Friday 30 March 2012

'He never let go of his ball - he slept with it' - The story of Cristiano Ronaldo's humble beginnings in Madeira

Starting today, Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Luca Caioli's new book, Cristiano Ronaldo: The Obsession for Perfection. This first one looks at his early life

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Starting today and continuing for 10 weeks, Goal.com will be publishing exclusive extracts from Luca Caioli's new book, Cristiano Ronaldo: The Obsession for Perfection, which charts the Portuguese forward's spectacular rise from a poor childhood in Madeira to superstardom with Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

At the end of a narrow little road where the footballer’s house used to stand, there is now an empty patch of over-grown scrubland, a ﬁve-a-side football pitch, and a bar. But it’s not unusual for fans to ﬁnd their way down here, and for a few Euros the cabbies take them on a tour – his birth-place, where he grew up, his school, where he ﬁrst played football … in Portugal’s collective imagination he has succeeded in eclipsing such illustrious visitors to Madeira as Winston Churchill, Empress Elizabeth ‘Sissi’ of Austria, Charles I of Austria, George Bernard Shaw, the poet Rilke, Christopher Columbus and Napoleon.

Madeira is an Atlantic archipelago some 860 kilometres from Lisbon, comprising two inhabited islands – Madeira and Porto Santo – and three minor, uninhabited islands. Hailed by the tourist guides as the ‘garden of the Atlantic’, Madeira island sits on a volcanic rock 57 kilometres long by 22 wide, a mountain range which rises up from beneath the sea to a summit of 1,862 metres at Pico Ruivo, its highest peak. The capital, Funchal, has a population of 110,000.

It was here that Cristiano was born, at 10.20am on Tuesday 5 February in the Cruz de Carvalho Hospital. He was 52 centimetres long at birth and weighed nearly nine pounds. A fourth child for Maria Dolores dos Santos and Jose Dinis Aveiro, younger brother to Hugo, Elma and Katia. It was an unplanned pregnancy, with just 18 months between him and Katia, and now there was the issue of what to name him.

"My sister, who was working in an orphanage at the time, said that if it was a boy we could name him Cristiano," recalls Dolores. "I thought it was a good choice. And my husband and I both liked the name Ronaldo, after Ronald Reagan. My sister chose Cristiano and we chose Ronaldo."

Proud parent | Cristiano's mother (left) watching her son in action at the Bernabeu

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is duly baptised in the Santo Antonio church – a day which coincidentally is marked by football. In his spare time, Jose Dinis helps out as a kit man for amateur football club CF Andorinha in Santo Antonio. He asks team captain Fernao Barros Sousa to take on the role of godfather to his new baby. The ceremony is booked for 6.00pm, but ﬁrst there’s a match at 4.00pm – Andorinha are playing Ribeiras Bravas.

Reverend Antonio Rodriguez Rebola is getting nervous. He has already baptised the other children and there is still no sign of either father or godfather. Dolores and the godmother-to-be are following him around the church, baby in tow, trying to keep the priest calm. Eventually Fernao and Dinis arrive, half an hour late, and the ceremony can ﬁnally get underway.

The ﬁrst photos in the family album show baby Cristiano, big eyes staring straight at the camera, dressed in a little blue and white outﬁt and white booties, with gold bracelets on both wrists, a gold ring, and a long chain with a cruciﬁx around his neck. As he gets older, the photos show his hair forming into a little tuft of curls and his smile becomes gappy after losing his front teeth.

Dinis is the town hall gardener, while Dolores works hard as a cook so that she can put food on the table for her own children as well. Like thousands of Portuguese citizens, Dolores had emigrated to France at the age of 20, where she spent three months cleaning houses. Her husband was going to join her, but when he wasn’t able to she returned to Madeira. They already had two children.

Life wasn't easy for the Aveiro family ... But today, Cristiano remembers that time as a happy childhood. At two or three years old, playing in the yard or on Lombinho Street, he began to discover his best friend - the football

Life isn’t easy for the Aveiro family – it’s difﬁcult for anyone who lives far away from the luxury hotel industry which has colonised the coast. It’s a small home for a family of six – and whenever there’s a storm the house leaks in dozens of places. Dolores fetches bricks and mortar from the town hall to try to keep the problem under control.

But today, Cristiano remembers that time as a happy childhood. At two or three years old, playing in the yard or on Lombinho Street, he began to discover his best friend – the football.

"One Christmas I gave him a remote-controlled car, thinking that would keep him busy," recalls his godfather Fernao Sousa, "but he preferred to play with a football. He slept with his ball, it never left his side. It was always under his arm – wherever he went, it went with him."

Luca Caioli's book, Cristiano Ronaldo: The Obsession for Perfection, is published by Icon Books and is out in April. Order a copy here!

www.iconbooks.co.uk
Follow Luca Caoili on

With every extract published, Goal.com will be giving away one copy of Luca Caoili's new book. To have a chance of winning an ebook or hard copy of Cristiano Ronaldo: The Obsession for Perfection, answer the following question: Which goal milestone did Cristiano reach this week when he scored against Villarreal? Send answers to competitions@goal.com - the winner will be announced in next Friday's extract.

Whitney Houston, Xanax and Alcohol — a fatal combination?

http://www.streamingwell.com/whitney-houston-

Watch Whitney Houston's official cause of death video here

Whitney Houston – A celebrity overdose?

The cause of Whitney Houston’s death, aged 48, has fuelled bulletin boards ever since it was announced on 11 February. Whilst the exact cause of death is unclear, evidence gathered from her hotel room indicates that Houston was a regular user of prescription drugs such as Xanax and amoxicillin.

Did Whitney Houston drown or overdose?

Houston was found submerged in a bathtub in her suite at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, reportedly surrounded by bottles of both prescription and over-the-counter medication. Whether Houston drowned after becoming unconscious or was dead before she slipped under water has yet to be determined. It seems likely, though, that the root cause of her death was the combination of alcohol and one or more of these drugs.

