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  • Vervet Monkey Culture

    By Collins Wafula

    Vervet monkeys, also known as green monkeys or Cercopithecus aethiops, are a species of Old World monkey native to Africa. They are highly social animals and live in groups known as troops, which can range in size from a few individuals to over 100.

    Vervet monkeys have a complex social hierarchy within their troops, with a clear alpha male at the top. The alpha male is responsible for leading the group and defending its members against threats, such as predators or rival troops. The other members of the troop have specific roles and responsibilities within the group, such as caring for the young or gathering food.

    Vervet monkeys are known for their vocalizations and use a variety of calls to communicate with each other. They have specific calls for different predators, such as leopards or eagles, and can even use different calls to distinguish between different types of venomous snakes. Vervet monkeys are also known to use gestures, such as nodding or shaking their heads, to communicate with each other.

    In terms of feeding behavior, vervet monkeys are omnivorous and feed on a variety of plants and insects. They are skilled foragers and will travel long distances in search of food. Vervet monkeys are also known to raid crops, which can lead to conflict with human farmers.

    Vervet monkeys are intelligent and adaptable animals and have been the subject of numerous studies on social behavior and cognition. They have been observed using tools, such as stones to crack open nuts, and have even been known to use medicine to treat themselves when sick.

    Overall, vervet monkeys have a complex and fascinating culture that is worth further study and exploration.

  • Gorillas, Misunderstood Forest Giants

    By Collins Wafula

    Gorillas are often misunderstood as aggressive and dangerous animals, but in reality, they are gentle giants. These intelligent primates are highly social and live in groups called troops, led by a dominant male known as a silverback. Within a troop, gorillas display a wide range of emotions, including playfulness, kindness, and affection. Despite their large size and strength, gorillas are generally peaceful animals and will only use aggression as a last resort to defend themselves or their troop.

    There are two main subspecies of gorillas: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The eastern gorilla is further divided into the mountain gorilla and the eastern lowland gorilla, while the western gorilla is divided into the western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla. Each subspecies has its own distinct characteristics, such as differences in size, coloration, and geographic range.

    Gorillas are omnivorous and their diet consists of a variety of plants, including leaves, stems, fruits, and seeds, as well as insects and other small animals. They have a complex culture and use a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate with each other.

    Gorilla families are led by a dominant male silverback and consist of multiple females and their offspring. The silverback is responsible for protecting and caring for the group, while the females are responsible for caring for the young. Gorillas have a strong bond with their families and will stay with the same group for their entire lives.

    Threats to gorillas include habitat loss, poaching, and disease. The loss of their natural habitat due to deforestation and human expansion has greatly reduced gorilla populations, and poaching for their meat or for the illegal pet trade has also had a significant impact. Additionally, gorillas are vulnerable to diseases such as Ebola, which have caused significant declines in some populations.

    Some little-known facts about gorillas include that they are one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing about 98% of the same DNA. They are also one of the most intelligent primates and have been observed using tools and exhibiting problem-solving skills. Additionally, gorillas have been known to show compassion towards other species, including humans, and have been observed caring for orphaned children who were lost in the jungle.

    Overall, gorillas are fascinating and misunderstood animals that deserve our protection and appreciation. It is important that we learn more about their behavior and culture in order to better understand and conserve these gentle giants.

  • The benefits of online writing

    According to Wikipedia, writing is a medium of human communication that involves the representation of a language through a system of physically inscribed, mechanically transferred, or digitally represented symbols. It is not a surprise that many people have quickly moved from doing office work in their workplaces but also digitally. Technology is always evolving and it is up to us to change with it or else the world will leave us behind. Time waits for no man is a famous saying that has a lot of truth to it.

    Online writing is the new thing; everyone has shifted online not only because the pandemic forced us to, but also because we had already shifted to online working way before the pandemic hit us. Online writing is one of the things that was encouraged and many people are moving to this. It has a lot of benefits to it, and in this article, I will be discussing some of them.

    To begin with, online writing offers flexibility to the writer and unlike the nine-to-five jobs, one can easily choose the time that they are most comfortable working in which they can easily deliver the work on time with no unnecessary pressure. Flexibility also allows a writer enough time that will enable them to showcase their skills appropriately since they took their time and were able to give the assignment their all.

