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Insightful talk by Dimitris Achlioptas from the world's reputable TEDX conferences.

what if my girl was called aharit instead of arit



My girl has always been my closest friend but not one day has she ever told me her

real name . She said her name is arit and many times i go Aight ? and she says Right

. Not one day has she dared to put it all together and say AHARIT !

I wondered why she would never tell me her real name . I wondered not for long as I

asked her to marry me . to which she immediately agreed . She had been waiting for

this for ages .


Now we are about to get married it is just a few days or even weeks away .



And I asked her for the last time What is your name Arit

And she said AHARIT and I looked at her and understood . AHA RIGHT !


He sold his birthright for a meal of porridge He ignored the 'Aharit' . That which

comes After . Show me Temptations and I will ask for the AHARIT .

Now we shall soon be together for ever even after the AHARIT !

Happy Valentine

Ephesians 4:2

July 20 2010, Concord House, London: The inauguration of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), UK Chapter. In attendance was Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly; Yinka Odumakin; Nasir El Rufai; pastors from the Gain Group and other activists that formed the SNG, UK chapter. I was representing the Transform Nigeria Movement. I listened carefully as these gentlemen enunciated their vision and mission to cleanse the atmosphere of Nigeria politics so that - quoting Mr Odumakin - “a Mr Elombah can come back to Nigeria one day and contest for the House of Representatives and be assured that the votes of the people in his constituency will count.”

It was a moving occasion, as Mr Bakare - who has this extraordinary ability to speak with such force and emotion that turn your eyes misty - narrated how Nigeria has been held in the jugular by thugs that have captured our nation, allowed by a seemingly docile populace whose “social mobility” has quenched. What I heard that day seems to hold out hope that, at last, some people are determined to bring forth the change we all desire. At the end of the launch, I attended another meeting with a journalist from Nigeria, where I confirmed what Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, said at another gathering of the SNG - that Nigerian politicians look at activists as “wooly-eyed dreamers”. This journalist (I will call him Mr J) said if we are hoping for a Nigeria where the people will freely elect their leaders in a free and peaceful election, we still have a very long way to go. Some of the things Mr J narrated cannot simply be published. Suffice it to say he pointed out that “Nigeria is not a country, but an organized criminal outpost for crooks whose interest is personal aggrandisement and not the business of taking care of its citizens”.

Mr J further told me that whatever I read is merely a tip of the iceberg and that if I get to know the actual amount of looting that goes for governance, or the debauched life lived by some of the people I admire in government, I won’t sleep at night.

Recently, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, publicly engaged in fisticuffs over a dispute of who should cut the ribbon announcing the opening of a simple bridge in Sango-Ota, in Ogun State. How did thugs get to capture governance in Nigeria? Mr Bakare said at the inauguration that he will never encourage any sane human to go into Nigerian politics in this polluted environment. But he added that members of the SNG might go into politics, “after the atmosphere has been cleansed”.

The RSVP process

I think what we are seeing is a civilian version of the military in power. Or the militarised version of the civilians in power. Who killed Bayo Ohu and Godwin Agbroko? IBB felt challenged by Mamman Vatsa and charged him with coup plotting and killed him...now tell me who felt uncomfortable with former Attorney General, Bola Ige and had him murdered? Who killed Harry Marshall, Dikibo, Odunayo Olagbaju? Who killed Ahmed Pategi and his police orderly? Who killed Victor Nwankwo, the younger brother of Arthur Nwankwo? Who killed Kudirat Abiola, John Nunu, Funsho Williams, Chimere Ikoku, Ayodeji Daramola, Dele Arojo and Isyaku Muhammad? With the passing of each year, the list grows longer and longer..

Mr Bakare believes no good Nigerian can succeed as a peoples’ politician and serve the people within the polluted waters of Nigerian politics because the others will change him into one of their kind. Mr Bakare also believes that only when the people exercise their rights and take powers back into their hands, by selecting their candidates and ensuring free, credible and peaceful elections, will such a cleansing begin. He called this cleansing process RSVP: R-Register to vote, S- Select your candidates, V-Vote, P-Protect your votes.

