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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Goodluck Jonathan Vows to Transform the Country

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday took oath of office with a vow to transform Nigeria. He promised not to let the people down.

The President while speaking after he was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, at the Eagle Square, Abuja, listed the task before his administration to include that of transformation of the economy, maintenance of security and a better image for the country.

"You have entrusted me with your mandate and I will never let you down. I know your pains because I have been there; look beyond the hardship you have endured and see a new beginning, a new direction, a new spirit. Nigerians I want you to start to dream again, what you see in your dreams we can achieve together. I call upon all the Presidential candidates who contested with me to join hands with us as we begin the transformation of our country. Let us work together".

President Jonathan was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief for his first full elected term at a colourful ceremony at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

He also acknowledged the challenges of driving reforms and healing wounds and rifts generated by the fierce election contests which saw mass protests and killing at least 10 members of the National Youth Service Commission (NYSC) and other Nigerians.

The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and assisted by Sunday Olorundaunsi, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He said: "I will continue to fight for your future because I am one of you; I will continue to fight for improved medical care for all our citizens; I will continue to fight for all our citizens to have access to first class education; I will continue to fight for electricity to be available to all our citizens; I will continue to fight for an efficient affordable transport system for all our people; I will continue to fight for jobs to be created to all through productive public partnership".

The President however advised Nigerians to put the era of lamentations behind them and forgive one another and embrace the new era that will be characterized by hard work and diligence, saying only through such efforts that the nation can be transformed and development attained.

"The time for lamentation is over; this is the era for transformation. This is the time but Nigeria can only be transformed if we all play out parts with commitment and sincerity. Cynicism and skepticism will not help our journey to greatness. Let us believe in a new Nigeria, let us work to build a great country we will all be proud of, this is our hour.

"Fellow compatriots fix your gaze towards the horizon, look ahead and you will see a bright future that we can secure with unity and collective sacrifice".

President Jonathan urged Nigerians to join hands with him in building the nation of their dreams.

He assured that he would fight corruption while adding that he would identify with Nigerians in solving many of the problems confronting them because he had been there before.

The President also called on others who contested the presidential election with him to come forward for the task ahead.

He said the success of the 2011 elections and the widespread acclaim which the exercise received was due to the uncommon patriotism and diligence exhibited by many Nigerians, including members of the Armed Forces, NYSC among others.

"Unfortunately, despite the free, fair and transparent manner the elections were conducted, a senseless wave of violence in some parts of the country led to the death of 10 members of the NYSC and others. These brave men and women paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of our fatherland. They are heroes of our democracy. We offer our heartfelt prayers and condolences in respect of all those who lost their lives.

"In the days ahead, those of us that you have elected to serve must show that we are men and women with the patriotism and passion, to match the hopes and aspirations of you, the great people of this country. We must demonstrate the leadership, statesmanship, vision, capacity, and sacrifice, to transform our nation. We must strengthen common grounds, develop new areas of understanding and collaboration and seek fresh ideas that will enrich our national consensus".

Despite sending an invitation to his opponents in the April 16 Presidential election, none of those who contested against him including General Muhammadu Buhari, former chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu and former governor of Kano state, Ibrahim Shekarau were at the event.

Former President Ibrahim Babangida and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with whom Jonathan contested the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primaries were also absent at the event.

The President said he will intensify his advocacy against illicit trades in small arms and light weapons which have become the catalyst for conflicts in the African continent; this is just as he urged all Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad are to accord this vision of according dignity to humanity the highest priority.

"My fellow countrymen and women, Nigeria is not just an only land of promise but it shall be a country where positive change shall continue to take place for the good of our people.

"Let us build together, let us bequeath a greater Nigeria to the generation to come.

The ceremony was however attended by many former Nigerian Heads of governments including, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Abdul salami Abubakar, and Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Jonathan also paid glowing tributes to late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua with whom he won the Presidential election, fours ago then as Vice President, praying God to bless his soul, even as he commended Nigeria's founding fathers who had laid the foundation for the unity and greatness of the country.

He said: "We take utmost pride in their contributions; the pivotal task of this generation is to lead our fatherland to the summit of greatness."

The president was also grateful to the heads of state and government who attended the inauguration, as well as the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) and other world leaders and development partners.

Jonathan also appreciated the contributions of his parents to his success, saying: "I hold a debt of gratitude to my mother and late father; I cannot thank them enough."

The president further applauded his dear wife and the wife of the vice-president for organising Nigerian women to support democracy.

He was grateful to Nigerians for the trust and confidence which they demonstrated by casting their votes for him.

"I want to assure you that I will do my utmost at all times to continue to deserve your trust.

"I want to specially thank all Nigerians for staying with us in our collective will to build a democratic nation; I want to also thank members of the PPD and members of other political parties who have demonstrated faith in our democratic enterprise.

Jonathan equally acknowledged the contributions of his Vice-President Namadi Sambo, "with whom we moved across this country encouraging Nigerians to see with us and vote for us".

He was happy at the nation's political progress, noting that a decade ago nobody would have thought that an individual from a minority ethnic group could win the people's mandate as president.

He said he was touched by the fact that earlier in the year more than 72 million eligible Nigerians "endured all manner of inconvenience just to secure their voters' cards in order to exercise their rights to choose those that would govern them".

Jonathan said the determination which Nigerians displayed was typical of the Nigerian spirit of resilience in the face of the greatest of odds.

Daily Champion

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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Video - Cara 'Titilayo' Harshman at a Market in Lekki, Lagos

Cara 'Titilayo' Harshman is a University of Wisconsin journalism student who studies Yoruba. She moved to Ibadan, Nigeria to fully immerse herself in the Yourba culture. When videos of Titilayo speaking fluent authentic Yoruba hit the web, it immediately went viral. Here she is interacting with folks at Lagos market.

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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Video - 5'8 Air Nigeria SICK New Dunker

Check out the newest face to the dunking scene, 5'8" Air Nigeria from Denver, CO. With a TRUE 45 inch vertical Air Nigeria could be one of the highest jumpers in the world if not the highest. Vote for him at NBA.com/dunk once voting opens in August.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Siasia Explains Peter Odemwingie Omission from Nigeria vs Argentina

Coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Samson Siasia has explained why he left out Osaze Odemwingie from the squad for the friendly game against Argentina and the 2012 Africa Nation's Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

Siasia released a 24 man list for the upcoming matches with Odemwingie the surprise omission. The Super Eagles Coach said Odemwingie stormed out of the team's camp after the 2012 Africa Nation's Cup qualifier against Ethiopia on March 21.

"He (Odemwingie) left the team's camp without my permission and he has not called me since then. The other players threatened to stage a walk out of the national team if he was invited and we did not want a situation where Nigeria will be disgraced.

It is a case of instilling discipline. No one is bigger than the national team," Siasia said.

Daily Champion

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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Fifa Rankings - South Africa Overtake Nigeria

Nigeria slipped one step down on the FIFA rankings for the month of May released yesterday. South Africa pushed Nigeria down to the 39th position from 38th, Nigeria previously occupied.

Ghana, Cote d' Ivoire and reigning African champions Egypt retained the top three positions while South Africa and Nigeria swopped slots and resurgent Senegal climbed three spots to sixth.

Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Libya complete the top 10 in rankings that are becoming increasingly significant with seedings for national team competitions based on them.

Senegal rose 11 places to 40 in the world -- the first time they have been among the top 50 since January 2009 -- as the team spirit created by coach Amara Traore continues to bear fruit.

The 'Teranga Lions' defeated Cameroon in a crucial Cup of Nations qualifier two months ago and are poised to make the 2012 tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea after missing the last two editions.

Spain stayed top as the 10 top places remained unchanged, while Netherlands are second behind world and European champions Spain with Brazil third, Germany fourth and Argentina fifth.

Africa's top ten (World ranking in brackets):

1. Ghana (15)

2. Ivory Coast (21)

3. Egypt (36)

4. South Africa (38)

5. Nigeria (39)

6. Senegal (40)

7. Algeria (41)

8. Burkina Faso (44)

9. Cameroon (49)

10. Libya (58)

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Apo Six - Judge Grants Last Adjournment

An Abuja High Court judge, Justice Ishaq Bello yesterday granted what he described as last adjournment in the trial of the six policemen accused of killing five traders and their female companion in Abuja in 2005.

Those standing trial for the killings are DCP. Danjuma Ibrahim, ASP Othman Abdulsalami (still at large), Corporals Nicholas Zacharia, Emmanuel Baba, Emmanuel Acheneje and Sadiq Salami.

They were alleged to have killed Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony Nwokike and Tina Arebun, while they were returning home from a night-out.

The deceased were between 21 and 25 years of age.

At the resumed hearing, Bello who adjourned the matter to July 6, said it was done at the instance of counsel to Acheneje, Malam Isa Ibrahim, in order for him to get all the records of proceedings to prepare for defence.

Ibrahim had asked for an adjournment to enable him get the record of proceedings and exhibits as he was just coming into the matter today.

