Latest news with #Rwandan
San Francisco Chronicle
10 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
S.F is lining up for coffee from a Warriors star. Is it worth it?
It may have been noon on a Monday, but the vibe inside San Francisco's Bigface Coffee popup was like a VIP-only party. Customers covered in expensive streetwear mingled with coffee cups in hand, phones in the other, as a DJ blasted hip hop party anthems. Outside, there was a growing line down 22nd Street. Then, all eyes turned toward the door as Jimmy Butler III — the Golden State Warriors' star and Bigface's owner — entered the building. Bigface has settled in for a two-week popup at 1100 Valencia St., where digital payment company Square runs an events and customer support hub. The otherwise minimal space, best known as the longtime home of Lucca Ravioli, is now blasted with Ferrari red accents bearing Bigface's branding in all caps. The engagement, through July 27, allows Warriors fans and specialty coffee nerds to sample Bigface's beans in filter and espresso drinks for the first time. The popup was quite the scene. But as an on-the-record coffee obsessive, I had to know: Is Jimmy Butler's coffee worth the hype? The six-time all-star began his coffee business during the 2020 NBA Bubble tournament, an abridged season carried out behind closed doors at a Florida complex at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A coffee nerd, Butler began selling brews out of his hotel room to his teammates who wanted something better than Folgers from a coffee maker. 'Coffee is just another vessel to sit down with people and talk about what we have in common,' Butler told me in an interview at the popup Monday. The venture has since grown to include a Miami flagship location and a roasting contract with Onyx Coffee Lab, a massive specialty coffee roaster headquartered in Arkansas. Butler's company sources the raw coffees and sells the roasted product. Online, some have raised an eyebrow at the company's high prices, with 250-gram coffee bags that run from $30 to $40. Skeptics of celebrity-backed foods and luxury products (of which I am both) naturally ask what coffee is worth that. (High-end coffees from some of the Bay Area's better roasters often fall between $18 to $40 for a bag.) So, as a coffee fanatic, who has sunk good money into luxe coffees from top tier roasters — from Tokyo and Copenhagen's big hitters to the Bay Area's boundary pushing experts — I also had to find out for myself. When I saw Butler had collaborated with football (soccer) powerhouse club Paris Saint-Germain (he's a fan), I purchased two bags. And I have some news: Bigface has really good coffees. Single origin offerings include a Colombian coffee from the Huila province ($40 for a bag) with pronounced, sweet notes of black tea and brown sugar when brewed as a pourover. The Rwandan coffee (also $40 for a bag) appears to be Bigface's ace offering. My pourover showed good sweetness, between prunes and dates, with acidity akin to stone fruits. As my pour over cooled down, I could appreciate some of the dry fig notes mentioned on the box. 'When I tasted it I thought it was really amazing,' Butler told me of the Rwandan offering. Because we all eat, or drink, with our eyes first, Bigface packaging looks and feels premium. The coffee comes inside a sturdy cardboard shell with raised lettering and logos that looks like a high-end sneaker box. Getting to the beans is like unboxing a new iPhone, only the box has been perfumed with resting coffee. Pull up the top to reveal an opaque white pouch containing eight ounces of whole coffee beans. For anyone who just wants to try a coffee and snap a photo, the menu at the popup is straightforward, with espresso drinks ($4-$9), cold brew ($8), pourovers ($10) and matcha ($8). 'Formulas,' Bigface brand speak for special drinks ($10), include a cherry cream soda and a refreshing latte spiked with coconut water and topped with coconut cold foam. The menu at the cafe also includes a $100 flight of three coffees. Butler, who signed a two-year, $112 million with the Warriors, appears to have expensive tastes. 'It's not a joke,' he said, 'I have for sure spent the most at Bigface stores than anyone by a long shot because when I order a coffee I have to pay $100.' His second-round pick: a foamy oat milk cappuccino. Will the Warriors' star be making coffees at his popup? Rodney Mustelier, who Butler identified as his own personal barista, leads the coffee bar, but there may be an opening for Butler to show off one of his talents off the court. 'I made a promise that someone will get my first coffee, so I think I have to do it,' Butler said. 'Just don't look at my latte art since I haven't been practicing.'
United News of India
a day ago
- Health
- United News of India
Int'l AIDS forum kicks off in Rwanda's capital
Kigali, July 14 (UNI) The 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science officially opened Monday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, with a strong call to accelerate access to long-acting HIV prevention and treatment innovations amid growing global funding challenges. The event, themed "Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation," has convened about 4,000 participants, including global leaders, researchers, scientists, and civil society members. Speaking at the conference, Rwandan Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana said that Rwanda's experience in the HIV response over the past few decades demonstrates what is possible when countries prioritize people-centered approaches and invest in strategic partnerships. "We have better tools for prevention and treatment. We have better ways to engage our communities to fight stigma and discrimination, and better integration within our systems. This means we can not only achieve HIV control, but we also need to strengthen our health systems," he added. IAS President Beatriz Grinsztein underlined new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, groundbreaking licensing agreements, and promising research as signs that long-acting HIV prevention and treatment options are becoming more feasible for widespread use. "Our next challenge is clear: leaders must commit the funding and resources needed to integrate these scientific advances into health systems quickly and equitably so that people everywhere can benefit from these life-changing options," Grinsztejn emphasized. At the event, the WHO issued a statement announcing new guidelines that recommend using injectable lenacapavir twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis option for HIV prevention -- a landmark policy action that could help reshape the global HIV response. "While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is quoted as saying in the statement. The IAS Conference on HIV Science is recognized as the world's most influential meeting on HIV research and its applications. Its 2025 edition, which runs until Thursday, features hundreds of sessions and presentations focused on translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact, with a particular emphasis on solutions for regions and populations most affected by HIV. UNI XINHUA GNK
Egypt Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Rwandan ambassador commends Egypt's steadfast support for his country
Rwandan Ambassador to Egypt Dan Munyuza praised Egypt's steadfast support for his country. Munyuza made the remarks Saturday 12/7/2025 during a celebration marking the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation Day in Cairo. He described the Liberation Day as a turning point in Rwanda's history, symbolizing not only military victory but also the beginning of national unity and reconciliation. Munyuza also touched on regional challenges concerning peace and stability, particularly instability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He commended the recent peace agreement signed between Rwanda and the DRC in Washington. He asserted Rwanda's commitment to peace in the Great Lakes region, considering the Liberation Day anniversary as a reminder that even from great suffering, a nation can rise, with unity, vision, and determination.
