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Ibinabo Fiberesima fights for prisoners

12166215474?profile=originalIbinabo Fiberesima fights for prisoners.. been there done that now lets help !

Prisoners prayer : God pls bring more celebrities ... amen.

Actress Ibinabo Fiberesima who’s since moved on with her life after her traumatic experience has returned to the Kirikiri maximum prison to extend a hand of help to the prisoners.

The actress, was in a Lagos High court during the week to demand for justice for two prisoners whom she said have been standing trial for the past five years without any evidence to persecute their cases.



Ibinabo, disclosed that she is working with a team of lawyers who are assisting her in pursuing this noble course. Already, according to her, she has succeeded in setting about two other prisoners free, as she hopes to set more prisoners free in future. - Vanguard Newspaper
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Bilberry

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) contains nutrients that protect eyes from eyestrain or fatigue, and can improve circulation to the eyes. When British Royal Air Force pilots During World War II ate Bilberry preserves before night missions and discovered that their night vision improved afterwards, this herb was investigated and found to be beneficial for the eyes. Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight. It is believed that this property is related to the high amount of proanthocyanidins, a type of flavonoid that tends to prevent capillary fragility and strengthen the capillaries which nourish the eyes. Other properties appear to assist in thinning the blood and stimulating the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system. Anthocyanosides support and enhance the health of collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, thus aiding in the development of strong healthy capillaries that can carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves. Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests have indicated that oral administration of bilberry tends to improve visual accuracy in healthy people and can help those with eye disorders such as pigmentosa, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia.

B Complex

B-complex vitamins play many roles in the human body, but primarily they nourish the brain and nervous system. A diet high in refined foods or a life full of stress puts a greater demand on the body for these important nutrients. B1 - skin, eyes, hair; B2 - nourishes the tissues of the body; B6 - mild diuretic, PMS; B12 - anxiety and depression; Folic Acid - works synergistically with B12, cell division and replication; Biotin - metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates, cholesterol; B3 (Niacin) - energy production; Pantothenic acid - nourishes the adrenal glands which help the body to withstand stress; PABA - works synergistically with folic acid; Choline bitartrate - helps make acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter in the brain; Inositol - metabolism of fat and cholesterol; absorption and utilization of fat.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is a rich source of many nutrients, including amino acids. It bursts with easily assimilated protein and lecithin, which nourish the brain and nervous system. Bee Pollen nutritionally supports the body in many ways, including assisting with vitality and a feeling of well-being. It has been used by athletes, along with Ginseng, to maintain energy and stamina.

Beta-Carotene

Tanning tablets containing beta-carotene and canthaxanthin have been available over the counter to promote the appearance of a "suntan". Tanning tablets have been used to give a natural-looking skin tan, prevent photosensitivity in people with inherited erythropoietic protoporphyria, and in the treatment of vitiligo.


Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances, such as grape seed or pine bark extract, vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta carotene, that appear to protect body cells from the damaging effects of oxidation. This would make them especially helpful for the circulatory system and for soft tissue maintenance.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has historically been known for assisting the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, and for its properties of soothing, cleansing and helping the body to maintain healthy tissues. This plant has a reputation of facilitating digestion, aiding blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as kidney, liver and gall bladder functions. Aloe contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. It naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent overacidity - a common cause of digestive complaints. A newly discovered compound in aloe, acemannan, is currently being studied for its ability to strengthen the immune system. Studies have shown acemannan to boost T-lymphocyte cells that aid natural resistance.

 

Borage Oil

Borage oil is an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid. It also nourishes the heart.

 

Boron

Boron may retard bone loss. There are indications that boron increases the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as controls the urinary loss of these minerals. The ability to use energy and to think may also be related to boron levels, but this is not yet confirmed. Boron be be nutritionally supportive in conditions of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.


Calcium

Calcium is essential to strong bones and may prevent osteoporosis.

 

Calcium Pantothenate

Calcium pantothenate nutritionally supports the glandular system and helps promote a feeling of well-being.

 

Chromium

Chromium is necessary for the body to convert glucose to energy. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study has shown that nine out of ten Americans get less than the low end range of chromium recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. Biologically-active chromium (as found in ChromaTone), helps maximize the body's efficient use of insulin. Insulin regulates the metabolism of blood sugar, lipids (including cholesterol) and protein. Studies also indicate that chromium, when combined with appropriate exercise, has very positive muscle-tissue building and toning properties.

Devil's Claw

Devil's Claw has been used traditionally for an extensive range of diseases, including arthritis and rheumatism. Research has suggested that it may be of assistance as a hypotensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai has traditionally been used to relieve pain in rheumatism, to suppress allergies, and to treat menstrual disorders. It has been shown to possess antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFA), sometimes referred to as vitamin F, cannot be made from the body - they must be supplied in the diet. Essential fatty acids nourish the body at the very foundation of health . . . at the cellular level. They strengthen cell membranes to fortify against the invasion of harmful microorganisms. These nutrients also help dissolve body fat and increase metabolism and energy production. Thus, they are also very helpful in a comprehensive weight management program. Essential Fatty Acids help reduce cravings for sweet and fatty foods.

 

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil supplies both linolenic and linoleic essential fatty acids.


Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil may have anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities. Development of atherosclerosis has been reduced by up to 69% in some studies using diets enriched with flaxseed. Flaxseed has been recommended by some for hyperlipidemia, to decrease platelet aggregation, and to help prevent heart attack and stroke. It may have some ability to lower blood pressure and to have anti-inflammatory effects in persons with arthritis, as well as assist in fighting breast cancer.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a vitamin that stimulates the formation of normal red blood cells. Folic acid helps nourish the skin and nervous system.

Garlic

Garlic provides nourishment for the circulatory, immune and urinary systems. It aids in supporting with normal circulation, nourishing stomach tissues, maintaining normal blood pressure and aids the body's natural ability to resist disease. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and fungicide.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as a stimulant of the peripheral circulation in cases of bad circulation, chilblains and cramps. In cases of fever, ginger may act as a diaphoretic to promote perspiration. It may also be effective, as a gargle, in relieving sore throats.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine stimulates the body's manufacture of collagen, the protein portion of the fibrous substance that holds joints together. Collagen is also the main component of the shock-absorbing cushion called articular cartilage — the white smooth surface which covers the ends of body joints — such as those in the wrist, fingers, toes, ankles, knees, hips and between the discs of the spine.

 

Grapeseed Extract

Grapeseed extract is a rich source of potent antioxidant bioflavonoids known as proanthocyanidins. Grape seed extract provides 92-95% potency, as compared to 80-84% yielded by pine bark. This means that its antioxidant and nutritional properties are far superior. According to proanthocyanidin researcher, Dr. Jack Masquelier, only grape seeds contain powerful gallic esters, dynamic ingredients in the battle against free radicals.


