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The 21-Minute Secret to a Happier Marriage

By Elise Solé, Shine Staff | Love + Sex – 18 hours ago

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ThinkStockIn the time it takes to shower, get a manicure, or run to the post office, you could have a happier marriage. According to the results of an upcoming study in the journal Psychological Science, just three seven-minute writing exercises over a one-year period could drastically improve your bond.

More on Yahoo! Shine: Is Distance the Key to a Happy Marriage?

The two-year study included 120 married couples, ranging from 20-somethings to 70-somethings who had on average been married for 11 years. During  the first year, the couples were asked to sit down every four months and write about their biggest recent conflict such as tiffs about cleaning or sex-related gripes. For the second year, the researchers switched things up: They had one group of couples continue recording their conflicts and a second group write them from the perspective of a third party who wanted the best for them, such as a mutual friend. That way, the couples couldn't write things like, "It made me so angry when he was late" but rather "Chris was two hours late coming home." The results were surprising: Although the second group's arguments were just as frequent and severe as the first group's, the couples who wrote from a neutral perspective felt less angry toward their partners, experienced more sexual attraction for each other, and their happiness levels stabilized rather than declined.

More on Yahoo! 10 Money Mistakes That Can Ruin a Marriage

"Previous research shows that relationship satisfaction decreases over the course of a marriage but these writing exercises act as a buffer for unhappiness," says Eli Finkel, Ph.D., lead author of the study and professor of psychology at Northwestern University. "The trick is to get outside your own head. By processing conflict from a neutral perspective, you better understand where your partner is coming from and are able to let go of grudges." 

Easy, right? Try these other tricks for a happier relationship in 21 minutes or less.

Exercise together: Going for a quick run or walk around the block with your partner will do more than keep you shape; it'll make you feel happier and sexier. Exercise releases feel-good neurotransmitters called endorphins and breaking a sweat increases blood flow straight to your nether regions.

Conjure up a romantic memory: Research published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that extraverts owe their happy outlook to their habit of getting nostalgic. So daydream about the first time you met or your wedding day. Bonus points for swapping memories.

Exchange back rubs: No surprise that massage feels luxurious but it can also enhance romantic feelings. That's because physical contact stimulates the production of the happy hormone oxytocin. Ahhh….

culled from yahoo.com 7.2.2013

CHILD ABUSE OR CHILD RAPE ?!

Mexico: Girl, Nine, Gives Birth After 'Rape'

A nine-year-old Mexican girl has given birth in what authorities have called a rape or sexual abuse case.

The baby girl was born on January 27 in Zoquipan Hospital in Jalisco state, weighing 5lbs 7oz.

The youngster, who is identified only as Dafne, was eight when she got pregnant by a teenager who has since run away, her mother told local officials.

She said: "The father is a boy who is 17, but we have not found him, since he ran away.

"We are looking for the young man to get his story because she does not understand what has happened. This is a rape or child sex abuse case," said Jorge Villasenor with the state prosecutors' office.

Both girls were released from the hospital over the weekend, apparently doing well.

But the hospital said it would have to do extensive follow-up work due to the new mother's age.

Culled from  SkyNews 6.2.2013

INSPIRED !

Nigeria’s Alakija displaces Oprah Winfrey, becomes richest black woman in the world

 News    Wednesday, December 5, 2012

*Alakija  advertisement

Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, a Nigerian billionaire oil tycoon, Fashion designer and philanthropist is now the richest black woman in the world, according to report published by Ventures Africa, an African business magazine and news services.

Alakija, 61, is worth at least $3.3 billion- contrary to a recent Forbes Magazine ranking which pegs her net worth at only $600 million. She is $500 million richer than media mogul, Oprah Winfrey, whose wealth estimated at $2.7 billion in September.

Folorunsho Alakija is the founder and owner of Famfa Oil, a Nigerian oil company which owns a 60 percent working interest in OML 127 that produces about 200,000 barrels a day.

Alakija, was born into a wealthy, polygamous Nigerian family. She started out her professional career in the mid 70s as a secretary at the now defunct International Merchant Bank of Nigeria, one of the country's earliest investment banks.

In the early 80s, Alakija quit her job and went on to study Fashion design in England, returning to Nigeria shortly afterwards to start Supreme Stitches, a premium Nigerian fashion label which catered exclusively to upscale clientele. The business thrived, and Alakija quickly made a tidy fortune selling high-end Nigerian clothing to fashionable wives of military bigwigs and society women.

