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In just 15 years, Croatia’s Istrian peninsula in the northern Adriatic has become one of the world’s best producers of olive oil, decorated with top industry awards.

Denis Ivosevic from the Istrian Tourist Board said that Some 15 years ago there were practically no producers of bottled olive oil in Istria and there was no expert verification of its quality. Now Istria has become a region where guests come also because they know what kind of olive oil they can buy.

Manuel Grubic, the owner of an olive oil mill in the town of Bale, said the quality of the oil is based on the work of small family producers. He revealed that the olive harvest is done manually, they are processed immediately and the quantity produced is relatively small.

Miroslav Pliso, a lawyer who started his small olive oil business some 20 years ago, said that a focus on quality production and the industry awards had put Istria on the map with tourists seeking good local gastronomy. The price of the oil is quite high in comparison to the price of an average good quality oil which costs around 100-120 kuna ($16) per litre. We bottle the oil in the quantity of 0.25 litres and the price per litre is around 600 kuna. He also declared that his output is some 2,000 liters of top quality olive oil a year.

In 2020, Istria won the Flos Olei guide’s best region in the world award for extra virgin olive oil for a 6th consecutive year. The guide is compiled by expert tasters.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-croatia-oliveoil/

Article by Vivy LaBelle


The End SARS protesters on Wednesday shut down the Warri Port of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA as well as critical oil facilities in riverine communities of Delta State.

The Coordinator of the protesters in Warri and its environs, Comrade Israel Joe confirmed the report in a chat with News Correspondents in Uvwie Local Government Area. While noting that the protest is in phases with a section being manned by Ijaw youths, Comrade Joe said that they are shutting down oil facilities in the riverine areas.

He also added saying that, The government cannot be getting oil to develop cities in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos and the rest of them, yet their villages and communities where the oil is gotten from are being underdeveloped; still suffering from the iron road of intimidation battered by bad water and the creek of thatched houses. He said they will continue the End SARS protests until the Delta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa come out to address them on Friday, October 23 at the Effurun roundabout in Uvwie Local Government Area.
Joe threatened a total shut down of all critical facilities if the governor fails to meet with them.

According to him, Protesters are not going to back out of the protest as they do not have any plans to declare a 12-day revolution.  He concludes by revealing that if the government wants to test their resolve, then it should fail to give a public address on Friday.

Source: https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/World+News/Africa

Article by Vivy LaBelle

On the 17th of October, 2015, Josina Machel, the daughter of the first president of Mozambique and a step daughter to Nelson Mandela, was having a disagreement with her partner Rufino Licuco in his car outside of her mother’s home.

It was Josina’s mother’s birthday and they were arguing about how to spend the rest of the day. Josina wanted to spend time with her family.

The disagreement turned violent. Rufino landed three punches—two to the eye, and one to the back of the head—on Josina. Josina had had a transplant on her eye 19 years earlier, and so the punch erupted her cornea and exploded the retina.

Rufino drove her to the hospital, dropped her at the ER, and left her there with a bleeding eye socket. Josina lost her eye.

Since 2015, Josina has been trying to get justice. She sued, and in 2017 Rufino was sentenced to 3 years for domestic violence with grievous bodily harm. But the sentence was suspended and he was allowed to pay a fine.

5 years later, though, neither the jail term, nor the fine, has been served or paid. Instead, Rufino appealed, and the Superior Court of Appeals in Mozambique overturned the 2017 decision, completely acquitting him.

But Josina isn’t giving up in her fight for justice. She’s calling for Justice4Josina and Justice4AllWomxn, saying:

I had placed my trust in the Mozambican justice system, for 5 years, waiting for justice to turn its blind eyes to my gender and convict this man of the crime he has already confessed to. Yet, along with all the women who have joined me in waiting through the years, I have been let down once again.

Let me state unequivocally that I do not accept this judgment overturning Rofino Licuco’s conviction for domestic violence and completely acquitting him. This is not only a let-down for me, but it is creating a dangerous precedent for all women seeking to get legal retribution against those who violate them.

