Latest news with #Kitti
The National
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Paisley 'gig for Gaza' raises £3000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians
Artists like folk singer Iona Fyfe, Glasgow-based rockers The Tenementals, and the Best Jazz Vocalist at the Scottish Jazz Awards, Kitti, were among those who attended the fundraiser for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) at the Bungalow Bar on Monday. The Gig for Gaza, organised by Paisley4palestine, helped to raise more than £3000 for the charity that offers medical services in the West Bank and in Gaza, along with advocating for Palestinians' rights to health and dignity. READ MORE: Labour refuse to say if ministers will accept Israeli government's summit invite Punk/rap group Aidan and the Outkkasts kicked off the show with a 'blistering performance', meanwhile, SHOUT! And Alexx Munro had the Bungalow Bar 'jumping', according to one of the event's organisers, John Kelly. Howlin' Radio provided some classic rock while special guest 'Replacement Kneecap,' aka Paisley's own Tannahill Makar, delivered a 'strong' spoken word performance where they spoke about the role of Zionism in the attacks on Gaza and on the West Bank. (Image: Paisley4palestine) Clydebank singer/songwriter Eddie Reid also performed before The Tenementals finished off the evening with 'radical sounds and tales of resistance'. Kelly said that all the artists and The Bungalow gave their time for free to help with the event, which he said he was 'eternally grateful' for. (Image: Paisley4palestine) He added that the money raised for MAP will go towards aid which is 'badly needed as the Israelis continue their relentless assault on the civilian population of Gaza, at the same time as they pursue a colonial settler project in the West Bank'.
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Renfrewshire musicians unite with Gig for Gaza
Artists, The Bungalow and campaigners have come together to stage Gig for Gaza – a concert which seeks to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). A host of musicians are joining forces with Paisley 4 Palestine and The Bungalow as they desperately seek to support people in Gaza who are facing famine. The artists, venue and campaign group have come together to stage Gig for Gaza – a concert which seeks to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). The humanitarian aid charity works tirelessly to support civilians who are now facing what the United Nations has described as 'catastrophic hunger'. On Monday, Barrhead songstress Kitti will take to the stage alongside folk singer Iona Fyfe, radical band The Tenementals and rock band Aidan Moore and the Outkkasts. Other performers include Howlin' Radio, Shout, Eddie Reid and Alexx Munro. The performers have come together with the shared aim of raising funds for MAP while raising awareness of the plight of Palestinians in Gaza – where food and other aid has been blocked for in excess of two months. John Kelly, of Paisley 4 Palestine, said the gig was not only an opportunity for people to show solidarity and send aid to the Palestinian people, but also a chance to listen to great music. John told the Express: 'The situation in Gaza is beyond belief with the so-called Israeli 'Defence' Force continuing to murder innocent civilians on a daily basis. 'The need to support MAP has never been more important with the Israeli state not only bombarding, shooting and assaulting the general population in Gaza, but also seeking to starve them to death. 'The Israelis have been blockading aid to the strip; this has led to famine and illness. 'MAP works tirelessly to help the people of Gaza despite the planned destructive strategy of the Israelis. We would urge all Buddies to come along to the gig and thank The Bungalow for their fabulous support. 'If you cannot attend, you can donate online at and tickets are available at this link also.' Israel sealed the gates of Gaza in March – which blocked all shipments of humanitarian aid including food and medical supplies – despite outrage from some of its European allies. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has since designated Gaza is close to famine and that civilians are effectively being starved by Israel's blockade. In practical terms, the phase five classification, the most acute used by the IPC, estimates that '71,000 children and more than 17,000 mothers will need urgent treatment for acute malnutrition'. Israel's defence minister Israel Katz admitted last month that the blockade was a 'main pressure lever' to secure victory over Hamas and to get all the hostages out. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a cross-border attack on Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and seizing 251 hostages. Israel's military campaign against Hamas has killed at least 52,000 people, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
Euronews
29-03-2025
- Euronews
‘People are not props': The Sámi reindeer herders fighting stereotypes to build ethical tourism
