Monday, March 31, 2008

Who's Your Real Daddy?


New at-home DNA paternity tests require samples of cells swabbed from the cheeks of the child, the alleged father and, ideally, the mother.


All you need is a $29.99 kit to find out who is the real father.
You or Mr. Nobody? Of course, she knows the real Daddy or she could be confused.

The new do-it-yourself DNA paternity test kit is being sold as Identigene by Sorenson Genomics of Salt Lake City and the kits are already available in 30 states in the US.

This simple paternity test kit is going to be a must have by couples all over the world, because of the rampant cases of disputes over paternity.
No need to argue, just get the kit and find out the truth.

I have seen single mothers who have not told their innocent children the true identity of their real fathers and ignorant men have been fooled to believe and live as the fathers of strange children, because their mothers lied to them.

Read the full report.

USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge Returns For 5th Year With Eight Weeks of Compelling Stories and Online Features



31 Mar 2008 05:01 Africa/Lagos


USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge Returns For 5th Year With Eight Weeks of Compelling Stories and Online Features

Health Tips, Blogs and Video Available at dietchallenge.usatoday.com

MCLEAN, Va., March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, March 31, USA TODAY will kick of its fifth annual USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge. The eight-week series will run every Monday in print and on http://dietchallenge.usatoday.com/.


Each week USA TODAY will follow the story of dieters who found ways to make significant changes to their lives, and their waistlines. These stories range from a man in Georgia who was triggered into losing weight after a his dentist refused to perform a root canal due to his high blood pressure; a woman in Michigan who fought to lose weight and get healthy after being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer; and a woman in New Jersey who lost 248 pounds and regained her slim figure and athletic lifestyle. All stories will feature before and after photos and will be available in print and online on Diet Challenge.


Ongoing features on http://dietchallenge.usatoday.com/ will include weekly videos with registered dietitian Edith Hogan offering tips and recipes for healthy eating; a selection of interactive menus featuring great 1,500-calorie and 1,800-calorie-a-day diets with dozens of exciting new recipes; an offering of menus that incorporate comfort foods cooked in a healthful way from Cooking Light magazine; a special deal on pedometers from America on the Move; and multiple blogs with a focus on weight loss and healthy living.


Three blogs will be written by noted nutrition and diet experts: Keith Ayoob an associate professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx works with overweight children and their families; Bonnie Taub-Dix is a registered dietitian in New York City and Dawn Jackson Blatner is a registered dietitian in Chicago, both are spokeswomen for the American Dietetic Association. Three additional blogs will feature past dieters who have been profiled in the USA TODAY's Weight-Loss Challenge: Kelly Rhoads of Bowie, Md. who lost 170 pounds on Weight Watchers; Lee Claypoole, youth minister in Greer, S.C. who lost 100 pounds weight training and watching calories; and Kemichelle Taylor, fulltime student and part-time personal trainer in Mobile, Ala. who lost 234 pounds watching her diet and exercising regularly and is now a personal trainer at a gym.


The USA TODAY Weight-Loss Challenge will wrap up with a cover story featuring Claudia Vercellotti, 38, of Toledo. First featured in USA TODAY in early-February, Claudia weighed 347 pounds and is 5'6". To date she has lost 16 pounds by following Weight Watchers and exercising regularly. Vercolletti has her own blog on http://dietchallenge.usatoday.com/ and has been documenting her journey through her own weight-loss challenge.


USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper. It is published via satellite at 34 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad. With a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA TODAY is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) . The USA TODAY brand also includes: http://www.usatoday.com/, an award-winning news and information Web site that is updated 24 hours per day; USA TODAY Sports Weekly, a magazine for enthusiasts of college and professional football and baseball; USA TODAY Mobile, offering up-to-the minute news and information on a variety of mobile platforms and devices; and USA TODAY LIVE, the television arm of the USA TODAY brand that brings the spirit and quality of the newspaper to television.


Source: USA TODAY

CONTACT: Heidi Zimmerman, Communications Director, +1-703-854-5304,
hzimmerman@usatoday.com, or Alexandra Nicholson, Communications Manager,
+1-703-854-5872, anicholson@usatoday.com, both of USA TODAY


Web Site: http://dietchallenge.usatoday.com/
http://www.usatoday.com/

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Adaeze Igwe is the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria


Adaeze Igwe, from Anambra State, smiles while holding flowers on the stage after winning MBGN top title in Lagos, Nigeria, March 28, 2008. The 21st edition of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2008, Nigeria's national beauty contest, was staged here on Friday. Several honors had been awarded in the run-off among the attending girls, who were chosen from state-level primaries in different parts of the country. The winners will be qualified for representing Nigeria to join in particular world-level beauty contests such as the upcoming "Miss World" in 2008.
Main Report and Photo Credits: China View


MBGN Contestants in swimming suits

I was not interested in the live broadcast of the 21st edition of the beauty pageant, because I did not find it impressive and I did not see any improvement in the pageant.

NEWSWEEK: Opium Brides on the Rise in Afghanistan as Government Moves to Eradicate Opium Production


Roshan Qasem was only 11 when she married Said Mohammed who was 55.
Photo Credit: The New York Times Magazine, 2006.

This is a must read report on the violation of the human rights of the girl child in Afghanistan as peasant farmers are being forced to give away their teenage daughters to pay their debts.

Islamic countries are known for child brides and even in the Islamic regions of Northern Nigeria, child brides are not a secret. Prophet Muhammad the founder of the Islamic religion started the practice when he married his beloved Aisha when she was only 6 years old and slept with her when she was 9 and when he died, she was only 19. You can read their love story in my forbidden Unveil Me My Love. She never conceived and was never allowed to marry after his death.

30 Mar 2008 16:51 Africa/Lagos


NEWSWEEK: Opium Brides on the Rise in Afghanistan as Government Moves to Eradicate Opium Production

Poor Farmers in Afghanistan's Poppy-Growing Provinces are Forced to Sell Their Daughters to Pay Loans

NEW YORK, March 30 /PRNewswire/ --

As Afghanistan steps up its efforts to eradicate poppy crops, many poor farmers who rely on profits from the plants have had to sell their daughters to settle their debts from local traffickers who provide loans in exchange for opium. Many farmers have spent much of their lives raising opium in the stony hillsides of eastern Afghanistan and on the dusty southern plains since it is the only reliable cash crop.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080330/NYSU002 )


In the April 7 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, March 31), Afghanistan Correspondent Sami Yousafzai and South Asia Bureau Chief Ron Moreau report that the practice began with the dowry a bridegroom's family traditionally pays to the bride's father in tribal Pashtun society. These days the amount ranges from $3,000 or so in poorer places like Laghman and Nangarhar to $8,000 or more in Helmand, Afghanistan's No. 1 opium-growing province. For a desperate farmer, that bride price can be salvation -- but at a cruel cost. Among the Pashtun, debt marriage puts a lasting stain on the honor of the bride and her family. It brings shame on the country, too. President Hamid Karzai recently told the nation: "I call on the people [not to] give their daughters for money; they shouldn't give them to old men, and they shouldn't give them in forced marriages."


No one knows how many debt weddings take place in Afghanistan, where 93 percent of the world's heroin and other opiates originate. But Afghans say the number of loan brides keeps rising as poppy-eradication efforts push more farmers into default. "This will be our darkest year since 2000," says Baz Mohammad, 65, a former opium farmer in Nangarhar. "Even more daughters will be sold this year." The old man lives with the anguish of selling his own 13- year-old daughter in 2000, after Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar banned poppy growing. "Lenders never show any mercy," the old man says. Local farmers say more than one debtor has been bound hand and foot, then locked into a small windowless room with a smoldering fire, slowly choking to death.