He said that he needed time to also meet with his client.

Facing Acheneje in the dock, Bello warned Acheneje against any further stalling of the proceedings by his constant hiring and firing of counsel at will.

The judge, who did not hide his anger, warned the accused to stop the "hiring and firing" of counsel.

"Since this trial started in 2005, you have changed six counsel, the last one was Mr Olu Otitoju sent by the Legal Aid Council, whom you fired in January.

"This cannot continue, you cannot keep holding us back. We have to make progress. We are being watched by the public.

"Once we resume in July, the matter must continue untill it reaches its logical conclusion this year. So all counsel in thismatter take note," he warned.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Mamman Usman (SAN), who did not object to the application of Acheneje's counsel, said that he was ready to resume trial. Also counsel to Danjuma, Mr Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, and that of Zacharia, Malam Musa Tola did not object to the adjournment but counsel to Baba and Salami, Mr Anthony Agbolahan and Deborah Akor had prayed the court to take note of the attitude of hiring and firing of lawyers by Acheneje.

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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Televangelist rapes 13 year old girl in church

A popular tele-evangelism Pastor of the Celestial Church of God (CCC) Deliverance Parish, Ajangbadi, Ojo Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, Isaac Adejumobi, is currently telling police detectives at the Lagos State Police Command Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba, all he knows about the rape and assault case for which he has been fingered. Police spokesperson in Lagos, Samuel Jinadu, who confirmed the arrest and detention of the "man of God" to LEADERSHIP in Lagos yesterday, added that the behaviour of the Pastor could only be described as animalistic.

He said, "it is pitiable and sympathetic what people who parade themselves as servants of God could do. No wonder therefore, God said judgment shall start from the temple. The action of the Pastor could only be described as animalistic."

It was gathered that the incident happened right inside the Church auditorium at about 7.30pm of penultimate Friday. "The girl's father who reported the incident to the Police, at Ajangbadi Police Station said that Friday is usually for all night prayer vigil. He stated further that, his daughter, (name witheld) was at the Church for the prayer meeting."

LEADERSHIP learnt that, it could not be explained why the girl should be in the Church at that time when the prayer meeting was scheduled to start at 12midnight. Though, the victim had told the Police that, she had earlier been informed by the Pastor that she should come early because there would be some special prayer for her as she is about starting her Junior Secondary School (JSS) examinations, which she obliged.

The Police said, it was between the period the girl arrived the Church for her supposed prayer session with the pastor, "that he pounced on her and deflowered her. I think it was the scream of the girl that alerted passers-by who decided to rush into the Church to find out what has gone wrong. It was a vulcanizer in front of the opposite building that noticed that blood was dripping down the legs of the victim."

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated that the randy Pastor would soon appear in court, "because the Police SCID at Panti, Yaba are compiling his case file and as soon as it is ready he would be taken to court for trial. He lamented the high incidence of rape cases in the State, since the beginning of this year and stressed that, the police authority was worried.

According to statistics made available to LEADERSHIP at the Police Headquarters, Ikeja, over 134 reported cases of rape has been recorded in the State since the beginning of this year.

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Friday, May 13, 2011

No Messi for Nigeria vs Argentina on June 1

Nigeria football enthusiasts looking forward to seeing top Argentine stars in action for the June International friendly against the Eagles, would have to settle for less as Argentina will field a B string team at the National Stadium Abuja.

The players chosen by coach Sergio Bastista for the June 1 cracker are mostly under-25 players based in Europe. They are been given the chance to prove themselves worthy being in the Argentine team for the Copa America. Some of the players are making their international debut.

The organisers of the international had made Nigerians fans believe that top performers like Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel D' Maria, Javier Mascherano, Carlos Tevez and others would be coming. However, according to Argentine Football officials they attach much importance to the game as it would help their players and their preparation for the Copa America.

On the other hand Eagles coach Samson Siasia stated that he was looking forward to the match. This is because in all his encounter with the Argentines he had been on the losing side as a player and a coach.

" It is going to be a very serious match and we need good preparation. It is going to be a big challenge and I like big challenges," Siasia said.

South Africa-based former international Mohammed Lawal noted that the match could be a dicey for the Eagles notwithstanding the calibre of players coming. He urged the Eagles to be focused on beating the Argentines not matter what team they are bringing.

" What is important is that we play to win no matter which team they bring. Because this will boost the confidence of the players."

Argentina Squad

Oscar USTARI (Getafe)

Augustin MARCHESIN (Lanús)

Mateo MUSACCHIO (Villarreal)

Nicolas OTAMENDI (Porto)

Ezequiel GARAY (Real Madrid)

Pablo ZABALETA (Manchester City)

Marcos ANGELERI (Sunderland)

Federico FAZIO (Sevilla)

Emiliano INSUA (Galatasaray)

Tino COSTA (Valencia)

Nicolas BERTOLO (Zaragoza)

Mario BOLATTI (Internacional)

Fernando BELLUSCHI (Porto)

Alejandro CABRAL (Legia Varsovia)

Diego PEROTTI (Sevilla)

Mauro FORMICA (Blackburn)

Pablo PIATTI (Almería)

Marco RUBEN (Villarreal)

Jonathan CRISTALDO (FC Metalist Kharkiv)

Nicolas GAITAN (Benfica)

Messi will be better than Maradona, Pele - Ardiles

World Cup winning player Osvaldo Ardiles has stated that Lionel Messi will be the best ever.

"I think there is only one player you can compare with Messi and that is Diego Maradona, and in many ways they are very similar."

"For some time I thought that Diego could never be surpassed, and nor could Pele, but no longer. I would now say that Messi will go down in history as the number one player of all time, the best that there ever was.

"The big difference is that Maradona played in Argentina, then in Italy, while Pele stayed in Brazil, and during their time the pressures were less intense than they are now.

"Messi is under pressure all the time, and has to play in incredibly high-intensity games all of the time, the Champions League being the perfect example.

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Man Kills Mother in Church

Tragedy struck in Benin City, the Edo State capital as a 29 year-old son of a pastor, Abraham Ovie ,brutally murdered his own mother inside a Pentecostal church located in Uselu part of the City.

Ovie, who was apprehended after committing the dastardly act by Police with the assistance of youths in the area, is currently cooling his heels in police custody.

The Edo Police Public Relation Officer(PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) Peter Ogboi who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said men of the command were on top of the situation to unravel the puzzle behind the murder. The incident occurred at the Chapel of Glory International Church in Uselu area of Benin City.

Police say that Ovie whose arrest was influenced by the presence of his pair of shoes at the church compound located in Uselu area of the ancient city, had in the past reportedly accused his mother of hindering his prosperity.

It was gathered that Ovie, a Computer Technician was earlier arrested, detained and released on bail by the Police Area Command in the city, over these altercations with his mother, who appeared helpless in the absence of his father who pastors the church branch at Ozoro in Isoko South Local Government area of Delta from where they hail.

Sources said that the incident took place at about 2 am yesterday, after the youth tracked his aged mother to the Church where she had gone and locked herself in ,seeking refuge after several assaults by his son, who gained entrance into the church through the window after beating the men of the Vigilante group on the street.

The scream from his mother who he was mutilating with a broken plastic chair and repeated stabs to the face and other parts of her body attracted residents of the area who thought the Pastor of the church was conducting deliverance for one of his members.

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Stephanie Okereke possibly pregnant

A-list actress, Stephanie Okereke is in the news again.

And this time around it has to do with her months motherhood course. Rumor mongers have it that Stephanie Okereke maybe pregnant for her fiancé, Linus Idahosa.

They both got engaged last year during her birthday where he proposed to her in the presence of some family members and friends. Linus put a fast one on the delectable actress at the posh Club 10, owned by Jay Jay Okocha.

And since then, all her fans and colleagues have been waiting for this much anticipated wedding. According to information made available to us, preparation is already in top gear as both families are not leaving any stone unturned. So whether or not Stephanie is pregnant, time will surely tell.

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Thursday, May 12, 2011

15 year old Nigerian teenager gets admission to Harvard

A 15 year old Nigerian girl has been offered admission to the prestigious Harvard University in United States of America, She is Saheela Ibraheem, 15 year old daughter of a Nigerian immigrant family living in New Jersey, United States. The Harvard University new intake is the latest media sensation.

Since news broke about Saheela's incredible acceptance to 13 of American's prestigious Universities, local and International media have taken interests in the teen's success story.

A source at Wardlaw-Hartridge high school, who fears that media interests in the young Nigerian-American is fast becoming overwhelming and could be a distraction during her upcoming exams said that about a dozen media organizations are schedule for possible interviews with Saheela. According to the source "She [Saheela] is amazing and because she is well spoken, media organizations wanted to have live interviews with her".

In 2010, Saheela applied to 14 schools that includes some of America's Ivy Leagues. All, but Yale, offered her admission. This includes, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, Cornell, Brown, Williams College, Stanford, University of Chicago, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Washington University in St. Louis and Harvard, which she settled on after a convincing visit to the university's campus. In an interview with Fox 5, New York, Saheela's mother, Shakirat, attributes her daughter's academic success to her interest in learning and knowing more. According to Shakirat,"When you teach her 1, 2, 3 she wants more,... When you teach her 1 through 5, she'd say how about this."

Her dad, Sarafa, a graduate of Nigeria's own ivy school, University of Ibadan, is a financial analyst and vice president at a major Financial group in New York

Besides her academic excellence, Saheela actively plays soccer, softball and the trombone. Nigerians have reacted to the good news. Bukky Adekanbi, a Nigerian residing in New York said.

"It is always joyful to hear that Nigerians are doing great things around the world regardless of how bad some international media tries to portray us. We Nigerians here in America are proud of Saheela and her parents,"

Saheela who plans to study neuroscience or neurobiology - scientific study of the nervous system. said "It all comes down to the support I've had at home, from my parents, even my brothers being there every step of the way."

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Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Nigeria vs Argentina - Argentina coming with A team

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday assured that it had the word of the Argentina Football Association that it would present its senior team players in the international friendly against the Super Eagles in Abuja on 1st June.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said the Federation was not unaware of insinuations and speculations in the media about the quality of the team that the South American nation would bring to Abuja, but insisted that the two-time world champions would come with senior team players of note.

"The truth is, Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are playing in the UEFA Champions League final for FC Barcelona against Manchester United FC at the Wembley on 28th May.

That is the day the Argentina team would departfrom Buenos Aires for Nigeria, so naturally, you wouldn't expect those two players to be on the trip.

"The Argentina team has a new coach, in the person of Sergio Batista, and is preparing for the Copa America taking place in July, and which that country is hosting.

Therefore, you would expect that the new Coach would want to blood a number of new players and see if they can fit into this tactics and team plans. That is why there are a number of new players in the team.

"But the Argentina list that I have seen is replete with 'A' team players who ply their trade in top leagues in Spain, Portugal, Italy, England, Russia, Ukraine and the like.

We are assuring that Argentina would present its very best possible, apart from Messi and Mascherano who are obviously out due to the Champions League final.

"We must continue to commend Guinness for bringing this match here and should not do anything to disparage the game in the build or discourage the company. Come Wednesday, 1st June, both Nigeria and Argentina would present

'A' teams to play this high_profile game", said Amadu.

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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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U.S.$1 Billion Abacha Loot Still Outstanding

About $1 billion (N157 billion) of the loot by the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, remains out of the reach of Abuja, nearly 13 years after his death, and 12 years after moves to recover the public funds he embezzled and laundered to European countries during his four-year junta.

So far, $1.3 billion is said to have been recovered and lodged with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with the help of Enrico Monfrini, a lawyer hired by Abuja to help track money that corruptly found its way out of the country during the period.

Part of the outstanding $1 billion has been frozen in Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and The Bahamas.

Part of it is also in France and Jersey in the United Kingdom.

Monfrini disclosed in an interview in the latest edition of FT Weekend Magazine that huge funds laundered systematically are often split into irregular amounts - for instance, an amount such as $7.23 million is first split and routed through other banks across the globe, to make it difficult to trace, before eventually showing up in other destinations.

Monfrini, who is based in Geneva, and who is performing a similar role for Brazil and Haiti, among others, spoke of frustration in the job, having to work day and night for months.

He said: "It is one thing to find and freeze the money, but the next step is to confiscate the funds and repatriate them. This is the hardest part.

"Nobody disputes the cause, but some countries refuse to help, or do not have laws that allow it. To give you a practical example, more than $400 million connected with the Abacha case has been sleeping in the Channel Islands for years, because Jersey is unable - through a lack of laws - to confiscate the money by itself."

Most of the restitution is being monitored by the World Bank as part of efforts to ensure such money finds its way into national coffers, instead of being stolen by equally corrupt state officials.

Monfrini, 66, whose father was a diplomat in Gabon and then Cote d'Ivoire, and has had a close relationship with Africa, first became associated with Nigeria incidentally during the Abacha era, representing several opponents of the despot at the time.

After the death of Abacha, the new government wanted someone trusted that could pursue stolen funds and contracted Monfrini.

"I began with very few details," which only led to empty bank accounts, he recalled, following which he lodged a criminal complaint, which was upheld by the authorities in Geneva.

Accounts traced to Abacha, which had a total $650 million were frozen.

That was the first big break, and since then his work consisted of stripping the accounts, to understand where the money came from and where it went.

Monfrini described himself as a specialist in tracing money embezzled or received through corrupt deals by Heads of State, their entourages, other officials and other public servants.

He said the job is not for the lily-livered, coming with hazards, and with threats from cronies and family members of public officers.

"I might get a phone call, or a visit from a lawyer from Paris or London, who would say: 'Oh, well, you know, Enrico, you should be more careful, because that person didn't at all like what you did to him. He is known to be a rather violent person, with contacts...

"You also need to have a network of friends, which I have built up through the Abacha case. I'm talking of journalists, politicians, policemen, prosecutors, and bankers

"I know lawyers who launder money and they make more than I do. I meet a lot of strange and crooked people, but I also meet a lot of straightforward and important people who want the world to change."

Monfrini believes that in 10 years time such brazen theft of state funds by dictators without regard for the poverty of their people would have stopped.

Nations where stolen funds can still be stashed would soon realise that "it is in their best interest not to give safe haven to corrupt funds."

Closer to home, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials are in several states, particularly where Governors have ended their second term or were voted out of office last month.

Many of the Governors are making moves to evade the EFCC ahead of the May 29 handover date.

Daily Independent

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Ribadu Gets UN Duty in Afghanistan

The presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the April 16, 2011 election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is to begin a three-week country governance audit of Afghanistan as part of a six-man international monitoring team set up by the United Nations under the "Afghanistan Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee".

A statement by Ribadu's media aide, Ibrahim Modibbo, said the ACN presidential candidate left Nigeria for Afghanistan last Tuesday to join five other team members in Dubai who together travelled to Kabul where they were expected to fine tune the strategy of curbing corruption in the troubled country.

While in Afghanistan, the statement said, the committee's duties, according to briefing papers from the Department of Foreign International Development (DFID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office, include a review of the social, political, economic and cultural conditions giving life to corruption in the country, which they tag "drivers of corruption."

The group is also expected to make a sustainable proposal on how to curb the crime and moral ill that has ravaged the image and international standing of the conflict-ridden country.

It noted that aside from offering best "approach and principles" of fighting corruption on a legal basis", the monitoring team, according to its mandate, is also expected to propose ways of ensuring that international aid and development financing to Afghanistan meets with the country's "national priorities".

Afghanistan (ranked 176th) is the third most corrupt country, with a CPI (corruption perception index) of 1.4 according to Transparency International (TI), with only Somalia (178) and Myanmar (176) ranked worst. Nigeria is ranked 134 with a CPI of 2.4 among the 178 countries ranked.

According to the statement, members of the committee who were appointed late last year commenced work on April 21 with a teleconference on the task at hand and how to achieve their mission, adding that the monitoring and evaluation is expected to help the Afghanistan government in its fight against corruption and also guide the international community on how best to relate with the country.

It also stated that even though the committee is expected to complete its work in two years, the task would not affect Ribadu's national priorities and his continued commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria.

It stressed that "it is Mr Ribadu's contribution to the global fight against corruption that has gotten him this recognition. This will however not deter him from playing his roles as a responsible citizen and political leader in our country.

"You know, his party, the ACN, controls six states and Mr. Ribadu will do all he can to ensure that the governors of those six states bring the dividends of democracy to their people in order to let Nigerians know that the ACN is the best party to rule the country," it said.

This Day

Related stories: Nuhu Ribadu Vows to Jail Rogue Politicians

Video report on the EFCC crackdown on corruption in Nigeria

IBB Endorses Ribadu for President

Monday, May 9, 2011

Two Kids Found Dead in Mother's Freezer

TWO children of a woman (names withheld), working at the Central Hospital Agbor, in Delta State have been found dead in their mother's deep freezer.

The names of the children were given as Harrison and Favour. Favour was a five year old girl and Harrisson , a 7 year old boy who were pupils of Community Day Care/Primary School Agbor.

Vanguard gathered that their mother had allegedly locked up the kids in her one-bedroom apartment and went to the market only to return and found the kids stone dead in the freezer.

The woman who is said to be a single parent is alleging foul play, noting that blood was reportedly found trickling from both the mouth and nose of the children.

According to her "when I returned from the slaughter, I went straight to where I kept the key but to my greatest surprise, the key was no where to be found".

State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Charles Muka told Vanguard, Sunday, that "we (police) are investigating. No arrest has been made; the woman locked the kids inside(her apartment) and took the keys away".

Related stories: Man arrested for burying daughter alive

Man sets Pregnant Wife on Fire

32 year old man kills 2 year old son over witchcraft

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Barack Obama congratulates Goodluck Jonathan and condemns riots

United States President Barack Obama has personally called and congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his victory in the April 16 presidential election.