Noni

The noni plant has many folk-remedy uses. It is fabled among the Polynesian peoples to especially help support the body's respiratory, immune, digestive, and structural systems.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are dietary fats required for a healthy nervous and immune system. For example, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an important constituent of brain cell membranes. Many fats can be synthesized by the body, but some, like DHA, must be obtained through the diet. DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fat, and the omega-3-type fats must be kept in balance with omega-6 fats to insure that proper physiological functioning can be maintained. While omega-6's are abundant in the typical American diet - occurring in most vegetable oils - omega-3's are harder to come by. One good source, however, is fish.


Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that reinforces the body's defense system.

 

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum) has been studied for its potential antidepressant and antiviral effects. (Caution: Dr. Donald Brown of Bastyr University recommends that persons with fair skin avoid exposure to strong sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light when taking St. John's Wort because of some cases of photosensitivity that have been reported. He also advises avoiding foods that contain tyramine, alcoholic beverages, and medications such as tyrosine, narcotics, amphetamines, and over-the-counter cold and flu remedies while taking St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort should not be taken while also taking prescription antidepressants. It is also Dr. Brown's opinion that St. John's Wort should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.)

Article extracted from : http://www.all-natural.com/herbguid.html

 

For Quality Health Products That Contain The Following Herbs/Vitamins/Minerals Visit : 

http://upwardliving.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/buy-swissgardes-nafdac-approved-products/


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12166297499?profile=originalWith Reports that have filtered in saying Lucky has been facing a serious Obesity Problem and recently his father The Esama of Benin aka "Igbins"was in the News for "enticing" INEC officials into Registering at his private residence.

The previously convicted former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following fresh discoveries that he fraudulently diverted Edo State Government’s Afribank shares valued at $6.2 million (N961m) and government’s Access Bank Plc shares valued at $775, 000 (N120m) amongst others for his personal use.

we gathered that the anti-graft commission opened fresh investigations into the activities of the former governor after it received a petition from an indigene of the state.

“The new investigations involve a whopping N25 billion naira and Chief Lucky Igbinedion has refused to honour several invitations since December to answer to the charges,” a source at the anti-graft agency told we today..

He is also accused of fraudulently diverting more that N300 million naira of Edo State Government funds which he allegedly used to purchase a Sheraton Hotel in GRA Benin City.

Our source, who pled anonymity, said operatives have been mandated to seek and detain the former governor, who is believed to have gone underground to evade arrest.

Igbinedion is known to frequently shuttle between South Africa, Dubai, London and the United States.

The commission is expected to charge Igbinedion on Monday, January 31, 2010 and would ask INTERPOL to issue a red notice for his arrest worldwide if he fails to voluntarily surrender, the source said.

EFCC spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi confirmed that the agency had opened new investigations on Igbinedion and that the charges were different from the ones he pled guilty to in a Federal High Court in Enugu State in 2008, where he was fined a ridiculous N3.5 million naira on a one-count charge after an initial 191 count charge of fraud, theft, embezzlement and money laundering was amended.

The former governor was said to have gotten the lenient punishment following the backing he received from the disgraced former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Michael Andoakaa and the Yar’Adua government.

The EFCC however rejected the sentence and filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal but the matter has not witnessed any reasonable progress since 2008.

Lucky Igbinedion was unarguably one of Nigeria’s most corrupt governors with a very poor record of service delivery while he occupied the Edo State Government House for 8 years (1999-2007).

He allegedly acquired mansions in posh neighbourhoods in South Africa, Dubai, London, United States, Abuja and Benin City with funds meant for the development of his state.

The source said the commission would move for a Mareva injunction to freeze all the assets and funds traced to the politician while it tries to bring him to justice.

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Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook Fan Page Hacked !

mark_zuckerberg_hack1.jpgMark Zuckerberg’s Facebook fan page seems to have been hacked, with the hacker posting a message calling on the company to transform into a “social business.”

The message, seemingly posted on Facebook from Mark Zuckerberg’s account, was quickly removed (together with the fan page), but not quickly enough to go by unnoticed, receiving more than 1,800 “likes” and hundreds of comments in the process.

The message read: “Let the hacking begin: If facebook needs money, instead of going to the banks, why doesn’t Facebook let its users invest in Facebook in a social way? Why not transform Facebook into a ‘social business’ the way Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus described it? [LINK] What do you think? #hackercup2011″

Facebook made no statement about the incident, but if Zuckerberg’s fan page was indeed hacked, it’s a big deal. If the Facebook CEO (more accurately, the PR team that’s handling the page for him) can’t keep his Facebook account safe from intruders, who can?..

We’ve reached out to Facebook about the incident and will update the post when we hear back.

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12166298090?profile=originalwhat 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


Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
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Obama: The president who lost Egypt

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Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and U.S. President Barack Obama

Photo by: AP

The street revolts in Tunisia and Egypt show that the United States can do very little to save its friends from the wrath of their citizens.

 

 

Jimmy Carter will go down in American history as "the president who lost Iran," which during his term went from being a major strategic ally of the United States to being the revolutionary Islamic Republic. Barack Obama will be remembered as the president who "lost" Turkey, Lebanon and Egypt, and during whose tenure America's alliances in the Middle East crumbled...

The superficial circumstances are similar. In both cases, a United States in financial crisis and after failed wars loses global influence under a leftist president whose good intentions are interpreted abroad as expressions of weakness. The results are reflected in the fall of regimes that were dependent on their relationship with Washington for survival, or in a change in their orientation, as with Ankara.


America's general weakness clearly affects its friends. But unlike Carter, who preached human rights even when it hurt allies, Obama sat on the fence and exercised caution. He neither embraced despised leaders nor evangelized for political freedom, for fear of undermining stability.

Obama began his presidency with trips to Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and in speeches in Ankara and Cairo tried to forge new ties between the United States and the Muslim world. His message to Muslims was "I am one of you," and he backed it by quoting from the Koran. President Hosni Mubarak did not join him on the stage at Cairo University, and Obama did not mention his host. But he did not imitate his hated predecessor, President George W. Bush, with blunt calls for democracy and freedom.

Obama apparently believed the main problem of the Middle East was the Israeli occupation, and focused his policy on demanding the suspension of construction in the settlements and on the abortive attempt to renew the peace talks. That failure led him to back off from the peace process in favor of concentrating on heading off an Israeli-Iranian war.