While law enforcers predict yet another record opium harvest in Afghanistan this spring, most farmers are struggling to survive. An estimated 500,000 Afghan families support themselves by raising poppies, according to the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. Last year those growers received an estimated $1 billion for their crops -- about $2,000 per household. With at least six members in the average family, opium growers' per capita income is roughly $300. The real profits go to the traffickers, their Taliban allies and the crooked officials who help them operate. The country's well-oiled narcotics machine generates in excess of $4 billion a year from exports of processed opium and heroin -- more than half of Afghanistan's $7.5 billion GDP, according to the UNODC.


Efforts to promote other crops in these regions have failed. Wheat or corn brings $250 an acre at best, while poppy growers can expect 10 times that much. Besides, poppies are more dependable: hardier than either wheat or corn and more tolerant of drought and extreme heat and cold. And in a country with practically no government-funded credit for small farmers, opium growers can easily get advances on their crops. The borrower merely agrees to repay the cash with so many kilos of opium, at a price stipulated by the lender -- often 40 percent or more below market value. Islam forbids charging interest on a loan, but moneylenders in poppy country elude the ban by packaging the deal as a crop-futures transaction -- and never mind that the rate of return is tantamount to usury.


Mohammad Zahir Khan, a Nangarhar sharecropper in his late 40s, borrowed $850 against last spring's harvest, promising 10 kilos of opium to the lender -- about $1,250 on the local market. The cash bought food and other necessities for his family and allowed him to get seed, fertilizer and help tending his three sharecropped acres. In the spring he collected 45 kilos of raw opium paste, half of which went immediately to the landowner. But before Khan could repay the loan, his wife fell seriously ill with a kidney ailment. She needed better medical care than Nangarhar could offer, so he rushed her across the Pakistani border to a private hospital in Peshawar. It cost almost every cent they had, and Khan knew his opium debt would only grow. Worse, the provincial governor, a former warlord named Gul Agha Sherzai, chose that moment to declare his own war on drugs, jailing hundreds of local farmers who were caught planting opium. Nangarhar had 45,000 acres in poppies a year ago; today drug experts say the province is totally clean.


Late last year Khan reluctantly gave his 16-year-old daughter, Gul Ghoti, in marriage to the lender's 15-year-old son. Besides forgiving Khan's debt, the creditor gave him a $1,500 cash dowry. Khan calls him an honorable man. "Until the end of my life I will feel shame because of what I did to my daughter," Khan says. "I still can't look her in the eye." But at least she was old enough to marry, he adds. He claims one local farmer recently had to promise the hand of his 2-month-old daughter to free his family from an opium debt.


Angiza Afridi has spent much of the past year interviewing more than 100 families about opium weddings in two of Nangarhar's 22 districts. The schoolteacher and local TV reporter already had firsthand knowledge of the tragedy. Five years ago one of her younger aunts, then 16, was forced to marry a 55-year-old man to pay off an older uncle's opium debt, and three years ago an 8-year-old cousin was also given in marriage to make good on a drug loan. "This practice of marrying daughters to cover debts is becoming a bad habit," says Afridi.


In the two districts she studied, approximately half the new brides had been given in marriage to repay opium debts. The new brides included children as young as 5 years old; until they're old enough to consummate their marriages, they mostly work as household servants for their in-laws. "These poor girls have no future," she says. The worst of it may be the suicides. Afridi learned of one 15-year-old opium bride who poisoned herself on her wedding day late last year and an 11-year-old who took a fatal dose of opium around the same time. Her new in-laws were refusing to let her visit her parents.


Read story on Newsweek


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080330/NYSU002
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Newsweek

CONTACT: Brenda Velez of Newsweek, +1-212-445-4078,
Brenda.Velez@newsweek.com


Web site: Full Report
Newsweek

Saturday, March 29, 2008

The Mother of Tupac Shakur Responds to LA Times Article


Tupac Shakur

28 Mar 2008 16:28 Africa/Lagos


Afeni Shakur Responds to LA Times Article

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation presents the 2008 Leadership & Arts Camp

Cities include Atlanta, Los Angeles, & Oakland



PAC's Kids 2007 - 2008

ATLANTA, March 28 /PRNewswire/ --

In response to the Los Angeles Times article Mrs. Shakur said, "We will continue to work to save the lives of our young people and to offer peaceful alternatives to violence and conflict resolution. That is what we have done since the murder of my son, and that is exactly what we will consciously continue to do," said Afeni Shakur.


The mother of Tupac and founder of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation also announced the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the LEADERSHIP & ARTS CAMP by adding an Atlanta Spring Break Camp and announcing expansion into California for the first time to host Camps this summer. The Camps are open to students ages 5-18 (Atlanta Spring Break) and ages 12-18 (Atlanta, Oakland, and Los Angeles Summer 2008). Camp Applications are available in English and Spanish online at www.TASF.org or by calling toll free 888-875 TASF.


Celebrities such as Jasmine Guy, Ashanti, Lou Gossett, Vivica Fox, Marshal Mathers (Eminem), T.I., Tyrese, Chocolate, Mike Epps and many others have worked with the Foundation on projects that benefit students at the Foundation. Students receive instruction in acting, creative writing, dance, vocal training, set and stage design, video production and the business of entertainment. The camp also stresses literacy, responsibility, and conflict resolution. The camp experience comes to a dramatic climax with a full theatrical production at the end of the Camp session.


Many of the former participants (PAC's Kids Camp Alumni) have gone on to appear in television shows, movies and concerts such as Alvin Ailey Dance, Good Day Atlanta, VH-1 Save The Music, Mary J. Blige tour and more. Afeni Shakur, the mother of the multi-talented Tupac Shakur, established the program in 1999 to give young people quality arts training. Here are the cities and dates for each session:


Atlanta: Spring Break Camp- April 7-11, 2008 9am-5pm Registration Deadline: April 4


Summer Camp June 16-July 26, 2008 9 am-4 pm Registration Deadline: May 9


Location: Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain 30083


Interested students should attend Atlanta Interview and info sessions on 5/16/08 4p, 5/17/08 12p at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts


Oakland: June 16-20 and 23-26 1 pm-4 pm and June 27-28 10 am-4 pm Registration Deadline: June 6. Location: Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, 7701 Krause Avenue, Oakland, CA


Interested students should attend Oakland Recruitment & info session on May 24, 08 11a


Los Angeles: July 7-11 and 14-16 1pm-4pm and July 17-18 10 am-4 pm


Registration Deadline: June 27 Location: Art Share Los Angeles, 801 E. 4th Place, Los Angeles


Interested students should attend LA Recruitment and info session April 15, 2008 4:30p at ArtShare LA


Contact:
770-460-7647
sid@breakthrough-atl.com


Source: Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

CONTACT: Breakthrough, Inc., +1-770-460-7647, sid@breakthrough-atl.com


Web site: Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation

Couples Drawn to Auspicious 08/08/08 Wedding Date

I found the following report very interesting, because of the superstitions many people have about certain dates and they are very particular about them when they want to wed.

To me, everyday is a blessed day, becaause I believe and I live according to Psalm 118: 24.
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Read and know why the date of 08/08/08 means a lot to many people.
...........

Couples Drawn to Auspicious 08/08/08 Wedding Date -- Caribbean Resort Group Extends the Luck of the 8's Throughout 2008 with Complimentary Wedding Plan --

Elite Island Resorts Personal Destination Wedding Planners Help Couples Tie the Knot with Ease



Elite Island Resorts, the award-winning Caribbean resort company, has recently noticed a significant increase in inquiries for 08/08/08 destination weddings. Maybe it's because in many cultures, the number eight has been associated with paradise and new beginnings. Buddhists follow an eightfold path to the enlightenment; in Christian symbolism, the number eight represents rebirth; and in Islam, there are eight gates to paradise. Whatever the reason, couples planning a Caribbean destination wedding will find 2008 a lucky year for another reason as well- those who book an all-inclusive premium luxury category honeymoon stay of at least seven or ten nights (depending on the resort) at Elite Island Resorts' Caribbean properties also can enjoy a complimentary, destination wedding package regularly priced at $899.




