5 Things a Daughter-in-Law Should NEVER Do

1. Talking negatively about the husband’s childhood. You might have heard stories about childhood fights, vendettas, and family secrets but you weren’t there and you shouldn’t comment on it.

2. Restricting contact with the grand kids. It’s one thing if your mother-in-law is cruel or crazy but to keep your kids away from their grandma just because you don’t enjoy spending time with her is unfair—to both of them.

3. Ignoring the fact that your husband was raised by this woman. I consider about how deeply I love my son. I would do anything for him and I treasure raising him. When he grows up and gets married, I truly hope to have a very good relationship with his wife. It would hurt me immensely to not have contact with him, and it would make me irate if his wife purposely tried to keep him way from me. A man will always need his mother and a wife shouldn’t try to hinder that relationship. A wife and a mother are two vastly different things and most guys get that. Does it really hurt you if he takes an hour or two out of the weekend to fix her car or drive her to the market? To me, that behavior should be encouraged.

4. Looking for trouble that isn’t there. We have to keep in my mind that many of our mothers-in-law lived in a different time and many lived in other countries. Their way of doing things may not be the same as yours. They might tell you certain things that helped them when they were raising their kids, or lessons they wish they knew back then and it can be out of a genuine desire to help, not a need to preach or judge. Learn to recognize the difference.

5. Badmouthing Grandma in front of your kids. Kids are sponges and they will pick up your feelings about their grandma sooner or later. When they overhear stories that you tell your friends or complaints to your husband, they hold on to them and you never really know when they’ll choose to share them. Even worse, your words can change the way they feel about their Grandma. You’ll not only rob your mother-in-law of the relationship, you’ll rob your child of it, too.

Compromise and change is possible in most relationships and the bond between your husband’s mother and you is one that deserves some effort. After all, she did raise your husband. And let us not forget that one day, we may be a mother-in-law ourselves.

21ST CENTURY AND REMAINING MONARCHS OF THE WORLD

A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected. These exceptions make it difficult to define "monarchy" precisely; the most objective and comprehensive (albeit circular) definition would seem to be that a monarchy is a government that calls itself a monarchy. The monarch often bears the title king or queen. However, emperors/empresses, grand dukes/grand duchesses, princes/princesses and other ranks, are or have been used to designate monarchs. As explained below, the word monarch means 'single ruler', but cultural and historical considerations would appear to exclude presidents and other heads of state. Historically, the notion of monarchy may emerge under different circumstances

It may grow out of tribal kingship, and royal priesthood and the office of monarch (kings) becoming typically hereditary, resulting in successive dynasties or "houses", especially when the leader is wise and able enough to lead. It may also be a consequent emergence after an act of violence is committed upon local communities by an invading group, which usurps the communities' rights over traditions. The leader of the usurping group often establishes himself as a monarch. A state of monarchy is said to result that reveals the relationships between resources, communities, monarch and his office. Even in antiquity, the strict hereditary succession could be tempered by systems of elective monarchy, where an assembly elects a new monarch out of a pool of eligible candidates. This concept has also been modernized, and constitutional monarchies where the title of monarch remains mostly ceremonial, without, or with very limited political power.

CURRENT MONARCHS AROUND THE WORLD

Currently, 44 sovereign nations in the world have monarchs acting as heads of state, 16 of which are Commonwealth realms that recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their head of state. The historical form of absolute monarchy is retained only in Brunei, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Swaziland, and Vatican City.

  

Commonwealth realms. These are: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The sixteen Commonwealth realms all share Queen Elizabeth II as monarch in a personal union arrangement. They all share a common British inheritance and have evolved out of the British Empire into membership of the Commonwealth of Nations as fully independent states where they retain Queen Elizabeth as head of state, unlike other members of the Commonwealth, which are either dependencies, republics, or have a different royal house. All sixteen realms are constitutional monarchies and full democracies where the queen has limited powers or a largely ceremonial role. The queen is head of the established Protestant Christian Church of England and Church of Scotland in the United Kingdom, but the other monarchies do not have an established church.  

QUEEN ELIZABETH II WITH COMMONWEALTH LEADERS

European Constitutional Monarchies. These are: Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. These are all constitutional monarchies and fully democratic states, where the monarch has a limited or largely ceremonial role. There is generally a Christian religion established as the official church in each of these countries. This would be a form of Protestantism in Norway, Sweden, Denmark , UK and the Netherlands, while Belgium, Luxembourg, Andorra, Spain, Liechtenstein and Monaco are Roman Catholic countries. The monarch of the United Kingdom is also the head of state in all the Commonwealth Realms. 