Oil Prospecting License

In May 1993, Alakija applied for an allocation of an Oil Prospecting License (OPL). The license to explore for oil on a 617,000 acre block - (now referred to as OPL 216) was granted to Alakija's company, Famfa Limited.

YES WE CAN- OLDAGE AND STUDYING

Grandfather bags first class in law as UI graduates 1,582

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Written by Dare AdekanmbiFriday, 16 November 2012Nigeria Tribune

A 57-year-old grandfather, Mr Isiaka Alli, was, on Thursday, named among 21 graduating students with first class degrees as 1,582 students graduated from the University of Ibadan (UI).

Alli, the elder brother of the chairman of Odu’a Conglomerate, Chief Sarafadeen Alli, graduated from the Faculty of Law and was also joint winner of the best graduating student for the 2011/2012 academic session.

He bagged his first degree 35 years ago and, thereafter, a second degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Alli’s feat enthralled the crowd at the graduation ceremony held in the Trenchad Hall, when he was called for a handshake with the vice chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole.

He told newsmen that faith and the determination to move the country forward informed his enrolling to study Law in the university.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Adewole blamed the low number of first degree holders on the graduation list to the disruption of the 2011/2012 academic calendar.

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Toddler temper tantrums: How I learned to stay stress free

What I did when my child had temper tantrums in public

Picture the scene, it's a beautiful day, you're at your favourite restaurant about to sit down to a fabulous Sunday lunch, when suddenly all hell breaks loose.

 had my first experience of the 'terrible twos' one beautiful Sunday afternoon. We had attended our favourite family restaurant for Sunday lunch. My daughter, Tilly, was sitting between us in her high chair. The menu looked mouth-watering and everything was dandy. Then suddenly the crystal clear wine glasses began to vibrate over the crisp white table linen and knives and forks started to shake. At first I thought it was an earthquake. But it was far worst. Tilly was having a tantrum.

With her tiny little feet she kicked the table from underneath. She then tried to break free from her chair. Then came the screaming, causing all eyes to turn on us. "I want daddy" she screamed. Thinking this would calm her, I took her out of the chair and handed her to daddy. The wailing stopped for exactly six seconds before she once again tried to break free. "I want to get down," she wailed. Threats like "If you don't behave we're going home" fell on deaf ears. By now the tantrum was in full swing.

We were attracting more attention than Joan Collins. I couldn't understand it. She wasn't even two. It wasn't fair. I felt cheated. My daughter was only 22 months. Had she begun the terrible twos early, like some kind of early menopause syndrome?

A bemused waiter came to take our order. "What would you like?" he asked. "Just our coats," I replied. Yes, it was time to leave.

We suffered the terrible twos for quite some time. My daughter did not mind where she had a tantrum. There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it.

Rather than let it spoil our time, I thought up different ways to deal with the situation so that when a tantrum struck, I was armed and ready. I even gave it a name: 'Tantrum Tamer'. It worked most of the time, which was definitely better than none of the time. More importantly - it got us through. Here's how I coped.

Whenever a tantrum struck I would go through a series of five stages with my daughter:

Physical contact and understand helps with toddler tantrums1. Even if my daughter was screaming at the top of her voice and showing no signs of listening, I would get down to her level so we were face to face. I would explain in a low calm voice that I understood that she was feeling upset. I would then say that if we both took a deep breath together we would start to feel better.

2. I soon discovered that if I made things more child friendly and more like a game, I got better results. Hence the name 'Tantrum Tamer'. I would say to my daughter, "Shall we try the Tantrum Tamer?" This consisted of a series of actions, starting with a hug. For me this was twofold. If she was totally running wild I could restrain her. Secondly, children quite often respond to touch.

Next we would breathe deeply. I would ask my daughter to take a deep breath in and then blow out with puffy cheek at least twice. It usually calmed me down, too. I would then tell my daughter the lovely warm feeling in her tummy was the Tantrum Tamer working. It would take a little time but would definitely work faster if she sat quietly.

3. I would not only talk calmly to my daughter, but physically look and act calm so that she could see The Tamer was beginning to work. I would smile widely, and say things like "I feel so happy" or "I'm ready for a nice nap". Anything my daughter would respond to.

4. If all of the above failed, I felt it was time for more drastic measures such as taking away a treat. I would say that she would not be able to go to the park until she was better behaved. If you decide to try this, you need to use your judgement on what penalty will work best for you and your child at that moment. The thing to remember is that this is the last warning.

