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WHAT UK NEWSPAPERS SAY - IKO NINI BWANA SEED ARCHIVE
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Credit Bank launches unsecured loans Nairobi, Thursday 4th November, 2010. Credit Bank Limited has launched its first unsecured personal loan product as it seeks to make a foray into the retail market. At the same time, the bank has also signs a memorandum of understanding with Kisii University College in a deal that will see the University staff obtain loans from Credit Bank. Speaking after the signing ceremony at the University, Credit Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Nok Bwonditi said launch of bank’s unsecured personal loan offering was an indication of the bank’s strong confidence in the local consumer market and the general economic outlook following the new constitutional dispensation. He said: “This unsecured personal loan is Credit Bank’s first personal loan product and exemplifies our commitment to being the right partner for our customers. We are now open for business and we are committed to supporting our customers. Our flexible and low rate unsecured personal loan products we have launched is part of a range of privileges Credit Bank Customers can benefit from as their financial needs change.” Kisii University College Principal Prof. John S. Akama thanked Credit Bank for the agreeing to enter into the partnership adding that the deal will make it easier for the University’s Staff to obtain cheaper loans for their personal and entrepreneurial development. “We believe it is the right time to have this kind of Memorandum of Understanding with a bank that understands the needs of the average Kenyan. Credit Bank in the last few years has come up with very innovative products, with low opening balance and account maintenance fees and very competitive service charges. As an expanding institution, we’re going to have a very fruitful relationship with Credit Bank and we believe this MOU a win-win situation for both the university and the Bank,” Prof. Akama said. Mr Bwonditi added that the new product had been warmly received by the market.
Engine drama plane lands safely
A superjumbo passenger jet flying from London to Sydney with 459 on board was forced to make an emergency landing after one of its engines shut down in mid-air. The Qantas A380 aircraft, carrying 433 passengers and 26 crew, experienced problems soon after taking off from Singapore. It was forced to dump fuel and return to Singapore's Changi Airport before making an emergency landing. No passengers or crew members were injured during the incident. According to reports, the Qantas airbus was travelling on the London-Singapore-Sydney route when one of its four engines shut down. The air company has now suspended all flights of its A380 aircraft until a thorough safety investigation has taken place. A spokesman for the Australian airline said: "A Qantas A380 aircraft operating QF32 from Singapore to Sydney experienced an engine issue soon after take off and returned to Singapore. "The aircraft had 433 passengers and 26 crew on board. In line with procedure, the pilot sought priority clearance for its return to Singapore. The aircraft landed safely at 11.45am local time." Media and eyewitness reports initially suggested that the aircraft had crashed after an explosion was heard and large amount of debris from the jetliner was found strewn over western Indonesia. Pieces of debris, believed to be fragments from the engine cover of the aircraft, were found near a shopping centre on the Indonesian island of Batam following the incident. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We can confirm that British nationals were on board the flight. There are no reports of injuries.Consular staff from the British High Commission in Singapore are at the airport and offering consular support to British nationals."
Lorry driver survives spectacular crash on motorway in China when he hits a bridge
A truck driver had a very lucky escape when the container he was pulling rose up and hit a bridge catapulting the cab into the bridge. The accident happened on a motorway near Changchun city, Jilin Province, China
US voters are feeling frustrated US President Barack Obama says he believes US voters are feeling frustrated with the pace of economic recovery, after mid-term poll losses. The Republicans captured 60 seats to take control of the House of Representatives. The Democrats clung on to the Senate despite losing seats. Republican leaders have already vowed to reverse Mr Obama's healthcare reforms and to cut spending. Mr Obama pledged to find common ground with the Republicans on key issues. No one party was now in control, he said, so it was important for Republicans and Democrats to work together to focus on jobs, security and the future, in line with the voters' message. "I'm not suggesting this will be easy," Mr Obama said. "I won't pretend that we'll be able to bridge every difference or solve every disagreement. "What is absolutely true is that without any Republican support on anything it's going to be hard to get things done." Mr Obama said he believed progress had been made but more remained to be done. "Over the last two years we've made progress, but clearly too many people haven't felt that progress yet and they told us that clearly yesterday. As president, I take responsibility for that," he said. Earlier the Republicans' John Boehner, set to become the next speaker of the House of Representatives, pledged to repeal Mr Obama's healthcare reform "monstrosity". "I believe the healthcare bill will kill jobs, ruin the best healthcare system in the world and bankrupt our country," Mr Boehner said. Mr Obama said he would listen to suggestions on the reforms. "If the Republicans have ideas for how to improve our healthcare system, if they want to suggest modifications that would deliver faster and more effective reform to a healthcare system that has been wildy expensive, I'm happy to consider some of those ideas," he said.
The election result is a stinging setback for the president, who was elected only two years ago with so much hope and so much exuberance, says the BBC's North America editor Mark Mardell. Up for election were all 435 seats in the House (the lower chamber of Congress), 37 of the 100 seats in the Senate, governorships of 37 of the 50 states and all but four state legislatures. With some counts still to be completed, projections suggested the Republicans had obtained a net gain of 60 seats in the House, more than the 54 they won in the landmark 1994 mid-terms, and the biggest exchange of seats since the Democrats won 75 in 1948. Of the Republican gains, dozens of the House seats and several Senate ones were made by candidates backed by the conservative Tea Party movement. While there will be much talk of compromise and reaching deals, many Tea Party supporters' explicit aim is to block and undo Mr Obama's agenda, our editor says. There was success for Rand Paul in Kentucky and Marco Rubio in Florida, but rising Christine O'Donnell lost her bid in Delaware. And in Nevada, in one of the most dramatic contests of the night, the Democrats' leader in the Senate, Harry Reid, fought off Tea Party challenger Sharron Angle. Mr Reid's victory sparked a delighted reaction from Senator John Kerry. "Harry Reid isn't just Dracula, he isn't just Lazarus, he's our leader and our whole caucus is thrilled that he's unbreakable and unbeatable," he said. Senate results from Washington State and Alaska have still to be called, but in another late result Democrat Michael Bennet narrowly defeated Tea Party Republican Ken Buck to win in Colorado. Republicans earlier took Senate seats from Democrats in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arkansas, North Dakota and Indiana. In Arkansas, Republican John Boozman defeated incumbent Blanche Lincoln in a historic reverse for the Democrats. Compounding the misery for Mr Obama's camp, a Republican captured the president's old Senate seat in Illinois. Mr Obama said the election outcome had demonstrated where power in the US truly lay. "Some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating, some are humbling, but every election, no matter who wins or who loses, is a reminder that power rests not in those who are elected to office but in those we choose to serve," Mr Obama said.
Experts predicts that the US Dollar may lose 20 per cent of its value in the next few days
Fed takes bold step to bolster economy
(Reuters) - The Federal Reserve on Wednesday launched a fresh effort to support a struggling U.S. economy, committing to buy $600 billion in government bonds despite concerns the program could do more harm than good. The decision takes the Fed into largely uncharted waters and is aimed at further lowering borrowing costs for consumers and businesses still suffering in the aftermath of the worst recession since the Great Depression. The U.S. central bank said it would buy about $75 billion in longer-term Treasury bonds per month through the end of June 2011 and could adjust purchases depending on the recovery. "The economy is slowly digging itself out of a deep hole," said Brian Bethune, economist at IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Massachusetts. "The Fed is making the right moves here to nudge the pace up a little..." Critics within and outside the central bank fear the Fed's policy will lead to high inflation and worry that low interest rates in the United States risk fueling asset bubbles abroad. But with the U.S. economy expanding at only a 2.0 percent annual pace in the third quarter of this year and the jobless rate seemingly stuck around 9.6 percent, the Fed had come under pressure to do more to stimulate business activity. FED WORRIED ABOUT HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, LOW INFLATION
Ruto goes to The Hague in response to ICC letter
Eldoret North Member of Parliament William Ruto is in The Hague on voluntary basis to respond to issues raised by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a letter he received a few weeks ago. The suspended Higher Education Minister left aboard an international commercial flight that checked out of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport last night. He was seen off by friends in the low-profile departure. His lawyer, Mr Katwa Kigen who was seen in Nairobi on Monday, is said to have gone ahead of him but is expected to link up with him at the headquarters of ICC, which is investigating prominent Kenyans for their role in post-election violence. The prominent Nairobi lawyer’s phone was switched off and could not, therefore, be reached. Earlier, one of his associates told The Standard: "Ruto is going to respond to issues raised in the letter he received from ICC. It is not about summons because ICC has not given out any. It is not about being a suspect. There are even provisions for witnesses to visit ICC and respond to issues put before them by the court." Another of his associates said in a separate interview: "He has a ticket and I can tell you for sure he is on the flight to The Hague... I will not discuss anything else about him." Ruto is accompanied by Belgut MP Charles Ketter and a Political Science lecturer at the University of Nairobi. - The Standard.
Bitter row with their in-laws
Nairobi, Wednesday 3rd November, 2010 - The family of a man who killed his wife and two children in the United States last month is embroiled in a bitter row with their in-laws over where they will be buried. Reports from the US indicate that relatives of Bilha Kwamboka want her remains and that of the two children interred in America, while Justus Kebabe’s family here in Kenya wants them brought back home for burial. Mr Kebabe was arrested two weeks ago for the murder his wife and their two children Ivyn Ogendi, 9 and Kinley Ogendi 12. He has since pleaded guilty to the charges in US court, and is due to be sentenced on January 14, 2011. He could face up to 76 years in prison and the earliest he can placed on parole is after 50 years. On Wednesday, a relative of Mr Kebabe Joseph Lister Nyaringo who lives in New Jersey told Capital News that there is a standoff playing out over the matter. “The man's side want the burial to be done in Kenya while the late wife's side want it done in the US,” he wrote in an email to Capital News. “The bodies were to be released to the victims’ brother for burial in the US but an injunction lodged by the other side stopped it. The determination will be on the 30th of November,” he added. Mr Kebabe’s family in Kenya had told Capital News on Sunday that they were still waiting for the bodies of their kin for burial in Kisii. Mogire Magara, the family's spokesman, said that they were waiting for those in the US to make arrangements to transport the three bodies back home. The woman and her two children were found murdered in their apartment in Vadnais Heights Minneapolis two weeks ago.
APPRECIATION
THE LATE DAVID KIMANI The entire family of the late David Kimani would like to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of our relatives, friends and well-wishers who surrounded us with their love and care during our period of bereavement. We were deeply touched by the numerous calls, visits, prayers, financial support and words of encouragement. Your acts of kindness and generosity made our burden more bearable. We thank you from the depth of our hearts.
Special thanks to the organising committee for the great work well done.
Since we may not be able to thank everyone individually, we hope that through this medium we will sufficiently relay our heartfelt appreciation. May God bless each individual in a special way.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort." 2 Corinthians 1:3
Mama Ndungu (Jackie), Baba Ndungu (Njenga) of Harlow and Jane Njeri (Mama Kevin) of Hainault.
A wildebeest calf turns the tables on a hungry lion in the Masai Mara
This series of pictures by acclaimed wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein shows a wildebeest calf turning the tables on a hungry lioness and chasing her off over a stretch of water in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Mau: Kenya PM turns heat on Ruto Prime Minister Raila Odinga is accusing suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto of using Mau restoration issue as a political fighting shield. Issuing a statement in parliament on the progress made in reclaiming the Mau complex, the premier pointed out that Ruto was himself a trustee of the settlement fund and was aware that no funds had been disbursed so far towards the purchase of land of resettlement under phase two and three accusing him of double talk. At the same time Mr Odinga said he had directed Treasury to release Sh 3billion to the Lands Ministry to begin negotiations and purchase of land to resettle the families as well as injected Sh2billion toward the water towers fund with an appeal to donors to come forth and boost the fund. Nominated MP Amina Abdallah also questioned the measures in place to ensure corruption through overpricing is nipped in the bud. However the premier pointed out the law of compulsory application was only applicable in the case of acquiring land for public use and not for resettlement. He added the government had set a threshold price of purchasing land from individuals from between 200,000 and 250,000 shillings an acre. Mosop Member of Parliament David Koech called on the government to move speedily to resettle the displaced person citing 38 persons evicted from the forest have since died sparking debate over the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The PM said so far the government has completed phase one and two of the resettlement exercise and is in the process of implementing phase three which is expected to be complete by December. He said phase four and five that will see the government move in to identify the owners of large tracts of land will begin next year. Ikolomani Legislator Bonny Khalwale sought an assurance that the government will not spare the big fish in the exercise calling for the instituting of section sec 40.6 that gives the government the free hand to seize any property acquired illegally. The premier however maintained the government is committed to restoring the 36% of the forest destroyed as a result of human encroachment to safeguard the mau which is the largest water tower in the country.
Minister Henry Kosgey summoned by Kenya Anti- Corruption Commission Nairobi, Wednesday 3rd November, 2010. Industrialization Minister Henry Kosgey was Wednesday morning summoned by Kenya Anti- Corruption Commission to record a statement in relation to the importation of vehicles older than eight years. Kosgey is accused of abusing the law that gives him powers to allow vehicles that exceed the eight year limit. The minister arrived at the commission's Integrity Centre offices shortly after 11am. The anti-graft body communication officer Nicholas Simani confirmed that Kosgey was being grilled by KACC detectives over the saga. Two weeks ago, hundreds of old cars that were being imported on claims that the Minister had cleared them, were seized at the port of Mombasa. Only Kosgey's written permission can allow the vehicles in. Kenya Revenue Authority ordered the vehicles detained because of documentation queries. Simani explained that KACA was holding 62 old vehicles at the port of Mombasa while the Kenya Revenue Authority was holding over 300 others. As per the requirement by law the vehicles are supposed to be returned to the country of origin or destroyed by the government for failing to meet the stipulated regulation. "The commission has launched investigations into the matter and appropriate recommendation would be given to the Attorney General for the next course of action," said Simani. On Wednesday, Kosgey was put to task by MPs to explain the im[ortation of vehicles exceeding the eight year limit. The Minister tabled a list of 184 average vehicles his ministry has allowed in the country since 2006. The list was rejected on grounds that the minister had omitted some information. Kenya has banned the importation of motor vehicles manufactured eight or more years before the date of importation.
Message of Appreciation & Gratitude from the Organising Committee of the Elshaddai Orphans. In May this year we requested your support for the fundraising to buy a piece of land to house the Elshaddai Orphans. You came in great numbers. The generosity of your giving resulted in our fundraising netting over 2 million shillings. To all of you together with our guests of honour please accept our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation. We are happy to inform you that we managed to buy a piece of land with an already built house-a five bedroom facility in the outskirts of Githunguri town where the children are now housed. The cost of the land is 3.7 million shillings and we have already paid the 2 million shillings you entrusted with us. We are eternally grateful to each one of you for all your help. Whatever role you played made a difference. May our God meet each one of you at your points of need-and grant you health and the peace that only he alone can give. Special gratitude to all the pastors who publicised the fundraising message to their congregations. In particular Pastors Boniface Mbugua, Mike Wanyoike and Peter Wangaruro of IWRM –who besides standing with us from planning to completion allowed us the use of their Church hall without charge. To pastor Patrick Mwaura and Isaac Kamweru for their invaluable guidance and support as committee members. To Mr Peter Karanja Njiiri (Mr Seed) for his advise and help with publicity.
We are kindly inviting you to a thanksgiving and worship service at the IWRM Church on Sunday the 7th of November 2010 promptly at 10 O’clock.
Once again to all of you we say Asanteni Sana na Mungu awabariki.
Alex Kamau, On behalf of the Organising Committee.
10 year-old gives birth in Spain
The hospital in Jerez where the 10 year old gave birth A 10 year-old girl has given birth in southern Spain and authorities are evaluating whether to let her and her family retain custody of the baby. The baby was born last week in the city of Jerez de la Frontera, said Micaela Navarro, the Andalusia region's social affairs minister. Miss Navarro said the father of the baby is also a minor, and both the mother and the baby were in good health. Her department declined to give details, including the sex of the baby, but said authorities do not consider this a case of rape and that no criminal investigation is under way. Under Spanish law, having consensual sex with someone under age 13 is classified as child abuse, an official with the Spanish Justice Ministry in Madrid said. But this particular case is complicated by the fact that the father of the baby is also a minor and it is not clear if he could be charged, the official said. Spanish newspapers said the mother is of Romanian origin. Diario de Jerez reported the girl was already pregnant when she arrived in Spain, but did not say when she came to this country. It is not clear if the father is in Spain. Medical experts warn that because young girls are still growing, they are at higher risk during pregnancy. Studies have shown that teenage girls are more likely to give birth to premature babies and their infants have a higher chance of dying by age one.
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An unfortunate mouse peers out from the gaping jaws of an African bullfrog in this extraordinary photograph. A mouse looks out from the jaws of a huge voracious African bullfrog. These carnivorous amphibians have an aggressive temper and can jump 3.5 metres. The enormous amphibians, unlike the docile frogs found in English garden ponds, are known for their aggressive nature and will attack virtually any animal that comes within reach. African bullfrogs lie in wait for their prey before suddenly lunging when they sense movement nearby, and are capable of jumping up to three and a half metres. The leviathans, which can weigh up to 2kg (4.4lbs), are native to central and southern Africa but are kept as pets around the world. Owners commonly refer to the beasts as "pixie frogs" – a reference to their Latin name, Pyxicephalus adspersus, rather than their distinctly un-pixie like size and appearance.
