11.12.2022 22:02 Date: December 12, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 77th birthday of Donald Pandiangan, an Indonesian archer who coached the archery team that won the country its first Olympic medal in 1988. He won more than 20 gold medals for his mastery of the bow and arrow at the Southeast Asian Games , earning him the nickname the Robin Hood of Indonesia. Pandiangan was born on this day in Sidikalang, North Sumatra in 1945. He dreamed of becoming an engineer, but financial restraints prevented him from finishing college. Pandiangan ended up working at a transport company, where he received a gift that would change the course of his life—an archery set. Although he started at the late age of 25, Pandiangan fell in love with the sport and trained tirelessly. Three years later, he won his first gold medal at the 1973 Pekan Olahraga Nasional VIII in Surabaya. Four years later, he broke a world record in the 70m Recurve event at the 1977 PON IX in Jakarta. Pandiangan won gold countless times between 1977 and 1987 at the SEA Games. In 1980, Pandiangan was at the peak of his career and nearly competed in the Summer Olympics in Moscow, but was unable to attend because Indonesia boycotted the event. A few years later, he began coaching the women’s archery team for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Lilies Handayani, Nurfitriyana Saiman, and Kusuma Wardhani went on to win the silver medal—the first ever in Indonesian history. Happy 77th birthday, Donald Pandiangan! Location: Tags:
11.12.2022 22:02 Date: December 12, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the life and innovative work of Dr. Mária Telkes, one of the first pioneers of solar energy. She believed the power of the sun could change human lives, and she was right! Dr. Telkes was the first to receive The Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award on this day in 1952. Dr. Telkes was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1900 and studied physical chemistry at the Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest. She graduated with a B.A. in 1920 and received her PhD in 1924. The following year, she moved to the United States and accepted a position as a biophysicist. In 1937, she became a U.S. citizen. Dr. Telkes continued her career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a member of the Solar Energy Committee. During World War II, she was called upon by the U.S. government to help develop a solar distiller that converted seawater into fresh water. This life-saving invention was used by soldiers stationed in the Pacific theater. After the war, Dr. Telkes returned to MIT as an associate research professor. She and her MIT colleagues were tasked with creating habitable solar-heated homes. Unfortunately, she proposed and developed a design that failed, and was removed from the committee, but she persisted. In 1948, after securing private funding from philanthropists, she created the Dover Sun House in partnership with architect Eleanor Raymond. The solar-heated home was a success and the women were featured in the media, popularizing the term ‘solar energy’ among the public. Dr. Telkes’ inspiring career was filled with success and innovation. She was commissioned by the Ford Foundation and created a solar oven design that’s still used today. She also helped research solar energy at prestigious institutions such as NYU, Princeton University, and the University of Delaware. Dr. Telkes earned more than 20 patents and worked as a consultant for many energy companies. It’s no wonder she’s remembered as The Sun Queen. Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags:
09.12.2022 03:45 Date: December 9, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Tanzania Independence Day. On this day in 1961, the East African country declared its sovereignty after centuries of foreign rule. A successful independence movement in 1954 ended the British occupation in what was formerly Tanganyika. Shortly after declaring independence, mainland Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar combined the state names to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Today’s holiday celebrates the co-existence of these regions. Numerous Independence Day celebrations take place across Tanzania, including a week-long festival where Tanzanians embrace their sovereignty by waving flags and enjoying parades and speeches. The festivities begin with a flag-raising ceremony, where the national colors like those displayed in today’s Doodle are hoisted in the air. Crowds of people also attend seminars and speeches made by government authorities. These are followed by a military parade, where roads are lined with Tanzanians bouncing to the beat of cheerful music. Independence Day is also a time for cultural dances and concerts to take center stage at the national stadium. Happy Independence Day, Tanzania! Location: Tags:
08.12.2022 18:00 Date: December 9, 2022 Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags:
08.12.2022 08:31 Date: December 8, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 139th birthday of Mexican musical pioneer, Manuel Ponce Cuéllar, and was illustrated by Mexico City-based guest artist . Ponce was the earliest Mexican classical music composer to gain international recognition and a maestro on the guitar. Although European music heavily influenced his work, he added a Mexican touch to his compositions. Ponce was born in Fresnillo on this day in 1882. He discovered his talent at an early age and started performing piano when he was just 6 years old. At age 9, he wrote his first composition, “La Marcha del Sarampion” , while sick with the disease. When he was 21, Ponce joined the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Mexico City but left after realizing his skills were too advanced. He traveled to Europe a year later to study composition and piano. While in Germany, his fellow students encouraged him to incorporate Mexican folk elements into his music—which birthed his original style. In 1912, he returned to Mexico City to teach at the Conservatorio Nacional and composed his most famous work, “Estrellita.” He studied music in Paris