Carl XVI Gustaf - King of Sweden

 

Queen Elizabeth II of England

European Constitutional/Absolute. Monarchies These are: Liechtenstein and Monaco, in both of these counties the Prince retains close to the powers of an absolute monarch but still is a constitutional monarch. For example the 2003 Constitution referendum which gives the Prince of Liechtenstein the power to veto any law that the Landtag proposes and the Landtag can veto any law that the Prince tries to pass. The Prince can hire or dismiss any elective member or government employee from his or her post. However what makes him not an absolute monarchy is that the people can call for a referendum to end the monarchy's reign. The Prince of Monaco has simpler powers but can not hire or dismiss any elective member or government employee from his or her post, but he can elect the minister of state, government council and judges. Both Albert II and Hans-Adam II have quite a bit of political power, but they also own huge tracts of land and are shareholders in many companies.

Prince Hans-Adam of Liechtenstein

Prince Albert of Monaco

Islamic Monarchies. These are: Bahrain, Brunei, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Islamic monarchs generally retain far more powers than their European or Commonwealth counterparts. Brunei, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia remain absolute monarchies. Bahrain, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates are classified as mixed, meaning there are representative bodies of some kind, but the monarch retains most of his powers. Jordan, Malaysia and Morocco are constitutional monarchies, but their monarchs still retain more substantial powers than European equivalents. For convenience, Malaysia is grouped here with the Islamic monarchies, even though it could also qualify as an East Asian constitutional monarchy.

King Abdullah of Jordan

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai

 

East Asian Constitutional Monarchies. These are Bhutan, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand. These are constitutional monarchies where the monarch has a limited or ceremonial role. Bhutan, Japan, and Thailand are countries that were never colonized by European powers, but have changed from traditional absolute monarchies into constitutional ones during the twentieth century. Cambodia had its own monarchy after independence from France, which was deposed after the Khmer Rouge came into power and the subsequent invasion by Vietnam. The monarchy was subsequently restored in the peace agreement of 1993. Shintoism is the established religion in Japan, while Bhutan, Cambodia and Thailand are all Buddhist countries. However, most Japanese people practice Buddhism and Shinto simultaneously.

Akihito - Emperor of Japan

King Adulyajed of Thailand

Other monarchies. These are Tonga in the Pacific; Swaziland and Lesotho in Africa, and the Vatican City in Europe. Lesotho and Tonga are constitutional monarchies. Swaziland and Vatican City are absolute monarchies. They are all Christian countries, and the Pope, who is the monarch of the Vatican is also the head of the Roman Catholic religion

Pope Benedict XVI 

King Mswati of Swaziland

King Letslie of Lesotho

King of Tonga

HEALTHY CORNER: 7 Golden Steps for a Healthy Diet

If you choose to make our seven steps to healthy diet an integral part of your lives, you’ll no longer need to worry about any health related issues. At Diet Tree we believe that if a proper diet is followed, you will not only start feeling fit, but also lose those extra pounds you always hated.

Step 1
5 portions of various fruits and vegetables in your daily diet - make it a rule. This will be your one of the seven golden steps to healthy diet. You can begin your day with a glass of fruit juice and may be some slices of your favorite fruits. Dark green veggies along with carrots and pumpkin can be your salad for lunch. Need an afternoon snack- avoid junk food, rather go for a fruit. Now, for your evening meal, peas, beans and other vegetables can be simply perfect.

Five portions of fruits

Step 2
Proteins are an important ingredient of a healthy diet. They build your body and make it strong. So, one of the tips to weight loss without compromising on the need for proteins is to include lean meats, fish and poultry in your diet. If you are a veggie, don’t worry. Beans, peas, nuts and seeds will do their job. The right way of cooking them is also an important part of these golden steps to healthy diet. If you want to retain their nutritive value and also want to limit your intake of calories, avoid frying them. You can however grill them or even bake them.

protein foods

Step 3

When we talk about proteins in our diet, fish deserves a special mention for it is not only rich in protein but also contains essential vitamins and minerals. For women, fish is no less than a boon as it proves to be a healthy way to get that shiny, lustrous hair and silky, smooth skin. So, including fish in your diet two times a week is our one more golden rule to stay healthy.

baked fish

Step 4

Get Regular with your wholegrain food. Most people who are looking for tips to loss weight tend to avoid starchy food. Remember, it’s good to have carbohydrates in your daily diet as it gives you the energy you need to meet your work and personal commitments in your day-to-day life. It is one of the most important steps to healthy diet. Wholegrain foods like whole meal and whole grain bread, pitta, chapatti, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, and wholegrain breakfast cereal are ideal sources of carbohydrates. In addition, they give you the necessary fiber to keep your system clean.