Zimbabwean man killed by lions while showering
A Zimbabwean was has been killed by a pride of lions while he was showering in a camp in the country's north. The man was attacked while using an outside shower at a fishing camp near Mana Pools National Park, Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwean Conservation Task Force told German news agency DPA. The area, located on the Zambesi River, is popular with hunters, most of whom stay in basic camps that offer little protection against attack by wild animals. The attack is the latest in a string of lion attacks in the area, Mr Rodrigues said. Eight villagers were killed in a spate of lion attacks over a period of about two months this year, he said. Those attacks only stopped when a pride of lions was killed. The dead man, a tourist, was named as Pete Evershed by the iAfrica website. The site said that he had been attacked by four or five lions and his wife, who witnessed the attack, could do nothing to save him. Locals have claimed that lions in the area were being lured into camps with meat by tour operators. Conservationists say the high level of wildlife poaching in Zimbabwe is robbing predators, such as lions, of food and making animals more aggressive. Baby elephant attacked by crocodile A baby elephant was saved by its herd after being caught by the trunk by a crocodile. The scene was captured by amateur photographer Johan Opperman while taking pictures of a family of African bush elephants grazing by a water hole and cooling down. Under the watchful eye of its family, the young elephant headed to the edge of the waterhole to grab a drink. However, a crocodile pounced on the youngster, hoping for a kill by locking its jaws around its trunk. Hearing the baby's distress calls, the herd of elephants scared off the reptile by trumpeting and stamping around. After the attack the herd stayed with the youngster. Once the herd decided all was well, they crossed the dam together, just metres from where the crocodile had been hiding. Mr Opperman, from Pretoria, in South Africa, captured the incredible moment while on a day trip in the country's Kruger National Park. The 38 year-old said: "The elephants were just grazing in the area, drinking water and cooling down - typical elephant behaviour. "The crocodile grabbed the baby elephant and made an attempted kill - it was hoping for a nice lunch with elephant on the menu. "From a couple of experts, I've heard that this is however very rare, and that crocodiles do not normally try to catch elephants. "When the crocodile got hold of the baby elephant, the whole herd of elephants first went crazy, running around and trumpeting, and then proceeded to come to the rescue of the baby elephant. "After it was saved, all the elephants of the herd stayed around the baby elephant for a while, making sure that it was okay. "The ones coming to the rescue were most probably female, especially the matriarch female. "I did not realise exactly what I managed to catch on film until I got to my holiday resort that night and looked through the photos on my computer. "The screen on digital cameras is not the greatest and made it hard to see the details of what was captured. "When the 'action' started, I just started clicking away in typical amateur fashion, hoping to get at least something. "It was quite a surprise to later see on the larger computer monitor that I actually managed to get one photo of the crocodile pulling on the elephant."
Australia town seeks new residents with one-dollar rent
An outback Australian town is bucking the country's cut-throat housing market by offering farmhouses for rent at one dollar (99 US cents) a week to families prepared to move to the country. The town of Trundle, with a population of about 380, is seeking people from from all over Australia to fill six homes, some of which have been vacant for years as the region suffered a long and devastating drought. But with the town enjoying its best season in a decade and wheat and cereal crops flourishing, locals have banded together to bring in new people to reinvigorate the community. "It is an idea for people to have a tree change (move to the country) and come out to the Outback of Australia," campaign spokeswoman Cherie Quade told AFP on Wednesday. "Trundle is not dying but we just wanted to avoid that slippery slope where you lose vital services and the town sort of goes in a quick spiral down hill. We are just doing what we can to preempt any disasters." The notion of ditching busy city lifestyles, beset by increasingly unaffordable housing, for a "tree-change" country life has taken hold in Australia in recent years, a counter to declining country populations. Primary school teacher Quade said the latest initiative hopes to bring 10 new families into the town some 350 kilometres (215 miles) northwest of Sydney to breathe new life into its schools. "This scheme has really invigorated everybody, everybody's really excited," she said. "The kids are getting onboard, (saying) 'Miss Quade, are there people coming to live in Trundle?'." Quade said a new family coming to the town would be "a really big deal", joking that the local children were excited because it would mean they could play with other children and "not just their cousins". "We are offering that unique country, small community spirit," she said. "Everybody knows you and says hello to you down the street -- it's that welcoming community." There is a catch though -- some of the houses have been vacant for a long time and are in need of renovation so applicants should ideally be handy with a paint brush and hammer.
Students in UK universities in England will face tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year Students in UK universities in England will face tuition fees of up to £9,000 per year from 2012 - as the government reveals its plans for higher education. The coalition's response to Lord Browne's funding review will be published on Wednesday. Universities will be able to charge £6,000 per year with a higher tier of £9,000 - nearly treble existing levels - if poorer students receive support. Student unions have warned that MPs will face a "huge backlash". Much of this rise in fees, up from the current £3,290 per year, will replace public funding withdrawn from universities in last month's spending review. It will mean that many arts and humanities courses will now depend on fee income, rather than state funding. Balancing act National Union of Students president Aaron Porter says it is unfair to "remove almost all funding for teaching in universities and force students to foot the bill". Ministers have been trying to achieve a balancing act between a sustainable funding system for universities and a political deal which will head off a Liberal Democrat backbench rebellion. Liberal Democrat MPs signed personal pledges that they would vote against any increase - and will now be presented with plans that could almost treble fees. Students have threatened to "hound" Lib Dem MPs over this promise to student voters - with Chris Huhne facing protesters in London and Vince Cable having to call off a visit to Oxford University. As such, the funding package to be announced by the Universities Minister David Willetts at 1230 GMT will be accompanied with more progressive measures, including requirements that universities charging the highest fees will have to show support for widening access to students from economically poorer backgrounds. This has prompted suggestions there will be tough talking about widening participation - but universities are not expecting to face quotas, regulations or "social engineering" in the allocation of places. Interest rates for loan repayments and earnings thresholds could also be adjusted to give more support to disadvantaged students.
'Emergency funding' Universities will have to decide whether this political deal will secure their long-term funding. Malcolm Grant, provost of University College London, has warned that spending cuts in higher education have turned the process into an "emergency funding measure". He also expressed regret at the apparent rejection of Lord Browne's proposal for universities to decide their own fees, without any fixed cap. There have also been warnings about a two-tier system emerging from the split level of fees. David Barclay, president of Oxford University Student Union, says: "A two-cap system will mean a two-tier system returning us to the dark days of some universities for the many and some universities for the few." Mr Barclay has been invited to meet Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg on Wednesday afternoon, as the coalition tries to sell the funding package. The changes in tuition fees will apply to universities in England. Scottish students studying in Scotland do not have to pay any fees. In Northern Ireland and Wales, fees are currently charged up to a maximum of £3,290.
The microscopic beauty and complexity of lifeEvery year, scientists enter images in Nikon's competition for photography on a microscopic scale. Here we show the top 20 winners from 2010
3rd place: Oliver Braubach, Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Zebrafish olfactory bulbs, (250x). Confocal Kenyans can apply for new law jobs Kenyans can apply for new law jobs. The President has set the ball on the implementation of the new constitution rolling by publishing a gazette notice on vacancies in the Commission for the Implementation of the New Constitution. This comes barely a week after the cabinet approved a Sh3.5 billion shilling budget for the process. Applicants are expected to submit their certificates and testimonials within 14 days of the notice to the Public Service Commission. According to the advert, the chairperson of the nine- member Commission should be a person qualified to hold the office of Judge of the Supreme Court under the constitution while commissioners should be Kenyan citizens and degree holders from a recognized institution. Qualified members of public can apply individually while organizations can forward applicants' names to the PSC, which will in turn gazette their names. The PSC will subsequently convene a committee to shortlist and interview the candidates, from which three possible candidates for the chairperson position and eighteen for commissioner positions will be shortlisted and forwarded to the President and the Prime Minister. Together they will pick one candidate for chairperson and eight candidates for commissioners. The list will then be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration for the chairperson and members of the CIC. The commission duties include monitoring, facilitating and overseeing development of legislation and administrative procedures required to implement the constitution, coordinating with the Attorney General and Kenya Law Reform Commission to prepare legislation to be tabled in parliament, as well as work with each constitutional commission to ensure the spirit of the constitution is respected. It will regularly report to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee on its progress in implementing the constitution, and any impediments arising in the process.
Nude cleaning agency launched by hard-up Czech students
A nude cleaning agency has been set up by a group of Czech students who lost their temp jobs during the credit crunch. The Crazy Cleaners business in the Czech Republic charges £150 per hour for its services, which include a choice of operatives in their underwear, topless - or full frontal. Economics student Katka Kopecka explained: 'We needed to find work and couldn't find it so we thought of this.' 'Nobody likes cleaning and everyone likes to look at a good body,' added the 21-year-old, an alumnus of Charles University in Prague. Don't go presuming the agency offers cleaning services by ladies only, by the way - the firm currently has a mixture of 15 male and female students on its books. And it's emphatically not sexual in tone, as our friend Katka pointed out: 'Quite often the people asking for our services are busy business people who want to relax. 'Watching someone clean your house in underwear is a nice way for them to relax. 'But this is not a prostitution service, it's just a cleaning service.' NEVER SEEN BEFORE
Joint declaration on immigration at UK-France summit Home Office, 02 November 2010 Today the French and British governments have confirmed their commitment to work closely together to stop illegal migration and tackle abuse of the asylum system. The UK and France have announced new measures to build on this cooperation by sharing more information, increasing return flights and tackling organised immigration crime networks. The two countries have vowed to work together to tackle illegal immigration before it even starts, by working with countries outside Europe to educate people about the reality of being in a country illegally. Damian Green, the Minister for Immigration, said: 'We continue to work closely with France to stop illegal migration. 'Already, our officers work together every day at the joint intelligence unit in Folkestone and the joint operation centre in Calais, to identify and disrupt organised immigration crime and trafficking activity. 'As a result of this activity, over 80 arrests for immigration offences have been made in the UK and France, and many illegal entrants have been prevented from entering the UK. 'We are determined to build on these early successes by further strengthening our common border and undertaking more joint operations to tackle illegal immigration networks who exploit vulnerable people.' Antony Wachira Nganga and Jacinta Njoroge Pre-Wedding
Pre-Wedding of Antony Wachira Nganga and Jacinta Wambui Njoroge on Saturday 6th November 2010. Venue: Manor Park Community Centre, Manor Park, 524 High Street North, London E12 6QX. For more information please contact Antony 07502359358 or Jacinta 07507116034 email tonydream006@yahoo.com, or jaccydream07@yahoo.com
Kirima saga: Court bars eviction of junior brother A judge on Tuesday blocked seven children of ailing city tycoon Gerishon Kirima from evicting their step-brother from his upmarket residence. Mr Justice Mbogholi Msagha barred Bishop Jane Gathoni, Ms Wanjau Kirima, Ms Anne Wangari, Ms Margaret Wanjiru, Mr Stephen Kirima and Mr James Njuguna (defendants) from kicking out Mr Samuel Ndei Kirima from his Lavington home in Nairobi. Mr Justice Msagha directed Muthangari OCS to ensure compliance with the court order. The judge certified as urgent the case filed by lawyer Wilfred Nyamu who is representing Mr Kirima’s third wife Teresia Wairimu in a legal tusssle over the control of the tycoon’s Sh750 million estate. “I certify this case urgent and block the seven defendants from interfering with the suit premises pending hearing and determination of this case,” ruled the judge. Children from Kirima’s first two wives have engaged their step-mother Wairimu, who is the only surviving wife of the 80-year-old businessman in a legal battle over the control of his vast estate. On Tuesday, Mr Nyamu told the judge that on September 3, the children and their step-mother entered into an agreement on how to manage the estate.
Ms Alice Njeri Nduma, daughter of ailing businessman Gerishon Kirima, outside the High Court on Tuesday. The court blocked the eviction of her brother, Mr Samuel Ndei, from his Lavington home in Nairobi.
Mr Njuguna and Ms Wangari were allowed to manage the former Starehe MP’s estate. “The step-children have taken advantage of the situation created by the Consent Orders and have engaged in unlawful acts including attempts to kick out Mrs Kirima from her matrimonial home,” lawyer Nyamu said. He added that the children had invaded their step-mother’s slaughterhouse business at Njiru, Nairobi. The lawyer further told the judge that some of the children, with the help of Administration Police officers, forcefully removed Mr Kirima from his Kitisuru residence and took him to Nairobi Hospital before flying him to Britain. Ms Wairimu has been pleading with the children in vain to allow her to travel to see her husband in the UK where he is alleged to be staying with one of his daughters married to a Briton. The judge heard the step brothers and sisters of Mr Ndei on Monday attempted to kick him out of his Lavington home where he has been staying with his wife and three children. The judge directed Mr Nyamu to serve the defendants with the suit papers. – Daily Nation.
Man installs Boeing 747-400 in his spare bedroom
An aviation fan is set to ‘fly’ around the world in seven days – without leaving his front door. John Davis will fly over the Alpine mountains, cross the Atlantic Ocean and navigate his way over the sand dunes of the Sahara, in his very own flight simulator. What started as a flight of fancy has turned into a hobby of jumbo proportions after the 50-year-old built an £18,000 Boeing 747-400 simulator in his spare bedroom. ‘I’ve always been interested in planes and I dreamt of becoming a pilot from a very young age – but I was never any good at maths, so this is the next best thing,’ said Mr Davis, from Coventry. He and eight ‘crew’ plan to fly around the world to raise money for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
New eruption could be looming in Iceland, experts warn
New eruption could be looming in Iceland, experts warn. An Icelandic volcano has shown signs it could be about to burst into life, just months after an eruption from another volcano caused Europe's biggest air shutdown since World War II, experts said Monday 1st November, 2010. "The water levels have tripled in (the river) Gigja since last night," water measurement specialist Gunnar Sigurdsson of the Icelandic Meteorological Institute told AFP. The water flooding into the Gigja, on the Vatnajoekull glacier in eastern Iceland, comes from an icy lake in the crater of the Grimsvoetn volcano. Due to increased thermal temperatures, the lake and surrounding glacier area has melted, filling the crater to a point where it has spilled over and caused a so-called river-run, which in turn could easily set off an eruption. "When a river-run occurs, the pressure, in this case, in Grimsvotn, decreases, and with less pressure, there is a chance of an eruption from the volcano," Thorunn Skaftadottir, a geophysicist also with the Icelandic Meteorological Institute told AFP. "This is not guaranteed," she pointed out, since an eruption "can only happen if the volcano has collected enough magma." In 2004, a similar flood from the Grimsvoetn lake was closely followed by an eruption from what is considered Iceland's most active volcano. Sigurdsson said an eruption was unlikely to occur "until the water levels in Gigja have reached a maximum. "I don't know when we can expect the levels to reach their highest point, but I suspect it will be in a few days," he said. Over the past 48 hours, the Meteorological Institute has also registered strong seismic activity in the area, and three moderate earth quakes ranging from 2.7 to 4.0 on the Richter scale. Icelandic authorities were however unable Monday to say whether an eruption at Grimsvotn would hit air traffic as hard as in April when the Eyjafjoell volcano erupted, dispersing a massive cloud of ash which affected more than 100,000 flights and eight million passengers. "It is near impossible to say if Grimsvotn erupts whether it will have an affect on air traffic at all," said Keflavik Airport spokeswoman Hjordis Gudmundsdottir, pointing out it would depend if the volcano spewed lava or ash. "If it is an ash eruption, then it would affect air traffic, but only if it is a strong eruption with ash clouds reaching significant heights," she said, adding "it will also depend on wind, so at this point it is hard to guess." Skaftadottir meanwhile said that any eruption from Grimsvotn would be an ash eruption. "However, the scale of the eruption will be much smaller than the Eyjafjoell eruption and I do not think it would have the same effect on air travel as Eyjafjoell did," she said.
A MAASAI PROVERB Oi emunyak oloota ilehorueta. Blessed is he who has friends.
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Andû matiûî mûrata nûû; moigaga andû arîa moî atî nî arata; mûrata wama nî kindu kîa goro tondû arîaga nawe, akanyua nawe na akuaga nawe. No andû aingî metaga andû arîa moî arata na tiguo." - A Kenyan elder in London. (Many people does not understand what a friend is. They confuse friends with the people they know. A friend is a precious thing - he eat with you, drinks with you and dies with you).
Natural WorldJust how does the cuckoo trick other birds into accepting its eggs and raising its young? New photography is combined with the latest scientific findings to solve this puzzle. (R) -- VIDEO Kiplagat finally exits from TJRC Nairobi, Tuesday 2nd November, 2010 - The besieged chairman of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission Bethuel Kiplagat has finally bowed to public pressure and quit. Capital News confirmed that Mr Kiplagat got an audience with President Mwai Kibaki on Tuesday morning and handed in his resignation letter. It was understood that he had no intention of calling a press conference to announce his decision "after being hounded by the media." Amb Kiplagat kept everyone guessing on Monday after speculation mounted that he had decided to quit the TJRC after months of clinging onto the post. Last Friday, the Chief Justice appointed a tribunal to investigate his conduct after a petition was sent by his fellow commissioners. Amb Kiplagat has been facing mounting public pressure to resign from fellow commissioners, the civil society and the public after questions were raised about his ability to lead the TJRC since he was in government when a number of atrocities that the commission is supposed to investigate were committed. Among the issues that the public want cleared include the Wagalla massacre of 1984, and the circumstances surrounding the death of one-time Cabinet Minister Robert Ouko. Amb Kiplagat was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when Dr Ouko was killed. AFRICA THIS WEEK
A woman in Buipe in northern Ghana on Wednesday wades through floodwaters that have displaced 25,000 people following two weeks of heavy rain. Houses remain submerged, with the waters still rising and on right They turned out elsewhere in Kampala in force to cheer on FDC leader Kizza Besigye as he was cleared to run in next year’s presidential election, along with seven other candidates, including incumbent Yoweri Museveni (right), pictured on Saturday.
===============ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT ================== Pastor JJ Gitahi coming to UK
Pastor JJ Gitahi will arrive UK on 26th October, don't miss his informative seminars especially for Couples/Adults coming up!!!! Pastor JJ is a renowned and outspoken servant of GOD. He has clinched a niche in the vast multi-faceted field of spiritual and social circles thereby becoming a well and respected marriage and family therapist, general counsellor and accompanished Gospel Artist. He will be holding various Family and Marriage Seminars in East and West London, Luton Coventry, Reading , Swindon, Oxford, Nottingham and Scotland .Details of the venues to be confirmed. Pastors in these areas who would like to host Pastor JJ are requested to call and make the arrangements: Tel 07986416210. MARRIAGE SUCCESS SEMINAR WITH PASTOR JJ A reknown and most shout after Family and Marriage Therapist in East Africa. Senior Pastor - Priesthood Fellowship, Crusader, broadcaster and Conference speaker. Welcome to informative marriage counselling, teachings and revival from 29th,30th and 31st at: 888888888888888888888 ==================== 8888888888888888888 SOUTH LONDON AND SURROUNDINGS 29TH, 30TH AND 31ST OCTOBER 2010
Host Pastor : Pastor Jesse CRYSTAL PALACE SPORTS CENTRE SOUTH LONDON, SE19 2BB 29th ( Friday) From 6pm to 10pm. LISTEN TO THE WORD OF THE WISE 30.TH 3pm to 7pm COUPLES AND PROSPECTVES DAY 31st FAMILIES - From 4pm to 8pm 888888888888888888888 ==================== 8888888888888888888 LUTON AND MILTON KEYNES SURROUNDINGS 5TH, 6TH AND 7TH NOV. 2010
WORD OF WISDOM WITH PASTOR JJ Host Pastor STEVE and Pastor ANN of JESUS CELEBRATION MINISTRIES 888888888888888888888 ==================== 8888888888888888888
Contact : 07956823406 or 07986416210 - Email: jjgitahipastor@yahoo.com
===============ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT ==================
A family in Kisii whose daughter and her two children were murdered in the US Nairobi, Monday 1st November, 2010. A family in Kisii whose daughter and her two children were murdered in the US two weeks ago is still waiting for their bodies to be repatriated for burial in Kenya. Mogire Magara, the family's spokesman, told Capital News that they were waiting for their in-laws to make arrangements to transport the three bodies back home. Bilha Kwamboka, 32, and her two children Ivyn Ogendi, 9, and Kinley Ogendi, 12, were found murdered in their apartment in Vadnais Heights Minneapolis. Her husband Justus Kebabe confessed to killing them and he now faces up to 76 years in a US prison. He is due to be convicted on January 14. At their ancestral home in Nyaribari Chache, Ms Kwamboka's family said they had met with Mr Kebabe's family and agreed that the latter would arrange transportation and burial of the deceased. However, Mr Magara said there was no timeframe indicated when the bodies will be brought home. "We had sat down and deliberated over the issue and the agreement we had is that the in-laws should fast track the repatriation of the bodies," he said.