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Rwandan embassy in Cairo marks 31st Liberation Day - Foreign Affairs
The Rwandan Embassy in Egypt—also accredited to Algeria, Libya, and Oman—hosted a reception in Cairo on 11 July to commemorate the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's Liberation Day, Kwibohora. The event drew Egyptian government officials, diplomats, business figures, academics, media representatives, and friends of Rwanda for an evening of reflection and celebration. Liberation Day marks 4 July 1994, when the Rwandan Patriotic Army, under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, brought an end to the Genocide against the Tutsi and began rebuilding a nation torn apart by violence. The anniversary is both a remembrance and a reaffirmation of Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. In his address, Rwanda's Ambassador to Egypt, Dan Munyuza, underscored the deeper meaning of Liberation Day, framing it as the beginning of a long-term vision rather than simply a military triumph. 'Liberation was not merely the end of a war,' said Munyuza. He described it as the beginning of a new vision—a commitment to never return to tribal divisions, hatred, and despair. It was a promise to create a nation where all Rwandans, regardless of background, could live in dignity, peace, and mutual respect. He thanked Egypt for what he described as its ongoing support for Rwanda's development efforts. Reflecting on the country's trajectory since 1994, Munyuza pointed to institutional rebuilding, investments in health and education, gender equality, and an expanding innovation-led economy. Rwanda, he said, has averaged 7–8 percent economic growth over three decades and consistently ranks among Africa's most business-friendly nations. He also touched on regional instability, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), welcoming a recent peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC signed in Washington, D.C. He reiterated Rwanda's commitment to peace in the Great Lakes region. 'Let this 31st Liberation Day commemoration be a reminder that even from the greatest pain, renewal is possible,' he said. 'That with visionary and hardworking leadership, unity and purpose, a nation can rise from tragedy to prosperity.' The reception featured Rwandan cultural performances and showcased the country's tourism and investment offerings. Guests were invited to explore Rwanda's natural attractions, from mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to Big Five safaris in Akagera. The evening concluded with remarks from Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, who praised Rwanda's post-genocide recovery. 'Rwanda's extraordinary progress over the past thirty years is a true reflection of visionary leadership, national healing, and a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth and development,' Sewilam stated. He pointed to expanding cooperation between the two countries, including an upcoming memorandum of understanding on water management in Rwanda. The initiative will focus on catchment protection, groundwater development, rainwater harvesting, and training, aiming to improve water access and climate resilience. Sewilam also highlighted Rwanda's participation in regional water diplomacy through the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), commending its role in fostering dialogue and consensus. 'We strongly rely on Rwanda's constructive role... to enhance cooperation between [Nile Basin] states and maintain the sustainability of the Nile River—this vital common water resource,' he said. He added that Egypt has committed $100 million through a Regional Pooled Financing Mechanism to support water projects in the Nile Basin. Both countries reiterated the importance of regional cooperation in tackling shared challenges and advancing Africa's development agenda. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
'Is there a crisis?': Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach speaks out
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Ilyes Mzough has defended his goalkeepers despite a poor season. Amakhosi conceded 32 goals last campaign in the Betway Premiership, having used three different keepers. Fiarce Ntwari was brought in as Itumeleng Khune, but the Rwandan international was dropped after seven games. Bruce Bvuma took over and played most games last season. He was decent in most games, but lost concentration in crucial matches, which Chiefs went on to lose. In the final of the Nedbank Cup, Kaizer Chiefs changed goalkeepers, bringing in Brandon Petersen. The 31-year-old only conceded once as Amakhosi went on to win 2-1 and claim their first trophy in 10 years. Mzoughi though believes the defence is mostly to blame. 'It was a tough season, not only for the goalkeepers, but for the whole team,' admitted Mzoughi. 'We were unlucky with some injuries and suspensions of our defenders, which affected the goalies in particular, and the team in general. 'Overall, I feel that all our goalkeepers made various excellent saves throughout the season, such as Bruce's (Bvuma) magnificent save against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup semi-final or Brandon's (Petersen) mature performance in the final,' Mzoughi said. Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khany says the Soweto giants need to urgently find a reliable keeper. 'They should be signing in the important position, a goalkeeper,' the former winger told iDiski Times. 'A very important position, they were supposed to sign a goalkeeper. I see all the signings and Nabi is he okay having a pre-season with Kaizer Chiefs, thinking his problem is wing-backs? It's a question that's why I'm asking,' Khanye added. 'The goalkeeper position, the guy just overlooked that and signed wing-backs. It's a question I'm asking myself. So it means he attacks with wing-backs? He realised that his problem is at wing-back, that he needs one at right and left but he doesn't have a goalkeeper.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