ADVERTISEMENT Reindeer crowd around Raisa Kitti as soon as she enters the paddock, sticking their big, velvety noses into the sled full of food she's towing. They trot behind her as she scatters the pellets in a spiraling line but don't show the same reserve when she pulls out some bright green moss. 'This is their chocolate,' Kitti says as three big snouts tear it from her hands. 'They love it.' Kitti introduces several of the animals by name - and by personality. 'This is the big boss,' she says, pointing to a reindeer with a white pelt and one peeling antler. 'He'll let you scratch him under the chin,' she adds, demonstrating. 'This younger one is like a chili pepper, you know? Small but very strong.' Kitti and her husband lovingly run Reinina Reindeer Farm near Inari, Finland, where his family has been herding reindeer for over 400 years. This is the homeland of the Sámi, Europe's only Indigenous people. Related Demand for female tour guides is soaring in this country so what's holding them back? 'You learn to live with much less': Why this family decided to set sail and see the world For centuries, they have herded reindeer and used every part of the animal: meat for food, bones and antlers for tools, and leather for clothing. Challenging misinformation about Sámi culture Today, the reindeer also attract tourists, and Kitti brings small groups to the farm to feed the herd and learn about Sámi culture. She also runs cooking classes and workshops, teaching visitors to craft jewellery and souvenirs from reindeer hides. Family businesses like Reinina Reindeer Farm are part of a new wave of positive-impact experiences in Finnish Lapland, finally allowing the Sámi to benefit from the tourism boom. Kitti brings small groups to the farm to feed the herd and learn about Sámi culture. Eloise Stark For decades, tourism had been led by non-Sámi companies that were selling a distorted image of Indigenous life. Igloos and husky sleds dominate the brochures, though neither is a traditional part of Sámi culture but rather imported from North America. This tourism has not only failed to benefit the Indigenous community financially but has actively harmed it by encroaching on herding grounds and spreading misconceptions. In recent years, however, the Sámi have taken back the narrative. Inari: The cultural heart of the Sámi Upon first glance, the village of Inari, with a population of 650 people, appears little more than a couple of supermarkets and a few dozen houses along the edge of a large lake. Yet it is considered the cultural capital of Finland's Sámi population, home to the Sámi Parliament and the country's most comprehensive Indigenous museum. The Siida Sámi Museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award in 2024. Eloise Stark The Siida Sámi Museum, refurbished in 2022 and awarded the European Museum of the Year Award in 2024, is an essential stop for understanding Sámi culture. Through stunning photographs, household objects, clothing, and interactive panels, the museum walks visitors through millennia of Sámi history and artistry. It introduces them to the lifestyle and culture of people today, from reindeer herding to music and art. The museum walks visitors through history with stunning photographs, household objects, clothing, and interactive panels. Eloise Stark The displays highlight a culture that is both deeply rooted in tradition and evolving with the times. Next to a skateboard painted with Sámi designs and a car key hung with a reindeer bone, a sign reads: 'Outsiders sometimes criticise the Sámi for adopting 'foreign influences'… But what if this is simply something the Sámi want to do?' The irreverent tone directly challenges the idea that Indigenous cultures should remain frozen in time for the entertainment of visitors. ADVERTISEMENT The Sámi are telling their own story 'What the Sámi want is a tourism that tells the true story of who they are. A story connected to today, not just to the past, unlike most of the stereotypes,' explains Kirsi Suomi, a project coordinator at the Sámi Parliament who has been instrumental in several sustainable tourism initiatives . The Sámi have battled cultural exploitation for decades, Suomi explains. In the mid-90s and again in 2008, activists protested against non-Sámi Finns dressing up in faux-Sámi costumes for tourist entertainment. This practice dates back to 1950 when Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Arctic Circle. Local authorities hastily built a 'Sámi' village for her, with wooden cabins and actors wearing cheap replicas of Sámi dress. Related 'Fundamental for tourists' trust': Why Italy is cracking down on fake hotel and restaurant reviews Over time, those log cabins were transformed into Santa Claus Village, home to Father Christmas, reindeer, and various 'Sami' experiences. This isolated spot on the Artic Circle, close to the town of Rovaniemi, became one of Lapland's most popular tourist destinations, with over 500,000 visitors a year. Yet, out of several hundreds of businesses catering to tourists, fewer than half a dozen are Sámi-led. Visitors pay for husky rides and shamanic drumming performances, unaware that what they see is far from authentic Sámi culture. ADVERTISEMENT Ethical guidelines to help tourists make informed choices To combat this pervasive misrepresentation, Suomi led a parliamentary project in 2018 to define ethical guidelines for Sámi tourism. 'We took an example that already existed in Australia and adapted it to the Finnish scenery,' she says. These guidelines help visitors understand how to engage with Sámi culture respectfully, highlighting, for example, that people in traditional Sámi dress are not tourist attractions and should not be photographed without permission. Visitors forget that people are not props. They even show up to funerals, taking pictures of grieving families in traditional dress. Kirsi Suomi Project coordinator at the Sámi Parliament They also discourage tourists from trespassing on private lands or setting up camp in reindeer grazing areas. 'Visitors forget that people are not props,' says Suomi. 'They even show up to funerals, taking pictures of grieving families in traditional dress.' ADVERTISEMENT Suomi is now developing a certification programme to help tourists identify ethical, Sámi-led businesses. The programme, funded by NextGenerationEU, will be announced at the European Indigenous Tourism Conference, which Inari's Sami Parliament is hosting in May. It will be the first event of its kind, bringing together Indigenous tourism representatives from Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Greenland. The certification will help tourists make informed choices and give visibility to businesses like Reinina Reindeer Farm, which operate on a small, sustainable scale and share real insights into Sámi life. Many tourists want more ethical experiences Kitti has noticed that many visitors are looking for this kind of experience. 'People have become more aware that it is not ok to put some reindeer hides on and pretend to be a shaman,' she says. 'Our visitors want to learn and understand our lives and culture.' ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, her tourist business has provided an economic opportunity for her family. The revenue it generates helps them care for their reindeer and preserve their way of life. Yet, Kitti and Suomi are fighting an uphill battle, I realise as I enter a large souvenir shop on my last day in Inari. Souvenir shops sell items that perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about Sámi culture and traditions. Eloise Stark Busloads of tourists pour into the store and peruse aisles filled with Santa figurines, Christmas ornaments, and 'Lapland Shaman' dolls. Matchboxes show staged photos of people dressed up in fake Sámi clothes. Huskies feature on postcards, plushies, mugs, magnets, and even dream catchers - another import from North American Indigenous cultures. Outdated stereotypes are firmly on display and available for purchase by anyone with a few euros in their pocket. ADVERTISEMENT
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Eight tiny but mighty mammals on Earth that are as cute as a button
For the past 65 million years, mammals have thrived across nearly every corner of Earth. In this time span, they have shaped ecosystems with their adaptability, diverse behaviors, and interactions with the environment, leaving a lasting imprint on their surroundings. But even though the natural world often favors the strong, some of its most resilient members are also its smallest. From the Etruscan shrew, a creature so light it could rest on your fingertip; to the bumblebee bat, the planet's smallest flying mammal, these tiny animals have developed incredible survival traits. No matter how petite or easy to overlook, these creatures are crucial to maintaining ecological balance, proving that size isn't everything when it comes to the animal kingdom. To better understand their role in nature, let's step into their miniature world and take a closer look at eight of the tiniest mammals found around the globe. As big as a large bumblebee, this remarkable bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai), also known as Kitti's hog-nosed bat due to its pink pig-like nose, is the world's smallest mammal by length. The bumblebee bat was discovered by zoologist Kitti Thonglongya in 1974, and is native to western Thailand and southeast Myanmar. It mostly inhabits limestone caves and measures just between 1.1 to 1.6 inches in length, with an estimated hanging height of 2.4 to 2.75 inches. Weighing around 2 grams, the species is an efficient predator and primarily feeds on arthropods like beetles, flies, and even spiders, skillfully catching them mid-flight with its mouth, through a process called echolocation. It has a lifespan of up to a decade. However, the bumblebee bat remains poorly studied, with limited data on its population size and behavior. Habitat disturbances, including tourism, fertilizer collection, and limestone mining, pose significant threats to its survival, which is why it is listed as 'near threatened' on International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Native to Madagascar, like all lemurs, the mouse lemur holds the title of the world's smallest primate, with more than 20 recognized species thriving across the island's forests. These nocturnal animals are skilled foragers, feeding mostly on beetles, which they substitute for fruit, flowers, and leaves, when insect prey is scarce. Mouse lemurs store fat in their tails and hind legs, using it as energy when food is in short supply. They can accumulate up to 35% of their body weight in reserves and live on top of the island's forest trees, rarely venturing onto the ground. The Madame Berthe's mouse lemur (Microcebus berthae), is not only the tiniest of the mouse lemurs but also the smallest primate in the world. It has an average body length of 3.6 inches and a seasonal weight of around 1.1 ounces. The species is also listed as 'critically endangered' on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species, with its biggest threats being deforestation and habitat degradation caused by slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal logging, and charcoal production. No larger than a human thumb and lighter than a penny, the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus), also known as the Etruscan pygmy shrew or the Pygmy white-toothed shrew, holds the title of being the world's smallest mammal by weight. Tipping the scales at just 1.8-3 grams and measuring 1.4-1.9 inches, the species is native to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Despite its tiny size, the Etruscan shrew is a fierce and fast hunter, relying on speed and agility to catch its prey. It primarily feeds on insects, larvae, and earthworms, using its sharp sense of touch and lightning-fast reflexes to hunt. This tiny insectivore has an exceptionally fast