Ras Kimono to headline Climate Change confab::Vanguard (Nigeria)

» Ras Kimono to headline Climate Change confab::Vanguard (Nigeria)

By Lolade Sowoolu
Since relocating back to Nigeria last year, the Rhumba rasta, Ras Kimono has piped low on engagements, locally and internationally. But this weekend, he’ll be jetting out to meet with high profile delegates at a conference holding in Ethiopia.

The conference is the Seventh African Development Forum and themed “Acting on Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa”. It is organised by the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the Economic Commission for Africa.

Kimono is the only Nigerian artiste invited to participate in the five-day conference which will begin on the 11th (next Monday) and last through Friday, the 15th.

The reggae star, who ruled the scene in the late eighties and nineties with hits like Rumba style, Natty get jail, What a gwan and Under pressure will be in his singing elements again after the sabbatical four year sojourn to the United States which he ended by returning home last year.

The musician seemed in high spirits when he announced to Showtime and showed papers supporting his planned trip.

Expected at the conference are; Heads of States and Governments, United Nations partners, African Diaspora, International and regional financial institutions, top level media personalities among other categories of people.

» A presidential time-bomb ticks::Vanguard (Nigeria)

» A presidential time-bomb ticks::Vanguard (Nigeria)

By Kunle Oyatomi
Even at 50 years when we austensibly celebrated “maturity”as a country, it is now clearer than crystal that we are into the vicious circle of instability all over again. And it is instructive that this instability surfaced right on the day that we were celebrating 50 years of independence!!

A deadly bomb went off meters away from Eagle Square, the venue of the celebration, killing at least 12 by the official count, and leaving scores seriously injured. We had started the second epoch of our journey with disaster.

Now, that disaster is leading to the making of another convulsive political chain of events. Which is unvailing a desperate power struggle that characterised several other convulsions we had suffered in past decades.

The aftermath of that event on October 1, 2010 at the Eagles Square is developing so inauspiciously, that those who could fathom the crises of 1964, 1966, and 1993 would be frightened by this current state of instability which bear all the hallmarks of difficulties of those years that almost tore the nation apart.

We had been lucky three times over, but we could be over stretching our luck if we under-rate the current crisis, because it is deadlier than anything we have had in the past.

No doubt, the bone of contention in all of our “national crises”is power; political power at the centre. What has not changed though is that the contention for power has never brought any reasonable transformation to the lives of our peoples; with each power game, the north and the south of this country have won and lost, the country has been the worse for it, and the only beneficiaries of the evil power play in Nigeria had been the key players and their minions.

The Nigerian people have suffered in the last 50 years on this account. And now, these power-mongers are at it again.

There is so much desperation on all sides of this struggle for power that if the elders and people of Nigeria don’t come together urgently and seriously to tame this unfolding crisis, we could be heading for disaster. What is clear to anybody who can think clearly is that Nigeria cannot continue for much longer with the current political arrangement.

This is more so because the attraction for power at the centre has become a mad obsession, which portends catastrophic consequencies.

Those involved are so desperate that you can perceive that their purpose is not for public service but for self enrichment as has been the case with virtually all those who had and are still struggling for the presidency of Nigeria.

The language for those engaged in the current struggle for power, north and south of the divide, is so inflamatory, most of them have thrown caution to the wind-exhibiting a “devil-may-care”stance that only murderous warriors flaunt. We have a collective duty to stop them before they stop Nigeria.

And the only way to do that is by dialogue. Like their counterparts in the Congo, Sudan, Somalia and other part of the world in crises, they will sooner or later come to realise that violence or war creates more problem that they seek to solve. At the end of the day, only dialogue – serious discussions – can bring peace and progress.

The power mongers, who are no better than war mongers should hold back a bit. Their desperation and lust are heating up an already hot Nigeria; and if it burns up, there will be no escape route for them either.

As much as we, the peoples of Nigeria desire peace and prosperity, it is also in the interest of those involved in this fight for Aso Rock to seek peace through dialogue.

We must talk. The political structure of Nigeria as it is today cannot stand the test of time. We need a fundamental restructuring that will reinvent that peace and progress which the federation had pre and post independence up until 1962, when we began to tamper with the structure that the British and our founding father agreed for the country.

Since then till now, we have never known peace and progress which stability of a true federation gave us from 1956 to 1962.

