Madonna appointed Malawi's Goodwill Ambassador on Child Welfare.

Many congratulations to Madonna on her new appointment as the Malawian Goodwill Ambassador on Child Welfare. This announcement was made public when President Mutharika of Malawi picked the US pop diva as the ambassador with immediate effect. Madonna whose two children (Mercy and David) are Malawian born, have deep connection to the country.
The 56 years old singer was praised for the tremendous work she has done in the country regarding her passion. In the Presidents words, "especially towards addressing poverty and hardship endured by Malawi orphans and vulnerable children through her charity Raising Malawi".

I wonder how these artists are able to keep up or balance their busy schedules,family, work, tours e.t.c. Kudos to Madonna...We love you!

Today's Wise Words.

"No matter the weight of an elephant it can never cause an earthquake"- Samuel Enakireru

Today's Wise Saying

 Be cautious of whatever you say.

Katie Morag wins BAFTA Children's Award

Cherry Campbell aka 'Katie Morag' with her award

At age nine, the young girl who played the leading role in a CBeebies programme 'Katie Morag' has clinched the Bafta children's award. Cherry Campbell who starred as Katie Morag carted away the award as the Best Performer, making her the youngest ever winner of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards.

The programme portrays an independent little girl who lives with her family in a Scottish Island. A drama set on a fictional Isle of Struay, off the west coast of Scotland is an adaptation based on the books written by Mairi Hedderwick.

Campbell who starred the role since age seven was applauded for good interpretation of the role. According to Don Coutts the show's director, "She brought herself to the screen-she's amazing". And after her win, the young actress was met at the back stage and was reported to have said she was "speechless and nervous".

Obama's US immigration overhaul grants illegal immigrants permits

A major overhaul of the United States' immigration system unveiled by President Barack Obama is to grant Work Permits to illegal immigrants living in the country.

It is projected that about 5 million of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants residing in the United States would benefit from this package. The President exercises his executive power by bypassing the Congress to implement this immigration reform. Among those to benefit are illegal immigrants who have been living in the US for five years and who have children who are legally staying in the country.

The reform will allow parents of legally resident children to apply for a 3-year Work Permit. Within this reform is also a plan to give temporary resident status to those who came to the Country as children.

The action by President Barack Obama on this subject has been described as "illegal power-grab" by the Republicans.

This would be beneficial to the United States in many ways.

Happy Birthday President Jonathan

Happy Birthday to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria!

Today's Wise Saying

"When it rains on the leopard's skin, the spots do not wash away" -Ashanti Proverb

Central Bank of Nigeria: New 100 Naira note due for circulation.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has picked 19th December 2014 to circulate the new N100 notes.
The banknote which was unveiled by President Goodluck Jonathan on 12th November 2014, would come before the launch of "Partnership Programme directed at Banknotes Equipment Manufacturers and other Machine Suppliers". The programme is designed to help manufacturers and suppliers to conform to the devices used for the new banknotes. On November 26th, the new bill would be sent to banks and cash-in-transit companies to aid circulation.

I hope the durability is fantastic this time around.

Scotland elects first female First Minister

A new Scottish First Minister has been elected today 19th of November 2014, she is Nicola Sturgeon the former Deputy First Minister of Scotland. Ms Sturgeon is the first female to occupy the post after her predecessor and former boss Alex Salmond made intention to step down following the 'No' outcome of 18th September Scottish Independence Referendum.

Ms Sturgeon said she is aware she has 'big boots' to fill and that she would "wear them my own way". The politician has promised to represent all people of Scotland regardless of any differences. The experienced Member of Scottish Parliament whose political career started in 1999 and rose through the cadre to the position of Deputy First Minister and now First Minister, has promised to do her best to tackle inequality, poverty, enhance Scottish business and economy as a whole.

In her words she said: "My job is to serve you and I promise that I will do so to the very best of my ability." and also added "I hope that my election as First Minister does indeed help to open the gate to greater opportunity for all women".

Few weeks ago, the Brazilian first female President was re-elected, today Scotland's first female First Minister is elected.....What country is next in the trail of female leadership?

Cruel aunt chops off 3-year-old nephew's penis

                                             The boy being rushed to the hospital                           (Pic: Metro UK)

 A 37-year-old woman is facing a jail term after cutting of her nephews penis. Her fury got out of control when the 3-year-old little lad walked into her while she was using the toilet, requesting to play game on her phone. The incident in Henna Province of Central China became a news when the aunt fled the scene upon this act. The mother who was away on a visit to a neighbour ran back to hear her son screaming.

