Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Man swallowed 6-Inch nail thrice
A Chinese carpenter is recovering in hospital after swallowing a six inch nail - three times.
Li Xiangyang, 48, of Huangshi, Hubei Province, was holding the nail between his teeth when he suddenly coughed and swallowed it.
He was taken to the nearby Wuhan University Hospital in where doctors x-rayed him and found the nail was in his right lung.
Realising it had to be removed immediately, Professor Hu Ke fed a fibre-optic bronchoscope down his throat to pull it out.
But, just as he was on the verge of pulling the nail out of his mouth, Li coughed again and sucked it back down his throat.
This time it ended up in his left lung. Professor Hu tried again but, at the last minute, Li involuntarily swallowed and the nail disappeared again.
Doctors couldn't find the nail in either lung and eventually realised that it was now in his stomach where it was finally removed with a gastroscope clamp.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
NJ Cop Got Drunk to Teach Police DWI Class, Then Got a DWI
If Joseph Gaeta of the Midland Park police had been aware of this rule, he may not have been busted for driving under the influence. He volunteered to get drunk during a DWI class at the Bergen County Police Academy so fellow officers could see how he responded to sobriety tests.
When he hit a .13 blood alcohol level, class ended and a fellow officer drove him home. He didn't stay there.
No, Joseph Gaeta hopped on his 4-wheel ATV, according to the Associated Press. He illegally drove the vehicle on city streets and then crashed while making a turn.
While Gaeta was taken to the hospital with serious facial injuries, the Record reports that Midland Park Police Chief John Casson made the call to cite the officer for a DWI.
Though the department has every right to cite Gaeta for driving under the influence, the Police Academy may not be without legal blame.
Joseph Gaeta was on duty when he became intoxicated. He was also under the care of academy instructors. Though the school safely transported Gaeta back to his home, it may have had a further responsibility to keep him safe.
It was arguably negligent to leave him alone while he was so drunk. He knew he was above the legal limit, but drunk persons are known for overestimating their capabilities.
Monday, December 26, 2011
59-year-old shocks mourners who believed they were burying crash victim
RIO DE JANEIRO - A Brazilian bricklayer reportedly killed in a car crash shocked his mourning family by showing up alive at his funeral.
Relatives of Ademir Jorge Goncalves, 59, had identified him as the victim of a Sunday night car crash in Parana state in southern Brazil, police said.
As is customary in Brazil, the funeral was held the following day, which happened to be the holiday of Finados, when Brazilians visit cemeteries to honor the dead.
What family members didn't know was that Goncalves had spent the night at a truck stop talking with friends over drinks of a sugarcane liquor known as cachaca, his niece Rosa Sampaio told the O Globo newspaper. He did not get word about his own funeral until it was already happening Monday morning.
A police spokesman in the town of Santo Antonio da Platina said Goncalves rushed to the funeral to let family members know he was not dead.
"The corpse was badly disfigured, but dressed in similar clothing," said the police spokesman, who talked on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorized to discuss the case. "People are afraid to look for very long when they identify bodies, and I think that is what happened in this case."
'I had doubts'
Sampaio told O Globo that some family members were not sure the body was Goncalves.
"My two uncles and I had doubts about the identification," she told O Globo. "But an aunt and four of his friends identified the body, so what were we to do? We went ahead with the funeral."
The police spokesman confirmed there were doubts: "His mom looked at the body in the casket and thought something was strange. She looked and looked and couldn't believe it was her son," Sampaio said. "Before long, the walking dead appeared at the funeral. It was a relief."
The body was correctly identified later Monday, the police spokesman said, and has already been buried in another state. He declined to release the actual victim's name.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Kola Boof: Osama Bin Laden’s Mistress Talks
Osama Bin Ladenz‘s long time Mistress Kola Boof spoke to the Daily Voice since his recent death to speak out about her relationship with the most wanted man of this decade. Kola is no stranger to the media circuit, as she is an accomplished author, activist and writer of several novels. But, it was “Diary of a Lost Girl: The Autobiography of Kola Boof” that proved to be her most controversial piece, detailing her relationship with the middle eastern terrorist.
Here is her story with the D.V… Mind you that “Somi” refers to Bin Laden (extensive read):
I just saw myself on the cover of the National Enquirer. It says “Exclusive Interview with Bin Laden’s Mistress”–but I’ve never given an interview to the National Enquirer; I have never in my life spoken to anyone at that magazine. In fact, up to this point, I have not given anyone anywhere an interview regarding my feelings on Osama Bin Laden’s death.
A week ago, my favorite television news anchor Rachel Maddowz (MSNBC) stated that I was Somi’s “ex-wife” (because members of the Sudanese government authored a book claiming this). In Los Angeles, one of the top Black stations reported that because I tweeted about Osama’s demise two days before he died; I must be working for the CIA and was aware he was about to be killed. The cover of the National Enquirer claims that I was kept chained in Osama’s compound. None of this is true.
At this moment, I am embroiled in a serious matter that includes confrontations with Osama’s lead wife Najwa over possible monies that were left to me. I will get to that in a moment, but first to make it clear how I feel about Osama’s death and to make it clear why I haven’t felt like talking about it yet, here’s the Official Statement I gave the night Osama died:
“I rarely ever talk about Somi, but for the last two days on Twitter, something
came over me and I did nothing but Tweet about him.
Now I know why.
At last….I forgive Somi for everything he did to me and for all that I witnessed. I set him free and I dream for him to be healed.
My greatest sympathy is with his mother, Hamida, the only person in that family who is willing to hear from me. One mother to another, I close my eyes and embrace her with so much compassion.
I feel that no one has more accurately and fairly characterized her son than I have. I knew him to be a monster, a genius, a poet, a racist woman-basher and a very passionate, deeply sensitive confused being.
Like all of us, he was somebody’s child.
I am not God, so I leave him to whatever comes next. I still have his poems and each year they have a different meaning. But now the papers are cool to the touch. I feel many things…things that people would not understand…I look at the gray hair I have…and all I can tell you is this….
Usama, Usama, Usama–Peace.”
I think this statement spoken in my own voice reveals a lot for those who have intellect and can understand that the “Monster” Bin Laden was a real multi-dimensional person for those who knew him; not a media contrived cartoon. I have been greatly demeaned and disrespected by the U.S. press regarding my affiliation with him and I would like to say one thing straight out–Ninety percept of the media’s problem with me is that I’m a Black Woman who looks Black and not mixed. It has been said to my face. Connie Chungz and her producers at CNN asked me point blank, “Why would a man of Bin Laden’s wealth and stature have a black mistress?”
Exotic deceitful monikers like ‘sex slave’ and ‘chained woman’ are applied to my image but were never applied to Patti Hearst–who was held against her will for more than a year and had sex trains with the nine Black men holding her–yet was not given a single exotic title. And unlike the garden variety White public mistress (Monica Lewinskyz, Camilla Parker Bowles, etc.), my word alone nor my stature as a strong African novelist, activist and poet is enough to accrue common respectful treatment towards my person or my image. Extraordinarily literate facts and information I wrote about Osama years ago, things that could have helped them find Osama, are ignored as they focus on tabloid-like single sentences from my memoir (Osama lusted for Whitney Houstonz!; he was a Pot head). It was me, after all, who said ten years ago that Osama’s guards used cell phones (I was crucified by Peter Bergenz for that; though they discovered last week that it’s true). It was me who reported ten years ago about Osama inventing the “kidney dialysis myth”–me who reported on his marijuana gardens and his obsession with Western culture. It was me who first wrote about his hatred for Sadaam Hussein.
Male journalists like Morgan Spurlockz (who says he laughed about my rape) and supposed Bin Laden expert Peter Bergen (whose published facts have now been proven to be less accurate than mine) discuss me as though I’m a deceased taxi dancer or a maid who stole coins from their nightstand. Sadly, because Black Americans can’t decipher anything until White people confirm and approve it for them–I have been just as unfairly treated by Black journalists and so called Black academics and intellectuals. Which makes me shudder to think what would have happened to Thomas Jefferson’s slave Sally Hemmings had she dared write in her own words about her affair with the President of the United States. How would her claims of child rape turned to a forced long term relationship to eventual love been received by her own people?
Sally Hemmings was twelve years old when she gave birth to President Thomas Jefferson’s son, Thomas Jefferson Jr. He was in his fifties (I’ve since learned that the majority of Black American slave women got their first rapes between the ages of nine and thirteen and were freely raped by both White masters and fellow Black male slaves). As I well know, and share with Sally Hemmings–just because someone rapes you doesn’t mean you don’t go on to have a deep relationship with that person.