at the École Normale de Musique in 1925 and wrote several compositions for the guitar, inspiring other Mexican composers to follow suit. These two feats put him on the map as one of Mexico’s most esteemed composers and classical guitar players. He wrote more than 300 compositions but was more than a composer and musician. Ponce was also a teacher, lecturer, music critic and conductor. He also penned over 200 essays as the founder and editor of 3 music journals: Revista Musical de México, Gaceta Musical and Cultura Musical. His styles ranged from baroque to impressionist, classical to romantic–all with a distinct Mexican folk touch. Ponce was awarded the Premio Nacional de Artes y Ciencias in 1947. When he passed away the following year, he was buried in the Rotonda de las Personas Ilustres of the Panteón de Dolores, a site that honors those who made a significant contribution to Mexican society. Q&A with guest artist César Canseco Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Mexico City-based guest artist . Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A: I was very excited to think that it was my turn to create a Doodle. A Doodle is one of the things I wanted to cross off my list in my career as an illustrator and this project is a milestone that helps me stay motivated in the search for my graphic language as an artist. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: The main inspiration for my work is constantly drawn in Mexico's artistic manifestations and its European influence, particularly painting and sculpture from the 19th century. And more specifically, I’m very inspired by a group of sculptors who decided to leave behind the traditional academy of art to propose a new Mexican graphic identity. Of course, listening to some of Ponce’s compositions during my research period certainly puts me in the right mood to tackle this project. Q. Did you learn anything surprising or noteworthy while doing research for this Doodle? A: I was impressed and very proud to know that Manuel Ponce is one of the most remembered and referenced Mexican musicians. And that his search and proposal have defined in such a way the course of music in Mexico. And it blew my mind to know which other artists he associated with during the course of his career, many of whom I also admire for their work. Q. Can you tell us about your process? A: My process began by researching the life and production of Manuel Ponce. I watched a couple of documentaries about his career and asked some details with musician friends. After assimilating the information I collected, the next thing I did was a moodboard with references that I can use to draw my first sketches. These references gave me bases such as: composition, lettering, color, and posing. After a first review with the Google team, we were able to give the Doodle a more specific direction, and from there I was able to continue defining the illustration in terms of color and volume until I reached the final piece. Q. Any other thoughts you'd like to share? A: I like to feel identified and close to the subjects I work on. In this case, a bigger part of my inspiration to create this Doodle was the fact that just as Ponce did, among a large number of contemporary artists, I also want to talk about Mexican folklore in my work, and I always try to reflect and exalt Mexico in each project. Location: Tags:
08.12.2022 08:31 Date: December 8, 2022 Location: Tags:
06.12.2022 08:45 Date: December 6, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Finland Independence Day. The Finnish Parliament voted to accept the country’s declaration of independence from Russia on this day in 1917. Finnish soldiers defended national independence throughout various wars, resulting in a holiday that commemorates their countrymen. Celebrations begin with a flag-raising ceremony and the annual broadcast of Tuntematon Sotilas —a film that depicts the Continuation War. Many also place wreaths on graves to honor the fallen soldiers who protected Finland. The Finnish defense forces host a grand, televised military parade that attracts over a million at-home viewers every year. Other countrywide festivities include torch-lighting processions and the presidential Independence Day reception. Finland’s national flag, like the one displayed in today’s Doodle, is present in many Finnish Independence Day traditions. The blue and white national colors can be seen all day: paint on storefronts, icing on bakery treats and candles on window sills. When night falls, Finns light blue and white candles from their window ledges. One candle honors lost soldiers, while the other celebrates the servicemen who have returned home. Happy Independence Day, Finland! Location: Tags:
05.12.2022 23:00 Date: December 6, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrating the 83rd birthday of Kuwaiti actor, singer, playwright, and comedian Abdulhussain Abdulredha was illustrated by Kuwait City-based guest artist . On this day in 1939, Abdulredha was born in Kuwait to a seaman and homemaker, the seventh of fourteen children. He traveled to Egypt and Germany to study printmaking before he began working in the entertainment industry. He found his niche in the tragi-comedy genre, where his comedy shone a spotlight on social issues. Over his fifty-year career, Abdulhussain performed and produced over 30 plays and television series. His work precipitated the political and social genre. Abdulhussain founded and directed an entertainment television channel in 2006 called Funoon TV, which was the first Arabic-language channel to focus on comedic material. Abdulhussain is remembered for his bold social commentary, powerful singing voice, and being a father figure of Kuwait comedy. His comedy not only provided entertainment but also encouraged the audience to contemplate issues affecting Arab societies. People can enjoy his many movies and plays today for a laugh, and to learn about the snapshots of history he satirizes. Happy birthday, Abdulhussain Abdulredha! Guest Artist Q&A with Ahmed Alrefaie Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Kuwait City-based guest artist Ahmed Alrefaie . Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A: I was delighted to be selected by Google to represent Kuwait and one of its cultural icons, Abdulhussain Abdulredha. I’ve always admired the diversity of ideas and art styles featured on Google Doodles and to be part of this amazing initiative was something I truly always wanted. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: Abdulhussain Abdulredha is well known and I used to watch his plays on TV when I was younger and was amazed by his comedic performances. My concept draws inspiration from my memories where Abdulhussain shines on stage with an audience bursting with laughter. Q. Did you learn anything surprising or noteworthy while researching for this Doodle? A: I was always very familiar with the actor but it was an enjoyable process going back through his plays and shows for inspiration. It really helped me capture his humor and personality in the composition and art style. Q. Can you tell us about your process A: I usually write down ideas that come to mind as these are unfiltered and allows my mind to explore without restrictions. I later researched on the Doodles archive which was a great source of inspiration where I got to see the various ways people incorporated the Google identity in their own styles. I later researched the topic a lot and then I started sketching while improving my ideas. I later worked on Illustrator to create the doodle and colored it with a vibrant color scheme. Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags:
05.12.2022 23:00 Date: December 6, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 107th birthday of Khun Nilawan Pintong, a Thai women’s rights activist and editor. She founded the country’s first female publication, Satree Sarn Magazine, which inspired women to play a more active role in civic and community affairs. Born on this day in 1915, Khun Nilawan grew up in a household in Bangkok that valued community service and charity. She went on to study English and French at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Arts. Upon graduating, she taught for a year at the Ministry of Education before joining the Department of Public Relations . Khun Nilawan later became chief of the Foreign Press Section at the Department of Foreign Affairs. During this time, she encountered Western ideals that inspired her to challenge traditional gender roles. At age 32, Khun Nilawan left her stable position as a diplomat to start a women’s empowerment magazine called Satree Sarn. Despite operating with limited funds, it quickly became one of Thailand’s most popular magazines. Satree Sarn also offered a children’s section with educational content for underprivileged students. By doing so, the magazine helped support literacy at rural schools that could not otherwise afford reading materials. Khun Nilawan went on to found two other magazines: a weekly news publication called Sapdha Sarn, and a youth magazine called Darun Sar. When she wasn’t busy running magazines, she served as president of Thailand’s PEN Center, executive secretary of the Thai Foundation for Journalism Education and held positions within other notable organizations. In 1961, she became the first Thai recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, also known as the “Nobel Prize of Asia,” which honored her contribution to nation-building and women’s empowerment. Happy birthday, Khun Nilawan Pintong! Thank you for your work to uplift female voices and stories. Location: Tags:
04.12.2022 18:45 Date: December 5, 2022 Location: Tags: , , ,
02.12.2022 00:17 Date: December 2, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates United Arab Emirates National Day. On this day in 1971, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Al-Ain, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain united to form one country. Ras Al Khaimah, the seventh emirate, joined the following year to complete what is now known as the United Arab Emirates. Celebrations kick off with an exhilarating show at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Thousands of people gather to watch orchestras, musicians, and aerobatic displays. After national leaders give speeches to honor the country's founding fathers, fireworks splash across the Abu Dhabi skyline as festivities carry into the night. Depicted in today’s artwork, the United Arab Emirates' national flag was officially adopted in 1971. It features a vertical red line with horizontal green, white, and black stripes that represent courage, prosperity, peace, and strength of mind. Happy National Day, United Arab Emirates! Location: Tags:
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01.12.2022 15:01 Date: December 1, 2022 Location: Tags:
01.12.2022 05:46 Date: December 1, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Great Union Day in Romania, when Basarabia, Bucovina, Transilvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureș unified with the Romanian Kingdom. It was declared a public holiday on this day in 1918. Romania was created through the unification of Wallachia and Maldovia in 1859, which is known as “the Little Union.” In 1881, after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire, Romania became a monarchy. Romania and Austria-Hungary disputed over Transylvania—a territory with a population that was primarily Romanian. The National Assembly gathered in Alba Iulia and unanimously voted in favor of the greater union in 1918. The assembly included elected representatives from Transylvania, Banat, Crisana, and Maramures. Ferdinand I passed the law of unification the following day. On Great Union Day, celebrations like military parades and speeches mainly occur in Bucharest and Alba Iulia. Local events across the country are also held to remember those who fought for independence and unification. The Romanian blue, yellow, and red national flag, like the one waving in today’s artwork, can be seen throughout the nation. The cobalt blue represents liberty, the chrome yellow symbolizes justice, and the vermillion red embodies fraternity. Happy Great Union Day, Romania! Location: Tags:
01.12.2022 05:46 Date: December 1, 2022 Location: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Tags:
