US track and field star Allyson Felix brought home her 12th gold medal at a world championship, breaking her tie with Usain Bolt for the most gold medals at worlds, and securing her first gold medal as a mom.
Felix was part of the winning team, which featured Wilbert London, Courtney Okolo, and Michael Cherry in the first-ever world 4×400 mixed relay on Sunday. “So special, to have my daughter here watching means the world to me. It’s been a crazy year for me” Felix told NBCSN.
The quartet finished their race at 3:09.34, setting a world record for the new event. Just ten months ago, Felix prematurely gave birth to her daughter, Camryn, after enduring a difficult pregnancy where she suffered from severe preeclampsia.
Sudan’s first ever women’s club football league kicked off Monday, with two teams clashing at a Khartoum stadium as crowds of fans and diplomats cheered.
The championship, which involves 21 clubs, would have seemed unlikely just months ago when long time Islamist ruler Omar al-Bashir was in power.
The first club match was played between Tahadi and Difaain in the capital on Monday. Matches are also scheduled for Madani, Al-Obeid and Kadugli.
“Civilian rule, Civilian rule,” chanted the crowd as the first match between the two teams began.
Crowds clapped and whistled, with many also chanting “Kandaka, Kandaka,” referring to ancient Nubian queens.
The match was attended by Sudan’s new Minister of Sport Wala Essam and some Sudanese and foreign diplomats.
“This is a historical game not only for women’s sport but for Sudan,” Essam told reporters.
“We will give special attention to women’s sport and women’s football.”
The start of the women’s club football league comes amid expectations that the current three-year transition period will see liberal policies implemented across the country, including measures to promote freedom of speech, women’s rights, sport and arts.
Sudan joined FIFA in 1948. In 1957, Sudan co-founded the Confederation of African Football with Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa at a meeting in Khartoum.
But women’s football has faced an uphill fight since the country adopted Islamic sharia law in 1983, six years before Bashir seized power in an Islamist-backed coup.
Bashir was ousted by the army in a palace coup on April 11 on the back of nationwide protests against his iron-fisted rule.
A new joint civilian-military ruling body, called the sovereign council, is governing of the country for a transition period of 39 months.
The 11-member council has six civilians including two women.
Titled “Tame the Silent Killer“, the actress says that the documentary, which is put together by an all-female crew was conceptualized after she lost a friend to breast cancer and realizing cervical cancer is preventable.
Not one to take the news like that, the actress embarked on a campaign to enlighten people about the dreaded killer responsible for the death of women especially in Nigeria. This led her to shooting the documentary, ‘Tame the Silent Killer’, which she says she intends to screen in as many locations as possible.
“It was a very painful loss for me and for the loved ones she left behind. It was even more painful when I came to realise that is one more death that could have been avoided, if she had acted on it immediately she was diagnosed. I got to also discover breast and cervical cancer is the number 1 killer of women at the moment in Nigeria, it is a problem hitting women and because of how personal the parts we are talking about is, I decided to put together an all-female crew to do this documentary so women would feel free to talk about it,” she said.
Judith Audu further noted that breast and cervical cancer is recorded as the number one killer of Women in Nigeria.
Aside Judith Audu who produced and directed the documentary, other members of the crew include, Sarah Tiamiyu, Director of Photography; Uyoyou Adia, 2nd Camera Unit; Ates Brown, Editor; Onu Rosemaryjoy Chiwendu, Sound Recordist; Martina Ofem ‘April Talker’, Behind the Scene Pictures; Nkwocha Precious-Flora, Gaffer; as well as Nollywood actressOmowunmi Dada, production manager assistant.
The 50-minutes documentary will be premiered in October during the Breast cancer awarenesses campaign, after which it will be available to the viewing public on as many platforms as possible.
After months of research, we created a hair experience that offers healthy hair care in a timely manner.
The star of Ebony Life TV‘s Purple Hibiscus HotelZainab adds that clients will not need to spend extra long hours at the salon just to get their hair done.
A2-hour salon trip flat! That’s our promise.
The salon will specialise in the steam-treatment wash and seven stylish weaving options.
