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.

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

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

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.

Female habits that drive men crazy

Being comfortable with your other half is wonderful, however, you might have unconsciously picked up some habits along the way that turn him off. Here are the top 10 traits we think you should steer clear of.

10: Over-analysing everything
Let’s face it, men really aren’t that complicated. So if a guy says, ‘I’m a bit busy right now. Can I ring you later?’ chances are, work’s really quite hectic. One kiss in his texts instead of the usual two doesn’t mean he’s gone off you, and a surprise cup of tea doesn’t mean he’s feeling guilty. So give men the benefit of the doubt, take things at face value and you’ll save yourself a heap of stress.

9: Wearing too much make-up
We’re all for making an effort, but caking on too much slap risks bringing out your inner drag queen rather than your secret sex kitten. False eyelashes, fake tan and hair extensions all have their place, but a girl can look fab without resorting to these tricks. Far much better to enhance your natural beauty instead of hiding it, and remind him how gorgeous you really are.

8: Shop till YOU drop
If a man is lucky enough to share his life with a girl, chances are he has to share it with a massive shoe collection as well. Dragging him around the sales for hours, splurging obscene amounts of cash and then taking up valuable storage space with your spoils can drive him up the wall. While retail therapy can soothe many a crisis, perhaps leave your partner at home next time!

7: Taking forever to get ready
Even if the end result is a vision of beauty, it takes a very forgiving man to shrug off a three-hour wait. Men understand women want to look their best, but are perfect nails and expertly smoothed dresses really necessary for a visit to your local curry house? Being ready quickly will show how laid back you are, and give you both more time to have fun.

6: Gossiping
According to scientific types, a good gossiping session is a way of bonding and triggers the release of endorphins, those hormones that make us feel happy. This is all well and good, but when it descends into a bitching fest it can be a turn-off. And if the focus of the gossip is someone the man knows too, it can be very awkward next time he sees them.

5: Pinching other people’s chips
No one’s going to judge a girl if she orders her own plate of chips, or a dessert for that matter. But if you virtuously stick to a salad and then proceed to demolish the tasty stuff from the plate opposite, it’ll raise a few eyebrows. Go on - order the chocolate pudding if you want it. And don’t worry if you don’t want to share!

4: Obsessing about weight
Women are bombarded with images of perfect beauty, so it’s no wonder fretting about our appearance is an hourly past-time. But even though it might not seem like it, men just aren’t as interested in our bingo wings as we are. If you radiate self-confidence, no one’s going to notice those extra three pounds you put on recently.

3: Nagging
‘Have you paid the gas bill yet?... Are you EVER going to fix that shelf?’ Women have a habit of going on in such a way that the more they nag, the lower the chance their man will ever do whatever it is they’re being asked. The solution? Do it yourself! Failing that, ask sweetly and sparingly, and lavish him with gratitude when it eventually gets done.

2: Talking too much
It’s official - us girls love to chat. In the ladies’ loo, at the gym, at the pub – we have something to say most of the time. But while no one likes an awkward silence, it’s worth remembering your man is not your sound board, like your best friend might be. He doesn’t care quite as much about Julie in reception’s boob job, or the fact that you’ve been searching high and low for spring’s must-have colour block skinny jeans. Stick to subjects that will interest you both and ask lots of questions – especially when you’re getting to know each other.

1: Probing men’s inner thoughts
You’re snuggled up on the sofa, enjoying a rare moment of peace and quiet. And then comes THAT question – ‘What are you thinking?’ You’re only trying to foster the atmosphere of intimacy and perhaps hoping for some proof that you’re the centre of his thoughts. But his mind may have already wandered to yesterday’s football scores and he’ll have to lie to keep you happy. Compliments are lovely, but if you wait until he chooses to dish them out, they’ll be that much sweeter.


source:yahoo lifestyle

An Australian man has been rescued after a three-day ordeal trapped at a remote flooded fishing hut where he was stalked by four-metre crocodiles, a report said Friday.

Terry Donovan, 65, was at the Staaten River Fishing and Wilderness Lodge in crocodile-infested northern Queensland when he became isolated this week, the Cairns Post said.

