Happy Easter and Happy Birthday Vicky!

Happy Birthday Vicky!

Today is the birthday of Victoria Ilomasi Osugbo of the University of Benin in Nigeria and it is a special day being Easter Sunday. The Publisher of Supple and I went to celebrate with her and her beautiful family in Fadeyi, Lagos.

I gave her my present and she gave us fried rice with roasted chicken and red wine.
We had a good time.

Memories of Yesterday

Yesterday was my birthday and Linda Ikeji and her associate came to celebrate with me and we chose the Mr. Biggs near my office to eat and drink before she left for her own office.
I appreciated the quality time we spent discussing celebrity blogging and the efforts to make blogging popular in the most populous nation in Africa where the majority are still ignorant of what a blog is. Bella Naija, Linda Ikeji and Calabar Girl are the most popular Nigerian bloggers in the global village. There is no need to drop my name here, because I am a totally different kind of blogger. Blogging to me is not for Personality Popularity Contest (PPC). Most of my over 30 blogs are for news, business or educational subjects. I also have a blog on The Des Moines Register and other major news websites. Blogging to me is not a pastime, but a medium for news and information for the advancement of human development. I advised Linda to take blogging as serious as her FM&B magazine.

I am glad and grateful to the Almighty God Jehovah for giving me a beautiful, wonderful and great life and I love to do my best for as many people as possible.

My First Lady QMC woke me up with her sweetest wishes and she made my day.

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

Be as happy as you can, because it helps you to be healthy and have a jolly good life.

Last Friday was a bloody day on Bonny Island as many militants and few civilians were killed as the Nigerian Armed Forces clashed with the militants from the Bight of Bonny to the shores. Two of the civilians were women killed by stray bullets. I was inside the GTB on Bonny Island and the staff received an emergency directive to close immediately. So other customers were not allowed to come inside the banking hall. The lady attending to me was a buxom and pretty young woman in a pantsuit, but she was looking unhappy. She must be in a bad mood. She snapped at a customer who was a very young man who looked like a teenager. I spoke out aloud that she would do better if she treated customers gladly. The customers were innocent of the volatile environment or whatever made her unhappy. The young man smiled and she snapped that she was not in any mood for his cordial and friendly manners. I was shocked by her hostile attitude, but I was concerned too. Many thoughts filled my mind. I was wondering what could be her troubles.
You know that song, Nobody knows the troubles I see, Nobody knows my troubles?
She was not rude to me. Thank God for my grey hair. A young woman dare not disrespect an elder in an African society. Besides, I was looking nice that morning. She looked at me politely as she attended to me.
I was regarding her and looked at her small brown eyes and fingers. I really took time to look at her. She was cool.
I hope no guy upset her or was it the rainy day?
I wanted to do something to make her happy, but I decided to mind my business.
I left to return to where I was staying as jeeps of fully armed Nigerian soldiers were heading to the Bonny seaside where others were battling the never-say-die militants.
I heard the echo of a gunshot in front of the bank.
As I was looking for a taxi-cab, bus or motorbike to take me away from the danger zone, a white jeep stopped for me.
It was a good Christian author and he is also working for the Nigeria LNG Bonny. I thanked God as I entered his jeep and greeted him and a young man in the back seat of the jeep.
"How are you sir?"
"I am fine. I read your posts."
I was glad he reads them.
He said he was coming from his church.
"Your church? The Redeemed Christian Church of God?"
"No. I have started my own church."
"Started your own church? I would rather say you are planting a new church. I hope you have the blessings of the General Overseer?"
"It is not a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The RCCG Pastor of the Bonny Province gave me his blessings."
I nodded and he told me the name of the new church.
He said he was going to the Nigeria LNG Jetty to pick his family.
I prayed that they would not be caught in the bloody conflict in the Bonny Channel.
There were stern looking Nigerian soldiers at the Nigeria LNG Roundabout and others standing battle ready on the major road leading to the jetty and LNG plant.
As I was going into the Nigeria LNG Residential Areas, I saw a Nigerian Army jeep and an ambulance speeding into the main estate.
It was a bloody and stormy Friday.
It was the topic of discussion over the weekend.