Academics are such an incomprehensible lot. As they sit in the classroom and reel out various normative theories, they make their students think that everything is that easy. They assume an indescribable air of infallibility as they criticise every government policy.

But whenever they cross over and join the government they leave you wondering if they were really the same people, who just months ago, were lambasting every government policy. We have had so many of such academics at the state and federal levels.

To be fair to them, some had found themselves in government and refused to change their principles, maintaining those high standards that made many of their students see them as role models.

For instance, there was a certain Professor Eme Awa (of blessed memory) who was appointed chairman of the then National Electoral Commission in the early 1990s by then military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. Being a man of proven integrity, Awa’s appointment was lauded by many Nigerians who knew him.

But Awa’s integrity, as later events proved, was only being used by the fox in power then to give credibility to his bogus transition programme. The old professor assumed office and was told to follow a script. But he refused to tow the line of the dictator and his cronies but instead resigned with his integrity intact.

Indeed, Awa must have remembered his students; those young men and women who saw him as a role model. He didn’t want to disappoint them and today, history is very fair to him.

Perhaps, that was why rgb(54, 99, 136);"">President Goodluck Jonathan told the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to remember his students while administering the oath of office on him and the commissioners of the electoral body.

The President said: “I was quite excited when people described you (Jega) as a radical and I am happy that a radical is going to INEC to do positive things and make sure that you don’t compromise that belief.

”Luckily, you are a professor of high repute; your students are all watching you whether you will stand by the principle you have been talking in the classroom. Your colleagues that you have left are also watching you.

That was a big challenge from the President. Indeed we have heard a lot about Jega’s radical tendencies; how as the President of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities during Babangida’s regime he challenged the dictator and pulled lecturers out of the classroom.

With such pedigree, he cannot afford to fail. Luckily, he is not a southerner like the President and as such, we are not expecting some southern ‘porapo’ camaraderie rather we are expecting him to be independent-minded and firm.

Thank goodness, Jega appears to understand the magnitude of his task, hence he said in his acceptance speech, “We also know that, to succeed in this assignment, we need the goodwill, support, cooperation and assistance of all stakeholders within our country and all friends of scroll 0% 0% transparent; cursor: pointer; border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136);">Nigeria and its development partners globally.”

He said the new INEC was “willing and ready to partner with all stakeholders who are genuinely interested in contributing positively to bringing about free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria in 2011”, even as he acknowledged that, “ this assignment given to us is an enormous and profound challenging one.”

If the truth must be told, only the prof cannot give us credible elections as he needs the support of all stakeholders. But his demeanor and attitude , sooner or later,will surely reveal his intentions and dream for Nigeria.

However, it is now left to the acclaimed radical to maintain his integrity- like Awa- or enter that black book where history has consigned those who conspired with the authorities to give us execrable elections. He cannot escape it, for in less than 10 months we will surely know where his name will be found. .

Today's warp-speed doctors' office visits rarely address all of your Q's, which is why it's more critical than ever to be in tune with your body—it can help yield some important insight.

Here's what to look for:

Photo: Guess ?

Mouth

White tongue coating

Could mean: You have a yeast infection—the oral type, that is. Your mouth maintains a fine yeast-bacteria balance, but when foreign stuff (think: antibiotics) throws that out of whack, the yeast portion grows unchecked and coats your tongue. A prescription antifungal rinse should clear things up. If it doesn't, revisit your doc.

Inflamed gums

Could mean: You're knocked up. "Your dentist is often the first to know,. "Swollen gums are one of the early side effects of the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy." If your gums are puffy or bleed when you floss—and your period is late—it may be time to take a pregnancy test.

Your guide to a perfect smile.