"Many couples are requesting the date 08/08/08 for their weddings. But with complimentary weddings available all year, any date in 2008 is a happy one. Planning a Caribbean destination wedding with Elite Island Resorts ensures a personalized wedding that is easy to arrange and a great value too. Plus, with our new complimentary personal wedding website, an engaged couple can invite wedding guests to book their travel plans at the click of a mouse," said Janine Hills, director of wedding planning, Elite Island Resorts.



The complimentary wedding package includes a choice of romantic tropical settings for the wedding and reception, wedding cake, bottle of champagne, bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere, registrar and government fees, on-site wedding coordinator and ceremony fees. All taxes and gratuities are included.


The second-largest independently owned hospitality group in the Caribbean, Elite Island Resorts is known for its eco-friendly, casually elegant resorts, stunning locations, caring, personal service and distinctive, customized Caribbean destination weddings. Its upscale properties include Galley Bay Resort & Spa, St. James's Club and Villas and the Verandah Resort and Spa on Antigua; Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas on Tortola; Palm Island in the Grenadines; and Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort on St. Lucia.


For more information on destination weddings, contact Janine Hills at (800) 345-0356, extension 126 or visit eliteislandresorts.com.


Source: Elite Island Resorts

CONTACT: Sharon Pomerantz of The Pomerantz Group, +1-203-256-0460,
pomerantzgroup@aol.com


Web site: Elite Island Resorts

Friday, March 28, 2008

Kisses & Roses' Vogue Exclusive: Attend the Star-Studded Sex and the City Movie Premiere in New York City

Hi bona fide readers of the Kisses and Roses,

Here is the exclusive offer from the one and only Vogue and of course, this is the first place in the blogosphere to have the opportunity of getting such an offer.
I have also provided the Official YouTube Trailer from the producers.
Simply read the following and honour the invitation.

VOGUE is sending one very fabulous person (and a friend!) to New York City to attend the star-studded Sex and the City Movie Premiere.

Subscribe to Vogue for only $15 & be automatically entered to win. At a savings of 68% off the cover price, that's like getting 8 issues FREE!

Visit New York in true Carrie Bradshaw style:
· Roundtrip airfare to NYC
· Luxurious hotel accommodations
· A tour of the VOGUE offices
· 2 tickets to the Sex & the City movie premiere

Click here.



Theatrical Release Date: 05/30/2008
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, more cast
Directed By: Michael Patrick King
Released By: New Line
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rating: NA
Synopsis: The hit cable series Sex and the City catwalks its way onto the big screen in this feature-film continuation that fans all over have been clamoring for. Sarah Jessica Parker returns once again as Carrie Bradshaw, the style-maven journalist whose romantic exploits were the key focus of the show. Also reprising their roles are Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon, with the series' executive producer Michael Patrick King taking on writing and directing duties. Dreamgirls' Jennifer Hudson co-stars as Carrie's assistant. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Who's That Girl? It's Robyn


Robyn

26 Mar 2008 21:17 Africa/Lagos


Who's That Girl? It's Robyn

NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire/ --

After an enormously triumphant return to the US in February and one of the killingest performances at SXSW, Robyn is done with the tease and is back in the US with a full-on tour and full-on full-length album. Robyn, out April 29 on Konichiwa/Cherrytree/Interscope Records, features collaborations with the Swedish electronic duo The Knife and rock band Teddybears. "Her self-titled record is stuffed with impeccable, streamlined electro-pop," says SPIN magazine. The New York Times says that at her first US show "Robyn was greeted as a conquering hero. And she performed like one too." As Robyn herself says in "Konichiwa Bitches:" I'm gifted, all- natural and bursting the seams.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080326/CLW137 )

Konichiwa bitches from Boston to Wiltern:

Apr 29 Paradise Boston, MA
Apr 30 Theater of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
May 2 Grand Ballroom @ Hammerstein New York, NY
May 7 Park West Chicago, IL
May 13 Berbati's Pan Portland, OR
May 14 Neumos Seattle, WA
May 16 Bimbo's San Francisco, CA
May 17 Wiltern Theatre Los Angeles, CA


For more information:

National Press
Jennie Boddy
(212) 841.8023 direct line/ (212) 841.8050 fax
jennie.boddy@umusic.com

Dave Tomberlin
(310) 865-4575 direct line/ (310) 865.8565 fax
Dave.tomberlin@umusic.com

Regional/Tour Press
Brett Bracy
(212) 841.8052/ (212) 841.8050
brett.bracy@umusic.com


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080326/CLW137
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Interscope Records

CONTACT: National Press: Jennie Boddy, +1-212-841-8023 direct line, +1-
212-841-8050 fax, jennie.boddy@umusic.com, or Dave Tomberlin, +1-310-865-4575
direct line, +1-310-865-8565 fax, Dave.tomberlin@umusic.com, or Regional-Tour
Press: Brett Bracy, +1-212-841-8052, +1-212-841-8050, brett.bracy@umusic.com

The Top Ten Health Tips for International Travel

27 Mar 2008 10:00 Africa/Lagos


The Top Ten Health Tips for International Travel

DENVER, March 27 /PRNewswire/ --

Michelle Reesman, RN, Executive Director, Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.


1) Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks
before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most
up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation.
They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy
trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the
vaccines take time to effectively protect you..
2) Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective
clothing and use products containing 20-30% DEET, the insect repellant
permethrin and bed nets.
3) Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4) Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing
your teeth.
5) Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it
or forget it!
6) Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your
destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some
countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications
in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7) Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated
pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8) Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such
as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds
and infections, and medications for allergic reactions (Benadryl).
Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for
traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your
destination with a travel health specialist.
9) Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems
among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't
drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight
hours.
10) Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel
internationally.


About Passport Health Colorado

Passport Health Colorado's travel health professionals assess individual needs, prescribe and administer immunizations and medications, and discuss precautionary measures for dietary and recreational activities. Clients also receive the latest information of health risks and requirements for each destination on their itinerary. Passport Health Colorado uses a variety of resources including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State so that it can stay abreast of the latest developments in travel medicine and safe travel. For more information, go to www.passporthealthco.com.


Source: Passport Health Colorado

CONTACT: Erich Kirshner of Kirshner Communications, +1-303-921-6733,
erich@kirshnercommunications.com


Web site: http://www.passporthealthco.com/

Thuy, Rising Luxury Designer, Presents Versatile Fall '08 Collection


Thuy's Baby Alpaca Yarn and Lambskin Leather Knit Caplet Jacket, Silk Dropped-Shoulder Blouse and Slouchy Satin Skirt. (PRNewsFoto/Thuy) NEW YORK, NY UNITED STATES 03/25/2008.

27 Mar 2008 10:06 Africa/Lagos


Thuy, Rising Luxury Designer, Presents Versatile Fall '08 Collection

NEW YORK, March 27 /PRNewswire/ --

In her Fall/Winter 2008 collection, designer Thuy Diep exhibited that contrasting ideas can come together to form one complete, cohesive collection. As the models parted the curtains, romantic yet modern designs filled Exit Art gallery on the first weekend of New York Fall 2008 Fashion Week. The play between asymmetric shapes, masculine and feminine forms, sheer and opaque fabrics, bold and neutral colors, defined the designs.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080327/NYFNSC01 )


"My collection is about contrasts -- harmony within disharmony," said Thuy when discussing her inspiration.


For her third collection, Thuy demonstrated her strong grasp of tailoring and architectural lines once again. She materializes the myriad of inspirations of her Manhattan environment, where contrasts of colors and forms are ubiquitous, creating a collection to dress the modern, chic and sophisticated woman. Thuy's unique designer perspective was conveyed through her outerwear as she showed a command of layering techniques.


