30.12.2021 17:30 Date: December 31, 2021 That’s a wrap for 2021—Happy New Year’s Eve! Location: Tags:
24.12.2021 01:00 Date: December 24, 2021 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Lahore, Pakistan-based guest artist , celebrates the 71st birthday of Pakistani entertainment icon Moin Akhtar. A champion of everyday people, Akhtar is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s greatest comedic actors. Moin Akhtar was born in Karachi, Pakistan on this day in 1950. He began his stage career at 16 years old and quickly became known for his masterful impersonations and side-splitting skits. After a breakout 1966 appearance on a popular Pakistani talk show, Akhtar became a household name. Akhtar mastered several languages—English, Sindhi, Punjabi, Memoni, Pashto, Gujarati, and Bengali—and comedic delivery in each. This dedication to his wide-ranging craft fueled the steady success of a four-decade career on both stage and television. As versatile as he was funny, Akhter reached even higher levels of prestige with his performance as the woman protagonist in “Rosy,” widely regarded as one of Pakistani TV’s most successful productions. Akhtar later joined forces with fellow entertainment icon Anwar Maqsood. Together, the pair hosted over 400 episodes of the 1995 satirical talk show “Loose Talk” and Akhtar entertained millions playing different characters. To honor his artistic contributions, Akhtar was awarded the prestigious Presidential Pride of Performance and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third-highest civilian honor. Here’s to the many faces of Moin Akhtar and the smiles they brought to fans around the world! Special thanks to the family of Moin Akhtar for their partnership on this project. Below, the Akhtar family reflects on their father’s life and legacy: Fourteen days after heart bypass surgery, a hospital patient distracted his attendants by sending them on different errands, then quietly snuck out of the hospital. The patient got in his car, changed into his performing attire, and drove 3 hours to a charity show in Hyderabad. The show was being held to raise funds for the treatment of children with cancer. He successfully conducted the fundraising event for the children—then had to be escorted back to the hospital to ensure he would not sneak out again. Such is a typically standard incident in the grand life of Moin Akhtar. We are thrilled to have Google honor our father, Moin Akhtar, through a Doodle. It has been over ten years since he passed away, and it is immensely humbling and proud for us to see that he is still fondly remembered, loved and missed all over the world. Through this Doodle, we envision that newer generations in Pakistan and those that did not know him in other parts of the world learn about his charming personality both on and off screen, his unique talents that allowed him to build a career spanning over 40 years making him a household name, and his unparalleled philanthropic works. We thank Google for remembering him today on what would have been his 71st birthday, and for their contribution in keeping the memories of national heroes alive. Photo of Moin Akhtar Courtesy of the Estate of Moin Akhtar Guest Artist Q&A with Hazem Asif Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Lehore, Pakistan-based guest artist . Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A. Growing up in Pakistan during the 1990s, Moin Akthar was a celebrated figure in every household. His masterful and whimsical portrayal of a diverse range of characters, his wit and comic takes on the most mundane of social phenomena helped define a new era of comedy and satire for people of all ages. Whether by watching Moin’s performance on stage or national television, his talent and style were ground-breaking. Considering the persistently turbulent socio-political scenarios of the country, his performances were also a much needed escape into a timeless world of creative redefinition of society and social perceptions. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A. Never in my life did I think of working as a guest artist for Google Doodle or let alone designing a Doodle for the legendary Moin Akthar. I was not expecting it and when I was approached at first, I felt humbled and honoured. I had already decided that I will put all my heart and soul into creating a perfect tribute to celebrate Moin Akhtar's birthday. Working on this project has been the most rewarding experience of my career to date. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A. I aspired to create a Doodle that had a classical feel to it while invoking a sense of nostalgia for the viewers by delicately paying homage to Moin Akhtar's timeless legacy. I mostly drew inspiration from my own childhood memories of watching classical Pakistani shows on PTV that MoinAkhtar would often appear in as well. As a family we would watch these shows on vintage television sets that were commonly found in our homes in the 1990’s. I also desired to capture a perfect balance of showcasing the versatility of Moin Akthar and the everlasting nostalgia of 1980’s and 1990’s and that is where the idea of Moin’s Doodle was born while being embedded playfully within the concept of vintage TV sets. The colour palette was also inspired by the retro Technicolor palette of those decades. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A. This Doodle is not only a nod to Moin Akthar’s birthday but a celebration of his life, a man with seemingly infinite talents who went above and beyond to challenge the established media conventions of those eras. Moin Akhtar helped redefine Pakistani cultural narratives and explored social and political topics through vernacularly digestible comedy. Moin Akhtar's acting is timeless, always adapting to the expectations of the audiences while also inserting novel elements of surprise every now and then. I hope this Doodle helps those who already know Moin Akhtar to remember him, but also those who don't know him to enter into his unique world of comedy. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags:
