text:
Phone rings. *Click!*
Charles: Hello
Jade: So, are you going to tell me who it was or do I have to figure it out?
Charles: Huh? Who? What are you talking about?
Jade: Oh come on Charles. I'm a woman. I know there was someone at your place before I got there today. I couldn't miss that Liz Arden.
Silence… Loud yet eerie silence.
Jade: So…
Charles: So nothing, Jade.
Jade: Oh wow. I can't believe you're actually going to make me push you for this.
Charles: Don't push me Jade. It's nothing.
Jade: Same way you and Kemi were 'nothing' back then.
Charles: What?
Jade: Come on Charles. I've been your best friend for well over ten years. I guess I know you more than you think I do.
Charles: What do you know about Kemi and I?
Jade: That really doesn't matter now. I'm just worried about you and this decision to get married. I know how much pressure your parents failed marriage has put on you but please, please, please don't bottle this in. You asked us to help you so let us REALLY help.
Charles: And you guys have been wonderful.
Jade: Well, if you say so. I have to go. I'll talk to you later then.
Charles: Alright. Bye.
I walked into the room painted all white and the blandness immediately got to me. "So much for an office," I turned and said to Darlene.
"Oh please shut up jo. This is still a hospital, remember? Mr. Creative Director." We both laughed and then sat down beside each other on a set of beige twin sofas mechanically arranged in a corner of the office.
"Charles Charles. The one and only Cha-cha. Wow. It is so good to see you again. Gosh, I've actually missed you…"
"Hey, that's totally your fault. You're the one who chose to go to nursing school to learn to save everyone else's life but mine." I chastised.
"I followed my dream Charles. That's one thing I'm happy to say I learnt from you." Darlene looked into space, memories flooding her mind. Her blue eyes still caused my skin to tingle. Born a half-caste, but it seemed the European blood in her totally over-shadowed the Nigerian bit. "So how is everyone: your mom, your sister?" Darlene brought me back to the present.
"Well, everyone is good. Thank God my sister 'dreamt another dream' and changed her mind about going down the nursing line like you…" I was being self-righteous on purpose. No reason. Just me being the occasional douche.
"And what do you mean by that? I'm sure you bullied the poor girl. Someday you'll publicly accept and perhaps come to terms with the fact that your fear of injections is what drives your seeming dislike for medical practitioners." Darlene always teased me about that.
"Oh my, you know, sometimes I really wish you hadn't given me that injection," I replied. "How can you say that. How then would I have felt that your ridiculously soft behind and subsequently fallen for you?"
"Oh, so NOW, you admit it was my ass that got you!" We both laughed together. "And how about your other sisters?" Darlene questioned.
"What other sisters?"
"Oh come off it. Kemi and Jade. Is Jade still in love with you?" Her words cut right through me. Darlene had always alluded to this but this was the first time she had said it to my face. "Why are you all quiet like you never knew. Well, knowing you, I'm sure you did and I do hope y'all did or are doing something about it." It was obvious Darlene was ready to be completely expressive about the subject. Too many people had accused Jade and I. How ironic.
"Did you get Charles' email?" Kemi asked.
"No, what email?" Jade said.
"He said he was trying to call you but the network was acting up. He had to rush to Abuja today."
"Abuja eh? Hmm.. and I heard from the grapevine that Chioma might just be in Abuja."
"Oh is that so?.. Anyways, he won't be meeting us but he sent me his Darlene review and asked us to pick the next victim."
"Wait, let me guess.. it's probably a no and it had to do with the way she smells?" Jade's sarcasm made Kemi wail with laughter. Once her mirth-high had receded:
"You know your friend too well. Let me read you his words: 'You know I have mad love for that girl. She's awesome. It's just that I hate hospitals and I can't have one living with me.'"
"Yup. That's Cha-cha alright…" Jade spat,
"…the man we've come to accept and love the way he is." Kemi finished. Jade's countenance at once became grim as she inquired: "Kemi, are you in a tell-all mood? I need to ask you something…" Kemi cocked her head to one side as she mulled over what Jade could possibly want to know. "Sure. Wasap?" "I just want to know what happened with you and Charles that night… the night before your wedding…"
"Oh dear." Kemi exhaled. She lowered her eyes the mood became grim instantly.
"Don't ask me how I knew," Jade continued, "Charles didn't tell me either. I just want to hear it from you."
Kemi wore a how-do-I-tackle-this-without-coming-off-as-the-devil smile before offering: "I really don't know… It was that his stupid charming, affable nature. The charming bastard got to me, Jade. As you know, Charles more or less got me interested in the Captain and for almost 9 months, I didn't see any other person. That's so unlike me." She raised her eyes to meet Jade's before resuming:
"And then he proposed. I was scared. I didn't know if I could stay committed in a marriage for so long. I had always flirted with Charles. From the day we met. I had a crush on him for so long and then we just connected and became friends. He was the only one who could understand my confusion. I went to him that night so we could talk. So I could let out my fears." She paused, trying to gauge what effect her words would have.
"How do they say it? One thing led to another…" Kemi exhaled again "…and we were kissing furiously…" Kemi stopped as the memories seemed a bit too much to talk more of. But Jade, slightly crestfallen already, wanted to hear it all.
"Then what happened?"
"Oh nothing much after. Charles is decent after all. He couldn't go through with it. I cried that night and he held me. I found the answers to my question and I think it's time you also found yours, Jade."
Jade had welled up with emotion now. Part relief, part uncertainty. But Kemi was now certain. Defiant even.
"In fact," Kemi said, "I think I know what to do."
Hey everyone. Voting continues at the Nigerian blog Awards. Please show some love to us and all your other favorite blogs by voting here. That's that. Now, it's going to be a short one today. Why? Well, cause I've only come here to ask a question. Initially, I wanted to structure this as another exam but the question is kind of cheap and also, I think it will be absolutely impossible to come up with a marking script for your answers so I changed my mind.
I bet now you're really curious. So, I got into an argument, well, more like a conversation a few weeks back (typical me) about what could possibly be 'the hardest question ever', well, sort of. After an hour of back and forth, we came up with a question, which, well, I'm not exactly sure is the hardest question ever but being the music lover that I am, I took instant interest in it and decided to share with you guys.
Now, here's the original question: What is the greatest love song ever done? (pauses for effect). Yeah. I thought as much. Let's not even get into all the reasons why it's almost impossible to find an answer to that question. And the term 'Love Song'…sheesh.. just sounds so cheesy. Anyway, for a second there, I'm sure you mentally ran through God knows how many songs. So you see why developing a marking script would have been totally impossible? So, what I've decided to do is narrow things down and see if it'll help. So here's my question. "If you could choose one 'love song' done between 1990 and today, which in your opinion 'perfectly' captures the term 'love song', which would it be?"
Long right? What I've tried to do is narrow this down 'our generation'. Now, to properly answer this, you'll probably need a few minutes to think up your answer. Also, I know a lot of the guys are about to switch off to the background and just read up other peoples comments but I'll ask you this. Have you ever listened to Elton John sing 'Your Song'… The Beatles – Something, Stevie Wonder – As, Whitney Houston – I'll always love you, Percy Sledge – When a man loves a woman.. Ok ok.. Let me come back to our focus years. Michael Buble – Everything, Jason Mraz – You and I both or perhaps tunes from the more common artistes, R.kelly, Usher, Jagged Edge, Sade, Beyonce e.t.c.
Have you heard some of these guys profess love on a tune and deep within you, gangster dude, barbie chic or whatever your personality, you just imagine having that one special person you could say those words to? I know a lot of factors go into this, from personality to musical preference yada yada.. All I'm trying to see is if we have a couple of titles mentioned way more than others in the comment thread.
So there you have it. It's all about music, love and the cheese today. Use the comment box and speak your mind. Cheers.
Hi everyone. It's my turn to thank you guys for all the support you've shown us here. 5 nominations at the Nigerian Blog Awards, that's just amazing. Use the link: here to vote and keep showing us your love. Thanks again. On to today's post then. Enjoy.
"Everybody smile..!"
I stretched my lips into a wide smile. There. Nobody's was brighter.
Now, will you leave me alone?
But, of course not.
The hugs. The platitudes. The chatter.
Yakking. Babble. Prattle.
I clenched and un-clenched my fingers.
"Excuse me, please." I said to the friends clustered around me that had been going on about nothing for the past few minutes.
I didn't wait for a reply; just walked out of the crowded room with my head bowed. Refusing to make eye contact with anyone.
I walked to the kitchen. Raised voices greeted me. Rola and Segun were fighting again. I sighed and climbed the stairs.
Getting to Jon's room, I walked in and locked the door softly behind me. I ignored his massive elegant bed and crumbled to the floor. My back against the smooth mahogany door.
The door was thick enough to muffle the sounds drifting up the stairs. I took off my expensive shoes and let out a long deep breath.
I picked at the hem of my navy blue dress and the reason for this gathering glinted back at me. My engagement ring.
I see my friends eye my 5'9″ frame in envy. I see my friends eye my 6'2″ fiancé with envy. I see them eye my 5-bedroom soon-to-be house. I see them eye my very successful PR job.
Heck, everybody wants to be me. Beautiful, successful, engaged at 25.
So, why am I scared? Why is this numbing fear gnawing at me?
All good things come to an end. Jon and I laugh at that song. What he doesn't know is that deep down, I believe this..
My insecurities assail me at every corner. What if I'm not a good-enough wife? Mother? What if I die? Worse, if Jon dies? What if we fall out of love?
What if? Silly as it sounds, it has a deathly grip on me. Jumps on me at the oddest moments, taking away my breath. Leaving me wheezing.
Too good to be true. To last. Nothing can be perfect. Right? What will it be? It terrifies me that I can't answer this.
A soft knock on the door made me sigh again. I'd been found.
"Babe? You in there?" Jon's husky voice reached out to me. I loved it when he called me babe.
"Yes." I didn't move.
"You coming out? Your sisters are here."
I said nothing. "I love you, Jon.."
Jon was quiet. "I love you too.." More silence. "Why won't you talk to me? Tell me what's wrong, babe.. We'll work it out together."
A tear slipped down my cheek. I brushed it away roughly.
Where do I start from? What do I say? How do I tell him without him feeling somehow responsible? He doesn't put pressure on me. And no, I don't have low-self esteem.
I can imagine Dupe laughing it off; 'What do YOU have to be insecure about?'
It's just.. I'm too realistic, pragmatic to believe in this fairy tale.
"Just tired. I'm coming out."
Most people might not admit it but the picture painted above captures a lot of lives out there. Many women (and men too) go about with suppressed emotions. Insecurity and perhaps depression hidden behind smiles. My question is this, do you think our culture/society encourage this? If not, what other factors can you think up. You know the drill, use the comment box and speak your mind. Ciao.
Hey People.. Let my start by giving a MASSIVE shout out to you guys. I just checked the Nominees for the Nigerian Blog Awards 2011 and we've been nominated in 5 categories. Wow. Im just so so overwhelmed and I'm also glad to see some of my favourite blogs got nominated too (s/o #TeamSawaleh).. It's time to make the nominations count. You can start voting now using this link: here. Once again. Thank you guys.
I first met Chi when I was about ten. I think it was at my Grandmothers place and it was totally coincidental. My Granny's next door neighbor was a showstopper. Her name was Anne (Can I ever forget). Anyways, it was my first time spending my holidays at Granny's place and after playing outside for a bit, I started heading back in and that was when I saw them.. well, her. Anne was lifting two boxes and walking towards her apartment door. I must have stayed on that spot staring for ages. Then I came to my senses when this dude who I later found out was Chi, nudged me and told me what I needed to do. Without processing what he said, I ran towards Anne, half mumbling, I said "please let me help you with those". Before getting her answer, I took the boxes from her and helped her take them into her apartment. For my efforts, I got a peck (on the cheek) and Anne called me a perfect gentleman. All thanks to Chi. We became inseparable from that moment.
Chi was just so good with the ladies. We met in the university. He had quite a few friends back then but I wasn't immediately drawn to him cause I just thought he was a living gimmick who was also kinda weird. But I later found out he wasn't from around here so I and my friends eventually accepted him and when he began rubbing off on my friends and I, that was when I knew he was special. He helped me learn so much more about women and in no time, striking the right chord with the ladies was so so easy.
Because of Chi, I learnt to cook. lol. Don't be so quick to say thats a good thing oh.. because I totally did it to save my life. The crazy boy somehow got into my head and convinced me to always pay for (at least) the first three dates I went to with ladies. That might not sound so bad but back then, I had just left school, earning a ridiculous salary on my first job and I wasn't the luckiest with the ladies so those first three dates came by pretty often. Solution was for me to learn how to cook and make sure dates 2 and 3 were at my place. Result was that my fortunes changed with the women and I discovered a talent I never knew I had. A talent that now earns me a mighty load of money. He will be missed.
I remember when I told Chi I was going to ask Jennifer to marry me. After his many congratulations, he added "You do know you have to be the first to change your Facebook relationship status". If you didn't know the kind of person he was, you'd wonder why on earth he thought of that at that particular point in time. But that was the Chi I grew up with. And you can imagine how much guilt I felt as I changed my Facebook status to "married" after I heard about his death.
I still can't believe it. In fact, I know it's not true because he always said it. Just like Jesus, he predicted his own death. He said a time would come when most people would be so mean and wouldn't be able to process most of the things he had taught me especially about being a gentleman. When women would laugh at you for opening their doors or think you were 'over-doing' it by pulling up a chair for them at the dinner table. Yes, he said it. He said women would begin to think it is their prerogative to sleep on the dry side of the bed after sex. A lot of men would bullshit his teachings by applying them to only good-looking women. As social media advanced and his prophesies began to come to past, his depression began. We all thought he'd survive it. But…. Rest in peace my good friend. Chivalry.
Today I have a few questions. Firstly, do you think Chivalry is dead in these parts? Was it ever alive? If your answer to the first question is yes, then I'd like to know why you think so. If not, please share instances and maybe some experiences with us. or should I have started with the definition of Chivalry? Use the comment box and speak your mind. Cheers.
Hey everyone. So, I asked the gods to pause the rains here in Lagos today so I could put up this not-so-wet-Friday post. Yeah, sorry to break your hearts. Today's post was inspired by the sprinters in our comment community who always aim for the first spot. I needed a partner to get this done so I drafted in the hoohoo queen (shoot me) herself, @novacrossqueen. Enjoy.
I lost my virginity at 15, and I used to feel like an early ashawo until I met someone who lost theirs at the age of 8, and I was like well then, look what we have here….
Damn..virginity.. let me see.. can I remember.. ooh yeah, I do.. I think I was 13 back then and all my friends just couldn't believe I said I was going to do and I just did it. Just like that.
Anyways, I had been dating this boy for a year and the day we decided to pop OUR cherries, he wanted to get flowers and candles and basically paint the whole room CHEESE! I refused. Reality 1 – 0 Disney Channel's b/s.
Well.. there was this chic who was pretty much all over me back then. I mean, we were mates and she was cool so I thought, what the heck, lets do it. I let her pick the day but it was my place and she came with all them candles and flower and stuff but I was like hells nah.. that wasn't how I saw Lex Steel do it.