Her original approach for delivering luxurious clothing with modern and unique details continued to evolve within the array of versatile and structured coats. Chunky knits paired next to sheer tops and flowing skirts with puffed pockets at the hips, created a fresh and innovative style -- signature Thuy. The designer's fresh and fearless New York point-of-view was evident in every piece. The full collection may be viewed at www.thuynewyork.com.


About Thuy


Born into a family of tailors in Vietnam, the label Thuy is a true reflection of its designer. As a child, under the direction of her mother and father who ran a tailoring school and custom-made clothing shop in her native home, Thuy began honing her tailoring skills at an early age.


Thuy's education at Brown University and early professional career as a Pricewaterhouse consultant laid the groundwork for her creative entrepreneurial passions. Returning to school-and back to her first love, fashion-she attended Parson's School of Design. After graduating from Parsons, Thuy held diverse jobs, including work for Carolina Herrera, Peter Som and Zac Posen while with a New York-based Parisian atelier, as well as time at labels such as United Bamboo.


She formed her eponymous label "Thuy," producing women's designer ready-to-wear clothing in 2006, while living and working in her New York City Soho Studio.


Thuy's clothing is sold in fine stores in the United States and Japan, including Divine Girls (San Francisco), Nicchia (Chicago) and Drawer (Tokyo and Osaka).


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080327/NYFNSC01
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Thuy

CONTACT: Erin Fischer for Thuy, +1-212-219-0168, erin@jujuthepr.com


Web site: http://www.jujuthepr.com/

Jean Paul Gaultier and Issey Miyake Unveil New Summer Fragrances



26 Mar 2008 21:10 Africa/Lagos


Jean Paul Gaultier and Issey Miyake Unveil New Summer Fragrances

NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire/ --

In a new twist on their classic scents, Jean Paul Gaultier Parfums and Parfums Issey Miyake have revealed their 2008 Limited Edition Summer Fragrances. With designs as different as the two fashion legends themselves, the collections are inspired by wonderfully contrasting aesthetics. Issey Miyake, ever motivated by nature's most abundant element, delivers his dream in water, while Jean Paul Gaultier, a celebrated globe trekker, sets his classic scents beneath African skies.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080326/NYW135 )

Jean Paul Gaultier - Under African Skies

This summer we find Jean Paul Gaultier's CLASSIQUE and LE MALE in a sun- scorched land, amidst the heat and bewitching rhythms of Africa. She is a queen, a sensual temptress wearing an ornament of wood and glass beads. He is a manly, sensitive Maasai warrior sporting a solar talisman.


In the CLASSIQUE 3.3 oz Alcohol-Free Summer Fragrance ($60.00 USD), Rose flirts with Orange Blossom, enlivened by a zest of Clementine and Sicilian lemon. A bouquet of pure flowers including Arabian Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Lily of the Valley and White Iris blooms in the middle notes. The heady base notes feature an accord of vanilla absolute, fresh musk and amber.


The LE MALE 4.2 oz Stimulating Body Spray ($56.00 USD) is enriched with mint, ginseng and ginger water. Refreshing agents create an icy effect - a cocktail of pure energy.


Issey Miyake - A Dream in Water


This year, the hip, young Parisian designer Santiago Marotto has cast his creative eye on the Issey Miyake Eaux d'Ete and envisioned a "Reve d'Eau" - a dream of water, a fantastic journey between the skies and the seas, and a new story sketched upon crystalline blue versions of Eaux d'Ete for men and women.


In the L'Eau d'Issey 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette pour L'Ete, ($60.00 USD) The sensual sweetness of rose water blends with succulent pear for a mouth- watering start. Awash in a velvety effusion of Peony and Carnation, Osmanthus shines forth, warmed by precious woods.


In the L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme 4.2 oz Eau de Toilette pour L'Ete, ($56.00) frosty zests of yuzu and mandarin bubble with vivacity. Sprinkled with aromas of ebullient cardamom and aromatic sage, the Eau becomes an invigorating wave, cooled by marine accents of vetiver and ambergris.


All fragrances are available May 1st, at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Sephora stores nationwide.


Beaute Prestige International was created in 1992 to augment Shiseido's fragrance business with the development of new designer fragrance brands. Beginning with Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey in 1992, the company has slowly and steadily built its brand portfolio to include French designer Jean Paul Gaultier's CLASSIQUE (1993) and American designer Narciso Rodriguez' 'for her' 10 years later.


In 2006, BPI USA was selected to administer the sales and distribution of the John Varvatos fragrance and skincare brands, an existing Shiseido subsidiary. Today, Beaute Prestige International's fragrance brands can be found in fine department and specialty stores nationwide.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080326/NYW135
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN14
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Beaute Prestige International

CONTACT: Jonathan Leacock, Manager, Public Relations, +1-212-805-1299,
jleacock@bpi.shiseido.com

A Lie is A Lie and A Liar is A Liar, No Matter How or Why You Lied

My friend Linda Ikeji, called me to howl about the post I made on many Nigerian girls and women telling lies online, because of their insecurities.
She said she only lied to me and not to the readers of her blog and posted her "fantasy" on why she lied to me.
That she did not want to hurt my feelings.
As if I have feelings anyone can hurt?
Those who really know me only chuckled.

Most Nigerians mistake me for what they assume I am and forget that only God knows who I am.

can't believe u'll write a thing like this about me...ure friend for 11 years? shame on u...lol


I didn't lie on my blog, I lied to u. I just didnt want to hurt ur feelings by telling u i'm in love.

I am deeply in love with someone called Olu...I will introduce u to him when next u come to Lagos...kisses.

U've always had this fantansy that I'll be ur wife or some crazy stuff like that...

U really need to get ur head examined by calling everyone a liar.

~ Linda Ikeji

OMG!

I had a fantasy that you would be my wife?
I told you that?

I hope you still have the copy of the following e-mail of 4/18/07:

Darling Linda,

Congratulations on your recent engagement!

I am happy that you have been hooked.

Give my kudos to the lucky man.

I hope the man is enlightened enough to boost your dreams and won't make you give up your divine destiny.

Because, most Nigerian men have destroyed the dreams of the Nigerian women they married and it is amazing that the greatest woman in Nigeria today is Dr. Dora Nkem Akunyili who is only a civil servant.

Is it not a great pity that there is no Nigerian Oprah Winfrey or anyone in the same league?

The security situation is not good for my safety now, because of the violent elections and I am covering the elections for an American online news portal.

Give my regards to your family.

Cheers and God bless!


I had a fantasy that you would be my wife and I was having relationships with other women from Nigeria and America since my former publisher introduced you to me in 1997?

I had a fantasy that you would be my wife and I had a beautiful Nigerian actress I wanted to marry living with me until I ENDED THE RELATIONSHIP in 1999.

Do you want to see the photographs of the women I have loved and dare to compare to them from head to toes, tattoos and all.

I cannot even remember ever seeing you in any of my romantic dreams and almost every night, I have someone I always dream about and her name is not Linda and she not Igbo or Ibo. She is HOT! The only maiden I have ever asked to marry me and even gave a symbolic ring knows herself and she is still my numero uno since July 7, 2006, to date. She will not need plastic surgery to perfect her beauty. God who knows what I want, sent her to me.
She is the one I composed the poem "My African Beauty" to honour her.

For the sake of your own future, I will not go further, so that this would not end up on the front pages of Nigerian gossip newspapers and magazines.

You do not need to lie to me.
You do not need to lie to anybody.
Be true to yourself.

Be honest and transparent.

Be happy and be proud to say you have loved and you have been loved.
Be happy to admit you dated Dan Foster for three years and moved on, to fall in love with Olu.
It your life and not mine.
You do not need to lie about it.
Admit the truth.
Have you read my Let your priorities be determined by your realities and not your anxieties

I like love stories and would have written about yours.