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20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 18, 2021 In honor of 143 years of national unification, today’s Doodle celebrates Qatar’s National Day, also known as Founder’s Day. The most enduring symbol of today’s commemorations is the maroon and white Qatari flag, illustrated in the Doodle artwork which displays symbolism that is representative of Qatari heritage and sovereignty. Adopted in 1971, this flag features a historically significant maroon shade in tribute to those that have made sacrifices for the nation’s freedom alongside white, which represents peace. In honor of National Day, the Qatar National Library planned a series of events throughout December to celebrate Qatari history, culture, and heritage---from lectures on prominent architectural monuments to youth environmental initiatives. The events will conclude with a Qatar Youth Art Exhibition, which encourages young artists to display their pride in Qatari culture through art. Happy National Day, Qatar! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 17, 2021 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based guest artist , celebrates Canadian activist, author, journalist, publisher, and broadcaster Carrie Best and her record of influential accomplishments, including co-founding The Clarion—one of the first Nova Scotian newspapers owned and operated by Black Canadians. For her humanitarian efforts, Best was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1974, and subsequently became an Officer of the Order of Canada on this day in 1979. Carrie Mae Prevoe was born on March 4, 1903, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia during a time of pronounced racial discrimination. Encouraged by her parents to take pride in her heritage, she decided from a young age to refuse racial stereotypes and immerse herself in historical and literary works written by Black Canadians and African-Americans. In 1925, she married Albert T. Best. In 1943, Best was arrested for sitting in the “white only” section of New Glasgow’s Roseland Theatre—an act of protest against the forcible removal of several Black teens who attempted to sit there only days before. She then sued the theatre based on racial discrimination but lost the case. Her drive for equal rights was only strengthened by this event. Best founded The Clarion in 1946 to publish news by and for the nation’s Black community. In 1952, Best established her own radio show titled “The Quiet Corner,” where she broadcast music and read poetry often relating to human rights for the next 12 years. Best was also a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Best’s efforts were recognized with honorary law doctorates in 1975 and 1992. The University of King’s College in Halifax, one of the institutions that awarded Best, continues to carry on her legacy by offering outstanding Black and Indigenous Canadian students a scholarship named in her honor. Thank you for fighting for the future of marginalized people in Canada and beyond, Carrie Best! Guest Artist Q&A with Alexis Eke Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A. With Carrie Best making such a huge impact in her field as a black woman, breaking many barriers for black women in Canada–it inspired me to do the same in the industry that I am in. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A. I was extremely excited! I think it's safe to say that many illustrators dream of doing a Google Doodle, so getting the opportunity to do one was almost unbelievable. I was also really excited to share my artistic style with such a large audience! Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A. I drew inspiration from Carrie Best's Nova Scotian background with the landscape. Although I've never been to Nova Scotia, I could imagine many scenic places with fresh wind blowing in all directions. I tried to emulate that with newspapers flying around the illustration! Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A. The message I hope people take away from my Doodle, is that the bold decision of one person has the power to impact many, if not millions of people. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags:
20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 17, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 315th birthday of French mathematician, physicist, translator, and philosopher Émilie du Châtelet, whose contributions to Newtonian theory and mission to make scientific literature more accessible helped clear the path for modern physics. Émilie du Châtelet was born Gabrielle-Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil in Paris on this day in 1706—a time when it was rare for women to publicly pursue intellectual careers. Raised in an aristocratic household, Châtelet learned avidly from the distinguished scientists and mathematicians whom her family often entertained. She complemented her formal math and science studies with fencing and linguistics lessons, learning six languages by age 12. Despite society’s discouragement of women pursuing the sciences, Châtelet broke convention. In her 20s, she married Marquis Florent-Claude du Châtelet, a prominent military officer, and their estate library housed approximately 21,000 books! After months of clandestine research and experimentation, Châtelet submitted a groundbreaking physics paper to the French Academy of Sciences in 1737 that predicted the existence of infrared radiation. Voltaire, an eminent writer of the French enlightenment, recognized her talents, and in 1738, the pair published “Elements of Newton’s Philosophy” under Voltaire’s name. This pioneering book broke down complex Newtonian physics into easy-to-understand terms for French readers. Châtelet’s magnum opus came in 1740 with the anonymous publication of “The Foundations of Physics,” a work of natural philosophy that married Newtonian physics with metaphysics. Her work played an instrumental role in the acceptance of Newtonian physics across Europe. Albeit anonymously, Châtelet continued to revolutionize physics by translating “Principia,” Newton’s manifesto for the laws of motion and gravity. Published posthumously in 1759, it remains the leading French translation to this day. Here’s to an unstoppable force in the progression of physics! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , , Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