Xanax – legal but deadly

Xanax is a benzodiazepine sedative, the same class that includes Valium and Klonopin. Usually prescribed for anxiety or panic disorders, Xanax is frequently used by performers for its relaxing effect.
Xanax works by depressing the central nervous system, reducing the activity of mental functions such as memory, coordination, cognitive ability and respiration. In a similar way to alcohol, it numbs the senses and takes the edge off.
Xanax is an effective medication for symptoms of anxiety but it can be highly addictive. However, when combined with alcohol it can become deadly.

A fatal combination – Xanax and Alcohol

Both alcohol and benzodiazepines, like Xanax, have the same effect on the body’s central nervous system. When combined they have an additive effect, which massively increases the potency of alcohol ingested. The reduction in mental functions is far greater than with just drinking alcohol alone. This can cause respiratory problems as well as amnesia and cognitive difficulties.
The combination of lowered cognitive ability and memory loss is extremely dangerous when drinking alcohol and taking drugs for the simple reason that the individual often forgets how many drinks they’ve had or pills they’ve taken. Accidental overdoses of drugs such as Xanax causes over 25,000 deaths in the United States every year. Many of these deaths are due to fatal respiratory depression – when the body is unable to inhale air and exhale carbon dioxide. In many drug overdose cases especially when alcohol is combined with opiates, barbiturates and benzodiazepines, respiratory depression quickly leads to respiratory arrest, where the individual stops breathing.

Whitney Houston and drugs

In the case of Whitney Houston, all of the ingredients and behaviour for a drugs overdose were present. Toxicology tests conducted by Los Angeles police will reveal what drugs were present in Houston’s body when she died. Given her history of drug and alcohol abuse it seems likely that Whitney Houston will join the list of celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Marilyn Monroe whose premature deaths were caused by the misuse of prescription medications.

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Whitney Houston, Xanax and Alcohol — a fatal combination?

Thursday 29 March 2012

BEYONCE HAS TO FIND HER OWN WAY AS A MOTHER-SISTER,SOLANGE

Solange Knowles is obviously taking her new responsibility as aunt to sister Beyoncé's daughter very seriously - by leading by fashion example.

On a night out in New York the younger Knowles sister made sure she stunned with her spring fashion choice, sporting a bang-on season yellow and white silk dress and some gorgeous mint-green toe-tap heels.

And it was a night of sisterly bonding for the pair as they met in New York with baby Blue Ivy in tow.

Spring in her step: Solange Knowles stuns in a silk dress as she meets her sister and niece in NYC

Singer and songwriter Solange, 25, is obviously ready for spring with her bright outfit while her older sister kept the comfortable but chic new mother look in tight leather trousers and comfortable grey hooded top.

Beyoncé, 30, also kept up her new mum style of wearing something blue, this time nail polish for the evening but adding a dash of glamour with some tough-looking shoes.

And her younger sister, who herself is mother to seven-year-old son Julez, must have been keen to see her niece as she has previously described her bond with three-month-old Blue Ivy as 'magnetic'.

Family time: Solange, herself a singer and songwriter, showed off her legs to die for as she went to meet her older sister (right) who kepy Blue Ivy under wraps

She has said her niece is 'beautiful' but always drawn the line at offering advice, citing the importance of new mother's finding their own way.
'I think it's really important for every mother to find their own way' she said. 'I think it's actually the most annoying thing when you're a new mum and you're getting so much advice from other mothers. You really just have to feel it out for yourself.'

Don't mess with Knowles' sisters! As Solange went for steel-capped shoes, her older sibling kept it rock chic with leather lace up high boots

Protective: As Beyoncé swaddles Blue Ivy and herself, her sister steps out in spring colours armed with a smile

Both sisters seem to share a love of unusual footwear with Beyoncé ditching her flats for lace-up high boots and Solange taking the protective aunt step of some steel cap tops, unless she was planning on entertaining Blue Ivy with a tap dance.

Perhaps Solange was stepping out in her spring outfit to show off her toned gorgeous legs as she has revealed as she gets older she is having better physical relationships.

Keeping her close: Blue Ivy was dressed in a light pink baby-gro for her evening out

Come prepared! Mother-of-one Solange takes her sunglasses out to dinner... perhaps to match her sister

And the singer has already revealed her new album is certainly more sexual than her other work.

She said: 'There’s a lot of sexual vibes on it. I think I just finally started having good sex'

Perhaps this was the subject of a bit of sisterly gossip last night?
source:mail online

Elton John was bullied as an adult

Sir Elton John has opened up about the bullying he endured after shooting to fame, alleging he was tormented by three "very important people" in his professional life.

The singer refuses to name those involved, but he claims to have suffered nasty abuse at the hands of unscrupulous characters who took advantage of the superstar's shyness.
He tells E! News, "It was about control and them being able to keep me under their thumb. And I was the perfect candidate for it. Even though I was famous and a big deal, it doesn't matter, it's who you are underneath that, and I was always kind of shy and intimidated...
"One was violent and the other two were mentally violent. They were very important people in my life. They were important people in my career and and in my personal life."
The Rocket Man kept his suffering hidden for a long time, but he goes on to urge anyone in a similar situation to speak out, because bullying does not just happen in the schoolyard - it also affects adults.
He adds, "Speak out, speak out. Snitch on them. Try to defend yourself, not like me, who hid it and thought it was OK to just go on like it."

source:yahoo

Muamba Twitter Student Could Be Free Tomorrow

A student jailed for mocking footballer Fabrice Muamba on Twitter after he suffered a cardiac arrest could be released in the next 24 hours.

Liam Stacey, 21, was jailed for 56 days on Tuesday after he admitting inciting racial hatred.

He is to appeal against his sentence tomorrow (Friday), and if successful could be freed straight away.

The Swansea University biology undergraduate triggered widespread anger when he tweeted: "LOL (laugh out loud). F*** Muamba. He's dead!!! #haha."

He posted the tweet soon after the Bolton midfielder's collapse during an FA Cup quarter-final tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

Fans at the game and watching on television looked on in horror as medical staff fought to save Muamba's life.

The incident touched hearts around the world but Stacey, who had been drinking, went on line to mock it.

A series of highly critical replies by appalled Twitter users resulted in Stacey launching a racist tirade.