As he put the condom on and I was thinking, omydays I'm still gonna get pregnant anyways, it's gonna rip, I'm gonna get AIDS, oh Lord, my mother would find out and it just won't fly…. then I asked him to wear a second condom… 😐
So we settled in and as I put on the condom, I was thinking, hope this stuff fits cause it felt like I got the super small size or something. As if that wasn't enough drama, she then asked me to put on a second condom… like sheesh the thing we do…
He entered me slowly and cautiously, at first I didn't know what I was supposed to feel, that was until I realized I really wasn't feeling anything….this shit didn't hurt….wait is this sex? Am I still a virgin? Come, what is going on here….my thoughts were whizzing everywhere…
I got down to business – finally and I just went in hard from the first second but I hadn't even put my foot on the pedal and she was already racing away. I really wasn't feeling anything… So much for sex.. But I guess it was the chic? I just wanted to get done with the whole virgin thing.
*breathe* "Are you ok, he asked"? I said I was….then he did one pump action…and then another, and I just lay there and took it…then it dawned on me….I could never make it in the porn industry, I wasn't the sexy beast I thought I was….shit I couldn't even feel my legs talk less of trying to move around and then everything else just rolled up into one quick moment and then we were done…I had taken his virginity and he had taken mine.
I remember asking her to breathe. Damn, she really looked like she was going to pass out. I eased in and began to 'thrust' and at that point, I just knew I could totally make it into the porn industry cause it felt like I had become a sexy beast but before I could try out some other moves, she interrupted and said "I think I'm …coming". So lame.. I just had to play along and pretend I was done. And just like that I took her virginity and lost mine too.
And the world was still spinning on its axis as it had before, I still looked the same in the mirror…. I dunno if it was the extra plastic he had on or the fact that he was a virgin but I couldn't help but think….So kini big deal?
So things pretty much changed after that. No more virgin stigma, I looked in the mirror and I was a different person. The whole double condom thing and the inexperienced chic didn't make it all that but I made sure I took it out on the next.
There you go. Two people giving accounts of their first time. I know y'all are usually tongue-tied on Fridays giving mostly 'single word' comments but I hope we can really read some funny and maybe not so funny first time stories today. You know the drill, use the comment box and speak your mind. Cheers.
Sophia: Born as the 5th child in a family of 3 boys and 3 girls. A university graduate. Born and bred in one of Nigeria's big cities.
Jerome: Nigerian Father and Spanish mother. Lost his mother at the age of 15, His only blood sister resides in Europe and he has not seen her in over 8 years. Jerome stopped speaking to his dad 2 years ago.
I can't really remember how we met but I do know it was within the first weeks of our lives as university undergraduates. He said to me his first impression of me was that I looked like someone who couldn't wait to join a cult. Jerome was easily any girl's eye candy. He was 6ft 5', with a shaggy hair and lean body frame. For the next 6 years, Jerome became my roommate and eventually my best friend. Most of my good and bad university memories have Jerome in them.
Sophia was a jambite like us when Jerome met her. A wheelbarrow by itself is useless. You have to push it for it to become useful. My friend Jerome, was a wheelbarrow and Sophia was his pusher. Because of his estranged relationship with his dad, Jerome practically hustled his way through school with a lot of financial support from Sophia. Soon after graduation, Sophia realised she was pregnant. Sophia and Jerome decided to get married before the child was born and then relocate to the US.
4 months later.
Sophia comes crying to me. She says she believes she's making a mistake by keeping the pregnancy and marrying Jerome because in 4 months he had done absolutely nothing towards their plan of getting married and relocating to the US. She was considering an abortion but was scared and asked me "If I was your sister and in this situation what would you advice?" and I said to Sophia "I would tell my sister to have an abortion and I think you should too."
Sophia made a decision to have an abortion the following day but she didn't because Jerome convinced her otherwise.
5 months later.
Sophia and Jerome get married under makeshift conditions and she delivers a baby boy soon after. I was asked to be his God Father.
6 years later.
Sophia is 5 months pregnant with their second child and she is living in the US in an abusive home with Jerome and their son whom they had named Dominic. In terrible pains and for the fear that she might get killed; Sophia runs out of the house and calls the police. Since moving to the US, their squabbles had gotten worse. One day, she and Jerome had a fight and despite her pregnancy, he beat her mercilessly. The police show up and Sophia kicks Jerome out of the house and is taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
24 hours later.
Sophia is in labour. She gives birth to a baby girl that had to be incubated for 4 months because her organs where underdeveloped. With no husband and father in sight, the medical bills bankrupt her. The baby girl is named Crystal.
1 year later.
Nobody knows where Jerome is but he is in touch with friends via email. Jerome denies his daughter flat out. Sophia is out of a job. Her financial situation deteriorated rapidly and she soon begins to live off the charity of her church. 18 months later, she gets tired, asks her church for one last favour, a ticket home for her and her kids.
Sophia is 32 years old with two kids, no husband, no job and seriously overweight. She cries every time we talk on the phone. I send her money regularly but it can only go so far. I have not spoken to Jerome in over 5 years and nobody really knows where he is or what he is up to but we all doubt if he is better off. He has never seen or touched his daughter who is a splitting image of her brother who is naturally a splitting image of his father.
Do I look at my Godson and feel guilt that I once advised his mother to terminate her pregnancy of him?
But most times I look at the bigger and sadder picture and feel absolutely no guilt but loads of anger. Dominic and Crystal deserve a better life. It doesn't matter how life turns out eventually for them, I strongly believe their parents were very selfish and immature 12 years ago. No child deserves to be born out of his parents' guilt or religious fear. An abortion is a routine medical procedure and no big deal if performed under the right conditions. This is just one of many sad stories; I am yet to hear one with a happy ending.
My name is Lagoshunter, I am an unapologetically pro abortion.
Hey people. It's going to be a touchy one today. Up until now I avoided this topic but after reading a comment from last Friday's post, I knew the time was right. Mr. Hunter has painted one of many scenarios that brings us to that question: Where do you fall? Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. Don't just pick a side, tell us why. Use the comment box and speak your mind. Cheers.
The house was dark. The scenes from the TV casting a myriad of moving colours on the watcher and her surroundings. She had fallen asleep though. Her neck was bent at an awkward angle, her fingers lax around the remote.
She was middle-aged. Most estimated her age at late 30s. She was 44. She'd been married three times. She was certain her present business tycoon was The One. She did love him. And she'd been with him for 6years. A record.
The very business tycoon entered the room. Shaking his full head of grey at the scene, he turned off the TV and tapped her.
She jumped. Startled. Her usual reaction to being wakened. She looked about frantically. He tapped her again. She settled.
"Oh. I slept off." She smiled at herself for stating the obvious.
There was a knock at the door. They looked at each other, both frowning. A visitor at such a late hour? She frowned; he squared his jaw and shoulders and approached the massive bullet-proof door.
"Who is it?"
"Na me, Oga. Musa."
They both relaxed. He turned the lock and was startled when Musa was pushed in by a mask-wearing taller man.
"Jesus!" Victoria screamed and rolled to the carpeted floor.
The intuder paused. Raising his right arm, he showed off his gun.
"Everybody, down." He didn't shout. He had such a commanding aura; even the house-owner didn't hesitate much before kneeling.
He pushed the tied-up Musa to the side of the door and pointing at the tycoon, he gestured to the expensive couch behind which Victoria was cowering.
Trying hard to keep a calm exterior, the tycoon did as was asked.
"Victoria. Sit too." The inturder said making the tycoon flinch at the familiar use of her name.
Shaking and confused, Victoria joined her husband. She reached out to clutch his hand, pulling it to her lap. She huddled closer.
The tycoon thought it was time to take control. "Young man, how much do you.."
"Shut up!" The word resounded in the large room and the tycoon's eyes widened at the authority it carried. This was no tout. He shut up.
"I just want to talk." The intruder said, then paused. He lowered the gun to his side. "Do you have kids?"
They were both silent.
"Answer me!"
"Yes." "No." They said together.
His hand clenched around the gun.
"What.. what we mean is I have a daughter but Victoria has n..no children.."
The intruder sat heavily on the marble center table.
He was silent. Then:
"Why shouldn't I kill you?"
Victoria started sobbing loudly. The tycoon nudged her to shut up. She buried her head in her hands and continued to sob, but quietly; already envisioning the end of her life.
"You have no reason to live? Funny. Let me tell you a story…"
The tycoon looked wildly about. He was one of the crazies, what did the TV shows say again? Just let them talk. His eyes flitted about, looking for a way out. Let him talk.
"My mother hated me. She was raped as a teenager by a robber, a killer. I was the product. Her parents won't let her kill me… She always reminded me I was the spawn of the robber, a killer, the devil.."
Victoria had stiffened beside her husband. The tycoon was barely listening.
"She left me in church one day when I was seven. I never saw her again.."
Victoria had stopped sobbing. She still didn't look up but her breaths were coming out in sharp gasps.
"Until today.."
The tycoon finally listened. "What?!" He looked confused.
"Victoria. My mother? Weren't you listening?" The arm with the gun came up again. A silent but heavy threat.
He pulled off the mask swiftly with his left hand. "Mother, look at me."
The tycoon's eyes widened. "Victoooriaaa…" He whispered softly. She didn't answer. "Victoooriaaa! Is any of this true? You.. you said you couldn't have children.. Victoria. Victoooriaaaa?!"
"Yes?!" She fell to the ground. Her face contorted with tears. She still refused to look up. "What can I say? What could I do? I was raped! Raped!"
"I. Said. Look. At. Me!"
The intruder stood up again. He had gained command of himself again.
Taking a long deep breath, he pointed the gun at her.
She raised her head, still sobbing; but only to the level of his wide chest rising and falling steadily.
"Mother.. I'm exactly what you said I was. Now tell me again, why shouldn't I kill you?"
A not-so-simple question is what I've put before you today. I'd like to read your answers, opinions and comments. Thanks for stopping by. Ciao.
Hey people. Start of another week and despite my ridiculously short weekend, I've decided to remain positive. So I was going through so of my old posts and I realized I had done two quite similar posts in the past. One on 'what women want' and another on 'what a girl needs'. I began to wonder why I hadn't done a similar post on men and the first answer that came to mind was maybe because there's this general assumption as regards what men want from the opposite sex. Ask most women and even some men and their answers will probably not vary much. The world has stereotyped the wants of men when it comes to the opposite sex to mostly physical. If that's the case and the world knows what we want from women, so what then don't we want?
Most of lastweek I spent my very little free time re-reading Malcolm Gladwells Outliers (excellent read for those who haven't read it) and this book always gets me wondering about the powers of statistics. Now some of the findings in the book are results of years and years of research carried out on thousands of people. As much as I would love to do that, I really don't have the time.. well.. and the money. So I decided to take my chances with yet another no-so-survey. I rounded up three very vocal and opinionated young men from different backgrounds and I asked them one question:
What are the top five things that put you off a woman in their order of importance?
These were their answers:
5. Inability to hold an intelligent conversation: I like to talk a lot, about anything and everything. So its important that she's able to match that. I'm not asking for a know-it-all (Olorunmaje), I just want a girl who knows how to express herself when she's got an opinion or shut up, listen & occasionally chip in when she doesn't.
4. Sense of style (Fashion-wise): I'm not asking for a Gucci, Louis, Prada Hoochie. No sir, clothes (handbags & shoes) don't make the lady.. I believe the key factor here isn't the tag but the lady wearing them.
3. Sense of humour: If you can watch a whole episode of Seinfeld & your lips don't even curve even a wee little bit then you've lost me. I'm sorry but Basketmouth don't count. You've lost me.
2. Sexual Orientation: I'm not asking if you're gay or straight. I want to know what your opinion on sex is and honestly I'd like to know what your sexual appetite is like. Not asking if you're 'gonna bang' either.
1. Clingy Babes: You're bored and I'm busy at the office but you think I should chat with you via BBM all day??? #Jonzing.
5. Speech: major turn off if she cannot speak properly. I'm talking eloquence, diction and use of vocabulary. Pronunciation also. Don't want to be talking to a girl that pronounces "teeth" as "theet" or "throat" as "troth".
4. Hygiene: body odor or mouth odor or both.
3. Appearance: I love stylish girls that know how to dress and know what outfit is best for their body and not wear the wrong stuff cause it's in vogue. Makes them look out of place. Big tummy and no hips? Drop the high waisted skirt.
2. Overly dependent: Big NO!
1. And most importantly…. Feet. That's what I use to judge. If you ain't got good looking feet or well taken care of ones… it turns me off.
5. Emotionless: well, this only applies when things are serious… The inability to express feelings and/or desires physically or otherwise ticks me off!
4. No goal(s): if I discover you're just a 'anywhere belle face' chic, all about eateries and shopping! No plans for life… I can't
3. No humor: if she's not spot on with my jokes, retorts or comments and I have to explain or I notice she's not sharp enough to understand.
2. Artificialness (for lack of a better word): Any girl that can't be comfy without the plastic things, fake lashes, nails..All Fake everything etc…nope!
1. Her voice: I enjoy conversation, so if your voice ain't worth hearing, I shut down.
PS: I didn't mention beauty, this is because, for me, its the FIRST deal-breaker. If u haven't got that, we can't even get here!
Now, if you take a good look at the three responses, you'll notice that some things stand out.
Sense of Style/Artificalness/Appearance –> Appearance
Clingy Babes/Overly Dependent/No goals –> Dependence
Sense of humour/No humour –> Humour
Now, I also asked some of my friends this same question and though I didn't document their answers, I realized there was a pattern. The men of my generation were particular about their women's appearance. They wanted them to exhibit some measure of independence and they wanted women who could not only relate with their sense of humour but also bring on the laughter from time to time.
I'm glad Kelvin added that last bit to his response because that's assumed to be a constant. This discovery was however surprising to me and I could branch out from here into several theories but that would require more discussion and surveys. Until I can amass that much time and money, I'd have to rely on you guys. For the guys, I'd like your answer to the same question. If you agree with the guys I interviewed then simply express your opinion as per why you think the three things I highlighted really stood out. For the ladies, please don't be left out, do you think the guys were being completely honest? Use the comment box and speak your mind. Cheers.
PS: If you missed the poll from yesterday, please check it here.
Hey guys.. It's time for another poll and today I want to discuss polygamy. Yeah, yeah.. I know a lot of y'all aren't married but that only makes my not-so-survey perfect. Because what I really want to know is if 'polygamy' as we all know it is dead or not in our generation.
Try your hands on the poll but come back to share your thoughts on the your choice as well as the subject of polygamy. Is it something you would consider as a guy? As a young woman between the ages of 23-30 right now, if a guy who openly embraces polygamy proposes to you, how will you react? You know the drill, use the comment box and speak your mind. Cheers.
PS: Happy Fathers day.