Osama raped me the first night we met. But out of my fear and determination to survive we became comrades; lovers; we wrote poetry together, I did his hair, I cooked for him, he gave me jewels and money; sent me to Milan on shopping sprees; buried one of his guards that I killed and made it so I only did one night in jail. Living at La Maison Arabe was hardly the life of a slave–I wasn’t in chains, honey. I supervised Osama’s men despite not being allowed to leave Osama. And let’s not forget that half the wives of Arab rich men live that exact same way–many are married against their will, fathers give away daughters, women are snatched off the streets. Women had no rights in the Arab Muslim world when I was there modeling, acting and “hostessing.”
It hurts to have so much valuable information; so much intelligence and to be so truthful and articulate–yet have “white powerful news controllers” decide that you’re not the right image for what they’d like to promote. Therefore, part of history is always missing.
Osama’s wife, Najwa Bin Laden, who wrote so snidely about me in her memoir a few years ago is now forced, at last, to recognize me. I’m sure she’d rather have me killed than see me collect money from her husband. According to her I was Somi’s “abeed lan sharmuta” (n***er slave whore). But that’s alright. I’m the one he kept for pleasure and not mere Islamic duty–as she well knows and sleeps alone with–and always slept alone with. Pitiful head covered door mat jockey.
The rank ignorant pettiness (well Kola’s not pretty enough!) and the treatment my story and my personhood have received shows you exactly why the Americans couldn’t find Osama for more than a decade. It shows you why Peter Bergen in all his almighty “million dollar advance” rhetoric could never locate Osama but had to degrade and slander me to protect the credibility of his own toilet-read tomes. And it shows most of all–that you can’t keep a good woman down. I was not the one who revealed that I’d been with Somi. The London Guardian newspaper started it all; I originally denied the story out of embarrassment and then the U.S. Homeland Security (more like “Gangland Security”) forced me to admit to it. From then on, I was trapped in a maze of defending my reputation and my personhood. And so the tragedy of my life is that I have told nothing but truth…yet the truth did not set me free.
My one revenge is that I’m not going anywhere. I think the Americans have noticed that by now. And I leave you with this bit of common sense and mother wit–”In any mansion…it’s the maids and the whores…who know the most.” You can’t stop what’s real.
18-year-old in India named world's shortest woman
(CNN) -- Standing just over 2 feet tall, Jyoti Amge of Nagpur, India, was confirmed Friday as the world's shortest living woman.
Guinness World Records, known as the global authority on record-breaking -- albeit odd -- achievements, flew to India on Amge's 18th birthday to take final measurements and confirm the new record. The title previously belonged to Bridgette Jordan, 22, of the United States, who measures 2 feet, 3 inches tall.
Amge's birthday was celebrated at a party in Nagpur with cake and guests from her hometown as well as Guinness representatives from London. Amge, wearing a purple sari and celebratory henna, stood proudly next to a copy of the 2012 Guinness record book and her official certificate, which was almost as big as Amge herself.
Amge, at 2 feet, 0.06 inches tall, is the same height as an average 2-year-old as a result of being born with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. But Amge is every bit an 18-year-old woman, attending a regular high school and dreaming of becoming a Bollywood star. She will star in two Bollywood movies next year, according to Guinness.
"It is wonderful to celebrate my 18th birthday with a new world record. It's like an added birthday present," Guinness quoted Amge as saying. "I feel grateful to be this size, after all, if I weren't small and had not achieved these world records, I might never have been able to visit Japan and Europe and many other wonderful countries."
The record for the shortest woman in history remains with Pauline Musters, who died in 1895 at 2 feet tall even.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Mother says son was suspended for calling teacher ‘cute’
A Gastonia mother says her son was suspended for calling a teacher "cute.”
Chiquita Lockett said her 9-year-old son, Emanyea, spent the last two days at home.
Lockett said the principal of Brookside Elementary called her Wednesday to say the incident was a form of “sexual harassment.”
Emanyea told Eyewitness News a substitute teacher overheard him tell another student a teacher was cute.
Then he was suspended.
"It's not like he went up to the woman and tried to grab her or touch her in a sexual way," Lockett said. "So why would he be suspended for two days?”
A district spokeswoman said she could not go into detail, but said Emanyea was suspended for "inappropriate behavior" after making "inappropriate statements."
The district's Code of Conduct doesn't list "inappropriate behavior," but says "disruption of school" is punishable by five days of out-of-school suspension.
How the King of Pop got Popped
I think there's more to the death of the King of Pop "Michael Jackson". In my opinion, it's more like an "assisted suicide". Michael couldn't bring himself to telling his loyal, devoted, eager, anxious, thirsty and long-awaiting fans from around the world that he couldn't carry on with the show that was scheduled for July, 2009 at the O2 arena in London, England.
Initially, the show tagged "This is it" was meant to be for 10 concerts, which could earn him 50 million pounds, but was later increased by the organisers "AEG Live" to 50, as a result of the hefty financial profits to be made from the dates, with over 1 million tickets sold in less than 2 hours, with the show commencing in July 13, 2009.
Due to Michael's terrible financial status, as he had been deliquent/derelicted on his repayments of a $270 million loan secured against his music publishing holdings, even though they were making him as much as $75 million a year. He had been accused of spending recklessly on supposed irrelevant items, and the huge amount of money involved, he was compelled to accept the offer.
But later on, while rehearsing for the concerts, he discovered that he couldn't go on with the proposed plan, as he had not performed in a long while and his health couldn't carry him any longer. The last concert he had was the HIStory World Tour in 1997.
On July 25, 2009, Michael contracted one of his several doctor friends or better still his personal physician "Dr. Conrad Murray", who was also possibly his closest and the most trustworthy doctor he had at his disposal, telling him he was concerned about not wanting to disappoint his fans, and that he wanted a way out.
Dr. Murray possibly couldn't think of any solution to his question, so Michael suggested suicide, as this is not unfamiliar among celebrities. Celebrities like the acclaimed king of 'rock & roll' Elvis Presley, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and lately british fashion icon Alexander McQueen have used suicide as a way out of their depression. This made Dr. Murray disorganised and non-consentual to his suggestion. Michael then thought of another possible idea, he coaxed Dr. Murray to give him an overdose of the anesthetic propofol (diprivian) he had taken previously as a treatment for insomnia.
It was a hard decision to take for Dr. Murray, as he had few minutes to think it through over and over again. Dr. Murray succumbed/capitulated/acceded and the dreaded deed was done. Dr. Murray had to wait for a few minutes to see the reaction/antiphon before calling for help as previously planned by both men. Obviously, it wasn't the first time Dr. Murray administered this drug to Michael, as a doctor who loves his patients (or probably client in this case) a lot, and as a professional who knows the perfect quantity enough for a patient at his/her particular state or health condition, why would it be this one time that the event occured.
Eventually, the result came out, and the news spread online quickly causing websites to slow down and crash from user overload. I myself was on Twitter that night when i saw the inital tweet from TMZ of his cardiac arrest. I informed my then room-mate Tete-Timon of the development, before confirming of his death minutes later. TMZ was the first mainstream media to break the news, and their site crashed as a result.
Michael wouldn't know any inquiry as this would occur, that will put Dr. Murray in the spotlight and in a precarious/wobbly and unfortunate situation. In Dr. Murray's pledge with Michael, Michael probably asked him to promise he wouldn't let anyone know the actual events that occured no matter the pressure as it would be an insult/affronting/vitiating to his reputation.
Yes it is true the family of Michael suspects foul play in his death, especially his immediate elder sister "La Toya" and his father "Joe", what they do not know is that the foul play could come from Michael himself, and Michael is no longer around to speak for himself. Michael was too good to die, at least not so soon, unnowing to him that he made matters worse.
Initially, the show tagged "This is it" was meant to be for 10 concerts, which could earn him 50 million pounds, but was later increased by the organisers "AEG Live" to 50, as a result of the hefty financial profits to be made from the dates, with over 1 million tickets sold in less than 2 hours, with the show commencing in July 13, 2009.
Due to Michael's terrible financial status, as he had been deliquent/derelicted on his repayments of a $270 million loan secured against his music publishing holdings, even though they were making him as much as $75 million a year. He had been accused of spending recklessly on supposed irrelevant items, and the huge amount of money involved, he was compelled to accept the offer.
But later on, while rehearsing for the concerts, he discovered that he couldn't go on with the proposed plan, as he had not performed in a long while and his health couldn't carry him any longer. The last concert he had was the HIStory World Tour in 1997.
On July 25, 2009, Michael contracted one of his several doctor friends or better still his personal physician "Dr. Conrad Murray", who was also possibly his closest and the most trustworthy doctor he had at his disposal, telling him he was concerned about not wanting to disappoint his fans, and that he wanted a way out.
Dr. Murray possibly couldn't think of any solution to his question, so Michael suggested suicide, as this is not unfamiliar among celebrities. Celebrities like the acclaimed king of 'rock & roll' Elvis Presley, Anna Nicole Smith, Heath Ledger, and lately british fashion icon Alexander McQueen have used suicide as a way out of their depression. This made Dr. Murray disorganised and non-consentual to his suggestion. Michael then thought of another possible idea, he coaxed Dr. Murray to give him an overdose of the anesthetic propofol (diprivian) he had taken previously as a treatment for insomnia.
It was a hard decision to take for Dr. Murray, as he had few minutes to think it through over and over again. Dr. Murray succumbed/capitulated/acceded and the dreaded deed was done. Dr. Murray had to wait for a few minutes to see the reaction/antiphon before calling for help as previously planned by both men. Obviously, it wasn't the first time Dr. Murray administered this drug to Michael, as a doctor who loves his patients (or probably client in this case) a lot, and as a professional who knows the perfect quantity enough for a patient at his/her particular state or health condition, why would it be this one time that the event occured.
Eventually, the result came out, and the news spread online quickly causing websites to slow down and crash from user overload. I myself was on Twitter that night when i saw the inital tweet from TMZ of his cardiac arrest. I informed my then room-mate Tete-Timon of the development, before confirming of his death minutes later. TMZ was the first mainstream media to break the news, and their site crashed as a result.
Michael wouldn't know any inquiry as this would occur, that will put Dr. Murray in the spotlight and in a precarious/wobbly and unfortunate situation. In Dr. Murray's pledge with Michael, Michael probably asked him to promise he wouldn't let anyone know the actual events that occured no matter the pressure as it would be an insult/affronting/vitiating to his reputation.
Yes it is true the family of Michael suspects foul play in his death, especially his immediate elder sister "La Toya" and his father "Joe", what they do not know is that the foul play could come from Michael himself, and Michael is no longer around to speak for himself. Michael was too good to die, at least not so soon, unnowing to him that he made matters worse.
Monday, October 31, 2011
(BackStory) My Encounter with Chika Ike
Was at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport lounge on the 8th October, 2011 working on my laptop on, suddenly a tall lady in shades in a ruggedly designed black jeans (see through on the left thigh, which she wore in the movie "Above Implication" when she & her outlaw crew were being chased by the police men) walked up towards my direction and sat in the seat in front of me. She was making calls on her Blackberry, i guess she came to see someone. Then i suppose her driver came and sat beside her.
I kept staring for close to 2 minutes lookiing to quench my suspicions that the face looked familiar. I wasn't sure cos she looked lighter than she did in movies. Looking around, i saw a couple look towards herr direction, so i knew she must be the one. So I said "Chika" silently twice hoping to get her attention but she didn't. Guess she didn't hear me.
So I moved over to her with my laptop in my hands and asked "Sorry, are you Chika Ike?" She nodded and answered "Yes". Then i said "I've been staring at you since cos i wasn't sure". She then replied "Yeah its me". I then asked "How're you doing?" She replied "I'm good". I then thanked her for her time and sat back on my seat.
Back at my seat, i was contemplating whether to ask her for a picture wouldn't be too much after the intial conversation. Then i decided to turn back on my system to show her one of my many scripts i had previously hoped she will feature. While it was booting, her visitors arrived and she stood up to welcome them. Her guests included Nollywood actress like Rukky Sanda, Ebube Nwagbo, and 2 other unidentified ladies. The amazing thing is that they all look taller than they do in movies.
Later while reading the newspaper, i discovered she was said to be in a relationship with the senate president David Mark who supposedly funded her boutique project in Abuja. SO i guessed she must have been avoiding the press. Anyway, she has me to thank for not blowing her cover. I later did one silly thing after they all left, I went over to the sit she stood up from and sat there. Why? I dont know. Anyway, to me this was a perfect send-forth for my NYSC as i was on my way home.
I kept staring for close to 2 minutes lookiing to quench my suspicions that the face looked familiar. I wasn't sure cos she looked lighter than she did in movies. Looking around, i saw a couple look towards herr direction, so i knew she must be the one. So I said "Chika" silently twice hoping to get her attention but she didn't. Guess she didn't hear me.
So I moved over to her with my laptop in my hands and asked "Sorry, are you Chika Ike?" She nodded and answered "Yes". Then i said "I've been staring at you since cos i wasn't sure". She then replied "Yeah its me". I then asked "How're you doing?" She replied "I'm good". I then thanked her for her time and sat back on my seat.
Back at my seat, i was contemplating whether to ask her for a picture wouldn't be too much after the intial conversation. Then i decided to turn back on my system to show her one of my many scripts i had previously hoped she will feature. While it was booting, her visitors arrived and she stood up to welcome them. Her guests included Nollywood actress like Rukky Sanda, Ebube Nwagbo, and 2 other unidentified ladies. The amazing thing is that they all look taller than they do in movies.
Later while reading the newspaper, i discovered she was said to be in a relationship with the senate president David Mark who supposedly funded her boutique project in Abuja. SO i guessed she must have been avoiding the press. Anyway, she has me to thank for not blowing her cover. I later did one silly thing after they all left, I went over to the sit she stood up from and sat there. Why? I dont know. Anyway, to me this was a perfect send-forth for my NYSC as i was on my way home.
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Diary of a Fresh Kid at the hands of NYSC
BEFORE THE CAMP
On the 19th of October, 2010, when i got the Call-up letter with the state Taraba on it to report on Monday, the 25th of October, 2010. I received it with mixed emotions, both that of anxiety and also that of excitement.
After missing the first day of reporting to the camp, i was hoping to get to camp the next day which was 26th of October, 2010. I left my home weighing about 61kg/134.48pounds, i wondered what i was going to return with.
After an air trip from Lagos to Abuja to Yola, i finally touched down in Yola at 6:45pm. Alighting from the plane, I saw and shook hands with the Nigerian-born ex-England international football star John Fashanu who happened to be in the same flight with me. It was one of those opportunities i cherish as i would be greater than him by God's grace.
The deadline for reporting to camp was supposedly 12:00am, and as at 7:35pm, i was still at Yola airport, unfortunately, my destination was still 5 hours away due to bad roads and all sort. All hands were crossed, as i and 3 of my friends that we came together were anxiously waiting for the next big decision whether to risk our lives for the unknown road at that late hour, or risk it by sleeping over in Yola to depart for Taraba the next morning which might be more damaging. Any decision taken, both were of great risk, so we decided to sleep over.
The journey for Taraba state began at about 6am the next morning. Enroute Taraba, i saw ruralty to its core, mud houses that were slightly bigger than DMT mobile toilets. All the wayward animals we had to stop for so they could cross the road, ranging from Cows to Goats and then Birds, and another Goat, and Ducks. Imagine Sheep chillin at the road side. I saw a mini van crush a chicken. I saw Trees growing on Rocks. I saw kids walking miles before getting to school. I saw people spreading food stuffs like pepper and maize by the road side, wonder for who to buy?
THE ORIENTATION CAMP
We finally reached the camp on Wednesday, the 27th at 10:30am, after a long trip of 4hrs 30mins from Yola to Wukari, Taraba state.. Only God could measure the speedometer. They did a searching of our luggages at the gate for electronics, then the deputy governor of the state Alhaji Danladi came to the camp. All left was to register. Camp gave me a little scare when i saw someone who fainted from standing too long under the sun, and also heard of 3 girls who fainted. I also heard tales on how people got to the orientation camp from their different destinations. Some went from road to ferry on the sea, sometimes with their bus on the ferry itself. I remember someone saying the steering of their bus removed. All this inconveniences just because we want to serve our fatherland.
Settling on the camp wasn't easy, as i had to use money to charge my phone's battery. At 7:15pm, i had my first meal of the day, which happened to be my favourite dish which is Pounded Yam. At about 10pm, i had my bed and a temporary hall to sleep, which later became my permanent room throughout the 3 weeks at the camp with 39 people sleeping on the floor. What a stressful life we live on, leaving the comfort of our homes.
The next day, i had to wake up before 4am for the morning exercise, but based on the excuse i haven't collected my kits, i skipped the rigorous exercises, to the extent that i wished i went on like that throughout the remaining days, but that could only happen for another day of grace.
Eating the camp food was really difficult, i wondered what implications it might have on my health. Although i had no choice when i became broke.
I was so happy to hear that i would be coming home for about a month, as i had thought it would take me a year before seeing home again. I couldn't wait to see the very special person to me "Lawlah" before the time elapses. Unfortunately, she left before i could get home. I was really heart broken.