    Also, online writing has opened a lot of job opportunities for people around the world. This means, that since online writing does not require you to physically go to an office every day, it has allowed people to get jobs that are far away from their geographical area. For example, a person from Kenya can easily write for a company that is based in the U.S. Online writing has led to many people having part-time work and earning extra money from it as well.

    Lastly, online writing allows one to attain a lot of knowledge on certain topics. When writing, one has to do research. By doing so, you get to learn many new things as you extend your knowledge on the specific topic. Every time you write an article, you expand your knowledge on things you are already familiar with and on things that you were not.

    In conclusion, online writing is a great way to start a career and gain experience along the way. As you apply for freelance writing jobs, make sure to understand how to look out for fraudulent sites that are out to steal your personal information. The future for online writing is bright, take the opportunity and run with it.

  • Done deals in the January transfer window

    With the first week of January coming to an end, a number of sides have already announced deals to bring in new players. Clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United continue to be active in the window, looking for valuable additions to their teams.

    Will Fernandez get his move?

    Some deals have dragged out and become sagas with others just staying as rumours. The Chelsea – Benfica tussle over the transfer of Enzo Fernandez could be put on hold till next summer as Benfica do not want anything less than the $126 million release clause paid. Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk is also in danger of completely failing. Shaktar are adamant in demanding $100 million for the Ukrainian.

    Struggling Liverpool could be in the market for another defender as Virgil Van Dijk is set for a month out of action due to a hamstring injury.

    Let’s take a look at some already completed deals during this winter transfer window.

    Cody Gakpo training with Liverpool for the first time. He could feature as the Reds play Wolves in the FA Cup

    1. Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven to Liverpool – 5 and a half year contract
    2. Jack Butland – Crystal Palace to Man United – Loan deal till the end of the season
    3. Benoit Badiashile – Monaco to Chelsea – 7 and a half year contract
    4. David Datro Fofana – Molde to Chelsea – Unspecified
    5. Andrey Santos – Vasco Da Gama to Chelsea – 5 and a half year contract
    6. Daley Blind – Ajax to Bayern Munich – 6 month contract
    7. Max Wober – Red Bull Salzburg to Leeds United – 4 and a half year contract
    8. Kevin Schade – SC Freiburg to Brentford – 5 year contract
    9. Matheu Cunha – Atletico Madrid to Wolves – 4 and a half year contract

    Matheus Cunha was officially unveiled as a Wolves player and could feature against Liverpool in the FA Cup

  • Adult Colouring Therapy

    Coloring is good for the brain, and there are now books that take advantage of this fact. Coloring is a fun way to pass time and has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. It’s no longer just for kids.

    While creating artwork, we can let go of the stresses and worries of everyday life by focusing on the present moment. Your mind can follow your hand’s movement along the page and focus on what is happening right now, rather than thinking about what happened yesterday or worrying about tomorrow. There is no other way to explain it: coloring allows you to find peace within yourself by creating something beautiful with your own hands.

    During the big bad wolf book sale, I learned about coloring therapy from a psychologist. I opted to take part and bought the creative mindfulness adult coloring book. I used to enjoy coloring as a child; I’m not much of an artist, but as we get older, we let go of some interests because we’ve outgrown them. As an adult, coloring has offered me with endless hours of therapeutic rejuvenation and happiness. I have decided to get back into this coloring “high”.

    Adult coloring is not widely practiced, but it is both fun and relaxing while also being creative. It’s also a fun hobby because you can use whatever art supplies you want (pencils, markers etc.). If you don’t like one medium, try another until you find something that works for you.

    What is art therapy?

    Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that employs the creative process to help people improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Adult coloring books are being used for art therapy to help people relax or regain control over their lives. Art therapists help people recover from illness, injury, or trauma. Art therapy can assist people suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. This is possible as it allows them to express themselves nonverbally. Many studies have shown that making art can reduce stress by lowering blood pressure, increasing endorphins (the body’s natural painkiller), reducing muscle tension by relaxing muscles during drawing movements, and slowing breathing patterns to allow for relaxation.

    Coloring helps you in focusing on the present moment, which is necessary for meditation. It helps you relax and take a break from your thoughts, making it easier to meditate.

    Coloring can be a great way to relax and unwind. It’s a distraction that allows you to concentrate on the present moment, which is necessary for meditation. It can help you relax and take a break from your thoughts, making it easier to meditate.

    Art is a form of self-expression. It can help when expressing feelings and emotions that you might not have the words for. Maybe you feel like you are unable to fully express with your words thus you turn to art. Art can help you relax because it is a creative outlet that allows us to temporarily escape reality and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and unique.

