled with notebooks, pens, measuring instruments and water. His own speciality is geochemistry and geochronology, or more simply, determining the age of fossils and environmental changes over time. One hurdle, he said, is that geology is not well known and some young people would rather "chase what is popular". "Right now we're living in the age of artificial intelligence. (But) you don't have to run and go study computer science or IT because you want to be relevant to the times," said the geologist. "If you're more passionate about natural science, go for it. Because if you do it well, there will be a place for you." Born and raised in Soweto, the sprawling township once home to Nelson Mandela, Makhubela was the first in his family to go to university. His mother never went to school and worked as a street vendor while his father moved away when he was 10, he said. As a bright young student, he was pressured to study engineering and work in South Africa's lucrative gold mining industry. But he decided on another path. "Curiosity inspires me, honestly. I have a lot of questions," he joked, describing what motivates him. And a decade after making that bold decision to forgo a future in mining and pursue his passion in geology, Makhubela is proud of his accomplishments. "I've got a very thriving, fulfilling career, one which is winning me international awards," he said. He's even become a superhero, featuring as a character in a South African comic book and animation series to inspire children about the wonders of science. | AFP
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Internet rallies behind Israeli hostage Yuval Raphael ahead of Eurovision performance
Image credits: X/@julienbahloul The Israel-Hamas war has been going on for more than a year. While on the broader horizon, the war is a political and regional conflict, in reality, it has become a massacre that has changed and destroyed the lives of people forever. There is not one person in either country who has not been a victim of the war, physically or emotionally. While some were trapped in torcher tunnels and held hostage, others have lost friends and family to life. Yuval Raphael to represent Israel at Eurovision 2025 Image credits: X/@SverigeIsrael Yuval Raphael is a 24-year-old Israeli singer who is all set to represent the country at the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest being held in Basel, Switzerland on May 15. She was selected to represent the country at the contest after she won the Israeli television competition, The Rising Star. Operation Sindoor 'Did not want to...': Pak def min gives absurd excuse for army's failure to withstand Op Sindoor Blackouts, sirens & Pak's failed attacks: 10 things that happened in the last 36 hrs '1971 war was not remotely as terrifying': Residents of border areas shell-shocked She will be presenting her song 'New Day Will Rise' written by Israeli songwriter Keren Peles at the competition, which she shared is about resilience and unity. "The song is strong and powerful, but also soft and loving. When I sing it I feel secure and open-hearted. All its lines are stirring but 'Everyone cries, don't cry alone,' is beyond powerful," she said to The Jewish Chronicle. But Raphael is not just another singer who has risen to popularity through her unique skills; the young woman is a force of resilience whose story of survival has inspired many in life. Yuval Raphael's story of survival Image credits: X/@streetwize Yuval Raphael is a survivor of the Israel-Hamas war. The young woman was one of the 11 survivors of the attack that was launched on the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. Hamas terrorists launched a shocking ambush on attendees at the open-air music festival, causing 50 people to hide in a nearby kibbutz, one of whom was Raphael. The group faced grenades being thrown inside, with the singer being one of the 11 survivors who had to hide under dead bodies for eight long hours. She was hurt in her leg when she crawled into the shelter and called her father. During the eight hours inside, she saw the terrorists return 19 times to throw bullets and grenades. Before the call was cut out, it was her father's advice to 'play dead' that saved her life. Why is the internet rallying behind Yuval Raphael? Image credits: X/@bjellas Currently, many have been calling out to cut Israel from the global singing competition due to the ongoing war. In 2023, people had called for the boycott of the competition itself over Israel's participation with countries such as Ireland, Finland, Sweden and the UK. Recently, over 70 former Eurovision participants wrote an open letter and posted it on on Tuesday, demanding that Kan, Israel's government broadcaster, not be allowed to send its contestant, Yuval Raphael, to take part. Now, people on X have been posting in support of the singer's participation in the competition. "I stand with Yuval. Her voice is beautiful and she deserves to sing as much as anyone else," wrote a person on X. "Yuval Raphael is going to win the @Eurovision in Basel, Switzerland, next week 💃🥇🇮🇱" added another. People have been applauding the young singer for her courage and have been backing her to be able to participate in the contest for her own journey as a singer, rather than making her the target of a war that she, as a civilian, has no part in. The Eurovision Song Contest was started after World War II to encourage peaceful competition and cultural exchange between nations. Israel has been participating in the competition since 1973 and has won four times.
Miami Herald
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Movies and TV shows casting in Miami
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a list of projects casting right now in Miami, nearby cities, and nationwide, and which roles they're looking to fill. - Project type: reality TV- Roles: --- The Rising Star (lead, 18-40)--- The Mogul (lead, 18-40)--- The Influencer (lead, 18-40)- Average hourly rate: $75- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the reality TV show here - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Recurring Role (lead, 18-100)--- Writer/Creator (crew)- Average hourly rate: not available- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the scripted show here - Project type: short film- Roles: --- Investigator Strickland (lead, male, 30-60)--- Daniel (lead, male, 18-28)- Average hourly rate: $43- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the short film here - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Nina (day player, female, 23-30)--- Liz (supporting, female, 23-33)--- Waitress (day player, female, 30-60)- Average hourly rate: not available- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the feature film here - Project type: short film- Roles: --- Pedestrian (background extra, 0-40)--- Jordan (day player, male, 22-30)--- Uber Driver (day player, 18-65)- Average hourly rate: not available- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the short film here - Project type: short film- Roles: --- Red Raven (lead, female, gender-nonconforming, trans female, 18-35)--- Diannon (lead, female, gender-nonconforming, trans female, 18-35)--- Summer (day player, female, gender-nonconforming, trans female, 18-30)- Average hourly rate: $12- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the short film here - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Claire (lead, female, 18-22)--- David Ross (lead, male, 18-24)--- Andy Popp (supporting, male, 18-24)- Average hourly rate: $21- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the feature film here - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Eve-9 (Eve) (lead, female, 25-50)--- Lyra-5 (lead, female, 25-40)--- Sasha-X (lead, female, 18-25)- Average hourly rate: $30- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the feature film here - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Waiter/Waitress (Small Speaking Role) (day player, female, male, 30-50)--- Call Girls (background extra, female, 18-40)--- Client or John (background extra, male, 40-60)- Average hourly rate: $18- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the scripted show here - Project type: documentary series- Roles: --- Principal Host (lead, female, 21-30)- Average hourly rate: $27- Casting locations: Miami, Florida- Learn more about the documentary series here - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Charlotte (lead, female, 18-25)- Average hourly rate: not available- Casting locations: nationwide- Learn more about the feature film here - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Henry (supporting, male, 21-45)--- Ben (lead, male, 21-40)- Average hourly rate: $25- Casting locations: nationwide- Learn more about the feature film here This story was produced by Backstage and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
