OnyekasBlog

Independent Biafra? Give me Autonomous Biafra!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 21:41:00 +0000

I am a proud Igbo man! I love my people. I love speaking my language. I enjoy my traditional songs. My traditional foods are the best in world! Nothing feels better than being born an Igbo man!

I was born and brought up in the northeastern part of Nigeria in Taraba state. My parents raised me with the Igbo language. Going to school in my early days as a kid I could only speak Igbo (and a little Hausa)… I had to learn English in school. I intend to raise my children with the Igbo language too! They can also learn English in school.

I didn’t live through the Biafran war, but my parents did… and the stories were horrifying. Trust me, no one wants to live in that kind of situation. A situation where you don’t know if you will survive to see the next day. Where you don’t have any food to eat and you eat anything you see, even poisonous and toxic things. I remember I was in a bus in Abuja and a woman was talking about how her dad escaped for his life during the war leaving behind his family. Can you imagine the kind of things they went through during that period? I hate it when I hear people saying they are willing to go war again and fight for Biafra. It’s OK to fight and die for a cause, but that’s only if you have a chance to win. Dying a useless death is not worth it.

But don’t be fooled, I think the amalgamation called Nigeria has always treated the Igbo people unfairly, before and after the war. We don’t receive the amenities and the resources that are due to us. We are discriminated against in different parts of the country, (which I’ve personally being a victim to, both in the north and in the west). We are probably the most hated ethnic group in Nigeria. So if my people say they want to separate I think it’s only fair to listen to our appeal. But will I accept a Biafra nation today? NO!

A lot of people don’t seem to understand what it means to be an independent nation. When Gen. Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra to independence, he did that knowing it will be easy to govern the nation and to succeed. We had a system of government that had him overseeing the affairs of the south. We had a widely recognized leader who was undisputed and who could rally everyone. He could garner international support. We were making progress and developing our Igbo nation, making our own money. We could have an independent economy. Corruption amongst our people was not widespread. We were very united.
What do we have today? No united body to lead us. The Igbo nation does not have any particular product that can maintain her economy (we claim we have oil, well good luck getting that from Nigeria! Besides south-south said they are not Biafra). Our current leaders only care about themselves…. No development. We don’t even care about our fellow Igbos. Our governors don’t build infrastructures and roads in our lands. There is no job opportunity for the Igbo youths. Our representatives in the senate and house don’t do much to help our plight. Our elected leaders embezzle the little resources we have. How can people in Imo state be suffering, lacking Education and the governor of Imo will go to Adamawa to build schools for them? These are the types of things that we are faced with.

I am not in support of the independent Biafra state now, but in the future? Maybe! The reasons are simple:

1. We don’t have leaders who can lead us! Nnamdi Kanu is not qualified (he is only a maniac who will bring about our destruction if he had his way. He is like the Igbo version of Sen. John McCain of the USA). If we get independence now, it will only result in power struggles and the same corrupt people we have in power now will be the same people that will be fighting for control of the nation plunging us into war between our selves.

2. We don’t have an economic structure that we can use to keep our selves afloat. We don’t have any particular export product. Most of our businesses are in the western and northern part of the nation. We don’t have a national source of income for the Igbo nation. We don’t have any particular thing we produce. How will we survive if we gain independence today?

3. We don’t have a system of government we can call our own. Look at Catalonia in Spain. They have a stable GDP of theirs. They have a regional established government system. They have leaders who truly represent them and are united in fighting for them. If they split today, there won’t be any unnecessary fight for power. The Biafran nation on the other hand will probably end up worse than South-Sudan.

4. We are not truly united. The average Anambra Igbo man won’t want to have an Imo person rule over him. It happens in a lot of Igbo associations even inside Nigeria. We have to solve this problem.

As much as I feel like we are not ready yet, I still think the Igbo nation, someday will be capable of reaching the level of becoming a great nation. But before that we have to be more united. We have to fight the corruption crippling us. We need recognized leaders. We need an established economic structure and many more things.

I believe that instead of fighting for independence we should fight for Regional Autonomy, this will prepare us for the future. That way we can start solving the problems we have, because the current states system of Nigeria is detrimental to us. It was easier when Ojukwu had a regional government, leadership was better and easier for him. With an Autonomous Republic of Biafra, we can plan a system of government for ourselves, build our own independent economy, unify ourselves and then have the right to fight for self-governance.

By: Okonkwo Onyekachukwu Ezekiel

Washing Raw Chicken Can Lead To Food Poisoning

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 08:00:00 +0000

As it is often said, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness". Most of us have been brought up in such a way that we have to clean and wash everything properly. that is the right thing to do. when it comes to food stuffs like Meat, Vegetables and even Fruits, we are often advised to wash them before preparing or eating them.
After saying all these, one would ask, "why the headline?" Well, according to the UK’s Food Standards Agency, washing Raw Chicken spreads campylobacter bacteria, which causes food poisoning. That doesn't mean you shouldn't wash your food stuffs, just don't wash your raw chickens.

“Campylobacter can be spread easily and just a few bacteria could cause illness. This could come from raw or undercooked chicken, or from contamination due to washing raw chicken. The easiest way to protect yourself and your family is to follow our simple food safety tips every time you prepare food,” the agency wrote in a statement.

Here are the food safety tips:

1. Cover and chill raw chicken
Cover raw chicken and store at the bottom of the fridge so juices cannot drip on to other foods and contaminate them with food poisoning bacteria such as campylobacter.

2. Don't wash raw chicken
Cooking will kill any bacteria present, including campylobacter, while washing chicken can spread germs by splashing.

3. Wash used utensils
Thoroughly wash and clean all utensils, chopping boards, and surfaces used to prepare raw chicken. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling raw chicken. This helps stop the spread of campylobacter by avoiding cross contamination.

4. Cook chicken thoroughly
Make sure chicken is steaming hot all the way through before serving. Cut in to the thickest part of the meat and check that it is steaming hot with no pink meat and that the juices run clear.

Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of diarrhea-related illness, in the UK, 280,000 people are affected annually.

source: http://www.medicaldaily.com

World's Largest Tumour Removed in China

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 19:52:00 +0000

A tumour weighing 110kg (242.5lbs), considered as the world's largest tumour was removed from a man in Beijing, China. The operation which lasted for 16 hours, required 9 doctors to carry it out.

The Patient, 37 years old Yang Jianbin was born with a dark birth mark on the right side of his lower back. At the age of nine it started growing into a tumour. By 12 years of age, it was the size of a fist and he had surgery to remove it. But it quickly started to grow again.

By the time he arrived in hospital in Beijing recently it weighed an incredible 110kg.