And as political groups and regional blocs lobby for key positions after the general election, the South-east Caucus in the House of Representatives Wednesday intensified its bid to clinch a prominent place in the next democratic dispensation, particularly at the National Assembly.

A statement released Wednesday night by the White House stated that Obama called Jonathan in the morning to congratulate him on his electoral victory and to commend the people of Nigeria "for their resolve and patience during last month's historic presidential, legislative and gubernatorial elections".

Obama pointed out that "the success of the elections was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections mark a new chapter in Nigerian history."

He also acknowledged that "credit also belongs to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Youth Service Corps, and Nigeria's vibrant civil society, all of which must play a role in ensuring that the final results reflect the will of the Nigerian people and that Nigerian authorities investigate and address any allegations of fraud or irregularities."

He noted that while the majority of Nigerians cast their ballots free from intimidation and coercion, "the post-election violence that followed the presidential election on April 16 was deplorable. Violence has no place in a democratic society, and it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to reject it."

The US president pointed out that even with the success recorded in the conduct of free and fair polls, "Democracy, however, neither begins nor ends with elections."

To move forward, Obama stressed that "now is the time for Nigeria's leaders and its people to come together and build the future that they deserve-a multi-party democracy that addresses the aspirations of all Nigerians, especially its youth, who did so much to make the recent elections a success and who will define the nation's future."

In a veiled reference to the ethnic and religious undertones that underlined the electioneering campaigns and post election violence, Obama reminded Jonathan that "As Africa's most populous country, Nigeria can show what is possible when people of different parties, ethnicities and faith backgrounds come together to seek peace, provide for their families, and give their children a better future."

To drive the point further home on the import of the just concluded polls, Obama emphasized that "Today, Nigerians have an historic opportunity to move forward together and make their nation into a model for Africa. As I told President Jonathan, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Nigeria so that this and future generations of Nigerians can live in peace, democracy and prosperity."

Meanwhile, the parliamentary caucus, made up of 43 legislators from the five states in the South-east geo-political zone, rose from a crucial meeting Wednesday and demanded that it would only accept the position of presiding officer in either of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

The lawmakers said their demand for a South-east federal lawmaker to be made the Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives in the seventh session of the National Assembly was based on the overwhelming contributions of the zone to the victory of the ruling PDP in the just-concluded elections.

They argued that it would be unfair for a region which had shown so much loyalty to the ruling party to be relegated to the background in the aftermath of the elections.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the caucus expressed concern that in recent times, the South-east geopolitical zone of the country had suffered serious political setbacks and would no longer tolerate a situation where some internal and external political forces were unleashed on the region to stifle its political fortunes.

It recalled that in the build up to the general election, the zone demonstrated absolute good faith when it unconditionally backed the candidature of President Jonathan and delivered the needed block votes that gave him (Jonathan) victory at the PDP presidential primary, resulting in his emergence as the party flag bearer. This support, the caucus said, was in spite of the "numerous tempting offers from our brothers" from other geopolitical zones of the country.

"We insist on either the offices of the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives. We will reject other offices such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Deputy President of the Senate or any such office that may be offered to undermine the attainment of the two offices so mentioned. It is pertinent to mention here that under the present circumstances only the position of Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives is acceptable to the South-east. It is a gratuitous insult to offer the South-east any position less than this.

"The position of the South-east that it would not run for the office of the President or Vice-President, no doubt compelled both the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidates, to pick their running mates from the South-west geo-political zone.

"The results of the just-concluded general elections show that, the PDP in the South-east received over 85 per cent support in the National Assembly elections, and about 97 per cent support in the presidential election. The total votes of 5.1 million represent almost a quarter of the total valid votes received by President Jonathan in the presidential election. Indeed, the PDP has won all three of the governorship elections conducted so far in the South-east.

"From the above figures, it is crystal clear that in the 2011 general elections, the PDP did very well in the South-east zone. This position is in line with the voting pattern started in 1999, representing PDP dominance in the South-east. It is therefore incomprehensible that over 85 per cent South-east support for PDP in the National Assembly elections will be sacrificed for any reason whatsoever.

"The argument about religious balancing is not tenable, historically. We may recall that in the 2nd Republic, while the President (Shagari) was a Muslim, the Vice-President, Senate President and Speaker were all Christians. Hell was not let loose. During the 1993 presidential elections, the South-east put its weight behind the SDP's Abiola/Kingibe candidature - a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

"In 2007, the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Patricia Etteh were Christians. In fact, in the current legislature, both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives are Muslims. Religion has never been an issue," the communiqué read in part.

The caucus enjoined the central socio-cultural organisation in the zone, the Ohaneze Ndigbo, all the governors of the South-east zone, all Senators and Honourable members-elect, and all stakeholders in the politics of the South-east, who were part and parcel of the zone's support for President Jonathan, to prevail on the national leadership of the ruling party to ensure that the South-east was not short-changed in the distribution of key political positions.

This Day

Related stories: Barack to Obama - You can't afford to fail

Jonathan meets Obama

U.S. Says Nigeria's Elections Were Its Best Since 1999

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Stampede in Kano, Nigeria over Bin Laden's death

There was stampede in Kano on Monday when news of the death of al-Qaida leader, Osama bin Ladin, in Pakistan via US raids spread across the city just recovering from post-election violence.

The commercial city, which recorded violence that claimed several lives and properties, witnessed another round of stampede resulting in temporary closure of markets, shops and other business places, as residents in flash points where non-indigenes had suffered colossal losses in the past hurried out of the areas.

As news that America's most wanted man had been killed became public, panic and jitters set in resulting in massive movement as non-indigenes scampered for safety.

Some Muslim faithful in Christian dominated areas like Sabon Gari also took to their heels.

In the seeming confusion was the Kofar Ruwa building material market where properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed in the post election violence.

Traders at that side of the market horridly shut their business premises and moved into Sabon Gari inhabited predominantly by non-Muslims and non-natives.

Our correspondent reports that the anxiety on Monday was a clear manifestation of the fact that non-indigenes in Kano are still living in fear despite assurances by security agencies of their safety.

It was gathered that there was also a mass movement of people from Kurna-Asabe, Bachirawa, Mitara and Rijiya Lemo to the Army barracks, while residents in other identified flash-points such as Brigade, Badawa, Dakata, Hotoro and Zango, have also started a gradual movement to the different police barracks in the city.

However, there has never been any sign of possible violence arising from bin Ladin's death, but going by previous experiences where problems in the Arab world are considered as an attack on Islam, non-Muslims are always apprehensive because most times they were at the receiving end.

The situation has also provoked a reinforcement of armed security agents, some of who have been deployed to strategic locations while others are known to be on patrol.

The military men are still very much on the streets of Kano, with armoured personnel carriers also seen in some strategic corners of the city.

Daily Independent

Related stories: Al-Qaeda claim Nigerian bomb suspect

Al-Qaeda groomed Nigerian terrorist in London

Video report on Nigerian terrorist attempt to blow up U.S. airliner

Training school belonging to Islamic radical group Boko Haram found in Taraba, Nigeria


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Beauty for a Good Cause

Hello Gorgeous! is a mobile salon that gives free services to cancer patients and survivors. Started in South Bend, Ind., in 2006 by Kim and Michael Becker, the non-profit gives women going through chemotherapy treatment a “day of beauty.” This includes a mani/pedi, facial, massage, hair and wig consultation, and re-education on how to use beauty products to counter the effects of chemotherapy.

Because services are offered at no cost, Hello Gorgeous! relies on fundraisers, volunteers, and donations. The organization is accepting financial and product donations, and sponsorship by beauty companies. Kim Becker, also a hairdresser, says sponsoring companies can have their logos displayed on the mobile day spa.

Their goal is to only use professional products in order to encourage women to return to their salons. “We want to reconnect women with their nail techs,” Becker explains.

Although the organization usually services a 50-mile radius around South Bend, they’re making a six-week summer service tour throughout Indiana, stopping in 13 different cities. In addition, the Beckers hope to start affiliate programs in other cities nationwide and are looking for volunteer beauty professionals. Affiliates would start in a fixed salon until they can raise funds for a mobile salon.

For information on donations or on how to help, visit, call (574) 850-0471, or e-mail [email protected]

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Hot and sexy but her Celullite ruins it all. See photo

This lady is one of the popular female celebrities in Uganda but she has received alot of backlash from social media fanatics after they spotted ugly cellulite that spoilt the party for "team mafisi".

See photo below.