    Adult Colouring Therapy can be a great way to ease your mind after a stressful week at work

    Art also contributes to our well-being by allowing us to gain new perspectives on the world around us through various mediums such as painting, drawing, or coloring, which will help open up new perspectives on how we see life in general.

    Coloring books are eligible for all ages. Adult coloring is the way to go if you’re looking for something that will lift your spirits and give you some much-needed relaxation.

    Coloring books are affordable, ranging from Ksh 500-1000 per book (depending on what kind of package you want). They available in book stores.

    You don’t really need any special tools either. Simply pick up your preferred color pencils or markers and get to work straight away making gorgeous artwork! Anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, can engage in this therapeutic hobby if they have some free time.

  • FA Cup 3rd round preview

    The FA Cup returns on Friday with 3rd round fixtures. All Premier League teams will have a fixture in this round of games with some facing each other.

    The third round kicks off with a Premier League clash as Manchester United welcome Everton to Old Trafford. Everton will be seeking to upset a United side that has been in good form in both league and cup competitions. The Reds will look to continue their brilliant run of form at home.

    Another key clash will see Wolves host Liverpool at Molineux. Liverpool are not having the best of seasons especially after it was announced that Virgil Van Dijk will be out with a hamstring injury for a while. Liverpool face a Wolves side that has shown signs of resurgence under Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui. Besides the Champions League, the FA Cup remains Liverpool’s only other competition where they stand a chance of winning.

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will face further questions if they are unable to beat a resurgent Wolves side in the FA Cup.

    Following another defeat in the league, Southampton will look to win against Crystal Palace as they travel to London to face Patrick Viera’s side.

    The biggest tie of the round will see Chelsea visit Manchester City, setting up what will be their third clash already this season. City already knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup and will be keen on repeating the feat in their FA Cup meeting.

    Games that end in draws will go to replays. It is equally important to note that this will also happen in the fourth round.

    Select FA Cup 3rd round ties.

    Friday

    Manchester United vs Everton

    Saturday

    Crystal Palace vs Southampton

    Bournemouth vs Burnley

    Brentford vs West Ham

    Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

    Sunday

    Manchester City vs Chelsea

  • United move joint third as they beat Bournemouth 3-0

    Manchester United are level with third place Newcastle United on the Premier League standings after their brilliant win against Bournemouth on Tuesday night. Goals from Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford sealed the astounding 3-0 victory for the Reds.

    United now sit 4th on 36 points, level with Newcastle United and one behind Manchester City who face Chelsea on Thursday.

    Marcus Rashford continued his scoring streak, making it 4 in 4 after the World Cup. Rashford has 7  goals in the Premier League this campaign, making him United’s top scorer. He has also scored in six consecutive home games for resurgent United.

    Marcus Rashford’s celebration after getting United’s 3rd goal.

    The Reds recorded another clean sheet in last night’s match, taking their league tally to 8. The defensive improvement United has shown can be attributed to each individual defender but the work Casemiro does in front of the back four has also proven to be crucial. The Brazilian has been key in intercepting opposition passes and winning loose balls. He has also chipped in in the attacking play with two goals and two assists.

    Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Arsenal meant they dropped points thus allowing United to catch up. The Magpies have played a game more than the both the Reds and the Gunners.

    Arsenal lost the chance to go 10 points ahead of Manchester City after the stalemate at the Emirates.

    Arsenal played out a feisty 0-0 draw against Newcastle at the Emirates.

    Manchester United play Everton (H) in the FA Cup on Friday. United’s next two league games could be pivotal at the top of the table. They face Manchester City (H) on 14th of January before travelling to the Emirates on 22nd to face league leaders Arsenal.

  • Donovan Mitchell’s insane 71 points help the Cavs beat the Bulls

    By Ken Andrew

    kennyandrewmuganda@gmail.com

    Donovan Mitchell set a franchise record of 71 points in a game as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls in Monday’s NBA action. The points helped the Cavs rally from 21 points down to win 145-134 in Overtime.

    Cleveland Cavaliers on Twitter

    The 71 points are the highest recorded in an NBA game in 17 years, with Kobe Bryant getting 81 in 2006.

    Donovan Mitchell joins an exclusive list of players with 70 points or more

    Mitchell was humbled to made history and to be included amongst the greats.