Cracked mouth corners

Could mean: You're vitamin deficient, says a dermatologist . ("Otherwise," , "you're a big lip licker. Stop that!") A lack of B vitamins— specifically, B2, B6, and folic acid—can dry out the sensitive skin on the outer corners of your mouth, causing unseemly cracks on your kisser. Adding nutrient-rich eats such as leafy greens and watermelon to your regular diet should smooth out any rough patches.

Eyes

Sparse outer eyebrows

Could mean: Your thyroid isn't pumping out enough hormones, More than 27 millionpeople have thyroid disorders, and eight out of 10 of those are women. The right prescription meds should get your hormones—and brows—back on track.

Dark under-eye circles

Could mean: You have allergies. Nasal congestion from allergies can dilate and darken the veins around your eyes and nose. Once you pinpoint and treat your allergen culprits—often with OTC meds—your under-eye shadows should fade.

Hair

Thinning hair

Could mean: You have a thyroid issue. If you've been noticing more breakage when you blow-dry, head to your Doctor. for a thyroid test. Brittle hair can also be a sign of malnourishment—specifically, deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A. So for the love of your hair (and your health), steer clear of any lownutrient crash diets.

Skin

Brown splotches

Could mean: You've had a self-tanner mishap... or you have a benign condition called melasma that's often associated with oral contraceptives. Doctors aren't sure why some birth-control pills cause these dark patches on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip, but they do know UV exposure makes them worse. Your M. D. might recommend a hydroquinone cream.

Small yellow bumps

Could mean: You're looking at fat deposits caused by high cholesterol. The yellowish bulges can appear anywhere (yes, on thin people too) but are most common on the knees, elbows, hands, and feet. Make an appointment with your doc for a simple blood cholesterol test.

A rash on your rump

Could mean: Celiac disease, which is triggered by eating gluten, can manifest itself as an itchy red rash or blisters on your derriere. Ten to 15 percent of people with gluten intolerance get this inflammation, which can also appear on your elbows and knees, says a cosmetic dermatologist . Fortunately, once you cut pasta, wheat bread, and other gluten sources from your diet, you'll kick the butt blisters too.

Build a better backside with this leg and booty-busting workout.

Nails

Brittle nails

Could mean: Your frail nails might indicate nutritional deficiencies like low calcium, vitamin D, or zinc, says a dermatologist . Sporting nude nails more often and maintaining a balanced diet may help. Or you can try soaking your nails in water for five minutes at night before moisturizing them with an alpha hydroxy cream

 Be Transformed (12:1-2)INTRODUCTION



1. In Ro 12:1-2, Paul makes the following plea regarding transforming

   our lives:



   "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that

   you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to

   God, [which is] your reasonable service. And do not be conformed

   to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

   that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect

   will of God.."



2. As we consider this text, several questions come to mind...

   a. What does it mean to be transformed?

   b. What is the goal of transformation?

   c. What should motivate us to undergo transformation?

   d. What does one do in order to experience transformation?



[Starting with the first question ("What does it mean to be

transformed?"), let's consider . . . ]



I. THE DEFINITION OF TRANSFORMATION



   A. THE WORD... 

      1. The Greek word is metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o)

         a. Lit., "to change into another form" (Vine's)

         b. From which comes the word "metamorphosis"

         c. Used to describe a change of form (e.g., when a caterpillar

            becomes a butterfly)

      2. In the NT, this word is used to describe:

         a. What happened to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration - Mt

            17:1-2

         b. What is to happen to Christians in their service to God - Ro

            12:1-2



   B. THE CONCEPT...

      1. The idea being commanded by Paul is this:

         a. Christians are "to undergo a complete change, which under

            the power of God, will find expression in character and

            conduct"  (Vine's)

         b. I.e., we who are "caterpillars" are to become "butterflies"

      2. Note that Paul uses the passive voice

         a. Indicating that "transformation" is something we allow to be

            done to us

         b. Not something we do by our own power alone

         c. Rather, we submit to God's power and by His grace...

