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Check FAQAbout Jacob
Jacob Russell is a freelance writer, photographer and video journalist based in the Middle East. He trained as a press photographer in the UK and then moved to Iraqi Kurdistan to become picture editor and trainer at Metrography, Iraq's first photo agency. There he mentored Iraqi photographers and worked to raise the profile of Iraqi photojournalism on the international stage. As a freelancer Jacob covered the rise and eventual military defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the changing fortunes of Iraqi Kurdistan. He is now based in Lebanon from where he continues to cover the Middle East and further afield. He specialises in reporting on the use of cryptocurrency and blockchain in fragile economies. Jacob is also a regular collaborator with Raw Music International, making short films focusing on music in changing places. With RMI he has produced films from Iraq, Myanmar, Ukraine and Mongolia. His work has been published in the Guardian, Le Monde, Der Spiegel, Neon Magazine, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, Die Zeit and CNN, amongst others. His video work has appeared on NBC.com and Time.com and he has also published written work in Der Spiegel, Al Jazeera English and Roads & Kingdoms.
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Stat of the day
The article presents various statistics highlighting significant developments in technology, e-commerce, education, and media. QR codes, invented by Denso Wave, can hold a minimum of 4,000 digits, vastly surpassing standard bar codes. Amazon Marketplace has banned approximately 50,000 Chinese sellers, with 3,000 banned for review manipulation. Indian ed-tech companies have attracted $1.8 billion in investments this year, with Byju's and Unacademy leading the way. WebTVAsia, a multi-channel network, garners 5 billion monthly views, facilitating Chinese internet celebrities' access to international markets.
When does the bench stop working?
John Tortorella is known for his strict coaching style, benching or scratching players like Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, Marc Staal, Tony DeAngelo, Kevin Hayes, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim if he disapproves of their play or attitude. He maintains a consistent approach without exceptions.
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Target US Embassy in Beirut
Following a devastating explosion at a Gaza hospital, Hamas accuses Israel, while Israel blames Palestinian Islamic Jihad, who denies the claim. In Lebanon, protesters at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut express their anger towards Israel, holding the United States responsible as Israel's main supporter.
Lebanese Militant Group Warns that Israeli Gaza Invasion Could Trigger Wider Conflict
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, has issued a warning that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza could escalate into a broader conflict in the Middle East. This warning comes amid rising tensions following a war between Israel and Hamas, which was triggered by an attack from Hamas on October 7.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Speaks Publicly for First Time Since Start of Israel-Hamas War
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant political group, has been involved in border skirmishes with Israeli forces since Israel's military operations in Gaza began. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, publicly addressed the group's position for the first time since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war, as reported by Jacob Russell from Beirut, Lebanon.
The Supreme Court Doesn't Need 9 Justices. It Needs 27
Justice Kennedy’s retirement has reignited the debate on expanding the Supreme Court, with some Democrats advocating for increasing the number of justices to regain a liberal majority. However, the article argues that the court should be expanded not for partisan gains but to address its fundamentally flawed design. A larger court, potentially with 27 justices, would reduce the influence of swing voters, allow for more cases to be heard, and make the court more democratic and effective. The current nine-justice system is criticized for being overly politicized and unrepresentative, and the article suggests that a larger court would better reflect the complexities of constitutional interpretation and reduce the outsized influence of a small group of insiders.
In Lebanon, Packed Restaurants Hide a Deepening Divide
Lebanon is experiencing one of the worst economic crises in recent history, leading to widespread poverty. Despite this, bars and restaurants are bustling as the summer season begins, highlighting a stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor.
Who’s to Judge?
Aaron Judge's pursuit of the American League single-season home run record is a significant achievement, yet it is overshadowed by the steroid era's tainted records. Despite Judge's remarkable season and potential Triple Crown win, the legitimacy of home run records remains contentious due to past players' steroid use. Major League Baseball's reluctance to address these issues fully perpetuates the controversy, affecting the perception of current and future achievements. The article highlights the ongoing struggle to reconcile baseball's storied past with its present and future integrity.
A Look at Mel Brooks on His 95th Birthday
Mel Brooks, on his 95th birthday, is celebrated as the last great Hollywood Jew, embodying a unique blend of Jewish indignation and pride. His service in World War II deepened his Jewish identity, and his post-war career in comedy has been marked by an unabashed embrace of Jewish culture. Brooks' work, including the '2000 Year Old Man' with Carl Reiner and films like 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Spaceballs', often features Jewish humor and Yiddish language. His films are seen as gifts to both Jewish and gentile audiences, with moments that are deeply personal and cleansing for Jews. Brooks' relentless Judaization of art is also evident in his remake of 'To Be or Not to Be', which contrasts with the original by emphasizing Jewish characters and themes. Throughout his career, Brooks has used humor as a means of protest against death and a way to elevate Jewish dignity.
International Donors Pledge Emergency Aid for Lebanon’s Struggling Army
International donors, led by France and Italy, pledged emergency aid to support Lebanon's struggling army, which is crucial for the country's stability. The aid aims to address basic needs like food and medical supplies amidst Lebanon's severe economic crisis. The Lebanese pound has drastically devalued, and the government plans to cut subsidies on essential goods. Analysts warn that the collapse of the army could lead to a failed state and empower Hezbollah. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a key figure in rallying international support but has criticized Lebanon's political leaders for not implementing necessary reforms.
Hood Alumna Athena Richardson
Athena Richardson, a 2013 alumna of Hood College, is a key figure in the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium (AAACRHSC), where she serves as finance and project manager. Her journey from a criminal justice major at the University of Maryland to a history major at Hood College, and eventually to a graduate of the University of Alabama, highlights her evolving passion for history and museum administration. Richardson's work focuses on preserving and publicizing the stories of historic civil rights sites across Alabama, a mission she finds deeply fulfilling. Key influences in her career include her academic advisors and connections made through the Southeastern Museums Conference.
Christians Celebrate Easter in Unusual Circumstances Again This Year
Millions of Christians worldwide are celebrating Easter under unusual circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic, though restrictions are less severe than last year in some regions. In the United States, many churches are open for services as over 100 million people have received at least one vaccine dose. Australia enjoys relatively unrestricted celebrations with no new local COVID-19 cases reported. Italy remains under a strict lockdown, with the entire country deemed high-risk. Pope Francis, during a scaled-back Easter vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, encouraged the faithful to maintain hope amid the pandemic's challenges.
Swim Team Athlete Profile Russell Odor
Russell Odor, a 19-year-old sophomore from Richmond, Virginia, is a dedicated swimmer specializing in freestyle and butterfly for Hood College's swim team. With a lifelong connection to swimming, inspired by his parents, Odor balances his athletic commitments with his studies in integrated marketing and communications. He cherishes the camaraderie and memories formed with his teammates and credits his parents, especially his father, for their unwavering support and motivation. Despite the challenges of being a student-athlete, Odor is proud to call Hood College his home.
Hood welcomes two new campus security employees
The Department of Campus Safety at Hood College has hired Jared Spriggs and Lisa Fouche as new staff members. Spriggs, a duty officer, is a local resident and aspiring professional boxer, while Fouche will serve as a console attendant. Spriggs chose Hood College for its graduate school opportunities and has a backup plan in real estate if his boxing career doesn't pan out.
Women’s Lacrosse Preview
The Hood College women's lacrosse team is set to play their first game since the cancellation of collegiate athletics due to COVID-19. With a mixed record from previous seasons and many new players yet to play a full season, the team, coached by Laura Fox, is adapting with new strategies and position changes. Sophomore midfielder Lucy Sokoloff highlights the team's readiness and points out fellow midfielder Mackenzie Demaio as a key player. The Blazers are scheduled to host Arcadia University Knights in their season opener.
Lebanon's Economic Spiral Sends Youth Fleeing
Lebanon is facing severe economic challenges and political instability, leading to a mass departure of young people in search of better opportunities abroad. The situation has escalated to the point where the country's most talented individuals are emigrating, which is reported by Jacob Russell from Beirut.
In the hills of Madagascar a joyous ceremony keeps the deceased close to their kin.
The article describes the Famadihana ceremony in Madagascar, a cultural practice where families exhume the bodies of their ancestors for a celebration that includes dancing, drinking, and feasting. The ceremony, which takes place in the highlands, is a way for the living to maintain a connection with the deceased, reinforcing family bonds and love. The author reflects on the contrast between this open acknowledgment of death and the more reserved approach to mourning in Western societies, particularly in middle-class England. The author's personal experience with grief after the loss of a younger brother provides a poignant backdrop to the exploration of Famadihana. The ceremony is depicted as a joyous, communal event that challenges the taboo surrounding death, showing that love and relationships with the deceased continue beyond their physical presence.
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