Now, more than ever before, we need a decisive National “talkshop”, if you are allergic to the word conference. Whether Sovereign or decisive, that dialogue is central to the continued existence of Nigeria as a National idea. Otherwise the country is increasingly looking like a property for grabs by the strongest.

We have come thus far not to understand that if this country miscarries eventually we will all be the losers. Any group or person thinking that it is possible to appropriate Nigeria’s wealth for their selfish interest, should think again.

We either agree to restructure or we will be fractured by the fission and fusion of our malfunctioning federation.

Two things are absolutely clear to any serious political thinker who has taken the pains to observe Nigeria in the last 50 year:

* We have failed completely in our attempt to create a Nation out of the nationalities bottled up in this country.

* Secondly the presidential system which we have adopted has not only thrown the federation into inertia, it is totally unsustainable and unhelpful for national unity.

As a result of the presidential system, power has become so concentrated in the centre that a battle-royal has been set off between the nationalities as to who controls that power, which is also the key to the nation’s resources. We are approaching the flash-point of this battle in 2011.

The game is getting bad tempered; already, the first blood has been spilled on October 1, 2010. It is all about power, and suddenly 1993 is pupping up again. If this presidential system will cost us Nigeria, why keep it? If not for the benefit of the thieving leadership, in whose interest is this system anyway?

Since power was concentrated on the presidency, Nigeria has been sinking faster into poverty and decay. Unity has all but improved. The state is failing and the people have become victims of a system that destroys their lives.

If we cannot proceed with the presidential system, as it is all so obvious, why not return to the parliamentary system we had at independence in which the federating units were self governing and significantly in control of their finances. Must we destroy ourselves with this presidential time bomb?

From those who are looking for excuses to hang their opponents, and those who are spoiling for impeachment of the president, to those who are angling to profit from the chaos that will follow their actions, let this message get across loud and clear that those who start an inferno are most likely to roast in it. The heat will be so all-consuming there will be only ashes left when it is all over.

The earlier we start to talk, the better.

A wonderful wright-up.............. He who has ears let him hear

The New Rules of Business Etiquette

Unplug your gadgets, respect your colleagues' cubicle boundaries and do not e-mail at midnight.

A couple of months ago, I was coming from a midday yoga class at the office gym when I ran into my new top boss at the elevator. "How are things?" he asked. Fresh from blissing out in corpse pose, I blurted, "It's August. I'm having trouble focusing."

More from Forbes.com: • In Photos: New Rules of Business Etiquette • How to Manage Your Difficult Boss • 10 Fun, Affordable Ways to Entertain Clients

"I never have that problem," he shot back, frowning. Argh, I said to myself. Couldn't I have said something better than that?

Office etiquette can be tricky in these days of in-house exercising, informal digital communication and open-plan workspaces. For help on figuring out how to behave properly, a new book by Vicky Oliver, a career consultant, offers tips on everything from cubicle conduct to e-mail etiquette. "301 Smart Answers to Tough Business Etiquette Questions" also covers 21st-century table manners (they're not that different from in the olden days) and what to do when seated between two bores at a business dinner (divide your time between them).

One of the biggest changes of 21st-century office life is the ubiquity of gadgets like BlackBerrys and iPods. When it comes to them, Oliver has several don'ts. Despite the fact that everyone else does it, don't listen to your music player in the elevator. "Wearing earplugs is like putting a Do Not Disturb sign on you," she says. It sends a message to colleagues that you want to be left alone, an unfriendly gesture at best.

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Don't check your e-mail messages in the elevator either, she adds. "That's acting like you're in an isolation tank," she points out. Unplugging is not just polite, she adds. "If you want to get ahead, you have to break out of your cocoon." Elevators and hallways are prime spots for friendly, positive interactions with colleagues. Use them.

Oliver also has some contrarian advice about how to navigate open-plan offices and cubicles. Though the architecture of cubicles seems to suggest that workers are available for interruption at all times, most of us like our boundaries, she points out. Don't just barge in, she counsels. Try to announce yourself by saying "Excuse me" or "Knock knock." Do pause before entering. Try to approach from within your colleague's sight line. Also consider calling or e-mailing in advance and asking if you can drop by at an appointed time.

When it comes to communication, be it by phone, text or e-mail, Oliver says many of us need to clean up our etiquette acts. Leaving a voicemail message when you know the recipient isn't there to pick up the phone is bad form, she says: "It's very poor manners. It's a deliberate act of avoidance." The person will know it, too, she adds. If you must leave one, do so shortly before you expect them to be at their desk. "Leave the message five minutes before you imagine them arriving," she suggests. "It sends a weird message when you leave a voicemail late at night."

Speaking of late-night communiques, Oliver never likes them, even in e-mail. If you get a brainstorm at midnight, go ahead and write that note, but put it in your draft folder and then hit send at 9 a.m.

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The same goes for bosses. Oliver says it's bad boss etiquette to harass your employees with notes after hours or on the weekend. If you receive one from the boss on a Saturday, she says, you can safely ignore it for 24 hours. "You are being more than polite by doing that," she says. "You're also carving out a little boundary for yourself."

Oliver is also concerned with excessively casual office attire. If the boss wears jeans, fine, you can too, but it's wise to notch your wardrobe up a degree from super-casual. For instance, if your supervisor wears T-shirts, you should consider adding a blazer and a shirt with a collar. At office retreats or informal offsite office parties, follow the same rule. "Men should not wear Hawaiian shirts and Birkenstocks," she says.

What do you do if, like me, you commit an office etiquette no-no, and say or do the wrong thing at the wrong time? Humor always makes for a good comeback, Oliver advises. I'm still trying to come up with the joke that would have remedied my post-yoga faux pas.

The New Rules Of Business Etiquette

Knock before entering a cubicle.

Try to approach from within your colleague's sight line. Pause before entering her cubicle. Ask if now is a good time to talk.

Call or e-mail before you arrive.

Instead of making a beeline for your colleague's cubicle, get in touch in advance, and ask what would be a convenient time for you to drop by.

Don't leave voicemail messages when you know the person is out.

Midnight is not a good time to leave a voicemail or send a note. If you get a brainstorm in the middle of the night, write an e-mail and put it in your draft folder. Hit "Send" at 9 the next morning.

If you're the boss, don't send demanding e-mails on the weekend.

Unless your team is on a shotgun deadline, compose your instructions over the weekend, but don't send them until Monday morning.

If you get a weekend e-mail from the boss, you may take a day to reply.

You can't ignore a boss's weekend request completely, but you can wait 24 hours before responding. It's fine to set a boundary around your personal time.

Click here to see the full list of The New Rules Of Business Etiquette

7 Ways Your Resume Dates You

The turbulent economy has forced many people to go back into the job market for the first time in years. If there is a thick layer of dust on your resume it might be beneficial to learn the new rules of resume writing and presentation before you start submitting applications. Even the most qualified applicant might not get called in for an interview if his resume creates the impression that he is out of touch with the current business environment. Do not assume that an impressive cover letter can serve as a substitute for a poorly written resume.

1. References Upon Request

There is no need to waste valuable resume space on this outdated section. Employers assume that you will provide references if asked. Instead, keep a separate page with the names and contact information of your references ready to supply to the employer once you have advanced in the interview process.

2. One Resume Fits All

While it is smart to keep a master resume on file, you need to customize it to fit each job for which you apply. Job-seekers who take the time to tailor their resume to the employer's needs will stand out from the pack. Eliminate the details that don't apply to the position and emphasize the ones that make you look the most qualified. It might take a little extra time to apply using this technique, but it will be worth it when your interview offers increase.

3. Objective Statement

The professional summary or profile has replaced the objective statement. Employers are focused on what candidates can do for them, not what the business can do for the candidate. You will sell yourself better with a concise bulleted list of the qualifications and accomplishments that make you a match for the position.

4. Single-Page Resume

One of the most touted resume rules is that the document must be one page. Many people will go to extremes to follow this command, resulting in tiny, unreadable font sizes just to avoid having a resume that extends onto the second page.

Unless you are a newcomer to the job market, it is entirely possible that you'll need more than a page to adequately showcase your skills and qualifications. If you have enough job experience that fits the position, it is acceptable to extend your resume length to two pages. Keep your resume succinct and relevant, but don't go under a 10-pt. font size.

5. Lack of Social Networking

Websites such as Facebook and Twitter might be considered distractions in the workplace, but they can be an asset on a resume. Employers want to know that applicants are up-to-date with current technology and communication trends. Links to a professional online portfolio, blog or LinkedIn page should be included in your resume header. There is a good chance that employers will do an internet search to find out more about potential employees, so make sure that all of your social networking profiles project a professional image.

6. Too Much Information

It is not necessary to give your life story on a resume. In fact, providing an employer with too much information can be detrimental to your chances of employment. Delete information about where and when you graduated high school. Ditch irrelevant jobs from 15 years ago. Although it was standard practice in some industries years ago, it is now inappropriate to include personal details in a resume such as information about your hobbies, religion, age and family status. Not only does it look unprofessional, but that information could be used to discriminate against you.

An employer will ask if they want to know why you left previous positions, so don't mention it on your resume. The rule of thumb is to pare down your resume to only include things that show why you are the perfect fit for the specific position for which you are applying.

7. Outdated Terminology and Skills

Skills in obsolete computer software and systems should be removed from your resume. Technical experience is critical in nearly every industry and employers often use technology keywords to find resumes in electronic databases. Listing basic computer skills such as word processing and using an internet browser is not recommended because employers will assume that you have those proficiencies. The job description is the best guide to determine the terminology and technology skills that should show up on your resume.

The Bottom Line

In a fast-paced and competitive job market the parameters for writing a resume continue to change. Resumes that do not reflect knowledge of the current needs in the workplace and the new rules of how to present yourself to an employer will likely end up in the trash.

This article is part of a series related to being Financially Fit

Top foods to keep you young

Most of us are keen to stay looking as fresh and young as possible, and although there's no way to pause or turn back the clock, there are few age-proof strategies we can employ to make sure we stay looking good. Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is one approach, and the good news is that there are some foods that are thought to give you extra ammunition when it comes to combating the signs of aging.
Green tea
There is no end to the benefits of this super brew; green tea boasts a wealth of benefits that earns it the top spot in our anti-aging food list. Green tea is believed to help regulate blood pressure, lower blood sugar, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol and studies have even shown that green tea can be effective at preventing cancer. That's as close to the elixir of life as you can get.

Leafy greens
Whilst eating spinach won't be enough to turn you into Popeye, it's certainly excellent for boosting the body's immunity from illness. Spinach and other leafy foods like kale and collard are high in folate which is vital in preventing DNA and blood vessel damage. If you can maintain a healthy circulatory system you are reducing your risk of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Dark chocolate
Who would have thought this sweet treat would feature in an anti-aging list, but the good news is chocolate can help fight against some signs of aging due to its cocoa content. Cocoa is rich in a group of antioxidants called Flavinoids which help preserve healthy function of the blood vessels. And healthy youthful circulatory system lowers risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia. Don't fill your boots though, a square a day is a good guide and make sure you go for the over 70% cocoa stuff.

Soy products
Like fish, soy products such as tofu are also a great alternative source of protein than red meat or even dairy, since they have little or no saturated fat. A diet that's low in saturated fat will reduce your risk of developing heart disease and lower blood pressure. As a staple part of the Japanese diet, soy products are great at helping keep down cholesterol and are a useful addition to a healthy diet.

Yogurt
Judging from their frequently bad press, you might assume that all forms of bacteria are out to get you. Thankfully, this couldn't be further from the truth. 'Good' bacteria is great for regulating the immune system, by increasing its antibodies and preventing the rise of pathogenic organisms like salmonella and E.coli. Many yoghurts include a high volume of 'good' bacteria that help maintain gut health and diminish the incidence of age-related intestinal illness. Yogurt is also rich in calcium, which can help stave off osteoporosis.

Red wine
A glass of red wine tots up a good dose of anti-aging elements including polyphenol antioxidants, minerals, and resveratrol. Resveratrol which helps to increase 'good cholesterol' levels in the body and prevents blood clotting and a healthy circulatory system. Resveratrol found in red wine may also be beneficial for women during the menopause by reducing the risk for conditions for example breast cancer and osteoporosis that result from reduced oestrogen levels. Like the chocolate, it's not carte blanche to guzzle as much as you want; we suggest a standard glass every other day is a good approach.

Water
Few people - whether active or not - drink sufficient water, and side effects of even slight dehydration include headaches, fatigue and low concentration levels. Yet increasing fluid intake can increase energy levels, aid digestion, give skin a boost and help boost your anti-aging armoury. Concentrate on drinking little and often throughout the day, being extra vigilant after exercise or when you've been confined in a dry, overheated or air-conditioned environment.

Read more from realbuzz.com

6 Best Foods for Healthy Skin

We get stuck with a scaly patchwork of blotches, pimples, and dry spots? Some of it’s genetic, sure, but that’s not the whole story. If you listen to the conventional wisdom coming from the pharmaceutical companies, you might think the problem is that you just haven’t discovered the right cream, ointment, or alcohol-soaked cleansing pad to clear up your face. But those are solutions of last resort. What you need is a preventive strategy, one that involves nurturing the complex balance of nutrients that feed your skin and nurture your inner glow. In other words, if you want the kind of skin that looks good even through a Hollywood scandal, you’ve got to eat right. Here are six foods that will have you looking your best.
1. SALMON

Salmon is an ideal food for many reasons, but as far as your skin’s concerned, there’s only one that matters: It’s among the world’s greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Those are the essential fats that, along with bolstering the cognitive powers of your brain, concentrate in the walls of your epidermal cells to help lock in moisture. Plus, in one study, researchers supplemented two groups of mice with either omega-3 or omega-6 fats. After two weeks, the skin of the omega-3-fed group exhibited a 20 percent faster recovery rate from exposure to ultraviolet light. That gives salmon two crucial skin boons: keeping your skin from looking dry and helping it battle the dangers of excessive sunlight.

Other omega-3 foods: sardines, walnuts, flaxseed

Bonus Tip: Sushi is one of my favorite ways to eat salmon. Use our Ultimate Sushi Selector to make sure your sushi roll doesn’t turn into a belly roll.

2. CARROT

Carrots are teeming with tiny orange pigments called beta-carotene, and when you ingest those pigments, you’re inviting them to nestle into your skin, fill in blotches, and give you a healthy glow. And what’s more, research shows that this can actually help prevent premature aging from sun damage. But is the accumulation of orange in your skin going to make you look like an extra from Jersey Shore? Well, hopefully not. But eating excessive loads of carotene-rich foods can lead to a condition called carotenosis, wherein your skin stops looking healthy and starts looking, well, orange. But the conditions is rare, so unless you notice yourself turning into a prison jumpsuit, feel free to chow down.
Other beta-carotene foods: sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, red grapefruit

3. AVOCADO

One study published by The Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that people with higher intakes of olive oil had fewer wrinkles than people with higher intakes of butter. The reason: Butter is loaded with saturated fat, while olive oil is rich in monounsaturates, the same essential fats that make up more than 50% of the calories in an avocado. So why eat avocado over olive oil? Both are good, but avocados have the added bonus of B vitamins, which also help to keep your skin looking vibrant and smooth.

Other monounsaturated-fat foods: olive oil, almonds, peanut butter

Bonus Tip: These foods are only the tip of the super-food iceberg. Click here for 15 more Foods that Cure

4. BEANS

Legumes, to be more precise. This is the class of plants that includes black beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, and peanuts. And how do these puny pods protect your face? By smoothing out wrinkles. Australian researchers analyzed the diets of more than 400 elderly men and women and found that high intakes of legumes—alongside vegetables and healthy fats—resulted in 20% fewer wrinkles over time. The effect is likely a result of isoflavones—potent antioxidants—concentrated in the beans.

Other isoflavone-rich foods: alfalfa, tempeh, tofu

GRAPES

Besides providing protection from heart attack and stroke, antioxidants called polyphenols found in grapes can also help keep middle-aged skin from sagging. That’s because polyphenols improve skin’s elasticity by strengthening collagen, the primary protein in skin’s innermost layer.

Other polyphenol-rich foods: grape juice, blueberries

Bonus Tip: Here’s another easy way to tighten your skin and improve your looks: Lose 5 pounds. Start here: 10 simple weight-loss strategies that work.

WATER

Okay, it’s not as fun to drink as wine, but water is the strongest weapon you have against lifeless skin. That’s why they call it “moisturizing”—because you’re trying to lock moisture, aka water, into your skin. To put it broadly, all the body’s processes rely on hydration, so if you’re not sipping throughout the day, you’re likely to have a slower metabolism, groggier head, and, yes, drier skin. One study suggested that it takes a mere half-liter of water to create a measurable increase in the capillary blood flow to your body’s outer layer. That’s just over 16 ounces. Try doing that a few times a day and you’ll have a face like a baby’s bottom in no time.
Other water-rich foods: watermelon, peaches, celery

Bonus Tip: Certain foods can fortify your heart, bones, muscles, and brain as well. Click here for 40 Foods with Superpowers.

How to Get a Glamorous Style - wikiHow

How to Get a Glamorous Style - wikiHow