            1) We are "changed into another form"

            2) We become a "new creation" - cf. 2Co 5:17



[But this leads us to our second question ("What is the goal of

transformation?")...]



II. THE GOAL OF TRANSFORMATION



   A. TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST...

      1. As expressed by Paul - 2Co 3:18

      2. As predestined by God - Ro 8:29

      3. The purpose of being a disciple (to become like his teacher)

         - Lk 6:40

      4. The goal of Christian living - cf. Col 3:9-10



   B. TO LIVE LIKE CHRIST...

      1. To present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to

         God

         a. Is this not what Jesus did on earth? - cf. He 10:5

         b. So we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices - Ro 12:1

      2. To prove that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect

         a. Was this not Jesus sought to do on earth? - cf. Jn 6:38

         b. So we are to demonstrate that God's will is right - Ro 12:2



[Such is the goal of being transformed; indeed, it is the goal of being

a Christian!  Yet why do many never experience the transformation God

offers?  Why do they remain "caterpillars"?  Perhaps they lack the

proper motivation...]



III. THE MOTIVATION FOR TRANSFORMATION



   A. THE MERCIES OF GOD...

      1. In our text, Paul appealed to transformation based on God's

         mercies - Ro 12:1

      2. What mercies of God had Paul discussed earlier in his epistle?

         a. Freedom from sin - Ro 6:16-18

         b. Gift of eternal life - Ro 6:23

         c. Peace with God - Ro 5:1

         d. Access to the grace of God - Ro 5:2

         e. Saved from the wrath of God - Ro 5:9

      -- Should not God's mercy move us to repent and seek

         transformation? - cf. Ro 2:4-5



   B. THE LOVE OF CHRIST...

      1. Elsewhere, Paul revealed the motivating power of the love of

         Christ - 2Co 5:14-15

      2. Such love compelled him to live for Jesus - cf. Ga 2:20

      -- Does not the love of Christ move us to live FOR Him and LIKE

         Him?



   C. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE...

      1. The alternative to being transformed is being conformed to this

         world - Ro 12:1

         a. The word conformed (suschematizo, soos-khay-mat-id'-zo) as

            used here implies that which is "transitory, changeable,

            unstable" (Vine's)

         b. I.e., at the most we can only be an imitation, a cheap copy

      2. If not transformed, we will either be conformed to...

         a. The world

            1) Act like the world, be like those in the world

            2) In which we will bring shame to the name of Christ

         b. Other Christians

            1) Outwardly we may act like Christians, appear like them

            2) But it will be just a cheap "copy", which eventually

               reveals its true nature!

         -- Is that what we want? To bring shame to the name of Christ?

            To be "plastic" Christians, or to be the real thing?



[Why not let the mercies of God and the love of Christ motivate us to

seek transformation?  The process is not as difficult as one might

think...]



IV. THE PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION



   A. IN THE BEGINNING...

      1. Remember, transformation is a passive process ("be

         transformed") - Ro 12:2

         a. We cannot change ourselves by our own strength or

            meritorious works

         b. As Paul vividly illustrated his dilemma prior to his

            conversion - Ro 7:14-24

         -- We must submit to God's working on us!

      2. It begins when we are baptized into Christ!

         a. For there we experience the working of God - Col 2:11-13

            1) Spiritually circumcised as our sins are removed

            2) Buried then raised with Christ

            3) Made alive with Christ, forgiven of all trespasses

         b. For there we experience the renewal of the Spirit - Tit 3:5

            1) Saved by the mercy of God

            2) Involving a washing of regeneration and renewal of the

               Holy Spirit

         c. For there we rise to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-8

            1) Having been buried with Christ by baptism into His death

            2) Having been crucified with Christ that we might be free

               from sin

            3) Having been raised to live with Christ

         -- When joined with faith and repentance, baptism becomes the

            starting point in which true transformation can take place!

            - cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38



   B. RENEWING THE MIND...

      1. The process of transformation continues as we renew the mind

         a. As indicated in our text - Ro 12:2; cf. also Ep 4:20-24

         b. Unless there is a renewing of the mind, any change in our

            lives will be superficial

      2. Renewing the mind is made possible by where we set our minds

         a. Setting our minds on things above - Col 3:1-2

         b. Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit - Ro 8:5

         c. I.e., feeding our minds with the Word of God, prayer,

            fellowship, etc. - Ac 2:42

      3. With our minds "renewed" we can experience a true

         transformation!

         a. By putting off the old man and putting on the new man - cf.

            Col 3:2,5-10

         b. By living according to the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:5,13

      4. The process of transformation is really quite simple

         a. Set your minds on things above in order to renew your mind;

            for example...

            1) Meditate and contemplate on God and His Word

            2) Keep your mind in communication with God via prayer

            3) Involve your mind in spiritual worship via frequent

               assembling with others

            4) Center your mind on Jesus via the Lord's Supper

            ...and your mind will gradually be renewed!

         b. With renewed minds, it becomes possible to put off the old,

            and put on the new!

            1) To put off the old man with its sins

            2) To put on the new man patterned after the example of

               Christ

      5. Modern studies in self-improvement confirm this truth

         a. We become what we think

         b. We can change attitudes and behavior by filling our mind

            with positive mental images

      -- In our efforts, we are not alone; God is at work with us! - cf.

         Php 1:6; 2:12-13



   C. WHAT HINDERS MANY CHRISTIANS...

      1. If it is so easy, why do many Christians remain "caterpillars"?

         a. Were they not regenerated at their baptism? (yes)

         b. Don't they have the promise of God's help? (yes)

      2. The problem is likely a failure to renew the mind

         a. Can a mind be renewed on a starvation diet? (e.g., irregular

            Bible study)

         b. Can a mind be renewed on a junk-food diet? (e.g., trashy

            movies and novels)

      3. Why many Christians do not experience transformation...

         a. They become what they think, and much of what they think

            upon is not becoming!

         b. They spend more time watching things of the devil than

            reading things of the Spirit!

      -- Our attitudes and behavior is but a reflection of what goes

         into our minds!

I often use a search engine to explore and review my clients' websites and check if anything is untoward. The other weekI came across a report on one client's site that was obviously intendedfor internal consumption only. I immediately rang my client to warnthem. They explained that the report had been posted to the publicwebsite instead of the internal intranet by mistake and they'd removedit as soon as the error was discovered. Obviously they were quitealarmed that I could still access it more than a week later.

This is a great example of the all-consuming nature of Web searches, Google searches in particular. Google takes a snapshot of each page itssearch crawlers examine and caches it as a backup. It's also theversion used to judge if a page is a good match for a query. Myclient's report was only on the Web for about three hours and yet acopy of it ended up stored in Google's cache and was still availablefor anyone to read. The fact that sensitive information that getscrawled can remain in the public domain means data classification andcontent change processes are vital to prevent this type of data leakagefrom occurring.

Unfortunately, private or sensitive business information makes its way onto the public Internet all too often. In this tip, we'll discussreasons why this happens, and some strategies to help enterprises keepprivate or sensitive data off the Web.

The incident noted above gave me the opportunity to address with my client some specific information security problems that led to thereport being posted on its website. The first problem was that theorganization didn't properly classify its data and documents.Implementing a system of data classification and clearly labellingdocuments with that classification would make such an incident far lesslikely.

Poets, novelists and songwriters have described it in countless turns of phrase, but at the level of biology, love is all about chemicals.

Although the physiology of romantic love has not been extensively studied, scientists can trace the symptoms of deep attraction to their logical sources.