On Tuesday he was led away sobbing from Swansea Magistrates' Court after receiving a jail sentence.

Many supported the punishment, which was widely debated on Twitter , but there were some who felt it was politically motivated.

The appeal, which is expected to last at least one hour, will be heard at Swansea Crown Court by Mr Justice Wyn Williams.

Muamba, 23, was taken to the London Chest Hospital where he is said to be making a steady recovery, although he remains in intensive care.

The FA Cup tie was abandoned after 41 minutes with the score at 1-1. Tottenham won the re-arranged game 3-1 and Muamba was said to be getting updates throughout from his hospital bed.
..

source:yahoo

University Degrees are worthless-Simon Dolan

A British entrepreneur worth more than £100m has said that degrees are “worthless” and that many university courses available across the UK are “ridiculous”.

Self-made multimillionaire Simon Dolan left school at the age of 16 and went on to form a business empire which now turns over close to £100m a year, putting him 703rd on the Sunday Times Rich List.

Simon Dolan at home in his multi-million pound Buckinghamshire pad (Copyright: Rex)

Known for taking risky business ventures, Dolan became recognised as the world’s first “Twitter Dragon” after investing more than £5m of his own money on business pitches composed of no more than 140 characters.

Managing a staff of more than 200 people, he told Yahoo! Finance that “younger, brighter candidates are much more employable” than university graduates.

“No matter what the government say we know that the current system doesn’t work,” he said. “As an employer myself I know a degree is worthless, every other employer I speak to says the same in the main part. University is not the issue of whether you had a good time or not it is the whether you will be employable at the end of it.

“Graduates come out with a self-right to not have to flip burgers even if it is the only job they can get.

"Schools need to educate children to become fully rounded human beings and not make them just pass exams so they can get to university.

"I think a far larger part needs to be taken with how to be useful in an office or work environment."

Dolan’s autobiographical guide book ‘How to make millions without a degree’ has divided opinion but with more than 1.04m young people out of work and thousands more being priced out of university it touches on one of the burning issues of the day. Amid huge opposition to the increase of tuition fees this summer he said that the rise is a “really good idea” as it will overhaul “ridiculous” degrees on offer.

“Formerly university was the place for talented people to go to get higher education for later life,” Mr Dolan said. “It typically wasn’t the place where everyone went…everyone can’t be the most intelligent in society."

A Department for Business, Innovation and Skills spokesperson said: "A degree remains a good investment in the long term and is one of the best pathways to achieving a good job and rewarding career.

“Demand for more highly skilled employees continues to increase. Graduates like everybody else are facing tough times, but the evidence shows they fare better than non-graduates, and their prospects tend to pick up quicker during the recovery”.

culled:yahoo

Racist Tweets About Fabrice Muamba Get Student In Jail

When Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsed and his heart stopped for more than an hour, onlookers could only pray. The professionals could do more, defibrillating his heart back into action and saving his life. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old Welsh asshole was merrily Tweeting away that he hoped Muamba was dead, and hurling racial slurs at anyone who called him on it.

Liam Stacey, already suspended from Swansea University and ordered to avoid social networking sites, was sentenced today to 56 days in jail for a "racially aggravated public order offense." He told the court he had been drinking since lunchtime that day when he wrote "LOL Fuck Muamba he's dead !!! #Haha" Later on, after numerous users reported him to police, he claimed his account had been hacked, and later, deleted it altogether. He was arrested at his home early the next morning.

Stacey was near tears at his sentencing, as a judge called the comments "vile and abhorrent" and told him "there is no alternative to an immediate prison sentence." The prosecutor held up the lightning-quick investigation and sentencing as a deterrent:

"Racist language is inappropriate in any setting and through any media. We hope this case will serve as a warning to anyone who may think that comments made online are somehow beyond the law."

So, yes, racism is bad, and society probably won't miss Stacey these 56 days. But it's the sentence and not the crime (or rather, the notion that Tweeting can be a crime) that is most chilling to anyone raised under the totem of the First Amendment. There's the temptation to put this in the context of the FA's anti-racism campaign, but the fact is that the U.K. doesn't have the same concept of protected speech. Stacey isn't even the first Brit this week to be sentenced for racially abusing soccer players on Twitter.

Public-order offenses are used all the time to prosecute things like hate speech (or perhaps thoughtcrime), and there's nothing more public than Twitter. Stacey could have carried a racist placard around White Hart Lane, and fewer people would have been able to see it. I couldn't tell you if this sort of racist shit is common in the U.K., where it's prosecutable, and only the most egregious examples get singled out. But the next time a black American athlete fails or screws up in

Reuters) - A student who mocked footballer Fabrice Muamba on Twitter after the Bolton Wanderers midfielder collapsed during a match was jailed on Tuesday for inciting racial hatred.

Liam Stacey, 21, provoked revulsion with comments made while the Bolton Wanderers star still lay on the pitch.

The 23-year-old midfielder was left fighting for his life after suffering a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur on March 17.

Fans in the stadium and those viewing on live television watched in horror as Muamba fell to the ground during the quarter-final clash that was abandoned.

Police were inundated with complaints as members of the public, former soccer player Stan Collymore among them, reported the student's comments.

Stacey, a Swansea University third-year biology undergraduate, was quickly tracked down and arrested.

Last week he admitted inciting racial hatred when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court and on Tuesday he was jailed for 56 days at the same court, the Press Association reported.

The first of Stacey's messages began with "LOL (laugh out loud) and said Muamba had died.

Several people took him to task for his views and he responded with a string of offensive comments aimed at other Twitter users.

Muamba remains in intensive care in hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.

Stacey broke down as he was taken away in handcuffs to a holding cell beneath the court.

District Judge John Charles told him: "In my view there is no alternative to an immediate prison sentence."

The court heard that, when arrested, Stacey admitted his guilt and said he had been drunk at the time.

On the day in question, he had been out watching Wales's rugby grand slam victory and had drunk up to eight pints of beer.

Gareth Jones, defending, said Stacey was completely ashamed of his behaviour.

