THE MAGAZINE THAT PROMOTES UNION AND COOPERATION OF AFRICANS AROUND THE GLOBE, ENCOURAGING AN INFORMED, THINKING AND QUESTIONING AFRICAN SOCIETY.
MAR/ APR 2010
ON MARRIAGE
DIVORCE, AND OTHER MATTERS
CHRISTIANE KING ON PROJECT RUNWAY 7
The 5 Most Popular NIGERIAN ACTRESSES
SPOTLIGHTS
INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE ANITA
CONTENTS
W E TA L K A F R I C A N . . .
10
12
Entertainment
CUP 2010 KICK-OFF 06 WORLD SHOW
Music Stars Gearing Up for WC 2010 KickOff Celebration From FIFA.com
MAASAI TRIBE 24 THE The Most Well known of African Ethnic groups. By Staff Writer
FIRSTS: 26 FAMOUS The Famous Firsts By African American
Lifestyle
Health & Beauty
12 Christiane King talks about her appearance CHRISTIANE KING
on Project Runway 7 and a preview of her Spring 2010 Collection. By Eric Adunagow
20 RELATIONSHIP On Marriage, Divorce, and other Matters. By Yona Fares Maro
22 TERRORISM: American Suicide Bombers: Terrorism or Protests? By Yona Fares Maro
African Talk ON THE COVER: Anita Cameroonian Born Singer.
Culture
STARS 10 NOLLYWOOD The Five Most Popular and Beautiful Nigerian Actresses in Nollywood. By Staff Writer
36
26
6 [ Editor’s Letter ] 44 [ African Current Affairs ] 46 [Africa 101 - Eritrea ]
Women. By Staff Writer
HEARTS. OUR CHOICE. 28 OUR Facts About Cholesterol. By Staff Writer.
BODY HAIR 30 UNWANTED Problems and Solutions on dealing with Unwanted Body Hair. By Marissa Goldwick
Body & Soul
DANIEL FAST 32 THE A Biblically based Partial Fast. By Susan Gregory
LETTER: UNIHIV 34 OPEN Promoting HIV/AIDS awareness among African Communities. By Angel Adelaja
Spotlights
36 Singer.
Interview with ANITA
ADUNAGOW MAGAZINE “Reaching Africans Around The Globe” PO BOX 691728 | TULSA, OK | 74169 -1728 | U.S.A.
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ADUNAGOW MAGAZINE
MAR/ APR 2010
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Spotlight on MONICA MUAMBA
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EDITOR’S COLUMN
By Eric Adunagow |
“Our children need to re-learn the value of healthy living, meaning eating the proper food, exercising, and taking care of their souls.”
ADUNAGOW MAGAZINE “Reaching Africans Around The Globe” PUBLISHER: Eric ADUNAGOW
Health Reform:
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Eric Adunagow eric@adunagow.net
Putting Americans In Control of Their Health Care
T
HE HEALTH REFORM LEGISLATION has been signed into law by president Barack Obama on March 23rd, 2010 . The Reform will make health care more affordable, make health insurers more accountable, expand health coverage to all Americans, and make the health system sustainable, stabilizing family budgets, the Federal budget, and the economy: * It makes insurance more affordable by providing the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history, reducing premium costs for tens of millions of families and small business owners who are priced out of coverage today. This helps 32 million Americans afford health care who do not get it today – and makes coverage more affordable for many more. Under the plan, 95% of Americans will be insured. * It sets up a new competitive health insurance market giving millions of Americans the same choices of insurance that members of Congress will have. * It brings greater accountability to health care by laying out commonsense rules of the road to keep premiums down and prevent insurance industry abuses and denial of care. * It will end discrimination against Americans with pre-existing conditions.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Staff writers Yona Fares Marro
America has been facing a major blow when it comes to Health Care and a much needed reform couldn’t come at a better time. Nevertheless, as I read through the fine prints of this new reform, I come to the realization that we may need more than this reform to actually bail ourselves out of this health crisis. As people complain about the amount of money being pumped through the Obama Health Reform, I come to the realization that we may be missing the whole point: In order for this Health Reform to Succeed, we need a change in our “Health Mentality.” Have we considered educating the current generation on proper health habits? Our children need to re-learn the value of healthy living, meaning eating the proper food, exercising, and taking care of their souls. To take it a deep further, our food manufcaturers needs re-evaluate their product processes and think of the health of the consumers rather than their productivities. We are what we eat after all, and Americans are not eating right. The reform starts at your house, when you decide to re-learn the basics in Eating right, getting yourself into shape, which will eventually lead to cutting down on your insurance costs, and help you realize that this reform starts with you.
* It puts our budget and economy on a more stable path by reducing the deficit by more than $100 billion over the next ten years – and more than $1 trillion over the second decade – by cutting government Eat Right - Excercise Well - Live a Happy Life. overspending and reining in waste, fraud and abuse. Yet, as you read this note, there are already multiple States in the process of taking the new law into court. 6
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MAR / APR 2010
MARKETING DIRECTOR: Colombe Adunagow colombe@adunagow.net CONTACT US: editorial@adunagow.net (714) 612-2057 voice URL: http://www.adunagow.net
ADUNAGOW Magazine [ISSN 1941-7179] is published bimonthly by ADUNAGOW, PO BOX 691728, Tulsa, OK 74169-1728. Telephone: 714.612.2057. Postage is paid at Tulsa, Oklahoma. U..S. ADUNAGOW. NET and ADUNAGOW are trademarks of Eric ADUNAGOW. All contents are copyright © 2010 by ADUNAGOW Magazine. All rights are reserved. Right of reprint is granted only to non-commercial educational institutions such as high schools, colleges and universities. No other grants are given. Send address changes to ADUNAGOW Magazine, PO Box 691728, Tulsa OK 74169-1728. The opinions of our writers do not always reflect those of the publisher and while we make every effort to be as accurate as possible, we cannot and do not assume responsibility for damages due to errors or omissions. LEGAL STATEMENT: All information in this magazine is offered without guarantee as to its accuracy and applicability in all circumstances. Please consult an attorney, business advisor, accountant or other professional to discuss your individual circumstances. Use of the information in this magazine is not intended to replace professional counsel. Use of this information is at your own risk and we assume no liability for its use.
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ENTERTAINMENT WORLD CUP 2010
From F IFA .com | e-mai l fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
sTARTING
A LI C I A KE YS
] 0 1 0 2 , 1 1 [JUNE
Music Stars Gearing Up for WC 2010 Kick-Off Celebration
“We are thrilled to have a concert of such magnitude and performing talent raise the curtain on the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. It is testament to the universal and unifying power of football and music, and will start the competition off on the right note – of celebration,” said FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.
“We believe sports and music transcend cultural, language and geographic barriers, and through the official FIFA World Cup KickOff Celebration Concert, we will present the sights and sounds of unity and celebration for an unforgettable, must-see experience,” said Wall. All net proceeds from the concert will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, whose aim is to achieve positive social change through football by building 20 centres across Africa offering education and healthcare services as well as football training to disadvantaged communities.
A NG E L I QUE KIDJ O
Billed as the greatest entertainment show to date in Africa, it will feature performances from major international musicians and African artists, as well as appearances by football legends past and present and celebrities from other fields. This historic music event will take place in front of a capacity stadium audience of 30,000 will be broadcast to hundreds of millions more worldwide. It is scheduled to begin at 20.00 local time (GMT+2) on 10 June.
Room to organise and produce the concert. Control Room has masterminded some of the world’s biggest and most complex events, such as Live Earth 2007, which featured 150 artists performing on seven continents over the course of 24 hours to raise awareness of climate change.
BL ACK E YED P EA S
F
IFA AND CONTROL ROOM, a leading producer of global music events, today announced the first performing artists for the inaugural FIFA World Cup™ Kick-Off Celebration Concert. Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Angélique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Shakira, The Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela will take to the stage at Orlando Stadium in Soweto/Johannesburg on the eve of the opening match of the first FIFA World Cup™ on African soil. Further talent announcements will follow.
Ticket information Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime concert can be purchased as of today, either online at www.computicket.com or by telephone on (27) 083 915 8000. Tickets are priced at ZAR 450 (Outer Circle standing), ZAR 650 (Inner Circle standing), ZAR 850 and 950 (Upper Level seated), and ZAR 1,150 (Lower Level seated). Ticket prices include VAT, Computicket charges and Park & Ride for all ticketholders.
FIFA has selected Emmy Award-winning producer Kevin Wall and his company Control 8
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MAR / APR 2010
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NOLLY WOOD STARS
w r itten by St af f Wr iter | e - mai l you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
The 5 Most Popular
Nigerian actresses
movies include Last Party, Mark of the Beast and Ijele. She has starred in over 80 Nollywood movies.
N
IGERIAN CINEMA is Africa’s largest movie industry in terms of the value of the movie industry and the number of movies produced per year. Although Nigerian films have been produced since the 1960s, the rise of affordable digital filming and editing technologies has stimulated the country’s video film industry. Yet, the true power of Nollywood movies come from its pool of talented casts. Naija actors will fool you into believing on their roles and forgetting that it’s all just acting; they’re just that good. On this article, we capture the Five Most Popular and beautiful Young Nigerian actresses that can truly be associated to the success of Nollywood. It was not an easy task, coming up with just five names, especially when most of the ladies are very talented and dedicated on their work. Nevertheless, we believe you will agree with us that this list contains at least the top three Most popular names in Nollywood. You know them by their acting names and roles, we invite you to know them by their real experience and lives through this short biographies. Enjoy! 10
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In 2002 she featured in the movie ‘Sharon Stone’ and her fame shot beyond the shores of Nigeria to Africa and several European countries. One can say the ‘buzz’ Genevieve reinvented the Nigerian Film Industry, introducing Nollywood.