Due to the salah hoilday, we were released from the camp about 3 days short of the due date. Getting my posting letter and seeing GDJSS, Kungana, Bali, all that was on my mind was "where the hell is that"? As everyone was hoping for the capital Jalingo or the coldest region in the state, Gembu. My new task was to find out how far the place was. My platoon soldier gave me his view, my platoon officer also gave me his view, a trader friend of mine also gave me her view, one thing they all had in common was that they lied, as the average time they gave me was about 45 minutes, which we eventually took over 5 hours to get there, with our bus stopping on the road for a while. Only for us to reach the local government, Bali and getting myself dissapointed.
AFTER THE CAMP
The first thing i inquired was if there was electricity, and i got a NO, but there was a community generator which they put on at ridiculously short hours and sometimes at will. This was still a relief to me, only for me to find out that where i was was not my final destination, as i was still going to a village called KUNGANA. I had to see things for myself. Fortunately, the village was by the road side. On getting there, i noticed there was nothing like electricity poles or cables, by this, i knew there was no other choice but to endure. I was even lucky i came when they had just recently completed tarring the road.
I.N.E.C
After leaving home on the 2nd of January, 2011, INEC decided to use corp members for the Voters Registration Exercise, and i had the opporutnity of working in an inner village i never knew existed called Mallam Yero as Assistant Registration Officer /ARO 1 and was paired with a wonderful lady called "Uko Bridget Chima Uchechi" as my partner/ARO 2.
The hospitality of their village head, who is called 'Mai-Angwa' and his family was well appreciated and accepted by us. Language barrier was the major problem that existed between us. He was so humble that he'd bring us our meals personally. After about 3 weeks in the village from 18th of January, 2011 to 5th of February, 2011, our work elapsed and we had to vacate. But i left with the memories of the fall i had on a motorcycle on the 27th of January, 2011 from the village to a neighbouring village called Takalifiya on my way to print voters' cards.
The strange or rather extreme weather conditions of this region did not go unnoticed, as there was extreme cold in January and then changing overnight to extreme heat in early february. There's always a phrase i loved saying and i will never forget, "God bless INEC".
P.P.A
Strike actions by the public sectors of the state also played a major part in delaying the services to be rendered by we corp members in the state as schools were closed down until the latter part of february before they were reopened. It was then i discovered that people do not value education in the village, mostly the northern part in general, as farming is a more productive means of living to them, because it produces instant money to them when they need it.
The biggest news of the service year came in July that our allowance had been increased from the meagre =N=9,775 to =N=19,800 with some arrears added. This was a big news for me because my dad never sent me allowance except transport money throughout my service year, and a big news for us because the promise had been made long ago, and its was actually happening in our time.
SIGHTS AND SOUND
We all know about road traffic signs, from "slow down, children crossing" to "50km/hr" and so on, but in Taraba, i saw the traffic signs for "cows", with the cow drawing on it. In Taraba (north extensively), not only humans are entitled to the road any longer, we now have to share it with animals.
Also witnessed the Fulani people's way of marriage. The bride to be is paraded round the village under an umbrella with a veil over her eyes, while being escorted by her friends
If you've got an item for sale and you aint got money for a placard to inscribe "FOR SALE" on, just gather a bunch of green leaves and put on the particular item for sale, at least its done in Taraba.
The lowest point of my service year was when i heard one of my closest student i taught "Doko Aondofa" in my Place of Primary Assignment passed away on the 3rd of August. I was really touched to the extent that i wished tears could fall from my eyes. The last words i remember him saying before he travelled was "SE KWANA BIYU" in Hausa, meaning "TILL WE MEET AGAIN DAYS AFTER".
On the 9th of September, upon returning to Mallam Yero where i did my INEC registration, the motorcycle conveying me collided with an oncoming ram and slightly injured the rider, and i got my leg burnt by the silencer of the bike. The incident did not deter me from meeting those that made my previous stay a memorable one. Their reaction after seeing me made me think, "wherever you find yourself, try to leave smiles on people's faces so they'll have positive things to say about you when you're gone". Their king (Maiangwa) was so pleased that he gave me =N=500 when i was leaving.
The highest point of my service year was definitely when i won "Batch 'C' Corper (Male) of my local government, Bali. An award by my fellow corpers.
My Passing Out Parade was shifted backwards by 2 days to Tuesday, the 4th of October, 2011. Due to the alleged threat by the terrorist group Boko Haram, our discharge certificate was brought to the zone rather than we travelling to the state capital, Jalingo.
During my service year, towards the end, I met an another amazing person, Dupe Monsurat Oriyomi Lamidi. It was rather unfortunate i didn't get to know her earlier, months back. I'm definitely gonna miss her and everyone other person that made my stay a pleasurable one. Ranging from Juju, Chi, Elliot, Bright, Oga, Abideen, Chika, Tunde, Warri and a lot more i didn't mention.
I got the best send forth i could ever dream of, when i saw movies stars like Chika Ike whom i eventually chatted, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Ebube Nwagbo and a few others on my way back home.
One thing i could be proud of is my versatility in nigerian languages, as i knew at least 3 words in the following languages (Hausa, Tchamba, Igbo, Tiv, Fulani, Ndola and Itchen). I also had the priviledge of relating with people from Idoma, Kaka, Manbilah and Karekare.
At the end of my service, i didn't really drop much pounds, i was virtually the same.
My service year was definitely remarkable. "Veni Vidi Vici". (I came, I saw, I conquered).
On the 19th of October, 2010, when i got the Call-up letter with the state Taraba on it to report on Monday, the 25th of October, 2010. I received it with mixed emotions, both that of anxiety and also that of excitement.
After missing the first day of reporting to the camp, i was hoping to get to camp the next day which was 26th of October, 2010. I left my home weighing about 61kg/134.48pounds, i wondered what i was going to return with.
After an air trip from Lagos to Abuja to Yola, i finally touched down in Yola at 6:45pm. Alighting from the plane, I saw and shook hands with the Nigerian-born ex-England international football star John Fashanu who happened to be in the same flight with me. It was one of those opportunities i cherish as i would be greater than him by God's grace.
The deadline for reporting to camp was supposedly 12:00am, and as at 7:35pm, i was still at Yola airport, unfortunately, my destination was still 5 hours away due to bad roads and all sort. All hands were crossed, as i and 3 of my friends that we came together were anxiously waiting for the next big decision whether to risk our lives for the unknown road at that late hour, or risk it by sleeping over in Yola to depart for Taraba the next morning which might be more damaging. Any decision taken, both were of great risk, so we decided to sleep over.
The journey for Taraba state began at about 6am the next morning. Enroute Taraba, i saw ruralty to its core, mud houses that were slightly bigger than DMT mobile toilets. All the wayward animals we had to stop for so they could cross the road, ranging from Cows to Goats and then Birds, and another Goat, and Ducks. Imagine Sheep chillin at the road side. I saw a mini van crush a chicken. I saw Trees growing on Rocks. I saw kids walking miles before getting to school. I saw people spreading food stuffs like pepper and maize by the road side, wonder for who to buy?
THE ORIENTATION CAMP
We finally reached the camp on Wednesday, the 27th at 10:30am, after a long trip of 4hrs 30mins from Yola to Wukari, Taraba state.. Only God could measure the speedometer. They did a searching of our luggages at the gate for electronics, then the deputy governor of the state Alhaji Danladi came to the camp. All left was to register. Camp gave me a little scare when i saw someone who fainted from standing too long under the sun, and also heard of 3 girls who fainted. I also heard tales on how people got to the orientation camp from their different destinations. Some went from road to ferry on the sea, sometimes with their bus on the ferry itself. I remember someone saying the steering of their bus removed. All this inconveniences just because we want to serve our fatherland.
Settling on the camp wasn't easy, as i had to use money to charge my phone's battery. At 7:15pm, i had my first meal of the day, which happened to be my favourite dish which is Pounded Yam. At about 10pm, i had my bed and a temporary hall to sleep, which later became my permanent room throughout the 3 weeks at the camp with 39 people sleeping on the floor. What a stressful life we live on, leaving the comfort of our homes.
The next day, i had to wake up before 4am for the morning exercise, but based on the excuse i haven't collected my kits, i skipped the rigorous exercises, to the extent that i wished i went on like that throughout the remaining days, but that could only happen for another day of grace.
Eating the camp food was really difficult, i wondered what implications it might have on my health. Although i had no choice when i became broke.
I was so happy to hear that i would be coming home for about a month, as i had thought it would take me a year before seeing home again. I couldn't wait to see the very special person to me "Lawlah" before the time elapses. Unfortunately, she left before i could get home. I was really heart broken.
Due to the salah hoilday, we were released from the camp about 3 days short of the due date. Getting my posting letter and seeing GDJSS, Kungana, Bali, all that was on my mind was "where the hell is that"? As everyone was hoping for the capital Jalingo or the coldest region in the state, Gembu. My new task was to find out how far the place was. My platoon soldier gave me his view, my platoon officer also gave me his view, a trader friend of mine also gave me her view, one thing they all had in common was that they lied, as the average time they gave me was about 45 minutes, which we eventually took over 5 hours to get there, with our bus stopping on the road for a while. Only for us to reach the local government, Bali and getting myself dissapointed.
AFTER THE CAMP
The first thing i inquired was if there was electricity, and i got a NO, but there was a community generator which they put on at ridiculously short hours and sometimes at will. This was still a relief to me, only for me to find out that where i was was not my final destination, as i was still going to a village called KUNGANA. I had to see things for myself. Fortunately, the village was by the road side. On getting there, i noticed there was nothing like electricity poles or cables, by this, i knew there was no other choice but to endure. I was even lucky i came when they had just recently completed tarring the road.
I.N.E.C
After leaving home on the 2nd of January, 2011, INEC decided to use corp members for the Voters Registration Exercise, and i had the opporutnity of working in an inner village i never knew existed called Mallam Yero as Assistant Registration Officer /ARO 1 and was paired with a wonderful lady called "Uko Bridget Chima Uchechi" as my partner/ARO 2.
The hospitality of their village head, who is called 'Mai-Angwa' and his family was well appreciated and accepted by us. Language barrier was the major problem that existed between us. He was so humble that he'd bring us our meals personally. After about 3 weeks in the village from 18th of January, 2011 to 5th of February, 2011, our work elapsed and we had to vacate. But i left with the memories of the fall i had on a motorcycle on the 27th of January, 2011 from the village to a neighbouring village called Takalifiya on my way to print voters' cards.
The strange or rather extreme weather conditions of this region did not go unnoticed, as there was extreme cold in January and then changing overnight to extreme heat in early february. There's always a phrase i loved saying and i will never forget, "God bless INEC".
P.P.A
Strike actions by the public sectors of the state also played a major part in delaying the services to be rendered by we corp members in the state as schools were closed down until the latter part of february before they were reopened. It was then i discovered that people do not value education in the village, mostly the northern part in general, as farming is a more productive means of living to them, because it produces instant money to them when they need it.
The biggest news of the service year came in July that our allowance had been increased from the meagre =N=9,775 to =N=19,800 with some arrears added. This was a big news for me because my dad never sent me allowance except transport money throughout my service year, and a big news for us because the promise had been made long ago, and its was actually happening in our time.
SIGHTS AND SOUND
We all know about road traffic signs, from "slow down, children crossing" to "50km/hr" and so on, but in Taraba, i saw the traffic signs for "cows", with the cow drawing on it. In Taraba (north extensively), not only humans are entitled to the road any longer, we now have to share it with animals.
Also witnessed the Fulani people's way of marriage. The bride to be is paraded round the village under an umbrella with a veil over her eyes, while being escorted by her friends
If you've got an item for sale and you aint got money for a placard to inscribe "FOR SALE" on, just gather a bunch of green leaves and put on the particular item for sale, at least its done in Taraba.
The lowest point of my service year was when i heard one of my closest student i taught "Doko Aondofa" in my Place of Primary Assignment passed away on the 3rd of August. I was really touched to the extent that i wished tears could fall from my eyes. The last words i remember him saying before he travelled was "SE KWANA BIYU" in Hausa, meaning "TILL WE MEET AGAIN DAYS AFTER".
On the 9th of September, upon returning to Mallam Yero where i did my INEC registration, the motorcycle conveying me collided with an oncoming ram and slightly injured the rider, and i got my leg burnt by the silencer of the bike. The incident did not deter me from meeting those that made my previous stay a memorable one. Their reaction after seeing me made me think, "wherever you find yourself, try to leave smiles on people's faces so they'll have positive things to say about you when you're gone". Their king (Maiangwa) was so pleased that he gave me =N=500 when i was leaving.
The highest point of my service year was definitely when i won "Batch 'C' Corper (Male) of my local government, Bali. An award by my fellow corpers.
My Passing Out Parade was shifted backwards by 2 days to Tuesday, the 4th of October, 2011. Due to the alleged threat by the terrorist group Boko Haram, our discharge certificate was brought to the zone rather than we travelling to the state capital, Jalingo.
During my service year, towards the end, I met an another amazing person, Dupe Monsurat Oriyomi Lamidi. It was rather unfortunate i didn't get to know her earlier, months back. I'm definitely gonna miss her and everyone other person that made my stay a pleasurable one. Ranging from Juju, Chi, Elliot, Bright, Oga, Abideen, Chika, Tunde, Warri and a lot more i didn't mention.
I got the best send forth i could ever dream of, when i saw movies stars like Chika Ike whom i eventually chatted, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Ebube Nwagbo and a few others on my way back home.
One thing i could be proud of is my versatility in nigerian languages, as i knew at least 3 words in the following languages (Hausa, Tchamba, Igbo, Tiv, Fulani, Ndola and Itchen). I also had the priviledge of relating with people from Idoma, Kaka, Manbilah and Karekare.
At the end of my service, i didn't really drop much pounds, i was virtually the same.
My service year was definitely remarkable. "Veni Vidi Vici". (I came, I saw, I conquered).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Astrology
Aries (astrology), the first sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the ram. People whose birthdays fall between March 21 and April 19 are said to be born under the sun sign of Aries. According to astrologers, Aries, a fire sign, is ruled by the planet Mars.
Astrologers believe that Arians have assertive, pioneering, competitive, and courageous natures. Arians are said to have strong senses of self, and to frequently be selfish. Arians tend to behave in headstrong, impulsive, sometimes foolhardy ways. Although they anger quickly, they get over their anger quickly and do not hold grudges. Astrologers consider many Arians to be natural athletes and to be drawn to physical activity.
Because of the sign's association with the planet Mars (named for the ancient Roman god of war), people born under it are said to like danger and risk. According to astrologers, adventure appeals to Arians, and their natural gift for plunging into projects and activities with gusto can make them successful leaders and good at motivating others. Professions associated with Aries include medicine, especially surgery; the military; manufacturing, especially involving metal or heavy machinery; sports; carpentry; and engineering.
Taurus (astrology), the second sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the bull. According to astrologers, people whose birthdays occur between April 20 and May 20 are said to be born under the sun sign of Taurus. Taurus, an earth sign, is ruled by the planet Venus, named after the ancient Roman goddess of beauty and love.
Astrologers consider Taureans to be loyal, stable, conservative, and practical. They are also thought to be patient, affectionate, and good-natured people. However, their tempers can erupt dramatically if they are pushed beyond their limits. Astrologers believe Taureans are home-loving and tend to have deep sentimental attachments to people, things, and places. They also can be jealous and possessive. Astrologers do not consider Taureans to be fond of change, making the typical Taurus both reliable and committed, as well as inflexible.
Astrologers consider Taureans to be very attuned to the physical world. They have acute senses and appreciate beauty and pleasure in all forms. Taureans tend to be very aware of the value of things, an ability which can make them skilled handlers of money and good judges of the quality of merchandise. Professions traditionally associated with the sign Taurus include banking and business, especially trade; accounting; clothing or interior design; real estate; singing; farming; and architecture.
Gemini (astrology), the third sign of the zodiac, symbolized by twins. Astrologers consider people whose birthdays fall between May 21 and June 21 to be born under the sun sign of Gemini. The planet Mercury, named after the ancient Roman messenger god, rules Gemini, which is an air sign.
According to astrologers, Geminis tend to be quick-witted, changeable, talkative, versatile, and sometimes crafty or mischievous. Geminis are known for their ability to express themselves, and are witty, clever, and often well-read. They usually have something to say about everything. Astrologers believe that typical Geminis have highly developed intellects, and that they place greater importance on learning than on emotional or practical issues. However, they consider Geminis to be so clever that they can give the impression of deep emotion or of the practicality of their desires.
Astrologers believe Geminis have the ability, and often the need, to do more than one thing at a time. Geminis are so interested in everything that they get bored easily and often cannot resist moving on to the next subject, tendencies which can make them seem shallow and fickle. Professions associated with the sign Gemini include teaching, journalism, publishing, sales, and other professions that require verbal skills and flexibility.
Cancer (astrology), the fourth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a crab. People whose birthdays occur between June 22 and July 22 are said to be born under the sun sign of Cancer. According to astrologers, the moon rules Cancer, which is a water sign.