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Houston, the largest city in Texas, has a population of more than 2 million residents. In 2008, the region drew approximately 31 million visitors. Like most bustling cosmopolitan cities, Houston offers its fair share of romantic spots, such as luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants.
Star Fleet Marina
Star Fleet Marina operates romantic dinner cruises out of Kemah, Texas, 30 miles southeast of Houston. Passengers travel aboard a luxury yacht across the waters of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake. The tour lasts two hours and features a buffet style gourmet meal, complete with salad, entree and dessert. The price of your ticket includes such drinks as coffee, soft drinks and juice, and a cash bar with cocktails, beer and wine is also available. Depending on the time of year, the cruise also offers excellent views of the evening's sunset.
Star Fleet Marina 280 Grove Rd.
Kemah, TX 77565
281-334-4692 starfleetyachts.com
The Tasting Room
Couples may wish to spend their evening tasting wine at Houston's own Tasting Room. The combined restaurant and wine bar has two Houston locations, River Oaks and Uptown Park, the latter of which has outdoor patio and garden dining along with its selection of more than 200 fine wines. The Tasting Room's food menu includes such gourmet specialties as pizzas, pastas and tapas. The Tasting Room offers live music daily, including acoustic, country, rock and jazz.
The Tasting Room at Uptown Park 1101-18 Uptown Park Blvd. Houston, TX 77056 713-993-9800 tastingroomwines.com
Couples Spa
The luxurious Houstonian Hotel is just west of downtown Houston. Inside the hotel, guests will find the sprawling Trellis the Spa, a high-end Mediterranean-themed facility featuring 21 treatment rooms. Visitors may book a couples spa package, which includes stone therapy massages, a waterfall shower, facials and a romantic meal for two. Guests visiting together may also wish to take advantage of such perks as the indoor floating pool, the whirlpool, the steam room and the peaceful lounge equipped with a fireplace.
Trellis the Spa 111 North Post Oak Lane Houston, TX 77024 713-685-6790 houstonian.com/TheSpa.aspx