5. Stick to your guns. If things are not better at this stage then you must carry out the penalty. Don't be hoodwinked into giving another chance because this will only come back to bite you next time.

For me the terrible twos were a huge learning curve. Although I feel grateful for the experience, I have to admit that now that it's over, I can breathe a sigh of relief - at least until the teenage years!

Culled from  http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/toddler-temper-tantrums-learned-stay-stress-free-163500641.html

NIGERIAN GENIUS !

Nigerian student breaks world record, scores 4.0 over 4.0 in Turkish varsity Education    Thursday, October 25, 2012 *Tunji receiving diploma from the President, Turkish Republic of North Cyprus   By Dayo Adesulu, Starrys Obazei & Musbaudeen Shekoni A genius could be referred to as an exceptional child who is academically sound. But, how would you describe an individual who never misses a point in his examinations from first year in the university to the final year? If there is any adjective to qualify such a person, that word could best describe Tunji Olu-Taiwo, an Engineering student of Eastern Mediterranean University in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus who obtained 4.0 CGPA out of 4.0 CGPA, the first ever in the department. Encomiums have continued to be showered on Tunji Olu-Taiwo from various quarters, because his impressive performance has placed him in the spotlight. Over the years, Nigeria's human resources have ranked among the best in the world partly due to the profound efforts of critical-minded parents that stimulate the astuteness that hides within every student, begging for whom to push the trigger. Tunji Olu-Taiwo, who hails from Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State, emerged the best graduating student from the Faculty of Engineering, obtaining a status of High Honours (first class). Tunji is the first African to have bagged such a status in the Department of Engineering, obtaining a degree in Engineering on a Grade Point Average of 4.00 out of 4.00 (straight A's). Amid great honour and eulogy sang by the students and academic, expressing marvel at the development, Vanguard met with Tunji in an online chat to speak more on his success. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg as Role Model "I am looking up to Mark Zuckerberg, he is a genius I love to emulate," Tunji said. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg (born May 14, 1984) is an American computer programmer and Internet entrepreneur. He is best known as one of the five co-founders of the social networking site, Facebook. Zuckerberg is the chairman and chief executive of Facebook. Inc. Further Study "I plan to further by specializing in the field of software engineering. “Software Engineering is a course I have cherished right from time. I know I owe the society more with this, that is the reason that I wish to go further in that regard for this dream to be fulfilled.” Hopes and challenges in Nigeria Tunji expressed hope in Nigeria when he said; "there is no place like home," adding; "I like the fact that no matter the difficult situations Nigerians find themselves in, they still try to be happy." Advice for the Government Poverty, I believe is the greatest distraction, frustrating process of seeking admission into universities and lack of steady electricity are some dire challenges the people, especially students, usually grapple with, in his honest opinion. Tunji advised the government thus: “Admissions should be done on a per semester basis. I will advise that the Federal Government should try to provide constant electricity. This, to me, will automatically eradicate about 50 per cent of Nigeria's problems. Also, a simple advice for all students is that the road to success is not on a straight path. Patience is a very important virtue that should be put to good use.” His Background “My father, Dr. Mike Olufemi Taiwo is a dental surgeon and a retired army officer. He is from Lagos State. My mother, Mrs. Ajoke Lillian Olu-Taiwo is a business consultant. She hails from Kogi State. My parents modelled my life the way it is today. They took time to instil discipline in me. I was born and raised in the great city of Kano. I grew up in a large Catholic family, with three brothers and four sisters. I started reading at a very young age. My parents made sure I did my assignments and that zeal still remains in me up to this moment.” Tunji's father who spoke with Vanguard about Tunji's up- bringing said; "I brought up all my children in Kano. I noticed that many parents allow their children freedom to wander about after school which I detested so I made it mandatory for my children to remain home-bound. I was part of their lives. I made sure their home works were done and their books studied on daily basis. I was their mentor and at the same time, their friend. “Nevertheless, because all work without play makes Jack a dull boy, so I provided indoor games for my children. When they were big enough to play table tennis, I played the game with them. It was fun. “I also taught them chess and was always beating them, but when Tunji came from Cyprus, he started beating me hands down and I began to marvel. I was not too surprised about the result he made," said Dr Olu Taiwo.

GRASS TO GRACE-LIKE FAIRY TALE !

'I lived under secretariat bridge for nine years until...'

The sleep town of Ibokun, Osun State, was recently set agog with fanfare when the former first lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala visited Emmanuel Fakulujo, a man who lived under the Oyo State secretariat bridge for nine years until he was rehabilitated by her. Rotimi Ige, who was there, brings Emmanuel's proverbial story of rising from grass to grace.