Pele out of hospital

                                                                                             (Pic: Pele-10.com)

Edson Arantes do Nascimento the man the world called Pele was recently discharged from hospital after surgery to remove a troubling kidney stone.

The 74-year-old football legend was admitted to the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo following complaints from stomach pains which prevented him from honouring a scheduled book signing event in his home city of Santos.

Wishing the legend soonest recovery.

Boy becomes youngest Microsoft expert

Ayan Qureshi of Conventry in the United Kingdom has made history as he becomes the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional. The young boy whose father is an IT expert sat for the specialist examination when he was just 5-year-old.

The now 6-year-old lad disclosed that the examination was difficult but enjoyable. His father introduced him to computer world from the age of three having realised that: "whatever I was telling him, the next day he'd remember everything I said, so I started to feed him more information." The happy dad went on: "the hardest challenge was explaining the language of the test to a 5-year-old. But he seemed to pick it up and has a very good memory."

The boy has further demonstrated his uncommon skills-set by putting up a computer network in his home.
He dreams of a tech hub in near future. Here is a budding silicone valley genius.

Word!

Mrs Toyin Saraki. A sincere woman with a clarity of purpose

Do you agree?

I don't know about the unemployed though! lol!

Today's Wise Words

Pick your hurdle with wisdom!

Disney Junior: DocMcStuffins is in.

                                                                        Dr Myiesha Taylor                                       (Pic:A mighty girl)

One of the Disney Junior channel's TV programme have become a most sought after programme by parents and kiddies. The cartoon programme which presents a little black girl as a medical doctor known as Doc McStuffins got kids hoping for bigger aspirations. The animated programme showed Doc McStuffins have gained many acceptance and admiration for the makers, giving little girls a voice and more love to endear them to the Medical profession and becoming a Doctor in the future.

One of the admiration is the picture with Dr Myiesha Taylor, American Physician who thought not many of programmes or its likes were broadcast on TV. Dr Taylor created a picture collage featuring an image of little Doc McStuffins surrounded by 131 photos of real-life African American female doctors, writing: "We are trailblazers. We are women of color. We are physicians. We ARE role-models. We are Doc McStuffins all grown up!" 

I know lots of African parents too would relate to her because of what she represents, little girls who watch the telecast already attribute stethoscope to her too.

Don't we all scramble to look for role models for our kids?

Chocolate to run out by 2020

Chocolate manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the demand of chocolate due to high level of consumption around the world.  Switzerland based Barry Callebaut Group has spoken about the potential shortage of cocoa by the year 2020.  The shortage has led to the staggering price rise by 25% in the past year.

This news is coming after Cadbury announced the discontinuation of chocolate coins some weeks ago.

I wonder what would happen to sweet tooth like me. ;)

Disneyland Paris mysterious Tiger, still on the loose

                                                                                                                    (Pic: smh.au.com)

A wandering Tiger have engaged scores of security forces to be on alert near the Disneyland Paris since yesterday. A dozen police vehicle have been lined up around the vicinity where the Tiger was first spotted as its origin still remains a mystery. The wild cat animal Park near the Disney land has confirmed that non off its cats is missing, but a new sighting of the cat proves that the Tigers was initially seen eight kilometers away from the initial spot where it was sighted. Police are leaving no stone unturned to hunt out the animal in Montevrain east of Paris.

Equatorial Guinea named to host African Cup of Nations 2015

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that 2015 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Equatorial Guinea. The Game which was formerly scheduled for hosting in Morocco came to a halt due to concerns raised by Morocco on the outbreak and spread of Ebola disease. The replacement was also considered due CAF rejection of Morocco's request to delay the finals from 17th January to 8th February.

Although it is not yet clear if the country is able to play in the tournament, since the country team got disqualified but will gear up to handle all the responsibilities shouldered by a host country when given the opportunity. The 16 teams are billed to be managed between Equatorial Guinea's two major stadiums.

I hope they are prepared for this though... And sometimes you cant fault some country's decisions.

Today's Wise Saying

                                                                                                                         (Pic: pj-thompson.com)

"Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come" - Chinese Proverb

Toyin Saraki launches ‘State of the World’s Midwifery: A Universal Pathway, A Woman’s Right to Health’ report in Nigeria

                                                                    (Pic: The Wellbeing Foundation)

The Founder/President of Wellbeing Foundation Mrs Toyin Saraki has achieved another milestone by the launch of a report on ‘State of the World’s Midwifery: A Universal Pathway, A Woman’s Right to Health’ in Nigeria. The former First Lady of Kwara State North-Central Nigeria, in her typical giant stride raised the curtains on issues relating to maternal health, pregnancy and childbirth mortality rate in Nigeria.