subset: commoncrawl


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St. Martin's has many different activities taking place for Children and Youth.
Sunday Services
There is a carpeted creche area at the back of church for younger preschool age children, whilst in term time the older children meet in their own groups during the Family Communion services.
Youth Night
St. Martin's will be hosting a youth group for ages 11+ on the 2nd Friday of each month at 6:30pm. There will be Snacks, Bible study, Movies, Worship, Games & More! Click HERE for more information
Messy Church
Messy Church is an activity based service specifically with children, young people and their families in mind. Messy Church meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month at 4pm.
St Martin's Baby & Toddler Group
St Martin's Baby and Toddler Group meets every Friday during term time from 9.30am to 11.00am.
Uniformed Groups
St Martin's is home to thriving uniformed groups, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. They meet on a Wednesday evening during term time. There is a number of special Parade Services during the year which the uniformed groups participate in. For further information please contact:
- Rainbows Anne Loffman 01922 721463 (Wednesday weekly 5.00pm – 6.00pm for girls aged 5-7)
- Brownies Jenny Paxton 01922 442437 (Wednesday weekly 6.15pm – 7.30pm for girls aged 7-10)
- Guides Cassie Ramsdale–Chapman 07593 429076 (Wednesday weekly 7.30pm – 9.00pm for girls aged 10-14)


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There will be a new queen in town when Olivia Colman replaces Claire Foy on season three of Netflix's The Crown.
Charting the life and times of the Windsor dynasty, The Crown season three will tackle a time jump for the biographical drama, and include a whole new cast.
Speaking to Radio Times, Colman revealed that she was nervous to take over from Foy to play the country's longest-reigning monarch.
"She was just very supportive," confirmed Colman. "She said I'll have a lovely time, everyone on it is amazing; the voice coaching is impeccable… I'm just full of fear because you don't want to be the one who screws it up."
But it sounds like Foy is more than happy to leave behind some handy hints, as Colman added: "She's lovely, and she said I can call her anytime."
Foy has already passed her judgement on the casting, and thankfully, Colman's fear seems to be equally outweighed by her excitement to take on the iconic role of Queen Elizabeth II.
"I have remained ridiculously excited since. I'm trying to be cool," the Broadchurch and Murder on the Orient Express star said.
"My agent was trying to be subtle, not knowing who was in the car with me, and she went, 'It's something about a tiara', and I went 'Oh, it's The Crown!'"
Foy will leave after season 2, leaving Colman as an older version of the Queen in season 3 and 4 of the The Crown.
With six seasons expected from Peter Morgan's historical heart-warmer, it's expected that Colman will portray Elizabeth II in the middle of her life.
But with season 2 of The Crown still yet to hit the streaming giant, fans of the show will have to wait until 2019 before they can see Colman pick up the sceptre.
The Crown returns for its second season on Netflix on Friday, December 8.
Source: digitalspy.co.uk – Olivia Colman admits she's scared to replace Claire Foy for the Crown season 3


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Series Profile
Genre: Science-Fiction
Rating: Unknown
Synopsis: IQ-145 is a new web-based series starring Thomas Dekker, the young male lead of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." The series follows Nate Palmer, recruited by a secret organization to help search for his (famous inventor) father's last experiment. Shot almost entirely in front of green screen in hi-def, the near-future science fiction show is as stunningly beautiful as it is interesting. IQ-145 is the brainchild of Billy Dickson, a DP/Director who has worked on "Babylon 5," "One Tree Hill," "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers" and many other productions.
Thomas Dekker,Amber Wallace,Brad Rowe, Lindsey McKeon,
Photo Galleries
- Thomas Dekker3 Pictures


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Aurora Apartments
Buckhold Road, Wandsworth, SW18
LLNH is pleased to offer an exceptional recently built two bedroom two bathroom apartment in this cutting edge development in Wandsworth. The apartment comprises of an open plan kitchen to living room, master bedroom with an en-suite, 2nd good size bedroom, family bathroom and a balcony accessible from all rooms.
Apartment boasts underfloor heating throughout, contemporary kitchen with white Corian work-surfaces and fully fitted appliances. Luxury family bathroom with three piece suite and overhead shower attachments.
The apartment benefits from 24 hr concierge facilities and is located moments away from multiple shopping facilities in Wandsworth Town centre.
Available unfurnished.
Call for more information and further details.
Interested in this property?
Call London Land & New Homes Limited between 8am and 8pm, 7 days a week, on:
London: +44 0203 515 0023
Singapore: +65 315 84358


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Charity Wings has adopted a family from the San Marcos Boys' and Girls' Club for this holiday season and we're hoping you can help us out with some donations! This family was chosen because of the outstanding citizenship exhibited by one of the little girls both at the club and within her own family. Money is extremely tight for this family as the mother is out of work. Please help us to help them! We would need all wrapped donations to be received by December 7th.
Items can be dropped of or shipped to:
Charity Wings
209 Westlake Dr 1
San Marcos, CA 92069
Please let us know what you're donating in the comments and we will keep updating the list. If you can send a Christmas Ornament with your gift, that would be great! Does not need to be handmade. Any ornament to put on their tree!
Here are the basic items the family needs:
Queen size sheets
A queen size bed
A queen size mattress
A microwave
Boy, aged 3 – Favourite colour: blue, Favourite movie: Spiderman
He wears children's size 8 shoes and
He wears size 4T shirts and pants and needs clothing.
He needs a winter jacket.
He would like: any kind of toys
an electric toy truck
a scooter
Girl, aged 1 1/2 – Favourite colour: pink
She wears infant's size 5 shoes and
She wears size 2T clothing and needs clothing.
She needs a winter jacket.
She would like: any kind of toys
a scooter
Girl, aged 8 – Favourite colours: pink and purple, Favourite movie: The Lorax. She loves to play basketball.
She wears children's size 1 shoes and
She wears children's size medium shirt and children's size 8 pants and would like new clothing.
She needs a winter jacket.
She would like: a bike
a backpack
Girl, aged 10 – Favourite colour: green, Favourite movie: Spongebob. She loves to colour
She wears children's size 5 shoes and
She wears children's size medium shirts and children's size 10 pants.
She needs a winter jacket.
She would like: a bike
a backpack
Mother – Favourite colour: black, Favourite movie: Shrek. She loves to read with her kids.
She wears size 6 shoes and needs new ones.
She wears a size L shirt and size 9 pants.
She needs a winter jacket.
She would like: new clothes in general but specifically:
running shoes
Father – Favourite colour: black, Favourite movie: any with Pedro Infante in them. He loves to play soccer
He wears size 8 shoes and needs new ones.
He wears size L shirts and his pant size is 36 x 32.
He needs a winter jacket.
He would like: new clothes in general but specifically:
sweaters, size XL
In addition to the items that are stroked through above, we have received some stocking stuffers for the kids, a kids' movie, and a child's blanket.
You can also donate money and we will use it to purchase items for the family. Thanks so much for your help!


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August 2nd, 2013 – Abbey Godogodo, Notorious Armed Robber Arrested In Ibadan "I Revenge By Killing Policemen"
A notorious armed robber has been arrested by Oyo State Police Officials in Ibadan on Thursday
Abiodun Ogunjobi popularly called Abbey Godogodo who claims he has been robbing for over 14 years was caught in his mansion in Ibadan after policemen laid ambush for him for close to 3 weeks.
The 36-year-old notorious armed robbery gang leader confessed he has killed several policemen during his operations.
He said he has no regret killing them because it's a form of revenge for killing his boys.
Read his confession to Vanguard below;
I started robbing in 1996. I have spent more than seven years in prison. My prolonged stay in prison for a minor crime of fighting hardened me and I vowed to pay back the police for that injustice.
"After I was released, I went to Katangua, in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos to meet my friend, Odun, who was arrested by the police recently at O4 Hotel in Ajah. Odun was an armed robber then and we started operating.
"We worked with several other gangs and I invested the loots in purchasing arms. I have built five houses in Ifo, Ilaro, Ikorodu and Ibadan.
"I usually kill policemen and take their rifles because policemen have killed several of my boys and taken most of our rifles from them.
"I have no regrets for all I have done and I have no advice for young people who want to become armed robbers like me.
"I have three children from three women. The police should take all my property if they wish."
Abbey Godogodo was behind the brutal murder of several people at Q4 hotel in Ajah, Lagos on the 7th of July 2013. His boys killed Mr Olanrewaju Subair, the hotel owner.
They also killed the security guards working at a popular hotel along Apapa Road in Ebute Metta on the same day.


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Contact Name: Roger Borbon, D.C.
Contact Phone: 512-306-9800
Contact Email Address: firstname.lastname@example.com
Company WebSite: www.drpurelife.com
Where you would like to receive inquiries: Email
Job Closing Date: 11/4/15
Job Title: Massage Therapist
Job Type: Employee – Paid
Job Description:The 2012 Finalist for Top Doctors In North America
Is Expanding
Can You Be Part Of This Team?
Successful Practice! Fun Environment! Super People!
We are looking for one outstanding person and Licensed Massage Therapist who is level 2 certified to add to our incredible staff. If you are an energetic, self motivated, personally/professionally accountable goal oriented person with a true sense of passion for health and wellness, you could be that person. If you are a natural people person with sincere interest in helping others be their best, then you should apply. If you are looking for a position you can be extremely proud of, you should take the next step closer to a great new career. This position starts with $20/hour pay plus opportunities to earn much more based on performance. Call 512-402-8095 to hear a message from Dr. Borbon with more details about the position and instructions on how to apply. Be sure to have a pen & paper handy when you call.
• Be responsible for consistently delivering world-class therapy to our massage patients for an extraordinary experience.
• Taking responsibility for the massage area and equipment.
• Being consistently on time for scheduled appointments.
• Be a team player with passion for providing excellence in massage to contribute to our unique and first class patient experience.
Key Traits/Skills: Level 2 Certification Only
• Naturally Upbeat & Friendly
• Punctual & dependable.
• Must be a natural people person who loves interacting with others.
• Must be able to adapt to a growing environment.
• Strong desire to provide quality care regardless of who the patient is.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently & with a Team.
• Must have a magnetic personality with a natural positive attitude.
• Must be teachable and welcoming of critiques for professional development.
• Punctual and dependable. (Yes, it's listed twice)
• Ability to prioritize, handles multiple tasks efficiently, and adapts and reacts quickly to changes.
• Willing to assume responsibility.
• Interested in a long-term professional relationship.
Required Qualifications:
• Amazingly Positive Energy & Attitude
• Licensed massage therapist and proof of insurance.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Several different types of massage
• Comfortable with doing massages ranging from half an hour to two hours.
Company Description:
Our practice has been established since 2005 and has enjoyed great success. We provide the highest in natural holistic healthcare for a wide variety of people in need.
The Massage division of our practice is critical to our continued success. This position provides a great opportunity for someone with a background in massage to have a future with consistent bookings while working in a fun and friendly environment.
Call (512-402-8095) anytime 24/7. You will not be speaking to a live person yet. We have left a message for you that will tell you a little bit more about the company and this position, as well as how to apply. Be sure to have a pen & paper handy when you call. If you think this position is for you — call today to find out for sure.


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#169 Golden Fans Crochet Dishcloth – Maggie Weldon Maggies Crochet
Designer Renae Hopkins wrote: "This idea came from a scarf I made."
Thank you Renae for joining the Dishcloth-A-Day Challenge.
Follow me on to #170 and the rest of the story…
The Golden Fans Crochet Dishcloth is now available in the Black, White, Red & Yellow Dishcloth Set.
This pattern is now available in the new book from Annie's Attic 'A Year of Dishcloths'. Click here to order your copy of this book today: http://www.maggiescrochet.com/products/a-year-of-dishcloths
All Rights Reserved ©2011 Maggie Weldon
This pattern looks awesome with a self-striping or varigated yarn. I used "Sail Away Stripes" by Peaches & Creme, turned out great. Did a row of white for the border.


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Overview Process
Yandex Money payment system introduced some new functions (and isn't going to stop). We were asked to redesign the website to make the new functions easy to use.
For newcomers
The third version of the website got simpler navigation and introduced special instructions for new users outlining the steps to take in different situations. Now there is a search filed on every page so that the system could understand what a user needs by analyzing the query.
We put icons for the most popular operations on the main page. Transactions and payments templates, as well as the links to the useful sections of the website are now in the Favorites section.
Those who love pretty pictures choose icons, those who are into minimalism make lists
What's more, we designed new templates for payments, money transfers, pre-paid card activation, linking a bank card, and finding the nearest payment kiosk. We also added step-by-step instructions where needed.
New Yandex Money interfaces will be launched together with the new functions.
Release date: March 12 2012
artistic director
Artemy Lebedev
art director
Ludwig Bistronovsky
Anna Kleymenova
Dmitry Mikhaylov
Yulia Matyunina
Andrey Kirillov
technical designers
Vitaly Voynov
Bakha Egamediev
Anna Golovina
Aleksandr Nosikov
project managers
Darya Sviridova
Aleksandra Zyuzina
Evgenia Ezhikova
Elena Khokhrina
From Yandex:
project managers
Kristina Stoyanova
Anstasia Starostenko
Anton Frolov
Yulia Mikoyan
Natalia Germogentova
Yevgenia Firsova
Andrey Borovin
Artem Golubotsky
Denis Lykov
Vadim Lyalikov
Maria Vorobyeva
Anastasia Kobyakova
Art.Lebedev Studio would like to thank Eugenia Zavalishnaya and Natalia Haitina for her assistance with the project.
E-mail: email@example.com
© 19952020 Art. Lebedev Studio


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FRM-40502: ORACLE error: unable to read list of values.
Cause: A fatal error occurred while trying to read a list of values.
Action: Contact your DBA or an Oracle support representative.
Level: >25
Type: Error
I was working with a form with 6i release, converted to 10g. In that while clicking F9 for LOV in one of the fields, I encountered this error. I started debugging the form, starting from Field, LOV, Record Group. There were no problems at first sight.
I copied the SQL query from the record group and ran it in SQL*Plus, there was no problems. The query was using some bind variables from inside the form. I had modified these fields with values.
I then tried to run exactly the same where clause of the query (I commented out the bind variables) and ran the form. Bingo! It worked and the FRM-4502 error suddenly is gone.
I then tried to run the previous query (with bind variables), now also the error did not came.
I suppose this error is due to the ID of the field with which Forms works rather than the name.
It made a super note for me today...
Hope if you are in same mood, use this logic to solve your problem.


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We're excited to announce that Dear Esther is now 50% off (UPDATE: now 75% off!) as part of the Steam Summer Sales, not only that but you can also grab the Game + Soundtrack bundle for 75% off too!
Dear Esther Scoops two Develop AwardsIn other exciting news Dear Esther and thechineseroom won categories awards at this year's Develop awards, including 'Best use of Narrative' and 'Best Microstudio'!


text:
September 2017 Newsletter
Estonia takes over EU Council presidency
Public consultation on transforming health and care in single market
New publication of EU citizen's rights
EU school children receive fruit, milk, and vegetables
EU space policy; beef, dairy, and sheep – visiting farmers
Making online shopping safer
Tackling environmental challenges
Healthy work conference
Food supply chain consultation
Horizon 2020 SME Instrument
Natura 2000 Award Scheme
September 2017 Youth Newsletter
Youth from Tyrone take part in exchange in Sweden
Dates for training courses – Slovenia and Spain
Compare yourself to your European counterparts
EU children to get milk, fruit, and vegetables
Dialogue between youth and policy makers
European Youth Event 2018
Help save the planet
Become a volunteer; European Day of Languages 26th Sept
UK-German Connection
May 2017 Newsletter
Latest Copernicus Launch
White Paper
Agrifood Portal
Renewable sources targets met
Legal Affairs Committee: books adapted for blind
Erasmus+ Funding during negotiations
Treaties of Rome at 60
Connected and Automated Driving Conference
Erasmus Pro Initiative
Digital EU, Erasmus+ Programme update
The Plaid Project, First eHealth Hub
Subscribe to Erasmus+ Newsletter
Roaming mobile phone charges
Online Marine Litter Course
May 2017 Newsletter: Brexit Update
Triggering Article 50, letter to President Tusk, negotiations begin, Who's Who, votes, proposed timetable, EU27 stance. For NI: European Parliament key findings, Assembly questions, equality & socioeconomic rights, economy implications, human rights law.
March 2017 Newsletter
This issue covers the Commission's White Paper, LID+ launches new project, Travel Scholarship, Solidarity Corps, German Teacher Award, finance for start-ups, RegioStars Awards, Ready2Go, EIB backing for NPIF, clean air prize, CAP Consultation, new EU environmental standards, European Maritime Days, nuclear power generation, coastal and maritime tourism, defining CE, protect against cybercriminals, Heritage Days, LGBTI equality, antibiotic resistance.
January 2017 Newsletter
This issue looks at the Launch of CRANE Project a 2yr Erasmus+ funded project, UK Ambassador to the EU resigns, Maltese Presidency, EU Public Health policy, 15yrs of Euro, ICT gender gap, Digital Assembly 2017 in Valletta, Erasmus+ Funding, Traineeships, Rights with faulty goods, The Single market.
DECEMBER 2016 Newsletter: This issue looks at how medical products are protected, ratification of the Paris Agreement, the policy for jobs & growth, EU vocational skills week, the new Task Force for the negotiations with the EU and funding.
OCTOBER 2016 Newsletter: This issue looks at how medical products are protected, ratification of the Paris Agreement, the policy for jobs & growth, EU vocational skills week, the new Task Force for the negotiations with the EU and funding.
SEPTEMBER 2016 Newsletter: This issue opens with Jean-Claude Junker's State of the Union Address 2016 with information on funding, events, research competitions and fact sheets.
Register to receive the EDNI Newsletter and email updates
JULY 2016 Newsletter: Your rights following the EU Referendum to leave the EU
Following a demand to know about your rights after the EU Referendum vote to leave the EU this newsletter answers some of the key questions you asked about what it means for you going on holiday to another part of the EU, your passport, healthcare and more!
Register to receive the EDNI Newsletter and email updates
JUNE 2016 Newsletter: The EU Referendum
This issue focuses on the EU Referendum, The EU Commission response to the UK vote to leave the EU and the process of what happens next.
MAY 2016 NEWSLETTER: Education, Training & Youth
This issue focuses on Education, Training & Youth
Contents include:
EUROPASS: The EU CV
Eurostat: EU statistics
European SchoolNet: Innovation in teaching
Language Assistants for your school
Drop'pin Eures for employment and youth organisations
Eures: Job mobility
Open Education Europa Portal: for learners, teachers & researchers
European Youth Portal: opportunities for youth volunteering, mobility, culture, education & employment
EU in my region photo competition
The European Youth Guarantee
We've moved office! Find out about our new premises and other news.
Contents include:
How to take part in EU Polls
Roaming charges change in June 2016
Registering for the EU Referendum
Guides to doing business in Europe
Support for SMEs
Investment for EU promoters
An App to help you stop smoking
Health workplaces for all ages
PEACE IV Funding
Climate Action
INTERREG Atlantic Areas news
European Job Week
Erasmus+ funding
INTERREG VA Research & innovation Fund
Community Action in the Field of Health