Chief surgeon Chen Minliang said Yang suffers from a condition known as Neurofibromatosis, which is a genetic disorder that disturbs cell growth in the nervous system, causing tumors to form on nerve tissue.

He said: "We have seen neurofibromatosis patients before, but this is the biggest nerve tumor we ever saw."

Before his operation, Yang said the giant tumor greatly affected his life. He could only lie down or sit on his bed all day long.

During the 16 hours surgery, Yang received more than 5000ml of blood, which is more than the entire amount an adult's body holds.

Yang is now recovering well and it expected to be discharged later this month.

source: mirror.co.uk

Man Choked to death during Hot Dog Eating competition

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 18:28:00 +0000

Walter Eagle Tail, a 47-year-old competitive eater DIED during a hot dog eating competition in South Dakota, USA on July 3rd. He died after choking on one of the hot dogs.

Walter was participating in a 4th of July weekend contest when witnesses say he began to choke. Paramedics were called to the scene to help but they were too late; he was already dead

Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler told the Rapid City Journal, "There was someone doing CPR when we arrived. Basically, he probably just suffocated. It got lodged in his throat and they couldn't get it out." "It all happened within minutes," Wheeler added.

In the wake of Walter Tail's death, event organizers cancelled a pie eating contest scheduled to take place the following day.

Competitive eating contests are popular in the US during fairs and festivities.

In the same weekend thatTail died, hot-dog eating world-record holder Joey "Jaws" Chestnut managed to eat 61 hot dogs in 10 minutes, eight short of his record, at an annual contest in Brooklyn's Coney Island.

sources: tmz.com and ibtimes.co.uk

Has Nigeria’s Amalgamation Expired?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:32:00 +0000

Nigeria’s Amalgamation Expires In 2014

The amalgamation of southern and northern Nigeria by the British was to be experimented for 100 YEARS to know if it’s going to work or not, according to the secret government document the British left after independence.

Although the document is kept secret, this fact is generally known to the ruling class, most dons of political
science and law as well as the government of UK. However, there has been consistent efforts by Nigerian government to keep this knowledge out of public as it may lead to agitation for breaking the country into two i.e. pre-1914 status especially by those in the south.

The awareness of this document and the closeness of 2014 has been causing panic among the Northern elites; this panic was behind the recent comment by the senate president that Nigeria will
not break up. It was also behind the warning by NBA president when he said in Benin this week that Nigeria may break-up. Even President Jonathan is nervous about this fact; remember that he kept on saying that Nigeria will not break-up. Also, it was the real reason behind the northern governors recent security meeting in Kaduna, according to some sources.

All these sudden talks about Nigeria breaking or not breaking up by the political leaders including the president shows how anxious they are about the implications of the document and the closeness of almighty 2014.
On the international scene, the knowledge of this document was behind the prediction by American diplomats that Nigeria will break-up in 2015. The US army is also preparing on how to respond to the
possible break up of Nigeria.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE DOCUMENT

1. BY 2014, NIGERIA WILL NO LONGER LEGALLY EXIST
2. NIGERIA WILL BE BACK TO PRE-1914 STATUS OF TWO STATES OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA
AND NORTHERN NIGERIA BOTH LEGALLY AND TECHNICALLY, ALTHOUGH THE RULING ELITES MAY IGNORE THIS REALITY EXCEPT THERE IS REVOLUTION FROM THE PEOPLE.
3. PEOPLE OF SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN NIGERIA MUST COME TOGETHER TO ENTER A NEWAGREEMENT UNDER THEIR OWN TERMS.

Source: http://www.naijapals.com/?L=confess.index&cid=45585

5 Eye-Opening Things You May Not Know About US Presidents

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:18:00 +0000

By: Paul A Philips

1. Most US presidents were 33 degree Freemasons. There are some excellent websites documenting this in detail. Those presidents who claimed to be Christian while practising freemasonry should have at least been questioned because the 2 cannot exist together, as any true Christian should tell you Freemasonry is an occult practice.

Freemasons rule most major nations. It is the world's biggest fraternity. As well as most US presidents, many other world rulers have been 33 degree Masons such as soviet President Joseph Stalin... and many British Prime Ministers like Winston Churchill.

NASA astronauts were Freemasons. Just about every major corporation was founded by a Freemason, including RCA records, McDonalds and Walmart... I digress.

2. Most US presidents are related to each other. Out of the 43 presidents, 34 are related to King Charlemagne 800 AD. It has also been established that 19 of them are directly descended from King Edward III. In fact, it has been shown that whoever is the closest related in bloodline will win the presidential candidacy.

This disproves the debunkers. They cannot use the claim that we are all related in some way to a handful of individuals from many, many years ago before the population explosion because the presidents came from specific bloodlines within bloodlines.

Many of those in high places; ex-presidential candidates, high ranking politicians or major corporate players are also related to the presidents within these specific bloodlines...

3. In light of the above #1 it is said that the presidents have been involved in occult rituals. For example, reports have come out claiming that there have been occult rituals performed every summer at Bohemian Grove, a camp located at Monte Rio California. Besides presidents the rituals have been attended by other world leaders involving sacrifices to a 40ft owl statue known as Moloch a god or king.

4. There were an extraordinary number of 'coincidences' connecting the assassinations of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy:

Lincoln was an elected congressman in the year 1846 Kennedy was an elected congressman in the year 1946

Lincoln was elected to the White-house as president in the year 1860 Kennedy was elected to the White-house as president in the year 1960

Both were concernedly involved in civil rights. Both their wives lost children while dwelling at the White House

Both were assassinated on a Friday with gunshots to the head This is where it gets even stranger...

President Lincoln's secretary was someone called Kennedy President Kennedy's secretary was someone called Lincoln

Both presidents were then succeeded by someone having the Johnson surname In Lincoln's case it was Andrew Johnson born 1808 and in Kennedy's Lyndon Johnson born 1908!

It was John Wilkes Booth who assassinated Lincoln, born in 1839. It was Lee Harvey Oswald who assassinated Kennedy, born in 1939.

The 2 assassins each had three names made up of 15 letters

The strangeness continues: Lincoln was shot at the Ford Theatre and Kennedy was shot in a motorcar called Lincoln made by Ford motors

After shooting president Lincoln in a theatre the assassin then ran to a warehouse to hide Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and assassin then ran to a theatre to hide

-Quite an eye-opener don't you think?

5. Presidents have shown to have ties to major private corporate business interests to such an extent that the main direction of governance for the country has little to do with the choices of the American people; those people who they should have been serving. As more and more laws have been made to favour the elite with their private corporate business interests' democracy has received some serious questioning.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8538449

Russia to extend Trans-Eurasian rail project by teaming up with North and South Korea

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:57:00 +0000

Russia will team up with North and South Korea in a railroad construction project that could restore peace between the two neighbours. The link will extend the world’s longest railroad, so goods can be shipped between Europe and Korea 3x faster.

Russia’s Minister for Far East Development Aleksander Galushka announced the plan to extend the Trans-Siberian Railroad at a meeting in Vladivostok on Thursday.

The expansion would provide a link between the Korean peninsula and Europe’s $17 trillion economy, making Russia a major transit route between Europe and Asia. Shipping by rail is nearly 3 times faster than via the Suez Canal, Russian Railways CEO Vladimir Bakunin has said.

“We have agreed to launch trilateral projects between Russia, DPRK and South Korea with a focus on the railroad project. It’s important to extend the Trans-Siberian Railroad to the Korean peninsula. It will serve to stabilize and improve the situation on the Korean peninsula as a whole,” Galushka said at the sixth annual Russian-Korean meeting on trade, economic, educational, and scientific cooperation.

Russian Railways has already started a direct rail service between Hamburg, Germany and Zhengzhou, China, a journey that only takes 15 days via Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, and Poland.

Up until now, North Korea has been very hesitant in letting in foreign partners to develop its aging and decrepit rail system.

In September, Russia re-opened a 54 kilometer railway link that connects Khasan, the last Russian city before North Korea’s border to the North Korean port of Rajin.

The extension of the 9,000 kilometer railway to North and South Korea will be a big undertaking, especially in North Korea where enormous repairs are needed to revamp the dilapidated state of the railway. The poor state of roadbeds only allows trains to travel at speeds of 20 miles per hour, or not at all.

It has already been announced that Mechel, Russia’s biggest steelmaking company, will supply materials for the first stage of the project.

Another possible partner in the equation would be South Korea’s Hyundai Construction, which has already expressed eagerness to participate in any Trans-Eurasian rail projects.

Connecting the major commercial hubs of Moscow and St. Petersburg with industrial cities in Russia’s Far East, the Trans-Siberian Railway tracks already stretch across the Ural Mountains, Siberia, to Russia’s northern port cities, and connects to routes to Mongolia and China.

Travel by railway between North and South Korea has been completely closed since 1951, and remains closed today. For a brief stint in 2007-2009, a cross-border rail service operated.

Cooperation between the two Koreas on the railway could lead to compromise on a long-delayed plan to build gas pipelines and connect both Koreas with Russian gas.

Source: RT.COM

Anything I Can Do to Fix a Computer Extremely Slow?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:39:00 +0000

By: Larry Hoezee

When you purchased the computer you opted for a little more expensive computer over a cheaper one. You decided you wanted a computer with more memory and more features. Even though it's new, after a while it will begin to slow down. Files get corrupted. The computer is bombarded with virus applications on the internet. Freeware takes its toll with bundled software we download and often is accompanied with a virus or two. There are several things you can do to keep your computer running like new.

Things to Do To Improve a Computer Extremely Slow

If you have a slow computer, let's do several things to speed it back up. First we will clean and organize the hard drive. On your computer, Windows has installed two tools to accomplish this, Disk Clean-up and Disk de-fragmentation. You can access both tools by clicking on start, all programs, accessories, and then system tools.

Disk Cleanup - Clicking on this tool will delete unnecessary files, and temporary files, which frees up space on the hard drive resulting in a faster computer.

Disk Defragmentation - Clicking on this utility tool reorganizes all your files on the hard drive so they are easy to find and the OS (operating system) doesn't have to waste precious time tracking them down.

A computer extremely slow may need a little more tweaking to bring it back to peak performance. Malware, adware, and spyware can sometimes infect your computer. Computers that are fairly new should also be scanned for viruses that will slow your computer.

It is very important to have the necessary security programs installed on your computer and have the programs updated. Losing your own identity online can be a nightmare. (Never give away important information like your social security number, passwords, account numbers, bank account numbers, or any private information about yourself or your family to anybody or any site on the internet that is not trusted or through any email unless you trust the source.)! Then make sure it is legitimate. There are all kinds of scam artists out there on the internet. They pull out all the stops and will spare nothing to get access to your private information even through your email. Don't fall for emails that have a punch line that really gets your attention. They make their offering sound real good. When you click on that email you may have just downloaded adware or spyware. If you don't know the source, delete it!

Infected computers do not function nearly as well as a computer free from viruses. Viruses take up space on the hard drive and corrupt files resulting in a computer extremely slow. There are different software programs that accomplish different things for the computer to keep it safe. A registry cleaner, a virus protection program, and internet security program should be installed on your computer. Keeping your registry, software programs, and device drivers updated will go a long way to keeping your computer operating at peak performance.

Summary for a Computer Extremely Slow

The computers registry may have been compromised by virus infections. The registry, being the brain of the computer, holds all the data information of each individual component on the computer. It tells the operating system where to find a program and what files to pull up. Errors in the registry affect the total performance of your computer. To keep your computer fine-tuned, install and run a registry cleaner when the computer becomes slow. Computer problems happen daily. You need to stay proactive every day. Install and run a spyware program to protect against identity theft.

A Word to the Wise

Always have a full backup of your computer and all the programs!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8329444

Benefits of Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:24:00 +0000

By: John Falkinder

Doing exercise for fitness is not merely a notion of today's modern marketers though you could be forgiven for thinking so with all the air play it gets these days.

In fact, it has its roots firmly entrenched in the antiquity; in the words of Aristotle he defined a thing as being fit if "it suited its purpose well". According to this definition, our body is fit when it serves its purpose well. This means our heart, lungs, eyes, muscles, brain and all other organs which fulfil various bodily functions need to receive our full attention to stay fit and healthy for the duration of our lives.

One of the secrets and benefits of physical fitness is intense workout activity; this forces the heart to pump the blood faster, thus increasing the oxygen percentage at cellular level and removing waste that accumulates as a result of natural processes that occur in the body.

A moderate level of exercise for fitness will contribute to an increase of the HDL, which is the "good" cholesterol. The role of HDL or High Density Lipoprotein is to regulate blood sugar levels and to help converting the fat into energy, thus being an important aid in weight loss programs.

Developing and sticking to a regular fitness program comes with other added benefits.

You'll get an increased muscle mass, better looking legs, buttocks and abs and an overall healthier appearance. Your skin will look healthier and smoother and your balance will improve. Your new found fitness will also have you looking much younger than your real age so another of the benefits of physical fitness is anti-ageing.