Americans debated constantly the question of whether Obama cut his policy to fit the circumstances or aimed at the wrong targets. The absence of human rights issues from U.S. policy vis-a-vis Arab states drew harsh criticism; he was accused of ignoring the zeitgeist and clinging to old, rotten leaders. In the past few months many opinion pieces have appeared in the Western press asserting that the days of Mubarak's regime are numbered and calling on Obama to reach out to the opposition in Egypt. There was a sense that the U.S. foreign policy establishment was shaking off its long-term protege in Cairo, while the administration lagged behind the columnists and commentators.

The administration faced a dilemma. One can guess that Obama himself identified with the demonstrators, not the aging dictator. But a superpower isn't the civil rights movement. If it abandons its allies the moment they flounder, who would trust it tomorrow? That's why Obama rallied to Mubarak's side until Friday, when the force of the protests bested his regime.

The street revolts in Tunisia and Egypt showed that the United States can do very little to save its friends from the wrath of their citizens. Now Obama will come under fire for not getting close to the Egyptian opposition leaders soon enough and not demanding that Mubarak release his opponents from jail. He will be accused of not pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hard enough to stop the settlements and thus indirectly quell the rising tides of anger in the Muslim world. But that's a case of 20:20 hindsight. There's no guarantee that the Egyptian or Tunisian masses would have been willing to live in a repressive regime even if construction in Ariel was halted or a few opposition figures were released from jail.

Now Obama will try to hunker down until the winds of revolt die out, and then forge ties with the new leaders in the region. It cannot be assumed that Mubarak's successors will be clones of Iran's leaders, bent on pursuing a radical anti-American policy. Perhaps they will emulate Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who navigates among the blocs and superpowers without giving up his country's membership in NATO and its defense ties with the United States. Erdogan obtained a good deal for Turkey, which benefits from political stability and economic growth without being in anyone's pocket. It could work for Egypt, too.

 


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glo mobile new tariff Glo Freedom ! 15k/sec

glo mobile has introduced a new tarrif called glo freedom.. 15k/sec on-net and 20k/sec of-net.without any daily rental or the first minute syndrome 'your special two' package that allows you to register and call for free two glo mobile numbers at 100naira per month it has also extended its midnight call hours from 11pm-5:59am and free calls on sundays glo-glo
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China to create world’s largest city



Shenzhen-chinese-megacity-Paula-Bronstein-Getty-Images--main.jpgA city twice the size of .Wales and 26 times the size of London. In China it's not just possible, it's being planned


Construction in Shenzhen is underway for the creation of China's 42 million people mega city that will challenge Shanghai and Beijing as China's economic engine..
It would be a city bigger than Wales, but it’s perfectly in line with China’s building mantra: go big or go home.

Planners are proposing to merge nine cities around the Pearl River Delta in southern China, from Guangzhou to Shenzhen, just north of Hong Kong, reports The Telegraph.

Called the "Turn The Pearl River Delta Into One" plan, the proposal will create a 16,000 square mile area “that is 26 times larger geographically than Greater London, or twice the size of Wales,” according to the paper.

•More on CNNGo: China announces high-speed rail link to Singapore via Vietnam
China is creating its first mega city, which will challenge the dominance of China’s current main urban areas of Beijing/Tianjin and Shanghai.

The goal of the new city will be to integrate China’s manufacturing base, which will include the cities of Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Huizhou and Zhaoqing.

Together, according to the Telegraph, they account for nearly a tenth of the Chinese economy.

The new zone will be created over the next six years, and will connect the current cities’ transport, energy, water and telecommunications networks.

The area will also have an express rail line to Hong Kong.

If you’re having a difficult time imagining this, think of it as China’s version of Tokyo.

•More on CNNGo: New Jetstar route links Hanghzhou to Singapore
"The idea is that when the cities are integrated, the residents can travel around freely and use the health care and other facilities in the different areas," said Ma Xiangming, the chief planner at the Guangdong Rural and Urban Planning Institute and a senior consultant on the project.

This is not the only massive urbanization plan going on in the country. By 2025 China will have 221 mega cities with more than 1 million residents, and eight cities each with a population of more than 10 million.
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12166298068?profile=originalSerena Williams has already admitted that she had foot surgery, following an accident involving broken glass at a restaurant in Munich last summer. However, now it is being reported that her foot is badly infected and not responding to antibiotics.

SandraRose is reporting:

“Williams has a serious bone infection (osteomyelitis) in her right foot that is not responding well to intravenous antibiotics such as Vancomycin, considered among the last-line of antibiotics that doctors use when all else fails.

As a result, Williams is losing weight and her weakened state has caused mobility problems...

In addition to dizziness, muscle weakness and low blood pressure, IV Vancomycin’s serious side effects include a persistent sore throat and swelling of the tongue and throat.

Osteomyelitis can result in great loss of bone, but is treatable if caught early. The injury has caused Serena to miss the US Open, and she has plummeted from #1 to #13 in the world.”
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Sean “Diddy” Combs has probably seen his share of crazy things in his life. But we’re certain he’s seen nothing crazier than a recent court filing that claims he is responsible for bringing down the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

diddy-madwhite.jpgAccording to documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Valerie Joyce Wilson Turks is seeking a restraining order against the entertainment mogul amongst other things.

Turks, who says that Diddy is the father of her 23-year-old son, claims that Diddy, ex-girlfriend Kim Porter, and Rodney King (yes, that Rodney King) are responsible for the collapse of the Twin Towers as well as physically and sexually abusing her children.

    [Diddy] went through Kim Porter and Rodney King and knocked down the WTC and then they all came and knocked my children down. Set me up to be on disability and disabled my baby. He put my baby in a wheelchair.

And if you thought that was bad…...

    He date raped me 24 years ago and knocked me down him and Kim Porter and Wallace Wright, then Sean Combs and Kim and Wallace Wright came back 18 years later and raped and sexually abused my children and knocked my children down and crushed me and my children daily

B-b-b-but wait it gets worse!

    Plus I won a lot of money at the casino in Mississippi and Sean P. Diddy Combs has my chip to my money. I heard he gave it to Gwen Allen to hold but she can not cash it in. I want my chip please help me. it’s well worth over 100 zillions of dollars, and my hospital keys. They put me and my baby in the hospital and broke my baby 2 legs and sexual assaulted my children and crushed us.

Turks is asking for $900 billion in child support, and wants another $100 billion for “loss of income.”
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The world's coolest nationalities: Where do you rank?


6. Spanish

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Best lipstick smear ever.

Before everyone realized a couple of years ago that all that money wasn't real, most of northern Europe was flocking to Spain to spend it on vacation homes.

Why? Because sun, sea, sand, siestas and sangria aside, Spain is cool -- and so are the Spanish, who don’t even start the party until most other nations have gone to bed..

It's a shame everyone had to go home.

Icon of cool: Javier Bardem. Antonio Banderas 2.0 bagged Penelope Cruz.