    “To be there in the record book with guys like Wilt is truly humbling. I always believed I could be one of the best players in the league. I’m speechless and blessed to be in the company of that greatness.”

    – The Guardian

    Mitchell was not the only high scoring player in the last round of NBA though. Klay Thompson (54), Lebron James (43), Joel Embiid (42) and Luka Doncic (39), led their franchises to wins. Lebron’s points helped him edge closer to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all time scoring record of 38387. He is only 500 points away.

    James is 500 points away from becoming NBA’s greatest scorer

    Donovan Mitchell joins an exclusive list of players to record 70+ points in an NBA game.

    NBA players to score 70+ a game

    1. Wilt Chamberlain – 6 times
    2. Kobe Bryant
    3. David Thompson
    4. Elgin Baylor
    5. David Robinson
    6. Devin Booker
    7. Donovan Mitchell
  • Top 5 Anime’s to look out for in 2023

    By Ken Andrew

    kennyandrewmuganda@gmail.com

    2022 was an amazing year for anime fans with some classics finally getting adapted. Bleach Thousand Year Blood War, Chainsaw Man and Bluelock stole the spotlight from other shows and were hugely popular at the end of the year.

    Anime News Network

    Following a successful 2022, here is what there is to look out for in 2023.

    5. Solo Leveling finally gets an anime adaptation.

    Solo Leveling is one of the most awaited animes of 2023 after it was announced that it would get animated by A-1 Pictures this year. The anime could possibly drop in mid march. The exiting Korean manga has been earmarked for an anime for a while with fans loving the manga content.

    4. Bluelock Cour 2 (Second selection arc) drops.

    The effect Bluelock had across the world was immense as some of its scenes were likened to happenings at the World Cup. Fans will witness the continuation of Isagi Yoichi’s journey to be the best striker in the world when the Second selection Arc starts on January 7th 2023.

    3. Attack on Titan the final season part 3

    After a highly rated final season part 2 dropped in early 2022, the finale of Attack on Titan will drop in 2023. Eren Yeager’s journey will continue in the final part of Attack on Titan. The New Gen Anime is one of the most popular across the world.

    2. Conclusion of the Wano Arc and Luffy Gear 5 reveal

    One Piece fans will finally get to watch the final fights in Onigashima of the Wano Arc. Luffy’s fight with Kaido, Zoro and Sanji taking on Kaido’s commanders, the conclusion of the Arc will have it all. Fans will also possibly witness Luffy’s latest gear as he fights Kaido.

    1. Bleach Thousand Year Blood War Cour 2

    Fans had to wait 10 years for Bleach to return but will only wait 7 months for Part two of Thousand year Blood war to drop. Following its succesful return, there is great optimism for Cour two . With creator Tite Kubo promising better animation and more anime exclusive content, fans cannot wait to see what’s in store.

     

  • Premier League Saturday round up

    By Ken Andrew

    kennyandrewmuganda@gmail.com

    Arsenal extended their lead over Manchester City to 7 points after they beat Brighton 4-2 in the last Premier League match of 2022. The Gunners managed to survive a late Brighton push, to pick up the massive 3 points.

    https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1609270027563171840?cxt=HHwWgICwyYqko9UsAAAA

    Manchester City and Newcastle both dropped points after drawing against Everton and Leeds respectively. City took the lead through Erling Haaland in the first half but a spectacular strike from Demarai Gray in the second levelled matters. Newcastle played out a 0-0 draw at home against Leeds.

    Demarai Gray celebrates scoring a stunner at the Etihad

    Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as United edged Wolves 1-0 at Molineux. The win sent United into the top four for the first time since March. United are 4 points off Manchester City and 2 points behind Newcastle, who have played one more game.

    Pep Guardiola spoke about the Red Devils in his press conference.

    “I have the feeling United are coming back, finally United is coming back. I’ve seen it on Thursday and against Chelsea in the first half. I said I like what I see of United right now. There will be a lot of teams like United fighting.”

    – ESPN

    Crystal Palace defeated Bournemouth 2-0 as they recovered from their Boxing Day 3-0 home loss to Fulham.

    Finally, Southampton remained rooted at the bottom of the log after they went down 2-1 to Fulham.

    Premier League action continues today with two matches lined up.

    Premier League matches (1-1-2023)

    Tottenham vs Aston Villa (5pm)

    Nottingham vs Chelsea (7.30pm)