"On the night in question his comments were vile - he admits that," Jones said.

Stacey has ambitions to become a forensic scientist.

That was now very unlikely, Jones said, and he would "pay dearly for the rest of his life" for what he had done.

MORE MUAMBA RACIST NEWS( culled deadspin.com)

Racist Tweets About Fabrice Muamba Get Student 56 Days In Jail

When Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsed and his heart stopped for more than an hour, onlookers could only pray. The professionals could do more, defibrillating his heart back into action and saving his life. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old Welsh asshole was merrily Tweeting away that he hoped Muamba was dead, and hurling racial slurs at anyone who called him on it.

Liam Stacey, already suspended from Swansea University and ordered to avoid social networking sites, was sentenced today to 56 days in jail for a "racially aggravated public order offense." He told the court he had been drinking since lunchtime that day when he wrote "LOL Fuck Muamba he's dead !!! #Haha" Later on, after numerous users reported him to police, he claimed his account had been hacked, and later, deleted it altogether. He was arrested at his home early the next morning.

Stacey was near tears at his sentencing, as a judge called the comments "vile and abhorrent" and told him "there is no alternative to an immediate prison sentence." The prosecutor held up the lightning-quick investigation and sentencing as a deterrent:

"Racist language is inappropriate in any setting and through any media. We hope this case will serve as a warning to anyone who may think that comments made online are somehow beyond the law."

So, yes, racism is bad, and society probably won't miss Stacey these 56 days. But it's the sentence and not the crime (or rather, the notion that Tweeting can be a crime) that is most chilling to anyone raised under the totem of the First Amendment. There's the temptation to put this in the context of the FA's anti-racism campaign, but the fact is that the U.K. doesn't have the same concept of protected speech. Stacey isn't even the first Brit this week to be sentenced for racially abusing soccer players on Twitter.

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Mother-of-one dislocates her neck in bed after powerful sneeze

A woman who sneezed so violently in bed that she dislocated her neck will have to spend the next three months in traction to recover.

Monique Jeffrey, of Melbourne, Australia, had to be rushed to a hospital spinal trauma unit after it was discovered she had dislocated two vertebrae while sitting up in bed to sneeze.

Still smiling: Monique Jeffrey with 10-month-old son after dislocating two vertebrae after sneeze. Photo: Rex

"I just knew something was wrong. I felt something move and I was in excruciating pain," she said.

Luckily the 28-year-old had her BlackBerry by her side and texted her husband saying: “Help, can't move pls call.”

She was taken to hospital but at first was told she simply had a stiff neck caused by a muscle spasm and was given exercises to loosen

But it became apparent several hours later that something was seriously wrong when Monique's left arm developed numbness and tingling.

She was immediately told to stop moving and was rushed to a spinal trauma unit where the full extent of her injuries were discovered.

The sneeze had caused the cervical 1 and cervical 2 to literally jump over each other and left Monique's head pressed down onto her right shoulder.

According to neurosurgeon Patrick Chan it’s very rare for a sneeze to cause this kind of damage.

Fortunately, the powerful sneeze did not harm Mrs Jeffrey’s spinal cord or cause neurological damage.

Mrs Jeffrey, who has a 10-month-old son called Tom said: “I just knew something was wrong. I felt something move and I was in excruciating pain.”

But at least she can now look back on the experience with humour, telling News Limited: “Honestly, who sneezes and does this? Every time I think of it now I laugh, I just can't believe it."

Mrs Jeffrey will now have to spend the next three months in halo traction while weights are used to gradually move the vertebrae back into place.

source:yahoo uk

Why we should all cut back on salt

A sprinkle on a jacket potato, a pinch in the cooking water, a shake on salad.

Most of us use salt to flavour what we eat every single day. But, according to health experts, our soft spot for sodium chloride is making us ill.

From an increased risk of heart disease and stroke to the suggestion that too much salt may even lead to some cancers, osteoporosis, kidney disease and exacerbated symptoms of asthma and Alzheimer’s, the white stuff may taste good but it’s not doing us any favours.

While a small amount does no harm, on average we consume about two teaspoons (8.6g) a day. Yet the recommended intake is much lower than this – an absolute maximum of 6g daily for adults and much less for children.

Plus never mind the salt we add to our meals – what about the salt that food manufacturers sneak in?

As the British Dietetic Association (BDA) points out: “A lot of everyday foods are not obviously salty, but do contain high amounts of 'hidden salt'. About 75 per cent of the salt we eat is already added to the food we buy.”

The biggest culprits are meat products, ready meals, soups, pasta sauces, some pre-packaged breads and even certain breakfast cereals.

So what is it about salt that’s so bad for us?

UK charity the Blood Pressure Association explains: “Salt makes your body hold on to water. If you eat too much salt, the extra water stored in your body raises your blood pressure. So, the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure.

“The higher your blood pressure, the greater the strain on your heart, arteries, kidneys and brain.”

Eating excessive amounts of salt wrecks the kidneys’ delicate balance of sodium and potassium, which helps to filter the blood. It reduces the organs’ ability to remove water, leading to higher blood pressure, extra strain on the blood vessels leading to the kidneys and, over time, kidney disease – which, if left untreated, can cause kidney failure.

The increase in blood pressure also puts extra strain on artery walls, which become stronger and thicker to cope. This raises blood pressure even higher and eventually leads to a greater risk of the arteries bursting or clogging up, and heart attack.

Other ill effects include angina (sharp pains in the chest due to obstruction or spasm of the coronary blood vessels) and damage to the arteries leading to the brain, which may lead to a type of dementia or a stroke.

There is even evidence to show that a high salt intake in children may predispose them to the development of a number of diseases in later life, including osteoporosis, stomach cancer and obesity.

So what can you do to cut down when it’s hidden in so many foods and, frankly, some things just don’t taste right without it?

For Salt Awareness Week (March 26-April 1), organised by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH), experts point out some easy ways to reduce your sodium chloride intake and protect your health for years to come:

Choose lower salt options

Look out for foods containing 0.3g of salt or less per 100g (or 0.1g sodium). For ready meals, which tend to contain more salt, pick ones with less than 1.25g salt or 0.5g sodium per dish. Be aware that foods that contain more than 1.5g salt per 100g (or 0.6g sodium) are classed as “high salt” products. Remember there can be big differences between different brands of the same products, so shop around.