Not so cool: We still haven’t forgotten the Spanish Olympic basketball team’s slant-eyed “tribute” to China in 2008.

5. Americans

Americans_SAUL-LOEB.AFP_.jpg?width=400
In what other country does POTUS go goofy foot?

What? Americans? War-starting, planet-polluting, over-consuming, arms-bearing Americans? Surely we can't be suggesting that the people who voted George W. Bush into the White House (twice!) are cool?

Yes we are because, like it or not, we must.

The evidence is legion. Global politics aside, the world has done rather well out of Americans. Where would the hipsters of today be without rock and roll, classic Hollywood films, great American novels, tail fins, blue jeans, jazz, hip hop, “The Sopranos,” 360-degree slam dunks and that ultimate embodiment of cool -- surfing?

OK, someone else might eventually have come up with the same ideas, but the point is they didn't and America did.

Icon of cool: Johnny Depp. So cool he left the country, went to Europe, moved in with a French model and tried to become Keith Richards.

Not so cool: Pre-emptive military strikes, random invasions, rapacious consumerism, pathetic math scores and Walmart fatties would also place Americans high on any “most uncool” list.

4. Mongolians

Mongolian_Flickr.bachmont.jpg?width=300
"You gotta be kidding me -- we got beat out by Singapore?"

Along with a carefully crafted air of quiet mystery, these unflappable souls pretty much perfected the freewheeling, nomadic cowboy existence, throat singing and yurts. Fur-lined everything -- boots, coats, hats, undies -- adds hearty splendor to the historic mystique. And who else keeps eagles as pets?

Icons of cool: Actress Khulan Chuluun, who played Ghengis Khan's wife in the very cool film, “Mongol,” and matched the arch badass arrow for arrow, barb for barb.

Not so cool: Yak-based dairy products … at every meal.

3. Jamaicans

Jamaicans_Clive-Brunskill.jpg?width=300
Just don't call him "mon" and you'll be cool.

There's more to Jamaicans than reggae, including Rastafarian (the most kick-back religion ever invented), an accent that’s the envy of the English-speaking world and the planet’s most distinctive and recognizable hairstyle. Note to backpackers: dreadlocks only cool on actual Jamaicans.

Icon of cool: Jimmy Cliff. The “Harder They Come" singer is still bringing it at 62.

Not so cool: High murder rate and widespread homophobia.

2. Singaporeans

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Finally, something worth Tweeting about, la?

Think about it: in this digital age where blogging and updating Facebook are pretty much all that anyone does anymore, old school notions of cool have been rebooted. No longer the laughingstock, geeks are now inheriting the Earth.

With its absurdly computer-literate population, Singapore is geek central and its people can therefore claim their rightful place as avatars of modern cool. They’re probably all Tweeting about it right now.

Disagree with Singapore at number two? This might change your mind

Icon of cool: Lim Ding Wen. This child prodigy could program in six computer languages at age nine. A glorious future awaits.

Not so cool: With everyone stuck at their computers, the local government actually has to encourage Singaporeans to have sex.

1. Brazilians

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Celebrating their number-one ranking at Copacabana Beach is way cooler than reading this article.

Without Brazilians we wouldn't have samba and Rio carnival; we wouldn't have the soccer beauty of Pele and Ronaldo; we wouldn't have the minuscule swimwear and toned bodies of Copacabana beach; and we wouldn't have certain eye-watering procedures performed with wax.

Unless they're using their sexy, laid-back, party-loving reputation as a cover for exterminating dolphins or invading Poland, then we have no choice but to name Brazilians as the coolest people on the planet.

So, if you're Brazilian and reading this, congratulations -- although, since you're sitting at a computer instead of showing off your six-pack on the shoreline, you probably aren't that cool yourself.

Icon of cool: Seu Jorge. The favela-raised performer's soulful Portuguese-language Bowie covers make you wish Ziggy Stardust was from Brazil, not space.

Not so cool: Mmmmm, Brazilian meat and cocoa -- so delicious, but farming's destruction of vast tracts of rainforest leaves a bitter aftertaste.



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The Pentagon has begun preparing the US military for the presence of openly gay troops in its ranks and said a training programme would begin in February.

Gay troops could begin serving openly by the summer, once training has been completed and the White House agrees the policy will not hinder fighting.

But the Pentagon warned that troops' same-sex spouses would not be eligible for military benefits.

Last month the US Congress overturned the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Past battles

Mr Obama signed the law allowing gay people serving in the military to be open about their sexuality last month.

"Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love," he said in his State of the Union speech earlier this week..

 

FRANCE’S CONSTITUTIONAL court has upheld a ban on gay marriage, reviving a political row and prompting opposition calls for the government to change the law.

In rejecting a challenge taken by a lesbian couple with four children, the court said it found no conflict between current law on same-sex marriage and the principle of equality. It noted that it was for parliament rather than the constitutional authorities to decide any change to the statute books.

Opposition figures seized on that observation yesterday and urged President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government to make France the ninth European country to allow same-sex marriage. A majority of French public opinion is in favour of such a move, with the latest poll, by TNS Sofres, showing 51 per cent of respondents approved and 35 per cent were against. In 2006, the agency reported 51 per cent opposition and 45 per cent support.

 

 

 

KAMPALA, Uganda — A prominent Ugandan gay rights activist whose picture was published by an anti-gay newspaper next to the words “Hang Them” was bludgeoned to death. Police said Thursday his sexual orientation had nothing to do with the killing and that one “robber” had been arrested.

Activists were outraged over the death of David Kato, an advocacy officer for the gay rights group Sexual Minorities Uganda. His slaying comes after a year of stepped up threats against gays in Uganda, where a controversial bill has proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts.

Kato, who had received multiple threats, was found with serious wounds to his head caused by an attack with a hammer at his home late Wednesday in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. Kato later died on the way to hospital.

“David Kato’s death is a tragic loss to the human rights community,” said Maria Burnett, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “David had faced the increased threats … bravely and will be sorely missed.”

A Ugandan tabloid newspaper called Rolling Stone listed a number of men they said were homosexuals last year, including Kato. Kato’s picture was published on the front page, along with his name and a headline that said “Hang Them.”..

Kato and two other gay activists sued Rolling Stone over claims that it had violated their constitutional rights to privacy and won the case earlier this month. A judge issued an injunction banning the publication of the identities and personal details of alleged homosexuals.

A police spokesman, Vincent Sekatte, said Kato was killed by robbers who have so far killed more than 10 people in that area in the past two months. He said there was no indication the death was connected to any anti-homosexual sentiment. Kato was hit by a hammer that has been recovered by police, Sekatte said.