Bolanle also adds that they worked with the best in training their hair technicians.
We worked with the best artisans and consultants while training our hair technicians to ensure the best service for every single client.
The store is set to officially open on Monday the 30th of September.
Somalian social rights activist, Ilwad Elman and Libyan Law student, Hajer Sharief have made the favored list for winning Nobel Peace Prize.
The Nobel Peace Prize, first awarded in 1901, is said to honor “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations and the abolition or reduction of standing armies and the formation and spreading of peace congresses” according to the Nobel Prize organization. What’s even more impressive is that both women are on the short list of the Director for the Peace Research Institute Oslo–the list is thought to highlight the strongest contenders for the prize according to those who work in the field.
The two women, Elman, 29, and Sharief, 26, have been important catalysts for peacebuilding in their respective countries. Both are part of former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s initiative Extremely Together, which brings together 10 young change makers from around the world, as well as have appointed positions from former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.
Elman was born in Mogadishu to two parents who were peace activists in their own right, Fartuun Adan and Elman Ali Ahmed. With no signs of the war easing in the early 90’s, Elman’s mother left with her and her sisters, eventually receiving asylum in Canada some years later. Her father was assassinated for assisting in the rehabilitation of youth co-opted by war. In 2010, at 19, Elman decided to return to Mogadishu and do what she could to further messages of peace. Since then she has led many social programs, particularly those focused on women’s rights in Somalia. Her many accomplishments include founding Somalia’s first rape crisis center for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Sharief has been active in fighting for peace in Libya since 2011 when she witnessed the horrific events of the civil war. Shook by what she saw, that same year Sharief, then 19, started her own organization aimed at supporting a peaceful democratic transition called Together We Build It. The organization focuses on empowering women and youth in Libyan society. In 2013, Sharief co-initiated the 1325 Network project, a collection of organizations and activists across 30 cities in Libya who can work together to raise awareness of women’s role in building safe societies. She is currently studying law while.
Hajer ShariefRyan Lash / TEDOther favored nominees for the prize include Nathan Law Kwun-chung, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, International Rescue Committee and the Control Arms Coalition. A full list of the 301 candidates can be found here. The award will be given on December 10 in Oslo, Norway.
American actress, model and entrepreneur, Lisa Raye McRoy, is now a queen mother in the Central Region in Ghana.
According to The Source, Lisa Raye was enstooled at the Cicada Restaurant and Club in Los Angeles, U.S., just a day before her birthday, which fell on September 23.
Raye was handpicked by the Paramount Chief of Agona Kwanyako and the entire Kyidom Traditional Divisional Council.
Her contributions and humanitarian efforts over the years in Ghana earned the Chicago-native the royal prestige, which she has described as an honour “beyond my wildest imagination.”
As a queen mother, Raye has been given lands to build schools for girls so that she can train and uplift them in career-changing skills, reports lisptickalley.com
Commenting on her enstoolment, Raye said: “I plan to do all that I can by using my platform to bring positive attention to this region. I will serve humbly. I’ve had lots of accomplishments in my life, personally and professionally, but I didn’t get to this point alone. It’s taken a great team of people along the way. To have such an honor bestowed upon me by my own African people is a testament to my hard work and character. It’s like a dream coming true before my very eyes.”
Since the 17th century, enstoolments, or installation of chiefs and queens, have become common. Started by the Ashanti people of Ghana, queen mothers play an important role in local governance and “wield social power and influence.”
All Photos from Instagram (@therealraye1 @twobeesent)
Queen Lisa Raye with King LarwehQueen Lisa Raye about to cut her birthday cake
Dementia affects more than 400,000 people in Australia. Inspired by the powerful effects of music in nursing homes, Lorna Prendergast undertook a Master of Ageing degree at the University of Melbourne. She graduated in July at the age of 90.
Prendergast enrolled in the degree after watching an ABC science program about music and dementia. She completed the course online from the Victorian town of Bairnsdale, overcoming technological hurdles that would challenge many others.
Music technology provides sound opportunities
Prendergast studied the effects of music therapy in nursing homes, including the delivery of personalised playlists using music technology.