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Search Results (25 properties found)

20 High St NAMBUCCA HEADS  |  $429,000
Perfectly Positioned Holiday House
If you've ever dreamt of owning a holiday house that generates an income when you're not using it, you just found it. Located on a quiet street, you'll be close to all the action the beautiful town of Nambucca Heads has to offer.The two-storey home currently operates as two separate holiday rentals - Palm Cottage and Jasmine Place - and is advertised on popular holiday websites as pet friendly.On the top level, Palm Cottage boasts two large bedrooms, combined bathroom and laundry, open plan kitchen and dining, and a large living area that opens onto the back deck. With gorgeous views over Gordon Park to the Nambucca River, a quiet drink out here is an idyllic way to unwind.Jasmine Place on the the lower level is the perfect place for a couple's getaway. Featuring one bedroom, combined bathroom and laundry, open plan kitchen/dining/living areas, and a deck that makes you feel like you're deep in the rainforest.Less than 1  .....

21 Seaview St NAMBUCCA HEADS  |  $750,000
Investment Opportunity on the Waters of the Mid North Coast
Here is a unique opportunity to boost your investment portfolio and live on the Mid North Coast. Nambucca Heads is one of the most popular and up-and-coming development areas on the East Coast of Australia. With a combined rental income of over $900 per week, this would be the perfect sea change for any family or individual looking for a better lifestyle.Perched on scenic Seaview Street, the opportunity presents more than just a monetary reward. Water views from the higher residences emphasise the advantages of living in a coastal town. The 1285m2 block offers the potential for further development (STCA).The 4-bedroom main residence features hardwood floors, generous open plan living/dining area with L shaped kitchen. Enjoy the sunrise with your morning coffee as you sit on the covered front veranda looking down towards the break wall.Attached to the main residence are 4 units, all occupied by great tenants wanting to stay o  .....

23 Seaview St NAMBUCCA HEADS  |  $370,000
View to the V-Wall, and Beyond!
The ever popular Seaview Street really lives up to its name with this 2-storey property - here you can literally watch the waves crash into the V-Wall. Positioned halfway between the Nambucca Plaza and main shopping precinct, 400m from the water, and close to clubs, cafes and parks, this could be just the house you've been looking for. Previously rented for $295 per week.This property features:- Ocean views- 3 bedrooms with built-in robes- 2 bathrooms- Hardwood floors upstairs, floating timber floorboards downstairs- Double garage- Large 732m2 blockGiven the layout of the property, there is potential for a dual occupancy arrangement (STCA).Call now to arrange an inspection.

107/ 26 Swimming Creek Rd NAMBUCCA HEADS  |  $115,000
Retire in Paradise
Situated just metres from Swimming Creek Beach, retirement here couldn't be any more idyllic.Positioned on the end of the row, this comfortable 2-bedroom relocatable is the perfect place for you to call home during your twilight years. You'll enjoy the feeling of community that living in this park brings. Featuring two bedrooms, large living room with A/C, open plan kitchen and dining area, and a storage room at the rear of the home. Much of the property is fitted out with mobility assistance for ease of access. Solar panels on the roof help reduce your electricity bill to almost nothing. Move in right away and update to your taste as you go.Call now to arrange an inspection.

1/ 6 Bowra St NAMBUCCA HEADS  |  $475,000
Luxurious Apartment in the Centre of Town
Live in luxury in this stunning apartment right in the heart of Nambucca Heads.The open plan design offers an immense feeling of space. Entertaining is a breeze with the kitchen looking out to the dining and living areas. The dark bench top, combined with stainless steel appliances and fittings give the kitchen an elegant appearance. With ample bench space incorporating a breakfast bar for convenience.Enjoy the water views right from your living room, or venture out to the large balcony and enjoy the sun and sounds of coastal living.All 3 bedrooms are spacious and feature carpet for comfort, built in robes and ceiling fans, with an ensuite and private balcony to the master. The high standard of finishes and fixtures in the bathroom reinforce the contemporary feeling of the apartment.Convenience in every direction - wander up the street to all the shops, cafes and amenities in town, or take a short walk down the street to  .....
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INEC Killarney - Nathan Carter Weekend

Just announced. Nathan is returning to the INEC this October for another weekend full of music and dancing. He will be kicking off with a concert on the Friday night followed by dancing in the Ballroom with Johnny Brady.

Saturday Night sees Nathan kicking off his Dance from 9pm with Special Guest Robert Mizzell.

Looking for a Family day out? Join Nathan on Sunday afternoon with dancing for all the family. The show starts at 2.30pm, children under 10 are free and tickets are available on the door.

Contact The Gleneagle Hotel for further stayover deals.


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Sterling Silver Spike
on Leather Cord
Created by Masters Runner Coreen Steinbach, this sterling silver track spike is the ideal way to show off your love of your sport. Crafted of Sterling Silver, the jewelry is made in the USA and light enough to wear while training and competing.

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Let’s not play around. You want dirt on Saliva, the new album, and the tour. We get it. So, here you impatient fanatics; go, enjoy.

Bobby Amaru of Saliva gave us a few minutes at Realm in Toledo, Ohio before his last acoustic stop of this mini-tour. We covered a few different topics and even heard a rumor or two after the camera stopped rolling. Stay tuned for more details on the Saliva tour schedule and their new album. As soon as we know, you’ll know.

You can see the write up National Rock Review did of his set here. Let us know what you thought on our Facebook page or tweet us up on Twitter.

Bobby Amaru
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Website | Facebook | Twitter

About The Author

After getting the photo bug in the far, past days of black and white film, Erich continued to develop his eye for photography which lead to stops in the sporting, art, wedding, and eventually concert music worlds. Now, doing more writing for National Rock Review, he has entered into the journey of getting to know the artists and the industry, not just the faces on the other side of the lens.

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Natural Search Blog

Reach Local Scam Artists & Thwack ‘Em!

Have you ever been taken advantage of by a business, and wanted to get your due justice?  In most cases we may encounter generally bad service or unacceptable products from small businesses. But, in the worst cases, we actually get victimized by our friendly, local scam artists. It’s not just a matter of unsatisfactory service, but they willfully intended to dupe or cheat your or treat you badly!
Reach Local ScamWith merely a bad service or product, we might push for a discount or refund, and write some negative reviews about a company at various ratings sites like Yelp. But, when it’s an actual scam artist, it becomes a question of how to reach them in the first place, and then how to do anything that they’d even feel.

In the local search marketing world, many of us have noticed a spate of bad actors who are setting up fraudulent business listings (perhaps even operating under bogus names), and once they’ve lured people into doing business with them, they abscond with fees in return for shoddy service or no service/product whatsoever. So, there are some basic issues around how they are operating with impunity, promoting themselves online (sometimes out-ranking bona fide established local businesses), and then taking consumers’ money with zero accountability.

So, here are some tips we’ve made to help you REACH LOCAL SCAM ARTISTS and even thwack ’em!  You may not be able to get your lost time and money back, but you may get a little justice or you might be able to declaw these bad guys just a bit so they can’t prey on other consumers as easily.

Tips To Reach Local Scam Artists & Thwack ‘Em: (more…)

Check Out New Google Maps Labs Features

Many Google Maps users may have missed the recently added button, allowing users to opt-in to try out some of the Google Maps Labs beta features. The Labs options can be accessed via the new little icon button found in the upper right of the user-interface, if you’re logged-in to your Google account:

Google Maps Labs Icon Button

The new features might also reveal some secrets of Google Maps ranking factors. It’s definitely a space that’s well worth watching for local search marketing experts.

New Tool to Annualize Google Keyword Data

Do you use Google’s AdWord Keyword Tool for your keyword research? If not, you might be missing out. Like all keyword research tools, it may not be the end all be all, and it isn’t without its own little quirks, but it is still rich keyword data whether you use it on its own or in relation with the other keyword tools you are using.

Google has modified the tool over time, and one of the great additions was the ability to see the monthly demand via a small little bar chart. This can be very useful for factoring in seasonality or growing demand for certain phrases. Wrapping your head around the actual numerical data is a bit more challenging. The Local number is just for the most recent month while the Global number is a monthly average. This is further complicated in that the Global number includes the world essentially while the Local number may factor in your campaign settings and locality (based on your AdWords campaign configuration).

To help tighten up data and provide a little more insight into the Local numbers, I just released an Excel spreadsheet that can take your Google Keyword Tool’s export and annualize the Local demand numbers. In some cases, this may dramatically change the order of importance of keywords to target.

Best of all, this tool is free to use so give it a play. The link below will take you to the download page for the tool as well as more detail about how it works and an example.

Google Keyword Tool Annualizer

Google Annotates The Web Through Sidewiki

Google has introduced a new feature in the toolbar called the Sidewiki. Users can post and read comments about any website that appear on a pane on the left hand side of their browser. An example showing this is presented below.

google sidewiki

Google Image Search – Second Only To Web Search In Size

This post is based on the interview between Eric Enge and Peter Linsley, Google’s Product Manager for Image Search. It reveals some interesting aspects of image search which is growing at an accelerated pace.

A recent survey by Hitwise in February 2009 shows Google Image Search as part of the troika of top web properties owned by Google in terms of traffic and revenue.

Microformats Hit Mainstream!