Don’t add it

Break the habit of a lifetime and try to use little or no salt in cooking and don’t add extra salt at the table. According to CASH “it will only take a couple of weeks for your taste buds to adjust to less salt - before you know it you'll be appreciating the real taste of food and won't miss salt at all.”

Cut down on the biggest culprits

The worst foods for high salt content include: processed meats such as ham, bacon, sausages, pate and salami; canned, packet and instant soups; condiments including ketchup, soy sauce, mayonnaise and pickles; stock cubes and gravy powder; smoked meats and fish; meat and yeast extracts such as Bovril and Marmite; cheese; salted snacks such as crisps and popcorn; ready meals and takeaways including Chinese, Indian and pizza; ready-made sandwiches; pre-made pasta sauces; some breads and some breakfast cereals.

Don’t be scared to ask

When eating out or ordering takeaways ask specifically for no salt.

Work at keeping your blood pressure down

Being active, keeping a healthy weight and not drinking too much alcohol are key to keeping blood pressure low

Cook from scratch

Cooking fresh fruit and vegetables rather than eating ready meals is the most surefire way to keep tabs on your salt intake.

Find out the facts

Don’t guess at how much salt you and your family should be eating – the CASH website at http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/less/ shows exactly the levels of salt we need. For instance, children aged between six and 12 months should eat no more than 1g a day, while one to three-year-olds should consume no more than 2g.

According to CASH, reducing the UK’s average daily salt intake could prevent as many as 17,500 deaths from heart attacks and strokes every year.

Adds CASH: “The good news is that it's never too late. Any reductions that you make to your salt intake can be beneficial to your health by reducing your blood pressure and therefore reducing your risk of heart attacks, heart failure and stroke later in life.”

source:yahoo

Tuesday 27 March 2012

When Runsewe bagged Most Enterprising Director-General award•Nigerians declare him Mr Tourism •Launches 100 evergreen quotable quotes of Great Awo •Edem Duke lauded nomination

Seest the man who is diligent at his duty post, he shall be honored by men of honour. This played right for the Director - General , Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation ( NTDC) who the oldest surviving Newspaper in nigeria , the Nigerian Tribune ,conferred the Most Enterprising Director- General Award in Nigeria on.Wale Ojo - Lanre who was at the Award ceremony which took place in Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers here gives the account .

JOSE MOURINHO-THE HAIR IS SILVER,EXPERIENCE IS GOLD

No single person can exhaust the highly fascinating career of Real Madrid's Super Star Coach,Jose Mourinho ,yet watching Real Madrid finally dismantle APOEL's resilient defence tonight,you need not wonder why Jose is the Special One.

He said ahead of the match not to underestimate the Cypriot team and he was right.Not until Kaka and Marcelo came on as Substitutes did the goals come.Ronaldo was a beauty to watch and Kaka reminded all that he was once The World Footballer of the year.
Interestingly,this has got to be the most beautiful football a Mourinho team has ever played.This Madrid team style of play is pure class.

At Chelsea,the hardworking Coach had rugged Players but was building virtually everything from the scratch.Confidence,fan base,media support and a winning mentality for a Club that had not won any serious thing in 50 years!

At Inter,Mourinho could be said to have an average team at first.Then had to win over the fans gradually,he went on to win the treble,no wonder his team were teary as he headed out for Real Madrid.

Real is another story all together,despite having the likes of Christiano Ronaldo and Kaka,the Club had been a shadow of its old self.No thanks to a terrific Barcelona team(Can one avoid mentioning Barca whenever Madrid is discussed and vice vearsa?).Maybe not.But even the worst Mou Critic will agree that this Real Madrid team is the best in recent years.No wonder,they lead the La Liga,got the best results in the earlier rounds of this Champion's league and after subduing ambitious APOEL in Cyprus tonight,winning 3-0, are on course to give the Special One his most ambitious wish yet-winning the Champion's League with three different Clubs and in three different countries.As the 49 years old Tactitian hair turns grey each day,gold is what you have to call his expereince.

N.B ,YES AS AN UPDATE TO THIS ARTICLE,REAL CLINCHED THEIR 32ND LA LIGA CROWN TONIGHT.EVEN IF THEY DON'T PLAY THE TWO REMAINING MATCHES OF THE LEAGUE.BREAKING ALL RECORDS,AND FOUR YEARS WAIT ENDED,REAL AND JOSE MOURINHO DESERVE THE CROWN

YES,MOURINHO HAS WON PORTUGUESE,ENGLISH,ITALIAN AND NOW THE SPANISH LEAGUE CROWNS.REMARKABLE!

pix:google,real madrid fc facebook page.

Chocolates Make You Skinnier...reduced fat deposition per calories

If you've been avoiding chocolate because it makes you fat, think again. The latest research has found that eating chocolate often can make you skinnier.

A study at the University of California, San Diego, found that eating certain types of chocolate is linked to better measurements of blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels, and a lower body mass index.

The authors tested the hypothesis that modest, regular chocolate consumption might be calorie-neutral. In other words, the metabolic benefits of eating small chocolate portions might lead to reduced fat deposition per calories, offsetting the added calories.

The study surveyed 1,018 men and women in good health. They were asked how often they ate chocolate, answered a food frequency questionnaire, and were weighed.

Writing in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the authors said: "Adults who consumed chocolate more frequently had a lower BMI than those who consumed chocolate less often."

The size of the effect was modest but the effect was significant – larger than could be explained by chance, the authors wrote.

This was despite the fact that those who ate chocolate more often ate more calories, and did not exercise more.

Study leader Dr Beatrice Golomb said: "Our findings appear to add to a body of information suggesting that the composition of calories, not just the number of them, matters for determining their ultimate impact on weight.

"In the case of chocolate, this is good news – both for those who have a regular chocolate habit, and those who may wish to start one."