"Part of the whole attraction process is strongly linked to physiological arousal as a whole," said Timothy Loving (his real name), assistant professor of
human ecology at the University of Texas, Austin. "Typically, that's
going to start with things like increased heart rate, sweatiness and so
on,"

When you catch sight of your beloved and your heart starts racing, that's because of an adrenaline rush, said Dr. Reginald Ho, a cardiac electrophysiologist and associate professor of medicine
at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Here's how it works: The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
They flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and
stronger, Ho said.

The response is somewhat similar to a fast heartbeat while running on a treadmill, although exercise has other benefits, he said.

For people with serious heart problems, love could actually be dangerous, Ho said. That's because when the heart rate goes up, the heart uses more oxygen, which can be risky for
an older person with blood vessel blockages or who has had a prior
heart attack. But good medicines such as beta blockers help curb the
adrenaline response, Ho said.

It is also likely that norepinephrine, a stress hormone that governs attention and responding actions, makes you feel weak in the knees, said Helen Fisher, professor
at Rutgers University and author of the book "Why Him? Why Her? Finding
Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type."

Fisher's research team did brain imaging of people who said they were "madly in love" and found activity in the area of the brain that produces the
neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine and norepinephrine are closely
related.

"What dopamine does is it gives you that focused attention, the craving, the euphoria, the energy and the motivation, in this case the motivation to win life's greatest prize," she said.

This norepinephrine response has never been precisely studied in relation to romantic love, but the system seems to be more activated in people in love, she said..

Also likely involved is the serotonin system, she said. Some data from an Italian study indicate that a drop in serotonin levels is associated with obsessive thinking.

The stress hormone cortisol has also been shown to have implications for love, Loving said. His lab showed study participants who had recently
fallen in love a picture of a romantic partner or friend, and had them
describe or "relive" the moment of falling in love or wanting to be
friends, respectively. Those who recalled falling in love showed an
increase in stress hormones such as cortisol even 30 minutes after they
were asked to think about it.

Generally, there are three brain systems involved in romantic love: sex drive, love and attachment, Fisher said. The sex drive evolved to get you to look for a lot of partners, the "love" portion is for focusing mating energy on one specific person at a time, and
attachment is for allowing you to tolerate the partner -- at least,
long enough to have children with him or her.

These systems are often connected, but can operate separately, she said. That means you can start out with one of them -- casual sex, or an intense feeling of
love, or an emotional connection -- and move on to the others. For
example, what may start out as a one-night stand may feel like more
because the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, released during orgasm,
make you feel deeply attached to someone. You may feel in love after
that, or instead feel somehow responsible for the person, because of
these hormones.

Fisher's team has found that romantic love doesn't have to die -- they found the same activity in the brains of people who said they were in love after 20 years of marriage as in
people who had just fallen in love. This brain area makes dopamine and
sends it to other areas.

In the days of early humans, in hunting-and-gathering societies, these qualities were especially advantageous for finding a person to bear and raise children with, she
said.

Why, then, do small children fall in love if they are not trying to reproduce? Fisher hypothesizes that kids -- even 4-year-olds -- practice at love and learning more about themselves
before it begins to become important to them.

Love also has health benefits for people who have aged beyond their reproductive years, she said. Being in love makes people feel optimistic, energetic,
focused and motivated, which were all positive for health and societal
contribution in the early days of humans, she said. So, it makes sense
evolutionarily that people can still fall in love after their
childbearing period.

Romance also is good for you. Studies have shown that people who have frequent sex are generally healthier, with a longer life, fewer coronary events and lower blood pressure. A 1995
study in the journal Demography found that marriage adds seven years to
a man's life and two years to a woman's.

Loving's team is studying how people who have recently fallen in love respond to stressful situations. They hypothesize that people for whom the love is
still new will respond to the stress and recover from it quicker than
those who have recently been in a breakup or have been in a relationship for a long time.

"The guess is that when individuals are falling in love, they are walking around with rose-colored glasses," he said.