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Soundscape: Amapiano People Israel – A Vibe Like No Other


There's something truly unique about the vibe that comes from the fusion of Amapiano with fresh energy from Israel’s underground music scene. The project, Amapiano People Israel, is a thrilling soundscape that showcases the soulful, bass-heavy essence of Amapiano, but with a regional twist that’s as surprising as it is refreshing.



This scene is emerging as a cross-cultural experience, blending the infectious grooves of Amapiano with local Middle Eastern beats, creating a journey that feels global and deeply rooted at the same time. DJs in Israel have taken up the challenge of remixing this beloved South African genre, bringing in their own influences and sounds. The result is a sound that’s unique, familiar yet otherworldly, and undeniably electrifying.


Amapiano People Israel is more than just a music genre; it's a movement, a vibe that bridges cultures and brings together people from all backgrounds through its hypnotic beats. These DJs and producers are giving a powerful nod to Amapiano’s roots while adding their own stamp, creating music that resonates both locally and internationally.


Here’s to the DJs who’ve dared to bring something new and inspiring to the table, breaking down musical barriers, and making Amapiano People Israel a growing force on the global stage.




Authors’ Profile:

Zaji "Persona Non Grata" Zajradhara: A Voice for the Voiceless Zaji "Persona Non Grata" Zajradhara isn't just an author; he's a force of nature. A staunch advocate for American workers and Indigenous rights in the CNMI, Zaji's life reads like a gritty urban novel, filled with struggle, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Labeled "persona non grata" by the CNMI government for his relentless pursuit of truth and his outspoken criticism of corruption, Zaji has become a symbol of resistance against those who seek to exploit the islands and its people. As an unemployed Afro-American father, he knows firsthand the sting of the CNMI's dysfunctional labor market, its rigged political system, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. His experiences fuel his activism, driving him to file numerous legal claims against companies for violating labor laws and discriminating against American workers. Zaji's voice, though silenced by the establishment, resonates through his writing, exposing the harsh realities faced by those on the margins. But Zaji's compassion extends far beyond the shores of the CNMI.


As Program Director of CNMIGA.org, a non-profit dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, he leads a team committed to delivering essential support and resources to communities in need.


Zaji's story is a testament to the power of one person to make a difference. He is a writer, an activist, a humanitarian – a true urban warrior fighting for a more just and equitable world.

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He was the creator of The Drifting Classroom, Cat Eyed Boy, and many other classic works



 

Kazuo Umezu, the famous Japanese manga artist often known as "the god of horror," has died at the age of 88.


His work on classics like The Drifting Classroom, My Name is Shingo, Cat Eyed Boy, and God's Left Hand, Devil's Right Hand is widely beloved by manga readers, while also being regarded as hugely influential on a wide range of other artists, including the likes of Junji Ito, Minetarō Mochizuki, and Urusei Yatsura creator Rumiko Takahashi, who worked as his assistant for a short time.



Umezu was born on September 3, 1936 in Wakayama Prefecture, but grew up in the neighboring Nara Prefecture. He drew comics from an early age, partially inspired by Osamu Tezuka's landmark New Treasure Island and made his professional debut as a manga artist in 1955 while still in his late teens.



Mori no Kyōdai, published by Tomo Book, was based on the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, but Umezu soon shifted towards more adult themes in his work, aligning himself with the gekiga movement, which prioritized a more realistic tone and art style.


Umezu moved to Tokyo in 1963 and really began to hone his style – a distinctive combination of shōjo aesthetics and horror imagery – with stories usually about children facing overwhelming supernatural forces. Nekome no Shōjo and Reptilia, the latter about a monstrous snake woman, were both published in manga magazine Shōjo Friend and proved hugely popular with readers.



As the '60s came to an end, Umezu began to publish in shonen magazines. His epic story The Drifting Classroom – about a classroom of school children transported into a terrifying post-apocalyptic future – ran between 1972 and 1974 in Weekly Shōnen Sunday and left an eerie mark on the imagination of a generation of manga readers thanks to its terrifying nuclear themes. It was adapted twice as a movie (including one by famed Hausu director Nobuhiko Obayashi) and, in 2002, as a TV drama titled The Long Love Letter.



While horror is the genre that Umezu is best known for, he was a very versatile artist, also drawing comedy and science fiction manga, such as the goofy Makoto-chan and My Name is Shingo for Big Comic Spirits from 1982 to 1986, which proved to be another hit and one that was later honored at the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2016.



Umezu's final manga work was Fourteen, a five-year-long sci-fi horror that acted as a sort of spiritual sequel to The Drifting Classroom. He officially retired from drawing manga in 1995 and spent his later years working on other projects, including several film appearances and directing his own movie, the autobiographical Mother in 2015, while also continuing to paint.



Outside of his work, Umezu cut a distinctive figure, publicly dressing in red and white-striped shirts, and even painting his house in Kichijoji in a similar scheme. An incredible creator whose output remains hugely influential to this day, he will be greatly missed.



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Swamp Things in the Senate: Trump’s America First Battle Continues!

 

Breaking Down the Senate Shake-Up: Midnight Moves, Power Plays, and Trump’s Next Chapter


Alright, folks, we’ve got some serious stories cooking tonight. First up: a late-night coup in the U.S. Senate. The Establishment wing of the Republican Party — what's left of it, anyway — is pulling some slick maneuvers behind the scenes, trying to sideline President Trump’s agenda. Yep, they’re still at it.



Here’s the scoop: after Trump’s sweeping victory, Establishment insiders are scrambling to hijack his momentum. We’re talking about big moves in the Senate, where Mitch McConnell’s called a surprise snap vote for the next Senate Majority Leader. And the choices? Let’s just say they’re the furthest thing from pro-Trump.



McConnell’s options are basically: bad, worse, and disaster. He’s got three candidates in mind, none of whom have shown much love for Trump’s agenda. And for the record, McConnell has a history of blocking Trump’s biggest moves. Remember when Trump wanted to pardon Julian Assange and Edward Snowden? McConnell, along with Pompeo, shut that down. Twice.


Now, McConnell’s lining up support for John Thune, his protégé and a Trump skeptic. This is the same Thune who’s no fan of MAGA, fully behind more “business as usual” policies, and absolutely loves foreign military funding. Second in line? John Cornyn, another Establishment fixture. The third? Rick Scott — the only one who actually aligns with Trump’s vision. And guess who Tucker Carlson’s backing? Yep, Scott’s the guy. Tucker’s rallying support, calling for senators to endorse Scott publicly. And people are listening.



Washington’s “Swamp Creatures” Are Back in Play


But that’s not all. Trump’s transition team is under siege from Washington’s power brokers. Every old-school “swamp creature” is lining up to worm their way into Trump’s team. Some of them are even getting interviews — like Mike Rogers, a pro-military-industrial complex congressman now eyeing Secretary of Defense. Rogers is part of the exclusive “Gang of Eight,” and his top donors are none other than major defense contractors. You can imagine what kind of influence they’ll have if he’s on Trump’s team.




Meanwhile, Wall Street's Loving the Chaos


And Wall Street? The Dow surged over 1,400 points in celebration of Trump’s win. But not everyone in finance is happy. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is reportedly furious, even asked if he’d resign if Trump requested it. His response? A hard no. Seems like things are heating up on all fronts.


Stay tuned to CNMIGA.ORG, share if you’re loving these updates, and remember: the next few weeks will be crucial.



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