BLACK MEN HAS GOT PROBLEMS? This video will shock South African people....VIDEO
Michael Karanja’s Medical Fund Drive The organising committee, family and friends cordially invite you to fund drive in support for Mr. Michael Muigai Karanja (a.k.a. “Wakiri”). Mr. Karanja has been undergoing medical treatment at the Radcliffe Hospitals for well over 2 years now. His on-going health problems were not anticipated and come on the heels of difficult financial situation. This will be held on Saturday 6th November 2010 from 6.30pm at Ridgefield Community Centre, Oxford OX4 3BY.
Master of Ceremony will be:
Mr. Nyaa Githendu
Guests of honour will be:
Mr. James Karanja – Nairobi Uncle – Oxford Bruce – Coventry Beatrice – Coventry Nelly – Oxford Bertha Karanja – Wantage Njoroge Wamary & Mogi -Oxford Owen – Deadworth
You can also send your contribution to the following account: Miss R. W. Mwangi Nationwide bank SC 07-44-56 ACC. 29451054 Your presence, support, prayers and contribution will be highly appreciated. God bless you all
New updates from Housing Finance of Kenya Contact us at propertypoint@housing.co.ke CLICK HERE FOR THE PROPERTY LISTINGS
CLICK HERE FOR THE PROPERTY LISTINGS Have you heard of the Tatu City - said to be the largest housing project in Africa?
Welcome to Tatu City, The future of modern Kenya.This is a trail blazing enterprise the like of which has never been seen on the African continent. Tatu City is a dynamic, mixed-use environment that will be home to 62 000 residents who will live, work and play within this community and it will host 23 000 visitors every single day. The growth potential and spending power of Tatu City represents an unprecedented investment opportunity for Kenyans. What distinguishes Tatu City from all previous developments is the degree of planning that has gone into its creation. The quality and professionalism of the companies involved is of the highest standard. This is an investment guaranteed to deliver inestimable returns for investors and for Kenya.
BackgroundNairobi, the largest multicultural city in Kenya, has a population of over three million people. It lies between Kampala and Mombasa, close to the Rift Valley. To the east are the Ngong hills, to the north Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro to the south-east. The Masai Mara and Amboselli game reserves are within easy reach. Nairobi's airport, Jomo Kenyatta International, is the largest and busiest in East and Central Africa - with over 49 airlines servicing the Kenyan market. The Eastern Bypass highway, currently under construction, will link the airport to Tatu City. But with the rapid growth of the recent decades Nairobi has suffered the effects of unconstrained urbanization. The city fathers are now faced with one of two challenges:
The answer is simple: Create Tatu City - www.tatucity.com
PASTOR JJ HAMMERING THE POINT HOME ON SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE IN SEMINAR IN SOUTH EAST LONDON
Proverbs 18:17 - The first to speak in court sounds right until the cross-examination begins. Don't conclude your life basing on what people have said about you just wait until cross-examination begins; stop building up a case against yourself. Some of you have become your own arresting officer, investigating officer, the prosecutor, the judge and the executors in your own case (you hate yourself you demean yourself, you commit suicide) you are not what people say please wait ,just pause take a breath, there is another word wait for it when cross-examination begins.
The Home Secretary has announced a security crackdown The Home Secretary has announced a security crackdown in the wake of the cargo plane terror plot, including the banning of printer cartridges in hand luggage from midnight. Speaking in the House of Commons, Teresa May also said the suspension of flights containing unaccompanied air freight to this country from Yemen and Somalia will be extended from 12am. Mrs May told MPs the suspension is a "precautionary measure" based on "possible contact between al Qaeda in Yemen and terrorist groups in Somalia, as well as concern about airport security in Mogadishu". Toner cartridges larger than 500g larger than 500g (17.6oz) will be banned from hand luggage on flights departing from the UK. They will also be banned from cargo flights unless they originate from a regular shipper with security arrangements approved by the Department for Transport, the Home Secretary added. A tip-off from a leading al Qaeda militant who surrended to Saudi Arabia led to the discovery of a bomb hidden in computer printer cartridges on a cargo plane in the UK, according to Yemeni security officials. Jabir Jubran al Fayfi told officials about the parcel bomb plot in the Arabian Peninsula, the terror group's affiliate in Yemen. US officials said an alert from Saudi Arabia led to the interception of the two explosive devices. The Government's emergency Cobra committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, has met to decide how to respond to the discovery of the bombs. Explosive devices sent from Yemen were found on a UPS cargo plane at East Midlands airport and at a FedEx facility in Dubai on Friday. Yemen has said it would immediately introduce "exceptional" security measures and thoroughly inspect all cargo shipments. The announcement was made after it emerged one of the explosive parcels had been carried on passenger aircraft before its discovery. Qatar Airlines confirmed the parcel bomb discovered in Dubai was transported on two separate passenger jets before being found by security staff. The device was loaded onto a plane in Yemen which then flew to Qatar. There, it was transferred to a different passenger aircraft heading to Dubai. It contained PETN, the same powerful explosive material that was discovered in a device disguised as an ink cartridge at East Midlands Airport.
Jabir Jubran al Fayfi allegedly tipped off officials after surrendering in Saudi Arabia
One of the bombs contained 300g of PETN and the other contained 400g. Both devices which were in packages addressed to synagogues in the US city of Chicago. UK police have defended their actions after the device found at East Midlands airport was at first declared "safe" before being re-examined as a "precaution". There have been reports that the bomb could have caused a Lockerbie-style tragedy over Britain. The Prime Minister said of the device in the UK: "We believe that the device was designed to go off on the aeroplane. We cannot be sure about the timing, when that was meant to take place." Mr Cameron added: "There is no early evidence it was designed to take place over British soil, but of course we cannot rule that out." PETN is almost undetectable and there are fears that al Qaeda bombs are becoming too sophisticated for airport X-ray machines to spot. The Cobra talks were thought to cover screening of air freight and whether there needs to be tighter security for cargo flights. Following the latest alert, air travellers face no let-up in stringent checks despite calls last week from airline bosses that existing security procedures such as shoe and laptop checks should be scrapped. A huge anti-terror investigation is focusing on Saudi-born bomb-maker Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri as the prime suspect for making the bombs. He is also believed to have been responsible for making the device involved in the failed Christmas Day bomb plot over Detroit last year which also contained PETN. Al-Asiri is the brother of a suicide bomber killed in an attempt using the same explosive to kill Saudi counter-terrorism chief Prince Mohammed bin Nayef last year. In 2001, PETN was used by Briton Richard Reid in an attempt to detonate a bomb hidden in one of his shoes while in a plane flying from Paris to Miami. Also under suspicion in the latest plot is Anwar Al-Awlaki, who was born in America but who is now understood to be a senior al Qaeda leader in Yemen.
Smiling woman stabbed MP Stephen Timms over Iraq war
A woman stabbed a London MP twice in the stomach in revenge for him voting for the war in Iraq, the Old Bailey heard on Monday 1st November, 2010. Muslim Roshonara Choudhry, 21, smiled before she plunged the knife into Stephen Timms, who thought she was about to shake his hand at a meeting in east London. Choudhry, of East Ham, is charged with attempted murder but refuses to recognise the court. She has instructed her legal team not to attempt to seek a not guilty verdict. Mr Timms told how the woman, dressed in black, had booked an appointment at his weekly Friday afternoon surgery in the Beckton Globe community centre. “I was sitting and I rose to greet her,” he told the court. “At that point I thought she must have been coming to shake my hand. She looked friendly and was smiling,” said the Labour MP for East Ham and a former Treasury minister. “Then she lunged at me with her right hand and it struck me here (pointing to the left of the middle of his stomach). I think I knew I had been stabbed although I didn't feel it at the time. I cannot actually recall seeing the knife.” The court heard that Mr Timms, 54, cried out “what are you doing?” but Choudhry remained silent. The MP went on: “She stabbed me twice and I retreated although I was still not absolutely certain I had been stabbed. I retreated to the gents', lifted up my jumper and saw a lot of blood.” Mr Timms was taken to the Royal London Hospital for emergency surgery and has now recovered to retake his seat in the Commons. Choudhry, of East Ham, has insisted on not entering the court and is receiving legal aid.
London, Monday 1st November, 2010. Three suspected poachers have been killed in two separate incidents in Isiolo and Tsavo in the last one week. In the latest incident, Kenya Wildlife Service rangers Sunday night gunned down a suspect in a fierce exchange of fire on the outskirts of Meru National Park in the expansive Isiolo County. KWS in a statement said a major operation is underway to arrest more suspects who escaped after the incident. Four firearms have been recovered and five elephants killed in both incidents. The organizations communications manager Paul Udoto said the suspects are believed to have sustained injuries from the shoot-out. He said Two AK 47 rifles and 30 rounds of ammunition were recovered at Moliti area, 10 km from Kinna Trading Centre in Garbatulla District, Isiolo County. The suspects had shot dead an elephant at 6pm and were in the process of hacking off the tusks using axes when the KWS rangers ambushed them. One KWS ranger was injured in the right shoulder during the shoot-out and evacuated to Maua Methodist Hospital where he is undergoing treatment. Plans are however being made to airlift the injured ranger to Nairobi for specialised treatment. Meanwhile, a suspected poacher who was arrested over the weekend after his two of his five accomplices were killed is being interrogated in Voi. Three others are still on the run. KWS rangers engaged the suspected poachers in a shoot-out in Galana ADC Ranch, and killed two of them on Tuesday. They recovered two pieces of ivory buried in the sand. The suspects were found with five more pieces. The suspect in custody was arrested on Saturday in Ngao area of Garsen District with a G 3 rifle.
The Airport Taxes has gone up in UK as from Monday 1st November, 2010 from £198 to £222 up £24. That means airfare is going up everywhere
AT EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS, FRANCE
Seen at Eiffel Towers, in Paris, France on Saturday 30th October 2010 is on left Master Solomon Kagika and her cousin Miss Margaret Njiiri (Daughter Seed) where they had visited Margaret's friend in Paris Miss Judy Ndumia - right photo. MORE
Miss USA scoops the 60th Miss World title
November 1, 2010 - The 60th Miss world was crowned last Saturday in Sanya, China. The glamorous event saw 120 contestants from all over the world take part in the annual event that has been celebrated for the past 60 years. The beauties entertained the crowd to a choreographed dance of the world where someone from a certain country dances in the middle (a dance style from their country). “Dances of the world” it was called and it was quite amazing I must say. When it came to various awards… Miss world 2010 Beach body went to Miss Puerto Rico. Miss world 2010 Beauty with a purpose where it’s the norm that the winner gets USD10,000 to support the cause even further went something like: *Third place- Miss El Salvador who is involved in building houses for disadvantaged in her country *Second place - Miss Ghana who works with an organization that deals with cruelty to children. She has travelled all over Ghana, writes articles, visits the children who are affected and educates people via the media. *First place went to our very own Miss Kenya (Natasha Metto) with her eradicating jigger campaign. She looked nothing short of regal as she stood there receiving her award. She wore the I'm-proud-of-myself look on her beautiful face… Natasha Metto did not only win the beauty with a purpose prize but made it to the top 25 finalists. The other 24 beauties were from Venezuela, Paraguay, St. Lucia, Netherlands, Southern Ireland, Canada, France, Bahamas, Colombia, Russia, Thailand, South Africa, Mongolia, French Polynesia, Scotland, Namibia, Italy, United States, Germany, China PR and Botswana. From the 25 contestants, the list was further reduced to the top 7 who came down to Miss Venezuela, Botswana, USA, Ireland, China, Italy, and Miss Norway. From there, the contestant who would accumulate the highest points would become the winner. This was determined by a 30 seconds speech on “what Miss World means to you.” Each of the 7 contestants had a chance to give their views. Finally the winners were announced … At third place was Miss Venezuela (Adriana Vasini), at second place was Miss Botswana (Emma Wareus) and the first place went to Miss USA (Alexandria Mills) who hails from a small town in Kentucky US. The outgoing Miss world who is from Gibraltar said that she is happy to have had the crown for a year and with it came beautiful things as she got to work with several organizations for various causes aimed at helping people and helping to make the world a better place. Well, the best girl won…VIDEO
NOT SEEN BEFORE
"Good morning sir, this is north pole, how did you come hear?"
Solar panels to be mandatory in buildings Nairobi, Kenya, Oct 29- The country will soon have legislation that will require all new buildings to install solar heating panels. Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Director General Kaburu Mwirichia said the regulation was one of the provisions they were formulating to boost the use of renewable energy in the country. “We published those regulations for public comments and we have received views from different stakeholders which we are now consolidating. Once we are through, which is in the next one month or so we shall send them to the Energy Minister so that once they are gazetted they can become law,” he said. The mounting of the panels is one of the requirements in the proposed building code, which will force households or commercial enterprises that use a lot of hot water to fit solar systems for their energy needs. The government has in the last few years come up with various measures designed to promote green energy across the country which would in turn cushion Kenyans against the high energy costs. Eng Mwirichia said the solar heating policy was just one of the many laws such as the Petroleum Contracts and Tariff Approval and the electricity licensing regulations which were at different stages of development and which would be forwarded to the Energy Minister for gazettement. The regulator has already recommended the enactment of laws such as the Energy (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations of 2009 whose objective is to enhance the consumption of LPG by improving accessibility and competitiveness of cooking gas through the introduction of a unified valve for the cylinders. The DG spoke when the commission was awarded the ISO certification in recognition of its service delivery where Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi pledged government’s support to the regulator to enable it carry out its mandate effectively. Mr Murungi said the award would enhance the agency’s professionalism in the energy sector which was critical to the achievement of Vision 2030 goals. “It is my belief that ERC’s statutory mandate that includes tariff setting and review, licensing, enforcement of standards, dispute settlement and approval of power purchase and network agreements will be delivered in a more efficient and effective manner,” the minister said. He called upon other State corporations to emulate the energy commission in improving their quality management systems so that they can be more transparent and efficient in their business operations. - CapitalFM
Kikwete favourite to win as Tanzania votes
Voters in Tanzania are going to the polls to elect the East African country's president and parliament. President Jakaya Kikwete, who has been credited with boosting the nation's economy, is seen by many as a favourite to secure his second and final term. His main opponents are Willibrod Slaa, a former priest, and university professor Ibrahim Lipumba, who say the government has failed to tackle widespread poverty. Voters are also electing 239 lawmakers. More than 19 million people were eligible to cast their ballots when the polls opened at 0700 local time (0400 GMT). A total of 18 political parties are competing, with seven candidates vying for the presidency. President Kikweke, of the governing CCM party, was elected with more than 80% of the vote in 2005 and is now expecting to win again. On Saturday, thousands of his supporters danced and cheered during a rally in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam. Mr Kikweke promises to reduce poverty, improve health, education and transport, says the BBC's Josphat Makori in Dar es Salaam. But Mr Kikweke's critics accuse his government of not living up to similar pledges during his first term. More than 50% of Tanzanians still live below the poverty line, according to the IMF. On Sunday, voters in the Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar - which enjoys a degree of autonomy from Tanzania - will also be going to the polls. They will be electing their leaders for the first time since a power-sharing deal was struck between Zanzibar's two main political parties. The agreement was aimed at bringing to an end the violence that erupted during Zanzibar's polls in 2000 and 2005.
One of the two bombs posted from Yemen last week was transported on two passenger planes before being seized in Dubai, Qatar Airways says. The device was carried on a Qatar Airbus A320 from Yemen's capital Sanaa to Doha, the company told the BBC. There it was transferred onto another Qatar Airways aircraft to Dubai, where it was seized by police. The bomb contained the explosive, PETN, which is difficult to detect using normal airport security screening. A second device was found at East Midlands Airport in the UK. Both bombs were hidden inside printer toner cartridges. Until now it had been thought that both devices had been transported using cargo planes. The US freight firms, UPS and FedEx, had been used to post the devices, which were addressed to synagogues in the US city of Chicago. The British authorities says the bomb seized in central England was believed to have been designed to go off in mid-air. Qatar Airways was unable to confirm which type of passenger plane was used to fly the device on from Doha to Dubai, but said it would have been an A320, A321 or Boeing 777. The firm also runs one freight-only flight a week from Sanaa to Doha. "Qatar Airways can confirm that a recent courier consignment was carried aboard one of its aircraft from Sanaa to Dubai, via Doha International Airport," said a statement on the airline's website. "The carrier stated that, as per Chicago Convention, it is not the responsibility of the country in which the cargo transits to x-ray or inspect the cargo. This responsibility belongs to the country from where the consignment originates. "Furthermore, the explosives discovered were of a sophisticated nature whereby they could not be detected by x-ray screening or trained sniffer dogs. The explosives were only discovered after an intelligence tip off."
'Same bomber' US officials have said the Saudi-born bomb-maker, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, is the prime suspect for constructing the devices. He is believed to be one of the leading figures in al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a regional offshoot of the militant network, and the organiser of a suicide attack by his brother last year on the Saudi intelligence chief, Prince Mohammed Bin Nayif. The prince survived the attack, in which PETN was also used. The US top anti-terrorism official, John Brennan, said officials also believed the same person had constructed the printer bombs and the underpants bomb used in the failed attempt to blow up an airliner over the US on Christmas Day last year. AQAP said it was behind the latter. "He's a very dangerous individual - clearly somebody who has a fair amount of training and experience. We need to find him and bring him to justice as soon as we can." He also said the US and its allies could not assume that there were no other packages out there. "So what we are trying to do right no is to work with our partners overseas to identify all packages that left Yemen recently, and to see whether or not there are any other suspicious packages out there that may contain these [Improvised Explosive Devices]." "We need to make sure that we get to the bottom of this, and understand who is behind it and what else we may be facing." US officials were re-examining the unexplained crash of a UPS cargo plane in Dubai in September to see if anything could be learnt, he added. However, the UAE later said investigators from its civil aviation authority had concluded that there was no "presence of acoustic evidence or any forensic signature supporting the detonation of an explosive device".
