Lola is a 16 y/o girl growing up in the suburbs of a sprawling district in Nairobi, Kenya. She is intelligent, cute and charming. Everyone loves Lola in school and her teachers think she's got a very bright future. Lola comes from a religious family. Her mum is the prayer warrior of the Pentecostal church in the neighborhood. She doesn't talk to her children about sex and its consequences. Lola's dad is an academic. He works as a university lecturer in the city. He's strict yet loving and wants the best for his children. After closing at school one day, Lola hooks up with friends as they find their way home. Being all girls, they discuss about getting boyfriends. "I think I'm old enough to have a guy" says Simbi. "I can't wait to become an adult at last" says another, as the other girls chuckled. They all look at Miriam, the oldest in the group. Rumor has it Miriam has bedded a few guys and could say one or two things about it. "My parents will be traveling to the village next week. We can invite a few guys over" Miriam discloses. Lola listens with rapt attention in the middle of all this. She's trying to figure out how to respond to Miriam's invitation. The troubled teenager is torn between giving in to the yearnings of her raging hormones and making her family proud by keeping her virginity until she gets married. In the end, Lola decides to honor Miriam's invitation. She goes to Miriam's house and meets Jaiye. Now Jaiye, who is as handsome as the devil, has the charm of a red-nosed reindeer and a smooth talking tongue. Behind all these, Jaiye also has the morals of an alley cat. Within minutes, Jaiye is able to break down Lola's final resistance. "Why can't we have some fun? The other guys already got to it. It's harmless" he persuades. Lola falls for him and gives in. A few weeks later, Lola is pregnant. She's devastated. How would she explain this to her parents. She has failed her family. She talks to Simbi and together they go after Jaiye. He suggests an abortion. He's not ready to father a child and Lola isn't ready to be a mother at 16. They find a quack who's ready to do it for a few bucks. Lola goes under the quack's knives and gets rid of the pregnancy. A few days later, complications arise and Lola starts bleeding. She refuses to confess on her deathbed, but as the embers of life start to slowly diminish, she confesses to her mom and mentions Simbi and Jaiye. Soon after that Lola dies!
Amanda is 16 years old. She lives in Alabama, U.S.A. She's a happy-go-lucky kind of girl. Her dad is a busy management consultant who's seldom around the family. Amanda's mum is a nurse who spends most of her time saving lives at the general hospital. Without getting enough quality time to spend with both parents, Amanda falls back on friends. She enjoys all the gossips and exuberance of a bubbling teenager with her friends. Now in senior high school, Amanda wants to try out new things. She finds a willing partner in Amy who shows up with the cigarettes and booze. In the course of this, she gets intimate with a few older guys she meets through Amy. Week-in-week-out, Amanda goes home tipsy but her parents are too busy to notice. Gradually, Amanda slowly ebbs deeper into the world of alcoholism. Her grades begin to drop at school and her teachers start worrying about her. She sees the school counselor who convinces her to retrace her steps. She did. Few weeks later, Amanda meets Amy who invites her to a party being hosted by Jimmy, the most sought-after kid in school. Amanda can't resist. She goes to Jimmy's party and ends up dancing with Jimmy. Now, Jimmy is a spoilt rich kid, and good-looking, too. His dad wants him to go to Harvard and be a successful business-man. Jimmy cajoles Amanda to follow him into the room. Amanda is half-way in the bag and can't resist. A couple of weeks later, Amanda realizes she's been knocked up. She finds Jimmy in school and tells him he's about to be a father. This doesn't go down well with him. That'd be a scandal if his parents get to know about it. It'd ruin their standing in the prestigious yacht club of millionaires. Amanda is crushed. She goes home and cries all day. She's going to have the baby regardless of what happens. Her mom comes home from work late in the night and finds Amanda waiting up for her. She can't believe it when Amanda breaks the news of her pregnancy. She realizes she hasn't been living up to her billings as a mother. She promises to change. Nine months later, Amanda has a bouncing baby girl and names her Jaimee to remind her of Jimmy. Even though she has a child out of wedlock, she's hopeful and alive!
Being a teenager could be as challenging as riveting. Across the world, from Africa to America to Asia and to Europe, teens face the daunting tasks of sticking to the rules and charting a course for their lives. Unsurprisingly though, the challenges teens have to face differ from one continent to another. African teens are wary of getting pregnant thus putting an end to their education and bringing the family name to shame. A knocked-up African teen is regarded as a failure in most African societies. Most times, they result to having an abortion thereby falling prey to the numerous quack doctors. Which brings up another question. Would it help if abortion were legalized? While getting knocked up in your teens is definitely not something to be proud of, the toga of shame and guilt these teens are made to wear doesn't in any way help them to recover from the trauma of becoming a young mother.
The onus falls on parents and guardians, being the closest to their wards. They should feel free to discuss the consequences of sex with their teens and make them grasp the full picture, and when it goes the other way, help them get back on track. Having a baby as a teen doesn't necessarily spell failure for the mother, what happens after does.
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa. Show all posts
Monday, May 6, 2013
If It's Not One thing, It's Another!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Poznan: A city of life
| The tallest building in Poznan: Altum |
A little jet-lagged, I knew I had to drop in at the students' orientation meeting scheduled for the next day and submit my papers to the local immigration to process a temporary residence permit. Since it was early fall and the weather hadn't gone too cold for comfort, I decided against riding a taxi and opted for a leisurely stroll to my university's main building where the students' orientation was to take place. Even though I had a map to take me to my destination, I desired to have another taste of Polish hospitality as the last one I had was from Malgorzata and my body and soul were starting to yearn for more. Relishing the serenity which I'd always craved from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago, I asked a middle-aged man for directions to the University. Greenhorns are not strange to the dwellers of Poznan. This city hosts about thousands of them every year. I got enough help from the man who even volunteered to walk me down to the university, an offer which I politely turned down. The orientation meeting like I expected was like another gathering of the United Nations. Each continent was represented.