whole grain foods

Step 5

One of the most important tips to loss weight is to curb the intake of sugar, salt and saturated fats in your diet. You should rather take unsaturated fats which do not increase the level of cholesterol like saturated fats. Unsaturated fats are found in vegetable oils (including sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil), oily fish, avocados, nuts and seeds. 

vegetable oils

Step 6

Water has made life possible on earth. No wonder, it is one of the important steps to healthy diet. While you are not recommended to drink water along with meals, you must drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. A glass of water one hour before meals is a good way to suppress your appetite. Also, it is advisable to drink plenty of water at least 30-40 minutes after you have strained yourself physically for instance during your workout sessions. This will help you prevent dehydration.

glass of cold water

Step 7

Don’t ever skip your breakfast. In fact, a heavy breakfast keeps you energetic all through the day. There is a golden rule: while your breakfast should be heavy, try to make your lunch light and dinner lighter.

healthy breakfast

Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray goes on trial

The defence says that Dr Murray was Jackson's friend before he became the star's physician

Michael Jackson's personal physician, Conrad Murray, has gone on trial in Los Angeles, charged with involuntary manslaughter of the singer. Prosecutors said he acted with "gross negligence" and gave Jackson a lethal dose of the sedative propofol that caused his death in June 2009.

The defence said Jackson gave himself too much of the drug, a sleeping aid. Dr Murray, 58, who denies the charge, could face four years in jail and the loss of his medical licence.

Slurred message

In Tuesday's opening statement, lead prosecutor David Walgren told the court the evidence would show "Conrad Murray repeatedly acted with gross negligence, repeatedly denied appropriate care to his patient, Michael Jackson". "That misplaced trust... cost Michael Jackson his life." The jury was shown a photo of the 50-year-old singer's pale body lying on a gurney after he died, and heard a recording of the pop star slurring while talking about planned comeback concerts.

Mr Walgren said the audio, aired in public for the first time, had come from a message on Dr Murray's mobile phone. "When people leave my show, I want them to say, 'I've never seen nothing like this in my life'," says Jackson, apparently heavily drugged, on the audio. "Go. Go. I've never seen nothing like this. Go. It's amazing. He's the greatest entertainer in the world."

The prosecutor said Jackson's difficulty in speaking on the recording showed that Dr Murray ought to have realised the star should not have taken any more propofol. Mr Walgren said that after administering what it says was the fatal dose, Dr Murray had not been attentive to Jackson's health.

'Abandoned'

The prosecutor said the doctor had left to go to the bathroom and checked his mobile phone. "He [Murray] left him [Jackson] there, abandoned him to fend for himself," the prosecutor said. Mr Walgren said when Dr Murray found Jackson unconscious, he did not immediately call the emergency services, instead telling a bodyguard to do so 20 minutes later.

Dr Murray also did not mention to paramedics or emergency room doctors that he had administered propofol, according to the prosecutor. During his lawyer's turn to speak, Dr Murray appeared to wipe tears from his eyes. Defence attorney Ed Chernoff said it was drugs taken by Jackson himself which had proved fatal.

"He did an act without his doctor's knowledge, without his doctor's permission, against his orders, he did an act that caused his own death," Mr Chernoff said. He claimed the singer had swallowed pills of the sedative lorazepam on the morning of his death. That dosage was enough to put six people to sleep, said the defence.

 

'Perfect storm'

He also said Jackson had self-ingested propofol, and that it had killed him instantly. Mr Chernoff said the two drugs together had created "a perfect storm in his body". Jackson "died so rapidly, so instantly, he didn't even have time to close his eyes", the defence lawyer added.

He also said that Dr Murray had been trying to wean Jackson off propofol, which the star used to call his "milk". The prosecutor said Dr Murray had initially asked for $5m (£3.2m) to work with Jackson for a year, though accepted a lower rate of $150,000 per month. But his contract to become the star's personal physician was never signed, and Dr Murray was never paid.

First witnesses

Jackson choreographer Kenny Ortega was the first prosecution witness to take the stand. He told the court of Jackson's excitement about his series of comeback concerts. Mr Ortega also told the court that days before Jackson's death, he expressed "deep concern" in an email to Jackson's concert promoter about the state of Jackson's health.

The email was written after a period of about a week when Jackson repeatedly failed to appear at rehearsals.

But in the last day or two before Jackson's death Mr Ortega said the star seemed "full of energy, full of desire to work... It was a different Michael."