The report was launched by her Foundation on the 13th of November at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, where Mrs Saraki opened issues bothering maternal health and how to leverage the opportunities abound if midwives and healthcare personnel are invested-in.

Today's Wise Saying

"He who finds himself in the middle of a river should not complain of thirst"  - A Nigerian saying.

This is mostly said if you find yourself amidst abundant resources, it is presumed that you should exploit the opportunities to your advantage.

A South African town residents outraged, vows to squeeze breasts in a bid to find a dead baby's mother

                                                                                                                    (Pic: thisisafrica.me)

Residents in Uitenhage outside Port Elizabeth thronged out to protest after body of a baby was found dumped next to a creche. In a bid to fish out the culprit, the residents have vowed to comb out the culprit who covered the baby's body in a green cardboard and left it in an illegal dump site.

A resident, Gogo Nomisile Koba (63) told Daily Sun that “We’re going to squeeze every woman’s breasts and if there’s milk in the boobs, then we will ask her where the child is!” she also added that “The door-to-door operation will help us find the mother of the boy, "If we find milk in her breasts and there’s no baby, we will lay a charge against the evil woman!”. Another resident  Xolani Williams (41), said that Operation Cofa (‘press’ or ‘squeeze’) “will involve a team that will touch women’s breasts, house-to-house."

I hope they are able to fish out this mother... It should serve as deterrent to others.

Today's Wise Saying

                                                                                                                    (Pic: ayamstuffed.wordpress.com)

"If you don't consider eating yam because of palm oil, you should consider eating palm oil because of yam." - Nigerian Proverb.

This is to highlight how as a third party, you may not be able to avoid a member of a thriving conjoin relationship.

From Kevin Bridges the Comedian

"You can sit and talk to people who are drunk - they just tell you the same story 15 times"

I could not help but laugh when I read this! Drunkenness and it woes!

Happy Independence Day to Angola

The country came into independence on the 11th of November 1975. Here's wishing the people of Angola happy celebrations!!!

Lupita Nyong'o at the 2014 Glamour Women of the Year Award

                                                                                                                              (Pic: glamour.com)

So many memorable moments were made at the 2014 Glamour Woman of the Year Awards in New York. The last night's event honoured women who have done tremendous things affecting people positively in the world. One of the women who have turned into an inspirational icon is Lupita Nyong'o who also was a recipient of an award.

The Oscar winning actress took the opportunity to thank her family, especially her grandfather for being a good support structure to her grandmother owning a business and realising her financial independence to raise her dad. In her quote she said “I am still a work in progress,” she added to the audience. “To be woman is to be human. And to be human is to seek perfection and to find joy in never obtaining it.”

Safety Measures: A cleaner caught in the act

There is nothing as good as knowing you and your possessions are safe when you are away from home. The video you are about to watch was made in an effort to see what goes behind a closed hotel door when the cleaner goes in to do his/her job. As isolated as this case is, the cleaner did not help the integrity of the hotel, instead she took to prying into the lodger's items one after the other.

The video was shot in an unnamed hotel in the United States with a hidden camera capturing all the intrusive behaviour of the cleaner.

A big lesson I would say! I hope she gets to see the video.

David Beckham's son paid £45,000 for starring in Burberry advert

David Beckham's second son Romeo have carted away a whooping sum of £45,000 for modelling the top notch British label design raincoat and scarf. The 12-year-old lad starred as the cupid to a 'madly in love' couple in the Burberry Christmas advert campaign.

For a day's work, Romeo earned the huge sum of money, bringing his earnings into comparison to the highest earning models around the world, which if worked out, would have a breakdown of £93.75 per minute.

Ethiopian Airlines: From an Aeroplane to an Eatery

                                                                                                                 (Pic: thisisafrica.me)

An Ethiopian entrepreneur used his skills to display his passion by turning an opportunity into gold. Guttama Gutta bought an old Ethiopian Aircraft Boeing 737, and converted it into an eating place for customers. His innovation was welcomed by all and sundry and it cost him 30 million birr (US$1.5 million) investment to buy, renovate and decorate.

Today's Wise Saying

"The noise made in a market place should not deter a man from hearing what is of interest to him" - A Nigerian saying.

This is to emphasize the need to target ones goal and make it a priority, irrespective of the dissuasion.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg discloses why he wears same grey T-shirt every day

With affluence you probably get away with many things in life except illegality.