I returned to the GTB bank this Monday morning and when I saw the young female banker who was looking angry and unhappy last Friday, she was looking all right, but not bright. She attended to me politely and when I completed my transaction, I cheerfully gave her a glossy copy of The Language of True Love, hoping she would like it. She accepted it and thanked me with a shy smile. I left her to continue with her work, because she was attending to two customers at her desk and two more were sitting nearby waiting for their turn. Her hands were full today, because the weather was fine and no bad news of attacking militants. Making her smile was a delight to sight.
I was already out of the bank when she came to me to thank me again for the gift of the love book.
"Where can others get the book, because I want to keep my own copy to myself?"
"Your security officer bought a copy last Friday and I told him where to get more copies."
I watched her as she quickly returned to her office with a bounce in her steps.
I thanked God she was happy and I hope she would be happier.

Happy 20th Birthday Queenzy!

Happy 20th Birthday to Queenzy!


20/20
BY GEORGE BENSON

When I think of all I put you through
Always taking you for granted
I never saw it from your point of view
Blinded by the double standard

You were tryin' to tell me all along
Something in the love was missing
You said "It's not too late to get it back"
But I just wasn't listening

If I knew back then what I know now
If I understood the what , when , why and how
Now it's clear to me
What I should have done
But hindsight is 20/20 vision

Now I see it in a different light
I've been losin' you in stages
Give us one more chance
I'll get it right
Girl , you're gonna see some changes

If I knew back then what I know now
If i understood the what , when , why and how
Now it's clear to me
What I should have done
But hindsight is 20/20 vision

Takin' time to catch up on some history
Tryin' to figure out what went wrong
with you and me
And it doesn't really matter
what's been before
But I know there's no future
with you walkin' out that door

I believe Birthdays are made in heaven
For God is the one who made the day you were born.
To bless your life and give you longer life.

Why Your Birthday May 12 is for the Glory of God to be made manifest in your life.

12 is the number of gates of the holy city of New Jerusalem,
And upon the 12 gates are 12 angels,
And 12 names written thereon, are the names of the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel. And the wall of the city are 12 foundations
And in them the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.
And he measured the city with the reed, 12 thousand furlongs.
And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred and forty and four cubits (12 times 12), which is the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
And on the 12 gates are 12 pearls.
(From Rev. 21:2, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21);

In the midst of the street of it, and on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve fruits, yielding its fruit every month (Rev. 22:2);

the twelve fruits are all things of charity.

[4] In Matthew:--

Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed Me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit upon the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28);

here apostles are not meant by apostles, nor thrones by thrones, nor tribes by tribes, but all things that are of faith (AC 2129). Moreover in the Word of the Old Testament, where twelve tribes are mentioned, it is all things of the church that are signified; and the case is the same with the twelve stones according to the names of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Urim and Thummim (Exod. 28:21); and with the twelve loaves of the show bread set in order upon the table (Lev. 24:5, 6); and so in other instances.

From the Spiritual Meaning of 12.

12 is a number God has ordained for His awesome signs and wonders.

Your 20th birthday on Monday May 12 will mark the beginning a new era in your beautiful and wonderful life.

The beginning of new things and new precious possessions.

The beginning of a higher level of your progress and success.

The beginning of the open doors for new breakthroughs.The beginning of a new chapter in your future.

I wish you all the best things in Life which only the Almighty God can give to you.

May God bless the mother through whom God brought you into this awesome world.
And may God bless the father whom God used to conceive you in the womb of your mother.

Cheers and God bless you always.

Happy 20th birthday!

I Thank God for My Birthday!

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
~ Psalm 103:5

I am a year older today.
I am very glad and grateful to God for all the beautiful and wonderful things He has been doing in my life from birth.
I thank God for my mother, Gladys Eke of blessed memory and I thank God for my father, Sunday Eke of blessed memory.
I thank God for my brothers and sister and others God has brought into my life.

I thank God for making me one in a million.
I thank God for making my future secure.
For God is my life insurance.

I thank God for the Queen of my heart who called me this morning from Abuja in Nigeria, and for loving me like no other woman has ever loved me since I was born.
She is one in a million.

Psalm 103 (King James Version)

1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

15. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

17. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

18. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

19. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

20. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

'I'm a Happier Person Than I Was Before': Actress Elizabeth Perkins of Showtime's 'Weeds'

15 Jan 2008 20:32 Africa/Lagos


'I'm a Happier Person Than I Was Before': Actress Elizabeth Perkins of Showtime's 'Weeds' Shares Her Story of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Coping With Type 1 Diabetes in Hollywood

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Actress Elizabeth Perkins has come a long way in the few years since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 44. "I'm actually a happier person than I was before I was diagnosed," she tells the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) consumer magazine, Diabetes Forecast, in the February 2008 issue. In this exclusive interview Perkins discusses her diagnosis, treatment regimen, and the ways in which having diabetes has made an impact on her Hollywood career.