Those who tell lies have insecurities.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Harry Garuba Celebrates 50TH Birthday @ Jazz Hole in Lagos, Nigeria

GLENDORA READING: HARRY GARUBA SPEAKS AT THE JAZZHOLE, 168 AWOLOWO RD., IKOYI, LAGOS, NIGERIA.4:00pm THURSDAY‏

Professor Harry Garuba to celebrate his 50th birthday will be reading at the Jazz Hole in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday March 27, 2008.

Here is a YouTube video of Dr. Harry Garuba speaking at an event.



Dr. Harry Garuba a Professor in the Centre for African Studies and Department of English of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, is internationally reputed for his innovative and ground-setting scholarship in the fields of Cultural Studies/Theory, Literatures of Africa and the African Diaspora, and Performance Studies/Discourse Analysis. A poet of note who has been described as having “a disposition for the tender and philosophical”, and whose collection, Shadows and Dreams heralded a new moment in its “alluring lyricism” and “introspective depth”, he taught at the University of Ibadan from the 1980s through to the 1990s – remarkable periods in Nigerian history and the flowering of African literature. At Ibadan, Garuba served as a mentor to an entire generation of writers, artistes and scholars, whose articulations coalesced into voices from the fringe, a movement that altered the dominant perceptions of arts and aesthetics.

From Glendora

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Responsibility is VIVA GLAMOROUS



25 Mar 2008 12:00 Africa/Lagos


Responsibility is VIVA GLAMOROUS

M.A.C COSMETICS' NEWEST VIVA GLAM VI SPOKESPERSON, FERGIE, REMIXES HER HIT SONG 'GLAMOROUS' TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR HIV/AIDS

LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE AT MACCOSMETICS.COM

NEW YORK, March 25 /PRNewswire/ --

Three-time Grammy Award winning artist and latest M.A.C VIVA GLAM spokesperson, Fergie, is using her voice to further raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS crisis in youth. Along with PoetNameLife, she has recorded 'VIVA GLAMOROUS', a remix of her hit song 'Glamorous', as an added contribution to her VIVA GLAM VI campaign. A limited number of free downloads of the remix and VIVA GLAM E-cards will be available March 25, 2008 on maccosmetics.com. The E-cards reinforce Fergie's Responsibility is Glamorous message by pairing her sexy VIVA GLAM visual with alarming AIDS facts that concern youth. She also encourages people to buy a M.A.C VIVA GLAM VI Limited Edition Lipglass, the sales of which benefit the Global Youth Prevention Initiative. The M.A.C AIDS FUND directs the funds from this initiative to international organizations that address the AIDS crisis in young people. The remix will also be available in April on M.A.C websites in the U.K., France, Australia and Germany.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/NYTU008 )


"Half of all new HIV/AIDS infections are in people under twenty-five and it is important that we get the message out to all young people to be educated and understand the risks of HIV/AIDS. I want to bring more attention to this issue and my music allows me to reach the youth that are potentially at risk." M.A.C VIVA GLAM VI Spokesperson Fergie


The M.A.C AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of M.A.C Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. M.A.F is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working with underserved regions and populations. As the largest corporate non-pharmaceutical giver in the arena, M.A.F strives to raise awareness of four key issues in the fight against HIV/AIDS: prevention, the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS, access to care, and adherence to medications and treatments. To date, M.A.F has raised $100 million (U.S.) exclusively through the sale of M.A.C's VIVA GLAM lipstick and lipglass, donating 100 per cent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS. For more information, visit www.macaidsfund.org.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/NYTU008
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: The M.A.C AIDS Fund

CONTACT: Heather Park, M.A.C Cosmetics, +1-212-965-6337


Web site: http://www.macaidsfund.org/
http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Monday, March 24, 2008

ÁSÁ: A Beautiful Musician With A Wonderful Voice

Ásá: A Beautiful Musician With A Wonderful Voice



"I want my music to touch people. As an African, I want to give hope back to my people, but also to speak in their name. I want to show the world that something beautiful and positive can come out of the black continent and inspire young people all over the world."



I have not written anything important on any Nigerian musician since I interviewed Keziah Jones in March, 2005 and interviewed Aladin in 2006. Ásá deserves an important post on Kisses & Roses.

I have listened to Bukola Elemide, aka, Ásá, and I am never tired of listening to this young, blessed, and lifted Nigerian female musician. She is a class apart from the rest of the new generation of Nigerian singers. She understands music and plays the guitar with dexterity to prove it.
I will ask Keziah Jones to do a better musical analysis of Ásá, because he should know how best to review her musical compositions and renditions.
I love her songs 360 and No One Knows Tomorrow.
Her lyrics read like pure poetry.



The musical depth of Ásá's songs is her greatest strength.
Nigeria has never been blessed with such a beautiful musician with a wonderful voice since Sade Adu. Music aficionados are comparing her to the equally gifted young Nigerian soul singer and guitarist Joy Olasunmibo Ogunmakin, aka, Ayo, Tracy Chapman and India.Arie. I believe Ásá is more poetic. She is original and universal.
Ásá means hawk in Yorubá, but what I see in Bukola Elemide is a songbird soaring like an eagle.



Ásá has all the musical qualities of an excellent artiste and she is most likely the next Nigerian female singer who will win the Grammy. She is not a parody of the American Hip-Hop musicians like most of the musicians in Nigeria whose greatest achievement is sampling and lip-synching to American Hip-Hop with interjections of the Pidgin English or local dialects. Her eponymous album is a collector’s item.

Ásá is a national treasure and a worthy ambassador of Nigeria in the musical arena of the world.

PHOTOS CREDITS: NAIVE

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Let Your Priorities Be Determined By Your Realities

Sunday March 16, 2008.
Novotel Accor Hotel, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Room 335.

I am alone in this cosy room watching a Nigerian movie on the Africa Magic Channel of Mnet's DSTv. It is a very good room. I am glancing at the faces of the top Nollywood actors, Olu Jacobs and Bob Manuel-Odogwu as I am writing, but my mind is far away from Port Harcourt. The ride on the Aero Contractors' helicopter was fine and the aerial view of Bonny Island was good for my reflections on life as we flew over the Bonny Channel from Bonny Island to the Nigerian Airforce Base airport in the Garden City of Port Harcourt.

Monday March 17, 2008.
9.30 pm.

We left the Novotel Accor Hotel for Enugu and returned safely, but we could not leave for Bonny Island, because we came back hours later than the expected time for the last helicopter for Bonny Island. We returned to the Novotel, but there were no more rooms reserved for us. The reservation and travel manager of the Nigeria LNG Limited told me that we should go to the Protea Hotel nearby. We took a taxi cab to 1C, Eva Crescent, G.R.A, Phase 1, Port Harcourt. The lobby of Protea Garden City looked like a business centre as both the guests and visitors milled around the reception and some were busy on their laptops. As we waited for a long time before we could check into our rooms, my thoughts on the importance of peace in Nigeria filled my mind. I thanked God that Port Harcourt is now peaceful after the Niger Delta militants clashed with themselves and the Nigerian Armed Forces, four months ago. We saw Peace Anyiam-Fiberisima of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)at the reception. She was escorted to the elevator with her luggage.

We checked into our rooms on the fifth floor and I loved my room.
Room 511 was larger than the Room 335 of the Novotel. There was a twin-size bed with six pillows and a chocolate bon bon was placed on a questionaire card on one of the pillows. I picked up the card and read the question written in capital letters.
"ARE WE HOT OR NOT?" I rated them warm and put the bon bon away. I called for room service and I was served in my room. I had French salad, fish and potato chips.
It was delicious. After eating, I turned to the television to see the latest news on the CNN before I decided to sleep.

I woke up early and said my usual prayers. I did not order for breakfast, because I was not hungry. I checked out and waited for the others in the lobby. They joined me and we left for the Nigerian Airforce Base airport where we took the Aero Contractors' helicopter to Bonny Island.

Sunday March 23, 2008.

I received a mail from Amaka, the marketing executive of Protea Garden City, thanking me for spending a night at their hotel.