metabolism, demanding near-constant feeding to survive. With a heart rate reaching 1,500 beats per minute, the Etruscan shrew must consume nearly twice the amount of food compared to its body weight every day to sustain itself, making it one of the most voracious eaters in the animal kingdom. The species is currently not endangered. However, habitat loss due to human activity and climate change threaten its long-term survival. Found in Australia and Papua New Guinea, pygmy possums are a group of nocturnal tree-dwelling marsupials, which range from 2 to 4.7 inches in length and weigh between 0.35 and 1.76 oz. As skilled climbers, pygmy possums rely on their prehensile tails and sharp claws to move effortlessly through the treetops in search of food. Their diet primarily consists of nectar, pollen, insects, and small fruits, making them important pollinators within their ecosystems as they facilitate pollen transfer while foraging on flowering plants such as banksias and eucalypts. The pygmy possum family is divided into two groups: the genus Burramys, with only one surviving species—the mountain pygmy possum—and the genus Cercartetus, which includes the western, eastern, Tasmanian, and long-tailed pygmy possums. The Tasmanian pygmy possum (Cercartetus lepidus), found in Southeastern Australia, is considered the world's smallest marsupial, measuring up to 3 inches in length and weighing as little as 0.2 ounces. One of the smallest moles found in North America, the American shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii) weighs just 0.25 to 0.39 ounces, while its body measures less than 2 inches in length. The species can be spotted through central California and southern British Columbia, spanning areas from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains. Unlike its fully subterranean relatives, which are much larger in comparison, the American shrew mole is semi-fossorial, meaning it spends time both underground and on the forest floor. While earthworms are its preferred food, the species also feeds on insect larvae, snails, slugs, centipedes, sow bugs, fungi, and seeds, using its sensitive nose and long claws to forage. Similar to the Etruscan shrew, the American shrew mole has a fast metabolism, meaning it must eat constantly to survive. Despite being listed as species of 'least concern' by the IUCN, these moles still face threats due to climate change, habitat loss, and destruction caused by residential and commercial developments, as well as agriculture. Though slightly larger than some others in this category, the least weasel (Mustela nivalis)—also called little weasel—is still the smallest true carnivore on Earth. It's native to Eurasia, North America, and North Africa, but has been introduced to other parts of the world. Small but fierce, the least weasel is just 4-10 inches long and weighs a mere 0.9 ounces, making it lighter than a slice of bread. However, regardless of its size, this tiny mammal is remarkably agile and efficient. A specialized predator, the least weasel is a relentless hunter with an insatiable appetite. It primarily hunts mice and small voles. Although, it may also feed on insects and ground-nesting birds when its preferred prey is scarce. It consumes up to a third of its body weight daily, to fuel its high-energy lifestyle. The IUCN classifies the species as of 'least concern' due to its widespread distribution and stable population. However, it faces threats from human trapping, habitat loss, prey decline, poisoning, and natural predation. Native to Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, pygmy marmosets hold the title of the world's smallest true monkey. They are also known as 'finger monkeys' because they are small enough to perch comfortably on a person's finger. Based on genetic differences, as well as their geographic distribution, the genus is split into two species: the western pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) and the eastern pygmy marmoset (Cebuella niveiventris). Both species share similar measurements, with a head and body length of about 6 inches and a tail slightly longer than their body. A fascinating aspect of their anatomy is that the skulls of Pygmy marmosets are remarkably small, measuring up to 1.5 inches, roughly the size of an AirPod! Because of their tiny size, these monkeys are incredible jumpers, capable of leaping up to 16 feet. Their long tails help them stay balanced as they move through the dense rainforest canopy. The species mainly feeds on tree sap, using sharp incisors to gnaw through the bark and access the sticky fluid inside. Pygmy marmosets are classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, facing risks from habitat loss and pet trade. One of the smallest rodents in the world, the Baluchistan pygmy jerboa (Salpingotulus michaelis), also known as the dwarf three-toed jerboa, is native to Pakistan but may also be found in parts of Afghanistan. Reaching an average length of 1.7 inches, this nocturnal animal has a tail nearly twice its body size, measuring 3.1 inches. Adult females are incredibly lightweight, weighing just 0.11 ounces. Despite their tiny size, Baluchistan pygmy jerboas have exceptionally long hind legs and large feet, enabling them to make impressive leaps across the harsh desert landscape. The species feeds on wind-blown seeds and succulent leaves, relying on these food sources for both nourishment and hydration in its arid habitat. There is currently insufficient information to determine the Baluchistan pygmy jerboa's conservation status according to the IUCN. There are no confirmed threats to its survival at present due to limited research on its population and habitat.