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Capoeira Fighter is a 2 player only game so read the instructions and grab a friend to play.
Capoeira Fighter has been played 13950 times so far on arcadevoid.com with 1 game plays today.
Capoeira Fighter has an average game rating of 3/5:
We list cheat codes, guides and walkthroughs for games below the game - click the play now button to see cheats for Capoeira Fighter!


text:
Internet Boy Genius with an App to Summarize the News
By: Christina Farr | VentureBeat
At 12 years old, Nick D'Aloisio began his career as a mobile programmer when he downloaded the Apple Developer Kit. By 15, one of his hacks, an app known as "Trimit," caught the eye of an investor in Asia offering to fund "the company's" next project.
What company? D'Aloisio, a school boy from South London, admitted to this venture capitalist that it was merely an after-school creation.


text:
September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 – world wide THE STABAT MATER CAN BE FOUND IN ITS ENTIRETY As September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, please recite the Stabat Mater once a day in love & reparation to the Sorrowful and Immacula… Organized by Cathleen | Type: in, reparation
January 7, 2017 to December 24, 2017 – worldwide Father Trincado will be offering all the Masses for the consecration of Russia and for all Crusader Members. January 7, 13 and 24 February 4, 13 and 25 March 4, 13 and 25 April 1, 13 and 22 May 6, 13… Organized by Crusaders of the Immaculate Heart | Type: mass, schedule
September 20, 2017 to September 28, 2017 – World wide Glorious Saint Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of His followers, against whom the powers of hell are unchained. Guard with special care our Holy F… Organized by Cathleen | Type: for private intentions
September 23, 2017 to October 1, 2017 – World Wide ~With love & gratitude in honor of our Guardian Angels~ O Holy Angel, whom God, by the effect of His goodness and His tender regard for my spiritual welfare, has charged with the care of m… Organized by Cathleen | Type: for the intentions of all crusader members and their families
September 24, 2017 to October 2, 2017 – Worldwide O Little Flower of Jesus, ever consoling troubled souls with heavenly graces, in thine unfailing intercession I place my confident trust. From the heart of our Divine Savior, petition the blessin… Organized by Cathleen | Type: for, our, own, private, intentions


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Or – "At Least I Don't Have To Worry About Spoilering You Guys…."
As anyone who reads Marvel's press releases knows, a long-time member of the Marvel Universe is going to bite the big twinkie this issue, and even the least cynical members of the reading public are thinking, "For how long?" No matter how you feel about death in comics, though, it COULD be awesome or it could be drek. Either way, your Major Spoilers revew awaits!
Writer(s): Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction and Jonathan Hickman
Scripter: Brian Bendis
Penciler: Olivier Coipel
Inker: Mark Morales
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulous
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Previously, in Avengers Vs. X-Men: The Phoenix Force returned to Earth, and was broken into five easy pieces, ordering Cyclops, Magik, Colossus, The White Queen and the Sub-Mariner to hold the chicken between their knees. Three of the Phoenix Five have fallen in a massive war of attrition against the slowly dwindling numbers of the Mighty Avengers, leaving Cyclops and the White Queen still empowered (in fact, MORE powerful, having re-absorbed the fragments of the other three wielders.) After seeing Emma Frost's madness, Magneto called in his oldest friend/enemy, Charles Xavier, to try and talk his first student down off the metaphorical ledge, while Hope Summers channels her own powers into Cyclops' first actual defeat. Can Professor X save Cyclops from his own demons?
In the early going of this series, there were a couple of time-jumps (notably around issue five or so) wherein battles were won and lost off-panel, and the Phoenix Five turned the world into a nearly-perfect utopia (so long as you were a mutant and not the kind of person who would fight them.) Those kind of missing moments can work for you or against you, and this issue it works against the creators, in my opinion, as the issue opens with two attempts to parley: One, by Captain America, pulls a founding Avenger back into the fold. The other, by Rogue, moves a great many mutants out of Cyclops' camp and into Captain America's anti-Phoenix army. While his people defect to the other side, Cyclops has to fight not only his own bad decisions, but the power of The Phoenix, and the duplicitous nature of his lady-friend Emma. There is a lot of build-up about whether she will turn on him or he will turn on her, but it all ends up for naught as Professsor Xavier arrives to bring his metaphorical child back down to Earth. Their confrontation ends up being talky and overly-staged for me, although there is a momentary revelation in the middle of the story that creates a very strong visual image, as Xavier shields Cyclops' mind from the knowledge that Captain America's forces are already attacking…
Visually, it's a pretty stunning second half of the issue, especially Storm's lighting-powered beatdown on the White Queen, and a confrontation with Magneto that brings his daughter back to his side, something I never thought I'd see. All in all, though, no matter how strong the individual visuals are, the battle ends up being portrayed as big still splash-pages, denying some of the fun of continuity and follow-through, and the climactic "surprise" at the end of the book falls flat for me. With Professor Xavier seemingly dead, and Cyclops completely consumed by Dark Phoenix, Wolverine blown to smithereens, and even Iceman calling Scott Summers a jerk, things look very dark, indeed. Until, of course, one considers that next issue has to wrap this all up, and also the fact that the solicitations for the post-AvX world are pretty clear who wins the conflict. This issue ends up being a maddening series of still shots, moments that I would love to hear more of (such as Beast realizing that his best friend has gone bye-bye, Hulk's change of heart, Storm's battle with the White Queen and more) but only get quick hits on because of the size of the cast (and, possibly, the creative team.
From the beginning, it was clear that Cyclops was on a slippery slope, that somebody had to be consumed by the madness of the Phoenix, and that the battle pretty much couldn't have a twist ending like Civil War did. Now that we're here, it feels a little bit hollow, although a killer issue #12 with some real consequences might change my opinion of things. All in all, Marvel's reveal this morning did a disserve to me, at least, as I spent the issue knowing that Profesor X wouldn't make it, even as the story itself posited him as the last bastion against the Phoenix. Avengers Vs. X-Men #11 was less successful than previous issues, with a long stretch of overly talky part and a telegraphed ending, but still did well enough to earn 3 out of 5 stars overall. Both the art and story work about 75% of the time, for a slightly-above average reading experience…


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Feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning? Get the groom involved!
Have your groom research DJs or bands and work together to create a list of your favorite songs (and the songs you don't want at your wedding). This will help make your wedding reception extra special.
Groomsmen's Attire
While you and your girls shop for dresses, your groom can take charge of picking out the attire for his groomsmen. Make sure to discuss budget and the theme before you each go out and shop for the wedding day wardrobe.
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner is an excellent way to get the groom and his family involved in the wedding planning. It is customary for the groom's family to pitch in for the rehearsal dinner. They can help him choose a great venue and send the invites.
His Wedding Band
He'll be wearing his wedding band for the rest of his life, so get him involved in picking it out. Before you two visit Shane Co. together, discuss if you want his ring to coordinate with yours or if he will have a completely unique design.
Thank-You Gifts
While you're picking out gifts for your bridesmaids, the groom can shop for his groomsmen. He is the perfect person to choose a gift to say thank you. One of our favorite ideas is cuff links that match each groomsmen's style.
How are you getting to the big event? Whether you are renting transportation or taking your own, the groom can help figure out the logistics of getting to the wedding.