He told the newspaper he saw huge saltwater crocs lurking in the waters, with one lunging at a wallaby sheltering on the hut's back deck. Donovan said he was afraid that if the water rose much higher, one of the beasts could swim in and attack him. "The first one I saw was sitting out the back on the veranda in about a foot of water, maybe a bit more," he said. "I thought to myself, 'Well, there's a warning, there's a crocodile there. Where there's one, there's probably two or three or more'." Donovan said a second crocodile placed itself underneath the house, after he spotted it through a window. The report said he positioned himself in the highest place he could find, taking refuge on a billiard table which he packed with supplies. "(The water) just kept going up and up and up, and it was just an inch or so above the nets where the balls are collected by the billiard table," he said. "And I thought, 'Well, the next step is the roof, I'm out of here'." Donovan was eventually spotted by a passing helicopter which had gone to check on him after he failed to answer his satellite phone. Officials then alerted a local fishermen who rescued him. Saltwater crocodiles are a common feature of Australia's tropical north and kill an average of two people a year. source:yahoo,pix above shows a croc from a from a friend's facebook picture collections. ...

HAVING A SHORT FINGER CAN STOP YOU FROM GETTING ENOUGH SEX

7 REASONS WHY YOU ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH SEX Partying We all like a drink after a long, hard day, but did you ever consider that your evening beverage is affecting that other long, hard thing in your life? Drinking too much reduces your sex drive, so if you want more loving it’s time to put down your glass. For the guys, you shouldn’t be having more than three to four units a day. That’s the equivalent of two pints of 4% lager. For the girls, you should have no more than two to three units in a day. That’s the equivalent of two small 125ml glasses of wine. Checking their messages A little green-eyed jealousy lives within us all and sometimes it can be quite flattering to hear we are the cause of another person’s envy; but beware. Jealousy is the all time, number one turn-off for both men and women. Being possessive isn’t hot, it’s just weird. If jealousy is affecting your love life you should address some of your trust issues and try to build your self-esteem. Before asking about your crushes exes, or rifling through their messages, pause and think: what do I expect to find? Is this rational? Routine Like everything else in life, if you do something too much it becomes boring. If your sex life has become more monotonous than a Monday morning commute, it’s time to experiment. If the kinky and saucy intimidates you, don’t worry. Sex doesn’t have to be sordid to be exciting. Try simple things, like a sex treasure hunt. Wait until your partner comes home and place clues around the house. The clues should help them find you naked and in bed. When they do finally find their prize (you) the anticipation will be so high you’ll both want to dive into bed for some fun. Short finger How long is your ring finger? How long is your index finger? Although your hands seem an odd place to look when trying to work out why you aren’t getting enough sex, some scientists believe that the length of your ring finger indicates certain information about your sex drive. The higher the level of testosterone you are exposed to in the womb determines how long your fourth finger is. This is why men tend to have longer ring fingers than women. However, if you or your partner has unusually short ring fingers then this could indicate a low libido and could be why you are not getting enough. Smoking Smoking could be the reason why you aren’t getting enough sex. In a survey three quarters of 18-24 year olds said they wouldn’t even kiss someone who had just smoked. An even more shocking stat is that 1,700 people surveyed by the Department of Health said they would be hesitant to start a relationship with someone who smoked. Clearly, smoking carries a huge stigma and it’s no longer sexy to spark up. To get more action, you need to stub out that cigarette. Relationship crisis Although make-up sex can be great, if you and your guy or girl are constantly fighting or live together in frosty silences then the chances are, your sex life sucks. A relationship crisis is one of the most common reasons why people have a loss of sexual desire. The best way to tackle any relationship issues you share is to talk to one another. Why are you both so unhappy? You need to work together to bring about a resolution and if you can’t, then maybe it’s time to move on. Junk If you love gorging on junk food, you may only need to make a few small changes to your diet to make massive differences to your sex life. For those guys who would like to be a little firmer in the trouser department you should try to eat foods rich in L-Arginine. You could have some granola for breakfast or snack on cashews and walnuts during the day. For the ladies, try and get more soy into your diet. It will make you more sensitive and lubricated, plus it combats certain symptoms of the menopause. Read more on realbuzz.com... source:yahoo lifestyle

SPECIAL GUESTS ATTENDING THE RED CARPET APART FROM HOUSEMATES CAST & CREW (Friday 23rd March 2012 from 9pm)

1. Brenda Bonsu - Sexy Ghanian Movie Star - ‘Material Girls’ & ‘Chelsea’ 2. Obi Emelonye - Writer/Director - 'Mirro Boy' and Last Flight To Abuja 3. Penelope Bouchot Humbert - From Ruke Amata’s movie - ‘The Past Came Calling’ 4. Ruke Amata - Writer/Director - 'The Past Came Calling'

5. Lateef Lovejoy -From Hollywood’s 2009 ‘The Mask’ & UK’s top Comedian 6. George Calil -From Steven Spielberg’s ‘Band of Brothers’ TV series & BBC 'Holby City' 7. Ezi-Emella Ezeh - Super Model ..