GENEVIEVE NNAJI Born on May 3 1979, Genevieve Nnaji grew up in Lagos the commercial capital of Nigeria. The fourth of eight children, she was brought up in a middle class environment. Her father worked as an engineer and her mother as a teacher. Nnaji started her acting career as a child actress in the then popular television soap opera Ripples at the age of 8. She also featured in several commercials some of which include Pronto beverage and Omo detergent. In 2004 she became the face of Lux soap in a highly lucrative sponsorship deal. In 1998 at the age of 19 she was introduced into the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie “Most Wanted”. Her subsequent
Nnaji has received several awards and nominations for her work, including the Best Actress of the year award at the 2001 City People Awards and the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2005 African Movie Academy Awards. In 2004 she signed a recording contract with EKB Records, a Ghanaian record label, and released her debut album One Logologo Line, a mix of R&B, Hip-Hop and Urban music. 2008 saw Nnaji launching a clothing line, “St. Genevieve”, which donates a percentage of its proceeds to charity.Genevieve Nnaji is one of the best paid actresses in Nollywood.
Her life personifies the saying “All things are possible if you will only believe.” These words describe her: Determined, Focused, Humble and Creative. The best years of her career are still ahead.
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Born on October 14, 1978, Dakore Egbuson is one of the top glamorous stars in Nollywood, who has shined since the year 2000. This beautiful star, who is the first child of five, attended Corona Primary School. Upon graduation , she attended A-Z Secondary School, and later attended Government Girl’s College. She then went on to further her educational career at UNILAG where she studied Mass Communications. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola was born in a family of five to Mr. & Mrs. Shola Jalade (both late) and two brothers, Tayo and Bolaji Jalade. Her first role in a movie came in the film “Venom of Justice”(1995). Omotola Ekeinde burst into the Nollywood film industry with the movie “Mortal Inheritance” (1995) where she played a sickle-cell patient who fights for her life even when she knows she might not be able to live. At the end of the day, she has a baby and eventually lives. This film which received good reviews, won her awards for her role in the movie and is still known as one of Nigeria’s best movies ever made. Ever since then she has not looked back and she has starred in blockbuster movies like “Games Women Play”, “Blood Sisters”, “All my life”, “Last Wedding”,My Story, The Woman in Meand a host of others. In the year 2005, she launched her music career. She got married to Capt. Matthew Ekeinde on the 23rd, March 1996, then later had a beautiful white wedding on board a DASH 7 Aircraft flying from Lagos to Benin, on the 19th April, 2001. Besides acting, she also sings, writes and does a bit of charity work.
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Dakore played her first role in a soap opera on AIT, which never aired. Isong,the home video industry screenplay writer and producer who discovered her a lead role in the movie Silent Tears in the year 2000. She then starred lead roles in Playboy, Tentacles and She-Devil. From there, she flew to London and settled where she pursued her acting career. She presented on BEN TV and Soul Sister, her own show. She also started to pursue a career in music- jazz and soul, in which
Ini Edo
she performed in Queen Elizabeth Hall. Ini Edo was born on April 19, 1982. She began her film career in the year 2000, and has featured in more than 50 movies since that time. Edo is a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Calabar.It was the movie, Thick Madam, that first launched Ini Edo into the motion picture industry in 2003. Since then, Edo has featured in many movies, although she sees her role in Worlds Apart as the most challenging.
of the University of Uyo nurtured her acting career as a dramatist in her church. Today, Edo is one of the most sought after actresses in Nollywood.
Stephanie Okereke
Stephanie Okereke is the sixth child of eight children. She completed her primary & secondary school in Delta State before heading to the University of Calabar, where she graduated with a degree in English and Literary Studies. She is a Nigerian actress, film director and model. She has received several awards and nominations for her work as an actress, including the 2003 Reel Award for Best Actress, the 2006 Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress, and two nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2005 and 2009. Okereke has starred in over 90 movies. Okereke was married to a former Super Eagles football player in August 2004. Their marriage was officially dissolved in January 2007. In April 2005, on her way to the African Movie Academy Awards held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, Okereke was involved in a serious car accident that left her with burns all over and a broken leg. She recovered speedily from the accident and went back to acting.
Pretty, young and highly talented, the 23-year old Theatre Arts undergraduate MAR / APR 2010 A D U N A G O W M A G A Z I N E
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LIFESTYLE FASHION
EXC LUSIV E IN TERV IEW | e - mai l fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
CHRISTIANE KING PROJECT RUNWAY 7 talks about her
Experience
ADUNAGOW EXLUSIVE! Christiane King launched her first Womenswear Collection in the Fall of 2006 and is growing bolder since then. Christiane’s collections feature designs that are strongly influenced by her life experiences. Her signature layered and textured look result from the combination of her traditional heritage with the Western cultures she’s been exposed to. But “a woman’s body is my greatest inspiration” she explains. Her garments celebrate the arts and crafts from her Ivorian culture, but also maintain very modern styles and silhouettes. Recently, Christiane had the opportunity to showcase her great fashion skills on the wellknown show Project Runway Season 7, where she was among sixteen great fashion designers. unfortunately her stay was cut short when she was selected as the first designer to be eliminated on the competion. In the following exclusive interview, Christiane discusses her presence on Project Runway and what she took out of this experience.
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Christiane King | Fashion Designer Visit the Official website of Christiane King: www.christiane-k.com/ Age: 30 Hometown: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire Profession: Fashion designer Favorite Designer: I love Marchesa and Balenciaga.
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Photo Courtesy of Christiane King - Photographer: Arthur St John. 14
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Tell us Christiane, how excited were you to know that you were chosen to participate in Project Runway? I was ecstatic to find out I made it to the cast of Project Runway out of the thousands of designers that applied. Having auditioned so many times, it felt like a dream come true.
How was the overall experience, meeting other designers and competing? Being on Project Runway was a very stressful experience. Everything from being in a different city away from friends and family, to living with complete strangers, to the constant presence of cameras and having to create in a different environment where
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you don’t necessarily have everything you need to be your best. But I did get to meet some amazing designers that I hope to stay in touch with for years to come.
through to the next challenge, but obviously the judges didn’t agree. At the end of the day, I decided to leave with a positive attitude and grow from this experience.
How did you feel when you were cut?
I tell you, we’ve been watching the show, and we think you should have been there for longer. In your own opinion why do you think you were eliminated?
I felt robbed! I did not think I had the worst design out of the 16 designers. And I was especially outraged at the judges’ comments about my sewing ability. It almost felt like being accused for a crime you didn’t commit. It was not a good feeling.
Do you think you were eliminated too soon? Yes, I definitely think I was eliminated too soon. I was confident that my design and construction were good enough to make it
Thank you for your support. To be honest with you I don’t know why I was eliminated. I can only speculate. I like to think that as much as I would have loved to have the opportunity to show what I’m capable of doing, I was on the show for as long as I needed to be on and that’s why I got eliminate first.
MAR / APR 2010 A D U N A G O W M A G A Z I N E
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Photo Courtesy of Christiane King - Photographer: Arthur St John. 16
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Who am I to question God’s plan? I think some people would have been completely devastated if they were eliminated first, but fortunately I know there’s a difference between reality TV and actual reality. I have also been fortunate to accomplish quite a lot on my own since my elimination. Much of that would not have been possible if I was still involved with the show. So perhaps it was all for the best.
What did you take away from this experience? I think that this experience strengthened my view of who I am as a designer. It made me realize how much I believe in myself. I have worked really hard at promoting my work since I got back from the taping of the show.
I was not going to stop because a panel of judges didn’t like one of my designs on one particular day. That’s only three people out of 6 billion in the whole world! The fashion business is very cut throat and you have to not only build tough skin, but also filter through all the criticism. I think I came out of this a stronger designer.
What do you think of the hosts? I love Tim Gunn. I have a lot of respect for him and I value his opinion. I would have liked to work with him a little longer because he seemed to genuinely care for all of the designers. As for Heidi, Nina and Michael, our interaction was brief and not under the most pleasant circumstances, so perhaps I’ll have more to say if ever get to meet them outside of the show.
Your dresses are everywhere! On many magazine covers. Please tell us some of the celebs that are wearing your products.
Christiane King | Designer | www.ChristianeKing.com | design@christianeking.com | P. 310.259.0390 - F.310.417.8072 TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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Photo Courtesy of Christiane King - Photographer: Arthur St John.
Yes, I have been very fortunate to have a few Hollywood starlets love and wear my designs. So far I have dressed LisaRaye, Jessica Sutta from the Pussycat Dolls, Kali Hawk, Katerina Graham from “The Vampire Diaries”, Chelsie Hightower and Anna Trebunskaya from “Dancing With The Stars”, Katie Gill, Olivia Munn, Lauren Maher from “Pirates of the Caribbean” and a few others. It’s been a great honor to dress these ladies and I look forward to my next clients!
March is women history month: Please tell us:“ African woman______ because______” “ African woman is beautiful because she loves her body and embraces her curves” Because I grew up amongst strong and beautiful African women who loved their bodies and embraced their curves, it became obvious to me that a woman’s body is to be shown off. I always try to accentuate women’s best assets and I’m able to do so because of the wonderful African women I was exposed to in my childhood. Thank you Christiane. It’s always a pleasure having you on our magazine! Thank you! It’s a great honor and a lot of fun to be able to catch up with you.
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REL ATIONSHIP
Wr itten By YONA FA R ES M ARO | e - mai l us you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
ON MARRIAGE, DIVORCE AND OTHER MATTERS
G
ENERALLY, I TRY TO STAY AWAY from Natural on Tanzanian issues and keep to writing essays on subjects that interest me. However, on this issue, the issue of Tanzanian women going wild in the Americas I feel an investment to say my two pennies piece. I believe that our people have a tendency to take the worst of the white man’s world and run with it while having difficulty learning the best in the white man’s world. The white man has some good in his culture (such as his science, technology and less corrupt government) and we refuse to learn those and benefit from them but, instead, learn the worst in his culture (no African country has entered the scientific and industrial age and established a less corrupt governance). In the 1960s black Americans struggled for racial equality. Laws were passed against discrimination. Thereafter, white women rode on black liberation movement’s coattails and demanded equality with men. Laws were passed granting them gender equality. This is good. As I see it, if one applies for a job ones race and or gender should make no difference on whether one is hired or not; I believe in meritocracy. 20
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However, white women did not stop at gaining equality on the job place but instead launched a total war on their men. They propagated the idea of patriarchy, that society is ruled by men and for men only. They set out to destroy that patriarchical society. In the process they attacked all institutions of society for as they saw it those institutions were devised by men to control women. They called what they were doing deconstruction of society. After deconstructing society’s norms they hoped to reconstruct them on their own terms (construct a world ruled by women, some of the crazies among them hoped). Thus, they launched a frontal attack on the institution of marriage. They argued that marriage is a means of controlling women hence must be destroyed. They have largely destroyed marriages as our fathers knew it. In its place they posited what they call alternative marriages; here, a woman could marry a woman (believe it or not there are women who these days call other women their wives etc). As if that absurdity is not bad enough they preach open marriages whereby a woman could marry and have other lovers, male and female. Of course, a
woman could choose to stay single and have lovers, male and female etc. All these attacks on traditional marriage institution meant that children are now raised in confused and confusing situations and many of them now grow up confused. The white world is now a confused world where no one knows what the truth is, or not. When societies are about to breakdown such events take place. Before the fall of Greece and Rome all these nonsense took place, with men saying that they have sex with other men and women saying that they have sex with other women. What we are witnessing is the collapse of the Western world. Perhaps there is nothing that any of us can do about it? Old societies must fall for newer ones to rise; oppressive societies must die for better societies to rise? However, when African women come to the West and embrace these symptoms of a decadent society, I believe that it is the duty of all African men to say: wait a minute: we do not have to go there. We have to draw a line in the sand and say that we do not have to do the idiotic things that are now done in the western world. TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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“ In Africa we believe in ancestors; we do things that we believe our ancestors would approve in us. Our ancestors approve marriage between men and women.” When our women come here and obtain some sort of job skills, obtain jobs and make money and it goes to their heads and they want to do what white women do, live independent of men , it is time black men put their feet down. Above all when our women claim to be lesbians (in London , I was shown two women living together in this absurd life style) it is time that African men started shaping these wild women up. We cannot allow these women to become wild and live like wild animals in the jungle doing whatever they want to do. Society, by definition, means positing rules and socializing children to internalizing them and behaving accordingly. If women do as they damn please they raise children who are not socialized to abide by laws and society breaks down. This is exactly what is happening in our communities and I say that it is time that African men put a stop to all these nonsense and insist that our women live by laws. In Africa we believe in ancestors; we do things that we believe our ancestors would approve in us. Our ancestors approve marriage between men and women. We behave in accordance with justice; we do not do things just because we want to do them. There is such a thing as right and wrong behavior.
We believe that the universe is a moral place and that it is our duty to figure out what is moral and do it. Simply stated, we are not a wild bunch that says that just because something seems to feel good to depressed white women that we should do it. Depressed white women who see no meaning and purpose in existence find out that if they have other women lick their vaginas that it gives them sensations of pleasure and they engage in that outrageous behavior. That does not mean that the behavior is good in itself. (Depressed white men similarly engage in what they call homosexual sex; here, men stick their penises into other men’s anuses and call such bestial behavior pleasurable. This is existential depression at work!) God, or whatever you choose to call the creator of this world, created us man and woman and therefore meant men and women to relate to each other. Any sexual relationship that defies that reality and says that just because we can stimulate ourselves with drugs, by ourselves or by others of same gender that such behavior is okay is wrong and unnatural. Marriage between men and women is the natural order of things. Whereas divorce is permitted in situations where either partner is abusive, physically or psychologically, but divorce should not be cavalier; every effort must be made to reconcile warring marital
“ However, when African women come to the West and embrace these symptoms of a decadent society, I believe that it is the duty of all African men to say: wait a minute: we do not have to go there..” TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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partner’s (including counseling) before divorce is encouraged. Children suffer greatly when their parents’ divorce. Go to jails and find out that a disproportionate part of the inmates are from broken down, dysfunctional families. Thus, for the sake of the children we must make all effort to preserve our African families as our ancestors constructed them to be. God is the union of all creation and its creator. Union is love. We are the children of union/ love; we are happiest and peaceful when we are in love with each other, for love is our nature. On earth love between a man and a woman is natural. In spirit loves means the sense of oneness of all creation and its creator. We must do away with childish sense of independence; the idea of independence is an illusion; what is real is interdependence; we are always joined and interconnected to each other; no man or woman is an island. Thus, when our women make a little bit of money and it goes into their heads and they seek wild independence it is time for them to learn that only interdependence leads to human survival; independence leads to death. Finally, we must learn that worth is a social variable; you have worth in my eyes because I say so; I have worth in your eyes because you said so. We can remove worth and value from each other; when we do so we can kill each other. For too long women have removed worth from men and it is time they learned that if men reciprocated and find them worthless they can be done away with. We must value each other to live peacefully on planet earth. AM
MAR / APR 2010 A D U N A G O W M A G A Z I N E
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CURRENT AFFAI RS
Wr itten By YONA FARE S M ARO | e - mai l you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
American Suicide Bombers: Terrorism Or Protests?
O
N THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2010, a white man, an American citizen, Andrew Joseph Stack flew his plane into the Internal Revenue Service building in Texas. Prior to embarking on this heinous and dastardly act, the man also maliciously set his home ablaze in wanton destruction. Andrew Joseph Stack went out in in a flame not of glory, but rather ingloriously. But his murderous terrorist act were under reported in very terse tenses, such as did The Wall Street Journal which reported the blood lust terrorist act as “Tax Protester Crashes Plane Into IRS Office” and then proceeded to caption the terrorist’s picture, as “An undated photo of Andrew Joseph Stack, the plane’s pilot.” I find the label or appellation which was appended by The Wall Street Journal rather revolting in the most egregiously offensive way. A bloodthirsty terrorist engaging in murderous and catastrophic bombing of human beings is a protester, a tax protester? Where was his placard? In the gas tank of his plane? Andrew Joseph Stack is just another Gandhi, King or Mandela? Why such so benign a description, almost endearing and affecting! Poor protester!
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How frightened do people have to be or get? How many people have to have been murdered? How much in dollar terms would have to have been destroyed in arson, vandalism and maiming, for using an airplane as weapons of attack against a federal building, to earn its proper name, terrorism by terrorists who are suicide bombers as Andrew Joseph Stack clearly was? Or is he merely a protester and Montana Free Man? He is just a Libertarian with an aversion to paying his fair share of taxes? All brand new concepts of terrorism as protest? Does the offending person have to be White, Black, Brown, Christian, Muslim and from Western nations? Arab or Persian World or Afghan or Pakistani or Palestinian, Israeli or American to qualify as a terrorist engaged in terrorist acts also known as terrorism? Who is a terrorist with a grudge and who is a protester with a grudge? What qualifies as legitimate grudge? Tax
Policy or Foreign Policy? We can now imagine that Khalid Sheik Mohammed at his eventual trial, arguing that September 11, 2001 attackers were merely using tools of civil aviation as instrument of protests against American Foreign Policy in the Middle East? The most brilliantly incandescent defense lawyers could not have come up with this brilliant masterstroke! Does this not make every fair minded person wonder about this terrorism thing? As many questions now arise. Would an American citizen whose religion is Islam and with a name quite unlike Andrew Joseph Stack, who misbehaves in the same be similarly labeled as a tax protester? Are definitions of terrorism and much of everything else in life, just about nationality and passport colors? Are some too quick to label others, while agonizing, pontificating
“ A terrorist is such person with violent murderous rage, with weapons and when such person undertakes substantial and significant steps, she is a terrorist engaged in terrorism, be he American, Saudi Arabian, Palestinian or Nigerian.”
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A blaze is ignited as a plane hit a seven-story building in the Texas capital. A purported suicide note has been found and is attributed to the man believed to have been the pilot. and embellishing “appropriate� labels for themselves?
well as the definition for the word known as obfuscation
Is nationality and religion the determinant of who is labeled a terrorist and those who may not be so labeled? MOSSAD is suspected of murdering a Palestinian in a hotel in Dubai, the murderers-terrorists are not being condemned loudly, we have sedate diplomatic language used which emphasizes politesse!
All of these also makes me wonder, what exactly, by way of heinous murders, violence, malicious destruction of property, private and public, can be determined to be terrorist acts?
If maiming of others, murders, and wanton destruction is not terrorism, perhaps we do need a definition, a new definition of who is a So here were have two separate events terrorist and what the heck is terrorism? occurring on both sides of the Atlantic, with nationals of Israel and America involved. A person with a grudge, flying a plane into And the world sees a very terse and tepid a building with federal employees in it, is a responses, without the usual or prefabricated terrorist, say McCall. Andrew Joseph Stack had righteous indignation against blood sucking a grudge, a murderous rage, flew his weapon Islamo-Fascists who are without logic or into a federal building, killed someone in reason and merely guided by unreason and there and caused significant damage to the promised monopoly over 70 virgins! With Internal Revenue Service building! nothing said of daily hardships and suffering and the innate desire in all humans, to be A terrorist is such person with violent politically free from occupation, domination, murderous rage, with weapons and when marginalization and subjugation. Being such person undertakes substantial and occupied must be good for native peoples? significant steps, she is a terrorist engaged No? in terrorism, be he American, Saudi Arabian, Native peoples only care for religions and Palestinian or Nigerian. In fighting terrorists 100 virgins! We can do whatever we want, and terrorism, we must recognize that take whatever we want, sans lands and oil, there are virtues and vices worldwide. but, just stay away from religion and the Fighting terrorists and terrorism, therefore virgins? Ha! requires a universal application of rules and terminologies to persons, White, Black, Considering this MOSSAD efficiently Arabian, or whether they are Mutallab, executed assignment in Dubai, and the McVeigh, Mohammed or presciently, whether benign act of this tax protester in Texas, I they are Andrew Joseph Stack, tax protester, have come to realize that I need a brand new engineer and pilot! AM definition for the term double standards as
SECTION CULTURE HEADER MAASAI WARRIORS
w r itten by St af f Wr iter | e - mai l fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
The Maasai Tribe
The most well known of African ethnic groups
T
HE MAASAI (ALSO CALLED MASAI) are an indigenous African ethnic group of semi-nomadic people located in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Due to their distinctive customs and dress and residence near the many game parks of East Africa, they are among the most well known of African ethnic groups.They speak Maa, a member of the Nilo-Saharan language family that is related to Dinka and Nuer, and are also educated in the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania: Swahili and English. The Maasai population has been variously estimated as 377,089 from the 1989 Census or as 453,000 language speakers in Kenya in 1994 and 430,000 in Tanzania in 1993[2] with a total estimated as “approaching 900,000� Estimates of the respective Maasai populations in both countries are complicated by the 24
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remote locations of many villages, and their semi-nomadic nature. Although the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments have instituted programs to encourage the Maasai to abandon their traditional seminomadic lifestyle, the people have continued their age-old customs. Recently, Oxfam has claimed that the lifestyle of the Maasai should be embraced as a response to climate change because of their ability to farm in deserts and scrublands. Maasai are pastoralist and have resisted the urging of the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle. They have demanded grazing rights to many of the national parks in both countries. The Maasai stood against slavery and lived alongside most wild animals with an aversion to eating game and birds. Maasai land now has East TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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Africa’s finest game areas. Maasai society never condoned traffic of human beings, and outsiders looking for people to enslave avoided the Maasai. Essentially there are twelve geographic sectors of the tribe, each one having its own customs, appearance, leadership and dialects. These subdivisions are known as the Keekonyokie, Damat, Purko, Wuasinkishu, Siria, Laitayiok, Loitai, Kisonko, Matapato, Dalalekutuk, Loodokolani and Kaputiei.
source of food. The measure of a man’s wealth is in terms of cattle and children. A herd of 50 cattle is respectable, and the more children the better. A man who has plenty of one but not the other is considered to be poor.A Maasai myth relates that God gave them all the cattle on earth, leading to the belief that rustling cattle from other tribes is a matter of taking back what is rightfully theirs, a practice that has become much less common.
Maasai society is strongly patriarchal in nature with elder men, sometimes joined by retired elders, deciding most major matters for each Maasai group. A full body of oral law covers many aspects of behaviour. Formal execution is unknown, and normally payment in cattle will settle matters. An out of court process called ‘amitu’, ‘to make peace’, or ‘arop’, which involves a substantial apology, is also practiced. The Maasai are monotheistic, and they call God Enkai or Engai. Engai is a single deity with a dual nature: Engai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Engai Nanyokie (Red God) is vengeful. The “Mountain of God”, Ol Doinyo Lengai, is located in northernmost Tanzania. The central human figure in the Maasai religious system is the laibon who may be involved in: shamanistic healing, divination and prophecy, ensuring success in war or adequate rainfall. Whatever power an individual laibon had was a function of personality rather than position. Many Maasai have become Christian, and to a lesser extent, Muslim. The Maasai are known for their intricate jewelry. Traditional Maasai lifestyle centers around their cattle which constitute their primary
Over the years, many projects have begun to help Maasai tribal leaders find ways to preserve their traditions while also balancing the education needs of their children for the modern world. The emerging forms of employment among the Maasai people include farming, business (selling of traditional medicine, running of restaurants/ shops, buying and selling of minerals, selling milk and milk products by women, embroideries), and wage employment (as security guards/ watchmen, waiters, tourist guides), and others who are engaged in the public and private sectors. Many Maasai have moved away from the nomadic life to responsible positions in commerce and government.Yet despite the sophisticated urban lifestyle they may lead, many will happily head homewards dressed in designer clothes, only to emerge from the traditional family homestead wearing a shuka (colourful piece of cloth), cow hide sandals and carrying a wooden club (o-rinka) - at ease with themselves and the world. AM
FAMOUS FIRSTS
w r itten by St af f Wr iter | e - mai l you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
Famous Firsts by African American Women
A
s we continue to celebrate Women History Month, we are proud to provide you with the list of the Famous First s by African Americans Women. These women fought diversity and inequalities and proved to the world that not only a woman can do everything a man can achieve, but also she can exceed where no others have been able to show progress. They are creative, passionate, and definitely unforgettable, as they became major keys to the development of the African American intellectual society in America.
African-American Women Firsts: Government
Mayor of major city: The first black woman to serve as a mayor of a major U.S. city was
condoleezza rice 26
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Sharon Pratt Dixon Kelly, Washington, DC, 1991–1995. U.S. Representative: The first black female U.S. Representative was Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman from New York, 1969–1983. U.S. Senator: Carol Mosely Braun became the first black woman Senator serving from 1992–1998 for the state of Illinois. (There have only been a total of five black senators in U.S. history). U.S. cabinet member: The first black female cabinet minister was Patricia Harris, 1977, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Jimmy Carter. U.S. Secretary of State: The first black female Secretary of State was Condoleezza Rice, 2005–2009.
African-American Firsts: Law
constance baker motley
Federal Judge: Constance Baker Motley became the first black woman federal judge, 1966.
African-American Firsts: Diplomacy
U.S. diplomat: Patricia Harris became the first black female ambassador (1965; Luxembourg).
African-American Firsts: Science and Medicine
First patent holder: Sarah E. Goode, 1885, became the first African-American woman to receive a patent, for a bed that folded up into a cabinet. M.D. degree: Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black woman to receive an M.D. degree. She graduated from the New England
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Female Medical College in 1864. First astronaut: Mae Jemison, 1992, became the first black female astronaut.
African-American Firsts: Scholarship
College graduate (B.A.): First black woman to receive a B.A. degree: Mary Jane Patterson, 1862, Oberlin College. Ph.D.: Three individuals became the first U.S. black women to earn Ph.D.s: Georgiana Simpson, University of Chicago; Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander, University of Pennsylvania; and Eva Beatrice Dykes, Radcliffe College. Ivy League president: Ruth Simmons, 2001,
Dance
Wimbledon and the United States national tennis championship. She won both tournaments twice, in 1957 and 1958. In all, Gibson won 56 tournaments, including five Grand Slam singles events.
African-American Firsts: Film
Olympic gold medalist (Summer games; individual): the first olympic gold medalist woman was Alice Coachman, who won the high jump in 1948. Olympic medalist (Winter games): Debi Thomas, 1988, won the bronze in figure skating. Olympic gold medalist (Winter games): Vonetta Flowers, 2002, bobsled.
Member of the Metropolitan Opera Company: Marian Anderson, 1955. Female Grammy Award winner: Ella Fitzgerald, 1958. First Oscar: Hattie McDaniel, 1940, supporting actress, Gone with the Wind. Oscar, Best Actress: Halle Berry, 2001, Monster’s Ball. Oscar, Best Actress Nominee: Dorothy Dandridge, 1954, Carmen Jones.
Other African-American Firsts
toni morrison
oprah winfrey
Licensed Pilot: Bessie Coleman, 1921. Billionaire woman: Oprah Winfrey, 2003. Miss America: Vanessa Williams, 1984, representing New York. When controversial photos surfaced and Williams resigned, Suzette Charles, the runner-up and also an African American, assumed the title. She represented New Jersey. Three additional African Americans have been Miss Americas: Debbye Turner (1990), Marjorie Vincent (1991), and Kimberly Aiken (1994). First Lady: Michelle Obama became the
African-American Firsts: Television
Brown University.
African-American Firsts: Literature
Novelist: Harriet Wilson, Our Nig (1859). Poet: Lucy Terry, 1746, “Bar’s Fight.” It is her only surviving poem. Poet (published): Phillis Wheatley, 1773, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral. Considered the founder of Pulitzer Prize winner: Gwendolyn Brooks, 1950, won the Pulitzer Prize in poetry. Nobel Prize for Literature winner: Toni Morrison, 1993.
Network television show host: Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman television host in 1986, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”
African-American Firsts: Sports
Tennis champion: Althea Gibson became the first black person to play in and win
African-American Firsts: Music and
michelle obama First African American First Lady when her husband, Sen. Barack Obama, became the first African American to be inaugurated as the president of the United States on January 20, 2009.
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vonetta flowers
There you have it. They’re our Firsts. They led the way for many others and deserve the highest recognition among us all. There are plenty others to come and we hope to see more in the future. MAR / APR 2010 A D U N A G O W M A G A Z I N E
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HEALTH & BEAUTY CHOLESTEROL
O u r He ar t s. O u r C hoice | e - mai l fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
OUR HEARTS. OUR CHOICE. FAC TS ABOUT CHOLESTEROL
C
HOLESTEROL IS A SOFT, FATLIKE SUBSTANCE found in the bloodstream and in all our body’s cells. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. The saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol you eat may raise your blood cholesterol level. ABOUT CHOLESTEROL Having too much cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. This happens because cholesterol and other fats can build up in the walls of arteries, narrowing the channel where blood flows. If a narrowed artery gets blocked by a blood clot or other particle, the heart or brain loses its blood supply, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. About 45 percent of American adults have cholesterol levels that are too high (200mg/dL or higher). About 1 in 6 has a level in the high-risk zone (240 mg/dL or higher). You should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly (at least once every five years starting at age 20) UNDERSTANDING CHOLESTEROL LEVELS Your total blood cholesterol levels is one measure of risk. TOTAL BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS • Less than 200 mg/dL is the desirable level and may indicate a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. The range of 200 to 239 mg/dL reflects borderline high (higher risk) • A total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL and above reflects high blood cholesterol (more than twice the risk as desirable level).