Mark  Zukerberg, the supremo at Facebook has disclosed the reason he wears same grey T-shirt every day. Mr Zukerberg, the 30-year-old billionaire was put on the spot at a Question and Answer time with the public recently.

One of the participant at the event was blunt enough to ask the social media guru: "Why do you wear the same T-shirt every day?." His answer goes deeper than expected by the gathering. He disclosed: "I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community." He however added that he owns multiple of the same T-shirt.

He considers serving the people on his social media platform more important by saying further: "I'm in this really lucky position, where I get to wake up every day and help serve over a billion people. And I feel like I'm not doing my job if I spend any of my energy on things that are silly or frivolous about my life."

I tell you, it so good to be in money, you can only be another Mr. Zukerberg to get away with this position. Anyone in doubt?

Berlin Wall Illuminates

The present day Germany was once East Germany and West Germany demarcated by the Berlin Wall to prevent movement of citizens of communist ruled East Germany to the West. The wall was constructed in 1961.

In commemoration of demolition of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago, 8,000 illuminating lights white balloons are today placed along a section of where the wall previously stood. Concerts and exhibition are part of the events of the day.

Today's Wise Saying

"A soap does not wash itself." A Wolof proverb from Senegal and The Gambia by Denrol Carayol.

This is primarily used to encourage humility, rather than boasting of one's capability.

A man jumps to his death in Debenhams Store in London

                                                                                                               (Pic: standard.co.uk)

A man is believed to have jumped to his death at Oxford Street branch of Debenhams in London. The man whose name is yet to be identified was said to have fallen from the third floor of the departmental store leaving customers in shock.  An eye witness account stated ;‘I heard a loud bang, commotion followed and a man was lying on the ground. I initially thought it was fireworks.’

Little could the Paramedics do as he could not be saved.

Hmm..

The new APC sunglasses

                                                                                                                   (Pic: Premium Times)

The film 'Men in Black' on my mind. From left, General Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal all in APC sunglasses... I do not know how sunny it is, but it sure looks very funny... lol!

Today's Wise Saying

                                                                                                             (Pic: packgoatcentral.com)

"Whatever has horns cannot be hidden in a bag." An Ndebele proverb, Zimbabwe by Thoman Sikowelo 

Presidents Jonathan, Mahama and Sall arrives Burkina Faso

President Jonathan and Lt.-Col Zida

As part of three-man delegation of Heads of State, Presidents Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and Macky Sall of Senegal have gathered in the city of Ouagadougou to resolve the Burkina Faso's political crisis.

The interim Head of state, Lt.-Col Isaac Zida and all other stakeholders in the political turmoil will meet with the countries Heads of State to address the situation leading to former President Blaise Compaore's resignation as the country's President last Friday.

Facebook reveals request for data on people

The social media giant has revealed that there has been a rise in requests for access to peoples data. The network maintained that requests for access to private messages, photos and information shared with friends have increased to 35,000 in the first 6 months of the year by government.

In a blog post this week, the network wrote; "We’re aggressively pursuing an appeal to a higher court to invalidate these sweeping warrants and to force the government to return the data it has seized."

Facebook also claim that they try to 'scrutinize' every request to be sure of its lawfulness and claims, even though the network has been condemned several times over its privacy policies.

I'm sure this is a sound warning to those who do shady deals behind...

Kelly Rowland births a baby boy

The former Destiny's Child singer, Kelly Rowland has given birth to a baby boy.

Rowland and her partner Tim Witherspoon welcomed the birth of their son, weighing 7lbs 7oz (3.37kg) at birth. The joyous parents have named their boy Titan Jewell, a name inspired by a Greek mythology god - Titan. The newest mother said: "We are thrilled to announce that today we are proud parents of our first son. We are blessed to report everyone is healthy and happy."

Congratulations to the parents!  

Carlos Slim: The man who can spend $1m daily from his wealth for 220 years!

Whenever I hear 'Wealth distribution', I  remember Economics subject class in my elementary education days, but the significance of those words of the good Economics teacher were not fully appreciated until later days.  The same words of the teacher recently echoed again when it was reported that 85 topmost world billionaires holds the same wealth as 3.5 billion people of the world. I have therefore since this report, been seeking experts in  Economics and wealth distribution to lecture me on the logic of this realisation.

However, leading these 85 billionaires is Carlos Slim, who you would only describe as slim if you are ignorant of his worth. Carlos Slim, a Mexican and world richest man is of Lebanese descent whose father - Julian Slim Haddad moved to Mexico in 1902 from Lebanon.