My documentation with the local immigration was hugely successful. Although the local officials differed slightly from the ones I met at the airport, I eventually got registered as a resident. From the gist going around at the orientation meeting, I wasn't looking forward to facing the local officials. Rumor had it that the office was full of stern ladies who'd rain on your parade. I needn't have worried too much though. After successfully documenting my application, I realized it could only get hard for you if you ran short of one or more papers you're supposed to present.
| University of Economics, Poznan |
Studying in Poznan is an experience of a lifetime. University of Economics is a trail blazer in Europe, especially if you're looking into a degree in economics, business administration or other management courses. The classes are fun although the time-table seemed hectic for me in the beginning of the semester. The thing that got us laughing at first was each other's funny accents. Since the English language was the language of instruction and with students from all over the world, my classes felt more like a music rehearsal room. Accents from Asia, Africa, eastern Europe and North America all teamed up to sound like an auto-tune from a R&B song. That's not to take away anything from the professors. They are in-depth, articulate and make you learn the ropes easily enough without being flustered. Each university includes physical education classes in their curricula to prevent students becoming lethargic; not that you stood a chance of being lethargic in Poznan, anyways. It's a city full of life! For book lovers, you could grab a book to read in one of the numerous book lockers at the tram stops. For me, I was having enough book at the university, it was time to have some real fun...
| Monument to the founder of Poznan University of Economics, famous Polish economist, Edward Taylor |
To be continued...
Friday, November 16, 2012
Kenyan leopard takes prey up a tree – See (spectacular) Photos
Incredible pictures show a leopard having a snack while up a tree in south-western Kenya.
New York-based photographer Cindy Corcorann had to patiently wait nearly two hours before the female leopard revealed herself and led her safari group to the secret lunch spot.
So I know you are wondering how this leopard got up the Tree with the Prey, well wonder no more, cause we the photos for you click here below
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Haiti Set to Join African Union
The black race is gradually coming together. Where other world groupings are primarily motivated by strategic, security, political and economic interests, Africans wherever they are can count also on their common history of being black.

Haiti currently has the status of Member Observer with the African Union and submitted to that organization, a formal request for the status of full Associate Member of the Union of Heads of State and Government of Africa, a status that will be effective starting from January 2013.
In January 2011, the Libyan leader Muammar Kaddafi who was killed by NATO in October of the same year asked the following question to delegates who were attending an international conference for the African Diaspora from around the world that he had convened in Tripoli.
“Why shouldn’t people of black descent leaving outside the African mother continent be allowed to have a referendum to decide if they wanted to be part of Africa or not.”
As we know there are many countries out of Africa, particularly in the Caribbean’s Islands, where black people constitute the majority. Even Brazil itself is getting closer to such category.
The admission of Haiti to the African Union is a significant milestone of bringing together the black family of Africans as a people.
May this reunion of Haiti with the mother continent be a strong motivation for other nations with black majorities to see in such strong relationship a source for future prosperity of respective populations either in Africa or concerned countries?
People from the South – where most Blacks are – , have in the past strongly counted on their cooperation with the North for their development. Though the latter is still dominant, there are clear signs that the tides are shifting. The more the former will find in themselves the resources to uplift their populations the better.
Haiti currently has the status of Member Observer with the African Union and submitted to that organization, a formal request for the status of full Associate Member of the Union of Heads of State and Government of Africa, a status that will be effective starting from January 2013.
In January 2011, the Libyan leader Muammar Kaddafi who was killed by NATO in October of the same year asked the following question to delegates who were attending an international conference for the African Diaspora from around the world that he had convened in Tripoli.
“Why shouldn’t people of black descent leaving outside the African mother continent be allowed to have a referendum to decide if they wanted to be part of Africa or not.”
As we know there are many countries out of Africa, particularly in the Caribbean’s Islands, where black people constitute the majority. Even Brazil itself is getting closer to such category.
The admission of Haiti to the African Union is a significant milestone of bringing together the black family of Africans as a people.
May this reunion of Haiti with the mother continent be a strong motivation for other nations with black majorities to see in such strong relationship a source for future prosperity of respective populations either in Africa or concerned countries?
People from the South – where most Blacks are – , have in the past strongly counted on their cooperation with the North for their development. Though the latter is still dominant, there are clear signs that the tides are shifting. The more the former will find in themselves the resources to uplift their populations the better.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Cancer; Nigerian Prof discovers new treatment methods
The President of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST ), Abuja, Professor Wole Soboyejo, has disclosed that research in new methods for the treatment of cancer has reached an advanced stage, compared to the treatment of the disease through chemotherapy.

Soboyejo unveiled this yesterday at the opening ceremony of a five-day workshop on Nanomedicine and Bio-Micro-Electrical Systems (BIOMEMS) organised by the Federal University of Technology, Minna in collaboration with AUST.
The new method of treatment would give room for early detection.
According to him, the new method of treatment will have little or no side effect on the patients, adding that unlike chemotherapy, the medicine is selective, saying when administered, it goes direct to the region of the disease unlike the present form of treatment which must go through all the blood vessels before attacking the area of the disease.
He added that the new method is cost effective as patients need not take large number of dosages of the medicine before it could go round the body to have impact on the affected part.
According to him, research for the new treatment had started eight years ago and had proven to be effective after testing it on animals adding that it would soon be tested on human beings.
He however said administering the new treatment has to be through injection.
He added that the workshop was conducted with the aim of bringing the young scholars and scientists on board for their contribution for research work on BIOMEMS.
Soboyejo unveiled this yesterday at the opening ceremony of a five-day workshop on Nanomedicine and Bio-Micro-Electrical Systems (BIOMEMS) organised by the Federal University of Technology, Minna in collaboration with AUST.
The new method of treatment would give room for early detection.
According to him, the new method of treatment will have little or no side effect on the patients, adding that unlike chemotherapy, the medicine is selective, saying when administered, it goes direct to the region of the disease unlike the present form of treatment which must go through all the blood vessels before attacking the area of the disease.
He added that the new method is cost effective as patients need not take large number of dosages of the medicine before it could go round the body to have impact on the affected part.
According to him, research for the new treatment had started eight years ago and had proven to be effective after testing it on animals adding that it would soon be tested on human beings.
He however said administering the new treatment has to be through injection.