8. Darnell Swallow - Finalist 2010 ‘Big Brother’ 9. Rita Nzelu - Chris Obi Rapu's' 'Living In Bondage'

10. Andrew Ukoko - Director 2012 'The Assassin Practice' 11. Fatima Jabbe, the Gambia (Mirror Boy)

12. Reuel Singh the Magician (Legends of London) Performing some of his tricks on the Red Carpet.

MORE SPECIAL GUESTS ATTENDING TO BE ANNOUNCED ONCE CONFIRMED. WATCH THIS SPACE GUYS... pix sources:google,facebook

Lagos Aiport Hotel transforms 77 rooms into paradise

Lagos Aiport Hotel Ikeja , Lagos , Nigeria is one of the oldest hospitality establishments in Nigeria. But the management of this hotel has not allowed the age to set the bench mark for services which it render . Wale Ojo - Lanre revealed the transformation that has visited some 77 of its rooms .

How Runsewe made Nigeria proud at ITB Berlin, Germany

Nigerian delegation performance at  this year's international travel meet , ITB Berlin,Germany , was superlatively impressive .Nigeria garnered a lot of opportunities which shored up the image of the country . Wale Ojo - lanre who  witnessed the event recounts here what he describes as the one of the finest moments of Nigeria at international meets

WHY OVARIAN CANCER IS CALLED THE SILENT KILLER

(pIX SHOWS NORMAL OVARY)



Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

© Eclipse Digital - Fotolia.com It’s been called the “silent killer” – a cancer that can spread before women are even aware they have it.

That’s because ovarian cancer symptoms can be vague and easily confused with a host of other, less serious conditions.

(PIX SHOWS ABNORMAL OVARY DUE TO OVARIAN CANCER)

In fact, it is more common than cervical cancer: each year around 6,500 women in the UK are diagnosed with the disease and more than 4,000 lose their lives to it.

Despite these frightening statistics, however, experts insist the disease can be stopped in its tracks if women are made aware of the signs.

When ovarian cancer is found in the early stages, up to 90 per cent of women survive for more than five years. But two out of three cases are diagnosed in the later stages of the disease.

Now, for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, women’s cancer charities are keen to get the message out so that more lives can be saved.

Gilda Witte of Ovarian Cancer Action says: “British women are far less likely than other women in Europe to get an early diagnosis of ovarian cancer and that means they are far more likely to die of it. This is terrible yet can be avoided in the majority of cases.”

As one woman with the disease points out: “They call it the silent killer but the symptoms shout out at you: you have to listen to your body and act.”

So what are the key signs to look out for? The most common ones include:

•Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
•Increased abdominal size and persistent bloating
•Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Women may also experience urinary symptoms such as needing to wee more urgently or often than usual, a change in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhoea), extreme fatigue and weight loss for no obvious reason.

Often women can mistake these ailments with other problems such as a food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome or even put it down to old age.

The majority of ovarian cancer cases tend to affect women aged over 50 who have already gone through the menopause – although some types can present in younger women.

In the UK, one in every 50 women will develop the disease at some point in their life.

Other risk factors include a strong family history of the disease, smoking and being overweight. There is a slightly increased risk in women who have not had children or breastfed and among women of Ashkenazi Jewish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Dutch, Pakistani and Polish descent.

There is a suggestion that use of combined HRT for more than five years can increase risk – although this risk returns to normal once HRT has stopped.

Charity Target Ovarian Cancer also points to some other potential risk factors – although evidence for these is mixed. These include use of talcum powder in the genital area, IVF treatments and eating excess amounts of foods containing acrylamides, such as over-baked or over-fried bacon, chips and so on.

If you do have a strong family link to the disease, your doctor can carry out a blood test and scan, although these are not fail safe modes of detection. Research is ongoing to find more specific causes of the cancer and better ways to rout it out.

TV’s Dr Rob Hicks says: "In the UK, treatment is very good but, unfortunately, the disease is already in the body and developing before the diagnosis is made and treated.

“One of the challenges is that the possible symptoms are relatively non-specific and any women might put them down to lifestyle or getting older.”

He adds: “The key thing about the symptoms – like stomach pains, bloating, needing to pass urine more frequently - is the fact that they are usually persistent. It's not a case of occasional bloating or feeling full after eating - these symptoms are those that are there day in, day out.”

Reassuringly, in most cases these symptoms will not point to ovarian cancer. But the truth is that, in those cases when it is, early detection means a better chance of beating it.

For more information and advice see Ovarian Cancer Action Ovarian Cancer Action and Target Ovarian Cancer

sources:yahoo lifestyle,women's surgery group