Police arrested one suspect, a driver for Kato, Sekatte said. A second suspect is being hunted. That suspect had been hired as a house helper and had recently been released from prison, Sekatte said.

Kato’s lawyer told The Associated Press on Thursday that his client had become noticeably more worried about his safety in the wake of the Rolling Stone publication.

“He was conscious that something could happen,” said John Francis Onyango.

Family, friends and neighbors gathered to mourn at Kato’s house on Thursday. Several women lay on the floor of the living room. The room where he had been killed was closed off by the police. A funeral is planned for Friday.

“I feel very lonely,” said John Mulumba Wasswa, Kato’s older twin brother. “My brother was a very brave person, very courageous.”

Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and gay men and women face regular harassment. The controversial bill introduced in 2009 and still before the country’s parliament would see the death penalty introduced for certain homosexual acts. The bill prompted international condemnation and hasn’t come up for a vote.

Human Rights Watch called for an urgent investigation into Kato’s murder, saying Thursday that his work as a prominent gay rights campaigner had previously seen him face threats to his personal safety. The organization called on the Ugandan government to offer gay people in the country sufficient protection.

In a statement, the group said that witnesses had told police that Kato was hit twice on the head by an unknown assailant who had been spotted entering his property. The assailant was then seen leaving by vehicle, the statement said.

Frank Mugisha, the chairman of Sexual Minorities Uganda, said he has asked religious and political leaders and media outlets to stop demonizing sexual minorities in Uganda.

“Across the entire country, straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex Ugandans mourn the loss of David, a dear friend, colleague, teacher, family member and human rights defender,” said Mugisha.

The introduction of the anti-homosexual bill in 2009 followed a conference in Kampala that was attended by American activists who consider same-gender relationships sinful. The U.S. evangelicals believe gays and lesbians can become heterosexual through prayer and counseling. Some gay Ugandans still resent that American intervention.

“David’s death is a result of the hatred planted in Uganda by U.S evangelicals in 2009,” said Val Kalende, a Ugandan gay rights activist. “The Ugandan government and the so-called U.S evangelicals must take responsibility for David’s blood.”

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ANPP Gov Aspirant Shot dead

As gunmen fell ANPP guber candidate, gov’s brother and five others *Hours after Northern govs raise panel on ethno-religious crises *Jonathan condemns his murder By NDAHI MARAMA & UMAR YUSUF, with agency report The violence and killings in the North East flank of the country took a more frightening dimension, yesterday, after unknown gunmen killed the ANPP governorship candidate in Borno State, Engineer Modu Fannami Gubio, and six other persons including the younger brother of Governor Ali Modu Sheriff, Alhaji Goni Sheriff, in Maiduguri. Engineer Gubio, 40, and until yesterday, the state Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development was killed as he arrived his family house from the Jummat prayers at the Shehu of Borno’s palace. Time was 2.15 pm. The assailants, said to be four in number arrived the scene on two motorcycles and appeared to have trailed him from the Jummat prayers. They opened fire as Gubio was greeting his father. Killed with him apart from Gov Sherif’s brother, were security aides and political associates. He himself was Governor Modu’s cousin. Ringim: Police IG He was the anointed choice of the ANPP hierachy in the state to succeed the incumbent and was generally seen as the candidate to beat in the April election. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state ASP Lawal Abdullahi confirmed the incident and said the State Police Commissioner CP Abubabar Jinjiri had led a police team to the scene with a view to commencing investigation. CP Jinjiri later spoke on phone and said seven people were killed and that the corpses had been deposited at the mortuary of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Engineer Fannami was born in Gubio town on August 28th 1960. He attended Mafoni Primary School, Maiduguri 1966 to 1972, Yerwa Government Secondary School between 1973 and 1977 Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he obtained Bsc. Building Engineering in 1986. He also had a Masters Degree in Business Management from the same institution. The deceased served at different times as Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, and later moved to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs. His last portfolio was Finance and Economic Development Ministry in the state. Maiduguri has witnessed many killings lately most of them masterminded by members of Boko Haram. Northern govs raise panel on etho-religious crises Gubio’s death came just 24 hours after Governors of the 19 Northern States constituted a three man panel to unravel the circumstances behind the escalating ethno-religious upheavals in the region. The committee comprises Governors Bukola Saraki, (Kwara); Dr. Gabriel Suswan (Benue); Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina). The setting up of the committee was a highlight of the 9 point communiqué issued by the Governors at the close of their consultative forum in Yola, Adamawa state. The governors, in the communiqué, reaffirmed their determination to continue confronting the challenges of insecurity to lives and property, particularly unemployment and ethno-religious upheavals. They appealed to politicians and religious leaders across the country to stop using religion and ethnicity in the current political dispensation merely to advance the political interest of some candidates, and charged political actors and the people to be focused on issues that will engender national unity and development and the consolidation of democratic gains in the nation, stressing that , peaceful co-existence and national interest should be of utmost concern. Jonathan condemns murder President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday, in Ethiopia expressed shock over the murder of the ANPP gubernatorial candidate of Borno State, Alhaji Gubio. The President’s reaction was contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesman, Mr Ima Niboro, who said: “President Ebele Jonathan, who is in Addis Ababa to attend the 16th African Union Summit, has received with shock and consternation, the news of the murder, by suspected assassins, of the ANPP gubernatorial candidate of Borno State, Alhaji Fantami Gubio. “President Jonathan unreservedly condemns this killing and wants security agencies to find those behind it”. ... The President, said the era of do-or-die politics in Nigeria was over, and those bent on taking us back to that arbitrary past have no place in renascent Nigeria. “President Jonathan condoles with the Government and people of Borno State, as well as the families of those who were killed in cold blood and prays Allah to grant repose to their souls”.
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I stumbled upon this clip of Nigeria's supposed first lady trying to read a speech which had been prepared for her by her press office.. I had heard rumours that Mrs Jonathan's reading skills are, to put it diplomatically rudimentary, but when i saw this clip i was in shock, how can we as a nation have a woman like this representing nigeria? The role of first lady of any nation is an important one in that it involves a lot of public speakign arrangements and photo calls, a first lady in my opinion should be refined and well groomed in speech, attitude and mannerisms. I feel totally embarrassed that this woman is going to be parading around the world as nigeria's first lady and i really think that the sight of this woman laboriously reading a speech in any public forum will confirm our postion in the world as a running joke of a nation. . http://www.9jamovies.com/play.php?vid=1083
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Friday, January 28, 2011   A woman, Oluremi Bolaji, 32, held residents of Ijeshatedo, Surulere and its environs spell bound when she mysteriously appeared on the minaret of the Ijesha Central Mosque in Lagos...

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 Residents of the area had woken up to see the woman perched dangerously atop the minaret which is under construction as part of ongoing renovation works on the three-storey mosque.