So as you can see all of these factors will contribute to a new found feeling of well-being as well as increased self-esteem.

Depending on your short term goals, you can alternate your fitness routines in such a way that you help some systems in your body more than others. For instance, if you feel your cardiovascular system needs some strengthening, you can go for aerobic routines that will help you accomplish your goal.

If you want to improve your balance, then you need to perform a series of special routines mostly encountered in yoga and Pilates. And to add some muscle do resistance exercises with weights.

One thing you should know: whatever type of fitness exercises you decide to do, your whole body is going to benefit. The body works as a total unit; it is a highly sophisticated integrated system in which all the different parts have their roles but each of them also influences others.

This is why fitness routines performed at least three times a week in sessions of at least 30 minutes can improve our cognitive functions. The brain is stimulated by the increased blood flow and by the oxygen that comes to feed the cells at a higher rate. Hormone secretion is also stimulated by sustained activity; therefore the risk of developing depression is significantly lowered.

If you are really committed to reinventing yourself and building a healthier and more glowing you, there's no need to start at full pace. Just ease yourself into it until your body gets used to the new changes that are taking place and then each month just increase your levels of intensity.

A simple brisk 30 minute walk every morning is a great place to start. Follow this up with a gradual increase in activity by maybe going to aerobics classes or joining a gym and doing some resistance training.

Just do what your level of fitness permits then gradually increase the level as you become fitter. Within two to three months you will be surprised how much better you feel and look. It is well worth the effort of getting started and reaping some of the many physical benefits of exercise.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8545991

Ukraine Crisis: The Story So Far

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 12:36:00 +0000

Kiev maidan before and after the protest.

Politics is a very interesting thing. A few months ago, there was a major uprising at the Maidan in Kiev, the people (well mostly western Ukrainians) decided to topple their democratically elected Government. But it was not a straightforward and easy procedure.

First, they set barricades, then they burnt down a huge part of the square (which was one of the beautiful places in the country), they took over government buildings, walked around in masks and armed with weapons; all these just to achieve their goal. The Opposition saw it as a chance to go into power and they declared it a revolution, the west supported them with all their might with prominent U.S State officials such Sen. John McCain coming all the way to kiev to cheer on the protesters.

At last, the goal was achieved, the president was ousted and those who were the Major players ("the Right Sector") were hailed as heroes. These Right Sector protesters were responsible for most of the destruction that took place in kiev, they were the ones who took power from the Yanukovych administration and handed it to this present government with their leaders being Dmytro Yarosh and Oleksandr Muzychko.

Well unfortunately it didn't stop there, these right wingers went ahead to terrorize anyone who could pose a threat to them, beating them up and forcing them to resign from their positions, while cementing the place of the newly imposed government in power. All these happened and no one said a thing except Russia, who were actively criticizing these inhumane actions.

But as they say, Power consumes. Not long after coming into power, the new government freed all the aggressors who were arrested during the protests by then president Viktor Yanukovych, started implementing policies that will see them move closer to E.U and took Russian Language out of the Nations Official languages. This was a Bad Move! Millions of people in Ukraine, especially the eastern Ukraine communicate in mostly Russian language. In prominent regions such as Kharkiv, Lugansk, Donetsk, Odessa, Dnipropetrovsk, the Russian Language is used for day to day activities in school, work, hospitals, market and even in homes. A lot of Ukrainians living in these parts of the country don't understand the native Ukrainian Language, so to them, taking away the only language they communicate with was a sign of betrayal by those in power and they reacted by taking to the streets and raising Russian flags in protest of the decision.

Crimea, who have always had the closest tie to Russia decided that they wanted out. They declared themselves independent of Kiev and agreed to hold a referendum that would see them leave Ukraine and re-join Russia, inviting the "OSCE MISSION" to monitor the referendum, but of course they refused. Despite all the negative waves they received they went ahead to hold the referendum and the result was overwhelming. Russia took Crimea back and the west reacted with sanctions.

Crimea invites OSCE mission to observe upcoming referendum

With Crimea gone, other regions like Lugansk, Donetsk and Kharkov started protesting even more violently and kiev's reply was to remove their respective mayors and appoint oligarch's who the citizens hate, to be their new mayors. Well this didn't calm things down as the new Mayor of Donetsk Oleksandr Lukianchenko responded to pro-russian protests with violence.

The protesters weren't the only problem the new government had to deal with, the Economy was collapsing and the right sector were becoming uncontrollable as their views clashed with that of the new regime on how to move the country forward. The didn't want Ukraine to join E.U nor did they want to join Russia. they wanted to remain Neutral. Their violence continued and the government decided their part was already played, the goal of ousting the former regime which they played a major part in was already achieved and they were no longer needed, this led to the killing of Oleksandr Muzychko.

A repeat of what happened in Kiev some months back is happening again, this time in the regions of Donetsk, Kharkiv and Lugansk with the people dissatisfied with the government and asking to hold a Crimea-like referendum to leave Ukraine. They seized government buildings just the way right sector did in February at the Maidan, but unlike with the right sectors' actions which saw a new government emerge and were at one point called heroes, these people who believe they are fighting for their rights have been branded Terrorists by the government. Armored tanks and military men have been sent into the Donetsk region by Kiev and they are trying to stop the Protests by violence, an action which has been widely criticized by Russian president Putin.

On 17th April, 2014 an agreement was reached in Geneva between Russia, US, EU, Ukraine to de-escalate to tension and crisis in the country, but Ukraine’s acting Foreign Minister Andrey Deshchytsa said Kiev is not bound by the geneva agreement recommendations. According to Deshchytsa cited by RIA Novosti, “the troops in the East of the country are carrying out a special operation and can remain where they are.”

What happens next in Ukraine depends on which ever move the government takes. Will Russian language be returned to the constitution as the Nations second Language?,will the troops in Eastern ukraine be pulled out? will there be a review of the constitution?, will Ukraine adopt a Federal system of Government to help states have more autonomy from Kiev? These are surely some of the things that will help de-escalate the crises in the country but whether or not they will be done is yet to be seen. We may have to wait until after the May presidential elections to find out.

By Onyekachukwu Okonkwo.

FIFA deny United State's request to exclude Russia from 2014 World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 06:00:00 +0000

FIFA is not going to deny Russia the right to participate in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. This was reported by the American media with reference to the letter of the Secretary General Jerome Valcke FIFA.

The official said that the rules and norms of the organization do not apply to those who are not related to football. So he answered the call of U.S. senators to refuse participation in the Russian national team in the World Cup in 2014 due to the events in Ukraine, stressing that the national team can not be held responsible for the actions of public authorities.

In early March 2014 U.S. Senators Mark Kirk and Dan Coats sent a letter to FIFA President Joseph Blatter to suspend Russia's membership in FIFA and take away the right of the State of the World Cup in 2018.

Football has become a victim of its own popularity and political tool in the games. This was stated by President of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), Joseph Blatter, speaking at the Congress of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in the capital of Kazakhstan.

"To say that football is out of politics, it would be unfair - said Blatter. - FIFA worried down in the world situation. During the Confederations Cup in Brazil in 2013, football has become a victim of social unrest. Hopefully this will not happen again during the World Cup the world this summer. "

Blatter said that now felt political pressure by the following world championships - in Russia in 2018 and in Qatar in 2022. "Football is designed to bring people together, and not vice versa - the head of FIFA. - In this situation, I urge football family to unite. Unity - not just a word, it is one of the fundamental principles of democracy. Unfortunately, football has become a hostage of his own popularity and success. From FIFA faces and all national federations, I urge to unite our efforts and to protect the game from the intervention of politics and politicians. "

source: itar-tass.com

The US promises to go to war for more than 54 countries

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 11:00:00 +0000

There are 54 different countries on Earth that the US is legally obligated to militarily protect and defend if they get into their own conflicts.

Below is the State Department’s list of them (via Micah Zenko):

NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY

A treaty signed April 4, 1949, by which the Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all; and each of them will assist the attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force.

PARTIES: United States, Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

A Treaty signed September 1, 1951, whereby each of the parties recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on any of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes.

PARTIES: United States, Australia, New Zealand

PHILIPPINE TREATY (BILATERAL)

A treaty signed August 30, 1951, by which the parties recognize that an armed attack in the Pacific Area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and each party agrees that it will act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes.

PARTIES: United States, Philippines

SOUTHEAST ASIA TREATY

A treaty signed September 8, 1954, whereby each party recognizes that aggression by means of armed attack in the treaty area against any of the Parties would endanger its own peace and safety and each will in that event act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes.

PARTIES: United States, Australia, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, and the United Kingdom

JAPANESE TREATY (BILATERAL)

A treaty signed January 19, 1960, whereby each party recognizes that an armed attack against either Party in the territories under the administration of Japan would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional provisions and processes. The treaty replaced the security treaty signed September 8, 1951.

PARTIES: United States, Japan

REPUBLIC OF KOREA TREATY (BILATERAL)

A treaty signed October 1, 1953, whereby each party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and that each Party would act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes.

PARTIES: United States, Korea

RIO TREATY

A treaty signed September 2, 1947, which provides that an armed attack against any American State shall be considered as an attack against all the American States and each one undertakes to assist in meeting the attack.

PARTIES: United States, Argentina, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela

This illustrates rather well the sheer magnitude of US commitments around the world. It’s worth remembering, too, as Nima Shirazi noted, that not every state that Washington commits itself to militarily is listed here (Israel is conspicuous for its absence). So, US military commitments go beyond even this lengthy list.

Why? Politicians will tell you this is about defending freedom and democracy (right…). Policy wonks will rattle off old chestnuts about global security and international cooperation. More accurately, this helps institutionalize US hegemony (that is, unrivaled power over all other states in the system).

This doesn’t merely demonstrate how taxpayer money and resources go to the defense of other countries. It illustrates the pervasive conviction in Washington that there are few, if any, spots on the planet that aren’t vital US interests that require military interventionism. America’s mandate is limitless, it would seem.

source: presstv.com

US officials worried about possible Russian military presence close their borders

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 10:30:00 +0000

A number of US lawmakers and Pentagon officials have raised concerns over Russia’s plans for sending navy ships and long-range bombers to Latin America for the first time in years.

According to The Hill, Moscow is planning bases in countries in the region like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s national security team met last week to discuss strengthening military ties with the region.

“They're on the march,” Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Indiana) told a Senate hearing earlier this month. “They’re working the scenes where we can’t work. And they're doing a pretty good job.”

Gen. James Kelly, commander of US Southern Command, also said such plans by Moscow to increase its military presence in Latin America have not been seen in more than 30 years.

“It has been over three decades since we last saw this type of high-profile Russian military presence,” said Kelly at the Senate hearing.

“We will be losing the ability to influence developments in a region that is very important to us,” warned Angel Rabasa, a senior political scientist at RAND, a think tank formed to offer research and analysis to the US military.

The already simmering tensions between Washington and Moscow have further intensified following a referendum in the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea on March 16 in which nearly 97 percent of Crimeans voted to break away from Ukraine and rejoin Russia.

At a Friday session, the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia unanimously approved a treaty, signed by Putin on March 18, which officially makes Crimea part of the Russian Federation. Later in the day, Putin signed the legislation into law.

US President Barack Obama has already issued a sanctions list which targets 27 Russian officials and Rossiya Bank.

In retaliation, the Kremlin imposed sanctions on a bipartisan group of six US lawmakers, including House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada), and three White House officials.

Meanwhile, Putin mocked the US sanctions, saying he planned to open an account at Rossiya Bank.

“I've already said that I was going to open an account in this bank, more than that I asked for my salary to be transferred to this account,” the Russian president said.

source: presstv.com

Putin gets High Ratings due to Recent Victories in Sochi and Crimea

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:14:00 +0000

Over three quarters of the Russian public approve of President Putin’s work, according to the mid-March public opinion poll. Most respondents connected with a good handling of the Ukrainian political crisis and the help extended to the people of Crimea.

According to the VCIOM All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center, since the beginning of 2014 Vladimir Putin’s rating has risen 15 percent and stands at 75.7 percent – the highest in the last five years.

The pollsters say this is caused first of all by the complicated political situation in Ukraine and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea that was preparing to hold a referendum on joining Russia. 63 percent of respondents mentioned this as a primary reason of their support of the presidential course.Another large group - 32 percent - mentioned the victory of the Russian team at the Sochi Paralympics.

Putin’s rating in major cities was slightly lower at 71.3 percent but also reached a five-year peak.

The previous peak in Vladimir Putin’s popularity was in May 2012. 68.8 percent of Russians voiced their support for the president around the date of his inauguration.

A different poll conducted by VCIOM on March 14 and 15 showed that 91.4 percent of Russian citizens approve of Crimea becoming a part of the Russian Federation. Only 5 percent said they were against such an outcome. 86 percent of respondents claimed they already consider Crimea - home to an ethnic Russian majority - a part of Russia.

source: rt.com

Crimea and Sevastopol officially join Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:06:00 +0000

Russia has finalized the legal process of taking Crimea under its sovereignty, as President Putin signed a law amending the Russian constitution to reflect the transition.