Footage of the star's rehearsals became part of a documentary, This Is It, directed by Mr Ortega. Paul Gongaware, co-chief executive of concert promoter AEG, followed Mr Ortega to the stand as the second prosecution witness. He told the court about how he employed Dr Murray as Jackson's personal physician. A number of witnesses, including security guards, paramedics and emergency room doctors, are yet to be called.

Propofol is usually administered intravenously, often during surgery. Medical experts are expected to testify about the sedative's effects, as well as how a trace of the drug was found in Jackson's stomach. Hundreds of Jackson fans gathered outside court earlier as the trial began. The trial is expected to last about five weeks.

Waislamu waing’ang’ania Chadema

Katibu wa Sekretarieti ya Wanazuoni, Sherally Huseein (kulia) akitoa taarifa kwa waandishi wa habari Dar es Salaam jana kuhusu Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema)kukataa kuomba radhi kwa Waislamu kufuatia udhalilishaji wa kumvua hijabu Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Igunga, Mkoani Tabora, Fatma Kimario hivi karibuni.

ZIKIWA zimebaki siku tano ufanyike uchaguzi mdogo wa ubunge katika Jimbo la Igunga mkoani Tabora, Umoja wa Wanawazuoni wa Kiislamu (HAY-AT), umewataka waumini wa dini hiyo kutoiunga mkono Chadema na kuiona kama ukoma.

Akitoa tamko hilo jana Dar es Salaam, Katibu wa Umoja huo - Maulamaa, Shehe Hserally Hussein alisema Chadema ina sera isiyo rasmi ya kuhujumu Uislamu nchini.

Hatua hiyo inatokana na Chadema kukiuka agizo la Umoja huo, uliowapa siku tatu kulaani kitendo cha wafuasi na viongozi wake, kulidhalilisha vazi tukufu la hijabu na kumwomba radhi Mkuu wa Wilaya ya Igunga, Fatuma Kimario, kwa kumvua sitara yake.

“Tunatoa agizo kwa mujibu wa kanuni inayomtaka Mwislamu, kupambana na wale wote wenye kupiga vita Uislamu na kuacha kuwasaidia kwa namna yoyote ile, hadi pale watakapoomba radhi na kuacha kuidhalilisha dini hiyo,” Shehe Hussein aliwaambia waandishi wa habari jana.

Alisema Umoja huo haukuwa na nia ya kuchukua msimamo huo dhidi ya Chadema, bali umelazimishwa na msimamo hasi wa chama hicho kuhusu hijabu ambayo ni moja ya mafundisho ya Kiislamu.

Alisema Chadema imeonesha wazi dharau kwa vazi la hijabu, kwa kukataa kuomba radhi na kusema si jambo la kutolewa tamko na kujipa mamlaka ya kutafsiri mafundisho ya Uislamu kuhusu hijabu, jambo ambalo hawana elimu nalo.

Alisema licha ya kuongeza siku ili chama hicho kiombe radhi, wao walijibu kwa kejeli kupitia kwa wajumbe wa Kamati Kuu na viongozi wao, Profesa Abdallah Safari, Mabere Marando na Tundu Lissu, wakisisitiza kuwa hawataomba radhi, huku wakidai uchunguzi wao, inaonesha kuwa Kimario hakuvaa hijabu.

Aidha, walitoa shutuma za uongo kwa mashehe waliosimama kutetea hijabu na heshima ya mwanamke wa kiislamu, kuwa wanatumia nyadhifa zao kupotosha waumini na hawajui maana ya vazi hilo.

“Tunapenda kuwaweka wazi, kuwa Profesa Safari ni msomi wa sheria za kisekula na si msomi wa dini ya kiislamu, hivyo hana haki ya kuwa mfasiri wa mambo ya dini, wenye hadhi na maarifa ya kutafsiri kilichovaliwa kama ni hijabu au la ni wanazuoni, kwa kuwa tuna elimu ya dini,” alisema Shehe Hussein.

Alisema wanatoa tahadhari kwa mwenendo wa Chadema kujichukulia sheria mkononi, kuwa wamejipa mamlaka ya vyombo vya Dola kuchunguza, kukamata na kutoa adhabu kwa wanaowaona kuwa ni wahalifu kama walivyofanya kwa Mkuu wa Wilaya.

“Suala tunaloshughulikia si kama mama huyo ana hatia au la au Chadema wametenda kosa hilo au la, bali ni kitendo walichomfanyia yule mama, wamelidhalilisha vazi tukufu la hijabu ambalo ni alama miongoni mwa alama za kidini,” alifafanua Kaimu Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja huo, Mohammed Issa.

Kwa mujibu wa Issa, Chadema wanaona hijabu ni vazi linalofunika mwili mzima na kuacha macho, jambo ambalo si kweli kwani hijabu ni stara katika mwili hata kofia ni hijabu kwa mwanamume.