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HDL CHOLESTEROL RISK LEVELS • HDL is “good” cholesterol because it seems to lower your risk of heart attack and stoke. Unlike other cholesterol levels, the higher your HDL, the better. • The goal is>50 mg/dL in women, >40 mg/ dL in men • HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein LDL CHOLESTEROL RISK LEVELS • LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein.. This is the main carrier of harmful cholesterol in your blood. A high level of LDL cholesterol means there’s a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. • Less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal • A range of 100 to 129 mg/dL reflects above optimal risk • A range of 130 to 159 mg/dL reflects borderline high risk and 160 to 189 mg/dL is considered being at high risk. • Very high risk is defined at 190 mg/dL or higher TRIGLYCERIDES Triglycerides are a type of fat in your body and also a major energy source. They come
from food and your body also makes them. As people get older, gain excess weight or both, their triglyceride levels tend to rise. TRIGLYCERIDE RISK LEVELS Less than 150 mg/dL = Normal 150 to 199 mg/dL = Borderline High 200 to 499 mg/dL = High 500 mg/dl and above = Very High STEPS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL You can take the following steps to reduce your cholesterol: • Cut down on foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol like fatty meats, butter, full-fat dairy products and egg yolks. • Enjoy at least 30 minutes of physical activity, on most or all days of the week. • Eat more foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber. • Lose weight if you need to. • Ask your doctor about medicines that can reduce cholesterol (not recommended for all patients). AM
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BEAUT Y
w r itten by Mar iss a G ol dw i ck | e - mai l you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
UNWANTED BODY HAIR PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
U
NWANTED BODY HAIR REMOVAL
has become an obsession in modern society. Women are hellbent on removing every single strand of hair on their body including their face, stomach, back and even bikini line. Competing with the silky-smooth hairfree skin of women, men too are going for unwanted body hair removal these days. However, problem with unwanted body hair removal method is that most conventional hair removal methods come with their own set of pros and cons. It is tough to decide which method to use for a particular body area. Further, the procedure to removal unwanted body hair removal needs to be repeated quite frequently to maintain the results. As most methods are clumsy, painful, expensive or time consuming it is indeed a problem to keep unwanted body hair at bay. Solutions for unwanted body hair provides Owing to the fixation of modern society for a hairless skin, various unwanted body hair removal solutions have been devised. None 30
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of the solutions for unwanted body hair removal is foolproof and their suitability may differ in individuals. This means, a solution may work on somebody and may cause an allergic reaction on somebody else’s body. Similarly, solutions for unwanted body hair removal may also differ for different body parts. Listed below are some of the most popular solutions for unwanted body hair removal:
• Shaving – This method is highly popular,
but needs to be repeated quite frequently. Further, new hairs that come back are thicker and darker.
• Waxing – This slightly painful but popular
method should ideally be conducted by a professional. Helps keep unwanted body hair at bay for 2-6 weeks.
• Depilatories – This is a painless method
of hair removal. However, it may cause skin reactions in some people. Depilatory creams should therefore be used with caution.
• Electrolysis – This helps you get rid of
unwanted hair permanently. Electrolysis needs to be carried out by experts. This method is painful, time consuming as well as expensive.
• Laser therapy – It is currently the most popular method of hair reduction. Laser treatment help you do away from unwanted body hair for months or even years. It should be carried out by professionals. Laser is not as painful but is still an expensive solution for unwanted body hair removal.
Hair removal products Recently, various innovative hair removal products have inundated the market. Most of these products are suitable for home use and are proven safe as well as effective. Discussed below are some of most popular and advanced hair removal products.
Ultra Hair Away – An innovative product
launched by Skin Doctors, Ultra Hair Away Hair Inhibitor Spray aims to slow down the growth of unwanted body hair so that you’ll need to go for hair removal session less often. Further, hairs that grow back are finer, lighter, softer and less visible.
Hair No More Complete System pack – This comprehensive hair removal system
by Skin Doctors consists of Hair No More hair removal cream to help you remove unwanted body hair and a Hair No More hair inhibitor spray to prevent the growth of unwanted body hair and reduce your need for hair removal considerably.
Rio Scanning Laser – This unique laser hair
removal system helps to remove unwanted body hair in the privacy of your home. The advanced device reduces the volume of hair that grows back significantly so that you’ll need to deal with hair removal less often. Rio Scanning Laser promises painless, effective and affordable hair removal solution.
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BODY & SOUL FASTING
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The Daniel Fast A biblically based partial fast
W
HAT IS DANIEL FAST? A biblically based partial fast. It is a method of fasting that men, women and young people all over the world are using as they enter into the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting. There are two anchoring scriptures for the Daniel Fast. In Daniel 1 the Prophet ate only vegetables (that would have included fruits) and drank only water. So from these scriptures we get two of the guidelines for the fast: 1. Only fruits and vegetables 2. Only water for a beverage Then in Daniel 10 we read that the Prophet ate no meat nor any precious breads or foods and he drank no wine for 21 days. So from this scripture, we get a third guideline: 3. No sweeteners and no breads
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Another important guideline is drawn from Jewish fasting principles, where no leaven is used during the fast. So that’s why yeast, baking powder and the like are not allowed on the Daniel Fast. Finally, with all the above puzzle pieces, we conclude that no artificial or processed foods nor any chemicals are allowed on the Daniel Fast. When asked about the eating plan on the Daniel Fast, I often say it is a “vegan diet with even more restrictions.” Be sure to read the ingredients on labels of prepared foods to make sure they only include Daniel Fast friendly ingredients.
fasting. The Body - Certainly our bodies are effected as our diet is changed, for some in very dramatic ways, during the Daniel Fast. Many men and women experience detoxing from caffeine, chemicals and sugar. The symptoms are most often headaches, leg cramps, fatigue and malaise. Most people lose weight during the Daniel Fast. And many report healings from diabetes, allergies, arthritis and cancer.
The Daniel Fast for the body, soul and spirit
The Soul - Frequently referred to as “the flesh” in the Bible, the soul is also greatly impacted during the Daniel Fast. The soul is the seat of our emotions, intellect, personality and will. It is in the “soulish realm” where we experience cravings, frustration, anger . . . and even happiness.
The Bible teaches us that we are a spirit, we have a soul and we live in a body. The Daniel Fast affects all three parts of us as we enter into a period of time for focused prayer and
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powerful lessons of the Daniel Fast. The Spirit - Our spirit is that born-again part of us that surrenders to God and then abides with the Father and the Son. Our spirit is filled with the Holy Spirit when we yield to Him. During the Daniel Fast, we want to put our spirit in charge of the other two parts of us. When our flesh is acting out with a craving, we take control of it with our spirit (just as a parent takes control of a rebellious child). Fasting is always coupled with a spiritual goal. So during this time of fasting, you will want to focus on prayer, study and meditation.
What if you have health issues? Fasting should never bring harm to the body. And if you have concerns, be sure to consult your health professional before going on the Daniel Fast or making any major dietary change. The Daniel Fast is a very healthy way to eat! So health professionals will support this eating plan, but might suggest a few modifications if you have health issues that need special attention. For example, pregnant and nursing mothers might get instructions to add fish, chicken and cheese into the Daniel Fast, but otherwise stay the course. Diabetics may need to add more carbohydrates or include chicken and fish. Also, those who are especially active either through sports, bodybuilding or vocation may need to slightly alter the eating plan.
The Daniel Fast teaches us to deny our “selves” and instead put our spirit in control over our flesh. As you plan your meals and eat your food, keep in mind that the definition of a fast is to deny food for a spiritual purpose.
Food Preparation You will quickly find that most of the prepared meals you find in grocery stores contain ingredients that are not acceptable for the Daniel Fast. Consequently, you will need to prepare most of your meals from scratch! Meal preparation can take more time during the Daniel Fast, but you can also adopt some habits to streamline this essential part of your fasting experiences. Meal Planning - Plan all of your meals for one week. Make sure you have all the ingredients you need along with snack foods! Set a Cook Day - I frequently use Saturday as the day when I plan all my meals for the coming week and then cook several meals in advance. I make pots of soup, vegetable chili, chapatis and many other dishes. This saves me hours of time and lots of frustration in the coming week, plus it’s fun! Salad Prep - I wash
and trim all my salad
My guess is that the answer will be, “Well I just want them. I can’t drink only water. I have to have something else.”
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I know you are probably really tired of hearing me scream, “READ THE LABEL” when reading through the blog. I started exclaiming the anthem after answering hundreds of questions that required the writer to read the label to find out what ingredients were included in the prepared food they were considering. So a new habit for those of us on the Daniel Fast is to READ THE LABEL so we can learn the ingredients included in the food inside the box, bag, can or jar. We are not so concerned about the nutritional list. But we are very concerned about the ingredients to make sure there are no sweeteners, dairy products or chemicals included in the food.
Love those hunger pangs! So often when we have hunger pangs, we rush for snacks or something that will make it go away. But some little insights about hunger pangs may have you making a different choice.
Dehydration aften sends a message that “reads” like hunger. So instead of grabbing a snack . . . go for a tall glass of filtered water!
An important question to ask yourself . . .
But I encourage you to learn a powerful spiritual lesson by asking yourself (examining your heart) the question, “Why do you want the herbal teas?”
READ THE LABELS
I love this one: hunger pangs actually mean that your body is using stored fat in our body. So if you want to lose some weight during the Daniel Fast, then welcome those hunger pangs.
I encourage you to check with your doctor . . . and by the way, being addicted to Snickers and Coke don’t count as a special need!
During your Daniel Fast you will have many times when you might want to “stretch the rules” a little bit. For example, even though the guidelines say we are to drink only water . . . you conclude that herbal teas are vegetables and water is water and therefore you will go ahead and drink herbal teas during the Daniel Fast.
you are flushing out toxins and teaching your body that it no longer needs to store water. Drink hot water with lemon slices throughout your day, especially before eating, to help reduce fluid retention. Be sure the water is filtered and free from chemicals.
Finally, hunger pangs often pass after a few minutes. So when you sense hunger . . . wait it out. ingredients as soon as I get home from the grocery store. I then store each item in a container for easy use later in the week. I can make a lovely salad in less than a minute because all the ingredients are already prepared!
More liquids, less weight If you haven’t been drinking enough water, your body may have developed a pattern of storing water. This water retention equals extra unwanted weight.
Remember, this is a fast! It’s important to keep in mind that we are on a fast, which is restricting food for spiritual purposes. So while we can eat as much food as we want and any time we want . . . we want to keep in mind that we are fasting. I encourage people to stick with three modest Daniel Fast meals and one or two small Daniel Fast snacks. The average-sized adult should drink about 1/2 gallon of filtered water each day.
By increasing fluids during the Daniel Fast, MAR / APR 2010 A D U N A G O W M A G A Z I N E
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COMMUNIT Y
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Spread Awareness, Save A Life • 5516 S Deane Ave • Los Angeles, CA • 90043 WWW.UNIHIV.COM • info@UNIHIV.com • Twitter @UNIHIV • (800) 929-3329
OPEN LETTER: UNIHIV UNIHIV is an organization that promotes
HIV/AIDS awareness and garners support in the community. What does UNIHIV mean? We have combined the words UNI, meaning ‘ONE’ and HIV to simulate the fact that we are ‘ONE’ in this cause as we educate and promote the awareness of this disease which affects all races, ages and gender. Our mission and motto is to “Spread the Awareness, Save a Life.” The organization was inspired by our passion to give back to the community and our desire to foster an awareness of the HIV/AIDS virus that kills millions of people every year. It is simply not enough to acknowledge the disease, but to work towards awareness, treatment, and research by means of fundraising, donating our time and education our world. UNIHIV has contributed a great deal of time, money, and effort into all of our projects, especially for the upcoming Hope 4 HIV Gala. Nevertheless, we are operating with very limited funding and resources. Consequently, we are looking for sponsors for this event, and are grateful for any donation that you are able to provide. Donation and sponsorships do not go unrecognized. As a sponsor, you are advertised and promoted in a variety of ways listed on the upcoming page. UNIHIV partners with groups and organizations across the United States and internationally that share our common goal. Our target gross for this year is $60,000 USD, which we will distribute to various HIV/AIDS initiatives. One way that UNIHIV accomplishes this objective is by hosting events that expose 34
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individuals to the messages of HIV/AIDS Experience and Awareness. Each year, we organize and host charity events to promote the awareness of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic. This year we are hosting the HOPE 4 HIV Gala. The event is taking place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Lotus Room and Tanzore in Beverly Hills, CA. The Hope 4 HIV Gala is a showcase of individuals and organizations that have a vested interest in promoting HIV/ AIDS awareness and have donated much time and effort to the HIV/AIDS community. UNIHIV will highlight those people whose lives have been affected by the virus, who are involved in the research and treatment of HIV/AIDS and who closely work with HIV/ AIDS patients. This red carpet event will include a fashion show, guest speakers, a short tribute film, an array of performances, and special guest appearances. A selection of food, appetizers, and cocktails will be served before and during the event. Members of the media and press will be in attendance for coverage. UNIHIV has the pleasure of partnering with the Philip A. Fongod Foundation, an organization that focuses on caring for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. A portion of the proceeds raised at this event will go to the this charity organization. Areas of concentration for this organization include: organized educational programs for orphans, therapy and coping lesson for the tragedy of losing both parents, development of medical workshops to care for sick/orphaned children, distribution of tracts promoting
AIDS/HIV awareness, building facilities to cater for those already infected by the disease, and provide vocational training for orphans to become self reliant. You may visit their website at www.pfaidsfoundation.com. We hope to add your name to the List of Supporters. Remember, the earlier you send in your response, the more valuable your gift will be in balancing our budget. There is an event pledge card and pre-paid envelope attached in this packet, for your convenience and to ensure that your may respond and assistance is of no cost. Thank you for your support. UNIHIV looks forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with your company. Please feel free to call with any questions you might have. Once again we appreciate anything you can do to assist us in obtaining our goals and working towards a relief for this world epidemic. Kindest Regards, Angel Adelaja Sponsorship Coordinator / Media Manager UNIHIV Group Phone: 517-505-8506 info@unihiv.com www.unihiv.com
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Spread Awareness, Save A Life • 5516 S Deane Ave • Los Angeles, CA • 90043 WWW.UNIHIV.COM • info@UNIHIV.com • Twitter @UNIHIV • (800) 929-3329
Sponsorship and donations can be sent to UNIHIV at 5516 S Deane Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90043 and made payable to the organization name: UNIHIV. As another option, you may make your monetary contribution online on our website at www.UNIHIV.com, or by telephone at 1-800-929-3329. Sponsors may aid in the following ways: • Giving monetarily to offset the costs of the event. • Giving goods and items of your choice such as gift certificates and products from your business. Donations:
Less than $100
Friend of UNIHIV
Sponsorship Levels:
$100 to $500 More than $1000
Bronze Supporter Gold Supporter
More than $500 More than $5000
Silver Supporter Platinum Supporter
$10,000 or more
UNIHIV Ultimate Supporter
Friend of UNIHIV: Your name is listed on our website and in our program book under this category for this event. Bronze Supporter: Your name is listed on our website and in our program book under this category for this event in addition to your business address, website and contact information. You get tickets to the gala at a discounted price.
Silver Supporter: Your name is listed on our website and in our program book under this category for this event in addition to your business logo,
address, website, and contact information. Your company/organization’s website link posted on UNIHIV’s website. Your company sponsorship advertised on all social networking pages, upon processed and revolving sponsorship. You get a quarter page for your own advertisement in our program book and 2 free tickets. Gold Supporter: You receive all benefits of a Silver Supporter PLUS… Your logo is displayed prominently on every page of our website, on the backdrop for the Red Carpet, at the venue of the event and advertised on TV screens before and during the event. In addition you get a half page for your own advertisement in our program book, 3 extra free tickets and VIP status. Platinum Supporter: You receive all benefits of a Gold Supporter PLUS… Your company sponsorship recognized at any press or media interaction we have in relation to this event (i.e., radio, television, magazine, etc). In addition you get a full page for your own advertisement in our program book and “VIP” status. Please contact us regarding any arrangements for your business representatives to attend the event, your attendance is free of charge. UNIHIV Ultimate Supporter: You receive all benefits of a Platinum Supporter PLUS… A banner for your company will be displayed at the venue of the event. Your name will be announced by the hosts of the event (i.e., “This event is brought to you by [Your Company Name]’) periodically, throughout the event. Your company is listed for a year on our website and at ALL events we organize in that calendar year.
*NOTE: All goods and services given will be recognized according to their monetary value (i.e., a donation of 100 tote bags valued at $5.00 each will be recorded as a $500 gift and will be recognized as a Bronze Supporter.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(Cut Here )
HOPE 4 HIV Gala Pledge Form *Please print clearly; list what you are giving and its amount (USD); if you want your business advertised, please attach a business card and we will contact you to discuss your benefits and obtain your logo and advertisement. Name of Donor/Business: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone/Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Area Code)
(Apt#)
(Street)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (City)
(State)
Gift: Monetary__$_________________
(Zip)
(Email)
Gift Certificate________________________________________$___________________
Product(s)_____________________________________________________________________________$_____________________________ Service(s)_____________________________________________________________________________$_____________________________ Other_________________________________________________________________________________$_____________________________ TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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SPOTLIGHTS Interview Spotlight
B
ORN IN CAMEROON to dynamic christian parents originating from Bafia (Central Province) Anita spent a great part of her life in England. Before relocating to England in her late teens she went to Saker Baptist College an all girls’ boarding school where a Christian education was of the utmost importance. Her first vocal influence was her mom. During her years at Saker music and daily devotions were an integral part of boarding school life. At home her parents were strong pastoral influences who laid the foundation for a personal relationship with Christ. Anita’s musical foundation was elevated to new heights in Walsall England when she sang alto with Re:mission one of England’s best gospel choirs. With Re;Mission she traveled to many cities in the UK and even took part in the BBC’s “Songs of Praise”. Re:Mission boasts 4 albums with a number of nominations and awards for Best British Gospel Music. With Remission, she has shared the stage with gospel giants such as The Winans, Donny McClurkin, Graham Kendrick and Fred Hammond. Anita has since relocated to California USA where she is now a wife and mother of two. She sings at churches, weddings and other events.