Security forces in the Yemeni capital Sanaa have been on the alert since an apparent cargo plane bomb plot by Yemeni-based militants was intercepted
Suspect questioned The Yemeni authorities are questioning a student who is alleged to have posted the devices, and whose mobile phone number was reportedly left with the offices. She has been named by human rights groups as Hanan al-Samawi, 22. The authorities initially described her as a medical student, but later reports said she was studying computer engineering at the University of Sanaa and had no known links to Islamist militants. "Her acquaintances tell me that she is a quiet student and there was no knowledge of her having involvement in any religious or political groups," her lawyer, Abdel Rahman Burman, told the Reuters news agency. "I'm concerned the girl is a victim because it doesn't make sense that the person who would do this kind of operation would leave a picture of their ID and their phone number."
KIKUYU PROVERB Muhandi tiwe murii He who plants is not he who eats. Man proposes, God disposes. Cheers! Lebanon Raises Glass To World Record
Lebanon has claimed the record for the world's biggest wine glass, which can hold an incredible one hundred bottles. The giant vessel was unveiled at a wine festival in Beirut and officially declared a champion by Guinness World Records. Measuring 1.51 metres in height and 1.46 metres at its widest point, it holds enough to give anyone a hangover. Adjudicator Elizabeth Smith confirmed the record saying: "I'm here from London and I'm very proud to announce that Vinifest and Eventions, and Lebanon have created a new Guinness world record for the largest wine glass." Organisers of the event celebrated the record by filling the glass with a mixture of local red, white and rose. Producers from across the country had donated their produce as part of a bid to promote Lebanese wine. The new wine glass snatches the title from Portugal, who held the previous record for 12 years. Lebanon has been on a drive to celebrate its culinary expertise recently, also producing the world's biggest bowl of hummus and the biggest servings of kibbeh and tabbouleh.
Embrace technology to improve way of life
The National Geographic documentary Mega Cities has an episode that features vehicular and human traffic in London. London is the most “watched” city in the world, with thousands of close circuit security cameras in place. Further, these cameras, working together with sensors on the roads, monitor traffic and redirect vehicles to less congested roads as traffic builds up. Nairobi City Clerk Philip Kisia is most welcome to my copy of the DVD, to address the various city woes. But before I lend it, my point is that technology is now an integral facet of our every working moment. The loss of life at the Gor Mahia versus AFC Leopards match last Saturday could have been avoided if any one of the so called football managers and their cronies in the stadia board could have bothered to follow the interest generated on the social networks, in particular Facebook. For weeks, football fans had been using Facebook to hype, psyche and taunt each other and only a visitor from Mars would have been taken by surprise by the number of fans who turned up for the match on that fateful Saturday. The big turnout was not unexpected. It was therefore embarrassing that some official said that the sheer numbers were surprising. Huh? Was he from Mars? The social networks were abuzz with everything Gor Mahia. The hype went viral long before the tickets were printed. At least Ticket Master (involved in ticket sales) were aware enough to print 25,000 tickets (maximum recommended capacity of the stadium). But did they communicate this to the stadium management that the tickets had sold out? And that some crowd problem should be expected? Just how “with it” are the managers of Kenyan football today? May be I am asking for too much, but haven’t they noticed that the ground has shifted? The game and the passion that comes with it has taken on a new life, thanks to technology. Virtual fan groups are taking the game to another level and the officials have to move with the times. Even after the tragedy, it took Facebook updates and text messages for relatives to find out about the fate of their loved ones. What’s the point of technology if we cannot use it to improve our lives?
Down to earth President Jakaya Kikwete By Dr. Abdi Greek On 1st October 2009 I took BA flight to Nairobi and thanks that I was lucky to be upgraded to Business section. Incidentally on this section there was very very important passenger who was travelling via Nairobi to his country. This Important visitor just happened to have returned from trans Atlantic flight from the New York where he met the most powerful man on Earth President Obama. He was accompanied by his bodyguard and 3 other officials. He was humble and engaged in conversation with his fellow passengers. If it was a Kenyan official travelling you will have had the whole plane condoned and extravaganza in place and a no go area declared . This Important Passenger Was none other than His Excellency President Jakaya Kikwete of the Republic of Tanzania. I was lucky to have had the opportunity to talk to him and was very impressed by his civility. I reminded him that I happen to go to the same medical school with his current Minister for defence who is also a future potential President of Tanzania Hon. Hussein Mwinyi. Tanzania goes to poll and will continue to teach Kenya that we don't need to be man eat man society. I will pray for President Jakaya Kikwete to be re-elected and lead Tanzania to prosperity.
Pawtraits of canines on camera
The debate between cat lovers and dog lovers may never be resolved but no matter what side of the argument you are on, these photos can’t fail to raise a few eyebrows. It’s not every day you see a poodle who looks like a sandy coloured lion complete with mane. Then again it’s pretty unusual to see a dog which looks like a long-haired sheep with dreadlocks. Not forgetting Alan, a poodle who goes by the alter ego Afterglow Sugar Daddy on the dog show circuit. These pets are just a few of the canines which feature in a book by Tim Flach, called Dogs. The book also offers snapshots of trivia. Apparently a dalmatian’s spots actually signify one of the breed’s less favourable genetic traits that leads to a degree of deafness in 30 per cent of them. And did you know that the labradoodle, a cross between a labrador and a poodle, was bred in 1989 to mix a poodle’s low-shedding coat with the ‘trainability’ of a Labrador? You do now. Dogs, published by Abrams, is on sale for £30.
Proverbs 18:17 ` the first to speak in court sounds right until the cross-examination begins - don't conclude your life basing on what people have said about you just wait until cross-examination begins ;stop building up a case against yourself .Some of you have become your own arresting officer ,investigating officer ,the prosecutor ,the judge and the executors in your own case (you hate yourself you demean yourself, you commit suicide) you are not what people say please wait ,just pause take a breath ,there is another word wait for it when cross-examination begins.
The microscopic beauty and complexity of lifeEvery year, scientists enter images in Nikon's competition for photography on a microscopic scale. Here we show the top 20 winners from 2010
2nd place: Dr Hideo Otsuna, University of Utah Medical Center, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. 5-day old zebrafish head, (20x).
Bristol and Kenya's Olympic partnership continuesRECENTLY-PUBLISHED photographs showed the extent of progress being made in London and the other venue sites ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. But, away from the national media glare, another hive of activity is going on behind the scenes here in Bristol in readiness for the Games. Bristol may not be a venue for the sporting events themselves in two years – but the city will be hosting the entire Kenyan Olympic squad in the run-up to the Games. The Kenyans finished 13th overall in the medal table at the Beijing Olympics two years ago – with their 37-strong athletics team winning 14 medals – and are again likely to dominate the middle and long-distance events in London. They will be launching their bid for glory from Bristol, using the accommodation facilities at the University of the West of England and the recently-completed track at Filton College – which will be opened as Kip Keino Athletics Stadium by the Olympic legend himself next week. The track was sanctioned after Bristol City Council agreed to stump up approximately £500,000 for its construction. And the collaboration between the various local authorities and governing bodies regarding this project is perhaps an indication of what can be achieved in the area if people are willing to work in unison. Bob Reeves, chairman of the Bristol Kenya Partnership and a key figure at the University of Bristol, said: "One of the real benefits of this partnership is to get different bodies in the area working together. "There is no doubt that the catalyst for getting these facilities began with Filton College being prepared to put the money down for a training track. But we wouldn't have got it upgraded to the fantastic facility it is now had it not been for Bristol City Council. "Simon Cook, the deputy leader of the council, realised Bristol had to come up trumps to help deliver what was needed by the Kenyans in 2012."The city council put up around £500,000 to turn the training track into a full competition facility – but this has been a collaborative effort between the college, the city council and South Gloucestershire Council. More of this collaboration between different parties is needed in Bristol." Reeves was the driving force behind the initial link-up between Bristol and Kenya after taking various university sports teams to east Africa over the years and falling in love with the country. He added: "I had been taking sports teams and, in particular, rugby teams out to Kenya for 15 years on an almost annual basis. When London got the Olympic Games, people started talking about getting cities in England involved with the competing countries. "I happened to have the chance to meet Kip Keino, one of the greatest athletes of all-time and the president of the Kenyan Olympic Committee, and we had a very positive meeting about the Olympics. We tried to think outside the box, instead of just coming up with something as straightforward as the Kenyan team coming to Bristol before the Games. We said that should merely be a catalyst to do lots of other worthwhile things. "To have a country of Kenya's international athletic standing coming to Bristol for a pre-Games camp would be great in itself. But we are also doing a lot of other things – the new track here and the good work some of our schools are doing over in Kenya, for example – that make this about much more than a few athletes staying in Bristol before the Olympics." Keino will lead a delegation of influential Kenyans to Bristol next Monday and Tuesday, when the details of their pre-Games camp and accompanying contractual obligations will be confirmed. In addition to attending various meetings one of the headlines of Keino's visit will be the opening of the new stadium at Filton. The facilities will open with a primary schools athletics event – and Reeves is keen to stress the track will go on to be used by local athletes for years to come. "There are two reasons why Bristol has never done particularly well in athletics," said Reeves. "One is that the various different clubs have never really worked together – there has never been a city-wide club where all the best athletes have got together. "But the other reason is that we haven't had good enough facilities. Not only will this track address the second issue, hopefully it can go some way to solving the first, with the various clubs working in unison."
Dogs with horns?
This pair of Doberman Pinschers are having their ears 'trained' to stick up by bandaging them to posts. That's the way American Doberman breeders have traditionally liked them to look – and to achieve this look, the ears are cropped (trimmed) and set in the upright position for a month or so. American Doberman owners will also have their dogs tails docked too. This means their tails are cut right back shortly after birth.
Car in Melbourne flies into bedroom
A car in Melbourne, Australia, crashed into the bedroom of a suburban house leaving the owner thanking his lucky stars that he was in another room using his computer, just before the vehicle burst onto the scene. In many ways, Demitrios Bisbelis owes his existence to insomnia - he left his bedroom to surf the internet because he couldn’t sleep. He said: 'My bed's been disintegrated. It's completely shattered. I'm sure I wouldn't have made it had I been in bed at that time.' According to police, the car became airborne and smashed into Mr Bisbelis’s bed after it hit a curb. The driver and passenger in the car escaped with minor injuries and have been questioned by the authorities.
Stunning Shots Capture in Wild Britain
The winners of the 2010 British Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced. The winning photograph, Herring Gull In Wave, taken by Steve Young, shows a familiar bird in its conventional setting, but the visual impact is extraordinary. Competition judge Greg Armfield, from WWF, said: "This is a unique and striking image. One that captures perfectly the power, chaos and intensity of the ocean as it surrounds the majestic gull."
Schools establish strong links with Africa ahead of sporting arrivalTHE Kenyan Olympic team's arrival in Bristol ahead of the London 2012 Games may be the best part of two years away – but two local schools have already established strong links with the east African country. Pupils and staff from Kingsfield School, Kingswood, embarked on a two-week expedition to Kenya during the summer, while Ashton Park School, Bower Ashton, has been involved with the Inspirations School in Kenya since 2003. Kingsfield's recent trip saw their party camp at two schools – Ntugi Day Secondary School and Kalalu Secondary School – as well as three game parks in the Great Rift Valley. Initial contact was made through pen-pals and Kingsfield were able to send out some old computers, only to discover at a later stage that there was no electricity in Kalalu. A quick fund-raising drive yielded the $300 equivalent needed and the power was connected just before their arrival. They also arrived with 200kg of sports equipment. Assistant head Mike Kendrick, who led the party, was insistent, however, that assistance provided to their friends in Kenya should be largely sustainable rather than one-off donations. He said: "Kenyan children know that education is the way forward – but only two or three out of a family of six children can go to school. As a westerner, you think you can throw money at a problem, but of course it doesn't work. "It's the best thing I've done in 25 years of teaching. It was humbling and inspiring at the same time. We were told that we would learn more from the Kenyans than they would from us and it was so very true." Kingsfield is now looking forward to a visit from the headteacher of Kalalu Secondary in 2011. Ashton Park, meanwhile, has raised about £35,000 for building projects since linking up with the Inspirations School seven years ago – with more than 50 students visiting Kenya in that time. Within the last month, a four-strong party from Inspirations School has visited Ashton Park, with teachers Swaleh Mchafuwo and Tumaini Hassani, school governor Fidelis Munyao and community worker Mpelly Kipkemboi all coming to Bristol. Next summer will see the third Ashton Park expedition to Kenya in successive years – by which point Inspirations will cater for 480 pupils. In 2004, the school roll was just 48. Inspirations governor Munyao said: "Thanks to the money raised by Ashton Park and their hard work when they visit, we have more than enough classrooms now. But there is a need for a community centre in Timbwani village, with accommodation for orphans leaving school with nowhere to live." Ashton Park plans to raise £18,000 toward the cost, while individuals at the school also currently sponsor up to 20 pupils at Inspirations School. Any other schools in the Bristol area interested in forging a partnership with a school in Kenya can attend a meeting at Holland House Hotel, Redcliffe Hill, at 5pm on Monday, November 1. Representatives from Kenya will be there to answer questions and provide an insight to the kind of partnerships Bristol-based schools can build.
Young Kenyan rapper aims to conquer US music scene
Though not much is known of her back at home in Kenya, US-based Kenyan rapper Jedidah continues to draw attention. Also popularly referred to as ‘Gengegal’, her music prowess has been closely linked to other Kenyan artistes who occasionally visit America for shows. Speaking to Review recently from the US, Jedidah hinted at her intentions to advance her musical career in her new adopted home. “I can assure my fans back home that though I may be away, I still keep tabs with them in terms of collaborations,” she said. Jedidah’s Wape Ngoma, a track produced by Minneapolis-based Kenyan hip-hop producer Ricky “R Deezy” Oyaro, is getting good attention both in Kenya and in the US, earning her several nominations in the Msanii Awards in Kansas City, Missouri. Earlier this year, Jedidah curtain-raised for Wahu in Kansas City during Wahu’s US tour. The part time student and professional make-up artist also performed alongside Tanzania’s Professor Jay during his tour of the US earlier this year. In the Kenyan music circles, Jedidah is not a newcomer. She began her career in 2005 when she met Clemo of Calif records and cut the record Hazi ya Msee. To most of her fans, this was a female’s lyrical rebuttal to the popular song Under 18 by Jimwat. Similarly, in 2007, while still in Kenya, she was nominated in the Chaguo La Teeniez awards for best up-coming artist. To her fans, the success of Under 18 gave way to a collaboration with Jua Cali in his single Hehe off the Ngeli ya Genge album. However, she made her breakthrough in 2007 when, after moving to the US, she met her producer, Jojo, of Kilimanjaro Records, who seconded her to producer Ricky Oyaro of Snowtown Entertainment. As Jedidah recalls, “It has been through working with Ricky that I have been able to produce Wape Ngoma.”
Similarly, speaking to Review recently, Oyaro pointed out how he had been inspired by working with Jedidah and how the new song was doing well. “Most of the mid-west clubs in the US with African music audiences have been playing the song,” he said. Notably, the song was recorded at the famed Flyte Time Studios in Minnesota. As Oyaro also pointed out, the studio was previously owned by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who produced hits for superstars like Janet Jackson, Prince, Usher, and Boyz II Men, among others. “Working with Ricky and Jojo is like a dream come true. They totally embraced me as an artist and sister and pointed me in the right direction,” Jedidah says. Ricky has also collaborated in productions with other US-based producers like Trey Songz, Souljah Boy, Aleisa Nicole and Arab. “Wape Ngoma has broken the culture and language barriers in clubs featuring African music,” Oyaro said. Jedidah, who is this weekend in New Jersey, USA, said she has a major show lined up for November 20 in Kansas City dubbed “Diaspora Sisters”, where she will team up with fellow US-based Kenyan singer Cheptaab. “We are hoping to give African music fans all the best during the show,” Jedidah added. She looks forward to recording with Kenyan-based Burundian musician Kidum. “I have lately been listening to his songs and they have been very inspiring.” – Sunday Nation.
Germany blocks air freight traffic from Yemen
BERLIN Sunday Germany will no longer accept air freight from Yemen, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere announced today after parcel bombs from the country were found on US-bound cargo flights. “The federal government assures that from now no freight coming from Yemen will arrive in Germany,” the minister said. France’s civil aviation authority announced earlier that it had suspended air freight from Yemen in the wake of the interception of two parcel bombs in Dubai and Britain. Belgium called for “greater vigilance” of flights between Yemen and the United States. Meanwhile, the same person constructed the Yemen parcel bombs and the device worn by the “underwear” bomber who botched an attack over Detroit on Christmas Day 2009, the US counter-terrorism chief said Sunday. “I think that the indications are right now based on forensic analysis that the individual responsible for putting these devices together is the same,” John Brennan told ABC’s “This Week” news program. Authorities have said two parcels discovered on cargo planes in Dubai and central England late Thursday after a tip-off from Saudi Arabia contained explosives and were intended to bring the aircraft down. Britain’s Sunday Telegraph newspaper and The Washington Post said investigators were focusing on a Saudi Al-Qaeda explosives expert based in Yemen, 28-year-old Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri. Pictured left is the home of one of the suspects Hanan al-Samawi, who was arrested the previous day.(AFP) – Sunday Nation.
ALL THE WAY FROM AFGHAN
In motion: Afghan hound Goscia is captured striding past the camera.