Earlier Russian lawmakers ratified both the amendment and an international treaty with Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which was legally required for the incorporation.

Following the signing of the law, Putin thanked lawmakers and everyone involved in the historic change of European borders for their efforts to make it happen.

“I ask lawmakers of both chambers to work actively and do everything we can, to make the transition process not only painless, but also beneficial for all Russia and the people of Crimea,” Putin said.

The treaty and the bill were submitted for the approval of Russian lawmakers on Tuesday by Putin, following last week’s referendum in Crimea, which showed the overwhelming support of the peninsula’s residents for joining Russia.

The actual transition of Crimea to existing under Russian laws and regulations may take until next year. Local rules in the new Russian region will be changed to adopt the ruble, social benefits, tax requirements and other Russian legislation.

As was promised by the Crimean authorities, the treaty includes preferences for the region’s ethnic minorities, particularly Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians. Their languages would be official in Crimea, on par with Russian.

Russia pledged to make the process as smooth as possible by offering funding and recognizing various Ukrainian documents, which were in force in Crimea before it declared its independence last week.

Moscow will retain military ranks and academic levels for Ukrainian troops who choose to serve Russia, give preference to Ukrainian officials who want to keep their positions in Crimea, and expedite the issuance of Russian citizenship to all residents of Crimea who want it. Citizenship would be given automatically to all except those who explicitly opt out of it no later than one month’s time.

The current interim authorities of Crimea will be replaced with new ones after elections, which will be held in September 2015.

Crimea’s rejoining Russia was triggered by an armed coup in Kiev, which ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych from power. The new authorities took some alarming steps, including parliament passing a law revoking the regional status of the Russian language, which caused the predominantly Russian region to defy Kiev.

The public uprising in Crimea culminated in a referendum, in which an overwhelming majority of over 96 percent voted in favor of asking for reunification with Russia. Moscow agreed, citing the will of the people and the historic justice of the move as its motives.

Kiev and Western countries deemed Crimea’s secession and Russia’s acceptance of the peninsula illegal, a notion that Moscow denies. The US and the EU issued sanctions against some Russian officials and businessmen in a bid to put pressure on Russia over its stance on the Ukrainian crisis. Russian authorities mostly mocked the sanctions.

South Sudan protest against UN over arms cache

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:30:00 +0000

On Friday, the government said its troops had intercepted weapons in a UN convoy marked as carrying food.

The UN denied the arms were destined for rebels, but acknowledged it made a mistake transporting them by road.

The UN has about 8,000 peacekeepers in South Sudan, the world's newest state where conflict broke out in December between government and rebel forces.

In January, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir accused the UN of running a "parallel government" in his country - a charge it denied.

“
Start Quote

This is a very, very regrettable mistake because it sent absolutely wrong signals”

Ariane QuentierUN spokeswoman

The latest incident will increase government animosity towards the UN mission in South Sudan, known as Unmiss, says Juba-based journalist Mading Ngor.

Protesters demanded the resignation of UN South Sudan special representative Hilda Johnson at the rally addressed by top government officials.

"Down Hilda Johnson. Go away," protesters chanted.

UN spokeswoman Ariane Quentier told BBC Focus on Africa that a high-level UN team would arrive in South Sudan on Tuesday to carry out a joint investigation with the government into the incident.

The UN acknowledged that it had breached an agreement with the government when it transported the weapons by road, rather than by air, Ms Quentier said.

"This is a very, very regrettable mistake because it sent absolutely wrong signals," she added.

Government troops intercepted the weapons in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, as they were being transported to Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, Ms Quentier said.

The weapons were for Ghanaian troops who had arrived in South Sudan to join Unmiss, and not for rebel forces, she said.

In December, fighting broke out between troops loyal to President Kiir and his sacked deputy Riek Machar, forcing some 860,000 people people to flee their homes.

A ceasefire was agreed between the two sides towards the end of January, but they have accused each other of violating it.

Peace talks hosted by Ethiopia are currently suspended and are expected to resume on 20 March.

South Sudan became independent in 2011 after a decades-long fight against the Sudanese government in Khartoum.

source: bbc.com

10 Brilliant Ways To Stay Happy for Women

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 12:49:00 +0000

By: Jenna Forthright

1. Enjoy a good laugh

Laughter as they say is actually the greatest medicine for sure. It will relieve your of stress and also lower your symptoms that may lead to high blood pressure.

2. Start juicing cranberries
Drink fruit juice like right now! Not only it taste good but it will do your body good. The properties in cranberries can help you flush out waste build up and toxins.

3. Load up on Fibre
We've all heard the phrase that "It all starts from the stomach". Well foods high in fibre will maintain the flow of food going in and out of your system. Fibre is essential for everyone. Start off with a bowl of oatmeal and you will be setting yourself up for a very healthy and long life.

4. Sleep like a baby
If you are not getting 8 hours of sleep, you are missing out on a lot of health benefits and pushing yourself to an early grave. Eight hours of sleep is essential for any working busy adult. Sleeping re-energizes you and it's a wonderful way to push out a stress.

5. Enjoy your work
Don't get stressed at work. Most of our lives are spent working so don't take the little things too seriously. Remember you are their because you are truly helping someone out (Yourself and your boss). Have fun with it and don't let little things bother you. Be grateful that you have a job as 90% of the world doesn't.

6. Compassion is the key
Going to work in the morning can be stressful sometimes. What makes it worst is if someone rubs you the wrong way. Exercise compassion and just move forward. You don't need to stress about these little 'glitches' in your life. Remind yourself that it's just a 'Plot twist' and keep moving ahead. Put a smile on your face.

7. Entertain yourself by going to the movies
Visit the movies either with your buddies or preferably, by yourself. Enjoy your own personal company. Grab some nachos, hot dogs and pop and go for a ride. We suggest going around noon or 1pm when most people are working or busy (Saturdays should work just fine).

8. Get in touch with your real self
Yoga is perfect but you can get started right now by sitting in the yoga pose and just closing your eyes. Do this everyday and you will become a brand new person who is more calm, collective and happy. Meditation is one of the best things you can do for yourself and you can start off with just 5 minutes a day.

9. Go loco for coca
Contrary to popular belief, eating chocolate is not only healthy but serves as an immediate stress reliever. Even if it's just a jar of nutella.

10. Get some H2O
Nothing clears the mind then going out and getting some fresh air. Go sit outside somewhere (Not just go for a walk but try to find a spot where you can actually sit).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8347527

Russia preparing to fight back against santions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 11:04:00 +0000

Moscow is preparing a bill that would freeze the assets of European and American companies operating in Russia in response to potential Western sanctions against Russia over the crisis in Ukraine’s Republic of Crimea.

A group of Russian lawmakers, including Senator Andrey Klishas, the chairman of the Russian parliament’s upper house committee for constitutional law, are working on plans to respond in kind to the US sanctions as well as potential bans by other Western countries.

Klishas said Moscow must have sufficient leverage to respond to the threats of sanctions coming from foreign countries.

Russia has become embroiled in a standoff with the United States and its allies over Ukraine’s autonomous territory of Crimea, where a large majority of ethnic Russians reside and where Russia has a naval base.

Washington has imposed visa restrictions on Russians, ordered sanctions on individuals it says have been involved in the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, and condemned the proposed referendum in Crimea to break away from Ukraine and join Russia.

In addition, the European Union has suspended visa and investment talks with Russia over the same issue and threatened sanctions if no diplomatic progress is made.

This is while lawmakers in Crimea unanimously declared that they want Crimea to join Russia and would put the decision to a referendum on March 16.

The new pro-EU government in Kiev, however, has declared the planned vote illegal, and Ukraine’s interim Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk has said that Crimea has been and will remain an integral part of Ukraine.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Crimea Rustam Temirgaliev has on the other hand said that the region is already part of Russia, and the vote is only needed to stamp this.

Source: presstv.ir

Moscow against gun attack on pro-Russian activists in Kharkov

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 09:00:00 +0000

The Russian Foreign Ministry has criticized western governments and media for turning a blind eye on alarming incidents in Ukraine, including a gun attack on a pro-Russian rally in the city of Kharkov.

According to eyewitness reports, some seven or eight masked people drove a mini-van to a Saturday rally in central Kharkov, which was demanding a regional referendum on whether it should follow Crimea’s suit and seek joining Russia.

The men armed with bats and handguns ambushed three activists, who were returning from the rally.

“They threatened to kill us. I covered my head so they hit me on the hands. We barely realized what was happening,” one of the victims told Live News tabloid.

The attackers fired several shots in the scuffle, wounding one of the pro-Russian activists in the back. The injury was not life-threatening.

The aggression is one of several incidents, which, according to the Russian foreign ministry, are overlooked in the west. It also cited the detainment and deportation of seven Russian journalists from Ukraine over alleged biased reporting.

There is also the blockade of border travel for Russians living near it, which was recently reported by the Ukrainian border guard service. The service said it banned some 3,500, including 16 journalists, from entering the country, which amounts to about 500 people each day.

“The shamefaced silence of our western partners, rights groups and foreign media is baffling,” the ministry statement said.

Russia considers the government in Kiev, which was imposed following an armed coup last month, illegitimate and heavily influenced by radical forces, which played a key part in the coup.

Several regions in Eastern Ukraine share the view, while the Autonomous Republic of Crimea is to hold a referendum this Sunday over whether it should seek greater independence from the capital, or apply to join Russia.

Source: RT.com

Kenyan President Would take Pay cut to help Nations Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:24:00 +0000

President Kenyatta said that he and his deputy William Ruto would take a 20% cut while other ministers would have their pay reduced by 10%.

Foreign trips, he said, would be kept to a minimum.

Mr Kenyatta also urged Kenyan MPs, who are among the highest paid in Africa, to accept cuts.

Correspondents say the issue of politicians' pay is a highly sensitive issue in Kenya.

Mr Kenyatta said the government was spending close to $4.6bn in salaries, leaving only $2.3bn for development.

"We need to deal with this monster if we are to develop this nation otherwise sooner or later we will become a nation that only collects taxes to pay ourselves," President Kenyatta said.

He was speaking at the end of a cabinet retreat near Mount Kenya that was reviewing progress made one year since he was elected.

Mr Kenyatta announced a month after his election that he would make reducing Kenya's ballooning public sector wage bill a priority.

He said it was "unsustainable" and weighed on the national budget.

I believe Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria can learn from his Kenyan counterpart.

source: bbc.com

Crimea invites OSCE mission to observe upcoming referendum

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 21:10:00 +0000

The parliament of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea has sent an official invitation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to send a mission to observe the referendum on the region’s future, slated for March 16.

The Supreme Council has handed over the invitation to Switzerland, the country that holds the rotating presidency of the OSCE. Crimean authorities invited observers from both individual OSCE member-countries and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to come to Crimea.

"I am confident that the parliament of Crimea will make it possible for them to be present at polling stations. This process is underway now and the referendum itself will be as transparent as possible,"Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov said, as quoted by Itar-Tass.

On Saturday, Crimean residents – about 60 percent of whom are ethnic Russians – will cast ballots to decide whether the region will “become part of the Russian Federation as its constituent territory.”

They will also decide whether Crimea’s 1992 constitution, under which the autonomous republic is part of Ukraine but has relations with Kiev defined on the basis of mutual agreements, should be restored.

Preparations for holding the referendum are in full swing.

Crimea will allocate up to US$2 million for printing ballots and providing technical support. A total of 1,550,000 ballots will be printed.

Some 1,500 Crimean troops will guard polling stations during the referendum, Prime Minister Aksyonov said.

"We will have about 1,500 armed troops by the time the referendum is held. They will be placed on duty at all polling stations," he said. "The referendum will be guarded by armed people, primarily the autonomy's self-defense units and Armed Forces."

While Crimean authorities prepare for holding the referendum, radical groups plan provocations on the republic’s administrative border, according to unconfirmed reports from a Ukrainian Special Forces source, cited by RIA Novosti news agency.

"We are receiving information that Ukrainian radical groups are preparing provocations at the Crimean administrative boarder on the day of referendum, March, 16,” the source told the news agency.

The referendum has been brought forward twice from its original date of May 30 since it was appointed by local lawmakers last month.

The US has said it will not recognize the results of any referendum about the autonomous republic’s future, as Washington continues to consider Crimea a part of Ukraine, US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt stated.

Earlier, President Obama said that a referendum in Crimea would “violate the Ukrainian constitution and international law.”

This stance has been echoed by British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who also stated that “any attempt by Russia to legitimize the results could bring more consequences.”

Speaking to Cameron and Merkel over the phone, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that Crimea’s upcoming referendum will reflect the legitimate interests of its people.

source: rt.com

Women, the Amazing Species

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:57:00 +0000

By Rita Krocha

March 8 was International Women's Day and suddenly all the world's attention is on them. The world celebrates women on this day- the amazing female species whose hearts are tugged in a lot of common places but are most times filled with love.