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Tell us a little about your family. I am a wife and mother of two children: a 10 year old boy and a 6 year old girl. I have been married to my husband for 12 years this year and the Lord has been good to us and blessed our marriage and family. Where are you from originally? I am originally from Cameroon but I describe myself as a true citizen of the world. My paternal grandmother was Nigerian from the Ibo tribe and my maternal grandmother was half Portuguese and half Sao Tome & Principe (an African Island). My two grandfathers were Cameroonian from Bafia in the Central province, an hour or so away from Yaounde, the capital City. I grew up in Yaounde, moved to England in my late teens and move to America when I got married. Who are your role models in the Gospel music world? I would have to say Cece and Bebe Winans first and foremost but I have numerous musical influences including Fred Hammond, The Winans, Yolanda Adams, Remission, Fred Reliford, Tarralyn Ramsey etc. Outside of the gospel music world, my biggest influence is India Arie. TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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INTERVIE W SPOTLIGHT
Inter v ie w ing Anit a | e - mai l us you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
How and where do you get your inspiration from? I am sure every songwriter would agree that inspiration comes from life in general. I also get inspired by other songwriters and singers. As a gospel singer, there is a spiritual dimension to this; I believe that the Lord leads me in putting out messages that are meant for the people he has called me to reach. He therefore anoints me accordingly. How do you promote and market yourself? By doing interviews such as this, doing performances, the internet, radio and TV. What is your most memorable moment in your career as a singer? My time with the group Remission in England was one of the most blessed times I had as a singer; we were like family and we traveled and did many amazing events and shows including opening for some of gospel’s greatest singers such as The Winans. AFRICA
When you’re not working, what are your favorite things to do? Those who know me will tell you that I am always working on something between my career as a Human Resources Manager and my career as a gospel artist. My favorite thing to do though is to travel with my family. Can you tell us something about you that people would never guess? I am actually very shy. MUSIC Tell us, how did you get started in the music business? I used to sing with a British group called Remission and this gave me the opportunity to be involved in the recording of the group’s album.
Was this what you dreamt for when growing up? Far from it, I was never comfortable being the center of attention in the way that you are as a singer. I also never thought about singing at a professional level even though I grew up in church and sang from childhood. You know as Africans, we are not raised to think of singing as a serious profession so I sang for fun and to praise the Lord in church. How do you describe your music? I do not like to label my music because I approach my music from a couple of perspectives. Firstly, I sing to honor the giver of the gift (God) and secondly, I sing because I enjoy making music and I want to retain the freedom to create any type of music that picks my fancy. But based on what I have recorded so far, I would say Christian Afrojazz and some clean love songs. The lyrics I write can sometimes be quite poetic.
“ We can play a greater role by influencing the thinking of our people as far as sacrificial living for the future and common good.”
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In your opinion, what’s the number one issue to deal with in Africa? What’s your take (solution) on it? A number of our leaders are for the most part not leading and even we as regular African citizens are too focused on self rather than the common good of our African nation. Phew! If I had a solution, I would be the richest woman on the globe. The solution is a “renewing of the mind” as the Bible says. We all need to take our responsibility to our nation very seriously and take great pride in meeting the needs of the nation rather than self-aggrandizement. We can take a leaf off Obama’s book; you don’t have to be the perfect know it all politician, but you can start by having good intentions towards your people. About Africa: what will you keep? What will you change? I will change the culture our people in positions of authority at all levels of public service and all those who think that the public office is a means to filling their pockets. I will keep our beautiful culture of respect for elders, the extended family structure, our rich food, our dance (you have to watch my tribal dance from Bafia!) and of course our music. African music touches me in places that very little else does. Africans & Religion: Do you think religion is affecting African progress?
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Inte r v i e w w it h Anit a | e-mai l you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading now at a faster rate than when I was a child; whether it is affecting progress, I would say it would depend on how we define progress and what religion we are talking about. This could be a complete dissertation topic by itself! Do you have time?
a journey which begins with her struggles and ends with positive re-affirmations. After all is said and done, she is the recipient of blessings and miracles as the faithfulness of God is once more displayed. She shows us her deep understanding of the complexities of heartache and hope.
How can the African Diaspora in the United States contribute to the development of Africa? I think we already do by simple actions such as the amount of money we send home to relatives in need, the projects we undertake with the money earned from the west; these projects are so varied and contribute to the development of our cities. We can play a greater role by influencing the thinking of our people as far as sacrificial living for the future and common good.
She writes powerful and sometimes bold lyrics taking on issues rarely explored in Christian music and revealing her songwriting prowess. Anita skillfully exposes the depth of her pain, yet leaving you with the hope of a bright future. It was shortly after relocating to California and going through a miscarriage and later a number of life threatening pregnancy complications that she wrote some of her most personal songs. Her music is true to the Biblical quote “weeping may ensure for a night but joy comes in the morning”.
Which African leaders do you think can be considered as a role model? Why? Nelson Mandela because he was an unselfish leader; he sacrificed for the greater good of the people.
CLOSURE Tell us, what is the craziest thing you ever done? Deciding to start a singing career at a stage in my life when I was already a wife and mother! Other than producing music, what other projects are you involved in at the present? Still within my music production pursuits, I have a project for supporting new African artists who have talent but do not have the resources to get started. It is a very simple project whereby I assist them in recording and promoting a single. I am involved in supporting a number of children in my extended family who have been orphaned by aids. I still have my day job as a Human Resources Manager for a national bank.
THE MIC IS YOURS Any words of wisdom for all our aspiring singer out there? You need talent, resilience and purpose to do this. Any last words? “Got Christ?” Thank you Anita for taking the time to chat with us. We wish you plenty of success and wisdom in your career.
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The New Sound of African Gospel Music
I
GOTTA TESTIFY is a unique blend of contemporary Christian music laced with African flavors as Anita introduces her audience to a new style of gospel music. This is a record that says much about personal times of struggle and the hope and promise found in the love of Christ. Her overall message that resonates in most of her songs is God’s ability to bring his children through any situation. The album is moving, elegiac and beautiful. It is music stripped back to its essential elements: voice, melody, and meticulously arranged instrumentation. Her music is infused with live keyboards, the Djembe, acoustic guitar, base guitar, the violin etc. This album will make you cry and pray (I Gotta Testify,) Praise (Praise you), commit to a worthy cause (There’s a need), Give your life to Christ (Look at me now, I Gotta Testify), proud to be an African woman (African Beauty). Songs such as “I may not look saved” will be hailed by many who have not felt accepted within some Christian circles. She is real, sincere and without pretense as she deals with issues faced by the modern Christian.
She grew up listening to Makossa, Soukous, Gospel and pop music including songs by Nana Mouskouri, Julio Iglesias, Bebe & Cece Winans, The Winans. She especially enjoys music by India.arie, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin artists uniquely attuned to the complex sensibilities of heartache and hope. She always loved singing from child hood and sang as a child in the Church choir but never saw herself singing professionally until she joined Remission in 1992. Anita sees this album as speaking to a global audience. She hopes to attract a diverse, multi-cultural audience attracted to her openness to the cultures of the world. All songs are written by Anita; she serves you an international spread of dance songs, radio favorites and easy listening, prayerful and meditative songs. Her diverse cultural background is reflective in her musical style. Anita sees herself as a child of the world, a cross between African and western cultures, a person who can evolve with the times, yet staying true to her Christian values. You feel the warmth in her personality, the fun loving African girl who has reverence for Christ, the wife and mother who cares and prays for her children, the philanthropist who will do all she can to support the destitute, especially those in “the home we left behind”. This is evidenced in her work with FOADAC (The Foundation for Orphaned Abandoned, Disabled African Children) She is determined to be a positive reflection of Africa and of the Church and intends to break some of the misperceptions held by many about Africans and Christians. AM
Anita is open in this album and shares very personal experiences of hurt and vulnerability as in ‘know who you are” and “I Gotta testify”. She takes the listener on TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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ORGANIZ ATION
Infor mat ion prov id e d by Mon i c a Mu amb a | e - mai l you r fe e db a ck at e d itor i a l @ a du nagow. ne t
M
Y NAME IS MONICA MUAMBA. I was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I immigrated to the USA to join my college sweetheart in May of 1990. Life was not easy being an immigrant as I was trying to learn both a new language and culture. By the grace of God, I have managed to survive. My course of study in school was Business Administration, and I speak French along with four additional national languages of the Democratic Republic of Congo. My life has changed for the best as I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I am the wife of John Muamba and mother of Jonathan and Josette Muamba, nurse educator and international motivational speaker. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Nursing Education. In addition, the Founder and President of Sister to Sister’s Keeper, Corp. My prayer everyday is that God will use Sister To Sister Keeper for some of us women and girls worldwide who are depressed, abused and heart broken. I strongly believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross, to set us free. Sister to Sister’s Keeper Corp. was founded on the scripture of Galatians 5:1 (NIV) which tells us that “It is for freedom that
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Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Having a Corporation was never a dream of mine, but God had a job for me to do on this earth. He started dealing with me a few years before I said, “yes Lord, I am available”. I started with the idea that women need to come together once a month to fellowship and pray together. The first meeting was held on November 26, 2004. I had four women in my living room including myself. Since that time, we have met every last Friday of the month. The meeting has moved from my living room to a rented space, It was after the first anniversary of the organization that God spoke to me about yearly conference for women in Albany, NY. God did not stop there, Sister to Sister’s Keeper Corporation became a not profit organization in 2006, and attendance increased significantly from 90 individuals to now over 200 in 2010. Sister to Sister’s Keeper was invited to Champaign, Illinois, to host a women’s conference, and Breuggers Bagels has selected our not-for-profit to be the neighborhood hero for the month. Programs - Sister to Sister’s Keeper, Corp.:
• Girls’ Empowerment Conference every July and quarterly follow up: an opportunity for young girls of ages 6 and up to come together to discuss issues that are affecting their generation such as violence, drugs, self esteem, peer pressure and education. • Women’s Annual Conference, in November: Women’s conference is intended to take women away from the business of life and bring them together. It is a time of learning, encouraging and networking. We have an annual guest speaker. We touch on women’s issues that affect all women from all races, and faiths. We provide information and resources on healthy living, financial planning, setting goals, and the balancing act of raising our families. • Family Fun Day, in August: It is an opportunity for families to connect with one another. We provide refreshments, games and prizes. • Quarterly visit to the family in need: The organization chooses one family in the community every quarter, to meet particular request as financial, educational, spiritual and emotional.