The Prime Minister claimed victory in his bid to limit the rise for 2011 The Prime Minister claimed victory in his bid to limit the rise for 2011 to 2.9%, despite previously saying he wanted to freeze or cut the budget. He said he had managed to sign up 12 other heads of government to a letter rejecting a proposal for the budget to rise by almost 6%. At a press conference at the end of the European Council gathering in Brussels, Mr Cameron said the 6% proposal was "dead". "The 2011 budget was not on the agenda for this Council," he said. "We put it on the agenda, we persuaded other countries to reject that 6% increase. Britain has made a real difference." A 2.9% increase is expected to see Britain's contribution to the EU budget grow by about £400 million a year. Tory right-winger Lord Tebbit has described Mr Cameron's agreement to the rise as a "Vichy-style" betrayal. But the Prime Minister maintained that he had gained support for a position that would save UK taxpayers money. He said: "Three days ago, there was little focus on the EU budget and the need to protect our taxpayers. Britain has helped to put that vital issue on the agenda. "Just as at home we inherited finances that were a complete mess, so too in Brussels we have inherited a budget deal completely out of touch with the situation we face across Europe. I believe that as a result of Britain's intervention the spotlight has now shifted to reining in the excesses of the EU budget. "But I'm absolutely clear that Britain's national interest and our highest priority in Europe must lie in protecting British taxpayers from reckless spending in Europe. At a time when we are making painful decisions at home to put our economy back on track I will not allow Brussels to derail us."
A BENEFITS cheat who ripped off nearly £50,000has got 106 YEARS to pay it back.
Lee-Anne Jennings, 42, was ordered to settle her debt at just £9 a week Lee-Anne Jennings, 42, the mother of three raked in the cash over five years by not telling authorities her husband had moved back in with her. Her scam was rumbled after Department for Work and Pensions investigators received an anonymous tip-off. They found that a car outside Jennings's house in Southampton was registered to husband Roy - who took home £300 a week as a lorry driver and later worked for ship repairers. Jennings claimed income support legally after Roy left her in 2000, Southampton Crown Court was told. But she did not own up when they were reconciled four years later. Jennings was given an 18-week suspended sentence and ordered to do 150 hours community service. She admitted failing to notify a change in circumstances. Her lawyer Kate Fortescue said Roy Jennings was a womaniser who preferred independence to supporting his family.
Barack Obama has warned that the terror threat Barack Obama has warned that the terror threat posed by packages found on cargo flights in Britain's East Midlands Airport and Dubai was "credible" amid a major security alert in US cities. The US president said the packages, which originated in Yemen, had both contained explosive material and the targets appeared to be two synagogues in Chicago. Mr Obama said he would be seeking greater "co-operation" with the state in order to tackle the activities of an al Qaida offshoot, and urged the public to be "vigilant". Authorities are investigating a package containing explosive materials intercepted in Dubai on its way from Yemen and another package in Britain. US officials say they are increasingly confident that the packages were part of a plot by Yemen's al Qaida branch. Speaking in the White House, Mr Obama said: "I want to briefly update the American people on a credible terrorist threat against our country and the action that we have taken with our partners to respond to it. "Our intelligence and law enforcement professionals working with our friends and allies identified two suspicious packages bound for the US - specifically, two places of Jewish worship in Chicago. "Those packages have been located in Dubai and East Midlands Airport in the UK. "Initial examination of those packages has determined that they do apparently contain explosive material." The president's comment seemingly contradicts earlier suggestions that the package found in Britain did not contain explosives.
This ink toner cartridge was said to be the "suspicious" item found at the East Midlands airport's cargo centre. It reportedly had wires attached to it Don't ignore the warning signs of stressIt can lead to other health problems
Stressed? Aren't we all
We all get stressed at one time! Between work, family obligations and money worries, it may all feel too overwhelming sometimes. Of course, there is good stress and bad stress. The first one can motivate you to become more productive. The second kind, the type that makes you lose sleep, can actually be bad for your mental and physical health. Here's a handy guide to help you assess whether you're stressed, how serious your stress is, and how to deal with it. Stress warning signsOf course, different people deal with stress in different ways, but here is a list of mental and physical symptoms to help you understand if you're stressed. The mental symptoms may involve you being:
The physical symptoms may involve:
Having just a few of these symptoms may indicate that you are stressed, and you should address the issue.
How stress worksWhen you are in a stressful situation, your body releases the hormones cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, and these go on to cause the physical symptoms of stress. You may start sweating, and your blood pressure and heart rate may rise. This, in turn, may undermine your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness, as well as lead your body to release fat and sugar into your blood stream, which may lead you to gain weight. As stress raises your blood pressure, if you are stressed in the long term, you can develop high blood pressure, which in turn can increase your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. Dr Chris Steele's advice on how to cope with stressA simple coping strategy involves the word STRESS: Share your worries, swallow your pride, and admit and talk to someone about your worries (It's good to talk). A problem shared is a problem halved! Take stock of your life. Are you living the life you really want to live? Remember, this is the only chance you've got! It's not a dress rehearsal! Do what you want to do. It's your life! Relax. Get a hobby. Haven't you always fancied doing this or that? Well, do it! A hobby can be totally absorbing and therefore rewarding and relaxing! Exercise. Basically, you should walk at least 30 minutes each day, that's 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back non-stop! Say no! Do not take on extra work. Tell them you won't do it. Think of you, your health and your family! Shop at a pet store! You'd be surprised at the amount of medical research which shows that having a cat, dog or pet in the family has reduced stress levels! If you feel that you are suffering from stress, see you GP, but do not accept long term tranquilliser prescriptions. Ask for help from a psychologist, stress counsellor, relaxation therapist, qualified hypnotherapist or even alternative therapist. If these do not work, you must go back to your GP for professional guidance.
Councillor Kangethe homecoming on Saturday
Councillor Elizabeth Kangethe left UK for Kenya last week where she was met at the airport by hundreds of friends and families. It was her first trip to Kenya since her election as a councillor in London in May this year. While in Kenya the councillor has met with several ministers and dignitaries and have been interviewed by several media houses. The climax of her visit will be a big homecoming party at her father's residence in Ngewa, Kwa Michael, Githunguri, Kiambu on Saturday 30th October, 2010. - VIDEO
LUO PROVERB Tin ok en fuwo. Youth is not stupidity or ignorance. Even a young person may have something to teach an older person. No one person has the monopoly of the wisdom/knowledge.
Pastor Mike and family leaving for Kenya
The Pastors, leaders and the members of Interdenominational World Revival Ministry (I.W.R.M) wish to extend their invitation to you for a farewell party for Pastor Mike Wanyoike and his family who are relocating to Kenya. God has called the Man of God to the work of an Evangelist which is part of I.W.R.M mission’s outreach. Pastor Mike's family have been a blessing to our church, the body of Christ and the Kenyan community in U.K. Please join us as we bid this family farewell and be a blessing to them in Jesus' Name. Date & Time: Saturday, 27th November 2010 at 5.00pm Venue: Revival House, 500 High Street North, Manor Park, London, E12 6QN For more information please contact: Pastor Mike-07960690684, Pastor Boniface-07826854898. Pastor Gad-07984410236, Pastor Wangaruro-07940105578, Sis Stella-07944951907.
The microscopic beauty and complexity of lifeEvery year, scientists enter images in Nikon's competition for photography on a microscopic scale. Here we show the top 20 winners from 2010
13th place: James Nicholson, NOAA NOS NCCOS Coral Culture and Collaborative Research Facility, Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Orange Fungia (mushroom coral), live specimen, (166x). Fluorescence
CJ sets up tribunal to probe KiplagatChief Justice Evan Gicheru has finally set up a tribunal to investigate the Chairman of the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission Bethuel Kiplagat. The commission’s secretary Patricia Nyaundi said they had been reliably informed of the development, and were now awaiting formal communication. ‘Yes, I can confirm that we have been told of the appointment, even though the Chief Justice has not named the individuals to sit on the tribunal,” she told Capital News when reached on telephone on Friday evening. The appointment appears to give a lifeline to the TJRC, which was issued with a 72-hour ultimatum by the parliamentary committee on Justice and Legal Affairs “to sort out its credibility issues or face disbandment.” The committee’s chairman Ababu Namwamba had said Parliament was unhappy with the never ending hurdles at the critical commission adding that a new team would be announced if the current TJRC was dissolved. The commission however argued that the conditions set by the MPs were unreasonable as the credibility and funding crises required the government’s intervention. Commissioner Margaret Shava on Thursday pointed out that the truth commission had already played its part by asking for the Chief Justice and Finance Ministry’s help which had not been forthcoming, so far. “According to our Act, where the question of the removal from office of the chairperson or a Commissioner arises, the Chief Justice shall appoint a tribunal consisting of a chairperson and two other members selected by the CJ from among persons who hold or have held office as judges of the High Court. So the powers rest with him,” she said. Mr Kiplagat has been adamant that he would not step aside and instead demanded the appointment of a tribunal to probe his conduct against accusations while serving in the Moi regime.
Man shoots himself in knee while sleepwalking Police say Sandford Rothman, an American chap who woke up to 'a bang' and realised he'd incurred a gunshot wound to his knee, is likely to have shot himself while sleepwalking. The 63-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, told investigators that he had no clear recollection of the incident, which happened when he was alone in his house. According to police, Rothman keeps a 9 mm handgun near his bed and takes prescription medication for pain, but no alcohol or illegal drugs played a role in the shooting.
4 ministers and 45 officers being investigated Nairobi, Friday 29th October, 2010. The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) is investigating four Cabinet Ministers and 45 senior government officials over corruption. Speaking at Strathmore University on Friday when he closed a two day workshop on integrity, KACC Director Prof. Patrick Lumumba said investigations into various scandals had began and soon heads will start rolling. The KACC boss however, declined to name those facing the investigations."We are investigating very senior public officials whose names we can't disclose at this stage, but in the fullness of time we will," Dr Lumumba said. "We are investigating not less than four Cabinet Ministers and no less 45 senior heads of parastatals. The announcement comes two days after Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula and his Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi quit the cabinet over the controversial procurement, disposal and construction of properties in Kenya Foreign missions in Japan, Nigeria, Belgium and Pakistan. On Thursday, KACC Spokesman Nicholas Simani revealed that new investigations into Anglo leasing type of contracts and Goldenberg are targeting money stashed in foreign accounts. He said that KACC believes that about 15 billion shillings is banked in foreign accounts. The anti - graft czar has written to three foreign governments seeking their assistance in tracing the billions held abroad by Kenyan corruption suspects. The letters were sent to the United States government, Swiss authorities and UK's Serious Fraud Office. The two scandals and Triton oil company fiasco are among the several unresolved issues. Meanwhile, Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi now claims that members of the back-bench in parliament have ganged up to witch hunt ministers. Answering questions from Journalists on whether he supports new efforts to fight corruption, Kiraitu said the war on graft is being used to settle political scores. He said it was wrong for ministers to be forced to step aside before they are formally charged in court with corruption. The minister said Wetangula ought to have stayed put and the matter referred to the agency charged with the responsibility to fight corruption. An angry Kiraitu wondered why KACC was reviving cases that had earlier been investigated by the commission and settled. The Anglo leasing and Triton oil ghosts might be returning to haunt the energy minister. Nonini and Matonya for Luton Saturday 30th October, 2010 This Saturday the 30th Oct from 6pm to 6am Tripple Em are proud to host Nonini and Matonya on there last tour concert in the UK. There will be plenty of nyama choma, fish, Mukimo, Ugali, kachumbari, soup and plenty of Tuskers to quench your thirst.Its going to be a proper home away from home feel with local Dj's, Dj Double T and DJ Cymoh playing your favourite local music all night long. Entrance is £10 before midnight and £15 afterwards. Don't hear about it, be about it!!! It will be big don’t Miss out!!! Address is Roman Way Pub, 93 Tomlinson Avenue, LU4 0QL, Luton. In case of any queries contact myself on 07946044096 or Joe on 07540845930/07960609644.
Bishop Muya for Northampton this weekend
This weekend Bishop Muya will be having a 3-day conference in Northampton on Friday 29th October, 2010 to Sunday 31st October, 2010 at Freedom House Ministry in Northampton. On Sunday 7th November, 2010 he will be preaching at CCBC Swahili Service, Greatfield Temple, King Edward Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 7TR. Photos above of Bishop Samuel Muya preaching were taken by Mr. Njehu at Christian Life Ministry (CLM) Church in Coventry on Sunday 24th October, 2010. His contact in UK is 07556113850 or samuelmuya2003@yahoo.com.
The 1st Screening of An African Answer in UK
CLICK HERE FOR FULL INFORMATION Friday 12th of November will be the first public screening of the film in the UK. It will be at Friends House in Euston from 6.30 pm. The Kenyan High Commission has been invited. Deputy KHC highly recommended your website for publicising this event at a meeting that Imad Karam one of the producers had with him. Your website is highly regarded by a lot of people we’ve been in contact with. Thank you for your vision and enabling a point of reference for Kenyans and other communities who gain value from it. An African Answer is filmed in Kenya and is about grassroots peace initiatives work that followed on from the political agreement in the post elections violence. It captures the peace work of two internationally renowned religious leaders from Nigeria, Pastor James Wuye and Imam Mohammed Ashafa, and depicts a dramatic bid by them to bring healing and reconciliation in Uasin Gishu district following the post-election violence. An African Answer is produced by For the Love of Tomorrow Films (FLTfilms), the film-making division of UK charity Initiatives of Change. It follows an earlier, award-winning film about the two men, The Imam and the Pastor, shot in Nigeria and narrated by Rageh Omaar. This depicted the astonishing reconciliation between the former enemies, showing that it is possible for perpetrators of inter-religious violence to become instigators of peace. A photo gallery of an African Answer is available at the Initiatives of Change website: http://www.uk.iofc.org/an-african-answer DVD: an African Answer is available on DVD from FLT films at £15.99 (free p&p)
We are very grateful for your support and thanks for connecting me to the Kenya Film club. Look forward to seeing you at the RSA event on Tuesday the 9th of November. - CLICK HERE FOR FULL INFORMATION
Welfare bills in UK will rise as a result of the government's housing cuts Welfare bills in UK will rise as a result of the government's housing cuts, the National Housing Federation has warned. It says increasing rents by up to 80% of the market rate to pay for new homes will mean more tenants having to rely on housing benefit to pay them. Reforms include a £400-a-week cap for the largest homes which critics say will force people out of big cities. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has been criticised for saying he would not allow "Kosovo-style social cleansing". The National Housing Federation's chief executive David Orr says the welfare bill will rise as rents rise. "The government will have to pay out more in housing benefit, or impose further caps," he says. "After two or three years, people will say this is unacceptable. The whole policy has not been thought through." The federation says even if tenants moving into new social homes got a job, their earning would disappear in high rent repayments.The new rents, therefore, would act as a "powerful disincentive" to work, it adds. Earlier, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson sparked a row over the reforms by saying he would not allow "Kosovo-style social cleansing" "on his watch". Business Secretary Vince Cable accused him of using "inflammatory language", while Mr Johnson later said his remarks had been taken out of context. Several London-based MPs have attacked the proposed new caps, due to come into effect in April and their likely impact on the poorest people living in the capital. Mr Johnson, who faces re-election in 2012, told BBC London on Thursday: "The last thing we want to have in our city is a situation such as Paris where the less well-off are pushed out to the suburbs. "I'll emphatically resist any attempt to recreate a London where the rich and poor cannot live together.
HOUSING BENEFIT CAP
"We will not see and we will not accept any kind of Kosovo-style social cleansing of London. "On my watch, you are not going to see thousands of families evicted from the place where they have been living and have put down roots." A number of coalition MPs, many representing London constituencies, have concerns about the cap and have called for a rethink on this and other plans such as the 10% proposed cut in housing benefit for people on jobseeker's allowance for more than a year from 2013 onwards. Earlier this week Labour's Chris Bryant talked about people "being socially engineered and sociologically cleansed out of London" - a remark criticised by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg as deeply offensive to people who had witnessed ethnic cleansing in other parts of the world. Lib-Dem business minister Ed Davey called on both Mr Johnson and Mr Bryant to withdraw their comments. "I think Chris (Bryant) and Boris Johnson should apologise," he told BBC One's Question Time. "The language they are using is appalling. It's scaremongering and their analysis is completely wrong. We should have a grown up and adult debate." Asked about the prime minister's reaction, No 10 said he "does not agree with what Boris Johnson has said or indeed the way he said it". Mr Johnson's office later issued a statement saying he had been "quoted out of context" and was confident that negotiations would result in the reforms being introduced with "minimal problems" for London. Ministers have mounted robust defence of the proposals, arguing that the housing benefit bill had got out of control under Labour and people would still be able to claim a maximum of £21,000 a year. According to government figures, 21,000 people will be affected by new caps on the amount families can claim for five, four, three, two and one-bed room properties across the UK including 17,000 in London, the majority of whom are out of work. Housing minister Grant Shapps acknowledged "some people" may have to move as a result but insisted there would be plenty of other properties in their area that would still be affordable under the new conditions. But Labour has warned that the changes will be "devastating" for hard-working families on low incomes both in and outside London.
KENYA AMONG THE TOP EXHIBITORS IN LONDON
Kenya vegetable and flower farmers were among the top exhibitors at the World World Fruit and Vegetable Show in London this week. The exhibition took place at ExCel Centre, Docklands in East London as from 25th to 29th October, 2010. Bishop Samuel Muya of Talents Revival Ministries Nakuru currently in London was caught at the exhibition on Thursday 28th October, 2010. The next World Fruit & Vegetable Show will take place on in London next year as from 17-17 November, 2011. For more information please visit www.freshproducers.co.uk/
"If you don't want a monkey's tail to touch you, you shouldn't be at a monkey dance." - The Wisdom of Africa, Ghana
Kenyan minister of lands in New York
The Minister for Lands James Orengo is in New York to attend the International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) meeting dubbed Complementarity after Kampala: The Way Forward. The three-day meeting to be held in Long Island, in the American City, is a follow-up of the Review Conference in Kampala in May this year in which a Resolution of the Assembly of States Parties said it recognized their primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes of international concern. The Kampala meeting attended by Ministers Orengo and Mutula Kilonzo, and the Attorney General Amos Wako had put special emphasis on "the Principle of Complementarity and Obligations as laid down in the Rome Statute". The Rome Statute urges national systems to play a stronger role in ensuring accountability for those most responsible for committing offenses and filling the impunity gap that currently exists in dealing with international crimes. The Resolution from Kampala encouraged the Court, State Parties and other stakeholders, including international organizations and Civil Society to further explore ways in which to enhance the capacity of national jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute serious crimes of international concern. The proposed outcome of the meeting will involve a document with strategies to advance the concept of complementarity in the coming years, including devising forums for ongoing dialogue on these topics. The meeting will be attended by the President of the Assembly of States Parties and the President of the International Centre for Transitional Justice Mr. David Tolbert.
OVERHEARD BY MR. SEED: "Biashara imwe unaungihura no muhaka ikahara - Kirabu nduka ya ndemwa ithatu (Bar), Mbathi (bus), matatu kana Rori (lorries)" - Kenyan elder, speaking in London. (Some businesses never last for long and they soon run bankrupt - this include a pub, bus, matatu and lorry busses).