The authors said the findings merit a further randomised trial of chocolate for metabolic benefits in humans.

source;yahoo lifestyle

Nollywood should focus on African culture –Uba Odi Onwudiwe

Uba Odi Onwudiwe is a Nigerian actress, moviemaker and musician based in Canada. With a crew of Nigerian filmmakers, she had taken part in over 10 movies in Canada. She has also received various honours for her works. She had a chat with Snr Correspondent, Hazeez Balogun, recently.

Your first major appearance was in ***Missing Link*** have you done any movies prior?

I first gained attention in 2003 in a U.S./Canada film ***Picking up and Dropping off***produced in Calgary by Voice Inc. I have featured in films, TV Commercials, Theatre/live shows having played the part of The Samaritan Woman at the Canadian Badlands’ ***Passion Play*** portraying the life of Jesus Christ in 2004

Doing Nigerian movies in Canada, do you consider them as Nollywood movies?

Yes, it is all about projecting African movie Industry no matter where the movie is filmed. You trained in the best acting school in Canada, do you ever think of bringing your skills to Nigeria and train budding actors and actresses? Yes, my goal and dream is to unleash African talents to the world. Why did you decide to go into acting? Acting is my passion; it is a God-given talent. I live in a country where I am considered a minority. My talent is my voice and my gift to all African children.

You won some international awards for your part in ***Missing Link***, but never got recognition from awards in Nigeria, how do you feel about that?

Projecting my culture and heritage to the western world is my fulfilment. No award will measure up to the satisfaction of being able to showcase my heritage. I am honoured to receive recognition for my work and contribution to Nollywood and Canada. Nigeria is my fatherland; I do not need an award to be proud of who I am. Which of the awards do you cherish most? Best Actress Award by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Prof. Iyowuese Hagher, a professor of theatre arts who saw my work on a big screen at the premiere of ***Missing Link***. An award from him gives value and courage to my career. As an overseas trained actress knowing that I have the Nigerian flavour well rooted in me is a plus.

You are also into music, how do you describe your music.

Mine is an authentic African Hi-life/Folk music. It is a celebration of my heritage, culture and tradition. All songs are composed and written by me and I am proud to be an African.

Music is doing well in Nigeria these days, but you do not seem to care about promoting your music over here?

I do care but I needed to raise my kids. Promotion takes a lot of travelling and commitment. I am not ready to be away from my family yet. I tried doing that from here but was left with so much regret. When I find the right people to promote my music I will take it from there.

How is your work accepted over there?

Very well, as Canadians would say awesomely well. Nollywood made history in Canada and I am very proud to be a part of this history.

There are lots of Nigerians in Canada; do you think there are enough to make Nigerian production in that country lucrative?

Yes, Nigerian movie is not only for Nigerians. All Africans and Caribbean cannot wait to see Nollywood Canada grow, including Canadians.

What are you working on at the moment?
I am getting ready to start shooting another Nigerian movie. Sorry, I cannot say much about this production, at the moment.

You were born in Nigeria; tell us about your early years in the country.

I was born at Ogbo-Hill Aba. I am a native of Nkwerre in Imo State and by marriage, a native of Ifite Ogbunike in Anambara State. I went to St. Catherine’s Girl’s Secondary School Nkwerre. I went into nursing training and later owned a Clothes Boutique, Dubbaa Fashions, in Owerri, Imo State. In 1997 I graduated from Wesley Theological College, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before I left Nigeria with my kids to Canada in 1999, to join my husband. I later trained as an actress and also a professional Security Investigator with masters in computer technology. I work as a pass control officer at Calgary international airport – Transport Canada Security Clearance. Growing up as an only child, I beat loneliness with composing whatever that came to my mind, following my mother’s footsteps that had her own musical group then. After supper in the evenings I entertained my father who loved Highlife music, by dancing and sing along. When my father died, music became a connection between our souls, a bond that led to the release of my albums and my passion in acting. I can proudly say that life in Nigeria was great; it is a part of me that I will never trade for anything. It fashioned me to the woman that I am today.

You started the Nigerian Canadian Beauty Queen initiative, what is it about?

It is all about giving young Nigerian Canadian girls a chance to appreciate true African Beauty, our cultural presentation and heritage. It is a way to encourage young Nigerian women to appreciate our epic values in a foreign land, to be comfortable in their own skin. By the way, I received a Nollywood Induction Certificate Award as recognition of my hard work in projecting Nigerian beauty and heritage in Canada

Let us into your family life.

I am a proud mother of three wonderful children, a boy and two girls. My son, Obiora is 20 years old and is working on becoming a medical doctor at the University of Alberta, Canada. My first daughter, Adaeze is 18 years old who just graduated from Grade 12 and will be joining the brother at the same University. My baby, Amaka, is 16 years old, in Grade 11; she is more into arts. I have been married for 21 years to Dr. Herbert Odi Onwudiwe. Without my husband’s unshakable support I would not get to this point; he is my hero.

With all your achievements and work, will you say you are successful?

My prayer is to touch lives and make my mark. The World is like a stage and everyone must play a part. Let my part in this life be a blessing. I can proudly say that my God has brought me to success and great achievements in this lifetime.

In which areas do you think Nollywood needs changes?

Nollywood should focus on African culture, tradition and heritage. It is a shame to see my people struggling to portray western culture in some of Nigerian movies, why can we not be proud of whom God made us to be. Why can we not put our children into consideration, why are we so hungry to copy what is not in our blood making mockery of our land. Nollywood should focus in showcasing our epic values to the world. Living outside Nigeria has made me to value my culture more, I am holding onto it with every breath I take because I owe it to my grand children.

As an African producer and an actress in Canada, what are your major challenges?

Being able to project my African heritage and values in a foreign land with an accent is challenging. Creating more awareness for Nollywood is really a hard nut to crack.

Which were your most embarrassing moments?

Saying something to myself in Igbo at work while dealing with a very rude client and a white Canadian pilot standing near me replied to me in Igbo. I said, 'God have mercy in Igbo and the pilot replied me in Igbo: “nne” (my sister) you need the prayer. I was so shocked and embarrassed, till this day. I found out that the pilot used to live in Port Harcourt.

MAN RAPES IN-LAW TO DEATH

Barely two weeks after a young lady identified as Faith Akin was allegedly raped to death by a middle aged man, a similar incident has been reported at the Epe Police Station.
According to the report, 29-year-old Titus Ime raped his in-law, a 19-year-old woman identified as Blessing John, to death.

The incident occurred in a forest at Epe. The suspect allegedly trailed Blessing to her father’s farm, where he raped her to death.

Ime, reporting the incident, said he assaulted Blessing due to her refusal to date him. The rapist cum murderer blamed his dastardly act on his “great love” for the deceased.

“I just moved to Lagos from Akwa -Ibom State to look for a job when I met Blessing. She is my in-law, as my uncle is married to her elder sister,” he said.

“As soon as I set my eyes on her, I fell in love with her but I kept it to myself. When I could not bear it anymore, I went to her to declare my love for her but she turned me down. I kept pestering her but she refused blatantly that she did not love me; this made me angry.”

Ime added that despite Blessing’s refusal to date him, he had to device a means to force her to have sex with him.

“I did not intend to kill Blessing but my feeling for her was very strong. So after monitoring her movement for some time, I discovered that she goes to the farm to uproot cassava in the evening with her father. That day, I trailed her from her house to the forest.

She was alone and she did not know I was following her, when she got into the dense forest and there was no one in sight, I ran ahead of her and grabbed her, and started declaring my love for her but she turned me down.

“I was very angry and I grabbed her dress. She started struggling with me but I took a big stick and hit her on her head, she slumped immediately and I bend down over her and removed her skirt and had sex with her.

All this while, she did not respond but I still had sex with her a second time but I do not know that she was dead; I thought she was just unconscious.”

After committing the act, the suspect hid in the forest for four days. He however came out of his hiding when he could not bear the hunger anymore, and reported himself to his family who then handed him over to the police for prosecution.

Blessing’s corpse were discovered by her father and has been deposited at a public mortuary for autopsy, while the case has been transferred to the Homicide department at Panti, Yaba for further investigation.

Culled: Nigeriafilms

‘Even if I die now, I’m fulfilled’

‘Beloved Apostle Bimpe , the 45 old Nigerian mother of four who was diagnosed of having 4th Grade Cancer in June 2011 . The Doctor predicted she had only 6 months to live . Beloved who domiciled in London,was in Nigeria in Febuary2012, and had this interview with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, the oldest surviving newspaper in Nigeria .

How to make sure you’re on the right tax code

With a new financial year around the corner, millions are set to receive new tax codes. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the correct one…
By Robert Powell | Lovemoney – Mon, Mar 26, 2012 04:55 BST.. .

If you're on the wrong tax code you could be paying far too much tax (Image © PA)

On April 6, a new financial year will dawn. And in the run-up to this date, millions of people will receive their new tax codes.

Now, your tax code may not be the most fascinating of issues, but it is important. If you’re on an incorrect code, you could find yourself underpaying throughout the year and being hit with a huge bill come 2013, or being overcharged and left out of pocket each month.

If you’ve recently changed jobs or gained a new source of income, you should be especially vigilant about being placed on the correct code.

Here’s what you need to know…

The L code – for most people

Tax codes are usually made up of a series of numbers and a letter. The most common letter is L. This means that you are under 65 and eligible for the basic personal allowance – this is the amount you can earn before income tax kicks in. The basic personal allowance for 2012-13, applicable to low and middle earners with an annual income of less than £100,000, is £8,105.

This exact allowance figure (divided by 10) will precede the letter in your code. So for the 2012-13 financial year starting next week, 810L will be one of the most common codes – indicating that you are under 65 and earn less than £100,000, and are hence entitled to a £8,105 personal allowance before income tax kicks in.

The K code – for untaxed income

Another code that many people may have is the K code. This is essentially the reverse of an L code and is used when your level of untaxed additional income exceeds your personal allowance.

To take a step back: The taxman wants to know about any additional income you get from your employer – often this will be in the form of employee benefits. This income eats away and reduces your personal allowance.

Consider this example: Your employer provides you with a brand new BMW company car to use both on the job and at home. All your petrol is paid for, as is the licensing and tax associated with the vehicle. The taxman will come up with a figure for the income you’re receiving from this (for personal journeys), and cut it from your personal allowance.

This will give you a tax code that still ends in L, but has a smaller figure preceding it. So if the taxman decided that you were getting £5,000 of income from your company car, you will see a code of 310L on your new tax code (£8,105 - £5,000 = £3,105 or 310).

However, if this additional income exceeds your personal allowance, wiping it out completely, you’ll be shunted onto a K code.

To continue our example – if the taxman decides that you’re receiving £15,000 of additional income from the company BMW, you’ll see 689K as your tax code. This means that you need to pay income tax on all of your earnings plus the £6,895 additional income from the company car that exceeds your personal allowance.

The T code for £100,000+ income

If you’re a high-earner, the situation starts to get a little more complex. For every £2 you earn over £100,000, you’ll lose £1 of your personal allowance. At this point you should be put on a T code, preceded by a figure showing the level of allowance you have left, providing any company benefits aren’t forcing you onto a K code.

For example, someone with an income of £110,000 with no untaxed benefits or other relief will see a 310T code – indicating £3,105 of personal allowance.

When your income reaches £116,210, you’ll lose all of your allowance and your whole income will be subject to the appropriate rates of income tax. At the point you’ll be put on a 0T code.

P and Y pensioner codes

If you have a low or middle income and are aged between 65 and 74 you’ll be placed on a P code, enabling you to have an income (after certain allowances such as donations or pension contributions) of £10,500 across the 2012-13 year before you pay any tax.

If you’re 75 or over, this allowance increases to £10,660 – signified by a Y code.

However, there is also a cut-off point applicable to pensioners on the upper end of the income spectrum.

For every £2 you earn over £25,400, you’ll lose £1 of your personal allowance until it reaches the basic rate - £8,105 for the next tax year.