I have been concentrating on the editing on my first book of short stories since last month. I found Pamela Guerrieri worthy to edit the American edition of the book and Josephine Dee is already editing the Nigerian edition. I e-mailed Pamela Guerrieri's sample edit of the first chapter to Josephine Dee. I want the first major work of my prose to be accepted and appreciated by the literary communities and readers everywhere. The book means so much to me.

I have three other books I am going to complete before autumn. I am on the last chapter of my thoughts and commentaries on Senator Barack Obama and the American Presidential Campaign. I am on page 220 and some more pages will be added after the Democratic primaries in June. Two books are on these interesting times in Nigeria, from the consequences of corruption to the evils of religious hypocrisy.

My younger sister's health also needs constant attention.

These are the present priorities until my sister is fully recovered and my next book is in my fair hands.

Writing a book is like having a baby.
Getting pregnant is easy, but the labour of the long months of pregnancy is challenging and only the woman in travail knows the sacrifice of childbirth.
Only God knows and understands the burden of my labour of love for humanity.

Let your priorities be determined by your realities and not your anxieties.
By your anxieties, I mean fears and worries.

Success without happiness is not better than failure.


Go and read Terry's Short Stories.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

The Most Important Message of Easter

As a Christian who has absolute faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrew-Aramaic ישוע (Yeshua), I love Mel Gibson's allegory of the the trial, torture, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in "The Passion of the Christ".

It will become an all time classic like "The King of Kings", my greatest inspiration.

The most important message of Easter is not the lip-service and eye-service of the church-goers, but how much we believe in Jesus Christ and how we live our daily life according to His commandments.

Jesus Christ did not die for our sins so that we can continue to sin and live in sin, but for us to REPENT or PERISH.

The fact of these interesting times is the reign of hypocrisy in the masquerade of Christianity. But as Jesus Christ said, the only way to know the true believers is by their fruits and not by their claims.

Most of those who claim to be "Christians" are mere church-goers and in most cases, their ways of life are not even different from the pagans. In fact, the pagans are more honest and transparent than the so-called "Christians" who are cheats, liars, scammers, schemers, opportunists, sex-traders and exchangers and other fringe characters. Wolves in sheep clothing.

They come to you in the guise of "Christianity", but eventually show you their true colours of hypocrisy.

They are very good in posing and posturing with fake airs anf graces online and offline, but their "Unchristian" actions eventually expose them.

Do not be fooled by what they say, display or portray in their conceit and deceit.
Time will tell you what and who they really are.
So, just beware of humans, regardless of their gender, class or creed.
Most of them come pretending to be your friends and well-wishers, but you will eventually see their true colours.
Do not trust anyone of them.

Most humans are fair weather friends or opportunists.
They are in it for what they can get out of it.

If they see that you cannot be fooled, they will show you their claws and fangs and forked tongues.

They are everywhere you are.
Just beware of them 24/7.

Jesus Christ has already shown us how to separate the sheep from the goats in MATTHEW, CHAPTER 25.

He also warned us about those who behave like dogs and pigs.

I HATE HYPOCRISY.
Jesus Christ hated hypocrisy.
He said he would spit hypocrites out and that is exactly what I do once I find out the hypocrites among those pretending to be my friends and well-wishers.
I cut them off, lest they corrupt the body of Jesus Christ.
Except they repent in truth and in spirit.

Many of them pretend to be repentant, but they are only going from bad to worse.
You have to get rid of the devils, otherwise they will get rid of you.

Just take your time to read what Jesus Christ preached and emulate what Jesus Christ practiced.
As Jesus Christ said:
Repent or perish!


Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Happy Easter!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Many Nigerian Girls and Women Are Shameless Liars On the Internet

Many Nigerian Girls and Women Are Shameless Liars

Many Nigerian girls and women lie about many things to hide their insecurities and indignities.

They lie about their backgrounds and they lie about their relationships.The girl from Mushin lied to her school mates on campus that she was living in Ikoyi, because she was ashamed of saying the truth, that she was from a poor family living in a tenement where 30 tenants share a toilet and bathroom. Another lied to steal N5, 000 (five thousand naira) only from the wardrobe of a Nigerian Brigadier-General in the man’s residence in Omole Estate in Ikeja, Lagos.

Nigerian girls and women have now come online to tell more lies on blogs and the Free For All (FFA) forums. Many of them will register up to four accounts with different names on the same forum and use the IDs for their dubious posts.

Romance frauds come in different forms and blogs about Valentine that never happened are incredible.

There is nothing to be ashamed of if you did not have the fantastic Valentine’s Day romance of your dreams, but for a young Nigerian publisher of a glossy fashion and beauty magazine to shamelessly go on her blog to lie about her Valentine’s Day romance that never happened is scandalous. I was shocked when I found out the truth. I am still keeping it from the majority of the Nigerian celebrity newspapers, because they will publish it to tarnish her public image in Nigeria.

The same Nigerian women who would roll and twist their forked tongues to gossip about others are often the worst liars.

The first time she lied about her invisible boyfriend, she told me that was what she wanted the numerous readers of her blog to believe. I let that pass, but I was disappointed that such a young and smart model and publisher could frame such a lie to deceive and mislead her Nigerian readers and the rest of the global village.

The Valentine Day’s lie was bad, because she even gave details of the gifts she received and other aspects of her so-called relationship. I wanted to confirm her story, because I have to get the facts before commenting or writing on her since I was the one who introduced her to the Nigerians online and created a blog for her magazine until she started her own general interest blog.

We must question the characters of Nigerians online in view of the great damage Internet scammers have done to the reputation of Nigeria online.

I have been committed to the Nigeria: Heart of Africa Image project and I also monitor news and stories on Nigeria and Nigerians online to correct erroneous reports on Nigeria and Nigerians. Therefore, it would be wrong to allow the abuse and misuse of the online media by Nigerians, irrespective of their class, colour, or creed.

I still believe that only honesty and transparency can redeem us, therefore we must reject the hypocrisies of our pseudo-religious beliefs and the liberties of our quasi-democracy.
We must not compromise the values and virtues of human dignity and integrity in our desperation for fame and fortune.

We should expose all forms of corruption and evils or be destroyed by the grave consequences.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

They Tell Lies Upon Lies

They Tell Lies Upon Lies

I have been pondering
As I have been wondering
How they roll and twist their forked tongues
They twist their tongues in intrigues.

Croaking frogs in the misty swamp
Howling dogs in the shanty camp.

The fools thought they could fool me
But I could see what they could not see
Their fallacy and their hypocrisy
Their conceit and deceit
These mosquitoes and flies
They tell lies upon lies.

March 22, 1999.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Kisses & Roses Presents the Win A New Porsche 911 Carrera

"A decent provision for the poor
is the true test of civilization."
~ Samuel Johnson

New York International Auto Show Contests Presents:



Click here for How you can win this new 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera



The Foundation benefits from a data base of 8,500 supporters who have helped us in one way or another. Here is how you can participate. Contributions via cash, check, PayPal or credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover) are welcomed:



Buy a raffle ticket

Every Spring, the Foundation raffles off a new Porsche 911 Carrera. Tickets are sold from January to mid-June via mail, fax and this website.

My Eating Disorder Is Eating Me

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

1. My Eating Disorder Is Eating Me

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."1

A Daily Encounter reader writes: "I need help. My eating disorder is eating me. I have tried to give it to God, but I am not sure if I have wholeheartedly done this. I want to stop but I am hooked on the skinniness thing."

When under- or over-eating is an addictive behavior, it can be a serious problem. Seeing what the cause of the problem is may be the hardest thing to come to terms with. With all addictions the problem we see—the presenting problem—is usually just the symptom of the real problem—"the fruit of a deeper root."

While symptoms need to be treated, it is critical that the root cause/s are treated and resolved. If only the symptom is treated, the root will pop out in another area. I know of one man who claimed he was healed of alcoholism the moment he became a Christian. In reality all he had done was change from being an alcoholic into an anger-aholic!