Criticism mounts as Mau evictees waste away in transitional camps
A camp in Kuresoi District where hundreds of evictees from South Western Mau are staying after leaving the forest. The camps are said to be in a deplorable condition with the cold weather and persistent heavy rains making their condition even worse. One year since illegal settlers were kicked out of South West Mau to pave the way for the forest rehabilitation, criticism is mounting over their continued stay in transitional camps. A politician is accusing the government of neglecting the evictees. The 4,985 families are wasting away in nine transitional camps in Kuresoi and Bureti districts. Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot named the camps as Kurbanya, Kipkongor, Tarta, Tirigoi, Kong’asis, Kipkoris, Kusumek, Kiletien and Cheptalukiat. Three other camps in Konoin Division of Bureti District play host to about 10,000 evictees. Mr Cheruiyot said the families were living in abject poverty with many going to sleep on empty stomachs on a daily basis. And their camps are in a deplorable condition with the cold weather and persistent heavy rains making their condition even worse. He blamed 37 deaths reported in the camps on disease, lack of food and poor medical services. - Daily Nation.
"Determination, with an optimistic attitude, is the key factor for success." The Little Book of Wisdom
British Airways in first profit for two years British Airways (BA) has reported a half-year profit of £158m ($252m), its first in two years, as the company prepares to merge with Iberia of Spain. The stronger-than-expected results come despite the impact of cabin crew strikes and the Icelandic ash cloud. Meanwhile, Iberia has reported a nine-month profit of 53m euros (£46m; $74m). Separately, it has emerged that BA boss Willie Walsh and other executives will receive substantial pay rises after the two airlines merge. Analysts had been expecting a profit figure for BA of about £75m - half of what the airline actually made. Revenues were up 8.4% to £4.4bn, thanks to a particularly strong 39% rise in cargo revenues, according to the airlines official release. Costs were cut by 1.5%. The company said that cost control was something that it continued to focus on.
KEY STAGES OF MARITAL LIFE (Hatua za maisha ya ndoa) - Apostolic Church, Kenya WITH BISHOP PETER GATIMU
Kile mke anatarajia katika mme wake Mke apenda sex na mme wake - Sex that attains organism, preceded by love.
NANNY AVAILABLE IN LONDON If interested call Esther on 07404407316. Tube death man led secret life as a transsexual escort called Sonia
London, Friday 29th October, 2010. A top human rights lawyer killed under a Tube train was leading a secret life as a transsexual escort. David Burgess, 63, died when he was allegedly pushed in front of the train at King's Cross station on Monday evening. The father-of-three, who had more than 40 years' experience as an immigration solicitor, was hugely respected within the profession, working on ground-breaking legal cases helping asylum seekers and torture victims. He was known as David by clients and colleagues at Luqmani Thompson and Partners, who described him as a “trailblazer”. Among his pioneering work, Mr Burgess secured a legal victory which has meant asylum seekers cannot be deported if they are in danger of being tortured. But for at least the past four years Mr Burgess had been dressing in women's clothing and also using the name Sonia. The Canadian-born lawyer's ex-wife and adult children, who were today “too upset” to talk about his death, were aware of his identity. Yesterday they paid tribute to Sonia as a “loving and wonderful person” who would be “missed deeply”. Mr Burgess had been married to Youdon Lhamo, a former client who was a Tibetan asylum seeker. The couple had a son and two daughters, but are believed to have divorced in 2006. Ms Lhamo lives in Scotland. Today more details emerged shedding light on the lawyer's complex personal life. He set up profiles on two transgender websites as Sonia. On one he advertised his services as a “pre-op” transsexual escort looking for paid encounters with men. On the website Birchplace, which bills itself as a “lifestyle fetish community”, Mr Burgess posted several photographs of himself as Sonia and described himself as having a “party doll” personality. Under the heading things I like, he wrote: “Fashion, makeup, shopping, romance, Look magazine, romantic films and most guys but let's not forget girls a guy is for 40mns [though maybe the next one will fall in love with me...] but a wardrobe is for a season.” On another transgender website, Mr Burgess wrote he was seeking “mature admirers” and was looking for casual and serious relationships. News of his death has led to several tributes from fellow members. Suzanne Clare, a “crossdresser from London”, posted: “I feel devastated by the meaningless destruction of a loving and gifted person. I am proud to have been one of her friends — her passing will always leave a void in my life.” Nina Kanagasingham, 34, appeared before City of Westminster magistrates' court yesterday charged with murder. She is alleged to have pushed the lawyer under the Tube train. Police are investigating how the pair knew each other. Mr Burgess is reported to have lived with a 33-year-old Oriental man at his Soho flat. The microscopic beauty and complexity of life Every year, scientists enter images in Nikon's competition for photography on a microscopic scale. Here we show the top 20 winners from 2010 1st place: Jonas King, Vanderbilt University, Department of Biological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Anopheles gambiae (mosquito) heart, (100X). Fluorescence Photograph: Jonas King/Courtesy of Nikon Small World
KIKUYU AGE GROUP 1904 - Rika ria Njege (porcupine).
High earners face fines over child benefit declaration Higher rate taxpayers in UK could be fined if they fail to declare they have a partner receiving child benefit, when cuts are introduced in 2013. The Treasury has confirmed that "penalties" would be issued in cases of non-disclosure of earnings. It follows reports that Treasury sources have said a plan to stop child benefit payments to couples with one higher rate taxpayer is unenforceable. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said that was "nonsense". Chancellor George Osborne announced plans to withdraw child benefit - currently paid to all mothers until their child reaches 19, if they choose to claim it - from couples with at least one higher rate taxpayer from 2013, with the aim of saving £2.5bn by 2014-15. But there have been questions over how it will be enforced, as mothers are currently under no obligation to declare it. The Wall Street Journal reported that a Treasury source had said it was unenforceable and elsewhere in government it was felt the policy, due to come into force in 2013, would eventually be dropped. Asked about the story in the Commons on Thursday, Mr Alexander said: "This is a nonsense story, it is completely enforceable, it will be introduced as planned." Chancellor George Osborne had already said the intention was to claim the money back through the tax system, by getting higher rate taxpayers to declare whether they or their partner claimed child benefit. He denied it amounted to an "honesty box" - telling the BBC earlier this month: "We will be checking your honesty. "He said the hope was that they would choose not to claim it at all, rather than filling in the form to do so - only to have the money clawed back in tax. But a Treasury statement issued on Thursday gave further details. It said: "In line with the administration of tax, HMRC [Revenue and Customs] wi ll take action in cases of non-disclosure of information which is relevant to a person's tax affairs. This will include the issuing of penalties." It added that legislation will be brought forward to implement the change but there are suggestions it could result in a much more complex and intrusive tax and benefit system. John Whiting, of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, told the BBC: "You have to compare it to the tax credits system where there are lots of forms to fill in, there's lots of checking up - you have really to put a lot of effort in to get it and make sure you are getting the right amount." You are really grafting that onto a system which, until now, has been beautiful in its simplicity." And Conservative MP, Iain Liddell Grainger, who chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on taxation, said he had concerns the current taxation system would struggle to cope with the change. "We can bring it in, there's no doubt. But, will we put the confidence into the citizen that what information is held by the Revenue is right ... can be used and, finally and most importantly, is it going to leave people in a financially worse position if they get it wrong, and lose confidence in the whole system? I think the answer could well be yes. "The policy has proved controversial. It means a couple with one higher rate taxpayer - currently paid a salary of more than about £44,000 but due to fall closer to £42,000 by 2013 - would lose the benefit but a couple with two basic rate taxpayers collectively earning about £80,000 a year would keep it. Some Conservative MPs have raised concerns it will particularly hit couples where one parent stays at home to look after the children. Shadow Chancellor Alan Johnson said: "The government has added incompetence to unfairness in their eagerness to cut child benefit. "We already knew their plan to hit middle earners was unfair, now we're told it is also unenforceable. If they know how they are going to make it work they should tell us what it is, or drop a policy which hits a family on £45,000 but continues to reward a family that earns £85,000."
888888888888888888888 ==================== 8888888888888888888 MR BRUCE WANJAU AND MARY MUGO PRE-WEDDING PRE-WEDDING OF MR BRUCE WANJAU AND MARY MUGO OF COVENTRY (WEST-MIDLANDS WILL BE HELD ON
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Nairobi Mayor steps down over corruption
Nairobi, Friday 29th October, 2010. Nairobi Mayor Geoffrey Majiwa who is facing corruption charges Thursday evening bowed to pressure and stepped aside. The mayor decided to quit after a request by Local Government Minister Musalia Mudavadi following advice from Attorney General that the office of the mayor was a public office. "His Worship Mayor Geophrey Majiwa of the City Council of Nairobi has agreed to step aside upon a request by Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister and Minister for Local Government following the concurrence of the Attorney General that civic leaders are indeed public officers," read a statement from Mudavadi's office. The mayor had earlier insisted that he will not vacate office saying he was not a public officer. Mudavadi said the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission on Wednesday wrote to him requesting that "administrative action" be taken against the Mayor under Section 62(1) of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003 which provides that "a public officer who is charged with corruption or economic crimes shall be suspended at half pay with effect from the date of the charge". Mudavadi who is also the Deputy Prime Minister said he in turn wrote to the Attorney General for legal advice. "The DPM stressed the urgency of constitutional interpretation in view of the fact that "The Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission has written to my Ministry of Local Government requesting us to take "administrative action" on the basis of Section 62(1). It is therefore the view of KACC that under this Act, the Mayor of Nairobi qualifies as a "public officer", said the Deputy Premier He said the AG maintained that "Chapter six of the Constitution does not only apply to persons who are appointed to a public office, but also applies to persons elected into office such as President, Deputy President and a Member of Parliament". There was confusion whether the Mayor should quit following a circular issued last month by the Ministry's PS Karega Mutahi stating that Mayors were not state officers. Majiwa was on Tuesday charged with conspiring to buy Sh283 million-cemetery land in Mavoko. He was charged that on diverse dates between December and April last year he conspired, with others before court, to commit an offence of corruption by acquiring Sh283.2 million from the Ministry of Local Government purporting it to be the purchase price payable by the City Council for cemetery land at Mavoko Municipality, Machakos District. He was also accused of failing to ascertain whether the city council had received or accepted any offer from Mr Henry Musyoki Kilonzi who was to sell the land. He is out on cash bail of Sh2.5 million.
House prices in UK dropped in October House prices in UK dropped in October compared with the previous month as the property market saw an autumn fall, according to the Nationwide. The building society said that prices were down 0.7% compared with September, with the average home now costing £164,381. The more reliable three-month on three-month comparison showed prices fell by 1.5% in October. The average home still costs 1.4% more than it did a year ago. However, this was closer to parity than in September, when the difference was 3.1%. "If the recent trend in house prices were to continue through November and December, the annual rate of house price inflation would drop to between 0% and -1% by the end of 2010," said Nationwide's chief economist Martin Gahbauer. The drop in prices would generally be good news for those trying to get on the property ladder. But first-time buyers still face the demand for high deposits from lenders, who are keen not to hand out mortgages to those who may be at higher risk of defaulting. A separate report by the Home Builders Federation claimed that the average first-time buyer would need to save all their earnings for more than two years to get on the property ladder. The group said a typical first-time buyer needed to save a deposit of just over £37,000 to buy an average priced starter home of £155,000. The average age of a first-time buyer, unassisted by their parents or other family, was 37 years old, the report said. "First-time buyers - the life-blood of the housing market - are almost entirely shut out," said Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the federation. "We desperately need an increase in lending and a properly functioning and sustainable mortgage market."
DEATH AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT The family relatives and friends of: Mr David Ogila (University of East London, UK), James Oburu Ogila (Metrobus UK), Sylvia Ogila (British Heart Foundation UK), Philip Ogila (KRA Nairobi), and Brian Ogila (Barclays-Bank Kisumu) wish to announce the passing away of their beloved father, Mr Simon Ogila which occurred on Wed 20th October 2010 after a long illness. A lively, popular and respected figure in Nairobi, Mr Simon Ogila was a staunch Christian and a believer in further education for all, and was even instrumental in enabling many students to seek further studies abroad in Kenya, USA, UK and India for many years. A wake and fundraiser in his honour will now be held at:
Hudson Bay 1-5 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, London, E7 9PA on Saturday 30th October 2010 from 3pm onwards.
Those unable to attend but wishing to donate towards the funeral costs can do so through C/O David Ogila, Lloyds TSB, Account Number: 07287860, Sort Code: 77-30-28.
Your prayers support and financial assistance at this difficult time will be highly appreciated.
For further information please contact Naftali Ayieko 07743407558, Wycliffe Odhiambo 07825055682 and Dennis Otingo 07882125150 all of London UK.
Funeral date to be confirmed.
May the good Lord rest his soul in eternal peace. Amen.
Woman charged over tube murder
A 34-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of a 63-year-old man pushed under a Tube train while wearing women's clothes. The victim, from central London, was struck by a train at King's Cross underground station at rush hour on Monday evening. His companion, Nina Kanagasingham from Cricklewood, north-west London, was arrested at the scene. The station had to be evacuated and the Piccadilly line temporarily closed as police recovered the man's body. Officers viewed CCTV footage and interviewed witnesses at the station following the man's death. British Transport Police stressed such incidents are "extremely rare". The man's name is yet to be released. The 34-year-old woman will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday 28th October, 2010.
The family needs your help The man went to USA 8 months ago for greener pastures through Green Card. He has moved two other States before settling in Tennessee USA where he has been working. He has no friends as he was moving up and down trying to settle as you all know that it is not easy to settle in a foreign land. He left his wife behind back in Kenya to try and settle before the wife joining him in US. With no friends in US the family is depending on well-wishers and their friends to transport the body back in Kenya. We need to help this family. See the story below:
US TRAGEDY BEFALLS A FAMILY IN THE UK
The late Daniel Macharia Irungu
Mr Daniel Macharia Irungu of Nyeri town Kenya is believed to have died on Monday 25th October, 2010 while driving his car to work in Tennessee USA. It is not yet clear to what exactly happened but the police reported that there was no other car involved. Mr Irungu’s car skidded for about 200meters before hitting a road side post. Mr Irungu is survived by his wife Jane and a 6 month old boy. Mr Irungu is the younger brother to Mr Moses Gachie Irungu and brother in law to Mrs Redempta Irungu both of Gloucester, UK and the elder brother to Dr. (Mrs) Phylis Muhia and brother in law to Dr. David Muhia of Cambridgeshire, UK and cousin to Eunice Karu of Birmingham UK. Family and friends are meeting daily from 6.00pm at house No 9 Dorrit close, Gloucester GL1 4QJ for prayers, contributions and funeral arrangements to repatriate Mr Irungu’s body to Kenya. In addition, a meeting has been scheduled for Sunday the 31st October 2010, 6.00p.m at VRCC Church, Ridgefield road, Oxford, OX4 3BY to facilitate the same. Friends, relatives and well wishers are welcome. Contributions from friends and well wishers are highly welcome via bank transfer UK: Moses G. Irungu. LLOYDS TSB. Gloucester, Sort Code: 309348: Account 26735368. USA: Robert Kamau, Bank of America, 237021729793: Routing number 053000196.
Drs. (Mr & Mrs) David and Phylis Muhia and their daughter and on right Mr & Mrs Moses Irungu and their daughters from Gloucester
Kenya Parliament has adopted in its entirety Nairobi, Wednesday 27th October, 2010. Kenya Parliament has adopted in its entirety a report by the departmental committee on foreign affairs on the controversial acquisition and sale of foreign properties that saw the taxpayer lose a whooping 1.1 billion shillings in a shady deal in the acquisition of Kenya's embassy in Tokyo, Japan. The adoption of the report came moments after the foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula formally stepped aside to pave way for investigations into the matter. House speaker Kenneth Marende confirmed to parliament that he had received a letter from the minister to that effect as well as a letter from the secretary to the cabinet ambassador Francis Muthaura indicating both Wetangula and the permanent secretary in the ministry Thuita Mwangi who was also adversely mentioned in the report had quit office. Kimili Member of Parliament Esseli Simiyu who on Tuesday moved an amendment seeking to expunge Wetangula's name from the report moved to withdraw the amendment paving way for the debate to proceed. An attempt by Bumula Legislator Bifwoli Wakholi seeking to have the mover respond and dispense with the report on the basis that the two had resigned was however over ruled with Gichugu MP Martha Karua and Gwasi Legislator John Mbadi saying the report did not exclusively touch on personalities but also focused on policy issues prompting the speaker Kenneth Marende to allow debate to continue. Marende, however, cautioned legislators to restrict their contributions to issues and not infringe on the rights of the two nor focus on their character as individuals which would be prejudicial as investigations are ongoing. Legislators contributing to the debate lauded the minister for stepping aside to allow investigations. Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the move signifies a new dawn for Kenya in the war against graft where persons implicated are willing to step aside and allow for independent investigations. Deputy speaker Farah Maalim while congratulating the two pointed out that in any democracy ministers implicated in graft are either fired or resign voluntarily wondering why in Kenya ministers were instead stepping aside. Nominated legislator Milly Odhiambo cautioned legislators against setting a bad precedence where reports before the house are debated and passed without setting a clear threshold of culpability to avoid a situation where minister could be living in constant fear. Ugenya MP James Orengo said gone were the days when persons implicated in graft rushed back to the grassroots to hide behind tribal lines. Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo pointed out that the new constitution has dedicated an entire chapter on leadership and integrity saying this would ensure institutional changes in which public office holders will be held accountable a sentiment shared by Imenti Central Legislator Gitobu Imanyara. The chairman of the departmental committee of defense and foreign relations Adan Keynan in his response thanked members for contributing emphasizing that the report by the committee did not symbolize the end but rather the beginning for investigations to ascertain the loopholes in the ministry and ensure the elimination of graft. He urged Kenyans to divorce politics from the issue adding that the report was not in any way personalized but rather meant to expose graft that has seen the taxpayer lose money in dubious deals. If found culpable Wetangula will in future not be allowed to hold any public office as recommended in the report.