She, whose smiles can melt a heart or with a single touch heal an aching wound; She, with that heart of hers, ready to give away anytime for a child she bore; She, who loves unconditionally- the silly nothings of love; She, who takes care of a plant in unbelievable ways; She who remembers occasions- birthdays, anniversaries or any other important dates; She, who counts her joyful days, thinks of days past, picks memories and treasures them; She, whose tears always trickle with emotions even in ordinary places; She, whose heart even goes out for a stranger in the street or whose voice can calm a lost child.

The world celebrates her- the woman whose presence makes so much sense in this place. And it talks about her dreams and ambitions. For a change, her concerns and issues are important, things which barely steal the limelight other days and they talk about her amazing ways, how the world will always need her.

They think of her, perhaps some of them are even looking for ways to make her day. Well, it's easy to make her smile if you ask me because she cares even for the simple and sometimes silly things in life. She's got this heart that melts easy in the face of circumstances. And she will never forget a kind gesture. You know there is always space for many small details in her. There are days you just know she will be there for you.

But she is fragile; often an emotional fool who takes petty silly things seriously as others may think but she cares deeply for the outmost things. She will laugh or cry easily and she will even get into the skin of other people's problems and heartaches but she knows exactly how it feels to be hurt or broken.

Yes, she is the amazing kind and all the seeming silly things find their worth in her presence. And that is why the world's a nicer place because without her, things will never be the same.

But the world forgets that a lot of times her smiles are stained with pain.

That she could be daring through another day for the sake of her child, for the sake of keeping a family, a home together. And her silent tears are forgotten, often overshadowed by larger problems of the society.

As she bears another day of violence, who knows the pangs of that woman who makes a house a home? Who hears her cries of vulnerability as spaces of our surroundings get filthy with selfish desires? Who cares for her safe return from work or place of learning?

As she faces another day of a crime-witnessed world, where is the hand of justice that assures her of safer days ahead? And as she hears it over and over again, of equality that makes equal divides, of gender equality that propagates equal opportunities, where is the place for her to stand and give her voice? Why do they think her incapable of being a leader? Where is the equality?

She receives her praises for being the good housewife, for the greater achievements of her better half, the simple proof that she's good at more than being a mother or a housewife but where is the chance for her to prove herself?

It's really an honour that they celebrate women today. But celebrating International Women's Day would make more sense if issues close to a woman's heart are taken up seriously rather than mere appreciation for what she does.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8355105

I will be your "BESTMAN" on one condition - Jay tells Kanye

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:43:00 +0000

While Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have set their wedding's date, (May 24 in Paris) somebody close to the rapper might be missing the festivities!

Various sources report that Jay Z has turned down Kanye's offer to be his best-man.

Kanye's 'Big Brother' is apparently not happy with the fact that the ceremony is about to be filmed and broadcast on Keeping Up with The Kardashians and told him that he would be his best man only if him, Beyonce and Blue Ivy are not filmed.

Bosses at E! are desperate to air the ceremony and are willing to spend millions of dollars to make it happen.

Will money make Jay change his mind?

Source: Tracetv

How Long Should You Keep Makeup?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 11:07:00 +0000

Q: "I never throw makeup out. How bad is that?"

A: Makeup products don’t carry a 'best by' date. But they do have built-in expiration dates. Here’s a general guide.

Mascara & liquid eyeliner: Every time you put the wand back into the tube, you’re letting in bacteria. These products have the shortest shelf life. Replace every 3 to 4 months.

Liquid foundation: Stored away from heat, foundation can remain stable for up to a year. If you have sensitive oracne-prone skin, don’t dip your finger into the bottle. Apply with a brush or sponge, and don’t double dip.

Lip gloss & lipstick: These are less likely than liquid-based makeup to grow bacteria. It’s safe to hold on to them for at least 6 months and the lipstick for a year.

Powders: Unless you notice a funny smell or the color has turned, you can safely use powder-based products for 18 months to 2 years.

By Shelley Levitt

Tips for Better Eyesight or Good Healthy Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 11:00:00 +0000

By Prince Sachdeva

Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years. Don't take your eye health for granted. Protect your eyesight with these six tips:

1. Eat for Good Vision

Vision mainly depends upon what we eat? Eating good food keeps our vision healthy. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E may prevent age-related vision problems. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:

• Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards

• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish

• Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources

• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

A well-balanced diet also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which prevents obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

2. Quit Smoking for Better Eyesight

Smoking mainly causes cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. It has been observed that the more times you try to quit smoking; the more likely you are to succeed.

3. Wear Sunglasses for Good Vision

Selecting the right kind of sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV exposure makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration.

Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses help protect your eyes from the side. Polarized lenses reduce glare when driving.

If you wear contact lenses, some offer UV protection, however; it's still a good idea to wear sunglasses for more protection.

4. Use Safety Eyewear at Home, at Work, and While Playing Sports

If you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time. Sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Always wear eye protection (such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

5. Look Away From the Computer for Good Eye Health

Staring at a computer screen for long can cause:

• Eyestrain

• Blurry vision

• Difficulty focusing at a distance

• Dry eyes

• Headaches

• Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Protect your eye health by taking the following steps:

• Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up-to-date and adequate for computer use.

• Some people may need glasses to help with contrast, glare, and eye strain when using a computer.

• Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down at the screen.

• Try to avoid glare on your computer from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.

• Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.

• If your eyes are dry, blink more.

• Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. At least every two hours, get up and take a 15-minute break.

6. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Everyone should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and make sure that you are seeing your best. Eye exams can also find some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It's important to find these diseases in their early stages, when they're easier to treat. Depending on your eye health needs, you can see either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist for an eye exam. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye care. They can provide general eye care, treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Optometrists have had four years of specialized training after college. They provide general eye care and treat the most common eye diseases. They do not perform eye surgery.

A comprehensive eye exam may include:

• Talking about your personal and family medical history

• Taking vision tests to see if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism (a curved cornea that blurs vision), or presbyopia (age-related vision changes)

• Tests to see how well your eyes work together

• Eye pressure and optic nerve tests to determine if you have glaucoma

• External and microscopic examination of your eyes before and after dilation

You may also need other tests, depending upon your particular case.

Use these helpful tips to make vision more healthy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8354424

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“ Start Quote

10 Brilliant Ways To Stay Happy for Women

Russia preparing to fight back against santions

Moscow against gun attack on pro-Russian activists in Kharkov

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Crimea invites OSCE mission to observe upcoming referendum

Women, the Amazing Species

I will be your "BESTMAN" on one condition - Jay tells Kanye

How Long Should You Keep Makeup?

Tips for Better Eyesight or Good Healthy Vision

By Prince Sachdeva

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