 

The scene of the incident became a Mecca of sort as residents from the neigbouring communities gathered to witness the incident. Many of the onlookers expressed surprise at how Bolaji managed to climb the mosque tower even as they wondered how the mother of three would be rescued safely.

 

Meanwhile, there were different sides to the Bolaji saga. While some people claimed she was a witch on a failed mission, and reaping the fruits of her wickedness, others said she was mentally deranged, a claim

 

corroborated by Bolaji’s father.. According to Bolaji’s father who wept openly at his daughter’s risky situation, the victim was mentally ill and the family had been making plans to move her to a psychiatrist home for treatment before the incident.

 

Amid the confusion over how to rescue Bolaji safely from her precarious position, a commercial tricyclist, simply identified as Ikechukwu, offered to bring the lady down if his colleagues would compensate him with the sum of N1, 000. There was another angle to the Ikechukwu story, as another account said he had actually placed a bet with some other young men at the scene that he could bring down the woman. The wager was put at N1,000.00.

 

Ikechukwu, after getting the assurance that he would be given the money began to climb the minaret. Unaware that he was embarking on a dangerous mission, Ikechukwu never returned to claim the money he was promised. He was allegedly pushed down by Bolaji using one of the wooden beams the construction workers had placed in the minaret. He landed, hitting his head on the concrete floor. He died instantly. Following Ikechukwu’s fatal fall, Bolaji was said to have boasted that she would kill more people should they venture to bring her down.

 

However, the Imam in charge of the mosque, Ganiyu Oyebanjo, was said to have contacted the policemen and men of the State Fire Service. Daily Sun gathered that before the arrival of the crime fighters, a native doctor was said to have made a futile attempt to rescue Bolaji. The medicine man was said to have recited some incantations, cast spell but to no avail. He was reportedly chased away by the crowd. Men of the state fire service on their arrival splashed water on the victim hoping it would scare her, yet she remained adamant.

 

When Daily Sun arrived the scene Bolaji was seen entertaining her audience. Repeatedly, she would remove her clothes dance around while the malefolk applauded her. When it was obvious that the woman just had to be saved from possible death, able-bodied men comprising mainly of members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), took over the rescue mission.

 

They beckoned on her to come down, while she shouted in Yoruba language that they should leave her alone. She began throwing stones at the men who for safety had to wear helmet. Gradually the men climbed up the tower, distracted the lady while another with the aid of a plank pushed her from the minaret to the roof of the mosque. She was eventually brought down from the roof.

 

The mob attempted to lynch Bolaji but for the quick intervention of the police. She was whisked to Ijesha police station and later moved to a private hospital where she is receiving treatment. Her father lamented that things would not have degenerated to this if his daughter had not been turned back by Yaba Psychiatric hospital. According to him, the hospital had asked that the family should first treat the wounds Oluremi had inflicted on herself before bringing her for admission. The angry mob took to the street, protesting the death of Ikechukwu and calling for the heads of the woman and members of her entire family.

 

The mob barricaded Ijesha Lawanson Road, disrupting commercial activities and vehicular movements. Some hoodlums who hijacked the protest used the opportunity to snatch peoples mobile phones and handbags. The police eventually dispersed the protesters by firing tear gas canisters.

The Imam, Ganiyu Oyebanjo, expressed shock on how the woman managed to climb the minaret. “I think she was being controlled by a demonic force. She climbed the minaret at about midnight and was brought down around 11:00 am.”

 

He alleged that worshippers had prevailed on the deceased, Ikechukwu, to wait for the arrival of policemen and the fire fighters but he was adamant, probably because of the N1, 000, allegedly promised him by his colleagues.

 

Lagos State police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, who confirmed the death of Ikechukwu, said the quick intervention of the police saved the lady from being stoned to death by the mob. He said both the police and fire fighters rushed the woman in an ambulance to the police before taking her to the hospital.

He said the body of Ikechukwu had been taken by his family for burial. Mba advised members of the public to always report such incidents to the police rather than resort to jungle justice.

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Is "I LOVE YOU" compulsory for relationships?

So I have a question. Is it a must for your significant other, (boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, fiancée, etc.) to say the words "I love you" as a declaration of their love?

You see I saw a discussion among romance writers and readers on whether they needed to hear the hero and heroine in their novels say those magic three words. I personally like to hear it and I take that decision for my characters, :)

12166297670?profile=originalIn my first book, A Heart to Mend, Edward struggled with the words, he was the macho type, very arrogant and self sufficient, and felt gifts and actions would do. But in the end, he realized the error of his ways and declared it in words. In the upcoming Ghost of the Past (BTW, this title will be changed) Kevwe is softer, the more emotional and verbally demonstrative type and used the words several times to reassure Efe of his love. In both books, the women loved to hear the words, in fact, Gladys in AHTM insisted on it as a condition for Edward asking her to marry him.

What about you? Must they say it?

If yes, when? Before or after the relationship/marriage, all the time, once a week/month? Daily? Will you stop dating them if they don't? If they've stopped saying it, will you notice? Will it become a bone of contention?