The bottom line in many, if not most, addictions is that somewhere in the past, mostly in early childhood, there has been a failure somewhere in love. The addictive behavior is used to medicate and not feel the pain of one's inner hurt of not feeling adequately loved. Besides asking for God's help and praying for deliverance, we need to do our part as well. As we get damaged in damaging relationships we get healed in healing relationships. This is why support groups such as twelve-step programs can be very effective, and why working with a skilled counselor or therapist may be needed and even critical.

As alcoholics need to be in an alcoholic-anonymous support group, food-aholics need to be in an overeaters anonymous group (and so on), where they can be loved and accepted for whom they are. As it is a failure in love that drives people into addictive behaviors, it is unconditional love that is one of the greatest healing agents to deliver one from addictive behaviors. When people feel genuinely loved and accepted, the need to "act out" in self-destructive addictive behaviors is greatly lessened.

A support group also helps the addict to keep accountable for his behavior, for it is only as he stops his addictive behavior and feels the real pain of his hurt or rejection, can he face and resolve the root cause of his problem.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love and accept me just as I am ... even with my addictive behaviors. Thank you, too, that you love me too much to leave me as I am. I admit my problem of _________ (name it). Please give me the courage to face the root cause of my problem, and lead me to the help I need to overcome. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

NOTE: For recovery resources click on (in English): http://www.actsweb.org/counseling_resources.php

1. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV).

<:))))><

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Announcement of the Shortlist for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2008

16 Mar 2008 01:01 Africa/Lagos


Announcement of the Shortlist for the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award 2008

LONDON, March 16/PRNewswire/ --

Veuve Clicquot Champagne announce the shortlist for the 35th Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award.

"The Veuve Clicquot Award is inspired by the accomplishments of Madame Clicquot, the first great businesswoman. This year's finalists share her bold approach having dared to create their own businesses and challenge boundaries in a diverse range of sectors and companies. They join a 35 year long line of extraordinary business women and we are delighted to celebrate their achievements." said Sally Warmington, Veuve Clicquot Brand Director.


The winner will be announced on Tuesday 8th April at The Berkeley Hotel, London.


The four finalists for 2008 are:


Alice Avis - Chief Executive, Sanctuary Spa Holdings. The Sanctuary is a luxury Spa and Spa products business. The Sanctuary Spa was established 30 years ago in Floral Street, Covent Garden. The Spa Products Business is a line of body products sold exclusively through Boots the Chemist. The Sanctuary is the No 2 beauty brand in Boots, second only to their own No 7 Brand. The business was bought by PZ Cussons for GBP75 Million in January 2008.


Carolyn McCall - Chief Executive, Guardian Media Group. McCall oversees a business which spans publishing, broadcasting and the internet. Guardian Media Group comprises the Guardian and Observer, the Guardian.co.uk website, GMG Radio, regional newspapers including the Manchester Evening News, Trader Media Group (publisher of Auto Trader) and a property services division.


Cilla Snowball - Chairman, Chief Executive, AMV Group. Snowball is Chairman and Chief Executive of Abbott Mead Vickers Group, the largest advertising agency and most respected communication group in the UK. It consists of six UK communications companies, which straddle, PR, Direct marketing and contract publishing. The largest, AMV BBDO, producing campaigns for BT, Guinness, Walkers, Sainsburys, The Economist, The Department of Transport amongst other clients.


Sophi Tranchell - Managing Director, Divine Chocolate Ltd. The company is a leader in Fairtrade Chocolate with a turnover of GBP10Million last year, the profits from which benefited thousands of farmers in Ghana who co-own the company and supply its Fairtrade cocoa. Tranchell has recently overseen the launch of a new company in the US, Divine Chocolate Inc, also co-owned by Kuapa Kokoo, the Ghanaian cocoa farmers' co-operative.


Editor Notes:


In the world of business The Veuve Clicquot Award is regarded as the 'Oscar' for women entrepreneurs and those working in the corporate world in the UK. Highly prized and sought after, it is the first and original Award created specially to recognise the contribution women have made to business life in the UK.


Now in its 35th year and run in 17 other countries, it celebrates the memory of Veuve Clicquot, a formidable and successful 19th century businesswoman, who created the champagne house that still bears her name.


Her audacity, bravery and creativity are celebrated each year, reflected in the light of the achievements of the finalists. In turn, they present excellent role models for young women aspiring to their place in the business world.


Additional information can be accessed via http://www.veuveclicquotaward.com


Source: Veuve Clicquot Award

For further information please contact: Kristy Parker, PR Manager, Veuve Clicquot, kristy.parker@mhuk.co.uk or phone: +44(0)7795-395-564

Saturday, March 15, 2008

LeBron James Becomes First Black Man On the Cover of VOGUE


The Body Electric Thrills Body Romantic as LeBron James and Gisele Bündchen Grace the April Cover of Vogue.


The Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA basketball superstar LeBron James becomes the first Black man and the third man to appear on the cover of the prestigious VOGUE society and style magazine.


The 6-foot-8 LeBron James is gracing the April cover of Vogue,with the 5-foot-11, Gisele Bündchen, joining actors Richard Gere and George Clooney as the only men to appear on the cover of VOGUE in the magazine's 116-year history.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Rock the Cause Presents: Rock Star -- It's Your World

14 Mar 2008 04:46 Africa/Lagos


Rock the Cause Presents: Rock Star -- It's Your World

An All-Ages Benefit Concert for Children's Home Society & Family Services

ST. PAUL, Minn., March 13 /PRNewswire/ --

Rock the Cause, a non-profit organization working to create positive life-changing experiences through the power of music, will be hosting an all-ages concert benefiting Children's Home Society and Family Services. Rock Star-It's Your World will help to raise awareness about kids in our community and around the world who don't have a family to call their own or are neglected or abused. It will also help engage youth in how volunteering and giving back can make a difference.


WHAT:
An all-ages concert benefiting Children's Home Society & Family Services
-- families are welcome

WHO:
The concert line up includes some of the Twin Cities' hottest bands who
are volunteering their time to rock the youth: Invincible Kids, So It
Goes, Maudlin, The Limns, Sick of Sarah and Catchpenny.

WHEN:
Saturday, April 5, 2008, doors at 12:30 p.m., music at 1 p.m.

WHERE:
Suburban World Theatre, 3022 Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis

HOW:
Tickets can be purchase online at http://www.irockthecause.org/ or at the
door for $11

WHY:
To raise awareness about kids in our community and around the world who
don't have a family to call their own or are neglected or abused

SPONSORS:
Special thanks to The Onion, The Minnesota RollerGirls and Triplecaff for
their support of this event

MEDIA INQUIRIES:
To arrange an interview with Rock the Cause founder, Scott Herold,
performers, the benefiting organization, or for event press credentials,
please contact Kristine Huson at: 651-428-1656.

ABOUT ROCK THE CAUSE

Rock the Cause is a non-profit organization that works to create a positive life changing experience through the power of music and community. We partner with local and national non-profits who make an immediate and measurable impact on their community. Our goal is to build a future generation of giving through music, education, and awareness. Learn more at http://www.irockthecause.org/.


ABOUT CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY & FAMILY SERVICES:


Since 1889, Children's Home Society & Family Services (CHSFS) has met the needs of children and families through our adoption, child abuse and neglect prevention, early childhood education, and comprehensive family services. As a statewide non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, CHSFS is committed to help children thrive and to build, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community life. For more information please log on to http://www.chsfs.org/ or call 651-646-7771.


Source: Children's Home Society & Family Services

CONTACT: Kris Huson of Children's Home Society & Family Services,
+1-651-255-2336, khuson@chsfs.org


Web site: http://www.childrenshomeadopt.org/

Thursday, March 13, 2008

What People Do for Sex?