Providing your income does not exceed £100,000, you’ll keep this allowance. If it does, your basic personal allowance will begin eroding away again at the same rate (£2 earned = £1 loss) as those aged under 65.

It’s also worth pointing out that the basic state pension is paid untaxed – though it is taxable. Most people opt to have this fall under their personal allowance.

Second jobs and pensions

You’ll usually receive a tax code for each source of income you receive. If you have more than one income, you’ll be asked to state which is your main source, and this will have the appropriate level of personal allowance applied to it.

All other income will all be taxed without any allowance. If you pay at basic rate, additional income sources will receive a BR code, higher rate payers will get a D0 code and those liable for the additional rate will get the D1 code.

An NT code will come through if no tax is to be taken. This could be because your total income is less than your personal allowance, or you’re a self-employed contractor who is liable to pay National Insurance but not income tax.

Emergency Codes

An emergency tax code is issued if HMRC does not have enough information about you to send your employer the correct code. This usually happens if you start your first job and get your first source of income part of the way into the financial year, or you haven’t got a P45 from a previous employer.

The emergency tax code for 2012-13 is 810L – the same as the basic personal allowance code. This normally ensures you receive the basic amount of monthly tax-free pay. But it doesn’t take into account any other relief or allowances.

You may also see W1 (for weekly pay) or M1 (for monthly pay). This signifies that you are being taxed as if it is the first week or month of the financial year. However, if you start work part of the way into the year, a W1 or M1 code could see you overpay in tax – as it is spreading your person allowance over too many months.

For example, if you start your first job five months into the financial year, you should receive a seventh of your personal allowance in each monthly wage packet. A W1 or M1 code will only give you a 12th – meaning that you will be overpaying.

However, when you hand over your P45 or P46 to your new employer, your tax code should change – and you should be reimbursed with any losses. If you get to the end of the financial year and still haven’t been reimbursed with the overpaid tax, you should get it back in a refund.

If your tax code is wrong

If you think your tax code is wrong you need to tell HMRC as soon as possible so it can be corrected. You’ll need to have your tax reference and National Insurance number to hand – these can be found on your payslips or any letters from HMRC.

You can get hold of all of the contact details for HMRC by heading to its website.

source:yahoo,lovemoney.com

Miss Universe Disqualifies Transgender Contestant

Archeambault/AFP/Getty Images

Jenna Talackova is everything you think of when you hear the words "beauty queen." With her bright smile, flowing blonde hair and viciously long legs, you can't deny she's stunning.

But Talackova, 23, has been disqualified from the Miss Universe Canada competition because she was born a male, according to CTV. Talackova was originally selected as one of 65 finalists for the Donald Trump-owned competition. Her profile and photos have since been pulled from the Miss Universe Canada website.

"Jenna Talackova from Vancouver, British Columbia will not compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada competition because she did not meet the requirements to compete despite having stated otherwise on her entry form," Miss Universe Canada said in a statement Friday. "We do however, respect her goals, determination and wish her the best."

The Miss Universe Canada website states that to enter, women must be a Canadian citizen and between the ages of 18 and 27. If basic requirements are met, they are asked to fill out a longer application form. The form does not mention any rules against sexual reassignment surgery. A representative for the Miss Universe Canada did not respond to request for comment.

Denis Davila, the national director of Miss Universe Canada, told CTV, "she was dishonest." Talackova was disqualified after she admitted her birth gender last week.

"We have to have the facts straight. There is no discrimination here at all," Davila said. "You can look at it the way she wants to look at it, but we all have to follow the same rules."

"I will look to turn this situation into a positive so that other people in a similar situation are not discriminated against in the future," Talackova said in a statement to CTV Sunday.

Talackova could not be reached by ABC News for comment.

The blonde beauty has not tried to hide her past. In a 2010 YouTube video for Miss International Queen, a transgender/transsexual competition in which Talackova was a contestant, she states that she began hormone therapy at age 14. At 19, she had sexual reassignment surgery.

A petition has been started on Change.org asking Miss Universe Canada to "reverse the unfair disqualification of Jenna Talackova." The petition currently has more than 20,000 signatures.

Other fans have flocked to Facebook and Twitter to express their feelings over Talackova's disqualification.

"Disgraceful. This is flat-out discrimination," one fan commented on the Miss Universe Canada Facebook page.

"@JennaTalackova should NOT have been disqualified from @MissUniverse! Beautiful is beautiful. Down with discrimination," one fan tweeted.

But reactions to Talackova's story have been mixed.

"If she never stated on her application such detail, I support this decision," one Facebook user posted to the Miss Universe Canada page.

This isn't the first time a transgender woman has been disqualified from a competition. In 1976, Renèe Richards, a professional American tennis player who had sexual reassignment surgery to make her a woman, was denied entry into the U.S. Open by the United States Tennis Association unless she agreed to chromosomal testing. The USTA cited an unprecedented, women-born-women policy. Richards took her case to the New York Supreme Court which ruled in her favor in 1977, allowing her to play as a woman.

The crown for Miss Universe Canada will be awarded May 19 in Toronto.

source:yahoo,ABC.
PIX:SOK

Monday 26 March 2012

London 2012 - Volleyball star dies after heart attack on court

Former Olympic silver medallist Vigor Bovolenta has died after suffering a heart attack during an Italian fourth-tier match.

Bovolenta, who was to turn 38 in May, collapsed on the court during Volley Forli's visit to Lube Macerata on Saturday.

He complained of dizziness and chest pains, reportedly telling team-mates: "Please help me, I'm falling."

Attempts by medics to resuscitate Bovolenta failed and he was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

Bovolenta, father of four children, was part of the Italy team that won silver at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta after a dramatic 3-2 loss to Netherlands in the final.

Towering at 2.02 metres high, Bovolenta was instrumental in helping Italy win the 1995 European championship in Greece and the silver at Euro 2001.

Heart problems in sport have come into focus of late after Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest during an FA Cup match last weekend. He has made a remarkable recovery and is now in intensive care.

Kilmarnock's Scottish League Cup final triumph last weekend was also marred by the father of midfielder Liam Kelly suffering a suspected heart attack in the stand and dying.

Reuters.

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