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If Toy Story 3's ending left you wanting more and would like to continue following the adventures of the toys, then the recent partnership between Marvel and Disney will satisfy you, as Buzz Lightyear, Woody and the rest of the gang make their comic book debut in the Toy Story comic book mini-series, which promises to deliver all new content and stories to fans of the Pixar movie.
"Everyone loves Toy Story, so we're excited to team with our friends at Disney-Pixar to bring readers all new stories of our favorite characters from these blockbuster films," said Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief, Marvel Entertainment. "Toy Story allows us to bring great new material to the market that's not only perfect for kids, but also a great read for fans of all ages. What's next for Woody and Buzz in these stories? We can't wait for you to find out!"
In the first issue of the mini-series (which will run for a total of 4 issues), Andy's new puppy Buster, who loves to play with toys, tries to play with Woody and co. too much, and the gang finds out that chewing and shaking may leave them in a world of hurt. Can our miniature heroes control the playful pooch? Find out this March with the release of Toy Story #1


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|Image : Google
no time to climb spout
a busy Incy Wincy -
spider veins on legs
|Image : Google
Interesting! To roll in the year- we 'll get the spider veins on legs- :)ReplyDelete
Thank you so much, Omo, for everything and your continuous support. Yup, spider veins will be seen when there's so much to do. :)Delete
Very interesting, Balqis...ReplyDelete
Thank you so much,Epsita. Nice to see you again. :)Delete
Shivery but very interesting - BastetReplyDelete
Thank you so much, Georgia. Yup, a bit shivery. :)Delete
very interesting Balqis :-)ReplyDelete
Thank you so much, Anchana. :)Delete
Ha... I almost wrote an incy wincy spider vein poem. Enjoyed !ReplyDelete
It'd be nice, Rallen. The prompt brought me back to my childhood days. Incy Wincy spider is still fresh on my mind.:)
Thank you so much for your visit and comments. :)
Great weaving of two images into one! Well done!ReplyDelete
I'm humbled by your kind words, Ravyne. Appreciate it so much. Thank you. :)Delete
I like what you did here. Very interesting :-)ReplyDelete
It's so uplifting reading your comments, Amrit. Appreciate it so much. Thanks a lot. :)Delete


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- +27 (0)87 353-4194
- email@example.com
i-Kno prides itself on providing solutions not products. Each implementation that i-Kno does, focuses on the solution that our clients need and not the product.
By focusing on the solution to a specific business challenge, i-Kno can focus on what a tool needs to accomplish rather than looking at what a tool can do and then adjusting the business to fit the tool.
Most often when tools or products are selected, clients focus on the features of products and have a one-on-one comparison between the feature sets of different products. The product that has the most features wins the battle and gets selected as the tool of choice. In most of these cases the product fails in providing a solution that will fit the organisation and becomes another statistic in failed products.
At i-Kno we believe that we need to understand the needs of clients and as such need to focus on a solution for those needs. Instead of being a "swiss-knife" for each client, our solutions are tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
We also understand that solutions are a combination of people, process and tools, and by focusing on the people and process the tool can be adjusted to meet the needs of our clients.
Some of the Solutions that i-Kno have successfully provided to our clients include:
- Contract Management
- Document Management
- Leave Application Management
- Compliance Management
- Grants Management
- Advanced Workflow Solutions
- Enterprise Search
- Study Material Production Workflows
- Records Management
- Collaboration
- Knowledge Management
- Document transformation
- and many more
i-Kno has a history of providing excellent solutions and implementations to our clients, as such i-Kno uses a methodology that will ensure that solutions are used and does not become another statistic in unsuccessful implementations.


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THIS week is Dementia Action Week, and if you have a family member living with dementia, you may need to manage their finances for them. But it's easier if a Power Of Attorney is in place — and you can plan ahead now to save yourself and your family worry in future. Here's an outline of how Power Of Attorney works:
? It is a legal document that gives someone else authority to make financial and/or health or welfare decisions on your behalf.
? There are two types — a General or Ordinary Power Of Attorney gives someone permission to make financial decisions and is valid when you have mental capacity. A Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA) gives someone else authority to make decisions in future if you can't or don't want to. This can cover both health and finances.
? Your attorney or attorneys (the person or people who take on the decision-making responsibility under the Power Of Attorney arrangement) must be over 18 and can be family, friends, spouse or partner, or solicitor.
? A signed LPA agreement must be registered with the Office Of Public Guardian. This takes eight to ten weeks.
? If someone has lost mental capacity then they are unable to make a LPA. In this case, you can apply for a Deputyship Order from the Court of Protection in England and Wales.


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A charitable lead trust will give you tax savings this year, provide years of support for Environmental Defense Fund, and also grow your assets for your family to receive someday.
There are two ways that charitable lead trusts make payments to EDF:
A charitable lead annuity trust pays a fixed amount each year to EDF and is more attractive when interest rates are low.
A charitable lead unitrust pays a variable amount each year based on the value of the assets in the trust. With a unitrust, if the trust's assets go up in value, for example, the payments to EDF go up as well.
An example of how it works
George would like to support EDF and provide for his children. George received a windfall amount of income and needs a large income tax deduction to offset the income. Following his advisor's recommendation, George funds a grantor charitable lead annuity trust with assets valued at $1,000,000. George's trust pays $70,000 (7 percent of the initial fair market value) to EDF each year for 15 years, which will total $1,050,000. After that, the balance in the trust reverts back to George. He receives an income tax charitable deduction of $854,311. Assuming the trust earns an average 6 percent annual rate of return, George receives approximately $767,240 at the end of the trust term.
*Assuming annual payments and a 3.2 percent charitable midterm federal rate.
Discover more
See which type of charitable trust best fits your estate plan with the FREE guide Choose from 2 win-win ways to donate.View my guide
Calculate Your Benefits
Submit a few details and see how a charitable lead trust can benefit you.
Not Sure How to Begin Planning?Download my kit
Next steps
- Contact Cynthia Eubank DiLeo at 877-677-7397 or email@example.com to talk about supporting EDF by setting up a charitable lead trust.
- Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
- If you include EDF in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.
Legal Name: Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.
Address: 257 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010
Federal Tax ID Number: 11-6107128
- Share with us that you have included EDF in your plans in order to join the Osprey Society today.


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Sequoia Fund, or sometimes known better as Ruane, Cunniff & Goldfarb, is out with their fourth quarter 2012 shareholder letter. The managers of the famous value mutual fund have some interesting insights on current investment opportunities. In contrast to many other good money managers (pundits excluded), Sequoia Fund is pretty bearish and notes that they have trouble finding equities trading at compelling valuations. Below is a brief excerpt from the 2012 shareholder letter followed by the full shareholder letter in scribd:
Given the huge run up in equities since early 2009, we are no longer finding compelling valuations, either
for our existing holdings or for new ideas we are researching. Our current portfolio seems fairly valued today. That said, anyone who has paid attention over the past 15 years knows equities can trade at extreme levels, both of overvaluation and undervaluation.
RUANE, CUNNIFF & GOLDFARB Sequoia Fund Annual Shareholder Letter 2012 by


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If not caught early, melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. One-in-fifty Americans has a lifetime risk of developing melanoma. It develops from changes to the DNA of skin cells, which can happen when skin is over-exposured to ultraviolet light from the sun or from extended tanning bed use. Also, certain viruses can cause DNA changes that lead to skin cancer.
To prepare yourself and your family for the summer and protect yourself from any form of skin cancer, join Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University physician, Keith Delman, MD, Wednesday, May 29th for an online web chat at 12 noon.
Dr. Delman will be able to answer questions such as:
- How to prevent melanoma and skin cancer
- What causes skin cancer and melanoma
- Signs of melanoma and skin cancer
- Treatment options for melanoma and skin cancer
- The latest research on the horizon


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…you like classical rhyme try 'A Visit from St Nicholas' by Clement Clarke Moore
You'll recognise this poem from its first line ''Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house'. If you don't, then you have even more reason to read it. Clement Clarke Moore manages to sustain his playful use of rhyme that makes this poem a classic to read to your younger cousins.
Relatively lengthy, A Visit from St Nicholas, builds a detailed narrative and characterises St Nicholas in a wholesome manner that fills everybody with joy. If you are wanting a bit of feel good improv to liven up your house Christmas Dinner, why not go for a re-enactment of the poem and spread your Christmas cheer.
Favourite line: "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! / On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!"
…you want something contemporary try 'Aubade with Burning City' by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong is American contemporary poetry's best kept secret and is definitely one to check out if you want to appreciate some challenging and complex work. Aubade with Burning City evokes the moment that Armed Forces Radio played White Christmas as a code for troops to evacuate from Vietnam.
Vuong intersperses the lyrics with powerful imagery such as 'a nun, on fire / runs silently towards her god' and 'milkflower petals on the street' to create an intimacy that turns eerie. The form gives constant energy and an inevitability that is refreshing in the world of Christmas related poetry.
Favourite line: "The city so white it is ready for ink."
…you like art and typography try 'A Christmas Truce' by Carol Ann Duffy, illustrated by David Roberts
Duffy has a Christmas Tradition to write and publish, in beautifully illustrated editions, a Christmas themed poem. Some of the more recent of these include The King of Christmas, Another Night Before Christmas and Bethlehem: A Christmas Poem. Making this list however, is A Christmas Truce.
Written for Armistice Day in 2011, Duffy captures both sides of the trenches with occasional lines in German. Typical Christmas imagery is subverted with the reminder of loss of life, and Duffy balances this beautifully throughout.
Favourite line: "Silver frost on barbed wire strange tinsel, / sparkled and winked."
…you want one you haven't heard before try 'Christmas in India' by Rudyard Kipling
In this poem Rudyard Kipling is celebrating Christmas in a different climate and far from home in Christmas in India. It is poignant and for those who might be abroad and want to remember 'making merry'.
As a child, Kipling often spent his Christmas' away from his parents and in the company of his aunt and uncle. Writing this poem, he is likely to be remembering the magic of Christmas at that young age and yearning for the excitement and adventure that his early years bought him.
Favourite line: "As the sun is sinking slowly over Home"
…you want to bring back childhood memories try 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' by Dr. Seuss
A classic film, but also a classic poem, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is fun, memorable, and is perfect for those friends and family scrooges who get tired of celebrating throughout the whole month of December.
If you want to learn a thing or two about rhythm, Dr Seuss is well known for creating poems that read themselves. It's very hard not to read this poem in one sitting, despite its length, and once you have finished you might want to read it again. Just to build the Christmas spirit once more!
Favourite line: "Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. / Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!"
– Bebe Ashley
Featured image is from: http://neesienatters.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/book-christmas-tree.html