“From my research, I found a number of studies where it was suggested that thirty minutes a day of listening to personal music was very productive. Using an iPod with a headphone has proved very effective both in nursing homes and home care. Recently, a headphone has become available where a memory card containing a personal playlist can be inserted into the headphone and does not need to be connected to an iPod.”
Music technology has changed a lot throughout Prendergast’s life. In an interview with ABC Classic she recalled a time when it was common to make your own music:
“Many family homes had a piano, most men carried a mouth organ in their pocket, the accordion and violin were also popular as was the guitar and the ukulele. In those days people made their own music. It was only when the wireless hit the airwaves that people listened more to music rather than make their own.”
The importance of music therapists
Though music technology helps deliver music therapy, Prendergast stresses the importance of having music therapists in care facilities to select and monitor the effects of music:
“In nursing homes I found that music helped calm patients who may be feeling aggressive and it generally gave them joy. It is exceedingly important that the music played be of their choice, songs that brings back memories and emotions which help them to recall their past. It seems to bring back their identity and gain respect from others which also helps include them in the group around them rather than being left to feel isolated.
“It would be good if more nursing homes employed a music therapist because they know how to get people singing and can also detect if any song gives bad vibes. By that I mean that a song liked by most people could remind someone of a bad episode in their life and cause them distress. Carers nursing dementia patients at home also need guidance on developing playlists as music helps bring couples together and extends their time to reminisce.”
A life with music
Prendergast has nurtured a lifelong love of music and attends musicals whenever she visits the city from her Victorian town of Bairnsdale. She remembers a particularly musical trip to Vienna with her late husband Jim:
“Years ago, when Jim and I flew to Europe, we landed in Vienna where we had a few days of wonderful classical music. Violinists were playing in all of the restaurants where we enjoyed a slice of Sachertorte and delicious coffee. Then we were fortunate to attend two concerts, one was of Mozart’s works and the other one was magnificent at the Sofiensaal where we listened to many of the favourites that Strauss first played in the very room we were seated in. It was a wonderful evening. The conductor’s relaxed style was very engaging and the orchestra demonstrated their talent and enthusiasm for Johann Strauss’s music. The highlight for me was when we waltzed to The Blue Danube Waltz, unforgettable.”
In a world that can in turn seem grim, serious or boring, a funny anecdote is always welcome. I don’t know if you’ve read this before, but if not it should give you a chuckle. And if you have, I’m sure it’ll make you laugh again. It has all the ingredients of an entertaining story — drama, retaliation and an unexpected ending… It starts with a letter from a husband asking his wife for a divorce.
But it’s his wife’s brilliant reply that gets all the laughs. . Share it if it also gives you a good chuckle!
I
Dear wife,
I’m writing you this letter to tell you that I’m leaving you forever. I’ve been a good man to you for 7 years & I have nothing to show for it. These last 2 weeks have been Tophet.
Your boss called to tell me that you quit your job today & that was the last straw.
Last week, you came home & didn’t even notice I had a new haircut, had cooked your favorite meal & even wore a brand new pair of silk boxers. You ate in 2 minutes, & went straight to sleep after watching all of your soaps.
You don’t tell me you love me anymore; you don’t want relationship or anything that connects us as husband & wife. Either you’re escape on me or you don’t love me anymore; whatever! the case, I’m gone.
Your EX-Husband
P.S. don’t try to find me. Your SISTER & I are moving away to West Virginia together!
Have a great life!
Dear Ex-Husband,
Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter It’s true you & I have been married for 7 years, although a good man is a far cry from what you’ve been.
I watch my soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining & griping. Too bad that doesn’t work.
I DID notice when you got a hair cut last week, but the 1st thing that came to mind was ‘You look just like a girl!’ Since my mother raised me not to say anything if you can’t say something nice, I didn’t comment.
And when you cooked my favorite meal, you must have gotten me confused with MY SISTER, because I stopped eating pork 7 years ago.
About those new silk boxers: I turned away from you because the $49.99 price tag was still on them, & ; I prayed it was a coincidence that my sister had just borrowed $50 from me that morning.
After all of this, I still loved you & felt we could work it out. So when I the lotto for 10 million dollars, I quit my job & bought us 2 tickets to Jamaica But when I got home you were gone.
Everything happens for a reason, I guess. I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that the letter you wrote ensures you won’t get a dime from me. So take care.
Signed,
Your Ex-Wife, Rich As worship & Free!
This Story Was Originally Published On newsner.com
Foster mother Ingeborg McIntosh describes the first time she held Jordan in her arms as “love at first sight” and fought tirelessly to adopt him. Little did she know, he would return that love with equal fervor when she needed it most. When you hear about stories in which someone “pays it forward,” the kind gesture is usually something small, such as buying a meal for a stranger. The size of the deed doesn’t necessarily dictate how meaningful it is, but in this case, paying it forward literally saved a life.
.
The McIntosh family had cared for 125 foster kids over the years, but no one stole their heart like Jordan.
Jordan was raised in Ingeborg’s home, but his biological mother didn’t want the family to adopt himShe preferred that her child be adopted by Black parents.
But it was impossible to find a home for Jordan, so when the boy was 4, he was adopted by Ingeborg.
“He was a part of the family, no matter what.”
Two decades later, Ingeborg received difficult news: her doctors informed her that she had polycystic kidney disease and needed a kidney transplantation. Jordan decided he couldn’t stand by and watch his mother suffer. He decided to act, without his mother even being aware of his plans.
He booked an appointment to see if he was a match for transplantation. He was.
“I feel like this was my calling in life, I guess,” Jordan says.
“Hopefully I can do more for her as I get older, but for the moment, it’s the least I could do.”
Ingeborg insisted that he not go through with his plans, but Jordan’s mind was made up.
When Jordan talks about his mother, his love and devotion are clear: He can barely talk about her kindness without crying.
“Everything she’s done for me since I was a kid, I just wanted to give it back to her, and show her how much I appreciate her,” he says
Despite all the struggles and tough times, this story ends happily. All because of the strong bond between a mother and her son.
Aisha Buhari, has reportedly been out of the country for over two months now and according to Daily Trust, her absence is in protest of the recent developments in the presidency.
A report by the newspaper claims that multiple sources at the presidential villa said the first lady, who left the country in early August to Saudi Arabia to perform hajj (Muslim pilgrimage), has not returned. Muslims who participated in the hajj exercise have since returned home, but according to Daily Trust credible sources at the Villa said the president’s wife has since left Saudi Arabia for London.
Read the rest of the report below.
“Mama (first lady) is in London. It was from Saudi Arabia that she went to London”” one source said. Asked when she is likely to return, the source said, “I don’t know. All I know is that she is in London” he said
Her absence became obvious after she did not appear alongside her husband at some recent official functions. She was conspicuously absent during the Eid-El-Kabir celebration in Daura, Katsina State when many were with their families. The president hosted many dignitaries including Guinean president, Alpha Conde, during the Sallah celebrations.
At public events, Dr. Hajo Sani, Mrs Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Administration, has been representing her at different functions. For instance, on September 25th, Dr Hajo represented Mrs Buhari at an event of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), New York. Hajo. According to a statement from the Director of Information to Aisha Buhari, the event was attended by first ladies of Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Niger Republic.
Attempts to reach Mrs Buhari’s media aide, Suleiman Haruna, to inquire why she has been absent has proved abortive.
A text message sent to him reads: “In months, her excellency has been out of public glare, locally and abroad. She’s being represented by aides. Where is she?” was sent to him twice but no response was received from him.
The same text message was also sent to presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, yesterday. He replied that her spokesperson should be contacted.
Mrs Buhari drew worldwide attention when she criticised her husband in an October 2016 interview with the BBC. Mrs Buhari in the interview said she feared that her husband’s administration was deviating from its mandate to the people who voted him into office in 2015. She also expressed doubt that she would support him if he sought re-election unless he implemented immediate changes in personnel and policies. Mrs Buhari last year also made headline news when she alleged that two men in the ”cabal” were holding her husband’s government ransom.
.