Carlos Slim was born is Mexico in 1940. He has business interest in diversified sector of the world economy and presently has a networth of $80bn. This man can afford to spend $1m daily for another 220 years!

Waoh... That is some cash there! But think of only 85 people having the same wealth as half of the world's population. Economics experts in-house should lecture us on this.

Today's Wise Saying

"Monkeys do not advise their young ones to be careful on trees. They just remind them of the distance to the ground" - Geoffrey Kosgei, Nairobi, Kenya

S.A footballer's bereaved father gesture goes viral

The father of the slain South African goal keeper Senzo Meyiwa, has found himself in social media bashing, for unknowingly waving to thousands of mourners at the  Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium who gathered to pay last respect to the deceased player. As a chief mourner, Sam Meyiwa was seen waving arms stretched out of the vehicle on arrival for his sons funeral, which to the crowd does not represent a bereaved father who has lost his son.

Virgin Airlines Sydney Bound Flight in Sewage Mess.

In a Virgin Airline flight from Los Angeles to Sydney via New Zealand, passengers got what they did not bargain for as the sewage pipe in the aircraft burst open flooding the aisle of the plane with human excrement.

The long haul flight which had covered 3 hours of the journey on Tuesday was reported to have been covered in foul smell which generated complaints from passengers.Virgin Airlines was reported to have forced the flight to return to Los Angeles due to the leaks to address the plumbing errors. The Airline in a statement said "In accordance with standard operating procedures, the Captain made the decision to return to port as a precautionary measure after two of the sinks on board were leaking". The stench in the aircraft was unbearable that passengers were offered face masks to wear but this had little or no effect.

Beauties of the day!

           Pic Credit: Yvonne Nelson's Facebook fan page

Don't you just love them when you see them?  Yvonne Nelson and Oluchi Orlandi.

An All Purpose 'Potion' Made of Excreta.

                                                    A cuppa made of excreta                                     (Pic; Metro)

The fear of illness or an adventure for a cure could lead one to drinking potion made of animal dung hoping for wellness. In the Hunan Province in Southern China, villagers in a place called Xiangtan, have taken to a self acclaimed medicinal concoction made with faecal matter in the believe that it cures serious illnesses including terminal ones.

One World Trade Centre rise again after 13 years

                                                                                  (Pic: Metro)

The America's twin tower devastating terror attack which maimed the heart of the world on September 11th 2001, has renewed hope and milestones for the newly erected building, sited in the same spot in New York.                                
The imposing edifice where more than 2,700 people lost their lives was brought down by terrorists.
The newly built and launched One World Trade Centre already have tenants moving in and opened for business. The £2.4 Billion, 104-storey building is now the tallest skyscraper in America.

Blast in Yobe State, Nigeria

                                                                                                                             (Pic: BBC)

After a recent near-to-a-halt incessant killings by Boko Haram, another bomb blast has occurred on Monday in the city of Potiskum, Yobe state, North Eastern part of Nigeria. The explosion took place at an Islamic school located near an old market in the city. The School is run by Shiite Muslim group. The suicide bomber targeted a congregation of the group during a procession of an event marking 'Ashura', a day recognised as the tenth day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, which the Shiite sect also use to commemorate the killing of the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Single worst quality

I saw this somewhere and I thought to myself that the qualities must be varying depending on the context in which this is asked... If you ask me, I would outrightly say it's making someone feel bad about himself or making someone feel inferior around you. This feeling does not necessarily need to be said, but the behaviour that exhibits around you might dictate this.

In Maya Angelo's words "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel"

What is yours?

Today's Wise Saying

"Your behaviour is like smoke, you cannot hide it for long" - Yoruba saying (Southwest Nigeria).

Terminally ill woman fulfils her wish with assisted suicide

                                                                                                                        (Pic: nbcnews.com)

Diagnosed with brain tumour earlier in the year, Brittany Maynard who campaigned for 'Death with Dignity' decided to go by her own terms to end her life before the remaining 6 months foretold by the doctors. The 29 years old's life has been unbearable with excruciating pains and seizures, which she would not allow to dictate her life. This led her to making a choice to end her life with dignity. 

She was reported to have moved to Oregon, where terminally ill patients' rights and autonomy are protected. And also where the facility for aid-in-dying process is permitted. To escape the final stages of her illness, Maynard on Saturday passed away after drinking water containing lethal mixture, sedatives and depressants prescribed by doctor.

In her final words; "It is people who pause to appreciate life and give thanks who are happiest. If we change our thoughts, we change our world! Love and peace to you all."

I'm not exactly a fan of what she did... But she did what she thinks best suits her.