A Kenyan has passed away in North Caroline, USA
A Kenyan lady has passed away in North Caroline, USA. The late Mrs. Alice Nyamathwe Githire passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, while undergoing medical treatment at Raleigh Duke Hospital on Wednesday 20th October, 2010. She was born to Nathan Ngugi and Agnes Nyaguthia. She was raised a Christian. She was a church elder, leader, and a member of the Women’s Guild. She was the wife to the late Arthur Nduuru Githire. She is survived by her four children; Jane Njeri Wambaa, Githire Nduuru, Lucy Ngendo Kuria and Mumbi Wanja Githire; her 11 grandchildren; Alan G Wambaa, Arthur Nduuru Wambaa, Stephen Karuku Wambaa, Nicholas N Wambaa, Arthur N Githire, Mark M Githire, Alice N Githire, Sylvia W Kuria, John B Kuria, Alison N Kuria and Christopher N Githire, and her 11 great grand children. Prayer will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 4301 Louisburg Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27604-4339 (919) 876-5250 on Oct, 28, and Thursday Oct, 28 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. There will be a viewing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and thereafter a memorial service from 3:00pm to 5:00pm both at the Carlton Funeral home, 2810 Kidd Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610-1842 (919) 231-6120 on Saturday October 30th 2010. The funeral will take place on November 4th, 2010 at Langata Cemetery in Nairobi. Donations can be deposited at Wachovia Bank Account No: 1010300417832 Mailed or delivered in person to 107 Tapestry Terrace, Cary, North Carolina 27511. For more information you may contact: Jane Njeri Githire 919 780 1869, Nduuru Githire 919 410 3503, Lucy Kuria 919 802 1113 or Mumbi Wanja Githire 919 819 3799.
FROM THE SLOPES OF ABERDARES RANGES
Caught hugging each other after a church service on Sunday 24th October, 2010 at CCBC Swahili was Mrs. Virginia Nyambura Kanyugi (left) from Kangari Village, Muranga and Mrs. Anita wa John a gospel singer in UK. "I was happy to see a lady from my village singing in the church. I hear you are launching an album. Nîwega, nîguo ûrute itûra ritu mbîa." (It is nice you are making a mark in our village). Mrs. Kanyugi explained to Anita as she hugged her. Mrs. Virginia Kanyugi is visiting her childen in London. Her number in UK is 07944834865.
Graduation Day in Dallas The Platt College of Nursing, Dallas Campus, Texas, USA, held its Capping, Pinning and Graduation ceremony on 15th October 2010. Among the Graduands was Mr. & Mrs. Duncan K. Kamanu’s daughter, Miss Michelle M. Kamanu who graduated with a Licensed Vocational Nurse's degree. Miss Kamanu, together with all the other graduands, who had completed successfully the Licensed Vocational Nursing graduate course (LVN), received, first, their professional Nurse’s Cap, Badge and 'A Lamp'. The 'Lamp' is meant to be a sign of how they will be giving 'light' to their patients at all times.
Miss Michelle M. Kamanu receiving a Nurse's professional Cap, Badge and 'Lamp' respectively
velMiss Kamanu (left picture) receiving her graduation papers from the Regional Director of Nurses, Platt College of Nursing, Gay Pearce, and centre being congratulated by her father, Mr. Duncan K. Kamanu and his brother Newton S. Nguyo. Seen in a jovial mood (in the picture on the right) are Solomon K. Kamanu Snr, (2nd rght) and his sister, Miriam Kamanu (right) posing for a picture with their just graduated sister Michelle. Solomon had travelled with his father to Dallas to grace his sister's graduation ceremony.
Present, also, during the graduation, were Michelle M. Kamanu's aunt, Mrs. Margaret N.Nguyo (1st left) and cousins Wanjiku Nguyo (2nd left) and Ian Kamanu Nguyo (2nd right), all in the picture on the left, and friends (on the picture on the right).
YOUTH CONFERENCE AT IWRM REVIVAL HOUSE, Welcomes all youth to a powerful conference that has benn organised specially for the youth. The conference starts this Friday 29th October, 2010 at 6pm, Saturday 30th October, at 1pm-3pm & 6pm -9pm. The event will be crowned by a youth extravaganza on Sunday at 6pm. Pastor Heath Van Staden, an experienced youth pastor from King's church Newport, will be ministering. There will be various gospel artists including Lyrical soldier, Revival Youth Choir, and various youths from different churches. There will also be a live Dj for maximum praise!! Please join us and receive what God has in store for you.
Sh200 billion Tatu City gets off the ground
Nairobi, Wednesday 27th October, 2010 – The Master Plan for Kenya’s Sh200 billion mega real estate project, Tatu City, which will initially provide 1,800 entry level residential units has been launched. The 2,500 acres development will be put up in Kiambu in 10 phases, providing much needed housing for 62,000 people, as well as business offices and shops, which are expected to attract a further 23,000 visitors a day. Renaissance Group Chief Executive Officer Stephen Jennings said the first phase of the new development, which will be run by Tatu City Limited, is scheduled to start later this year with the third phase scheduled for completion in 2013. “So far Sh8 billion has been invested. Sh20.1 billion will be invested for the next phase but over time it will be a multi-billion dollar project,” Mr Jennings said. The Sh200 billion project will house an estimated 62,000 residents and offer commercial and recreation facilities, including a sports stadium. Tatu City Limited Chairman Nahashon Nyagah said thirty-five percent of the initial scheme had been set aside for a natural green belt that will be maintained as a wetland while a further 15 percent is being earmarked for world class infrastructure and social amenities such as schools and hospitals. Mr Nyagah said local and foreign investors are being drawn to Kenya’s property sector by returns which have outperformed stocks in the past 10 years. Nairobi Metropolitan Development Minister Robinson Githae has pledged the government’s support for the project, which is expected to realise Sh20 billion and create 30,000 jobs into the economy. Mr Githae said the exercise will be the first to go through a pilot one-stop licensing process which is aimed at reducing bureaucratic red-tape in government. Tatu City will be “self-governing” and taxes collected within the area will be spent by the development’s managers. Mr Jennings said he hoped the project would serve as a catalyst to foreign direct investment in sub-Saharan Africa. “There will be a few ups and downs but political risk is coming down and the economic climate is improving. We are very excited and we are certainly not worried about Kenya,” he added. Growing incomes and large numbers of young people moving to urban centres are fuelling demand for housing across all asset classes and construction was the economy’s fastest growing sector in the second quarter of 2010. Kenya’s population of 38.6 million is increasing by one million annually and Nairobi city authorities are expanding its boundaries to outlaying towns to ease pressure. The Tatu City development project is partly funded by Renaissance Capital of Moscow and by local Kenyan business people.
Chaos over restraint rules for deportees
Home Office accused of flip-flop on use of restraints after death of Angolan refugee Jimmy Mubenga The government's deportation policy has been thrown into confusion after it emerged that the Home Office banned private security firms from forcing detainees on to flights following the death of a refugee, then lifted the moratorium 10 days later. The chair of the Commons home affairs select committee, Keith Vaz, said he had "huge concerns" over the government's apparent indecision about whether restraint could be used against deportees and accused officials of "flip-flopping". His concerns were echoed by Ed Balls, the shadow home secretary, who said it was now "vital" for the Home Office to release details of the circumstances surrounding the death of Jimmy Mubenga, an Angolan refugee who collapsed and died on a British Airways plane preparing for take-off at Heathrow earlier this month. A ban on forcing detainees on to commercial flights, which officials described as a precautionary but "unprecedented" measure, was introduced on 15 October, three days after Mubenga lost consciousness while being heavily restrained by three guards working for the security firm G4S. The Metropolitan police have since arrested the guards, who have been released on bail. The firm, which conducts the majority of the 10,000 forced removals each year, informed the Guardian that use of restraint at boarding by its guards had been halted at the advice of the Home Office. All private security firms were instructed by the Home Office to halt using force while officials checked that the techniques used to restrain deportees, which are the same used in prisons, were safe. Guards conducting deportations on charter flights, which are carried out on aircraft not shared with commercial passengers, were exempted from the ban. The ban on the use of force was then lifted on Monday, after all escort guards were given new written guidance on how to conduct deportations safely. All escort staff were also given verbal briefings. The Home Office last night refused to release the new guidance, claiming it was "operational and sensitive". David Wood, the UK Border Agency's strategic director for criminality and detention, said: "A minimum use of force is an absolute last resort, and would only ever be used when an individual becomes disruptive or refuses to comply. "We did pause the use of restraint at boarding of scheduled removal flights as a precautionary and temporary measure. It has now been reinstated." The department made no mention of the ban in the last week, despite releasing numerous statements about the use of force against deportees. Vaz said his committee would demand that the information be released to MPs. "It is essential that we have a clear and consistent policy regarding the force that can be used during deportations," he said. "This is particularly true given the number of agencies involved in the process. I am hugely concerned that following the tragic case of Jimmy Mubenga, the Home Office seems to be flip-flopping over its decision." The home affairs committee will question Lin Homer, the chief executive of the UK Border Agency, about guidelines used by private companies during removals. "Parliament must be informed as to what force can be used, what guidelines are issued, and the procedures in place to ensure the safety of detainees," Vaz said. Balls also called for greater transparency. "I asked the home secretary for a briefing on Mubenga's death two weeks ago, and was refused. It is now vital that Theresa May explains all the facts in the case." UKBA is understood to have been thrown into chaos last week after rumours spread that guards were unable to use force. Foreign nationals who informed their escorts they intended to physically resist deportation were permitted to stay. Mubenga's death is known to have shocked Home Office officials, who have been repeatedly warned about the safety of deportations. Five passengers on Mubenga's flight told the Guardian he was being heavily restrained and complained of breathing difficulties before he lost consciousness. Detectives from the Met's homicide unit are awaiting the results of a postmortem. Scotland Yard has opened a second investigation into G4S guards accused of using inappropriate force during another failed removal, six days before Mubenga's death. The Metropolitan police confirmed that a team of officers from Heathrow CID were investigating another case, relating to the attempted removal of a Colombian man. José Gutiérrez received hospital treatment after the failed attempt to remove him. Police are investigating a claim that Gutiérrez, who had been in the UK since the early 1990s and was being deported after having served a six-year prison sentence for robbery and firearms offences, was assaulted during his attempted removal. The Met said it was investigating an allegation of assault made by a third party and that no arrests had been made.
Highly skilled migrants should do highly skilled jobs, says Immigration Minister Home Office, 27 October 2010 The UK Border Agency has today published a study which looks at the jobs being done by migrants who are in the UK under Tier 1 of the points-based system. Tier 1 is for highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs, but the study reveals that around a third of the 1,184 people sampled are being employed in lower-skilled jobs such as shop assistants and supermarket cashiers. Immigration Minister Damian Green said: 'While it is important that low-skilled jobs are filled, there are hundreds of thousands of British people who could be doing them instead of a migrant. 'Those coming into the UK under the highly skilled migrant route should only be able to do highly skilled jobs - it should not be used as a means to enter the low-skilled jobs market. 'Investors and entrepreneurs aside, this report questions the value of this route into the UK, and the findings will play a key part in discussions on how the annual limit will be shaped.' Tier 1 visas are issued to applicants who meet the correct criteria. Factors such as qualifications, previous earnings and age are taken into account. Unlike those who come into the UK under Tier 2 of the points-based system, Tier 1 migrants do not need a job offer before they arrive in the UK. The report's findings come in advance of the government's announcement on the new permanent annual limit arrangements, including who will be included in the limit and at what level it will be set.
5 metals that may be brighter than gold Gold tends to be all the rage in times of economic uncertainty. Investors flock to the "yellow metal" when things go sour because they see it as a safe haven for their money until they feel better about venturing back into things they view as riskier, like common stocks and real estate. (Check out Real Estate Vs. Stocks: Which One's Right For You?). Such a strategy can actually be very dangerous, though. When gold or any other investment becomes too popular, it raises the risk of a "bubble" - unsustainably high prices that could suddenly plummet, losing investors a lot of money very quickly. That doesn't mean you should avoid gold altogether; just don't put most or all of your money into it. There are lots of other precious metals, and many could be considered better investments than gold because they're more versatile and aren't such strong objects of investor sentiment. Here are five metals that may be an alternative to look at besides gold. Copper This is one of the most versatile metals. It's used to make electrical wiring, car batteries, microchip circuitry, pipes for plumbing in homes and commercial buildings, roof flashing, gutters, musical instruments and solar power cells. Copper can also be mixed with other metals to make valuable alloys such as bronze, pewter and brass. (Foresight and careful observation are the keys to trading this market An Overview Of Commodities Trading.) Zinc Like copper, zinc is present in many alloys (in fact, zinc and copper are both in brass and bronze). Zinc is also important for die-casting, galvanizing and rubber making and can be used as a paint pigment, wood preservative and agricultural fungicide. As a dietary supplement, it is thought to have antioxidant properties that speed healing and slow aging. Silver Besides its well-known uses in making jewelry, silverware and coins, silver is in dental fillings, architectural glass and hearing aids. Some musical instruments are made of silver or silver alloys and silver is used to produce formaldehyde. Because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is included in catheters and other medical devices to reduce the risk of infection. It is even added to socks to help control bacteria-related foot odor. (If you are a hedger or a speculator, this market offers a world of profit-making opportunities, check out Trading Gold And Silver Futures Contracts.) Platinum As a primarily industrial metal, platinum plays the role of catalyst in the processing of petroleum and chemicals such as nitric acid, fertilizers and synthetic fibers. It is also a vital component of high-voltage wires, magnetic coatings for high-density hard disk drives, fiber optics, fiberglass, catalytic converters and spark plugs. Palladium Like platinum and silver, palladium plays key roles in the dental, chemical and auto fields. iPhones and other electronics might not even exist if it weren't for palladium. Also known as "white gold," palladium is used to make jewellery and watches, too. Why they're worthy investments Precious metals with lots of different uses make attractive long-term investments. These metals are more apt to appreciate and hang on to their value over time because they're vital to industries around the world. However, you can expect their prices to fluctuate greatly from week to week and month to month, just like most other investments. Gold really isn't the greatest investment for the long haul because its price often depends mainly on how people feel. It may rise a lot when investors are nervous and want something that seems safe. But it can very quickly lose value when investors start feeling bolder and begin venturing into other areas. Sentiment certainly plays a role in the value of other precious metals, but not to the extent that it does with gold. How to invest in precious metals Precious metals are generally available as coins or bullion. However, most people invest in them by purchasing stock in the associated mining companies or buying shares of mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that specialise in one or more metals. Be careful when investing in precious metals. Because they can be very volatile in the short-term, it's best not to over-represent them in your portfolio. Keep the portion reasonable – 4-10% of your overall portfolio, for example - so you can enjoy the shine without undue risk.
Terror Arrest Over Washington Subway Plot
A suspected terrorist has been arrested in an FBI sting operation for plotting to blow up numerous subway stations in the Washington DC area. Farooque Ahmed, 34, from Virginia, is accused of attempting to assist others he believed to be members of al Qaeda in planning multiple bombings in America's capital. US President Barack Obama was informed of the case prior to the arrest of Ahmed, a naturalised US citizen who was born in Pakistan. In announcing the arrest, officials stressed that at no time was the public in danger and the FBI was aware of the Ahmed’s activities from the outset. Senior security official David Kris said the arrest "underscores the need for continued vigilance against terrorist threats and demonstrates how the government can neutralise such threats before they come to fruition". He continued: "Farooque Ahmed is accused of plotting with individuals he believed were terrorists to bomb our transit system. "But a co-ordinated law enforcement and intelligence effort was able to thwart his plans." White House press secretary Robert Gibbs declared it was "another important example of the work by the FBI, and all levels of law enforcement, to keep this country safe" Sky News US correspondent Greg Milam said: "Perhaps the most chilling part of what the indictment says is that he (Ahmed) suggested where explosives should be placed on trains to bring about the maximum number of casualties. "It is a clear reminder of the kind of threat that's out there." DC Metro issued a statement saying "this arrest reinforces the need for continued vigilance by Metro and its customers". Ahmed is charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organisation and collecting information to assist in planning a terrorist attack on a transit facility. He is also accused of attempting to provide material support to help carry out multiple bombings to cause mass casualties at DC-area Metrorail stations. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison.
Planned housing benefit cuts David Cameron has insisted the government is sticking to planned housing benefit cuts after Labour claimed the policy was in disarray. The PM said: "These are difficult changes but I think it is right." Labour leader Ed Miliband said the policy was "a complete shambles" after reports welfare secretary Iain Duncan Smith was rethinking it. Some Lib Dem and Tory MPs are calling for the planned cap on housing benefit, of £400 a week, to be dropped. But Mr Cameron, speaking at prime minister's questions in the Commons, said it was not fair for working people to see their taxes used to fund homes "they couldn't even dream of". And he stressed that the government was "going forward with all the proposals we put in the Spending Review and in the budget".Mr Miliband accused Mr Cameron of being "out of touch" and warned that thousands of people would be forced out of their homes as a result of the changes. He told the prime minister: "You are about to make 500,000 people redundant. Your policy on housing benefit is a complete shambles. In London councils are saying 82,000 people will lose their homes. How many people do you think will lose their homes as a result of this policy?" The coalition has announced plans that would limit housing benefit at around £400 a week for a four-bedroom home, and cut payouts by 10% when people have been on jobseeker's allowance for more than a year. Mr Cameron said: "The point everyone in this House has got to consider: are we happy to go on paying housing benefit of £30,000, £40,000, £50,000? "Our constituents working hard to give benefits so people can live in homes they couldn't even dream of? I don't think that's fair." The Department of Communities and Local Government is to grant £10m from its homelessness budget to local councils' funds, to ease the consequences of the change. The money will go to councils' "discretionary funds" - a pot of money they can use for special cases. It is not expected to be aimed at London alone, the BBC understands. For example, if a family's rent was more than £400 but one of their children attended a local special school, the council could - at their discretion - allow the family to stay in that accommodation and keep paying a higher rate. But ministers accept that many thousands of people will have to move house if the changes go ahead. Chancellor George Osborne had already allocated £60m in his June budget, a tripling of the cash for "discretionary funds" to help the changes. According to government figures, 21,000 people will be affected by the caps to housing benefit across the UK including 17,000 in London, the majority of whom are out of work. Pastor JJ Gitahi arrives in London
Pastor JJ Gitahi from Nairobi, Kenya arrived in London on Wednesday morning 27th October, 2010. He will be in the UK for several weeks. While in the UK he will be holding several seminars throughout the UK. He will be holding various Family and Marriage Seminars in East and West London, Luton Coventry, Reading , Swindon, Oxford, Nottingham and Scotland. Details of the venues to be confirmed. (see details below). His contact in UK is 07986416210 - Email: jjgitahipastor@yahoo.com
Kenyan Minister quits over embassy saga
Nairobi, Wednesday 27th October, 2010. Moses Wetangula has stepped aside as Foreign Affairs Minister hours after his Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi took a similar move to pave way for investigations into allegations of corruption over procurement and disposals of some embassies abroad. Mr Wetangula told a press conference shortly after 3pm that he is innocent of the allegations of corruptions. “I have made a personal decision to step aside as Minister for Foreign affairs to give room and pleasure to those who have been haunting and tormenting me,” he said. “I know my innocence is guaranteed because I have not acted contrary to the laws,” he maintained. “If you read that report there is no where they have said the Minister did this or that or received any amount of money. “Political responsibility does not mean that when you are a politician you carry the crimes of another person or a group if it has been committed unless there is proof that you acted in unison. “I can assure you I will be back to the Cabinet once the investigations are completed because I know I am innocent,” he told the press conference at his office. - CapitalFM
Foreign Affairs PS Thuita Mwangi steps down
Nairobi, Wednesday 27th October, 2010. Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Thuita Mwangi has stepped aside to pave for investigations into the controversial purchase and disposal of government properties at foreign missions in five countries. President Mwai Kibaki in a statement to media houses said he had accepted a request by Thuita to step aside until investigations into the embassy scandals are concluded. "His Excellency the President, Hon Mwai Kibaki, has today accepted the request by Mr. Thuita Mwangi, to step aside as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to allow for investigations on the report tabled in Parliament by the Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations regarding purchase of and/or Disposal of Government Properties at Foreign Missions," said the statement from the President's office. Embattled minister Moses Wetangula on Tuesday afternoon defended himself against the irregular deals and laid the blame on his PS saying there many questions that remained un-answered. He said he was not an accounting officer in the ministry and neither does he chair committees in the ministry and hence was not privy to information of what actually transpired in Tokyo. He said as an interested Kenyan he also wants to know why money to a tune of over 1.2 billion shillings was paid in cash and what the entire procurement team was doing in a vendor's bank when money was being paid. The minister will know his fate Wednesday afternoon when parliament either adopts a report implicating Wetangula in total or with amendments, or rejects it. The report recommends that the minister steps aside to allow for investigations. More details later......