Have a great weekend all.
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A huge crack has developed in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), following moves by loyalists of former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu, to get the party’s presidential candidate, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to withdraw from the presidential contest. Sources close to the party said that pressure had been mounted on the former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to withdraw from the race and concede the seat to the presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), General Muhammadu Buhari, in line with the ongoing alliance talks between the CPC and the ACN. It was confirmed that the pressure being mounted on Ribadu to quit the presidential race was at the instance of former Governor Tinubu, who is hopeful of picking the vice-presidential slot of the CPC/ACN alliance. Investigations revealed that Ribadu was almost falling for the bait to withdraw from the race, especially after his meeting with General Buhari last week, but some governors of the ACN were said to have insisted on having his name on the ballot. It was gathered that the governors, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Dr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Mr Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, were said to have insisted that they wanted the party to field Ribadu, irrespective of whatever any sector of the polity would say. The governors were said to have insisted that the ACN should not fall into the same pit which consumed the Alliance for Democracy (AD) when it failed to field a presidential candidate in 2003. A source knowledgeable about the development said that one of the governors argued that the ACN should learn from the mistakes made by the AD, when it failed to field candidates for the presidential slot in 1999 and 2003. “In 1999, the AD went into alliance with the APP and in 2003, its name was not on the ballot at all and that led to the extinction of that party. Today, we are trying to build a new structure out of the ashes of the AD,” the source quoted one of the governors as telling the leaders of ACN. The position of the governors was also said to tally with that of the national chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, who was also said to have argued in favour of Ribadu. The decision on Ribadu’s candidature was said to have negatively affected the push for an alliance between the CPC and the ACN. It was gathered that while Tinubu had sanctioned the alliance with the aim of neutralising Ribadu and then clinching the vice-presidential slot, the governors, who influenced Ribadu’s entry into the presidential race, believed that his name could be used to popularise the party among a new set of Nigerian voters, the youth. It was learnt that Tinubu initially did not oppose the bid to recruit Ribadu into the presidential race as a result of his belief that the former EFCC boss could bolster his (Tinubu’s) credibility and withdraw some negative comments he made about the former governor when he was EFCC chairman. But it was further learnt that Tinubu knew Ribadu might end up being used if his own vice-presidential bid sailed through. It will be recalled that when Ribadu held sway as the boss of the EFCC, Senator Tinubu, who left office in 2007, was one of the governors alleged by the EFCC boss to have corruptly enriched themselves. He said then that Tinubu’s case had international dimensions as he made no bones about his readiness to prosecute all corrupt governors. A source explained that Senator Tinubu, being a very shrewd and calculating politician, did not forget the role of the former EFCC boss in the corruption issue and part of his plan was to gain some level of credibility by associating with the former EFCC boss. This claim was corroborated by Saharareporters, an online news blog which recently quoted Senator Tinubu as telling some of his close associates that with his association with Ribadu, he had gained a “clean bill of health regarding the allegations of corruption against him as governor of Lagos and his continued dominance of the financial and political scenes.” A source said that Tinubu’s ambition to be vice-president, is “partly the reason he wants to form an alliance with CPC of General Muhammed Buhari. Even after Mallam Ribadu was picked as the presidential candidate of the ACN, the party leadership, at the insistence of Senator Tinubu, was still holding alliance talks with the CPC.” Sources said that the alliance talks were ongoing at press time on Thursday but it was learnt that fundamental differences about party platform and choice of running mate had stalled the talks. While Tinubu’s camp is pressurising Buhari into joining the alliance and fly the ACN flag, Buhari’s loyalists are afraid that if he dumps the CPC, his supporters in the North could have serious problems tracking him. It was also gathered that Buhari’s men are already pointing to the way former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar was shoved aside by Tinubu in the AC as an example of what could befall Buhari if he joined the ACN. Another source said while Ribadu was aware of Tinubu’s plot, he was uncertain of broad support in the party until the governors decided to back him.. “Mallam Ribadu was aware of the plan to dump him. That is the reason he refused to sign the clause in the form that says the ticket can be withdrawn from him at anytime, which candidates for other positions were made to sign,” said the source, confirming also a meeting between General Buhari and Mallam Ribadu in Kaduna, where the former EFCC boss bluntly refused to step down for the former military head of state. “Ribadu is aware of the game plan of Senator Tinubu and is ready for a counter move of his own,” he said. But the spokesman for Ribadu campaign organi-sation, Alhaji Ibrahim Modibbo, in a telephone interview, said his team was going ahead with the campaigns. He said the campaign team was unaware of moves to stop Ribadu and gave the ticket to the CPC candidate. Spokesman for the ACN, Alhaji Lai Moha-mmed, did not respond to a series of questions on the state of affairs in the party, especially following the protracted negotiations between the CPC and the ACN.
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The uprising in Tunisia, which led to the ouster of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on January 14, has had a ripple effect across the Arab world:

EGYPT

- January 25 sees the start of unprecedented demonstrations against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power since 1981. The demonstrations are preceded by several people setting themselves on fire. At least 1,000 people are arrested in two days according to a security official.

Seven people have been killed — five demonstrators and two police officers — and dozens injured across the country since Tuesday.

ALGERIA

- Early in January five days of violent protests against high prices result in five people dead and more than 800 injured. The government orders a cut in basic food prices and pledges to continue subsidising wheat, milk and electricity. On January 22 riot police break up a banned pro-democracy rally, leaving around 20 injured. Two lethal self-immolations and seven attempted torching suicides have been reported in Algeria since January 14.

JORDAN

- Thousands of Jordanians take to the streets of Amman and other cities on January 14 to protest soaring commodity prices, unemployment and poverty, calling for the sacking of the government.

On January 16 more than 3,000 Jordanian trade unionists, Islamists and leftists hold a sit-in outside parliament to protest the government's economic policies. On the 21st more than 5,000 people rally after weekly prayers in Amman and other cities.

On Thursday the Islamist opposition calls for protests on Friday and warned it will continue campaigning to force political and economic reform in the kingdom...

SUDAN

- A 25-year-old Sudanese man himself who set himself on fire in a suburb of Khartoum dies from his injuries on Wednesday. Widespread economic and political discontent in north Sudan has led to sporadic protests in recent weeks.

OMAN

- Some 200 Omanis protest on January 17 against high prices and corruption, a rare phenomenon in the Arab Gulf monarchy.

MAURITANIA

- Mauritanian Yacoub Ould Dahoud sets himself on fire in an anti-government protest on January 17 because he is "unhappy with the political situation in the country and angry with the government."

YEMEN

- Yemeni police disperse hundreds of protesters chanting pro-Tunisia slogans at Sanaa University on January 18.

- On Thursday thousands of people stage a mass protest calling on President Ali Abdullah Saleh to quit after being in power since 1978.


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Have more sex, look healthier, younger

Studies have revealed that regular sex does the body good, writes NNAEMEKA MERIBE. Do you dread the wrinkles that come with old age? If your answer is in the affirmative, then you may need to be more active sexually, because scientists say that sex does the body good. In fact, anti-ageing experts say that the more sex you have, the younger and healthier you become. A good sex life, they say, also helps you to live longer. Comment: Well what we need are two from each gender maybe A "nun" and one "eunuch" to verify this .probably we wont ask Tonto Dike or RMD . Certain we wont ask Senate President Mark or OBJ we hear he is quick to laff about his kampe ability in the bedroom . An active sex life is good for your heart, memory and immune system, and, as a new book, Younger (Sexier) You, reveals, you can boost yours just by drinking coffee and eating peanuts... The book, written by a United States anti-ageing expert, Dr. Eric Braverman, says sex not only raises your hormone ­levels (so keeping you young), but can also boost your metabolism, brain, heart and immunity. And if your sex life is tepid, rather than torrid, don't despair, says Braverman, according to the Mail of London. Whether you're 30 or 100, a combination of good diet, nutritional supplements and some 'natural' hormones will restore your drive and ensure that you enjoy the health benefits, too. Many sexual problems, says Braverman, can be addressed by eating particular foods. Drinking coffee, he says, can help boost a flagging libido, while snacking on peanuts can enhance arousal. Eating brown rice can help combat sexual coldness, while avocadoes might increase your capacity for pleasure. But while agreeing that regular sex can increase metabolism and boost hormones, one consultant family physician at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Dr. Tony Aluka, doubts how regular sex can make one to look healthier and younger. However, Braverman says the other great physical enemy of a healthy sex life is the menopause - and the male version, the andropause (both of which entail the loss of sex hormones which affect sex drive and function). But it's not just about the mechanics of sex. Healthy sexual function is also about how your brain reacts to the messages it's receiving from your body, he adds. When your brain is working at its peak, brain chemicals are produced and dispersed at the correct levels. A reduced sexual desire can apparently be the first sign there's a ­problem with one of the four key brain ­chemicals. These are dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin. A deficiency in each will produce ­specific types of sexual problem. In fact, some scientific studies have suggested that sex can bring many health benefits. A 2001 study, Sex and the heart: what is the role of the cardiologist?, published in European Heart Journal, notes that sex is good for the heart. According to the study, anything that exercises the heart is good for it, including sex. Sexual arousal sends the heart rate higher, and the number of beats per minute reaches its peak during orgasm. Sex can also be a stress buster. A study on blood pressure and sex published in Biological Psychology of February 2006 claims that sex can help you beat the stresses of 21st Century life style. The 46 men and women who participated in the study kept a diary of sexual activity, recording penetrative sex, non-penetrative sex and masturbation. In stress tests, including public speaking and doing mental arithmetic out loud, the people who had no sex at all had the highest stress levels. People who only had penetrative sex had the smallest rise in blood pressure. This shows that they coped better with stress. Researchers have also found a link between how often one has sex and how strong one's immune system is. A study, Sexual frequency and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), published in the June 2004 edition of Psychology Report found that students who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of an important illness-fighting substance in their bodies. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) was 30 per cent higher in those who had sex once or twice a week than in those who had no sex at all. However, the lowest levels were in people who had sex more than twice a week. But the researchers say more research is needed before it can be proved that weekly sex helps your immune system. However, in another study correlating overall health with sexual frequency, Queens University in Belfast Northern Ireland tracked the mortality of about 1,000 middle-aged men over the course of a decade. The study was designed to compare people of similar age and health. Its findings, published in 1997 in the British Medical Journal, were that men who reported the highest frequency of orgasm enjoyed a death rate half that of the laggards. Sex has also been found to be therapeutic in many other ways. An article on reasons to have sex every week, published on the December 10, 2007 edition of Newsweek magazine lists the following as ways that sex can boost your health: * It's a beauty treatment. In a study at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a panel of judges viewed participants through a one-way mirror and guessed their ages. Those who looked seven to 12 years younger than their age (labeled 'superyoung') were also enjoying lots of sex-four times a week, on average. OK, maybe they were having so much fun because they looked young. But it's likely the sex was helping, researchers say. One reason is that it raises a woman's estrogen level, which helps make hair shiny and skin supple. * It burns calories. A little over four calories a minute, or the equivalent of four Hershey's kisses in a half hour of love. * It can cure migraine. For a woman a migraine might actually be a reason for making love rather than avoiding intercourse: the increase in endorphins and corticosteroids during arousal and orgasm is analgesic. * It promotes regular menstrual cycles. A series of studies by behavioral endocrinologist Winnifred Cutler, and colleagues at Columbia and Stanford universities found that women who have intercourse at least weekly (except during their period) cycle more regularly than abstainers or the sporadically active. Cutler argues that intimacy is essential, not orgasms, "Regular exposure to a loving partner has extraordinary effects on health and well-being." * It can prevent accidents. Women use the muscles of the pelvic floor to stem the flow of urine. As they age, they need to keep these strong to avoid peeing accidentally. The same muscles are exercised during intercourse. But is there anything like too much sex? The answer is different for male and females. According to the article, Sex does the body good, published on www.msbn.com, Dr. Claire Bailey of the University of Bristol, says that there is little or no risk of a woman overdosing on sex. In fact, she says, regular sessions can not only firm a woman's tummy and buttocks but also improve her posture. As for men, Dr. J. Francois Eid, a urologist at Weil Medical College New York Presbyterian Hospital, says it's definitely possible to get too much of a good thing, now that drugs such as Viagra and Levitra have given men far more staying power than what may actually be good for them. The male organ, Eid says, is wonderfully resilient. But everything has its limits. Penile tissues, if given too roistering or prolonged a pummelling, can sustain damage. However, arguing that regular sex may not make one healthier and younger, Aluka says that a look at many commercial sex workers will give a lie to the claim. He said, "Yes, sex can increase hormones, raise metabolism and release tension. I have watched a documentary of an elephant on heat. It was very destructive and only became calm after having sex. It can be the same for humans. But that is how far that can go. "But I doubt whether regular sex can make one look healthier and younger. If you look at many commercial sex workers or some people living in rural areas that have more than one wife, you will notice that they do not appear healthier and younger. And these are the people that have sex regularly. He says while some of the studies' findings may be true in the Western world, it may not be replicated in the Nigerian environment where many people do not feed well. "So, telling somebody who is no feeding well to have sex regularly may be telling the person to commit suicide," he says.
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thumbnail.php?file=EASTERN_GOVERNORS__391503998.jpg&size=article_medium&width=400

A FILE PHOTO OF EASTERN STATE GOVERNORS L-R; THEODORE ORJI (ABIA); SULLIVAN CHIME (ENUGU); MARTIN ELECHI (EBONYI) AND PETER OBI (ENUGU).

 The South East Leaders Forum has said the Igbos must produce the President of Nigeria in 2015.

The leaders made the declaration in Abuja after a meeting of the body where they also backed the Presidential bid of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

A call was also made to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to choose an Igbo man as Chairman as soon as possible.

Spokesman of the forum and former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife told journalists after the meeting that electing an Igbo President is a moral issue, explaining that the Igbos have ruled Nigeria for only 6 months since independence, whereas, other major tribes have ruled for far more years.

“It would be unfair not to accord us that privilege. A South Easterner ruled this country for only 6 months and after he was killed, his kits and kin were massacred in large numbers,” Ezeife said.
 
The spokesman said the group lamented the seeming pull-me-down syndrome and internal squabbles amongst Igbo politicians, which he said often hinders the advancement of the zone in national politics.

He made reference to the clash between Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime and former PDP National Chairman Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo.

“Our problems are self inflicted,” Ezeife stated.

He thanked Igbo delegates for casting a block vote for President Goodluck Jonathan at the PDP special convention and urged the President to bring development in terms of upgrading the roads in the South East and providing effective leadership nationwide.

“We are putting all our eggs in one basket for Jonathan because since after the civil war, all the governments ignored all the roads and other federal facilities in the zone.
 
 “We salute the entire Igbo delegates at the convention of PDP.  They did not disappoint our elders and leaders,” the former governor stated. 

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