“Mtandio ni hijabu, hata watawa wa kikristo vitambaa wanavyovaa ni hijabu, lakini kwa lile vazi linaloacha wazi uso linaitwa jaris au juribabu na nchini Afghanistani watu huvaa vazi kama hilo liitwalo burqa,” alisema Issa alipozungumza na gazeti hili mwishoni mwa wiki iliyopita.

Septemba 15, viongozi wa Chadema na wafuasi wao walimvamia na kumkamata Kimario wakati akifanya mikutano ya ndani na viongozi wa matawi, vijiji na kata, wakidai alikiuka taratibu na kwamba alikuwa na lengo la kuhujumu chama hicho.

PICHA YA LEO: STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM

This is a school in Rural Tanzania, "A country that is celebrating half- a century of being free from colonialists, with government officials riding in Expensive Land cruisers and Mercedez Benz " This is SHAME

I say cut down the leaders Benefits and unnecessary government expenses, why ride on V8 While you can use A normal land cruiser?Imagine If we dont buy a V8 For Tshs 200,000,000/=  and buy a Normal car for 60,000,000/= (which by the way will consume less fuel) Imagine what Tshs 140,000,000/= can Do for these children and their society.

Imagine the world where Sharing God's given wealth is possible....................................

HEALTHY CORNER: Eat more fish

The advantages of eating fish include its ability to successfully treat the heart diseases, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, low immunity, diabetes, eye disorders and ulcers. It is also known to protect people against deadly diseases like AIDS and Cancer. The omega 3 fatty acids present in fish reduce the risk of different types of cancers by 30 to 50 percent. Fish oil supplements have also helped patients suffering from hyperlipidemia.

Fish is a low fat and rich protein that is also filled with essential vitamins including Vitamin B2 (or Riboflavin) and Vitamin D. While Vitamin B2 aids the body in the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids and carbohydrates, Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption to help prevent osteoporosis.

Interestingly, while mentioning multiple advantages of eating fish, it becomes important to state that fish is a single source of every important nutrient required for a healthy well being. With regular intake of fish in diet, you can reduce your dependence on artificial mineral supplements. Fish is a natural source of minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, iodine and magnesium. It may be mentioned here that potassium is an essential requirement for muscles, nerves and fluid balance in the body.

Pregnant women too can reap the advantages of eating fish. The omega 3 acids of fish oil help in proper development of brain in the foetus. Among other advantages of eating fish, we may mention the fact that it lowers the possibility of premature delivery by the pregnant woman. It also reduces the chance of a low weight in infants.

Obese people trying to lose weight can also benefit from regular consumption of fish. Yes, regular intake of fish reduces weight which is counted as one of the important advantages of eating fish.

This is why the flavor of delicious sea food can be enjoyed without any pangs of guilt. The low saturated content of fish makes it the best protein substitute for fatty cuts of beef and pork. The fact that is a natural weight loss food is one of the most important advantages of eating fish that often goes unnoticed.

 
Without a doubt, the various advantages of eating fish and the myriad ways in which it can be cooked for every age group, make it a perfect choice for any meal. It can also be taken as a snack in form of healthy sandwiches, fillets or fish fingers. As a matter of fact even fussy children can reap the advantages of eating fish with a judicious use of this ingredient as a healthy filling for burgers or topping for pizzas.

Eating properly cooked fish can certainly go a long way in giving you a  healthier, stronger and resistant body and mind. So may be the next time you plan a good weekend meal, think of the different advantages of eating fish and prepare a feast that will be relished by all family members. 

 Regular consumption of fish can reduce the risk of various diseases and disorders. Selected research findings indicate the following:

Asthma - children who eat fish may be less likely to develop asthma

Brain and eyes - fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface

of the eye).

Cancer - the omega 3 fatty acids in fish may reduce the risk of many types of cancers by 30 to 50 per cent, especially of the oral cavity, oesophagus, colon, breast, ovary and prostate.
Cardiovascular disease - eating fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing blood clots and inflammation, improving blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and boosting 'good' cholesterol
Dementia - elderly people who eat fish or seafood at least once a week may have a lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Depression - people who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression (depression is linked to low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain).
Diabetes - fish may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Eyesight - breastfed babies of mothers who eat fish have better eyesight, perhaps due to the omega 3 fatty acids transmitted in breast milk.
Inflammatory conditions - regular fish consumption may relieve the symptoms

of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune disease.

Prematurity - eating fish during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of delivering a premature baby.