Astrologers consider Cancerians to be nurturing, emotional, sensitive, conservative, and home-loving. Due to the sign's association with the moon, Cancerians often have widely fluctuating moods. Astrologers say Cancerians are artistic, have vivid imaginations, and have highly developed memories. Like people born under other water signs, Cancerians are thought to be much more aware of how they feel than what they think.
According to astrologers, Cancerians' ability to sense other people's needs and emotions makes them sympathetic and nurturing, and often personable and easy to get along with. They are said to place great importance on family and crave security. They often withdraw into themselves for protection. Astrologers believe typical Cancerians can have difficulty being objective, and are easily crushed by criticism. They also say that Cancerians worry too much.
Professions associated with the sign Cancer include ones related to domestic activities. These include hospitality, cooking, and catering; childcare; real estate; and writing or other jobs that require imagination.
Leo (astrology), the fifth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a lion. Astrologers believe that people whose birthdays fall from July 23 to August 22 are born under the sun sign of Leo. The sun rules Leo, which is a fire sign.
Astrologers believe that Leos have regal, self-centered, generous, and warm-hearted natures. Leos are said to be protective of people close to them, especially children and those who are weak. They also have a strong need to be the center of attention, and may be surprisingly sensitive. Astrologers think that Leos tend to be inordinately fond of praise and can be swayed by flattery. They consider Leos to be creative and dramatic. Leos also have strong organizational skills and make natural leaders.
According to astrologers, Leos love to enjoy themselves and believe that life is not worth living unless it is filled with some degree of elegance and class. Night life, games and parties, and gambling appeal to the Leo sense of the showy. Leos are said to believe they deserve the best, and often this belief attracts good things to them. The typical Leo makes bigger and bolder plans than other signs do. Even if these plans fail, Leos can usually look on the bright side, sometimes to the point of being unrealistic. Professions associated with the sign Leo include entertainment, including performing and promoting; the arts; beauty and cosmetics; speculative investing; and gambling.
Virgo (astrology), the sixth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a virgin. People whose birthdays fall from August 23 to September 22 are said to be born under the sun sign of Virgo. Virgo, an earth sign, is ruled by the planet Mercury, named after the ancient Roman messenger god.
Astrologers believe that Virgoans are practical, no-nonsense people. They like to talk and are good communicators, but prefer to put their words to practical use. Thus they are not very interested in idle conversation, and they can be shy. The typical Virgoan also has a tendency to be critical. According to astrologers, Virgoans often have a great concern for health and hygiene. They also like to be well-groomed and keep their surroundings very tidy.
Astrologers consider Virgoans to be detail-oriented, analytical, intelligent, and hard-working. They handle complex tasks with seeming effortlessness because they are flexible and good organizers. They are said to be more concerned with doing their jobs well than with personal acclaim, and as a result tend to be humble. They also can be perfectionists and worry when projects or situations do not meet their high expectations. Professions traditionally associated with the sign Virgo include nursing; jobs in the service industries; health and nutrition; secretarial or office administration; teaching; and editing.
Libra (astrology), the seventh sign of the zodiac, symbolized by scales (used for weight measurement). Astrologers consider people whose birthdays occur between September 23 and October 22 to be born under the sun sign of Libra. The planet Venus rules Libra. Libra is an air sign.
According to astrologers, Libras have diplomatic, refined, intelligent, thoughtful, warm, and social natures. Because of the sign's relationship with the planet Venus (named after the ancient Roman goddess of beauty and love), Libras tend to be romantic and crave relationships. Typical Libras, however, want an idealized meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of civility, refinement, and reasonableness. They do not place as much importance on deep emotional intimacy or physical passion. Libras also enjoy comfort and luxury.
Astrologers believe that Libras have strong senses of justice. They carefully weigh opposing sides of any issue and are keenly aware of other people's preferences. Although Libras like to take leadership roles, their need to be fair and to please everyone equally can sometimes make it difficult for them to make decisions. Typical Libras are skilled peacemakers and diplomats who desire balance and harmony in all situations and will do almost anything to avoid confrontations. Professions traditionally associated with Libra include the law, politics, the arts or design, mediation, diplomacy, and counseling.
Scorpio (astrology), the eighth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a scorpion. According to astrologers, people whose birthdays fall between October 23 and November 21 are born under the sun sign of Scorpio. The planet Pluto rules Scorpio, which is a water sign.
Astrologers consider Scorpios to be energetic, passionate, deep, intuitive, and secretive, with a great deal of self-control. They also believe that Scorpios can be willful, stubborn, and easily made jealous. Scorpios are thought to be keen observers of people, and potentially calculating and manipulative. Seeing more of people's deepest motivations than others do, they have a tendency to be cynical. They are sensitive and never forget a hurt or a slight—for the typical Scorpio, forgiveness can be difficult.
Astrologers consider Scorpio perhaps the most extreme of all signs. The intensity and focus of Scorpios gives them great ability to see a project through despite all obstacles. Their strong leadership qualities, incisive analytic abilities, energy, and desire for financial security can make them motivated career people. Many Scorpios also like to flirt with danger and push themselves and those close to them to their limits. Professions traditionally associated with Scorpio include forensics, law enforcement or detective work, the military, medicine, psychology, big business, and recycling.
Sagittarius (astrology), the ninth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by an archer. Astrologers consider people whose birthdays occur from November 22 to December 21 to be born under the sun sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius, a fire sign, is ruled by the planet Jupiter, named after the wise ruler of the ancient Roman gods.
Astrologers believe that Sagittarians have fun-loving, friendly, philosophical, intellectual, straightforward, and expansive natures. Sagittarians are optimistic, and sometimes have a naive belief that everything will turn out fine despite any obstacles. Good luck often follows typical Sagittarians, and because whatever they need usually comes effortlessly to them, they tend to be generous and willing to share. Sagittarians also value frankness and honesty, and their comments can sometimes be blunt.
According to astrologers, typical Sagittarians dislike being confined or tied down; they seek change, especially through travel. Sagittarians require freedom of thought and ideas, but they otherwise tend to be fairly conventional and respect tradition. Professions traditionally associated with Sagittarius include higher education; law; medicine; importing and exporting, or other activities that involve foreign countries; and publishing.
Capricorn (astrology), tenth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a goat. Astrologers believe that people whose birthdays fall between December 22 and January 19 are born under the sun sign of Capricorn. The planet Saturn rules Capricorn, which is an earth sign.
According to astrologers, Capricorns have responsible, disciplined, practical, methodical, cautious, serious, and sometimes pessimistic natures. Capricorns believe that anything worth having is worth working hard for, and they assign the highest value to things won through the hardest work. Typical Capricorns are aloof and shy, sometimes even awkward, because they stay so focused on responsibility. To them life is serious business, and they sometimes have difficulty relaxing and having fun. Because of this, Capricorns may be lonely.
Astrologers believe that Capricorns respect power, authority, structure, tradition, and old things whose value and durability are tested by time. Capricorns are ambitious, and they typically are not satisfied unless they have reached a level of power and authority. They have a deep need for security, especially financial, and often will work very hard to get rich. Professions traditionally associated with Capricorn include banking; government, big business, and other situations with power hierarchies; mining; farming; and construction.
Aquarius (astrology), the 11th sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the water-bearer. According to astrologers, people born between January 20 and February 18 are born under the sun sign of Aquarius. Aquarius, an air sign, is said to be ruled by the planet Uranus.
Astrologers consider Aquarians to be brilliant, visionary, curious, open-minded, original, independent, and eccentric. Though emotionally detached, they also tend to be friendly and social. According to astrologers, Aquarians have a highly developed sense of social equality and often are attracted to activism or progressive political organizations.
Like other air signs, Aquarians are said to be less concerned with practical and physical matters than with intellectual pursuits. They feel most comfortable in the world of ideas; they find situations that require emotional responses, such as personal relationships, to be difficult. Astrologers believe that Aquarians have lightning-fast intuitive insight and can quickly grasp abstract concepts. Professions associated with Aquarius include inventing, research, social organizing or activism, astrology, communications, computer sciences, and electronics.
Pisces (astrology), the 12th sign of the zodiac, symbolized by two fish. According to astrologers, people whose birthdays occur between February 19 and March 20 are born under the sun sign of Pisces. The planet Neptune rules Pisces, which is a water sign.
Astrologers consider Pisceans to be sensitive, emotional, sunny, impressionable, dreamy, creative, psychic, and mystical. Pisceans tend to be idealistic; sometimes the real world gets too harsh and ugly for them. To escape unpleasant realities, some Pisceans retreat into their own dreams and fantasies and become evasive, even deceitful. Others escape productively through charity work, the arts, religion, meditation, and solitude. Pisceans make good listeners, can see different sides of issues, and often have great sympathy for the suffering of others.
According to astrologers, typical Pisceans do not have great physical stamina. Pisceans can be delicate and vulnerable, especially when under emotional stress. However, they are capable of great strength, in part because they are adaptable and can maneuver around difficult situations. They also have the ability to take life as it comes. Professions associated with Pisces are music, film, dance, and other arts; charitable work; counseling; jobs involving water, chemicals, oil, or drugs; clergy; and nursing.
Astrologers believe that Arians have assertive, pioneering, competitive, and courageous natures. Arians are said to have strong senses of self, and to frequently be selfish. Arians tend to behave in headstrong, impulsive, sometimes foolhardy ways. Although they anger quickly, they get over their anger quickly and do not hold grudges. Astrologers consider many Arians to be natural athletes and to be drawn to physical activity.
Because of the sign's association with the planet Mars (named for the ancient Roman god of war), people born under it are said to like danger and risk. According to astrologers, adventure appeals to Arians, and their natural gift for plunging into projects and activities with gusto can make them successful leaders and good at motivating others. Professions associated with Aries include medicine, especially surgery; the military; manufacturing, especially involving metal or heavy machinery; sports; carpentry; and engineering.
Taurus (astrology), the second sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the bull. According to astrologers, people whose birthdays occur between April 20 and May 20 are said to be born under the sun sign of Taurus. Taurus, an earth sign, is ruled by the planet Venus, named after the ancient Roman goddess of beauty and love.
Astrologers consider Taureans to be loyal, stable, conservative, and practical. They are also thought to be patient, affectionate, and good-natured people. However, their tempers can erupt dramatically if they are pushed beyond their limits. Astrologers believe Taureans are home-loving and tend to have deep sentimental attachments to people, things, and places. They also can be jealous and possessive. Astrologers do not consider Taureans to be fond of change, making the typical Taurus both reliable and committed, as well as inflexible.
Astrologers consider Taureans to be very attuned to the physical world. They have acute senses and appreciate beauty and pleasure in all forms. Taureans tend to be very aware of the value of things, an ability which can make them skilled handlers of money and good judges of the quality of merchandise. Professions traditionally associated with the sign Taurus include banking and business, especially trade; accounting; clothing or interior design; real estate; singing; farming; and architecture.
Gemini (astrology), the third sign of the zodiac, symbolized by twins. Astrologers consider people whose birthdays fall between May 21 and June 21 to be born under the sun sign of Gemini. The planet Mercury, named after the ancient Roman messenger god, rules Gemini, which is an air sign.
According to astrologers, Geminis tend to be quick-witted, changeable, talkative, versatile, and sometimes crafty or mischievous. Geminis are known for their ability to express themselves, and are witty, clever, and often well-read. They usually have something to say about everything. Astrologers believe that typical Geminis have highly developed intellects, and that they place greater importance on learning than on emotional or practical issues. However, they consider Geminis to be so clever that they can give the impression of deep emotion or of the practicality of their desires.
Astrologers believe Geminis have the ability, and often the need, to do more than one thing at a time. Geminis are so interested in everything that they get bored easily and often cannot resist moving on to the next subject, tendencies which can make them seem shallow and fickle. Professions associated with the sign Gemini include teaching, journalism, publishing, sales, and other professions that require verbal skills and flexibility.
Cancer (astrology), the fourth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a crab. People whose birthdays occur between June 22 and July 22 are said to be born under the sun sign of Cancer. According to astrologers, the moon rules Cancer, which is a water sign.
Astrologers consider Cancerians to be nurturing, emotional, sensitive, conservative, and home-loving. Due to the sign's association with the moon, Cancerians often have widely fluctuating moods. Astrologers say Cancerians are artistic, have vivid imaginations, and have highly developed memories. Like people born under other water signs, Cancerians are thought to be much more aware of how they feel than what they think.
According to astrologers, Cancerians' ability to sense other people's needs and emotions makes them sympathetic and nurturing, and often personable and easy to get along with. They are said to place great importance on family and crave security. They often withdraw into themselves for protection. Astrologers believe typical Cancerians can have difficulty being objective, and are easily crushed by criticism. They also say that Cancerians worry too much.
Professions associated with the sign Cancer include ones related to domestic activities. These include hospitality, cooking, and catering; childcare; real estate; and writing or other jobs that require imagination.
Leo (astrology), the fifth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a lion. Astrologers believe that people whose birthdays fall from July 23 to August 22 are born under the sun sign of Leo. The sun rules Leo, which is a fire sign.
Astrologers believe that Leos have regal, self-centered, generous, and warm-hearted natures. Leos are said to be protective of people close to them, especially children and those who are weak. They also have a strong need to be the center of attention, and may be surprisingly sensitive. Astrologers think that Leos tend to be inordinately fond of praise and can be swayed by flattery. They consider Leos to be creative and dramatic. Leos also have strong organizational skills and make natural leaders.
According to astrologers, Leos love to enjoy themselves and believe that life is not worth living unless it is filled with some degree of elegance and class. Night life, games and parties, and gambling appeal to the Leo sense of the showy. Leos are said to believe they deserve the best, and often this belief attracts good things to them. The typical Leo makes bigger and bolder plans than other signs do. Even if these plans fail, Leos can usually look on the bright side, sometimes to the point of being unrealistic. Professions associated with the sign Leo include entertainment, including performing and promoting; the arts; beauty and cosmetics; speculative investing; and gambling.
Virgo (astrology), the sixth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a virgin. People whose birthdays fall from August 23 to September 22 are said to be born under the sun sign of Virgo. Virgo, an earth sign, is ruled by the planet Mercury, named after the ancient Roman messenger god.
Astrologers believe that Virgoans are practical, no-nonsense people. They like to talk and are good communicators, but prefer to put their words to practical use. Thus they are not very interested in idle conversation, and they can be shy. The typical Virgoan also has a tendency to be critical. According to astrologers, Virgoans often have a great concern for health and hygiene. They also like to be well-groomed and keep their surroundings very tidy.
Astrologers consider Virgoans to be detail-oriented, analytical, intelligent, and hard-working. They handle complex tasks with seeming effortlessness because they are flexible and good organizers. They are said to be more concerned with doing their jobs well than with personal acclaim, and as a result tend to be humble. They also can be perfectionists and worry when projects or situations do not meet their high expectations. Professions traditionally associated with the sign Virgo include nursing; jobs in the service industries; health and nutrition; secretarial or office administration; teaching; and editing.
Libra (astrology), the seventh sign of the zodiac, symbolized by scales (used for weight measurement). Astrologers consider people whose birthdays occur between September 23 and October 22 to be born under the sun sign of Libra. The planet Venus rules Libra. Libra is an air sign.
According to astrologers, Libras have diplomatic, refined, intelligent, thoughtful, warm, and social natures. Because of the sign's relationship with the planet Venus (named after the ancient Roman goddess of beauty and love), Libras tend to be romantic and crave relationships. Typical Libras, however, want an idealized meeting of the minds in an atmosphere of civility, refinement, and reasonableness. They do not place as much importance on deep emotional intimacy or physical passion. Libras also enjoy comfort and luxury.
Astrologers believe that Libras have strong senses of justice. They carefully weigh opposing sides of any issue and are keenly aware of other people's preferences. Although Libras like to take leadership roles, their need to be fair and to please everyone equally can sometimes make it difficult for them to make decisions. Typical Libras are skilled peacemakers and diplomats who desire balance and harmony in all situations and will do almost anything to avoid confrontations. Professions traditionally associated with Libra include the law, politics, the arts or design, mediation, diplomacy, and counseling.
Scorpio (astrology), the eighth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a scorpion. According to astrologers, people whose birthdays fall between October 23 and November 21 are born under the sun sign of Scorpio. The planet Pluto rules Scorpio, which is a water sign.
Astrologers consider Scorpios to be energetic, passionate, deep, intuitive, and secretive, with a great deal of self-control. They also believe that Scorpios can be willful, stubborn, and easily made jealous. Scorpios are thought to be keen observers of people, and potentially calculating and manipulative. Seeing more of people's deepest motivations than others do, they have a tendency to be cynical. They are sensitive and never forget a hurt or a slight—for the typical Scorpio, forgiveness can be difficult.
Astrologers consider Scorpio perhaps the most extreme of all signs. The intensity and focus of Scorpios gives them great ability to see a project through despite all obstacles. Their strong leadership qualities, incisive analytic abilities, energy, and desire for financial security can make them motivated career people. Many Scorpios also like to flirt with danger and push themselves and those close to them to their limits. Professions traditionally associated with Scorpio include forensics, law enforcement or detective work, the military, medicine, psychology, big business, and recycling.
Sagittarius (astrology), the ninth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by an archer. Astrologers consider people whose birthdays occur from November 22 to December 21 to be born under the sun sign of Sagittarius. Sagittarius, a fire sign, is ruled by the planet Jupiter, named after the wise ruler of the ancient Roman gods.
Astrologers believe that Sagittarians have fun-loving, friendly, philosophical, intellectual, straightforward, and expansive natures. Sagittarians are optimistic, and sometimes have a naive belief that everything will turn out fine despite any obstacles. Good luck often follows typical Sagittarians, and because whatever they need usually comes effortlessly to them, they tend to be generous and willing to share. Sagittarians also value frankness and honesty, and their comments can sometimes be blunt.
According to astrologers, typical Sagittarians dislike being confined or tied down; they seek change, especially through travel. Sagittarians require freedom of thought and ideas, but they otherwise tend to be fairly conventional and respect tradition. Professions traditionally associated with Sagittarius include higher education; law; medicine; importing and exporting, or other activities that involve foreign countries; and publishing.
Capricorn (astrology), tenth sign of the zodiac, symbolized by a goat. Astrologers believe that people whose birthdays fall between December 22 and January 19 are born under the sun sign of Capricorn. The planet Saturn rules Capricorn, which is an earth sign.
According to astrologers, Capricorns have responsible, disciplined, practical, methodical, cautious, serious, and sometimes pessimistic natures. Capricorns believe that anything worth having is worth working hard for, and they assign the highest value to things won through the hardest work. Typical Capricorns are aloof and shy, sometimes even awkward, because they stay so focused on responsibility. To them life is serious business, and they sometimes have difficulty relaxing and having fun. Because of this, Capricorns may be lonely.
Astrologers believe that Capricorns respect power, authority, structure, tradition, and old things whose value and durability are tested by time. Capricorns are ambitious, and they typically are not satisfied unless they have reached a level of power and authority. They have a deep need for security, especially financial, and often will work very hard to get rich. Professions traditionally associated with Capricorn include banking; government, big business, and other situations with power hierarchies; mining; farming; and construction.
Aquarius (astrology), the 11th sign of the zodiac, symbolized by the water-bearer. According to astrologers, people born between January 20 and February 18 are born under the sun sign of Aquarius. Aquarius, an air sign, is said to be ruled by the planet Uranus.
Astrologers consider Aquarians to be brilliant, visionary, curious, open-minded, original, independent, and eccentric. Though emotionally detached, they also tend to be friendly and social. According to astrologers, Aquarians have a highly developed sense of social equality and often are attracted to activism or progressive political organizations.
Like other air signs, Aquarians are said to be less concerned with practical and physical matters than with intellectual pursuits. They feel most comfortable in the world of ideas; they find situations that require emotional responses, such as personal relationships, to be difficult. Astrologers believe that Aquarians have lightning-fast intuitive insight and can quickly grasp abstract concepts. Professions associated with Aquarius include inventing, research, social organizing or activism, astrology, communications, computer sciences, and electronics.
Pisces (astrology), the 12th sign of the zodiac, symbolized by two fish. According to astrologers, people whose birthdays occur between February 19 and March 20 are born under the sun sign of Pisces. The planet Neptune rules Pisces, which is a water sign.
Astrologers consider Pisceans to be sensitive, emotional, sunny, impressionable, dreamy, creative, psychic, and mystical. Pisceans tend to be idealistic; sometimes the real world gets too harsh and ugly for them. To escape unpleasant realities, some Pisceans retreat into their own dreams and fantasies and become evasive, even deceitful. Others escape productively through charity work, the arts, religion, meditation, and solitude. Pisceans make good listeners, can see different sides of issues, and often have great sympathy for the suffering of others.
According to astrologers, typical Pisceans do not have great physical stamina. Pisceans can be delicate and vulnerable, especially when under emotional stress. However, they are capable of great strength, in part because they are adaptable and can maneuver around difficult situations. They also have the ability to take life as it comes. Professions associated with Pisces are music, film, dance, and other arts; charitable work; counseling; jobs involving water, chemicals, oil, or drugs; clergy; and nursing.
(BackStory) My Encounter with PawPaw (Osita Iheme)
On an ordinary day like the 7th of August, 2011, i was at the lounge of Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, waiting for my ticket number so i could get home. Then suddenly the Nigerian movie star Osita Iheme (aka PawPaw) walked into the building looking like a perfect gentleman, and far fresher than he appears in movies. So i brought out my phone and recorded a 2-seconds long video of him coming in. But
still i was not satisfied, rather i wished we were getting on the same flight when i saw him walk into Arik Air's office.
Minutes later, a message containing my ticket number came in, and i discovered it was scheduled for 5:40pm, so i was disappointed thinking i would miss him. I then decided to ask their information desk where i could print my ticket and i was directed inside their office. On getting in, i saw him standing and i thought this was my opportunity, after missing a lot of chances in the past.
Then a male staff asked me what i wanted. So i told him i wanted to print my ticket. He then said i didnt need to, i could show them the number instead. To say the truth, i really felt like punching him instantly, cause he was about to stand between me and a conversation with PawPaw. I eventually decided to go ahead and got my ticket printed.
Then i walked up to him, shook him (i think) and then said "I'm sorry, my sister is a big fan of yours, and i'd like to have your pics for her if you don't mind". Even though my younger ones were fans, i was a bigger fan, and i had to use that lie to get a picture. He then replied "Okay". Unfortunately, the picture did not show my full face but showed all of his, i then showed it to him and said "This one's not clear, can i take another one?" and he replied "No problem". After taking the second one, i then asked "How's Aki? (Chinedu Ikedieze)" and he replied "He's fine". Then i said "Say hi to him for me". Since i am a Writer, i decided to introduce myself to him. "I'm an aspiring writer, may be we'll meet in about 3 years time", and he finally replied "Okay". I then thanked him and moved out.
On getting out of the office, i didn't realise people were looking at me and admiring my courage, probably because i was putting on my NYSC cap. So a female staff stopped me and asked me for my phone so she could look at the picture. On collecting my phone, people gathered around her to look at the picture. It was then i realised they ain't got no mojo on except for me.
The only mistake i made was not making the funnyman laugh because i was probably star-strucked or nervous because all eyes were on me. I intended to say "I'm so happy to see you, if i wasnt a big boy, i could have rolled on the floor to prove it to you, but my future wife could be here". Brad Pitt would break his ribs for that line. Nevertheless, the encounter made my year.
Signed: Damouchi, 2011
still i was not satisfied, rather i wished we were getting on the same flight when i saw him walk into Arik Air's office.
Minutes later, a message containing my ticket number came in, and i discovered it was scheduled for 5:40pm, so i was disappointed thinking i would miss him. I then decided to ask their information desk where i could print my ticket and i was directed inside their office. On getting in, i saw him standing and i thought this was my opportunity, after missing a lot of chances in the past.
Then a male staff asked me what i wanted. So i told him i wanted to print my ticket. He then said i didnt need to, i could show them the number instead. To say the truth, i really felt like punching him instantly, cause he was about to stand between me and a conversation with PawPaw. I eventually decided to go ahead and got my ticket printed.
Then i walked up to him, shook him (i think) and then said "I'm sorry, my sister is a big fan of yours, and i'd like to have your pics for her if you don't mind". Even though my younger ones were fans, i was a bigger fan, and i had to use that lie to get a picture. He then replied "Okay". Unfortunately, the picture did not show my full face but showed all of his, i then showed it to him and said "This one's not clear, can i take another one?" and he replied "No problem". After taking the second one, i then asked "How's Aki? (Chinedu Ikedieze)" and he replied "He's fine". Then i said "Say hi to him for me". Since i am a Writer, i decided to introduce myself to him. "I'm an aspiring writer, may be we'll meet in about 3 years time", and he finally replied "Okay". I then thanked him and moved out.
On getting out of the office, i didn't realise people were looking at me and admiring my courage, probably because i was putting on my NYSC cap. So a female staff stopped me and asked me for my phone so she could look at the picture. On collecting my phone, people gathered around her to look at the picture. It was then i realised they ain't got no mojo on except for me.
The only mistake i made was not making the funnyman laugh because i was probably star-strucked or nervous because all eyes were on me. I intended to say "I'm so happy to see you, if i wasnt a big boy, i could have rolled on the floor to prove it to you, but my future wife could be here". Brad Pitt would break his ribs for that line. Nevertheless, the encounter made my year.
Signed: Damouchi, 2011
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