S. Africa ombudswoman in corruption showdown with Zuma

TVC NEWS [JOHANNESBURG]-- South Africa's ombudswoman has given President Jacob Zuma a fortnight to explain why he should not repay some of the $23 million of public money lavished on his farm, media reported Sunday.
Thuli Madonsela, who is in charge of overseeing public spending, had in March this year said that Zuma had unduly profited from work to increase the security of his home in Nkandla, in the east of the country, including the building of a swimming pool, amphitheatre, cattle enclosure and henhouse.
Last month Zuma wrote a 40-page memo to the president of the South African parliament disputing the charges -- four months after Madonsela had first signalled her alarm at the expenditure -- claiming that the ombudswoman had overstepped her mandate.
He said he was passing the matter on to Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko to decide whether there had been any overspending.
But according to the City Press newspaper, Madonsela reprimanded the president in a letter, demanding a proper explanation within 14 days.
"Reports of the public protector (ombudswoman) are by law not subject to any review or second-guessing by a minister and/or the cabinet," she was quoted as saying.
"I am concerned that the decision you have made regarding the police minister gives him power he does not have under law," she wrote.
Zuma's spokesman Mac Maharaj confirmed that the president had received a letter from Madonsela.

S. Africa ombudswoman in corruption showdown with Zuma

TVC NEWS [JOHANNESBURG]-- South Africa's ombudswoman has given President Jacob Zuma a fortnight to explain why he should not repay some of the $23 million of public money lavished on his farm, media reported Sunday.
Thuli Madonsela, who is in charge of overseeing public spending, had in March this year said that Zuma had unduly profited from work to increase the security of his home in Nkandla, in the east of the country, including the building of a swimming pool, amphitheatre, cattle enclosure and henhouse.
Last month Zuma wrote a 40-page memo to the president of the South African parliament disputing the charges -- four months after Madonsela had first signalled her alarm at the expenditure -- claiming that the ombudswoman had overstepped her mandate.
He said he was passing the matter on to Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko to decide whether there had been any overspending.
But according to the City Press newspaper, Madonsela reprimanded the president in a letter, demanding a proper explanation within 14 days.
"Reports of the public protector (ombudswoman) are by law not subject to any review or second-guessing by a minister and/or the cabinet," she was quoted as saying.
"I am concerned that the decision you have made regarding the police minister gives him power he does not have under law," she wrote.
Zuma's spokesman Mac Maharaj confirmed that the president had received a letter from Madonsela.

E-cigarettes affect cells

Electronic cigarettes can change gene expression in a similar way to tobacco, according to one of the first studies to investigate the biological effects of the devices.
Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting on 6 April in San Diego, California, the research looked at human bronchial cells that contained some mutations found in smokers at risk of lung cancer. The cells were immortalized, grown in culture medium that had been exposed to e-cigarette vapour and their gene expression profiled.
The researchers found that the cells grown in medium exposed to the vapour of e-cigarettes showed a similar pattern of gene expression to those grown in a medium exposed to tobacco smoke (S. J. Park et al. Clin. Cancer Res. 20, B16; 2014).
The changes are not identical, says study researcher Avrum Spira, who works on genomics and lung cancer at Boston University in Massachusetts. But “there are some striking similarities”, he says. The team is now evaluating whether the alterations mean that cells behave more like cancer cells in culture.
The work is at a very early stage and therefore cannot establish that e-cigarettes can cause cancer in vitro, let alone in vivo. “They may be safer [than tobacco], but our preliminary studies suggest that they may not be benign,” says Spira.
E-cigarettes are extremely controversial. Because they vaporize liquid containing nicotine, rather than burning tobacco, some researchers believe that the devices could greatly reduce the damage done to health by smoking; others, however, argue that they are simply ‘renormalizing’ smoking.

Source: Nature

E-cigarettes affect cells

Electronic cigarettes can change gene expression in a similar way to tobacco, according to one of the first studies to investigate the biological effects of the devices.
Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting on 6 April in San Diego, California, the research looked at human bronchial cells that contained some mutations found in smokers at risk of lung cancer. The cells were immortalized, grown in culture medium that had been exposed to e-cigarette vapour and their gene expression profiled.
The researchers found that the cells grown in medium exposed to the vapour of e-cigarettes showed a similar pattern of gene expression to those grown in a medium exposed to tobacco smoke (S. J. Park et al. Clin. Cancer Res. 20, B16; 2014).
The changes are not identical, says study researcher Avrum Spira, who works on genomics and lung cancer at Boston University in Massachusetts. But “there are some striking similarities”, he says. The team is now evaluating whether the alterations mean that cells behave more like cancer cells in culture.
The work is at a very early stage and therefore cannot establish that e-cigarettes can cause cancer in vitro, let alone in vivo. “They may be safer [than tobacco], but our preliminary studies suggest that they may not be benign,” says Spira.
E-cigarettes are extremely controversial. Because they vaporize liquid containing nicotine, rather than burning tobacco, some researchers believe that the devices could greatly reduce the damage done to health by smoking; others, however, argue that they are simply ‘renormalizing’ smoking.

Source: Nature

Using Food To Fight Stretch Marks-Fast!

Mother nature is something else isn’t it? Food doesn’t just have to serve us to fill our bellies or help us grow. If used correctly, food can be the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to our skin.  Check out how to use food to get rid of stretch marks…fast!



1. Potatoes – To get specific, cut your potato into thick slices. Rub the pieces over your stretch marks, making sure your slice is juicy. Allow it to dry and then wash the residue off with warm water.
2. Olive oil – It’s high in Vitamin E, which is great for your skin. If you’d like to keep it for tonight’s stir-fry, you can also use straight up vitamin E oil — even the stuff infused with lavender, jasmine, and rosemary if you’d like. As long as it has a high concentration of Vitamin E, you’re good to go. Your skin will soften with olive oil, and when it softens, it expands, closing the gaps on your stretch marks. Some say castor oil is also as effective as any home remedy can be.
3. Eggs – Rub egg whites on your belly. Time to get icky, eh? Hopefully it’ll be worth it. The protein in egg whites is purported to be super good for your skin and stretch marks in particular. Rub on the stuff three times a day for maximum fading
4. Sugar – A brown sugar scrub used in many spas is helpful to remove dead skin, so why not stretch marks. Add a little sugar, oil, and lemon juice and see those stretch marks disappear.
5. Lemon juice – Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Because of that, it can help stretch marks fade more quickly. Rub in the juices to the affected area and let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing off. Be sure to do this several times a day for a noticeable effect.

Using Food To Fight Stretch Marks-Fast!

Mother nature is something else isn’t it? Food doesn’t just have to serve us to fill our bellies or help us grow. If used correctly, food can be the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to our skin.  Check out how to use food to get rid of stretch marks…fast!



1. Potatoes – To get specific, cut your potato into thick slices. Rub the pieces over your stretch marks, making sure your slice is juicy. Allow it to dry and then wash the residue off with warm water.
2. Olive oil – It’s high in Vitamin E, which is great for your skin. If you’d like to keep it for tonight’s stir-fry, you can also use straight up vitamin E oil — even the stuff infused with lavender, jasmine, and rosemary if you’d like. As long as it has a high concentration of Vitamin E, you’re good to go. Your skin will soften with olive oil, and when it softens, it expands, closing the gaps on your stretch marks. Some say castor oil is also as effective as any home remedy can be.
3. Eggs – Rub egg whites on your belly. Time to get icky, eh? Hopefully it’ll be worth it. The protein in egg whites is purported to be super good for your skin and stretch marks in particular. Rub on the stuff three times a day for maximum fading
4. Sugar – A brown sugar scrub used in many spas is helpful to remove dead skin, so why not stretch marks. Add a little sugar, oil, and lemon juice and see those stretch marks disappear.
5. Lemon juice – Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent. Because of that, it can help stretch marks fade more quickly. Rub in the juices to the affected area and let it dry for about 10 minutes before rinsing off. Be sure to do this several times a day for a noticeable effect.

Beauty Tips to Get Beautiful Skin This Season and Beyond

Skazyupdate.blogspot.com
After enjoying too many days at the beach, summertime cocktails, late nights, or just those lazy days of summer, it’s time to turn our attention to our skin and bodies and give them the TLC they deserve.
To promote inner harmony and clear skin, autumn is traditionally a time to adjust our dietary intake and pursue some form of internal cleansing to keep our organs healthy and strong. Too often, our organs are overworked due to poor eating habits and pollutants, such as smoke. On top of that, our beauty regimen is packed with harsh chemicals and quick fixes that don’t work in the long-term and threaten the skin’s natural defenses.
If your body is healthy and nourished, your skin will glow. If you are unwell and lack vital nutrients, or unable to digest nutrients properly, your skin may show stress or vulnerability and show early signs of aging.
So what’s the solution?
Here are my 12 holistic beauty tips to prepare for the colder, drier months ahead and get beautiful, balanced skin for this season and beyond:

1. Stay hydrated. 
Humidifying room air and keeping well-hydrated internally will prevent the tendency to develop chapped skin and dry, uncomfortable nasal passages.
2. Eat a balanced diet.
Consume a balanced diet rich in fatty acids, minerals, and green leafy vegetables, most of which contain enough water to boost your hydration.
3. Eliminate sugar. 
If possible, eliminate all sugar, wheat, dairy and heavier fried foods, all of which cause inflammation and an acidic environment in the body. This will be helpful to decongest your digestive system and support the organs of elimination, and in turn will noticeably increase your energy and skin clarity.
4. Do a juice cleanse. 
An early autumn cleansing will help regulate your skin and body and can help you achieve clear, glowing skin, purify the kidneys and clean and strengthen the blood. Juicing is the key to radiant skin and health. Green vegetable juices have anti-infective assets, they counterbalance the body’s pH, rid the body of acid waste, purge the body of mucous, and perform a cellular cleansing.

5. Stay away from skincare containing harsh abrasives, chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrance.
Anything that strips the skin’s lipid and sebum barrier leaves skin vulnerable to dehydration. Talc-based cosmetics, common cleanser detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and topical irritants (such as alcohol and benzoyl peroxide) all pose a threat to skin’s delicate moisture balance.

6. Exfoliate at least twice a week. 
Use products combining naturally occurring fruit acids or enzymes. As soon as the more receptive cells are exposed to these ingredients, there will be better absorption of topical antioxidants and humectants, which in turn will plump the skin’s liquid reserve to prevent future dehydration and ensure healthy hydration throughout Fall and Winter.
A sugar scrub is more delicate this time of the year, so look for scrubs with butters and oils, not glycerin or chemical additives.
7. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. 
Both of these dehydrate.
8. Get your zzzs. 
Be sure to get enough sleep, which encourages regeneration of body cells and tissues.
9. Exercise often. 
This increases blood flow to every single organ of your body, including the skin, and will always produce an improved complexion and a beautiful healthy glow.
10. Change your shower routine. 
Dry brushing before your bath or shower will not only remove all skin debris, but it will also stimulate circulation and help flush toxins through the lymphatic system. Keep the bath or shower short and use lukewarm water.
Purchasing a shower filter is a good idea, too! Unfiltered water contains high amounts of chemical compounds, such as chlorine and fluoride, which alkalize water. Alkaline water severely alters the skin’s pH, causing more dryness.

11. Meditate your way to radiant skin. 
Meditation is one of the few stressless practices in the world that can truly rejuvenate your skin, transforming all your cells and tissues. The effect of meditation, when practiced properly and consistently, is like an anti-aging pill that cleanses your skin and rejuvenates your complexion.
12. Have More Sex. 
Last but not least, do it and do it often! It’s true – sex gives your skin a heavenly glow. It improves blood circulation, which helps to pump oxygen to your skin and make it brighter. It also helps to eliminate toxins and reduces hormone levels, balancing and controlling acne, and boosts collagen production to prevent aging, dryness and wrinkles.

**
A holistic approach to beauty is smart one, since it balances the needs of your body, your mind and your spirit and takes each of these into account when establishing a customized skincare philosophy for any condition.
Remember, this is the season of rest. Take time out for yourself, quiet the mind, eat well and practice the art of self-care and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, radiant skin all season long.

by Funmilola Osinowo

Beauty Tips to Get Beautiful Skin This Season and Beyond

Skazyupdate.blogspot.com
After enjoying too many days at the beach, summertime cocktails, late nights, or just those lazy days of summer, it’s time to turn our attention to our skin and bodies and give them the TLC they deserve.
To promote inner harmony and clear skin, autumn is traditionally a time to adjust our dietary intake and pursue some form of internal cleansing to keep our organs healthy and strong. Too often, our organs are overworked due to poor eating habits and pollutants, such as smoke. On top of that, our beauty regimen is packed with harsh chemicals and quick fixes that don’t work in the long-term and threaten the skin’s natural defenses.
If your body is healthy and nourished, your skin will glow. If you are unwell and lack vital nutrients, or unable to digest nutrients properly, your skin may show stress or vulnerability and show early signs of aging.
So what’s the solution?
Here are my 12 holistic beauty tips to prepare for the colder, drier months ahead and get beautiful, balanced skin for this season and beyond:

1. Stay hydrated. 
Humidifying room air and keeping well-hydrated internally will prevent the tendency to develop chapped skin and dry, uncomfortable nasal passages.
2. Eat a balanced diet.
Consume a balanced diet rich in fatty acids, minerals, and green leafy vegetables, most of which contain enough water to boost your hydration.
3. Eliminate sugar. 
If possible, eliminate all sugar, wheat, dairy and heavier fried foods, all of which cause inflammation and an acidic environment in the body. This will be helpful to decongest your digestive system and support the organs of elimination, and in turn will noticeably increase your energy and skin clarity.
4. Do a juice cleanse. 
An early autumn cleansing will help regulate your skin and body and can help you achieve clear, glowing skin, purify the kidneys and clean and strengthen the blood. Juicing is the key to radiant skin and health. Green vegetable juices have anti-infective assets, they counterbalance the body’s pH, rid the body of acid waste, purge the body of mucous, and perform a cellular cleansing.

5. Stay away from skincare containing harsh abrasives, chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrance.
Anything that strips the skin’s lipid and sebum barrier leaves skin vulnerable to dehydration. Talc-based cosmetics, common cleanser detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and topical irritants (such as alcohol and benzoyl peroxide) all pose a threat to skin’s delicate moisture balance.

6. Exfoliate at least twice a week. 
Use products combining naturally occurring fruit acids or enzymes. As soon as the more receptive cells are exposed to these ingredients, there will be better absorption of topical antioxidants and humectants, which in turn will plump the skin’s liquid reserve to prevent future dehydration and ensure healthy hydration throughout Fall and Winter.
A sugar scrub is more delicate this time of the year, so look for scrubs with butters and oils, not glycerin or chemical additives.
7. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. 
Both of these dehydrate.
8. Get your zzzs. 
Be sure to get enough sleep, which encourages regeneration of body cells and tissues.
9. Exercise often. 
This increases blood flow to every single organ of your body, including the skin, and will always produce an improved complexion and a beautiful healthy glow.
10. Change your shower routine. 
Dry brushing before your bath or shower will not only remove all skin debris, but it will also stimulate circulation and help flush toxins through the lymphatic system. Keep the bath or shower short and use lukewarm water.
Purchasing a shower filter is a good idea, too! Unfiltered water contains high amounts of chemical compounds, such as chlorine and fluoride, which alkalize water. Alkaline water severely alters the skin’s pH, causing more dryness.

11. Meditate your way to radiant skin. 
Meditation is one of the few stressless practices in the world that can truly rejuvenate your skin, transforming all your cells and tissues. The effect of meditation, when practiced properly and consistently, is like an anti-aging pill that cleanses your skin and rejuvenates your complexion.
12. Have More Sex. 
Last but not least, do it and do it often! It’s true – sex gives your skin a heavenly glow. It improves blood circulation, which helps to pump oxygen to your skin and make it brighter. It also helps to eliminate toxins and reduces hormone levels, balancing and controlling acne, and boosts collagen production to prevent aging, dryness and wrinkles.

**
A holistic approach to beauty is smart one, since it balances the needs of your body, your mind and your spirit and takes each of these into account when establishing a customized skincare philosophy for any condition.
Remember, this is the season of rest. Take time out for yourself, quiet the mind, eat well and practice the art of self-care and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, radiant skin all season long.

by Funmilola Osinowo

Is this for real a footballer died after being hit with an object from the crowd

24 year old Cameroonian striker Albert Ebossé Bodjongo (pictured above) was killed yesterday Aug. 23rd, after being struck in the head by an object thrown from the stands by an angry fan after his team lost 2-1 in a home defeat during an Algerian league game.

Albert and his team mates were leaving the field at the end of a match between his club JS Kabylie and USM Alger in Tizi Ouzou, when an angry fan threw what is believed to be a rock.

Albert, who had scored the sole JSK goal, died a few hours later in the hospital. He was 24. Continue.

His club, JS Kabylie, published a statement yesterday on its website saying his death will be investigated.

'The Ministry of Interior and Local Government, speaking through minister Tayeb Belaiz, has given an instruction to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Albert Ebosse." The statement read

Kabylie captain Ali Rial told reporters that Albert died in his arms as he accompanied him to the hospital in the ambulance.  

"I'm depressed, it's real drama and I do not know if I'll get over it. He died in my arms, I still cannot believe we have lost him forever. He was a good man, God rest his soul."

So sad! May his soul rest in peace...amen.

Is this for real a footballer died after being hit with an object from the crowd

24 year old Cameroonian striker Albert Ebossé Bodjongo (pictured above) was killed yesterday Aug. 23rd, after being struck in the head by an object thrown from the stands by an angry fan after his team lost 2-1 in a home defeat during an Algerian league game.

Albert and his team mates were leaving the field at the end of a match between his club JS Kabylie and USM Alger in Tizi Ouzou, when an angry fan threw what is believed to be a rock.

Albert, who had scored the sole JSK goal, died a few hours later in the hospital. He was 24. Continue.

His club, JS Kabylie, published a statement yesterday on its website saying his death will be investigated.

'The Ministry of Interior and Local Government, speaking through minister Tayeb Belaiz, has given an instruction to open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Albert Ebosse." The statement read

Kabylie captain Ali Rial told reporters that Albert died in his arms as he accompanied him to the hospital in the ambulance.  

"I'm depressed, it's real drama and I do not know if I'll get over it. He died in my arms, I still cannot believe we have lost him forever. He was a good man, God rest his soul."

So sad! May his soul rest in peace...amen.

Tweet from Minister of Agriculture....

Skazyupdate.blogspot.com

Wonder who the noise makers are...:-)

Tweet from Minister of Agriculture....

Skazyupdate.blogspot.com

Wonder who the noise makers are...:-)

Julius Agwu's Crack Ya Ribs is today @Hacney Empire, London

Today, all roads in London lead to Crack Ya Ribs - Julius d'genius Agwu live in London at The Hacney Empire. Londoners are already rushing to get their tickets to go see Phyno, Patoranking, Akpororo and others. Red carpet starts 6pm and the show kicks off at 7pm. (Patoranking &Akpororo pictured above as they arrived London some days ago )

Also, Julius Agwu's book #JokesApartHowDidIGetHere? goes digital Today as he gives out 2 kindle fires to lucky members of the audience. The book is now sold on Amazon, iBook, Kalahari. Crack ya Ribs tickets can be purchased at the venue.

Julius Agwu's Crack Ya Ribs is today @Hacney Empire, London

Today, all roads in London lead to Crack Ya Ribs - Julius d'genius Agwu live in London at The Hacney Empire. Londoners are already rushing to get their tickets to go see Phyno, Patoranking, Akpororo and others. Red carpet starts 6pm and the show kicks off at 7pm. (Patoranking &Akpororo pictured above as they arrived London some days ago )

Also, Julius Agwu's book #JokesApartHowDidIGetHere? goes digital Today as he gives out 2 kindle fires to lucky members of the audience. The book is now sold on Amazon, iBook, Kalahari. Crack ya Ribs tickets can be purchased at the venue.

Photos: Actor Gerald Butler grab's woman's boobs and butt in public parking lot

One of Hollywood's best known womanizers actor Gerald Butler, 44, was photographed grabbing the boobs and butt of an unidentified woman in Malibu yesterday. The 300 actor, who doesn't have a girlfriend, and has said he's scared of commitment, grabbed the woman and started making out with her as they made to enter their SUV. Fortunately the paparazzi was there to capture the moment...See more photos after the cut...