He added that the workshop was conducted with the aim of bringing the young scholars and scientists on board for their contribution for research work on BIOMEMS.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Odd: Spanish school offers prostitution as a professional course!
A Spanish firm offering a professional course in prostitution which it says 'guarantees a job offer on graduation,' has survived its first legal challenge to be closed down.
For €100, students are taught the history of the world's oldest profession, how to use erotic toys and the most popular positions contained within the Kama Sutra.
For €100, students are taught the history of the world's oldest profession, how to use erotic toys and the most popular positions contained within the Kama Sutra.
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Sunday, September 16, 2012
Top 10 myths about Africa
There are several myths and misconceptions about the continent of Africa especially in the Western world. Most of these originate from the media where several people look up to for information. I have compiled below some of these myths. Now you'll know how wrong you've been about the ''dark continent''.
1. Africa is a country: Heck no it isn't. Recently Sarah Palin of the U.S.A. made this terrible goof when talking about Africa and this just shows how ignorant most people are when it comes to Africa. It is a continent home to 54 independent, unparalleled countries. South Sudan joined the fray in July 2011.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Jamaican men are drunks and weed smokers; Mugabe
One of Africa’s most notorious leaders, President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, has made a controversial statement about Jamaicans. While speaking at the country’s Research and Intellectual Expo 2012, Mugabe made the damning statements, labeling Jamaican men as “drunks and weed smokers, who are ruled by women’.
“In Jamaica, they have freedom to smoke mbanje, varume vanogara vakadhakwa (men are always drunk) and universities are full of women. The men want to sing and do not go to colleges vamwe vanobva vamonwa musoro (some are dreadlocked). Let us not go there”, Mugabe said.
President Mugabe is also insinuating that Jamaican culture is heavily influencing the people of Zimbabwe. Without doubts Zimbabweans have a strong liking for reggae/dancehall culture, but such an ignorant statement from a head of state will dissuade Jamaican entertainers from performing in the African country.
Several reggae artists have since take time out to weigh in on Mugabe’s controversial statement, including Sizzla Kalonji, who performed at a concert in 2010 in honor of his birthday, Tony Rebel, Cocoa Tea and more.
In response, Sizzla said “Black people are beautiful and courageous, strong, educated and we should keep our heads up and keep sailing high and be determined towards our goals as Zimbabweans and Jamaicans. I personally took no offence to the statement. Marijuana is a holy sacrament being used in the nyahbinghi churcical chanting and singing is a part of our culture from ancient of days, it’s even in the bible where Psalms of David said we should sing and give praise unto the most high”.
“We love the president and he should assist us as black people to overcome the phangs of hell daunted unto us by the slave masters. He should also take the time and look into our educational system and living conditions, and see how best he can help us towards the redemption and repatriation of our people to Africa”.
“In Jamaica, they have freedom to smoke mbanje, varume vanogara vakadhakwa (men are always drunk) and universities are full of women. The men want to sing and do not go to colleges vamwe vanobva vamonwa musoro (some are dreadlocked). Let us not go there”, Mugabe said.
President Mugabe is also insinuating that Jamaican culture is heavily influencing the people of Zimbabwe. Without doubts Zimbabweans have a strong liking for reggae/dancehall culture, but such an ignorant statement from a head of state will dissuade Jamaican entertainers from performing in the African country.
Several reggae artists have since take time out to weigh in on Mugabe’s controversial statement, including Sizzla Kalonji, who performed at a concert in 2010 in honor of his birthday, Tony Rebel, Cocoa Tea and more.
In response, Sizzla said “Black people are beautiful and courageous, strong, educated and we should keep our heads up and keep sailing high and be determined towards our goals as Zimbabweans and Jamaicans. I personally took no offence to the statement. Marijuana is a holy sacrament being used in the nyahbinghi churcical chanting and singing is a part of our culture from ancient of days, it’s even in the bible where Psalms of David said we should sing and give praise unto the most high”.
“We love the president and he should assist us as black people to overcome the phangs of hell daunted unto us by the slave masters. He should also take the time and look into our educational system and living conditions, and see how best he can help us towards the redemption and repatriation of our people to Africa”.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The poorest President ever!
Meet Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara, president of Burkina Faso. Thomas Sankara believed that his own example was vital for the success of the revolution. President lived from the salary, which he received as an army captain (450 dollars per month), his presidential salary of $2000 was transferred to the orphans. After Sankara was overthrown and killed, it turned out that his personal belongings consisted only of an old Peugeot car, which he had bought before he came to power, a fridge with broken freezer, three guitars and four bicycles. One of his government's first political innovations was public disclosure of incomes and accounts of all state officials.
Furthermore, Sankara refused to install air conditioning in his study, as he was ashamed to do it when people didn't have means for such luxury. He also refused to sanction putting up his portraits in the publics places and institutions because, as he stated, "there are seven million people like me in our country",
Sankara sold the fleet of Mercedes cars in his government and made the Renault 5 the official service car of his ministers. He also reduced the pay of all public servants, including his own and ordered a stop in the use of government chauffeurs and 1t class airline tickets. Sankara who was a Pan-Africanist to the core redistributed land from the warring landlords and gave ownership directly to peasants. Wheat production rose in three years from 1700 kg per hectare to 3800 kg per hectare, making the country food self-sufficient. He was completely opposed to foreign aid. In his words ''he who feeds you, controls you.'' He spoke in forums like the Organization of African Unity against continued neo-colonialist penetration of Africa through Western trade and finance also calling for a united front of African nations to repudiate their foreign debt. Sankara argued that the poor and exploited did not have an obligation to repay money to the rich and exploiting. "Thomas knew how to show his people that they could become dignified and proud through will power, courage, honesty and work. What remains above all of my husband is his integrity", said his widow, Mariam Sankara.
In Ouagadougou, Sankara converted the army's provisioning store into a state-owned supermarket open to everyone (the first supermarket in the country). He forced civil servants to pay one month's salary to public projects. He refused to use the air conditioning in his office on the grounds that such luxury was not available to anyone but a handful of Burkinabes. As President, he lowered his salary to $450 a month and limited his possessions to a car, four bikes, three guitars, a fridge and a broken freezer. A motorcyclist himself, he formed an all-women motorcycle personal guard. He was known for jogging unaccompanied through Ouagadougou in his track suit and posing in his tailored military fatigues, with his mother-of-pearl pistol.