text: Security Guard Wants Police Officer Who Shot Him Arrested Pauline Ngunjiri Steadroy Sutton, shooting victim Steadroy "Seamoss" Sutton, who was allegedly shot twice by a plain clothed officer Saturday morning (Sept 19), wants the officer arrested and charged with an offense. The 55-year-old security guard at Turtle Times restaurant at Pinneys Beach was shot in the groin and lower back while on duty that night. Sutton, from Gingerland, is recovering at the Alexandra Hospital where he has been warded since the shooting. He told The Observer the attending doctor told him he was a lucky man as the bullet to his upper thigh/groin area could have clipped an artery or vein, causing him to bleed to death. The guard said he was dressed in his security uniform, performing routine patrol of the restaurant's environs at around 2am when a person walked from the direction of Sunshine Bar and Restaurant to Turtle Times' yard and started urinating. The restaurant was closed at the time but there was a fete at the adjacent Lime restaurant where a band was playing. Sutton said he attempted to stop the man from relieving himself on the restaurant grounds, but the individual refused to move away. Sutton walked towards the restaurant in order to call the police, when the person opened fire, hitting him once. "I walked up the building to take up my book to call an officer to report the guy. The person found me right at the building and said he wanted to make the call himself. He then took off the gun and shot me," Sutton recounted. Sutton recalled that after the first shot, he jumped on the person but after he realized the wound was bleeding, he let go of the man. "I went back and as I turned around, he shot me in the back. I ran to the band stand at Lime and interrupted the vocalist," he said. The vocalist called the police and when an officer arrived Sutton was taken to the hospital at 3.00 am via a police vehicle. Sutton told the Observer that a police officer stationed at the government post at Pinneys Beach jumped out of the post when his attacker fired and told him to 'take it easy", instead of arresting the person who had just shot him. "They know who shot me. He should have been arrested by now!" He confirmed to the Observer that police officers visited him at the hospital and took a statement on Sunday . He said the Acting Commissioner, Stafford Liburd has visited him at the hospital as well as the Premier of Nevis and minister of National Security, Hon. Vance Amory. On Wednesday (Sept 23) the police Force issued a press release about the incident, saying they were investigating "a shooting incident involving a Police Officer and a civilian". The investigation is being handled by the Force's Office of Professional Standards, it notified. According to the release, the officer in question has not been suspended as the public has called for, but instead has been assigned to desk duties. "In the interim, the officer involved is assigned to desk duties. Upon completion and review of the investigation, appropriate actions will be taken." It has not been addressed whether the police officer was on duty at the time of the shooting nor why he did not stay on the scene of the shooting to speak with the responding officer. The Observer attempted to question Superintendent Hilroy Brandy about the matter; he said he would not be commenting until the investigation was over. A former police officer opined that something had to be amiss for an officer to leave a wounded civilian and flee the scene of such an incident. That officer, he said, should have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. "A police officer has a sworn duty to help an injured civilian. Even when an officer would have shot a suspect, armed or not, in order to save that suspect's life the same officer involved in the shooting would rush the person to the hospital. "It remains to be seen what actually transpired that night because the public is only hearing one side, but what I cannot accept is that an officer would have shot a man twice and left the scene. That is reprehensible and he should not be on the job until there is some resolution," the source said. While the Force remains tightlipped about the identity of the officer involved, The Observer understands he is a foreign national who holds the rank of Constable.


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Success of Non-Christian Japan
As of 2012, there are 11,020,000 millionaires in the US while the 3,580,000 millionaires in Japan.
The two countries lead this ranking of countries in terms of the number of millionaires followed by No.3 France with 2,280,000, No.4 the UK 1,580,000, No.5 Germany 1,460,000, No.6 Italy and No.7 China.
Though the population of the US is 2.5 times larger than Japan's, there are three times more millionaires in the US than in Japan.
The GDP of the US in 2012 was about $16,244 billion while Japan recorded $5,960 billion. The ratio is 2.7.
However the land size of Japan is almost equal to the area of California State. Japan produces almost no crude oil and natural gas. So, it tells that Japanese people have been making great efforts to catch up with the US in terms of production of wealth.
Nonetheless there are 230 million Christians in the US while only two million Christians in Japan. For reference, it is estimated that there are 90 million Christians in China.
The modern science and technology originally developed in Europe and the US allowed peoples and nations in the world to produce various industrial products which became sources of wealth. Japan has adopted and developed material aspects of the Western civilization so well, and China has learnt modern technology and industrial knowledge from Japan. But the core of Western civilization which is Christianity has still no direct influence on the Japanese people.
Put differently, it is a kind of surprise than the non-Christian country Japan has been able to so well learn Western civilization in these 150 years to produce so many millionaires and so many valuable products.
So, some Western scholars came to be interested in Japan even before WWII. They have studied various aspects of Japan, including religion and history, but seem not to come to any clear conclusion. But it may tell that they have become less and less Christian. Only true Christians might find a true cause for success, if so material, of non-Christian Japan in this modern era.
The Number of Nobel Prize Laureates in Natural Science as of 2012:
3. Germany 68
4. France 31
5. Sweden 16
6. Switzerland 15
8. Netherlands 14
8. USSR/Russia 14
10. Denmark 9
10. Canada 9
Anyway Japan is the only leading scientific country in regions with non-European tradition.
*** *** *** ***
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.


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Exodus 15:9
Bible Rank: 18,795
New International Version
2 "The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."
3 The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.
4 Pharaoh's chariots and his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh's officers are drowned in the Red Sea.
5 The deep waters have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.
6 Your right hand, LORD, was majestic in power. Your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy.
7 "In the greatness of your majesty you threw down those who opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it consumed them like stubble."
8 By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up. The surging waters stood up like a wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 The enemy boasted, "I will pursue, I will overtake them. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.'"
10 But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11 Who among the gods is like you, LORD? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
12 "You stretch out your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies."
13 In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
14 The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the people of Philistia.
15 The chiefs of Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away
16 Terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of your arm they will be as still as a stone – until your people pass by, LORD, until the people you bought pass by.
Amplified Bible
2 The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He has become my Salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him.
3 The Lord is a Man of War; the Lord is His name.
4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host has He cast into the sea; his chosen captains also are sunk in the Red Sea.
5 The floods cover them; they sank in the depths [clad in mail] like a stone.
6 Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy.
7 In the greatness of Your majesty You overthrow those rising against You. You send forth Your fury; it consumes them like stubble.
8 With the blast of Your nostrils the waters piled up, the floods stood fixed in a heap, the deeps congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
10 You [Lord] blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; [clad in mail] they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
11 Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?
12 You stretched out Your right hand, the earth's [sea] swallowed them.
13 You in Your mercy and loving-kindness have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation.
14 The peoples have heard of it; they tremble; pangs have taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.
15 Now the chiefs of Edom are dismayed; the mighty men of Moab [renowned for strength], trembling takes hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away--little by little.
16 Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of Your arm they are as still as a stone--till Your people pass by and over [into Canaan], O Lord, till the people pass by whom You have purchased.
King James Version
2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.
9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.
10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.
11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.
13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.
16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.
Becoming a Christian
Would you like to experience forgiveness and new life from the God of the Bible, who calls every person to believe that he sent his son Jesus Christ to make this possible?
The Bible explains why everyone needs to receive forgiveness and is called to serve Jesus Christ. The consistency of the Bible story, which was authored by people living thousands of years apart from diverse cultures and even different languages, is often cited as evidence of divine inspiration. Wikipedia has a list of many Biblical prophesies which have come true.
The story of God's plan to restore his relationship with us can be summarised in eight famous Bible verses below.
- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
- All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
- God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
- Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
- If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
- For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8
- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
The truth in these verses is simple, yet to embrace it means letting go of all our personal hopes and dreams and embracing God's greater purpose for our lives instead, a purpose far above anything we could dream or imagine.
This is the most important decision you will ever make, because it affects not just the rest of your life here on earth, but what comes after as well. Don't put it off until too late. If you died tonight make the decision to spend eternity with your loving Father in Heaven.
If you're wondering what to do next as a new Christian, check out these helpful suggestions from Mary Fairchild on About.com:


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Meritocracy or classism is one's position within the system where this positionality helps one group to oppress others. In the system, one group holds the power because it possesses merit. In theory, such system forms the basis of an 'equal opportunity'. But, in practice, it just favors the dominant group. Racism is a form of oppression in which one racial group dominates over other (Sensory & DiAngelo, page 100). Race and class are deeply intertwined in making the structure of the social environment. In each class, there are certain expectations and attitudes that people develop to maintain and it is this attitude that intersects with racism. People of the society make these classes and also decide how to make them distinct from each other. Racism is a way to do this by promoting discrimination in the class. However, facing oppression in one area of social life does not "cancel out" your privilege in another; these identities will be more or less salient in different situations. The challenge is to identify how our identities play out in shifting social contexts (DiAngelo, 2006).
I can see a clear intersection of meritocracy and racism by analyzing the history of Indigenous peoples and settlers in Canada. Access to economic, political and social resources is structured differently based on the class. Because of this structural division, Indigenous peoples are in lower socioeconomic status which promotes this stereotype, "they need to work harder instead of being so lazy, then they wouldn't be so poor. There is no 'level playing field' between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians as both groups do not share the same level of privileges, freedom, and choice. Just by apologizing on what had happened in the history does not compensate the damage done to the Indigenous peoples. They have not only lost the land but also their language and their culture. Just amendment to the Indian Act, reconciliation and accepting rights to the land title is not enough to compensate the past bad policies and treatments but there is still a need to recognize them as a distinct society. If the French Canadians in Quebec can be accepted as a distinct society within Canada then why Indigenous peoples are not given this right? Is it still not an intention to assimilate them into the Western culture?
Being new to Canada and its politics, I need to dig a bit deeper and then challenge myself to get the true picture of this society instead of just believing what I hear from others. I had the same stereotypical perspective about Indigenous peoples, as I was told until I met an Indigenous person who was just not a fit in the picture that I already had in my mind. I think people, even Canadians, are not well educated about the history of Canada. There is a need for awareness, realization, and acceptance to the distinction and integrity of Indigenous peoples. The social relationships that have been made due the classism and racism ought to be changed if we really want to see everyone equal under the law.