BBC News
11-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Neath RFC: Residents react to 'not for girls' event post
Residents in the community where a rugby club has come under fire for using a "not for girls" event slogan have branded the move "rude and sexist".Neath RFC posted to social media on Monday, promoting its upcoming derby against Llangennech and describing it as "definitely NOT FOR GIRLS."The post was widely condemned by sportspeople and members of the local community, and was deleted a few hours club subsequently posted a second message which suggested the post was intended to grab attention and promote discussion, adding it apologised for "any confusion or upset caused". In the original post, the "Friday night under the lights" event, which is due to take place on 28 March at the Gnoll ground, was further described as "no frills, no apologies, just brutal, old-school, Friday night rugby at its finest".The club wrote: "This one isn't for the faint-hearted. This one isn't for the half-committed. This one is definitely NOT FOR GIRLS."In a lengthy explanation afterwards, the club said they wanted to provoke debate and challenge misconceptions about women's rugby. Reacting to the post, Emily, from Neath, said the sentiment was "rude" and "sexist".The 16-year-old added: "It's just provocative. It's promoting the wrong attention, not the right thing to do."Kitti, also 16 and from Neath, added: "If there were young people growing up and they see that they will think they are not allowed to [play rugby]". Kirsty Ellis, another shopper in Neath on Tuesday, said the post suggested the club was "scared of girls"."It's disgusting, it's sexually discriminating," she 53-year-old added: "It makes me ashamed to know any of the men in Neath and the surrounding area, if they think so little of women that they don't think women can play rugby."Shaun Evans, 24, also from Neath, said he did not think the post was "fair"."It's 2025. I think we have moved on," he said."It's not a good look." The post quickly gained hundreds of comments - with many parents and supporters expressing disappointment - and was deleted about 21:00 accused the club of sexism, called for an apology, and even said they would not be continuing to attend matches at the club going forward."As a parent of a Neath Panthers player who has done nothing but support the club, I find this post very disappointing and very insulting to our girls," said added: "Disappointed in this 'not for girls' marketing approach. Really shocking considering all those female players in your area."Prominent sportspeople also took to social media to condemn the post, with Tonia Antoniazzi - Labour MP for Gower and a former Wales international - describing it as "disappointing for a club with such a great history and legacy which has inspired so many women and girls to want to play".Neath Panthers an all-female Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) hub, aimed at young players aged six to 18, is also based at the RFC club owner Matty Young issued an apology on Tuesday and said he took "full ownership as the club owner and author of the post"."The idea from the start was to shine a light on the casual misogyny that still exists in parts of rugby and, more importantly, to champion the incredible women and girls' rugby players who represent our club with passion, skill, and dedication," he said."I now recognise that the initial post did not effectively convey this message, and for that, I am sorry. Neath RFC, one of Wales' oldest rugby clubs, were once one of the top Welsh sides, but have had a tumultuous journey in more recent former players include former Wales outside half Jonathan Davies, winger Shane Williams and second row Gareth Llewellyn. In 2012, the club fought off a winding-up order from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over unpaid tax after settling the debt, and in 2014 it faced a winding-up petition over unpaid business rates owed to Neath Port Talbot 2016, supporters asked the Welsh Rugby Union to intervene in the ownership of the club and, in 2018, it faced another winding-up petition in court, which was later dismissed, following the collapse of the club's owner Mike Cuddy's construction business Cuddy Group.