Improving women's status was one of Sankara's explicit goals, and his government included a large number of women, an unprecedented policy priority in West Africa. His government banned female genital mutilation, forced marriages and polygamy; while appointing females to high governmental positions and encouraging them to work outside the home and stay in school even if pregnant. Sankara also promoted contraception and encouraged husbands to go to market and prepare meals to experience for themselves the conditions faced by women. Furthermore, Sankara was the first African leader to appoint women to major cabinet positions and to recruit them actively for the military.
Sankara's administration was also the first African government to publicly recognize the AIDS epidemic as a major threat to Africa.
He was assassinated on October 15, 1987.
Furthermore, Sankara refused to install air conditioning in his study, as he was ashamed to do it when people didn't have means for such luxury. He also refused to sanction putting up his portraits in the publics places and institutions because, as he stated, "there are seven million people like me in our country",
Sankara sold the fleet of Mercedes cars in his government and made the Renault 5 the official service car of his ministers. He also reduced the pay of all public servants, including his own and ordered a stop in the use of government chauffeurs and 1t class airline tickets. Sankara who was a Pan-Africanist to the core redistributed land from the warring landlords and gave ownership directly to peasants. Wheat production rose in three years from 1700 kg per hectare to 3800 kg per hectare, making the country food self-sufficient. He was completely opposed to foreign aid. In his words ''he who feeds you, controls you.'' He spoke in forums like the Organization of African Unity against continued neo-colonialist penetration of Africa through Western trade and finance also calling for a united front of African nations to repudiate their foreign debt. Sankara argued that the poor and exploited did not have an obligation to repay money to the rich and exploiting. "Thomas knew how to show his people that they could become dignified and proud through will power, courage, honesty and work. What remains above all of my husband is his integrity", said his widow, Mariam Sankara.
In Ouagadougou, Sankara converted the army's provisioning store into a state-owned supermarket open to everyone (the first supermarket in the country). He forced civil servants to pay one month's salary to public projects. He refused to use the air conditioning in his office on the grounds that such luxury was not available to anyone but a handful of Burkinabes. As President, he lowered his salary to $450 a month and limited his possessions to a car, four bikes, three guitars, a fridge and a broken freezer. A motorcyclist himself, he formed an all-women motorcycle personal guard. He was known for jogging unaccompanied through Ouagadougou in his track suit and posing in his tailored military fatigues, with his mother-of-pearl pistol.
Improving women's status was one of Sankara's explicit goals, and his government included a large number of women, an unprecedented policy priority in West Africa. His government banned female genital mutilation, forced marriages and polygamy; while appointing females to high governmental positions and encouraging them to work outside the home and stay in school even if pregnant. Sankara also promoted contraception and encouraged husbands to go to market and prepare meals to experience for themselves the conditions faced by women. Furthermore, Sankara was the first African leader to appoint women to major cabinet positions and to recruit them actively for the military.
Sankara's administration was also the first African government to publicly recognize the AIDS epidemic as a major threat to Africa.
He was assassinated on October 15, 1987.
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Friday, August 31, 2012
Snippets of Nostradamus' prophecies and beyond
Now this is one man who doesn't really need an introduction, but for the sake of our esteemed readers who still don't know who Nostradamus was, we'll give a brief introduction.
Michel de Nostredame or Nostradamus (in Latin) was born in St Remy, France (more famous for its brandy). He was a famous French apothecary and also a well-known seer, whose prophecies and psychic predictions have become known worldwide because of his book Les Propheties or 'The Prophecies'. Our curiosity led us to dig into his famed prophecies and learn of the ones that came true and these that are yet to come true. Note; we aren't conspiracy theorists. Take a sit, grab a drink and let's ride.1.He predicted 9/11. Yes he actually did:
"Volcanic fire from the center of the earth
will cause trembling around the new city:
Two great rocks will make war for a long time.
Then Arethusa will redden a new river.
In the year 1999, in the seventh month,
from the sky will come the great King of Terror,
bringing back to life the great King of the Mongols.
Before and after, Mars to reign by good fortune."
In this prediction, ''two great rocks'' refer to the USA and their fight against terrorism. The ''new city'' is in reference to New York while ''Volcanic fire from the center of the earth'' is the twin towers burning and falling to the ground. ''Arethusa'' in that prediction is widely believed to be an anagram that is used to refer to Bin Laden.
2. Hitler and WW2. Our guy also predicted this:
"The two greatest ones of Asia and of Africa,
From the Rhine and Lower Danube they will be said to have come,
Cries, tears at Malta and the Ligurian side."
"From the depths of the West of Europe,
A young child will be born of poor people,
He who by his tongue will seduce a great troop;
His fame will increase towards the realm of the East." (Century 3, Quatrain 35)
"Beasts ferocious from hunger will swim across rivers:
The greater one will cause it to be dragged in an iron cage
When the Germany child will observe nothing."
Here, Seer Nostradamus was spot on because Hitler was born to poor parents, and his powerful speeches moved many, and also his alliance with Japan proved that his fame will increase towards the east to be true. The ''beast'' is also interpreted as Adolf Hitler and the German army, crossing over to capture France. The 'iron cage' might probably refer to Hitler's tanks, which the great seer did not know what it was called hundreds of years back. Thus, these are some of his predictions that came true, and the prediction of the Second World War and the rise of Hitler, is one of his greatest predictions of all time.
3.Death of Princess Diana:
"The penultimate of the surname of ProphetWill take Diana [Thursday] for his day and rest:
He will wander because of a frantic head,
And delivering a great people from subjection." (Century 2, Quatrain 28)
Princess Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al-Fayed was the son of a person named 'Mohammad' (The Prophet). That was not his surname, but still. Some translations also say "will take Diana for her day of rest". This probably indicates her death and the rest that she got forever from the paparazzi. "His day of rest" indicates the Sunday, the day when Princess Diana and Dodi died. It may also indicate that the day when she dies was seen as a public holiday. Several parts of UK were closed down that time, as a mark of respect for the much beloved Princess. The people of UK are known to be emotionally reserved. But the death of their beloved Princess rocked not only UK but the entire world. Everyone mourned the death of Princess Diana. Thus "Delivering a great people from ruin". People from various cultures, from various backgrounds and countries, came together to mourn her death.
Ok, so the great seer prophesied all this and it came true as sad as they remain in the history of the world. What worries us is the prophecy of a WW3. Read on.
Nostradamus predicted a third world war will start somewhere between 2011 and 2012 and that it will be a war between the Christian world and the Arab world. The war will destroy many countries, except for the countries who will not take part in the war and that's India and China. This may not be a far-fetched thing now, because as we speak we are witness to the tension build-up between Iran and the US/Europe. So far, 2011 is gone and 2012 is already halved. We hope this particular prediction doesn't come to pass. What we found most disturbing is a breakdown of the prophecy. We'll sum it up for ya.
WW3 will start when Russia suddenly attacks Europe. Middle Eastern countries will ally with Russia. The US would be severely crippled by terrorist attacks, assassinations, a civil war and an economic collapse prior to the start of WW3. Also prior to that, Italy would have a civil war during which the Vatican will be over-run by the mob.The Pope will escape but lose many of his cardinals. Europe would be almost overrun by the Russian and eastern forces and many of its cities and also those of USA would be destroyed by conventional weapons as well as weapons of mass destruction like nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Russia would attack from the North as well as from the East of Europe. An Arab / Iranian army would attack from the south.
The Pope, and later the British Prime Minister would be forced to flee to the US. Paris would be destroyed by "revolutionaries" within France. The attack on the US would stop the Civil War there. New types of weapons, like Chemical Weapons and particularly what appears to be portable Laser weapons, would be used in the war. At the same time an unprecedented disaster would take place. A comet would suddenly appear over the earth in the peak of the war, would break into several pieces and fall to the earth. Smaller pieces would rain fire on cities and forests all over the world, burning them down. A large piece would fall into the sea creating a Tsunami of Biblical proportions, flooding parts of Europe (including Britain), USA and Africa. One medium sized chunk would fall on land, creating a huge crater, resulting in earthquake and volcano activities all over the world. This event would loosen the grip of the invading army over Europe. A joint coalition of US and European forces under the leadership of a charismatic leader "Chiren" would organize a counter-attack against the invading forces in Europe and elsewhere.
The Russian forces in Europe would be almost destroyed by the counter-attack and this would lead to a revolution in Russia and the Russian leader who started the war would be assassinated. Russia, under a new leader would then join the western coalition and fight against its former allies, who would eventually be defeated. The Pope would return to Europe and Chiren would be crowned the Monarch. Peace would return to the world after a loss of almost two-thirds of its population and the wealth of nations accumulated over millennia. But this would surely not be the end of the world.It's downright scary and we hope to God this prediction doesn't come true. We are not seers nor prophets but whatever happens, rest assured that we are all in this together. This is no reason to brood and worry. Que Sera, Sera.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
The most disaster prone countries
With global warming, droughts, famine, tsunamis, hurricanes and earthquakes threatening our dear planet, we checked up on the top 10 most disaster prone countries and this is what we came up with.
1. With a population of 156 million people (July 2009 est.), the most disaster prone country in the world is Bangladesh. This country is at risk from extreme weather and geophysical events. The geographical settings of Bangladesh makes it prone to natural disasters. The disasters include floods, cyclones, tornadoes, drought, flash-floods, hailstorm and lightning, erosion, landslides and earthquakes. Notable in history is the Bangladesh Cyclones-2007.
2. Indonesia is second at risk from tsunamis and earthquakes. In the past few years, Indonesia has had its fair share of natural disasters ranging from volcanic eruptions to tsunamis to earthquakes. The country has always been vulnerable to huge earthquakes. Recently, on the the 4th of April, 2012, A magnitude 8.6 earthquake occurred offshore of Banda Aceh on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 02:38:37 PM local time, not far from the location of the 2004 M9.1 event which triggered a tsunami killing almost a quarter of a million people across the Indian Ocean.
3. Iran lies at the third position. Prone to seismic events. On the 11th of August, 2012, two earthquakes measuring 6.3 and 6.4 struck 11 minutes separately northeast of Tabriz and southwest of Ahar, Iran. 250 people were reportedly killed and over 2000 injured.
4. Pakistan- Landslides and earthquakes. Home to 187,343,000 (2011 est.) people, Pakistan, apart from its social and economic problems, is vulnerable to most of the world's natural disasters. The history of the country is clouded with natural disasters ranging from the 1935 Balochistan Earthquake to the August 21, 2012 Monsoon.
5. Ethiopia- Famine and extreme recurrent drought. Also at the risk of volcanic eruptions, Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. The dry lands periodically experience heavy seasonal rainfalls, which cause flooding leading to internal displacement and increased risks for diseases related to inert water such as malaria, diarrhea, cholera and typhoid.
6. Sudan- Drought, floods and famine. With decades of armed conflicts. tense political status, economic changes and natural disasters, Sudan is known to have one of the highest rates of internally displaced people in the world. Heavy rains lead to flood and drought is also recurrent.
7. Mozambique- Floods. In addition to flood risks from high rainfall in the river catchment areas, Mozambique is prone to tropical cyclones that travel up the Mozambique Channel, particularly in the period of January to March each year.
8. Haiti- Prone to earthquakes. This country has the history of tragic natural disasters. Still fresh on our minds is the January 12, 2010: Magnitude-7.0 quake in Port-Au-Prince, that killed tens of thousands of people. Not only is Haiti vulnerable to magnanimous earthquakes, it also stands at the risk of fierce hurricanes. In 2008, four storms--Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike--dumped heavy rains on the impoverished nation. The rugged hillsides, stripped bare of 98% of their forest cover thanks to deforestation, let flood waters rampage into large areas of the country
9. The Philippines- Typhoons, landslides, major floods and other related disasters. In 2011, the country topped the list of world’s most disaster-hit countries. Based on the report, a total of 431 natural and human-induced disasters were reported in the Philippines in the past year. These killed 1,774 people, and affected more than three million families or 15.3 million people, and caused over P26 billion in economic damages.
10. Colombia- Vulnerable to hurricanes, landslides and earthquake, Colombia is strategically located in an area prone to various natural disasters. The history of Colombia is full of happenings in which catastrophic natural disasters cost thousands of people their lives.
1. With a population of 156 million people (July 2009 est.), the most disaster prone country in the world is Bangladesh. This country is at risk from extreme weather and geophysical events. The geographical settings of Bangladesh makes it prone to natural disasters. The disasters include floods, cyclones, tornadoes, drought, flash-floods, hailstorm and lightning, erosion, landslides and earthquakes. Notable in history is the Bangladesh Cyclones-2007.
2. Indonesia is second at risk from tsunamis and earthquakes. In the past few years, Indonesia has had its fair share of natural disasters ranging from volcanic eruptions to tsunamis to earthquakes. The country has always been vulnerable to huge earthquakes. Recently, on the the 4th of April, 2012, A magnitude 8.6 earthquake occurred offshore of Banda Aceh on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 02:38:37 PM local time, not far from the location of the 2004 M9.1 event which triggered a tsunami killing almost a quarter of a million people across the Indian Ocean.
3. Iran lies at the third position. Prone to seismic events. On the 11th of August, 2012, two earthquakes measuring 6.3 and 6.4 struck 11 minutes separately northeast of Tabriz and southwest of Ahar, Iran. 250 people were reportedly killed and over 2000 injured.
4. Pakistan- Landslides and earthquakes. Home to 187,343,000 (2011 est.) people, Pakistan, apart from its social and economic problems, is vulnerable to most of the world's natural disasters. The history of the country is clouded with natural disasters ranging from the 1935 Balochistan Earthquake to the August 21, 2012 Monsoon.
5. Ethiopia- Famine and extreme recurrent drought. Also at the risk of volcanic eruptions, Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. The dry lands periodically experience heavy seasonal rainfalls, which cause flooding leading to internal displacement and increased risks for diseases related to inert water such as malaria, diarrhea, cholera and typhoid.
6. Sudan- Drought, floods and famine. With decades of armed conflicts. tense political status, economic changes and natural disasters, Sudan is known to have one of the highest rates of internally displaced people in the world. Heavy rains lead to flood and drought is also recurrent.
7. Mozambique- Floods. In addition to flood risks from high rainfall in the river catchment areas, Mozambique is prone to tropical cyclones that travel up the Mozambique Channel, particularly in the period of January to March each year.
8. Haiti- Prone to earthquakes. This country has the history of tragic natural disasters. Still fresh on our minds is the January 12, 2010: Magnitude-7.0 quake in Port-Au-Prince, that killed tens of thousands of people. Not only is Haiti vulnerable to magnanimous earthquakes, it also stands at the risk of fierce hurricanes. In 2008, four storms--Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike--dumped heavy rains on the impoverished nation. The rugged hillsides, stripped bare of 98% of their forest cover thanks to deforestation, let flood waters rampage into large areas of the country
9. The Philippines- Typhoons, landslides, major floods and other related disasters. In 2011, the country topped the list of world’s most disaster-hit countries. Based on the report, a total of 431 natural and human-induced disasters were reported in the Philippines in the past year. These killed 1,774 people, and affected more than three million families or 15.3 million people, and caused over P26 billion in economic damages.
10. Colombia- Vulnerable to hurricanes, landslides and earthquake, Colombia is strategically located in an area prone to various natural disasters. The history of Colombia is full of happenings in which catastrophic natural disasters cost thousands of people their lives.
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Sunday, August 19, 2012
Who made my baby cry (African edition)
If you are African, black, and probably come from one of the poor, unstable African countries, you've got the odds stacked against you. As an African child, you need to have the spirit of resilience. Your struggle starts on the day of your birth and ends when you go to your grave. As an African child, the day of death is the day of rest. You have to be resilient, perseverent and hardworking. If you are from the land where the sun never sets and never rises, you have to simply give your best. No government is there to save you. Your governments are corrupt and selfish. You have to struggle for acceptance wherever you go: East, West, North or South. Your various governments have sabotaged your future with greed and corruption. They don't care about you. All they care about is to sit in their cozy edifices, globe-trot in these government jets and watch the poor masses die of hunger and starvation.
As an African child, success isn't synonymous with your destiny. You have to fight and fight all your life for what you must own. You are regarded with suspicion everywhere you go. That's what your forefathers and ancestors created. As an African child, you never can have it easy. You toil and toil in the African sun and have little to show for it. You start running the race from your bubbly teenage years and will be surprised you're still running when you go grey in the head. That is the African child.
An African child understands the importance of hardwork and endurance. You have received the baton and have to keep running the race for survival. The glitz and glamour of the world can be yours but it'll take going an extra mile to achieve that. The top rung of the success ladder is almost a pipe dream to you, but still with hardwork and perseverance, it could be yours for the taking. As an African child, all your hopes lie in the life thereafter. Ask the dying children of Sudan and Somalia and they'll tell you death is going to be easy for them as living has turned into a living hell. Ask the mother who lost three children to drought in Chad and Niger and you'll know exactly what I mean. Talk to the women in the Congo who get raped every now and then and my words will make sense to you. Sit with the wives and children of the miners killed in South Africa and their wails and anguish will give you some hint. As an African Child, you are special. Although you have to cope with toils of hard labour and struggle for acceptance all your life, you know the true meaning of life. You have seen poverty and watched people die due to lack of medicines. You appreciate the life you have and you don't consider failure as an option. Even though the first time you step into an office you're greeted with suspicion and cold indifference, you know you have to hold your head up and square your shoulders to make your friends and family proud.
As an African child, you have all it takes as hard as it seems and when next you catch yourself thinking why you are an African child, don't blame the creator, blame your governments and ancestors. At least, all men were born equal!
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Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Innocent gestures that could get you killed abroad
Usually we travel from one country to another and don't even know how close we get to being offensive with these innocent gestures. Before you take that next trip, we advise you read this piece so you don't become another ''idiot abroad''. You might want to watch how you tap your fingers or roll your eyes when next you travel to these countries.
In Greece, merely holding your hand out will attract a few hostile stares, and if you're not very lucky, a complete beat up. This seemingly harmless gesture is known as the ''moutza'' and it dates back to the time of the Byzantine Empire when they paraded criminals on horseback through the streets. They often had their faces blackened with either charcoal or a worse substance. If you're looking to piss a Greek person off, you can do the double moutza which features both hands splayed above your head. You should also be ready to either sprint like one of the Olympic athletes or bear the consequences. It's actually your call.
We all throw the thumbs up gesture around carelessly, but it's hideously offensive in some countries to put your thumbs up and it could land you in serious trouble. In a large part of Latin America, West Africa, Greece, Russia and the South of Italy, the thumbs up gesture is synonymous with the middle finger...''sit on it and pivot''...hahahah.
Also, you might want to be mindful of how fast you use the thumbs up gesture in the Middle East. You're literally asking for truck loads of trouble as this is the biggest insult out there.
Yes, Bollywood is pretty and we love all these dance steps and stuffs, but when you travel to India or Pakistan, the ''cutis'' is a No Bueno. In Western cultures, it interprets to the thumbs up sign but in these two countries, holding your thumb up and pushing the nail on your thumb against your front teeth, basically means ''screw you''. We haven't heard of so many Indian boxers but you never can say if you try the ''cutis'' gesture in India.
Should you ever find yourself in Belgium, France, Northern Italy or Tunisia, you might want to think twice before you flick your chin with your hand. In France, this gesture is known as la barbe or the beard. It could fetch you some amount of la whooping as it's literally short of flashing your own privates. In these countries, it means get lost and in Italy it stands for "no".

A good way to get deported from Russia (or Ukraine) is by giving an even number of flowers. You might have the same even number of flowers given at your own funeral because even number of flowers are only given at funerals in these countries. Such gift is seen as inviting death. You should also never give a clock present to a Chinese person as the word ''clock'' is almost identical to death. And for the love of your loved ones, don't ever give anyone a white flower in Bangladesh or they will presumably be obliged to buy a spade and bury themselves while muttering at you reproachfully.
Finally, a very efficient way to land in jail in most Arab countries especially Saudi Arabia is to do the five fathers gesture which gently translates: your mother is a whore. It is known to be the rudest hand gesture in the Arab world. This sign accuses the subject's mother of having so many suitors that paternity is impossible to determine. To execute, point your left index finger at your right hand, while pursing all fingers of the right hand together. The insult is extreme and almost certain to provoke violence.
We love you and want you to enjoy your travels but also hope you won't be daring to try out these gestures as they are very likely to land you in lots of trouble in places where they are regarded to be offensive.
P.S.
The blogger does not accept any responsibility for violence, rioting or deportation that may result from attempts to mimic these gestures
In Greece, merely holding your hand out will attract a few hostile stares, and if you're not very lucky, a complete beat up. This seemingly harmless gesture is known as the ''moutza'' and it dates back to the time of the Byzantine Empire when they paraded criminals on horseback through the streets. They often had their faces blackened with either charcoal or a worse substance. If you're looking to piss a Greek person off, you can do the double moutza which features both hands splayed above your head. You should also be ready to either sprint like one of the Olympic athletes or bear the consequences. It's actually your call.
We all throw the thumbs up gesture around carelessly, but it's hideously offensive in some countries to put your thumbs up and it could land you in serious trouble. In a large part of Latin America, West Africa, Greece, Russia and the South of Italy, the thumbs up gesture is synonymous with the middle finger...''sit on it and pivot''...hahahah.
Also, you might want to be mindful of how fast you use the thumbs up gesture in the Middle East. You're literally asking for truck loads of trouble as this is the biggest insult out there.
Yes, Bollywood is pretty and we love all these dance steps and stuffs, but when you travel to India or Pakistan, the ''cutis'' is a No Bueno. In Western cultures, it interprets to the thumbs up sign but in these two countries, holding your thumb up and pushing the nail on your thumb against your front teeth, basically means ''screw you''. We haven't heard of so many Indian boxers but you never can say if you try the ''cutis'' gesture in India.Should you ever find yourself in Belgium, France, Northern Italy or Tunisia, you might want to think twice before you flick your chin with your hand. In France, this gesture is known as la barbe or the beard. It could fetch you some amount of la whooping as it's literally short of flashing your own privates. In these countries, it means get lost and in Italy it stands for "no".

A good way to get deported from Russia (or Ukraine) is by giving an even number of flowers. You might have the same even number of flowers given at your own funeral because even number of flowers are only given at funerals in these countries. Such gift is seen as inviting death. You should also never give a clock present to a Chinese person as the word ''clock'' is almost identical to death. And for the love of your loved ones, don't ever give anyone a white flower in Bangladesh or they will presumably be obliged to buy a spade and bury themselves while muttering at you reproachfully.
Finally, a very efficient way to land in jail in most Arab countries especially Saudi Arabia is to do the five fathers gesture which gently translates: your mother is a whore. It is known to be the rudest hand gesture in the Arab world. This sign accuses the subject's mother of having so many suitors that paternity is impossible to determine. To execute, point your left index finger at your right hand, while pursing all fingers of the right hand together. The insult is extreme and almost certain to provoke violence.We love you and want you to enjoy your travels but also hope you won't be daring to try out these gestures as they are very likely to land you in lots of trouble in places where they are regarded to be offensive.
P.S.
The blogger does not accept any responsibility for violence, rioting or deportation that may result from attempts to mimic these gestures
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Top 9 saddest countries in the world
These are countries that have made it to the bottom rung of the happiness ladder. Many factors such as life expectancy, GDP, local purchasing power and basic amenities were considered. The conditions in these countries aren't exactly inspiring and one can only hope things get better for the people living there.
9. Lying ninth place to the last is Sudan. With serious political upheaval that has led to what seems like an unending civil war, life in Sudan could be compared to hell on earth. There is vast unemployment, a terrible case of lawlessness, wide-spread poverty, and hunger. It could be said that happiness in Sudan has fled as it almost strikes us as the devil's backyard.
8. On the eighth position is Yemen. This far east country is an epitome of civil unrest and religious extremism. There are few or non-existent liberties. Education for girls is almost zero and there is only a third report of any form of employment. Yemen isn't hell but it must have a branch of hell in it.
7. Pakistan occupies the seventh place. With an ineffective and a very unstable government, surviving in Pakistan has all the odds stacked against it. There is a very high level of insecurity and the locals are known to be very intolerant of outsiders. We think although the devil doesn't live in this country, there must be some ''HELLBURGER'' outlet somewhere in the country.
6.Let's all give it up for Ethiopia. Although we don't see why Ethiopia should occupy this unenviable position, several goings-on in the country point to why this is so. Literacy is just 30%, undernourishment is 40% and the unemployment rate is 20%. With little resources to go around, there is a grim, sombre atmosphere. You might want to watch your mien and the way you laugh/smile when you travel to Ad-dis-ababa, the locals might mistake you for a loony for laughing.
5. How about a round of applause for Zimbabwe. We love this country but can't understand what in hell is going on. There is absurd, rotten kleptocracy and absolute lack of civil rights. Political violence is commonplace while the literacy level is abysmal. The life expectancy in Zimbabwe is absurd and there is total disillusionment and despair in town. The inflation rate is another source of concern. We still don't think the devil lives here but he sure doesn't live far from it.
4. Central African Republic. There is a looming, complete absence of hope in this hell-hole. More than 10% of children die in their first year. There is no foundation for future growth, only a few percentage have access to adequate sanitation facilities and many cannot afford food and shelter. The CAR could as well be another gate-way to hell. Does God hate the CAR so much? It's so disturbing how life is in this country. We are tempted to say poverty and depression were invented in the Central African Republic.
3. Well, if the CAR is bad, then life in Chad is definitely worse. Home to the famous lake Chad, life should have ordinarily been not so bad in this small African nation but for drought and famine. The Chad lake has dried up and has taken the livelihood of most of the locals with it. The economy of this country has been destroyed and with the huge number of refugees streaming in from neighboring Dar-fur, no respite seems to be in sight.
2. Before our winner is the Democratic Republic of Congo. Years of civil war and genocide have torn this country apart. There are abundant cases of rape and statistics show that 48 women are raped every hour in the Congo, which makes it 1,152 women per day. The country can only boast of being richer than Zimbabwe which lies on the rock bottom of the GDP table. The irony of it all is that the DR C has one of the largest and richest mineral deposits in Africa but because of the exploitation of the people and God knows what, the Congolese people are suffering so badly.
1. And the winner is Somalia. We almost couldn't call this place a country. No laws exist. Nothing works and there's absolutely no hope for a better future. Do people still live in Somalia? Somalia has gained international reputation recently as being the largest hub of pirate attacks on passing international vessels. The average life expectancy is 49 or perhaps less. There has been several attempts to build legitimate governments but these governments keep crumbling like a deck of cards, making way for economic instability and war.
With this list, there's only question that comes to mind: What's wrong Africa?
9. Lying ninth place to the last is Sudan. With serious political upheaval that has led to what seems like an unending civil war, life in Sudan could be compared to hell on earth. There is vast unemployment, a terrible case of lawlessness, wide-spread poverty, and hunger. It could be said that happiness in Sudan has fled as it almost strikes us as the devil's backyard.
7. Pakistan occupies the seventh place. With an ineffective and a very unstable government, surviving in Pakistan has all the odds stacked against it. There is a very high level of insecurity and the locals are known to be very intolerant of outsiders. We think although the devil doesn't live in this country, there must be some ''HELLBURGER'' outlet somewhere in the country.
6.Let's all give it up for Ethiopia. Although we don't see why Ethiopia should occupy this unenviable position, several goings-on in the country point to why this is so. Literacy is just 30%, undernourishment is 40% and the unemployment rate is 20%. With little resources to go around, there is a grim, sombre atmosphere. You might want to watch your mien and the way you laugh/smile when you travel to Ad-dis-ababa, the locals might mistake you for a loony for laughing.
5. How about a round of applause for Zimbabwe. We love this country but can't understand what in hell is going on. There is absurd, rotten kleptocracy and absolute lack of civil rights. Political violence is commonplace while the literacy level is abysmal. The life expectancy in Zimbabwe is absurd and there is total disillusionment and despair in town. The inflation rate is another source of concern. We still don't think the devil lives here but he sure doesn't live far from it.
4. Central African Republic. There is a looming, complete absence of hope in this hell-hole. More than 10% of children die in their first year. There is no foundation for future growth, only a few percentage have access to adequate sanitation facilities and many cannot afford food and shelter. The CAR could as well be another gate-way to hell. Does God hate the CAR so much? It's so disturbing how life is in this country. We are tempted to say poverty and depression were invented in the Central African Republic.
3. Well, if the CAR is bad, then life in Chad is definitely worse. Home to the famous lake Chad, life should have ordinarily been not so bad in this small African nation but for drought and famine. The Chad lake has dried up and has taken the livelihood of most of the locals with it. The economy of this country has been destroyed and with the huge number of refugees streaming in from neighboring Dar-fur, no respite seems to be in sight.
2. Before our winner is the Democratic Republic of Congo. Years of civil war and genocide have torn this country apart. There are abundant cases of rape and statistics show that 48 women are raped every hour in the Congo, which makes it 1,152 women per day. The country can only boast of being richer than Zimbabwe which lies on the rock bottom of the GDP table. The irony of it all is that the DR C has one of the largest and richest mineral deposits in Africa but because of the exploitation of the people and God knows what, the Congolese people are suffering so badly.
1. And the winner is Somalia. We almost couldn't call this place a country. No laws exist. Nothing works and there's absolutely no hope for a better future. Do people still live in Somalia? Somalia has gained international reputation recently as being the largest hub of pirate attacks on passing international vessels. The average life expectancy is 49 or perhaps less. There has been several attempts to build legitimate governments but these governments keep crumbling like a deck of cards, making way for economic instability and war.
With this list, there's only question that comes to mind: What's wrong Africa?
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