So I say Eat More Fish and Ditch the meat

Ugandan LRA rebel Thomas Kwoyelo granted amnesty

A court in Uganda has ordered the release of one of the commanders of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), ending the country's first war crimes trial.

Thomas Kwoyelo had been charged with 53 counts of murder and other crimes.

But the constitutional court said he should be given an amnesty in line with other LRA rebels.

At least 30,000 people died as the rebel movement spread terror in northern Uganda for more than 20 years, displacing some two million people.

It is notorious for kidnapping children and forcing the boys to become fighters and using girls as sex slaves.

The group is listed by the US as a terrorist organisation and now operates mainly in neighbouring countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Central Africa Republic

Mr Kwoyelo was captured more than two years ago in DR Congo during a Ugandan military operation.

The BBC's Joshua Mmali in the capital, Kampala says he was a former LRA colonel and said to be the fourth in command at the time.

He was charged with leading raids into villages in northern Uganda and DR Congo between 1992 and 2005, killing and abducting civilians - charges he denied.

'Off the hook'

Mr Kwoyelo was the first LRA commander to face trial in Uganda's special war crimes court.

It was set up in 2008, following peace talks between the government and the LRA, which later collapsed.

The government assured the LRA that its fighters would be tried by Ugandan courts, rather than the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mr Kwoyelo asked to be released on the grounds that other LRA rebels have been granted an amnesty.

"He is off the hook," said his defence lawyer Ben Ikilai. "The constitutional court has decided that he is supposed to be released because it was discriminatory not to grant him an amnesty."

The LRA leader, Joseph Kony, is still at large.

He and his close aides have been wanted by the ICC since 2005 for rape, murder, mutilation and forcibly recruiting child soldiers.

He refused to sign a peace deal with the Ugandan government in 2008 when it could not guarantee the withdrawal of the ICC arrest warrants.

farmer tells Rihanna to 'cover up'

A farmer who allowed one of the world's best-selling pop stars to film in his grain field told her to cover up after she stripped down for a video.

DUP Alderman Alan Graham said he was fetching his tractor when he saw her and thought it was unacceptable.

The 'Rude Boy' star was filming a new pop video in his Bangor field.

"I thought it was inappropriate. I requested them to stop and they did," he explained.

"I had my conversation with Rihanna and I hope she understands where I'm coming from. We shook hands," he said.

Mr Graham admitted that he did not know who the 23-year-old sex symbol was when he got a phonecall to ask for the use of his field in Bangor, County Down, for a pop video last week.

"I didn't know who was coming. If the name 'Rihanna' had been mentioned, well, no disrespect but it wouldn't have meant anything," he explained.

Rihanna, one of the most successful pop performers in the world, came to film in the alderman's Bangor grain field on Monday.

She pulled up in a white caravan on the A2 dual carriageway.

Traffic practically ground to a halt near Ballyrobert as drivers strained to get a glimpse of the singer and her cavalcade.

But the DUP man said it was still his field and he wasn't happy with what she was doing.

"From my point of view, it was my land, I have an ethos and I felt it was inappropriate.

"I wish no ill will against Rihanna and her friends. Perhaps they could acquaint themselves with a greater God," he said.

Hundreds of people also gathered by the roadside to watch the impromptu performance with many local school children using their camera phones to record the event for posterity.

Mtunukiwa wa tuzo ya Amani ya Nobel Prof Wangari Maathai ameaga dunia akiwa na umri wa miaka 71.

Mwanaharakati huyo mashuhuri wa mazingira na haki za binadamu wa Kenya Profesa Wangari Maathai amefariki dunia mjini Nairobi usiku wa kuamkia , Jumatatu kutokana na maradhi ya saratani.

Prof Karanja Njoroge ambaye ni mkurugenzi wa Green Belt Movement, shirika ambalo Prof Maathai alilianzisha amethibitisha kifo hicho.

Katika taarifa kwa vyombo vya habari Prof Njoroge amesema wakati wa kifo chake Wangari alikuwa na wanafamilia na marafiki.

Marehemu ameacha watoto watatu, wawili wakiume na mmoja wa kike.

Profesa Wangari Maathai alipata tuzo la amani ya Nobel mwaka 2004, kufuatia juhudi za kupigania uhifadhi wa mazingira nchini Kenya.

Mbali ya kuwa Mwanaharakati wa Maswala ya Mazingira na haki za binadamu , Wangari Maathai pia alikuwa mwanasiasa shupavu. Amewahi kuhudumu kama Mbunge na Naibu waziri wa Mazingira nchini Kenya.

Prof Maathai pia katika uhai wake alipata tuzo mbalimbali za kimataifa kwa kutambua mchango wake.

Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai alianzisha vuguvugu la Green Belt mnamo mwaka 1977, ambapo alifanya kazi na wanawake kote nchini kuboresha maslahi yao na kuhifadhi mazingira.

Alikuwa mtetezi mashuhuri wa matumizi bora ya mali asili . Shughuli zake zilitambuliwa mara kwa mara kote duniani

Prof. Tibaijuka ataka fidia wanaobomolewa ipande

WAZIRI wa Ardhi, Nyumba na Maendeleo ya Makazi, Profesa Anna Tibaijuka, amewaagiza maofisa ardhi kuandaa viwango vipya vya ulipaji fidia wananchi ambao ardhi yao inachukuliwa na Serikali, ili viendane na bei ya soko.

Amesema wananchi wamekuwa wanalalamikia fidia wanayolipwa kuwa ndogo, hali ambayo imechangia migogoro mingi kutokana na wananchi kugomea fidia husika, hivyo kuchelewesha
uendelezaji wa baadhi ya maeneo.

Alisema hayo jijini Dar es Salaamwakati akifungua mkutano wa sekta ya ardhi unaohusisha watathmini wa ardhi, maofisa ardhi, wapima ardhi, maofisa mipango miji na wasajili wa hati.

Wengine ni wenyeviti wa mabaraza ya ardhi na nyumba na wasajili wa mabaraza hayo, kutoka wizarani, Shirika la Nyumba la Taifa (NHC), halmashauri za wilaya, miji, manispaa na majiji.

Aliwataka maofisa hao baada ya mkutano huo, kupeleka mapendekezo wizarani yanayohusu mbinu mpya za kuandaa mipango ya matumizi ya ardhi, bila kuathiri waliopo hususani wanaomiliki ardhi.

“Mjadili namna gani wananchi hawatakuwa masikini zaidi kutokana na utekelezaji wa mipango yenu na mbinu bora za kutathmini na kulipa fidia na kuangalia viwango vya fidia.

“Tutende haki katika kulipa fidia, tuandae viwango na tuviwasilishe serikalini haraka na nawaahidi kuwa suala hilo litafanyiwa kazi haraka, maana watu wanataka kufaidika na ardhi yao hawataki migogoro,” alisema Profesa Tibaijuka.

Alitoa agizo hilo kutokana na fidia wanayolipwa wananchi kuhusu mazao, nyumba na ardhi inayochukuliwa na Serikali, kuzua malalamiko mengi.

“Viongozi tupo hapa kupambana na umasikini na si kupambana na masikini,” alisema Waziri.

Aliwataka watendaji hao kujipanga kuhakikisha wanaifanya ardhi kuwa moja ya njia kuu za uchumi na mtaji wa kweli kwa mwananchi wa kawaida.

Katika hotuba yake, Waziri pia aliwataka watendaji wa sekta hiyo, kujitathmini na kujiandaa kubadili mwonekano wao miongoni mwa jamii, kutokana na kujulikana kama mafisadi wa ardhi.

Alisema watumishi wasio waadilifu wajiondoe kabla hawajaondolewa.

Alisema hali imefikia hapo kutokana na baadhi ya watendaji wanaoongozwa na malengo binafsi, badala ya kuongozwa na sheria, kanuni na taratibu za utendaji, hali ambayo imesababisha utoaji huduma kwa wateja kuwa chini ya kiwango na ukusanyaji hafifu wa maduhuli ya Serikali.

Waziri pia alisema katika kipindi cha miezi 11 aliyokaa wizarani pamoja na Naibu wake wamegundua kuwa baadhi ya matatizo hayo hayasababishwi na watendaji wa sekta hiyo; bali ni mashinikizo kutoka kwa vigogo walioko serikalini.

Aliwataka watumishi hao kuwa wajasiri wakatae kutekeleza maagizo ambayo yanavunja sheria.

“Simamia maadili ya kazi yao, kama akija Mkuu wa Mkoa, Waziri au Baraza la Madiwani kukushinikiza ufanye jambo kinyume na maadili, mwambie wazi kuwa hilo halitekelezeki.”

Aliwataka waache tabia ya kukubali kila jambo wanaloelekezwa na wakubwa wao badala yake waende kuripoti wizarani kuhusu suala hilo.

“Mimi si mbabaishaji, hata aliyeniweka hapa anajua hilo, hivyo nawaambieni msiwe watu wa ‘ndiyo mzee’ katika utendaji wenu, nyie si yatima mna wizara inayohusika na masuala hayo.”

Kuhusu migogoro ya ardhi, Profesa Tibaijuka alisema wizara yake inaandaa fomu za ugawaji wa ardhi ambazo zitakuwa na kipengele ambacho mbunge na diwani wa eneo husika, lazima asaini kabla ya mwekezaji kukabidhiwa ardhi ya eneo husika.