The first Kenyans in UK movie.
A quick interview with Litondo at the red carpet on Tuesday 26th October, 2010 - VIDEO Actor Oliver Litondo attended 'The First Grader' afterparty during the 54th BFI London Film Festival at Aqua Nueva on October 26, 2010 in London, England. COMING TO ENGLAND MOVIE LAUNCH - NOVEMBER 12th 2010....... The first Kenyans in UK movie. - CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Parliament on Tuesday 26th October, 2010 engaged in a heated debate over a report implicating foreign affairs minister Moses Wetangula in the questionable purchase of property for the Kenyan mission in Tokyo Japan where it is claimed Kenyan tax payers lost over 1.1 billion shillings. An amendment of the motion by Kimili MP Esseli Simuyu to have Wetengula's name expunged from the report caused an uproar with MPs calling on Wertangula to take political responsibility and step aside. Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim told parliament that had been rumours that members were cutting deals to defend the minister, a move that would taint the image of parliament. Gichugu MP Martha Karua questioned the intention of the amendment, which would have left only civil servants mentioned by the report as subjects of the debate. Karua said for the minister, stepping aside should not be seen as a reason to stigmatize the minister as the report merely wanted him to do so to pave way for investigations where should he be found clean he can take up his job again. While supporting the amendment Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno absolved Wetangula from blame saying he was not the accounting officer in the ministry. Otieno said the committee would have benefited more in its investigation if it had sought the services of a financial expert to learn more about foreign exchange to really find out if funds were lost in the transaction. He said all those mentioned in the report should not step aside until credible evidence was adduced linking them to the scandal.
However the amendment was opposed by among others Gichugu MP Martha Karua, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri and deputy speaker Farah Maalim. Earlier in his defense Wetangula laid the blame for the Tokyo deal fiasco squarely on his Permanent Secretary Mwangi Thuita saying there many questions that remained un-answered. He said he was not an accounting officer in the ministry and neither does he chair committees in the ministry and hence was not privy to information of what actually transpired in Tokyo. He said as an interested Kenyan he also wants to know why money to a tune of over 1.2 billion shillings was paid in cash and what the entire procurement team was doing in a vendor's bank when money was being paid. Wetangula said based on that information he invited the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission to investigate the whole deal and give a full report. However seconding the motion which was moved last week by Adan Keynan, Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo who serves in the foreign relations committee accused the minister of misleading parliament that Kenyans got value for the purchase of the land and that the decision was wise and prudent. Kilonzo said two lawyers in Japan had distanced themselves from the purchase of the property since they sensed there were some anomalies. Kilonzo said the price of the property was wrong as evidence by those the committee interviewed in Japan who indicated that it was over valued. He said a staff in the embassy informed the minister that the owner of the property was not honest and experts should be involved in negotiating the purchase price but this was ignored. The Yatta MP said there was no valuation done on the property and questioned what the procurement team was doing in the bank on 1 July 2008 when 1.4 billion shillings was paid in cash over the counter and if such a transaction was proper adding that the chronology of events on how the money changed hands could only be summed up as fraud. The debate will now continue on Wednesday after a motion to extend house sittings was defeated.
A MAN PUSHED TO HIS DEATH UNDER THE TRAIN IN LONDON
A middle-aged man allegedly pushed to his death by a woman standing on a platform at King's Cross underground station was a transvestite wearing women's clothing, sources have said. British Transport Police (BTP) said the man, who has not yet been identified, died after he was struck by a Piccadilly line train at the busy Underground station at 6.30pm on Monday. A 34-year-old woman from north-west London, who is believed to be a companion of the deceased, was arrested at the scene and the BTP confirmed a murder investigation was underway. Detective superintendent Ashley Croft said: 'Early indications from witnesses are that the victim and the suspect knew each other.' He said the police are still looking through the CCTV from the station and 'interviewing several witnesses who came forward on Monday night'. 'It's really important that we build the clearest possible picture of what took place on the platform and I ask anyone who may have seen the incident to contact us,' the officer added. King's Cross station was evacuated after the incident, which took place at the height of rush hour, and the Piccadilly line was suspended temporarily while police recovered the body. Detective superintendent Croft said: 'I would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding, as well as all of the London Underground staff who assisted the emergency services in dealing with what happened in a professional and dignified manner.'
What an experience?
It was a Saturday afternoon at about 4.00 p.m. A friend of Mr. Seed joined him for an appointment in London. Mr. Seed dropped his car for washing as they settled down in a Nigerian Restaurant for a cup of tea. "Can we have a cup of tea" Mr. Seed requested. The chef replied: "We don't serve tea or coffee in this restaurant". Mr. Seed asked: "We want something hot, what do you have - any hot drinks?". The chef replied: "We have a hot supu of the day." Mr. Seed continued: "What is the soup of the day?" The chef replied: "Snails Supu". The Kenyan guest with Mr. Seed quickly replied: "Ngai Baba, nituthiî". Mr. Seed explained to the guest in such cases you don't run away but you ask for a sealed drink. This time we asked for a Super Malt. The guest was unable to finish half of his drink. What an experience? - Send us any experience you might have come across this year through misterseed@hotmail.co.uk
UK economy grows a faster-than-expected 0.8% London, Tuesday 26th October, 2010. The UK's economy grew at 0.8% between July and September, official figures show, suggesting the economy is recovering faster than expected. It follows 1.2% growth in the second quarter of the year, and is double the 0.4% expected by analysts. Meanwhile rating agency Standard and Poor's upgraded its outlook for the UK's triple-A credit rating. Chancellor George Osborne called both reports "a vote of confidence in the new government's economic policies". The gross domestic product (GDP) figure released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is only a first estimate, and may be revised. Analysts had expected a slowdown after weak retail sales and housing data. "This is the second major GDP growth surprise in a row and suggests that the UK economy is more resilient than many had feared," said James Knightley, economist at ING. "The government will no doubt take this as a sign that the private sector can fill the gap created by public sector cuts, but with consumer confidence, hiring intentions surveys and housing activity data all softening we remain cautious." But chancellor George Osborne said that, along with the government's Spending Review announced last week, the ONS data should help underpin confidence in the UK economy. "The ONS believe that the underlying growth in the third quarter was 'broadly similar' to the strong second quarter," he said. "This gives me confidence that although global economic conditions remain choppy, a steady recovery is underway." However, shadow chancellor Alan Johnson claimed the data showed no such thing. "There's no sign yet of the kind of momentum in the private sector that we need to actually create the 2.5 million jobs that the [Office of Budget Responsibility] is suggesting are necessary, to actually come out of this with increases in employment," he said. But the government's planned cuts in its Spending Review got a stamp of approval from ratings agency Standard & Poor's, which raised its outlook for the UK's triple-A rating back to "stable" from "negative". "In our opinion, the decisions reached by the United Kingdom coalition government in its 2010 Spending Review reduce risks to the government's implementation of its June 2010 fiscal consolidation programme," the company said in a statement.
Obama's Aunt who collected welfare Demands Citizenship Zeituni Onyango, Obama's Aunt, came illegally, parasited public housing for years, collecting welfare, and recieved $51k in disability. NOW, she demands citizenship from the very country she demonizes....- CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
WORD OF APPRECIATION
We the family of the late JANE NJOKI KARANJA, JANE WA KIM wish to thank each one Pastor Isaac and all men of God among the many. We saw the works of God
EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER It is the dream of many Kenyans to work and live in the United States of America and one of the ways through which you could find your way there is through the green card lottery. The lottery is on now and the US Embassy in Nairobi is set to give that status to about 3,000 Kenyans. But before you embark on the application process, have you ever asked yourself whether it is worth it or not? Alex Chamwada is back from the US, where he spent time with Kenyans who re-located there, thanks to the green card and filed the following report on their experiences. - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
Indonesia volcano Merapi erupts, thousands evacuated
Indonesia's most volatile volcano is erupting, spewing plumes of hot ash and hurling rocks into the air. Officials say Mount Merapi, in central Java, began erupting just before dusk on Tuesday. Scientists warn the pressure building up beneath its lava dome could lead to one of the most powerful blasts in years. Thousands of residents living on the volcano's slopes have been evacuated. However, a further 13,000 people need to be evacuated from within a 10-mile (16km) radius of the volcano, officials say. Television footage showed thousands of people fleeing the area, some covered in the volcano's white ash which rained from the sky. It is thought that 5,000 people live on or near the volcano. The head of one village near the volcano said that many residents were stranded. He said rain loaded with volcanic ash had reduced visibility to just 5m (16ft). "We are evacuating to the village square, around 14km from Mount Merapi slope. Some of the villagers are still stranded but we received text messages from them, saying that they are OK," Heri Suprapto told the BBC. A doctor at a nearby hospital said at least six people had been badly burnt by the hot air rushing from the volcano, Reuters reports. One eyewitness said he saw people with bad burns being taken away on stretchers, the agency reports. There were also reports that a three-month-old baby had died from breathing difficulties after inhaling volcanic material.
UK in talks over taxing Britons' Swiss bank accounts The UK and Switzerland have signed a declaration to begin negotiations on tax issues in a step towards making Britons with Swiss bank accounts pay tax on the interest they earn. Switzerland has strict secrecy laws and has long attracted the very wealthy as a place to save their money. Treasury sources said negotiations were in the early stages and no details of tax rates had been agreed. An agreement between Liechtenstein and the UK is expected to raise about £1bn. Any agreement between the UK and Switzerland may raise more than that as there are more accounts in Switzerland. The declaration followed talks between UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and the Swiss Finance Minister Hans-Rudolf Merz in London. Formal negotiations will cover the possibility of implementing a withholding tax, which would see Swiss authorities levying a tax on interest earned in their accounts on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs. The UK would push for this to be a retrospective tax. The UK is also expected to push the Swiss authorities to provide more information on accounts held by UK taxpayers. In parallel talks, Germany has also agreed in principle to Switzerland introducing a withholding tax on the assets of German taxpayers with Swiss accounts. Last year the G20 ordered a worldwide clampdown on offshore tax havens.
ICC wants Kenya to arrest Bashir if he returns Nairobi, Tuesday 26th October, 2010. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked Kenya to arrest Sudanese President Omar al Bashir if he attends the IGAD meeting scheduled for Saturday 30th October, 2010. According to a statement on the ICC website, the court has asked Kenya to state in advance what issues would prevent the arrest of Mr Bashir. “The Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court requested the Republic of Kenya to inform the Chamber, no later than 29 October, about any problem which would impede or prevent the arrest and surrender of Omar Al Bashir in the event that he visits the country on 30 October, 2010,” the statement read. The court has reminded the government to act in accordance with its obligations as a State Party to the Rome Statute and surrender Mr Bashir to the court if he comes to Kenya as indicated. In August this year, the court asked the UN Security Council and the Assembly of States to the Rome Statute to take action against Kenya for failing to arrest Mr Bashir when he visited the country during the promulgation of the new Constitution. Chad and Uganda are also other countries that have failed to arrest Mr Bashir despite being members of the ICC. Despite pressure from the international community and civil society groups in the country, Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula strongly defended the government admitting that it had invited Mr Bashir and could not arrest him for the sake of regional peace. He also said the government acted in accordance with AU resolutions. Mr Bashir became the first sitting Head of State to be targeted by the ICC when it issued a warrant for his arrest in March 2009. He was issued with a second warrant of arrest in July this year for three counts of genocide. He faces charges of crimes against humanity and genocide for atrocities committed in Sudan's Darfur region. ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo accuses Mr Bashir of personally instructing his forces to annihilate the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups. About 300,000 people have died since the conflict broke out in Darfur in 2003, when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against the Arab-dominated regime for a greater share of resources and power, according to UN figures.
Ruto’s case listed for January 24
Nairobi, Tuesday 26th October, 2010. The hearing of a multi-million shilling fraud case against suspended Cabinet Minister William Ruto and three other co-accused has been scheduled for January next year. The case will be heard for 12 days spread across January 24 to February 4. The directive was issued by Nairobi Chief Magistrate Gilbert Mutembei after an initial hitch earlier on Tuesday due to a mix-up in the case file. Defence lawyers led by Katwa Kigen told the magistrate they would have wished to have the case start earlier, before the dates were agreed upon by both the prosecution and the court. “Your honour, we prefer to get earlier dates but if it is not possible we are in agreement with the dates that are available,” Mr Kigen contended. The prosecution said it has lined up 24 witnesses to testify in the case in which Mr Ruto is charged alongside former President Daniel arap Moi’s personal assistant Joshua Kulei and Baringo Central MP Sammy Mwaita. Earlier, the case failed to take off due to a mix up in locating the file. Once the file was located, it did not contain the order by the Constitutional court directing that Mr Ruto face trial, prompting a second adjournment. Mr Mutembei had said the case could not proceed until the High Court order was located, prompting an adjournment to 2.30 pm when it was brought before him. “I now have the High Court order before me. Can we now set the dates for their case,” Mr Mutembei said. Mr Ruto was charged at the Magistrate’s court in 2004 with defrauding the Kenya Pipeline Company [KPC] of Sh96 million over the sale of a parcel of land illegally hived off Ngong Forest. Court documents indicate that Mr Ruto had received some Sh9.9 million in the first installment a further Sh57.8 million and Sh28 million, claiming he was in a position to sell the land to the KPC. The land belongs to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Mr Ruto later filed a constitutional reference at the High Court, arguing that proceeding with the case amounted to a violation of his rights. The application was dismissed two weeks ago by the High Court which ordered that the case proceeds at the Magistrate’s court. Mr Ruto was consequently suspended from the Cabinet pending determination of the criminal case. - CapitalFM
Property owner in UK outraged after the home he bought for £86,000 is re-valued... for just £1 A property owner was devastated when a building society refused to give him a mortgage - and valued his house at just £1. Paul Rooney, 42, spent £10,000 on a new kitchen and conservatory after he bought the two-bedroom Victorian end-of-terrace for £86,000 near Durham in early 2007. But the businessman was stunned when he applied for a mortgage on the property with Nationwide and valuation officers who visited the house gave it a £1 price tag. Property experts claimed that £1 valuation was a sign of the mortgage lenders' nervousness about the state of the housing market. Mr Rooney claimed that he was being 'hammered against the wall' by banks' refusal to mortgage the house in the hamlet of Holmside, Durham. He had hoped to add the property to his portfolio of 33 other buy-to-let properties he has with his business partner Keith Widdrington. Mr Rooney previously received a valuation of £120,000 which stated that the house would rise to £130,000 once the refurbishment had been finished. The report from June 22 said that 'no specialist reports were required' and said that demand for renting properties in the area was steady. A neighboring property was later sold for £141,000 and Mr Rooney hoped for an offer of a bigger loan when he applied in September. But a valuer working for Nationwide produced a report on September 21 which stated that the house was 'not habitable'. It said that there were 'excessive moisture readings' in the ground-floor walls and that wood touching them could be 'affected by rot'. The document also sought a further engineer's report on the stability of the roof. But Mr Rooney - who had already put tenants paying £550 a month in the house - fears that he may have to sell more properties for low prices if banks refuse to lend. He said: 'We are being hammered against the wall because banks simply don't want to lend to us. 'We can't survive like this for ever and if it keeps going we will have to sell properties even if the market value is low.' A Nationwide spokesman said: 'Valuers are instructed to use a £1 valuation if the property is outside our criteria or if further reports or investigation is required. The property was valued on a buy-to-let basis and, as it was not habitable, we could not proceed.' The spokesman said that even though a family was renting the house it made no difference to the assessment.
Affordable: The two-bedroom terraced house in Holmside, Durham, was valued at just £1 by Nationwide and on right a Peaceful: Valuation experts said demand for rental homes in the peaceful hamlet was 'steady' Facebook in Privacy Breach Top-Ranked Applications Transmit Personal IDs, a Journal Investigation Finds
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg addressed the F8 developer conference this spring. Many of the most popular applications, or "apps," on the social-networking site Facebook Inc. have been transmitting identifying information—in effect, providing access to people's names and, in some cases, their friends' names—to dozens of advertising and Internet tracking companies, a Wall Street Journal investigation has found. The issue affects tens of millions of Facebook app users, including people who set their profiles to Facebook's strictest privacy settings. The practice breaks Facebook's rules, and renews questions about its ability to keep identifiable information about its users' activities secure. Read more........
The black history event On 29th October 2010, STaSS ( a charity organization in Milton Keynes that specialises in HIV awareness) and other organizations will be participating in an event to mark the Black History Month. This will be taking place in Milton Keynes. There will be organized activities and other brilliant performances. ALL ARE INVITED. For more details contact Tina on 07950397475, Hanifa 01908 282 185, Mercy 07828333361.
Lawyer jailed over immigration scam
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