THE proverb, rising from grass to grace, is one that, though may be hard to experience these days, still exists. Not many ordinary people have the opportunity of having a chance meeting with the governor or first lady of a state, not to talk of having them as friends.

But that exactly was what happened to a retiree, Mr Emmanuel Olawole Fakulujo of Fakulujo compound, Ibokun town, Obokun Local Government of Osun State. Before his retirement in 2000, he had worked at the former Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, now Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the state secretariat, Ibadan, for 30 years.

He joined the ministry as a clerk in 1970, after leaving Ibokun town in 1964 in search of the proverbial golden fleece. He left home at the age of 14 to live with his grandmother in Ibadan but after some time, left to seek a white collar job when he was fed up with selling wares. On getting the job, he went ahead to train himself to university level and served at the said ministry until he retired meritoriously in 2000.

Upon retirement, things turned sour for Mr Fakulujo, so bad that he resorted to living under the Oyo state secretariat over-head bridge at Agodi, Ibadan because he couldn't afford to pay his rent. He also could not stand going back to his home town, after he had left for over 30 years. And that was why he lived under the over-head bridge for nine years, until fate decided to smile upon him once again.

One day, (Chief) Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, then, the first lady of Oyo State, in 2009, noticed that a particular man was always under the bridge anytime she passed by. Upon further enquiry, she found out that he needed rehabilitation as being without proper feeding and care had taken a toll on him physically and mentally. She decided to adopt him, using her Community Link Advancement Programme (CLAP), to rehabilitate and re-integrate him into the society while also relocating him back to his hometown and family.

Mr Fakulujo was first taken to the Neuropsychiatric Home, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he was tested and treated so that he could regain his balance and then he was taken back to Ibokun and reunited with his family.

On 10 October, 2012, Her Excellency, Mrs Alao-Akala, decided to visit Mr Fakulujo again, as she normally did every six months. She, along with her Glorious Destiny group, headed by the wife of the former Deputy Speaker's wife, Mrs Temilorun Adeleke, took a trip to Ibokun town, where they were received by the Owa of Ibokun, Kabiyesi Festus Kayode Awogboro, and his chief-in-council, at the royal court. The oba, in his address, was full of praises to Mrs Alao-Akala for the good deed bestowed upon one of his subjects.

He stressed that despite the fact that Emmanuel Fakulujo was not an indigene of Oyo State and that she was no longer in government, it was commendable that she could still deem it fit to continue to cater for all his needs. He enjoined those in power and everyone who was wealthy enough, to emulate Mrs Akala's gesture of love as there were still so many people in need. In appreciation, he announced that a chieftancy title would be conferred on her, come December 1, 2012.

In response, Mrs Alao-Akala thanked the oba, stressing that she was grateful to God for the opportunity to help someone in dire need. She said that whenever she passed by the secretariat bridge, she was distressed that such an elderly man was there in open weather. After much enquiry, she found out that he was from Ibokun town. She thanked the people of Ibokun for the chieftancy title bestowed on her.

Diran Odeyemi, who was also present, thanked the oba and the people of Ibokun, stating that Mrs Alao-Akala was a worthy person for the title.

The group then proceeded to Mr Fakulujo's abode, where the former governor's wife spent close to an hour, interacting with Emmanuel and members of his extended family, after which she presented gifts items, clothes, food and his yearly stipend.

Fakulujo's sister, Foyeke Adejoorin, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, was full of thanks for Mrs Alao-Akala, describing her as God-sent, as she had completely taken over the upkeep of Emmanuel for over three years. She stressed that the food items, clothes and stipend provided for her brother had gone a long way in helping to keep him alive and well, adding that the entire household of Fakulujo would forever be indebted to the Alao-Akalas. Nigerian Tribune also spoke to the man who had been tasked with keeping Emmanuel's stipend, a Deeper Life Church pastor, Fajemidagba Benjamin, who said that the monies sent to Emmanuel had been regular and were more than adequate for his daily upkeep. He encouraged notable Nigerians to emulate Mrs Alao-Akala's gestures so that more people could be taken off the streets.

Mrs Alao-Akala's CLAP initiative, even after her tenure as the wife of the Oyo State governor, still caters for close to 100 beneficiaries who, till date, receive help and assistance. Indeed, through this, she continues to extend her benevolence to as many as she comes across, changing their lives for the better.

Written by Rotimi Ige
Monday, October 15, 2012

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE