Happy New Year

Happy New Year. Wishing you all the wonderful things you wish for yourself.

Schumacher's condition improves

Former motor racing champion Michael Schumacher's condition has improved slightly after an operation to relieve pressure on his brain, his doctors have said.

A new scan taken overnight showed signs that he was "better than yesterday", but he was still "not out of danger", doctors said.

The seven-time Formula 1 champion suffered head injuries on Sunday in a skiing accident in the French Alps.

China doctor admits baby theft

A Chinese obstetrician is on trial for stealing newborn babies and selling them to child traffickers, a court and state media report.

Zhang Shuxia was accused of selling seven babies. She told the parents their infants were sick, and convinced them to give them up, reports said.

Ms Zhang admitted the charges in a court in Fuping, Shaanxi province.

The case emerged after two parents went to the police, suspecting their child had been abducted.

Ms Zhang sold seven babies to child traffickers between November 2011 and July 2013, including a pair of twins, an indictment posted on Weinan Intermediate People's Court's verified microblog said.

Six of the babies were rescued, but one baby girl died.

Ms Zhang worked in Shaanxi's Fuping Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital.

Wonders shall never end.

Culled from BBC news

Police probe ice cream contamination

An investigation into the possible deliberate contamination of Tesco ice cream with painkillers has been launched by North Yorkshire Police. 

In November, two filled cones produced for the supermarket by R&R Ice Cream based in Northallerton were each found to contain a single pain relief tablet.

Tesco recalled its own-brand chocolate and nut cones as a precaution.

The force said it was working alongside the supermarket chain, the manufacturer and the Food Standards Agency.

Indian boy is stripped, hung upside down and beaten to death in front of his parents at Indian village 'court' for stealing a packet of buscuits

A 12 year old Indian boy was stripped, hanged upside down and beaten to death in front of his parents after he admitted stealing a packet of biscuits at a hurriedly convened village court.

Chhotu Kumar was one of two youngsters accused of stealing from a shop in Thadi village.

According to Gulf News, reports said their parents begged the court to forgive them when their children's condition had deteriorated.

But the court refused to stop unless they paid a fine of 10,000 Rupees (£100) immediately which the parents said they were unable to do for two days because they were so poor.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2531190/Boy-stripped-hanged-upside-beaten-death-parents-Indian-village-court-stealing-packet-biscuits.html#ixzz2oz5h4A33
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Migrants in the UK to face NHS care charges

Migrants are to face new charges for some NHS services in England, ministers say.

They include extended prescription fees, the introduction of charges for some emergency care and higher rates for optical and dental services.

However, GP and nurse consultations will remain free, and nobody will be turned away in an emergency.

Ministers say they are keen to clamp down on any abuse of the system, but doctors' leaders have voiced concerns.

There are also plans to introduce a new system for identifying and recording patients who should be charged for NHS services.

Schumacher injured in skiing accident

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has suffered a head injury while skiing in Merible, France. BBC Radio 5 live F1 correspondent James Allen said: "The injury is serious, but not life threatening."

Smacking Children Should Be Banned?

Children's Commissioner for England argues that parents should be banned from smacking their children

Maggie Atkinson told The Independent it was her personal view that the law gives pets and adults more rights to be protected from violence than children.

Dr Atkinson said she favours a total ban on smacking, which would see parents face criminal action for corporal punishment.

Dr Atkinson said: "Personally, having been a teacher, and never having had an issue where I'd need to use physical punishment, I believe we should move to ban it.

"Because in law you are forbidden from striking another adult, and from physically chastising your pets, but somehow there is a loophole around the fact that you can physically chastise your child."

She added: "It's a moral issue. The morals are that, taken to its extreme, physical chastisement is actually physical abuse and I have never understood where you can draw the line between one and the other."

Dr Atkinson, who has two adult step-children, said that despite her strong feelings about the issue, her office was not planning to fight for a ban next year.

Do you agree that smacking is a form of abuse? is it the only way to correct a child? should it be banned? What other ways are available for correcting a child? Should someone tell us how to bring up our kids? Will smacking our kids turn them to dysfunctional people? Will not smacking them turn them to unruly, ill mannered kids?

Read more: http://news.sky.com/story/1187692/smacking-children-should-be-banned-says-tsar

Indian woman 'raped by two gangs'

Police in India say 10 men are in custody, after a 21 year old woman was raped by 2 different groups of men on Christmas Eve. She was visiting friends in Pondicherry when she was abducted by 3 men and raped by one of them. She later reunited with her friends when another group confronted her group, singled her out and gang raped her.

The suspects have been remanded but have not been formally charged in court.

Woman who hid her pregnancy throws baby from 1st floor window

The 35 year old who lives with her parents gave birth in the 24th of december. She was said to have kept the pregnancy a secret. She was reported to have cut the umbilical cord herself, wrapped the baby in a pair of jeans and threw the baby down from the window. Her mother spotted the baby and called emergency services. Medics managed to revive the baby who is in a 'serous condition' in hospital. Let us pray this baby survives.

Boxing Day Sales

The madness has begun. Bargain hunters are set to flock to the high streets in their thousands today as shops open for the Boxing Day sales. According to reports, shoppers had already started queuing before 7am to ensure they were first in line when the shops open. The spending never ends does it? Spending before Christmas, spending on Christmas day, spending after Christmas and then comes another spending on the January sales. Well done to those who have been out there as early as 7am and those with the time, money and strength to do battle to grab sales items.

Dutch entrepreneur to preserve tattoos of the dead

Tattoo shop owner Peter van der Helm

A Dutch entrepreneur has set up a business to preserve the tattoos of the dead. Hirschfeld and about 30 other clients each paid a few hundred euros and have donated their skin to a company called "Walls and Skin" tattoo parlour in a will.

When they die a Dutch pathologist will remove the tattoo and freeze or package it in formaldehyde, ideally within 48 hours. It will then be sent to a laboratory outside the Netherlands, where a 12-week procedure extracts water and replaces it with silicone, leaving a rubbery substance. Hirschfeld's tattoos cover his body from the neck down. "Some people are so important to me I always want to carry them with me and this way I can," said Hirschfeld, whose mother died of cancer.

Van der Helm said he was mainly inspired by the idea of preserving the best works by skilful tattoo artists.

"Vincent van Gogh was a poor man when he died. You and me can't buy a Van Gogh," he said. "Tattooing is the people's form of art."

http://music.yahoo.com/news/dutch-entrepreneur-preserve-tattoos-dead-121658865.html

Something miraculous about Christmas

I hope you had a wonderful day today? I sat taking stock of this year and I was just overwhelmed by all the wonderful things that happened to me. There have been tough and hard times but the good outweighs the bad. As I sat eating with my family, I muttered thank you to God Almighty. For the fact we are all alive, in good health and gathered together celebrating is a miracle itself. All the other stuff that weighed my spirit down didn't matter anymore. Here I was looking at my beautiful family laughing and celebrating and I just felt an overwhelming flow of thanksgiving for the privilege of being part of today. I know Christmas period can be lonely, depressing and overwhelming for many (I have been there) but just look at all the good things in your life and have a mind of thanksgiving. Are you alive and healthy? Just be grateful. Things will surely fall in right places for you. Have a miraculous day.

Merry Christmas

Have yourselves a very merry Christmas!!! Here are some words of wisdom.

1. Make peace with your past so it does not mess with your present.
2. What others think of you is none of your business.
3. Time heals almost everything, give it time.
4. Don't compare your life to others and don't judge them. You have no idea of what their journey is all about.
5. Stop thinking too much. It's alright not to know the answer. They will come to you when you least expect it.
6. No one is in charge of your happiness, except you.
7. Smile. You don't own all the problems in this world.

Are the best things in life really free?

It is often said that the best things in life are free. Things such as love, happiness, family etc. while I agree to a certain extent this is true, I also argue that it is not free in its entirety. The air we breath in, life and health are things money can certainly not buy. But things such as love, happiness, relationships have to be worked on to continue to remain in our lives and give us fulfilment. Yes, love is free but love needs some work and so is happiness, family and relationships. These things are a huge blessings and if one has all the mentioned, then, one should be grateful. However, does money answereth all things? What are you most grateful of? I am grateful for life, health, family, my beautiful kids, love etc.

My day

It is freezing cold here and I have no hot water or heating. The boiler has been down for some days. Most engineers I called are already booked up. Got one finally and he Said he cannot fix it because it needs new parts and has to order the parts the next day. I am so cold. Other than that, my day has been great. How has your day been?

The height of corruption

The president of one of the poorest countries in the world Republic of Congo spent more than £1million on clothes he wore only once. Denis Sassou Nguesso shopped at Paris boutiques, paying with Money transferred from Swiss bank accounts. It is said that mr Nguesso changed shirts four times a day and used them as Kleenex tissues.

It baffles me how someone who knows the effects of poverty does nothing to improve the well being of his people. What is it with the seat of power that makes it impossible for most African leaders to contribute towards the development of their countries? What a waste of resources if the story is true.

It is a baby girl for beautiful Alesha Dixon

Beautiful Alesha Dixon welcomed her baby girl last week. Her little girl is called Azura Sienna. What a beautiful name. A big congratulations to Alesha and Azuka the proud parents of Azura Sienna. 

Hope!!!

There are times we look at life and want more. Have you ever been where you think you deserve better or could do better but getting no where? I have been there. I want more than where I am today. I have thought of different ways to get out of the place where I am but it is proving so difficult. I try to think of ways to overcome the challenges stopping me from attaining the height where I want to be. Sometimes, out of desperation, I get down. I try to lift my spirit by looking at the promises of God and holding on to the hope that God will answer me. I have been in a place so dark that I had to question if there truly is a God, if there is, has he gone off me? Is he angry with me? Why is he not answering my prayers etc. I come back to the conclusion that there is a God. He hears my prayers and in his perfect time will answer my prayers and I will rejoice and testify of his goodness. Have you been in that place where hope is what keeps you going?

Plane crashes in Lagos Nigeria

God have mercy!!! A plane carrying 20 people has crashed shortly after take-off from Lagos airport in Nigeria, as reported by officials. At least 13 people are known to have died and several more of those on board were injured. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24381066

In the right direction for first time buyers in the UK

I was glad when I heard in the news about the Help To Buy scheme. David Cameron announced last night that the Help To Buy scheme, which provides 95 per cent mortgages, will start next week – three months ahead of schedule. The three-year, £12billion Help To Buy scheme will give tens of thousands the chance to buy a house worth up to £600,000 with just a 5 per cent deposit. The Government will underwrite an additional 15 per cent of the loan to make the deal attractive to lenders. RBS and NatWest will be the first to start offering the cheap mortgages, followed by the Halifax. HSBC, Santander, Nationwide and Barclays have yet to decide whether to take part.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2437450/NatWest-RBS-open-late-night-cope-demand-12bn-state-backed-mortgages.html

Terror: Nigerian students shot dead as they slept.

                                    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24322683

I was in shock when I read that suspected Islamist gunmen have killed 50 students.  The students were shot dead as they slept in their dormitory at the College of Agriculture in Yobe state. It is said that Boko Haram is fighting to overthrow Nigeria's government to create an Islamic state, and has launched a number of attacks on schools. In June, Boko Haram carried out two attacks on schools in the region. In July in the village of Mamudo in Yobe state, Islamist militants attacked a school's dormitories with guns and explosives, killing at least 42 people, mostly students. Boko Haram regards schools as a symbol of Western culture. The group's name translates as "Western education is forbidden".

I am lost for word. How can humans do this to fellow humans? This is a cowardly act in every form. Shooting innocent children who are the future of the country. These evil killers cannot hide under any religion. There is just no justification for this act. I pray for all the innocent people caught up in terror caused by these demons. My prayers are especially with victims and their families in Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan. 

12 year old boy walks free after twice raping a 6 year old girl

What is a 12 year old doing raping a little girl? So many questions just running through my head as I read this story. Where were the parents of the 6 years old girl? The boy was just told to pay £300 in compensation. Compensation for what? The emotional scar left in the girl? When asked how he felt about the impact of his actions on the victim, he replied 'I don't care how she feels'. Hmmnn, this boy needs the authorities to keep an eye on him. I hope his parents get him some help. Kudos to his parent for taking him to the police station after learning of the horrible act their son committed. 

What would you do?

Michael Le Vell

Michael Le Vell

Michael Le Vell was acquitted of all the crimes he was falsely accused of. This must be a big weight off his shoulders. One can only imagine what he has been put through and how he survived this. What would you do if you were falsely accused and the case went to court? Have you been through anything as this?

I am back again

Hello all. I took a break from blogging just to reflect on life and all that was happening around me. A lot has happened and I have learnt so much from all the experiences. God has blessed me immensely and I am forever grateful to him for all my blessings. I have been busy being a mum and wife. I enjoy my role thoroughly although I want to go back to work now. I love my babies to bits and want to be able to contribute to their well being financially. My friend and I spoke about my going to work and she felt it was too early for me to want to return to work. I totally understand where she is coming from but I just cannot afford to stay at home. I have been looking for work as well as thinking of business ideas to run from home. So for mothers out there, what dilemma are you facing? Good to be back.

Daughter of a Nigerian oil tycoon set to wed Ceawlin Thynne, Viscount of Weymouth

Emma McQuiston will be making history when she marries as she is destined to become Britain’s first black marchioness. She is marrying into our most eccentric aristocratic family – her future father-in-law, Alexander Thynn, the seventh Marquess of Bath, is famous for his harem of ‘wifelets’.

The daughter of a Nigerian oil baron says she faces racism and snobbery from the upper classes unwilling to accept her.

‘There has been some snobbishness, particularly among the much older generation,’ she told society magazine Tatler.

‘There’s class and then there’s the racial thing. It’s a jungle and I’m going through it and discovering things as I grow up.

‘I’m not super-easily offended but it’s a problem when someone’s making you feel different or separate because of your race. I have never had anything horrible said or happen, but it is something you sense. You can just tell with some people.’

Good on you girl. Keep strong and keep your head on high. One should never let people’s opinion put or keep them down. Be proud of whom you are and if some people want to belittle you or make you feel like an outcast, then that is their burden to carry. 

We have a new Pope!

The new Pope has been unveiled as Argentine Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who will take the name Pope Francis. 

White smokes billows from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel indicating that a new Pontiff has been elected by Cardinals

Mother charged with selling her 18-month-old daughter to 39-year-old man to make child porn

Natisha Hillard is accused of selling her 18-month old daughter to 39-year-old Christopher Bour (right) for use in child pornography.

A Mother has been charged with selling her 18-month-old daughter to 39-year-old man to make child porn. Natisha Hillard sold the child to 39-year-old Christopher Bour for an undisclosed amount of money, according to court documents.

The 24 year old is alleged to have known that her daughter would be used in child porn films.

Words fail me!!!

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2291104/Natasha-Hillard-Mother-charged-selling-18-month-old-daughter-39-year-old-man-make-child-porn.html#ixzz2NARpzn43 

Foreign construction worker held hostage in Nigeria 'likely to have been killed'

Pictured: An image taken from a video previously issued by Nigeria Islamist group Ansaru, standing behind a banner reading 'Ansar al--Muslimeen in the Land of Black Africans'

Those kidnapped included three Lebanese citizens and one each from Britain, Greece, Italy and the Philippines - all employees of Setraco, a Lebanese construction company with an operation in Bauchi state, local officials said at the time.

The news comes a day after a message from the extremist group, identified as Ansaru, was published online and could not be immediately verified.

It said Ansaru members killed the hostages after British warplanes were reported to have been seen in the northern Nigeria city of Bauchi by local journalists.

In a statement, the group said: 'As a result of this operation, the seven hostages were killed.'

There is just no justification or explanation for these killings. These are innocent people going about their business earning a living. How dare these killers kill people’s loved ones? They have killed so many Nigerian citizens without any consequences. How dare they think they have the right to take a life? I do not think they represent Islam. I think these murderers are just demonic blood hungry criminals hiding under the guise of religion. All leaders in Nigeria should stand up and condemn this act. The government should do something. If they can’t handle the situation, get help and deal with these murderers. They can not be tolerated anymore!! Enough blood shed!!!

Lion Mauls woman to death while she has sex with lover!!!

Shocking!!!

Sharai Mawera was mauled by a lion while she was having sex with her boyfriend at a secluded spot in the bush.  Her boyfriend was said to have fled naked and raised the alarm. Sharai and her boyfriend usually met at the same spot. According to reports, the two were having sex when the lion came from behind and roared. The Guy managed to escape before stopping at a distance, where he witnessed his girlfriend being attacked. Police went to the scene of the attack near Kariba, Zimbabwe, and found the victim dead. 

Gir, 16, is stabbed to death on a double-decker

Beautiful Christina Edkins was stabbed to death as she travelled to school on a busy bus in Birmingham city centre this morning

Christina Edkins was attacked on the top deck of the number 9 First West Midlands service as it pulled into a stop in Birmingham city centre at 7.37am this morning. She had only been on the bus for a matter of minutes as she made her way to school.

A 22-year-old man was arrested a short distance away on suspicion of her murder at 12.20pm, around five hours later, after a huge manhunt.

Our prayers are with her family and loved ones. 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2289518/Christina-Edkins-16-stabbed-death-Birmingham-school-bus-police-arrest-man-22-suspicion-murder.html#ixzz2MsqYvkZC 

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has died aged 58

Chemotherapy: Chavez in 2011

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has died aged 58. Seven days of mourning were declared, all school was suspended for the week and friendly heads of state were expected for an elaborate funeral on Friday. Rest in peace Hugo Chavez.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2288895/Hugo-Chavez-dead-Venezuelan-president-Hugo-Chavez-dies-severe-infection-battle-cancer.html#ixzz2MkYOKSbP 

Lovely maternity wears as worn by the Duchess of Cambridge

20 killed in Boko Haram attack on military base

According to reports coming from Nigeria, at least 20 persons died in Munguno, Borno State on Sunday when attackers suspected to be members of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, assaulted a military barracks in the village. Spokesman for the Joint Military Task Force, Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the incident.

The Sunday attack on Munguno came barely hours after the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, reportedly released a video footage in which he denied any peace talk with the Federal Government.

He was also said to have in the video, produced in Hausa Language, that his men would retaliate for every member of the sect killed by security agents. Shekau said the sect would deal with the man who ‘posed’ as the leader of the group and who announced a ceasefire agreement with the government.

“Whoever kills any of our members should await a grave retaliation from us. We will continue waging war against them until we succeed in establishing an Islamic state in Nigeria,” Shekau was quoted as saying.

In January, a new terrorist group said to be  a breakaway faction of Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack on Nigerian troops in Kogi State on their way for peace mission in Mali.

More than 1,000 persons have been killed in Boko Haram attacks on drinking joints, places of worship, military and police facilities since 2009.

May God help innocent Nigerians who are always the victim of such atrocities. 

Read more from: http://www.punchng.com/news/20-killed-in-bharam-attack-on-military-base/

Student stabs his classmate because he claimed he had given him 'dodgy looks'.

According to daily mail, Valentine Cannings, 22, has been jailed for seven years after attacking 17-year-old Kevin Linongi outside Bournville College's campus in Longbridge Lane, Birmingham on October 12 last year.

CCTV captured moment Cannings left victim Kevin Linongi for dead. Cannings, from Northfield, Birmingham, was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. 

Valentine Cannings (pictured right) viciously stabs his victim 

Jailed: Valentine Cannings

What an excuse to kill someone. I pray for the victim's family. I just think young kids could do with self esteem lessons. Just because someone looks at you in a way that you do not like, does not mean you have the right to end their life.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287342/Caught-camera-Horrifying-moment-student-stabs-classmate-outside-college-giving-dodgy-look-library.html#ixzz2MV6GO0Jj 

Nigerian among owners at One Hyde Park

One Hyde Park

Oil baroness Folorunsho Alakija

According to daily mail, a six-month investigation has revealed that oil baronesses, Kazakh singers, Arab sheikhs and Nigerian baroness are all members of the small and exclusive club of owners. One Hyde Park is a central London apartment block with a price tag that only the world's richest can afford to pay.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2287275/One-Hyde-Park-Guess-owns-worlds-expensive-apartments-Naomi-Campbells-boyfriend-naturally-Multimillionaires-Londons-exclusive-apartments-revealed-time.html#ixzz2MUxHJZPS 

What is your take on this statement?

Someone said that Facebook is a waste of time, full of fake people, with majority of the people on our friend list strangers, stalkers, enemies etc. LOL!!!  

Not so in many cases, I would argue. It is up to you who you authorise to be on your friend list. It is in your power to delete those who are stalkers, enemies and strangers. Facebook is what you want it to be. If someone is always posting annoying posts for example, about how wonderful and fabulous their life is and that irritates you then, there is a button you press to hide all comments from such person. Like wise, any other irritating posts from friends can be managed. Well, what is your take?

Beauty of the day

Beautiful Halle Berry at the premiere of The Call

Mothers can't wait to have sex after child birth

Well, there is a research from Australia that reports that  nearly half of new mothers wait just SIX weeks after giving birth before having sex again.  Australian researchers found that 41 per cent tried sex within six weeks of giving birth. It was reported that those who had sex within six weeks of birth were less likely to have undergone surgery or a forceps delivery or suffered an injury such as a cut or a tear during birth. Forty five per cent of women who had a Caesarean section, and 32 per cent of women who had a forceps-assisted birth resumed sex within six week, compared with 60 per cent who had a normal vaginal delivery.

When I had my beautiful daughter, I must say that I could not wait to have sex again.  I had a Caesarean section and within weeks, I was feeling really amorous lol. Obviously I had fears about tearing my stitches but I soon got over that.  In a way, I am among the percentage that had sex within 6 weeks lol!!!

Can having boys shorten a mother's lifespan?

Well, that is what one study shows. Researchers found that women who had a number of sons lived for an average of eight and a half months less after completing their family than those who only had daughters.

Do you think this result really makes sense? I hope it does not put the fear of God in mothers with sons.

(Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2285048/Having-boys-shorten-mothers-lifespan.html#ixzz2M5qrdAYC)

Back blogging!!!

Hello everyone! I have totally missed blogging. I have so many things to share with you all. So, I hope you are ready to interact with me by giving me your views, opinions etc. I have so many plans in the pipeline. I want everyone to get involved and let me know what areas interest you the most in my blog. Thank you all and hope to hear from you all.