The Eliot Spitzer sex scandal rocking America is raising so much dust in the eyes of Americans and others on the consequences of extramarital affairs and how much humans are willing to pay for sex, whether flings or long term erotic romance with or without strings attached.

Sex is not the problem, humans are the problem.
Humans who lack self-control or those who are sex-maniacs.

How much would you pay for sex?

Countless people have paid with their precious lives. Men have raped girls and women and even murdered their helpless victims in the process. Others have killed over love affairs like the husband in my village who murdered his neighbour, because he committed adultery with his wife. He separated his head from the rest of his body in broad daylight.

"No human pays $5000 for sex. Only companies do. Because they can deduct it as entertainment. It's like when a corporation lends you their private jet to campaign in. That's what private jets are for."
~ Chris Kelly on Come Back, Eliot Spitzer!

Senorita Walker, a 33-year-old Chicago high school teacher paid three teenage boys $5000 to have sex with her.
~From the Smoking Gun.


Senorita Walker

Men and women suffering from "nymphomania" and "satyriasis" will pay thousands of dollars to have sex with anyone who can make them happy.

Hypersexuality is desire to engage in human sexual behavior at a level high enough to be considered clinically significant. Hypersexuality is characterized by a debilitating need for frequent genital stimulation which, once achieved, may fail to result in the expected long-term emotional—or sexual—satisfaction. This dissatisfaction is what is believed to encourage the heightened frequency of sexual stimulation, as well as additional physiological and neurological symptoms.
~ Wikipedia


Remember the case of
Debra Lafave, the young and very pretty reading teacher at Angelo L. Greco Middle School in Temple Terrace, Florida, who was charged with statutory rape for having sex with a 14-year-old boy in her class?


Debra Lafave

The ex-husband wrote the book "Gorgeous Disaster" about her.

When we abuse and misuse sex, we should be ready to pay the price.

Look before you leap.



Super Model Cindy Crawford will be Honored at DKMS 'Linked Against Leukemia Gala' on May 7th at Capitale


Cindy Crawford

13 Mar 2008 11:00 Africa/Lagos


Super Model Cindy Crawford will be Honored at DKMS 'Linked Against Leukemia Gala' on May 7th at Capitale

Mario Cantone Hosts Fundraiser

NEW YORK, March 13 /PRNewswire/ --

DKMS is proud to announce that they will honor Cindy Crawford at their "Linked Against Leukemia Gala" on Wednesday, May 7th, 2008 at Capitale in New York City. The 2nd annual black-tie affair is a benefit to raise money and awareness for DKMS, the world's largest marrow donor center with more than 1.6 million registered donors, which has helped facilitate more than 13,000 transplants.



Cindy Crawford on the runway

The evening will be hosted by actor/comedian Mario Cantone and begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30pm, followed by dinner and entertainment. International superstar and platinum-selling recording artist, Sarah Connor will be among the night's musical performers. Honorees are Cindy Crawford and Emanuel Chirico (Chairman & CEO, Phillips-Van Heusen). The event's Honorary Chairman is Bernd Beetz (CEO, Coty Inc.) and committee members include Lauren Santo Domingo, Vanessa von Bismarck, Viktoria von Wulffen and Tom Murry, President & COO of Calvin Klein, Inc.


"I am thrilled to be a part of this evening," says Crawford. "This is a cause that is very close to my heart and I hope we are able to raise awareness and funds for DKMS."


DKMS has made headlines recently with one of their celebrity supporters, Grammy-winning singer, Rihanna, who helped find a donor for a mom in New York City, who has acute leukemia and in need of a marrow transplant. Rihanna performed as last year's gala.


"We are excited to be celebrating our second annual gala and are grateful for the support we continue to receive. More than 140,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with life-threatening blood diseases, such as leukemia and lymphoma, and leukemia is the most common disease children in the U.S. die of. Our goal is to raise funds so that we can recruit 30,000 new donors this year," states Katharina Harf, Executive Vice President, DKMS.


Through "Linked Against Leukemia," DKMS (Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei or German Bone Marrow Donor Center) hopes to raise the necessary funds to cover the $65 registration for marrow donors to help blood cancer patients in need of a life-saving marrow transplant. Founded by Coty Inc. Chairman, Peter Harf, DKMS is committed to the fight against leukemia and strives to give every blood cancer patient a second chance at life by recruiting marrow donors from every race and ethnicity. DKMS inspires hope and healing by matching our donors with patients around the world in need of a marrow transplant. For more information, visit www.dkmsamericas.org.


Ticket prices begin at $1000. To purchase tickets, please call Cathy Casey at 718-768-0037 or cathy@iedesignevents.com.


Source: DKMS

CONTACT: Mary Kaye Daniels, +1-212-901-3938,
marykaye.daniels@bwr-ny.com, or Megan Miller, +1-212-901-3929,
megan.miller@bwr-ny.com, both for DKMS


Web site: http://www.dkmsamericas.org/

Eliot Spitzer and "Kristen": Sex, Love and Hypocrisy in America

"Kristen"

The American mainstream news media and blogosphere have gone haywire over the Spitzer Is Linked to Prostitution Ring - New York Times story and I have already commented and posted other views on, Let The American Man Who Has Never Paid for Sex In Cash or in Kind, Let Him First Cast A Stone At Eliot Spitzer, Could the Patriot Act Have Brought Down Eliot Spitzer? and Governor, Eliot Spitzer: Liberal Hypocrisy Exposed... Again.

This whole scandal is another exposure of the reign of hypocrisy in the American society.
Imagine even the LGBT Community calling for the head of Gov. Eliot Spitzer. The worse sinners are always the loudest noise makers in the public trial of others.

Governor Eliot Spitzer

The so called "Kristen was interviewed by the New York Times and she gave her real name as Ashley Alexandra Dupre, age 22, and she is even a singer from a broken home in New Jersey before moving to New York City and got employed by the Emperors Club VIP.

Kristen spent the eve of ST. Valentine's Day with Mr. Eliot Spitzer at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. She is on MySpace page and has left the following details about her.



I live in New York and am on top of the world. Been here since 2004 and I love
this city, I love my life here. But, my path has not been easy. When I was 17, I
left home. It was my decision and I've never looked back. Left my hometown. Left
a broken family. Left abuse. Left an older brother who had already split. Left
and learned what it was like to have everything, and lose it, again and again.
Learned what it was like to wake up one day and have the people you care about
most gone. I have been alone. I have abused drugs. I have been broke and
homeless. But, I survived, on my own. I am here, in NY because of my music...
Don't let anyone hold you back or tell you that you can't...because you can.

Please, buy her love song here for just $0.34

More details on the Huffington Post

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Sade Adeniran's "Imagine This" Makes Final List for the Commonwealth Writers Prize



Sade Adeniran's first novel "Imagine This" has been shortlisted for the 2008 Commonwealth Writers Prize for the Best First Book Award for Africa.

I pray she wins the highly coveted prize, because she deserves the success she has sacrificed so much for, intellectually, physically and financially.

She began writing the book in 1998 and it took her five years to complete it. She gave her family and friends to read it first before she sent it to fifteen agents and about twenty publishers and none of them accepted to publish it. She kept the novel under her bed until she made up her mind to pursue her great dream. Sade quit her job as a marketing executive for a telecom company and went to the Spanish Writers Retreat for a month to do nothing else but write. It was at the retreat that she decided to take the leap of faith and self-publish her novel.
“In a sense I approached it as a creative process, not a business enterprise,” Sade said.
She paid £100 for the ISBN and found a good printer at the London Book Fair. She spent over £2,000 to print 1,100 copies and started distributing the copies and giving it to Amazon.co.uk to sell more copies.

Sade should have given her first novel a better title, and prevent the confusion of the novel sharing the same title with other books like Julia Baird's Imagine This and Vickie M. Stringer's Imagine This.

Reviewers have praised "Imagine This" and I hope the novel wins the prize.


I wish her all the best.