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20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 16, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates 50 years of independence for the Kingdom of Bahrain, or the “Pearl of the Gulf,” on its National Day with an illustration of the nation’s red and white flag. Considered an island nation, this enduring region actually comprises 84 distinct isles! Since achieving independence in 1971, Bahrain has undergone significant developments in its economy, education, and healthcare, transforming the nation into a key financial, commercial, and tourist center of the Gulf. Traditionally, Bahrain’s historic achievements and culture are celebrated over two days with entertainment such as magic and laser shows, concerts, televised fireworks, and acrobatic performances. Many of the country’s renowned landmarks, such as the Riffa Clock Tower, are decorated with the national flag, and lights; and flowers are planted to brighten many of its main streets. Happy National Day, Bahrain! Location: Tags: , , , ,
20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 16, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates Kazakhstan’s Independence Day in commemoration of its 30th anniversary of achieving independence by adopting the law “On State Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” In a nation that is home to over 130 ethnic groups, the people of Kazakhstan celebrate their multicultural history and culture on this public holiday. This rich diversity is represented by the light blue background of the Kazakh flag depicted in the Doodle artwork, which also reflects the sky under which the historical nomadic peoples of this region walked. On the eve of Independence Day, it is tradition for the government to honor outstanding Kazakh figures in the fields of culture, sports, education, and health for their contributions to the country. As the nation enters its fourth decade of independence, Kazakh officials emphasize the importance of reflecting on the struggles of the past while focusing on initiatives to support continued progress. In honor of the day, citizens carry on the ancestral Kazakh tradition of planting trees to protect the environment. Happy Independence Day, Kazakhstan! Location: Tags: , , , ,
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20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 14, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates signature Thai dish Som Tum, a sweet and spicy green papaya salad also popular in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. On this day in 2012, Thailand’s Department of Cultural Promotion registered Som Tum as a national intangible cultural heritage food. Like many of the world’s most loved dishes, the origins of som tum are shrouded in mystery. Most food historians believe the savory salad originated in Laos due to its rich history in the historic Isaan region, which encompasses areas of northeastern Thailand and borders Laos. The classic Thai recipe calls for spicy Thai chilies balanced by palm sugar, garlic, shrimp, fish sauce, peanuts, limes, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and green papaya. The term “som tum” is a combination of two Isaan words translating to “tart flavor” and “to pound,” reflecting the first step in the salad’s preparation in which a mortar and pestle is used to ground several of the ingredients into a tart salad dressing. The dressing is mixed with the remaining ingredients and topped with roasted peanuts for an added salty crunch. The final product is a salad that is simultaneously salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter—a flavor combination that defines Thai cuisine. How the meal is prepared varies depending on the region, but most pair this popular Thai staple with sticky rice. For those new to som tum, it's recommended that you pay attention to the number of chilis included in your salad as they are notoriously spicy! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , , Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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20.12.2021 22:00 Date: December 13, 2021 Today’s Doodle celebrates Turkish professor and scientist Dr. Remziye Hisar, the first woman to become a chemist in Turkey. On this day in 1991, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey awarded Hisar with the Service Award for her lifetime of pioneering work in education. Remziye Hisar was born in 1902. Following her father’s civil appointments, she moved to Istanbul in 1909, where she displayed her precocious intelligence by completing three years of primary school in only one year. The lack of women in the field of science inspired her to pursue chemistry at Darülfünun, known today as Istanbul University. As one of the era’s few Turkish women to study abroad, Hisar furthered her chemistry studies in 1923 at Paris's prestigious Sorbonne University. Here, she studied under numerous pioneering scientists including the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in Physics, Marie Curie. The following year, she made history as the first Turkish woman to graduate from the Sorbonne. Hisar completed her doctoral thesis in 1933, the same year she began her tenure as a chemistry researcher and professor at Istanbul University. Hisar’s work continued in various scientific departments until her retirement in 1973. Hisar is widely credited for laying the foundation of modern Turkish scientific studies, especially those of her son Feza Gürsey, an eminent theoretical physicist, and daughter Deha Gürsey, one of few Turks to work for the International Psychological Union. Here’s to a scientific pioneer who helped change the composition of the international scientific community—Dr. Remziye Hisar! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , ,