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From left to right:Monica Muamba (President and founder), Teresa Dangwa (The silent woman), Naja Bomasi (Director for volenteer), Lorraine Nimako (2nd Vice President), Kathleen Mclean (1st Vice President), and Teneka Frost (Director for girls’empowerment program and coordinator for mentorship proram).
• Monthly radio talk: to empower our listener through the word of God. • Prayer line: Where women from different locations, meet on the phone and pray. • Celebrate you: New Program that will be starting this March. March as women month our goal is to see women celebrating themselves. For March, 2010, Sister to Sister’s Keeper, corp. honored a silent woman, who impacted
the community and the world in a silent way. This honor went to Sister Theresa Dangwa. Our programs are at no cost; therefore, all women and girls can choose to attend. We don’t want cost to be a deterrent to a woman not attending a conference opportunity. Doors are open to women and girls of any ethnicity and faith.
Staff Composition (Volunteers) 1. Monica Muamba. President and Founder of Sister to Sister Keeper. Monica has great
vision and has been a guiding force in the programming we provide. 2. Kathleen Mclean. 1st Vice President, she oversees the fundraising and marketing aspects of the organization. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work, and currently pursuing an MBA through Empire State College. 3. Lorraine Nimako. 2nd Vice-President who oversees the financial aspects of Sister To Sister Keeper Corporation, she is a diabetic nurse educator. 4. Naja Bomasi. Volunteer Coordinator. Naja recruits and provides training for the volunteers. She has an MBA from St. Rose College in Albany NY. 5. Teneka Frost. Director of The Girl’s Empowerment. She is a licensed attorney for New York State. We are a highly skilled team of professionals that desire to mentor girls and women in guiding and leading them to fulfill their personal and professional destinies with confidence. For more information please visit: www.sis2siskeeper.org
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SNAPSHOT CURRENT HEADLINES ABOUT AFRICA MARCH 2010
Libya and EU patch up Schengen visa dispute SIRTE, Libya (Reuters) - Libya lifted a visa ban on citizens of 25 European countries on Saturday after EU president Spain said a Swiss-instigated visa blacklist against 188 Libyans in those countries had been scrapped.
Algerian rights body urges lifting of state of emergency ALGIERS (AFP) - Algerian human rights activists on Saturday called for an 18-yearold state of emergency in the country to be lifted as it prevented people from exercising their rights.
Arab League chief urges closer ties with Iran Troops, cash needed to fight Uganda SIRTE, Libya - The head of the Arab League rebels: group urged the 22-nation bloc on Saturday to KINSHASA (Reuters) - The United Nations engage Iran directly over concerns about must boost peacekeeping forces in areas of its growing influence in the region and its Africa where Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) disputed nuclear program. rebels operate to stop massacres such as one that killed more than 300 people in President gives nod to C.Africa polls December, a rights group said. delay BANGUI (AFP) - President Francois Bozize is in favour of presidential and legislative elections scheduled for April 25 in the Central African Republic being postponed, a statement from his office said Saturday.
Black rector stirs once-white S. African school BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa - The first black leader in the 106-year history of the University of the Free State started his tenure Ethiopian opposition says jailed leader’s last year with a surprise. health ‘deteriorating’ ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - An Ethiopian opposition group on Saturday warned that the health of 321 civilians killed in 2009 massacre in its jailed leader was “deteriorating” since she Congo DAKAR, Senegal - At least 321 civilians were was sent to prison thirteen months ago. killed in a previously unreported massacre in Congo in late 2009, while villagers that Zimbabwe working to reform media laws: escaped their rebel captors were sent back FM with their lips and ears cut off as a warning HARARE (AFP) - Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister to others of what would happen if they tried Tendai Biti on Saturday said Zimbabwe was to talk, according to an investigation by a working to reform its harsh media laws, with work on a new constitution expected to get human rights group. under way next month. West should encourage Sudan unity: opposition leader LRA killed hundreds in late 2009 KHARTOUM (AFP) - The United States and Congo massacre: U.N. EU should back Sudanese unity rather than KINSHASA (Reuters) - Ugandan Lord’s prepare for a secession of the south that would Resistance Army (LRA) rebels killed at least breed “fanaticism,” political and religious 290, and maybe more than 300 people in leader Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani said on Congo in a previously unreported massacre Saturday in a rare interview. in December 2009, U.N. officials told Reuters on Saturday. 44
ADUNAGOW MAGAZINE
MAR / APR 2010
LOOK IT UP The following headlines are snapshots of current news about Africa. For more information, look it up online by using Yahoo or Google search enginer.
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1 0 1 A C I R
AF
ERITREA
Eritrea, officially the State of Eritrea, is a country in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast. The east and northeast of the country have an extensive coastline on the Red Sea, directly across from Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Dahlak Archipelago and several of the Hanish Islands are part of Eritrea. Its size is just under 118,000 km2 (45,560 sq mi) with an estimated population of 5 million. The capital is Asmara.
Geography Location: Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea, between Djibouti and Sudan Area: total: 117,600 sq km country comparison to the world: 100 land: 101,000 sq km water: 16,600 sq km Cities: the ports of Massawa, 30,700; and Assab, 56,300 Terrain: dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending 46
ADUNAGOW MAGAZINE
MAR / APR 2010
highlands, descending on the east to a coastal desert plain, on the northwest to hilly terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains Climate: hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually, heaviest June to September); semiarid in western hills and lowlands
People
Religion: Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant Education: 2.4% of GDP (2006) Health (2009 est.): Life expectancy-total population: 61.78 years country comparison to the world: 179 male: 59.71 years female: 63.9 years (2009 est.)
Government
15-64 years: 53.7% (male 1,483,169/ female 1,547,078)
Country Name: conventional long form: State of Eritrea conventional short form: Eritrea local long form: Hagere Ertra local short form: Ertra former: Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia
65 years and over: 3.6% (male 92,009/female 109,824) (2009 est.)
Type: transitional government
Population: 5,647,168 (July 2009 est.) 0-14 years: 42.8% (male 1,212,848/ female 1,202,240)
Languages: Afar, Arabic, Tigre and Kunama, Tigrinya, other Cushitic languages
Independence: 23-25 April 1993 Constitution: adopted on 23 May 1997, but has not yet been fully TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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implemented Branches: Executive--chief of state: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government and is head of the State Council and National Assembly head of government: President ISAIAS Afworki (since 8 June 1993) cabinet: State Council is the collective executive authority; members appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window) elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); the most recent and only election held 8 June 1993 (next election date uncertain as the National Assembly did not hold a presidential election in December 2001 as anticipated) election results: ISAIAS Afworki elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - ISAIAS Afworki 95%, other 5% Judicial--High Court - regional, subregional, and village courts; also have military and special courts Legistlative -- unicameral National Assembly (150 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms).
Economy GDP: $4.101 billion (2009 est.) Real GDP Exchange rate: $1.694 billion (2009 est.) Inflation rate: 15.5% (2009 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% est. Agriculture: sorghum, lentils, vegetables, corn, cotton, tobacco, sisal; livestock, goats; fish Industries: food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles, light manufacturing, salt, cement Services (2008): 4.6% of GDP. Currency: Nafka HISTORY The history of the land that is now TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT
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called Eritrea, in one way or another, is associated with its coastline on the Red Sea, which extends more than 1000 km. From across the seas came various invaders (and colonizers) such as the South Arabians hailing from the presentday Yemen area, the Ottoman Turks, the Portugese from Goa (India), the Egyptians, the British and, in the 19th century, the Italians. Over the centuries, invaders also came from the neighboring countries of Africa to the south (Ethiopia) and to the west (Sudan). However, present-day Eritrea was largely impacted by the Italian invaders in the 19th century. In the period following the opening of the Suez canal in 1869, when European powers scrambled for territory in Africa and tried to establish coaling stations for their ships, Italy invaded and occupied Eritrea. On January 1, 1890 Eritrea officially became a colony of Italy. In 1936 it became a province of Italian East Africa (Africa Orientale Italiana), along with Ethiopia and Italian Somaliland. The British armed forces expelled those of Italy in 1941 and took over the administration of the country which had been set up by the Italians. The British continued to administer the territory under a UN Mandate until 1951 when Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia as per UN resolution 390(A) under the prompting of the United States adopted in December 1950; the resolution was adopted after a referendum to consult the people of Eritrea. The strategic importance of Eritrea — because of its Red Sea coastline and mineral resources — was the main cause for the federation with Ethiopia, which was the first step in the annexing of Eritrea as its 14th province in 1962. This was the culmination of a gradual process of takeover by the Ethiopian authorities, a process which included a 1959 edict establishing the compulsory teaching of Amharic, the main language of Ethiopia, in all Eritrean
schools. The lack of regard for the Eritrean population led to the formation of an independence movement in the early 1960s, which erupted into a 30-year war against successive Ethiopian governments that ended in 1991. Following a UN-supervised referendum in Eritrea (dubbed UNOVER) in which the Eritrean people overwhelmingly voted for independence, Eritrea declared its independence and gained international recognition in 1993. English is used in the government’s international communication and is the language of instruction in all formal education beyond the fifth grade. Eritrea is a single-party state. Though its constitution, adopted in 1997, stipulates that the state is a presidential republic with a unicameral parliamentary democracy, it has yet to be implemented. According to the government, this is due to the prevailing border conflict with Ethiopia, which began in May 1998.
Research Sources: U.S. Department of State World Fact Book Records.
MAR / APR 2010 A D U N A G O W M A G A Z I N E
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THE MAGAZINE THAT PROMOTES UNION AND COOPERATION OF AFRICANS AROUND THE GLOBE, ENCOURAGING AN INFORMED, THINKING AND QUESTIONING AFRICAN SOCIETY.