The judgement will not set the dangerous precedent that my aggressor and his institutional enablers intend to. A situation all too familiar for women across the African continent. We are going to fight this. There must justice for all women. By demanding that I provide eyewitnesses to a crime that left me blind in one eye, the court has strengthened my resolve to look out for all other women around me.

Justice for her, she says, is justice for all women.

Nicki Minaj is expecting a baby!

The rapper and Kenneth Petty are expecting their first child together. She had a yellow curly wig and showed off her arm tattoo as she smiled at the camera, captioning the post “#Preggers”. On another post, she wrote:

Love. Marriage. Baby carriage. Overflowing with excitement & gratitude. Thank you all for the well wishes. 💛

Minaj previously sparked pregnancy speculation on June 12 when she and American rapper 6ix9ine teamed up for the track “Trollz.

The award-winning rapper and Petty tied the knot in October 2019. She announced the news with an Instagram video of Mr. and Mrs. mugs at the time.

Congrats to the couple!

 

 

 

At one point or another, we all burn out. It wouldn’t be wrong to think that plopping yourself down on the couch for a few days would leave you feeling recharged. You may not know this, but physical fatigue can have more to do with mental exhaustion than the exercise you’re getting that day.

Below I’ve listed some effective ways to recharge your mind when it starts feeling burned out.

1. Change up Your Routine

It really can be hard to not fall into a routine. Every day you’re doing the same thing over and over, but breaking up that routine can be a really good way to kick that mental exhaustion. Make a point to challenge yourself to do something totally new once a week.

I mean, if you’re feeling really enthusiastic, try doing something new once a day. It can be something really simple. Instead of taking your usual way to work, take a different one that may be more scenic.

Think about activities that you enjoy that really feed your soul and start doing them. When your mind is opened to new ways of thinking and perceiving, you tend to be much happier overall.

2. Keep a Journal

Keeping a journal is a great way to relieve stress and get it all out on paper.[1] It can be really helpful down the road because it gives you the opportunity to look back and reflect on the progress you’ve made in your life.

Journaling also jolts your creativity, builds confidence, boosts comprehension, and encourages you to follow through with goals. It shouldn’t be something that makes you put pressure on yourself, you don’t need to have an entry for every day either.

Write down what comes to mind, you’ll feel such a release when you’ve finished. Make it a priority to write in your journal a few times a week. Eventually, you’ll find writing to be an outlet for recharging your brain.

3. Meditate

You may have seen this one coming. There are so many articles and people out there who rant and rave about the benefits of meditation, but it truly works. Roughly 80 percent of doctor visits are for stress-related issues. A lot of money and time can be saved if you learn to practice self-care through meditation. It can reduce stress, boost immunity, improve sleep, and can quite possibly increase happiness.

4. Re-evaluate Your Relationships

Having relationships is very important, but it’s even more important to really be mindful of how healthy they are.

You may find that you have a few toxic relationships in your life. It may seem difficult to end these relationships because often times you grow to be comfortable in them. Sadly, dysfunctional relationships may become a ‘normal’ part of life and you may not realize how mentally exhausting they can be.

Take time to be mindful of all your relationships. It’s crucial to once in a while reassess and decide whether they are adding value to your life and well-being. In toxic romantic relationships, you can become extremely mentally drained when you’re  putting energy into something that just may not be right.

People who are mindful of their relationships typically tend to be more confident in their own judgment.

5. Get Some Exercise

Exercise isn’t just beneficial for your overall well-being, it’s helpful for when you’re feeling drained as well. You don’t need to get a gym membership to get activity in.

We’re all busy, I get it, but setting aside just 20 minutes a day can really make all the difference. Multiple studies have shown the value of exercise in boosting your concentration and mental focus.[3]

With a daily 20-minute intense workout, blood flow to the brain increases and you improve your mood, creativity, and memory.

Ditch Your Ego, Be Mindful of Your Soul

DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. This can get confused with doing something that brings you a sense of achievement. That feeling of achievement won’t always necessarily bring you joy.

Spending a few extra hours at work to get things done can be productive but powering through can really burn you out. Allow yourself to buy the shoes you’ve been wanting to buy for weeks, or take a spontaneous weekend trip with friends or your significant other.

In the grand scheme of things, our time on earth really is short. Whatever it may be that you choose to do, do it because it truly brings genuine joy to your soul.

Source: Lifehack.org

 

A Nigerian-born teenager, Tobechukwu Phillips has shattered the 125 academic history of her high school in Texas, US.

Phillips, a student of Alvin High School boasted a 6.9 GPA, after she earned A’s throughout her stay in the school. She emerged the first Black valedictorian in the school’s history.

Alvin High School was originally established in 1894. African-American students were allowed to join the school in 1965.

Speaking to Because of Them We Can, Phillips said, “Maintaining the highest GPA in my class is a difficult task. It truly takes time management but more importantly acknowledging what you do it for. I know that I am no longer just representing myself.”

Phillips had a word of advice for other students.  She said, “My biggest advice to other scholars of colour is to truly adopt the mindset of Rosa Parks — ‘No.’ Do not conform to the stereotypes that have held us under thumbs for so long,” she explained. “Do not be discouraged when someone speaks out against you, simply allow what they say to fuel your fire. But more than anything, do not remain tight-lipped. Stand up for what you believe in and take it upon yourself to be the change you’ve always wanted. Say ‘No’ to the ways of the world and stick out.”

Phillips will attend the Nursing School at the University of Texas on full scholarship later in the year. Her plan is to one day own her own clinic as a pediatric nurse practitioner.

She says she would choose him over and over again.

She wrote :

Time passes by speedily when you’re living your best life with the man of your dreams!
_
I had no idea the heights that you would take me to, nor the depths and wonders that you would show me in life; all I knew was that you were a very special man – a unique man, a true man of God; and I was being given the privilege and honour of journeying life alongside you. 25 years later, having lived life under your cover, guidance, love, and assurance; if I had to choose again, I would choose you Adeolu. 💕🤗
_
I love you simply because you are an absolutely amazing person who cares deeply and loves easily. You make it so easy to love you.
I respect you for the loving husband and caring father that you are.
I cherish you for your large heart that reflects Christ in so many ways. It makes you very admirable and attractive.
I am so blessed and inspired by you. I thank you for being the man you said you would be.
_
Today, I stay focused on and grounded in the One who has blessed, kept, and given us 25 wonderful years and the promise of a great God-ordained future.
_
With all my love now and forever, I wish you a Happy Wedding Anniversary, my Best Friend, my Husband, my Pastor, my Forever Heartbeat and my Love – @PaulAdefarasin

In times like this, 27 year-old model, Nyakim Gatwech, who is also known as “Queen of the Dark” is breaking down the barriers of conventional beauty, what an encouragement for others. Now, she has a growing net worth of $4 million all for a dark skin!

Photo source, Nyakim Gatwech, Instagram
Photo source, Nyakim Gatwech, Instagram

 

With an amazing willpower and confidence, Gatwech’s beautiful flawless dark skin tone have earned her endorsements and brand ambassador deals with major companies like Fashion Nova. According to the South Sudanese model, people of African stock get stunned by her dark hue.

“I was fine with my self-esteem and I started being torn down by society, and I started looking at myself,” she told CBS News. “Do I blend in with what the society considered to be beautiful?”She even recalled times when photographers would try to boost her complexion and make it lighter, but she insisted that she wanted to stay true to her natural look.

 

At 14, the St. Cloud State University graduate, made entry to the U.S and was later dubbed ‘Queen of the Dark’, due to her deep melanin, but she wouldn’t be stopped.

The Fenty beauty model, recently shared on Instagram an experience she had with an Uber driver who advised her to bleach her skin. “I was [asked by] my Uber driver the other day, he said, ‘Don’t take this offensive but if you were given 10 thousand dollars would you bleach your skin for that amount?”.

“I couldn’t even respond I started laughing so hard. Then he said, ‘So that’s a no’ and I was like hell to the f*king yeah [that’s] no. Why on earth would I ever bleach this beautiful melanin God [blessed] me with,” she added.

Photo source, Nyakim Gatwech, Instagram
Photo source, Nyakim Gatwech, Instagram

Gatwetch now has a heavy following on social media with over 800,000 Instagram followers and attracts attention from cosmetic brands who engage her to promote their products.

Her hue, which was a source of worry, and bully is opening up doors for her now.

The model first had her appetite for fashion and modeling ignited while in the Kenyan camp. There, she perused  fashion magazines and watched “America’s Next Top Model.”

Gatwech has chosen to be an inspiration to young girls all over the world, and is teaching us all that our weakest areas can be turned around for our greatest good. An advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, she proclaims that “Black is bold, black is beautiful, black is gold… Don’t let American standards damage your African soul.”

 

Jacinta Ardern is the youngest and third female to become the Prime minister of New Zealand. She is a firm believer that too much focus on power and strength can make  leaders lose sight of the need for kindness.

While speaking with Guardian, she explained that her decision to go into politics came with the desire of wanting to change the world.

“In fact, if anything, I thought it looked like a very hard life. It was because I was one of those young people that thought I’d like to change the world, even if it was in the smallest of ways, it just felt like I was doing something that would make a difference.

She defied the odds “I’m a New Zealander and we are naturally quite a self-deprecating people, and part, if I’m honest, it’s probably because I’m also a woman who looks more quickly at my deficits; the things that I’m not good at, rather than what I am. But either way, I never would have imagined as a child that I would end up doing a role like this, because I grew up in a very small town, and there are 120 MPs (members of parliament) in New Zealand. How could I possibly imagine being one of them?.” 

Speaking on what gave her the confidence to suddenly step forward, despite her seemingly low experience and young age, she added,

“You know it’s one thing to not be able to necessarily imagine yourself in that position, but when you’re there you’re just actually thinking, “Right, there’s no time for me to second-guess myself now, people don’t need to hear me question anything right now, they just need to know, and hear me say, ‘I can’.” And so, in that moment, I absolutely knew I could and so it was just a matter of going out there and showing that.”

Front cover of the book I know this to be true, by Jacinda Ardern
Front cover of the book I know this to be true, by Jacinda Ardern.

The qualities that have underpinned her path to this leadership role, include kindness,

“And not being afraid to be kind, or to focus on, or be really driven by empathy. I think one of the sad things that I’ve seen in political leadership is – because we’ve placed over time so much emphasis on notions of assertiveness and strength – that we probably have assumed that it means you can’t have those other qualities of kindness and empathy.

“We need our leaders to be able to empathise with the circumstances of others; to empathise with the next generation that we’re making decisions on behalf of. And if we focus only on being seen to be the strongest, most powerful person in the room, then I think we lose what we’re meant to be here for. So I’m proudly focused on empathy, because you can be both empathetic and strong,” she said.

Jacinta Ardern is a leader with genuine positive efforts that are plainly visible, she is someone we can all learn from.

Click here for full article

Abena Safo Kantanka is among the few successful graduates who have made careers in farming. The Ghanian female farmer started her career while in the university.

She is the daughter of agriculturalist, preacher, inventor and innovator Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka.

After graduating from senior high school with WASSCE certification in Agricultural Science, Abena went on to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Development Communication at AUCC.

Although coming from one of the least developed countries, Abena began farming while in the university with goats and just a sheep in Damango and an acre of maize farm. She had support system since coming from a family of agriculturist, compared to other women who went on the same path as her to start careers in farming.

She reveals that regardless of the advantages and opportunities, her journey has not been free of setbacks. Abena, however, on many occasions defied the odds and subsequently moved her crop farming to the Central Region and started construction on the farm to move the animals. Having made remarkable strides, Abena credits much of her success to her father Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, a preacher, inventor, innovator, physicist, chemist, biologist, and agriculturalist.

“My dad has been my motivation for farming,’’ she said. Aside her father serving as an inspiration to her, Abena admits that she ‘‘loves nature [because] nature is beautiful and it’s not expensive. “The desire to eat your own food means growing your own food and I want to eat my own food.’’ While in school, Abena always talked about owning a big farm like her dad where she could also make a difference by providing foodstuffs that are healthy for human consumption and at affordable prices.

Abena is following her dreams and she believes that by growing her own food, she is better placed to reduce the risk of sicknesses associated with unhealthy food products. ‘‘I intend to farm as long as I live,” she told YEN.com.gh. Abena Safo Kantanka urged people especially women who desire to pursue professions in farming not to relent in the face of challenges.