Microformats LogoOver on SEMClubhouse I’ve written up a post on “Why Use Microformats?” which is a mild criticism of Michael Gray’s recent post on “HCards, Microformats and Address Data does it Matter for SEO“. Essentially, Michael suggests people should prioritize implementation of hCard into local info webpages as a lower-priority, back-burner project. I not only believe that Yahoo’s SearchMonkey developer platform and Google’s new Rich Snippets display are proving that the search engines consider the Microformats protocol to be important, but anything presented as a back-burner or rainy-day project for many major corporations pretty much relegates that work to never be done at all.

With the advent of Rich Snippets in SERPs, I think I can safely declare that Microformats have now hit mainstream! (more…)

Key to Relevance: Title Tags

I recently penned an article at Search Engine Land on Leveraging Reverse Search For Local SEO. In it, I describe how in certain exception cases, one may benefit from adding the street address into a business site’s TITLE tag. It’s not the first time that I have mentioned how TITLE tags are key to relevance in Local Search — I’d previously mentioned how critical it is for local businesses to include their category keywords and city names in the TITLE as well.

Yet, a great many sites continue to miss this vital key to relevance, and they wonder why they fail at ranking for their most apropos keywords. Keywords for which they’d otherwise have a very good chance at ranking upon!

Key Relevance: Title Tags
W3C calls the TITLE the “most important element of a quality web page” (more…)

Vint Cerf & The Architect in The Matrix

While attending and speaking at the recent SMX West conference in Santa Clara, I had the opportunity to photograph Vinton (“Vint”) Cerf, Google’s VP and Chief Internet Evangelist during his keynote interview conducted by Chris Sherman.

After returning, one of my friends saw my pics and remarked that Vint Cerf resembled the Architect character in the Matrix movies. It immediately struck me that he was right — so I knocked together a comparison pic:

The Architect vs. Vint Cerf

Vint Cerf and the Architect in the Matrix share a number of feature similarities: similar age, dress, coloring, and facial hair. The biggest difference is that the Architect has a full head of hair while Vint is balding. (more…)

Town Creates Smiley Face in Google Maps

Saw this interesting thing on Slashdot today:

Hoax Smiley in Google Maps
(click to enlarge)

Apparently this Russian town got a crowd of people to don yellow slickers and stand in a large smiley face pattern so that Google Earth and Google Maps could capture them in their next update.

Trick is, the Google Map screen-grab appears to be a very obvious hoax by a blogger dubbed “Heiner Wolf“. According to these photos, people really did turn out to form the smiley face — I would guess as part of a radio station promotion. But this blogger transposed the people onto the Google Maps image of the area. Lame!

There are plenty of instances of messages appearing in Google Maps pics, if you want to see real ones: examples of roof ads, cool things in Google Maps, marriage proposals, and the infamous Swastika Building.

Buy percocet online

Google Street View Icon In Party Clothes

The Google Street View dude icon is suddenly sporting a party hat and balloons:

Google Street View Guy

Assumably the special icon is celebrating Google’s 10th Birthday, though there’s no mention of it on the Google Lat Long Blog.

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Privacy Policy

/Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy 2017-08-14T17:59:37+00:00

The New Brunswick Federation of Naturalists’ Privacy and Confidentiality Guidelines

NBFN/ FNNB Inc strongly believes in the donor’s right to truthful information and privacy. The following outlines NBFN/ FNNB Inc’s principles regarding personal privacy:

NBFN/ FNNB Inc is responsible for protecting personal information of its members and donors under its control and for our adherence to the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

Identifying Purposes

NBFN/ FNNB Inc will clearly identify the primary use of the personal information and ask permission before any secondary use of that personal information.

NBFN/ FNNB Inc recognizes that donors and members have control over the use of their information.

  1. The NBFN/ FNNB Inc  does not provide any donor/ member information for any marketing purposes to a third party.
  2. NBFN/ FNNB Inc will delete the name of any person, who has requested that he or she be removed from mail lists.

Limiting Collection, Disclosure and Duration of Retention

  1. NBFN/ FNNB Inc may collect the contact information, donation history and special interests of its donors/ members in order to build on its existing relationship with its supporters. (see below for specifics)
  2. NBFN/ FNNB Inc is obligated to retain donor information for 7 years as per Revenue Canada tax receipting guidelines.
  3. NBFN/ FNNB Inc may collect survey information as part of its volunteer participatory activities.

Limiting Use

NBFN/ FNNB Inc will control the use of information by third parties and does not sell or rent its membership or donor lists.

NBFN/ FNNB Inc will ensure that information is accurate, complete and up-to date as is necessary for the purpose of continuing its contact with its support base.

  1. NBFN/ FNNB Inc will endeavor to keep donor/ member contact records up to date.
  2. NBFN/ FNNB Inc will ensure that any requests regarding donor giving preferences. i.e. limiting the number of solicitations, no further requests, to not be solicited by telephone or other technology will be added to the personal record promptly.
  3. NBFN/ FNNB Inc will not update records with contact information that is deemed not in the public domain i.e. unlisted telephone numbers etc.

NBFN/ FNNB Inc assures the security and confidentiality of private information.

  1. Any paper files with confidential financial information are stored in secure filing cabinets.
  2. Confidential personal information is disposed of properly to prevent unauthorized use.

NBFN/ FNNB Inc recognizes that donors/ members have the right to access their information.

  1. All NBFN/ FNNB Inc donors have the right to see their own donor record and to challenge its accuracy.
  2. NBFN/ FNNB Inc will provide information about the potential use of personal information upon request.
  3. All potential donors/ members have the right to know the source of obtaining their name.

Openness & Proper Handling of Customer Complaints

NBFN/ FNNB Inc pledges to respond in a timely fashion to any queries about personal information or complaints regarding the use of personal information. NBFN/ FNNB Inc will also make readily available our privacy policies and practices relating to the management of personal information upon request.  Information requests must be fulfilled within 30 days. The information will contain:

    • the name and title of the NBFN/ FNNB Inc staff person accountable for the organization’s policies and to whom complaints/inquires are forwarded;
    • the means of gaining access to personal information held in NBFN/ FNNB Inc donor/ member files;
    • a description of the type of information held by the organization and its intended use;

What Information is Collected & How is it Used?

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Essential places to visit in Johannesburg

Posted: Updated:
**This image is for use with this specific article only.**  This is the only street in the world home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners -- Nelson Mandela and Archbiship Desmond Tutu. **This image is for use with this specific article only.** This is the only street in the world home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners -- Nelson Mandela and Archbiship Desmond Tutu.
Once the site of a feared prison that held Gandhi and Mandela, Constitution Hill is now home to the country's highest court, a museum and popular venues for events. Once the site of a feared prison that held Gandhi and Mandela, Constitution Hill is now home to the country's highest court, a museum and popular venues for events.
The luxury hotel -- recently bought by the Four Seasons recently -- serves decadent meals with views over Johannesburg's northern suburbs. The luxury hotel -- recently bought by the Four Seasons recently -- serves decadent meals with views over Johannesburg's northern suburbs.
**This image is for use with this specific article only.**  The Johannesburg museum offers an insightful look at the devastating history of the apartheid in South Africa.   Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Gett Images **This image is for use with this specific article only.** The Johannesburg museum offers an insightful look at the devastating history of the apartheid in South Africa. Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Gett Images
By Griffin Shea CNN

(CNN) -- Johannesburg has busily redefined itself over the past decade, breathing new life into old warehouses and derelict buildings, while slowly reclaiming sidewalk spaces for markets, cafes, and art galleries.

This resurgence has created unique opportunities for people who travel here. You can go on a bike tour in the morning, have lunch with the hipsters over gourmet burgers, catch a Warhol exhibit and spend the evening listening to storytellers on the roof of a building downtown.

Here are some of the most essential places to see during a visit to South Africa's city of gold.

Constitution Hill

The ramparts that surround the hilltop in central Johannesburg once contained a feared prison that held Mohatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela (though not, of course, at the same time). After the end of apartheid, the notorious site was transformed into the highest court in the land.

The old cells became a museum, and the ramparts a walkway overlooking the skyline. Outside the chambers of the Constitutional Court, artwork lines the corridors, interpreting the freedoms enshrined in South Africa's Bill of Rights.

Lebo's Soweto Backpackers

Lebo's is so much more than just a hostel. Located in Orlando West, the most-visited neighborhood in Soweto, it's a charming place to stay and has become a center for exploring the streets of the township.

The backpackers organizes tours by bicycle and by tuk-tuk that take in the tourist highlights, but also in workers' hostels, churches and community centers that give a sense of the rhythm of life.

Founder Lebo and his family have transformed an open field across the street from their home into a a visitor's center and restaurant that serves up homestyle cooking, including bunny chows (curry in a bread loaf), potjies (cauldrons of stew) and of course a braai.

Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, 10823A Pooe Street, Orlando West Soweto; +27 11 936 3444

Brunch at the Westcliff

This luxury hotel rises over a hillside in a part of town that was built as the residential playground for the city's gold rush mining barons.

The Westcliff was recently bought by the Four Seasons, which painted over its trademark pink walls in favor of more muted shades of grey. The restaurants -- and their menus -- have been given a modern facelift, but still serve decadent meals with views over the city's northern suburbs. On a good day, diners can see the elephants roaming in their pens at the nearby zoo.

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Saxonwold 2132, Johannesburg; +27 (0)11 481 6000

Dinner at the Saxon Hotel

Top South African chef Luke Dale-Roberts has set up a restaurant at the Saxon Hotel, one of the city's toniest hideaways favored by visiting celebs who like to ensconce themselves in the compounds vast gardens. It's hard to find a more beautiful spot for a sundowner, followed by an unrivaled tasting menu at Luke Dale-Roberts at the Saxon (guests take a small, private elevator up to the dining room). The wine pairings are as exquisite as the food.

The Saxon, 36 Saxon Road, Sandhurst 2196, Johannesburg; +27 (0) 11 292 6000

Vilakazi Street

This two-lane road in Soweto connects the residences of two South African luminaries: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

That makes it the only street in the world that's been home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners. Mandela's house, where he returned after his release from prison, is now a small museum holding intimate mementos of his family life. Tutu's is still a private residence.

Visiting the museum doesn't take long, but it's impossible to see Soweto without stopping at its most iconic addresses.

Other homes along the road have been transformed into restaurants, from homestyle buffets to a swanky wine bar.

Hector Pieterson Memorial

A short walk from the upper end of Vilakazi Street, the Hector Pieterson Memorial remembers the most famous victim of the 1976 uprising in Soweto, when a peaceful student protest demanding better education was crushed by apartheid police.

Hector Pieterson was 13 when he was shot dead and the photo of his body being carried away became an iconic image of the student protests.

The memorial explains what life was like in the township during the dark days of the past, in simple but powerful exhibits. Its gift shop also carries an excellent selection of books on South African history.

Apartheid Museum

Yes, the museum is a searing look at the devastation that apartheid wrought on South African society, but it's also a much broader look at the country's more distant history as well, delving into the conditions that allowed apartheid to emerge.

From the entrance, visitors are invited to put themselves into experience of violent racial segregation, forcing everyone to choose a race as they enter through separate doors.

A room of limp hangman's nooses pays homage to victims of the state's executions. Audio and video records bring to life the memories of that era, a past so recent that some of the people featured are still alive.

Apartheid Museum, Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg

Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein

Every Saturday in a parking garage in Braamfontein, foodies gather around giant paellas, raw oysters, and lots of craft beers.

The Neighbourgoods Market fills two floors with innovative foods from across the city, drawing in students from nearby universities and urban explorers from farther afield.

The market has helped drive the redevelopment in Braamfontein, a neighborhood with a long history as a bohemian and student enclave.

The Neighborgoods Market Johannesburg, 73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Wits Art Museum

The University of the Witwatersrand, known widely as Wits and pronounced "Vits" in the Afrikaans way, recently remodeled its art museum with floor-to-ceiling windows that open its displays to the street.

The museum holds a significant collection by African artists, but also hosts international exhibitions, including a major show of Andy Warhol screen prints. Entrance is free, and the museum's cafe serves one of the most affordable and tastiest lunches in town.

Wits Art Museum, University Corner, Jorissen St & Bertha St, Johannesburg 2050; +27 11 717 1365

Market Theatre

The theater was founded in 1976, at the height of the struggle against apartheid, in what was once a fruit market. Through an unusual snag in apartheid's web of regulations, it was allowed to employ mixed-race casts, and quickly became known as the "theater of the Struggle."

Now its stages host revivals of struggle classics, while promoting new work as well. Famous actors still frequent the theater, both on stage and in audiences.

Market also recently finished a painstaking renovation of the Windybrow Theatre, which is based in a Victorian home from the gold rush era that's now a landmark in the rough neighborhood of Hillbrow.

The Market Theatre, 56 Margaret Mcingana St, Newtown, Johannesburg; +27 (0)11 832 1641

Carlton Tower viewing deck

The tallest building in Africa, Carlton Tower has a 50th floor viewing deck that shows the sweep of the city, from what's left of the gold rush mine dumps (most have been re-mined into oblivion) to the high-rises of the CBD and the green hills stretching across the northern suburbs and as far as the FNB Stadium (famed as Soccer City during the 2010 World Cup) on the edge of Soweto.

It was once part of a hotel and shopping complex that was among the city's most prestigious locations. The shopping center remains a hugely popular, if more middle class, shopping venue that is among the busiest in Johannesburg.

Yeoville Dinner Club

This tiny restaurant has only one table with 18 seats, but it serves the most expansive African menu in the city in a neighborhood that has attracted migrants from across the continent.

Yeoville isn't part of the artsy, hipster revival that has transformed other parts of Joburg. Its meals takes from what's fresh in the neighborhood market and pulls from all of the cultures and nations represented on the surrounding streets.

Small groups are seated together as if at a dinner party, and the menu changes constantly.

Yeoville Dinner Club, 24 Rockery St, Yeoville, Johannesburg; +27 (0)83 447 4235

Liliesleaf Farm

In 1963, police raided Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia on the outskirts of Johannesburg and arrested Nelson Mandela along with other leaders of the liberation movement.

That led to the Rivonia Trial where Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba, Ahmed Kathrada, Elias Motsoaledi and Denis Goldberg were sentenced to life in prison.

Rivonia is now fully swept up in the city's suburban sprawl, but the farm reopened in 2008 as a museum that explains what life was like in the underground liberation movement.

Liliesleaf Farm, 7 George Ave, Rivonia, Johannesburg

Melville Koppies for hiking

In the middle of the city, the Melville Koppies stretch over 150 hectares with rocky outcropping (those are the koppies) covered with indigenous plants that produce delicate flowers in spring and rugged grasses in winter.

Hikers spend hours along the trails, within view of the city's skyscrapers. On Sundays, church groups gather for worship in flowing robes with singing and drums that rise over the rocks.

The park also holds an ancient furnace from the Iron Age, making it an unusual natural link from the ancient past to the urban present.

Arts on Main / Maboneng precinct

A decade ago, when a Sunday morning market opened in an old liquor warehouse, it was an urban oasis surrounded by car repair shops, light industrial complexes, and derelict buildings.

But that modest start has grown into a massive urban renewal project that has lured top artists like William Kentridge, an art house cinema, young fashion designers and ambitious new chefs.

The neighborhoods new name, Maboneng, means "place of light." It's perhaps more accurately a place of exploring, as one of the few neighborhoods in Johannesburg that's easily traveled by foot along sidewalks that connect an ever-growing range of shops, restaurants and apartments.

Oriental Plaza

A shopping mall unlike any other in the city, Oriental Plaza hosts hundreds of stores that sell everything from spices to curtains to designer brands. It's on the edge of Fordsburg, the city's old Indian neighborhood that now welcomes migrants from across the world.

The Plaza was built in the 1970s in an attempt to compensate Indian shop owners after the apartheid government razed a nearby community in its violent drive for racial separation.

The building stands rather oddly apart from the surrounding neighborhood, but has become a popular destination for people from across Johannesburg looking for fair prices and great Indian food.

Oriental Plaza, 38 Lilian Ngoyi St., Fordsburg, Johannesburg

Keyes Art Mile

A new collection of shops and restaurants link some of the city's finest art galleries in the Rosebank neighborhood: Everard Read and its new circular tower Circa, the Goodman Gallery, SMAC, Southern Guild and Whatiftheworld. Upstairs is the exquisite new restaurant Marble.

Then there's the option of hamburgers and milkshakes at BGR on the ground floor and light lunches at the Milk Bar, which decorated by Amatulli importers with objects from across Africa.

Farther down the block at the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road is a collection of hipster eateries, including the Bolton Collection, a barbershop bar, and a hidden speakeasy called Sin and Tax.

The galleries stay open late on the first Thursday of each month, becoming destinations for Johannesburg's beautiful people to see and be seen.

Keyes Art Mile, 19 Keyes Ave., Rosebank, Johannesburg

Soweto Derby

FNB City, the calabash-shaped stadium built for the 2010 World Cup, hosts the country's most epic soccer matches -- the Soweto Derby between the Kaizer Chiefs and the Orlando Pirates.

Loyalty to these crosstown Soweto rivals runs deep, but the atmosphere is celebratory.

For these matches, the stands overflow with music, dancing and costumes -- including makarapas, mining hats carved and painted into fantastic shapes.

Buy tickets early. There's little chance of finding one at the gate.

JoburgPlaces walking tour

The best way to experience Johannesburg's revival is with a walking tour by JoburgPlaces, led by Gerald Garner, who wrote a fascinating book of the same name.

He presents the stories of the city's past and present in a way that helps even locals appreciate how dramatically Johannesburg is changing from month to month.

Some tours run on specific themes, from the lighthearted rooftop bars tour to a six-hour walk throughout the inner city. The tours start and end at the new Joziburg Lane complex, an old car storage facility that's being turned into a foodie hub, market and loft apartments.

Have Dim Sum in the old Chinatown

More recent Chinese arrivals in Johannesburg have settled in a "new" Chinatown in Cyrildene, where streets are packed with Asian grocers, barbers and restaurants.

The original Chinatown was on the city's west end, and now offers a glimpse into the lives of the first Chinese migrants.

Historic markers along the sidewalks include photos and descriptions of the past, and neighborhood institutions like Sui Hing Hong grocery store and the Swallow's Inn are still going strong.

A relatively new arrival is Ming Woo at 4 Commissioner Street, which prepares steaming baskets of dim sum. The menu here is something of secret.

Diners who don't appear to be Chinese won't be offered the dim sum menu, but it's totally worth asking for.

Ratz Bar in Melville

Melville attracts a mix of students, artists, and people who like being around them. Like the rest of Johannesburg, the neighborhood has gone through a series of changes that leave it sometimes feeling a bit more empty, sometimes a bit overcrowded.

Right now Melville is back at a high point, with cafes, bookstores and quirky boutiques pulling in a mixed clientele. There's always been a gay scene along 7th Street, and Ratz Bar is one of the mainstays that has endured through the street's ups and downs.

It's friendly, heavy on 80s music, with good bar food. And it's a great jumping off point for exploring the rest of the neighborhood.

Ratz Bar Melville, 9 7th St., Melville, Johannesburg; +27 (0)11 482 2414

Emirates Airline Park

Still popularly known as Ellis Park, this stadium hosted the 1995 rugby World Cup final, when Nelson Mandela donned the Springbok jersey to present the South African team the trophy in what became a symbol of reconciliation after the fall of apartheid. The events were also the inspiration for the 2009 film "Invictus" starring Morgan Freeman.

For visitors, first prize is of course to attend a match, but the stadium also has a museum with a staggering collection of Springbok memorabilia that's on display weekdays.

Northern Farm

Northern Farm opens its 1,600 hectares to the public on weekends and holidays for cycling, horse riding, hiking and picnics.

Some areas of the farm are actual farmland, but others are open grasslands, clusters of trees, and small reservoirs filled by rivers and canals. Even though it's close to the city and popular with cyclists, Northern Farm remains relatively unknown to travelers, but is perfect for a quick and quiet getaway from town.

Northern Farm Nature Reserve, R114 & Falkirk Road, Diepsloot

City Central Food Hall

Once the lavish headquarters of Barclays Bank in South Africa,, the building at 85 Commissioner Street, which was empty for years, has reopened as the City Central Food Hall, where vendors prepare innovative meals on weekdays for breakfast and lunch.

Generous portions of smoked meats, gourmet burgers, dim sum, and curries are served up under an enormous skylight in the triple-volume banking hall. Upstairs on the mezzanine, the Brass Bar serves drinks on the balcony and Bridge Books keeps coffee and a collection of African literature by the roof deck.

City Central Food Hall, 85 Commissioner St., Johannesburg

Nirox Sculpture Park

The lush grounds of the Nirox Sculpture Park are only open for exhibitions and events, but it's so beautiful that it's worth planning around them for a visit there.

Guests are invited to wander the grounds of what was a trout farm.

Although the Nirox Foundation hosts artist residencies, it's best known for its annual sculpture fair and its series of outdoor concerts.

Nirox Sculpture Park, 24 Kromdraai Rd, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp; +27 82 854 6963

The Grind Coffee Company

This coffee shop inside a bike shop asks customers if they want a cup or a cone, but it's espresso, not ice cream, that's on offer.

They line the inside of ice cream cones with a thick layer of chocolate, then carefully pour the coffee into it. The hot drink melts the chocolate into a sweet drink that tastes delicious, but isn't meant to linger over.

Drink the coffee before all the chocolate melts, or the cone will go soggy and start to leak.

The Grind Coffee Company, 34 Whiteley Road, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg; +27 (0) 72 754 8705

Gandhi House

A century ago, Mahatma Gandhi lived in Johannesburg, where his encounters with racism helped inspire his philosophy of passive resistance, or Satyagraha.

His one-time lodgings are now a guest house and museum known as Satyagraha House, where visitors can go on a tour or sleep in one of seven rooms of the home designed by architect Hermann Kallenbach for Gandhi and himself.

It recently underwent a simple but gorgeous restoration, and offers yoga and meditation in the garden, with vegetarian meals for overnight guests.

Satyagraha House, 15 Pine Road & Garden Road, Orchard, Johannesburg

Fashion District

Johannesburg's historic garment district has become revitalized with a more traditionally African design sense. The Fashion District store (109 Pritchard Street) supplies tailors and designers, whose work is on display in the surrounding streets.

Next door, Studio 109 has a staggering selection of traditional shweshwe prints, which get used as modern finishes in shops like Urban Zulu, which began nearby but has opened branches across the city.

Origins Center

Top South African artists created the displays for this museum which interprets the fossil findings that have cast light on the earliest evolution of humanity -- found just outside the city.

The museum is interactive in a way geared more towards adults, and explores the beliefs and culture of the region's earliest inhabitants, the San Bushmen.

Origins Center, Yale Road & Enoch Sontonga Avenue, Johannesburg

Maropeng in the Cradle of Humankind

The remains of some of humanity's earliest ancestors were discovered on the outskirts of Johannesburg, in a region now preserved as the Cradle of Humankind.

Maropeng visitor's center explains evolution from the first life on Earth to modern humans, taking care to deconstruct the racist notions that once denied Africa's role as the birthplace of humanity.

The buildings were designed to blend into the landscape. Nearby caves hold active dig sites, some also open to visitors.

Maropeng, just off the R563 Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein; +27 (0)14 577 9000

The Orbit jazz club

A landmark on Johannesburg's music scene, the Orbit showcases the best in jazz from South Africa and around the region.

The club hosts poetry nights, and periodic cocktails with scientists, for intimate discussions with South Africa's brightest minds.

The Orbit, 81 De Korte St, Bramfontein, Johannesburg; +27 (0)11 339 6645

Griffin Shea is a writer based in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he also runs Bridge Books -- an independent bookstore in an old, columnated bank building.

TM & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.


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updated 6/23/2006 9:56:13 PM ET 2006-06-24T01:56:13

Members of a church who say God is killing American soldiers in Iraq because of the United States' tolerance of homosexuality are planning a protest at Saturday's services for Army Sgt. 1st Class Clarence D. McSwain.

The 31-year-old McSwain of Meridian died in Baghdad on June 8 when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy, the Department of Defense said.

Members of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., have been going to funerals across the United States denouncing homosexuality and praising the deaths of Americans.

The church's Web site says the group will be at McSwain's funeral in Laurel at 1:15 p.m.

"Thank God for IEDs," the Web site says. IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, is the military's term for the roadside bombs, which have taken a heavy toll on coalition troops.

"This is not the time or the place for that," said Ashley McSwain, the soldier's sister.

"This is about my brother and remembering him. They're not going to stop anything. It won't stop him from dying, and it won't stop us from crying," she said.

‘Like a shadow’
Ashley McSwain said her father, Theodis, is a minister at Gilfield Baptist Church in Alabama, and that her family knows that God would not punish her brother and family. She dismissed the tactics of the Westboro Baptist Church.

"I'll treat them like a shadow I saw out of the corner of my eye," she said Friday. "They're not even worth thinking about."

Clarence McSwain was an honor student and football player at Meridian High School. He took English classes at the University of Southern Mississippi before joining the Army 12 years ago.

This was his fifth overseas deployment and his third tour in Iraq.

Protest of the protesters planned
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcycle-riding veterans who attend the funerals to form a human barricade between the church members and mourning families, also plan to attend services for McSwain.

Jason "Waldo" Wallin, deputy executive director of the Patriot Riders, said the group feels obliged to attend the funerals that are targeted by Westboro Baptist Church.

"Quite simply, we're just a bunch of average Americans letting people know that they're not alone. And to let the families know that their soldiers’ sacrifices are not forgotten," he said.

The Patriot Guard is setting up a staging area at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Laurel.

Ed Baker, state captain of the Patriot Riders, said in a posting on the group's Web site that police have offered bikers escorts to the services.

McSwain leaves behind three young children, including a 5-month-old son he had met only once.

McSwain was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division based out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

© 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Video: Shots reported fired near elementary school news services
updated 10/26/2006 1:44:56 PM ET 2006-10-26T17:44:56

Officials locked down a Florida elementary school after two people reportedly fired shots at each other and fled the scene, WTVJ-TV reported Thursday.

The two suspects were on school grounds when the shooting took place, authorities told the NBC News affiliate.

Police closed off roads in the area as they look for the suspects.

Shots were heard shortly before 11 a.m. near Christina M. Eve Elementary School, said John Schuster, a school district spokesman for Miami Dade County Public Schools.

Schuster said there was no indication the suspects were students and initially said the shooting did not occur on school grounds. The reason for differing information could not be immediately be determined.

Two men, maybe more, were reportedly in a car in front of the school, and police were reportedly looking for the vehicle.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

© 2013

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