Perkins, who has received multiple award nominations for her role in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Weeds, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005 while filming the first season of the show. "I felt completely overwhelmed that first year on the show, and I didn't tell anybody I had diabetes. All of a sudden I was in my trailer at work, testing my glucose, and shooting myself up, and I was really scared and felt very alone and completely in over my head...it took me a good year and a half to embrace this and say, proudly, 'I'm diabetic and I'm in control of my disease.'" Type 1 diabetes commonly develops in children, but can occur at any age.


Although Perkins was already familiar with healthy dieting and regular exercise to stay fit for the cameras, having diabetes allowed Perkins to make another important change in her lifestyle. "I really learned to listen to my body and to know what I needed. And there are times I need to rest, and before I never allowed myself to do that."


The experience of coping with the illness has helped Perkins to develop her Weeds character, Celia Hodes. "I was testing my blood, learning how to draw syringes, and injecting myself, unbeknownst to everybody around me...I think that definitely translated into my character: I was just sort of out on a limb, on my own, and there was not going to be anybody to save me except myself." And now? "I'm actually a happier person than I was before I was diagnosed. I have a much greater perspective on the world around me."


Also in this issue:


More American women than men -- twenty-nine percent -- die of heart disease. Recent research has revealed that heart disease differs in crucial ways between men and women, including the symptoms of and age at which a heart attack occurs and the sudden increase in risk of heart disease during and after menopause, as compared to a gradual increase in risk for men as they age. This information, along with articles that share tips about protecting your heart and keeping your feet healthy, are in a special section of Diabetes Forecast in recognition of American Heart Month.


In addition, the February 2008 issue brings you stories about:
-- Everything you need to know about hypoglycemia.
-- ADA's newest National Youth Advocate.
-- Recipes that give staple winter fruits fresh new flavors.


Diabetes Forecast has been America's leading diabetes magazine for 60 years. Each full-color issue offers the latest news on diabetes research and treatment. Its mission is to provide information, inspiration, and support to people with diabetes, helping them to live a healthier lifestyle, control their diabetes, and prevent or treat its many complications. The magazine is published monthly by the American Diabetes Association.


The American Diabetes Association is the nation's premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides services to hundreds of communities across the country. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org/. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.


Source: American Diabetes Association

CONTACT: Dayle Kern of the American Diabetes Association,
+1-703-549-1500 ext 2290


Web Site: http://www.diabetes.org/

Happy Birthday Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton!

Happy Birthday to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, who begins a New Year today!
She is a year older this Friday and I am happy for the former First Lady of the United States of America.



Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is a beautiful and wonderful lady who is the melody of love in the life of her great husband, Bill Clinton, the former President of the U.S.A and their family.

I wish her many happy returns of the day with longer life and more prosperity by the infinite Grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord, who makes all things possible.

I wish her all the best in her quest to become the First Female President of the United States of America.

I support Hillary Rodham Clinton for President.

Her campaign manager, Lady Patti Solis Doyle sent me the following mail and I am asking you to join me and send Happy Birthday Wishes To Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

--------
Dear Orikinla,

Here's one of my favorite stories about celebrating Hillary's birthday.

It was her first birthday as First Lady. After all the talk of her changing hairstyles during the campaign, the staff thought it would be funny to surprise her by dressing up as different "Hillarys" -- there was Headband Hillary, Campaign Hillary, Lawyer Hillary, Short-Hair Hillary. I was the 1992 Democratic Convention Hillary -- with the sassy haircut.

This year, I hope we'll start a new tradition: sharing birthday wishes from thousands upon thousands of her supporters. Will you help me get this started by sending Hillary your birthday message today?

Sign Hillary's birthday card:

Even in the midst of an intense campaign, this is a moment for me to stop and reflect about someone who is not just an inspiring leader, but a treasured personal friend. A friend who has been there for me, a friend who has taught me so much about dedication and accomplishment and loyalty and trust.

I'm proud to say that this is the 16th birthday wish that I've sent to Hillary, and this year it's simple: that she continue to make my job easy by being such a great candidate! I know this is one wish sure to come true.

Do you have a birthday wish you want to share with Hillary? Send it to her today.
Click here to send.

Thank you so much for all your support for Hillary, and for helping to make her birthday so special.

Sincerely,


Patti Solis Doyle
Campaign Manager
Hillary for President

P.S. Do you have any friends or family who have a birthday message for Hillary? Forward this email and tell them to send her a message: Click to send yours now
............

God bless you as you do so.