Alisema kitendo cha viongozi hao kushiriki kugawa ardhi, kutasaidia kupunguza migogoro na malalamiko kwa viongozi hao na wananchi wenyewe.

Kuhusu maeneo ya wazi, alisema kuanzia sasa wataweka matangazo katika maeneo hayo ili ambao wamejenga watambue kuwa muda wowote watabomolewa na hati zao zitabatilishwa.

Aliishangaa halmashauri ya Jiji la Dar es Salaam, kuwa imekuwa ikisubiri wizara ichukue hatua za kwenda kubomolea watu wakati jukumu hilo ni lao.

“Hawa ambao wamejenga maeneo ya wazi malalamiko yao mwisho ni kwangu, hata kwa rais
hayafiki hivyo msiwabembeleze.”

Aliikemea tena Manispaa ya Kinondoni kuwa hali ya ufisadi inatisha, hadi Katibu Mkuu na Mkurugenzi wa Mipango Miji walitaka kufungwa, kutokana na madudu yanayofanywa na manispaa hiyo.

“Nyie Kinondoni mambo yenu si mazuri, nitakuja kula chakula pamoja nanyi tuzungumze,” alisema Waziri.

Meli tano zapigwa marufuku Zanzibar

MAMLAKA ya vyombo vya baharini Zanzibar, zimesimamisha huduma za meli tano kutokana na meli hizo kutokidhi viwango vinavyotakiwa kusafirisha abiria na mizigo.

Meli zilizositishwa safari ni Mv Serengeti, Nura, Buraq One, Buraq Two pamoja na Mubarak kutokana na usajili wa meli hizo ulikuwa ni kusaidia kuvuta meli baharini (tagi) na siyo kubeba abiria.

Akitoa taarifa hizo kwa vyombo vya habari, Mkurugenzi wa Mamlaka wa Vyombo vya Bahari Zanzibar, Haji Vuai Ussi alisema kukatishwa kwa safari kwa vyombo hivyo kumetokana na kukosa usalama wa uhakika kwa abiria wake.

Aidha, alisema ingawa meli hizo zilianza kazi za kuchukua abiria kwa muda mrefu, lakini zilishindwa kujisajili kwa kazi hiyo, jambo ambalo limekuwa likienda kinyume cha taratibu za vyombo vya bahari.

Vuai alisema meli hizo pia zilikuwa zikihudumiwa na wafanyakazi wasiokuwa na sifa wala taaluma ya ubaharia pamoja na kushindwa kutoa taarifa za usalama kwa wasafiri wakati wanapokuwa safarini.

Alisema Mamlaka imebaini tatizo kubwa katika meli hizo baada ya kufanya ukaguzi na kugundua kuwa meli zote hizo zimekosa mfumo mzuri wa mawasiliano pale linapotokea tatizo la kiufundi.

Akizungumzia kuhusu usalama wa vyombo vya baharini kwa ujumla, alisema mamlaka imegundua pia matatizo lukuki kwa manahodha wa meli hizo kwa kuondoa meli bila kujua taarifa za usalama wa abiria wao.

Mkurugenzi huyo alisema mamlaka yake imejipanga upya kuhakikisha kuwa wanachukua hatua za kisheria kwa nahodha ye yote ambaye atabainika kuondoa meli bila ya kuwa na taarifa sahihi za abiria.

Hivyo amewataka wamiliki wa vyombo vya baharini kutoa ushirikiano kwa mamlaka.

MEET QUEEN RANIA OF JORDAN: Most beautiful Queen of our generation

Kazi kwenu sasa, I have always known kwamba middle East kuna wanawake wazuri, lakini huyu mama Daaaaah! 

According to the times magazine, Queen Rania is one of the 100 most influential people in the world and she also has a great wardrobe, perfect combo if you ask me! She doesn't wear the hijab but she dresses fairly modestly and most of what she wears is 'hijabifiable'.

I just can't get enough of Queen Rania of Jordan. This woman is amazing and she looks like a movie star!!!

Rania was born in Kuwait as the second of three children to a Palestinian paediatrician. The family fled to Jordan following Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Her brother Majdi has said their upbringing was "boring in its normalcy" – but that is just what allows the Queen to connect so successfully with her people. "I understand where they are coming from," she says. "I am a product of this society and I can relate to them." Rania went to the New English School in Jabriya Kuwait, before reading Business Administration at the American University in Cairo and moving back to Jordan to take on high profile marketing jobs at Citibank and Apple. Shortly afterwards, however, her life was set to change forever...