Influenza is a common, and sometimes deadly virus commonly refered to as "the flu". Many people frequently mistake the common cold for flu, the term "flu" is used freely in relationship to cold-like symptoms. However, true influenza is a strong and potentially lethal virus that leads to approximately 35,000 deaths per year. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to contracting influenza. The flu season is typically from mid-October to early spring. Flu can kill. You need to protect yourself.
REMEMBER THE COMMON COLD IS NOT INFLUENZA.
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Thursday, January 28, 2010
How to Forgive, Forget and Let Go
Forgiveness is one of those concepts that most people have difficulty grasping. While we all have a mental image of what forgiveness "should" look like when others forgive us, knowing how to forgive ourselves or someone else isn't as easy to understand.
When someone else causes us emotional harm, whether unintentional or intentional, learning to let go of this pain can be one of the most difficult transitions we go through. Social workers in the prison system work with families on the process of forgiveness to help ease the transition between incarceration and life on the outside. Similar to restorative justice programs which involve the victim of a crime and the offender, these prison programs seek to develop an understanding of the offenders act(s) and come to terms with the eventual return to society.
The families involved tend to view forgiveness as an admission that the past is completely forgotten and life can return to normal as if nothing happened. As you can imagine, this effort at denying the behavior has a negative effect.
Carrying emotional pain, anger, anxiety, and other distressing thoughts about a situation or someone often is easier for us than beginning the forgiveness process. Cognitive-behavioral therapists often stress positive thoughts since it can be easier to invest more time in negative thoughts and redirect energy toward positive change. The more we concentrate our emotional energy on carrying a grudge and not forgiving someone, the more likely we are to become anxious, depressed and negative about the general situation.
Since it is often easy to think of forgiveness in terms of forgetting, we need to examine how we forget. Human memory does not work like computer memory. There is no way to reformat the past. Instead, we look at situations through different lenses. Psychologists often refer to these lenses as perspective. Reality of our situation is how we view it at the time that the impression or memory was formed.
Forgetting a past hurt refers to relearning the circumstances surround the situation, reprocess it through a fresh perspective, and move toward forgiveness. When we look at the outcome of what happened, we can either become bitter and angry or view the end result as an opportunity for personal growth and change.
When someone else causes us emotional harm, whether unintentional or intentional, learning to let go of this pain can be one of the most difficult transitions we go through. Social workers in the prison system work with families on the process of forgiveness to help ease the transition between incarceration and life on the outside. Similar to restorative justice programs which involve the victim of a crime and the offender, these prison programs seek to develop an understanding of the offenders act(s) and come to terms with the eventual return to society.
The families involved tend to view forgiveness as an admission that the past is completely forgotten and life can return to normal as if nothing happened. As you can imagine, this effort at denying the behavior has a negative effect.
Carrying emotional pain, anger, anxiety, and other distressing thoughts about a situation or someone often is easier for us than beginning the forgiveness process. Cognitive-behavioral therapists often stress positive thoughts since it can be easier to invest more time in negative thoughts and redirect energy toward positive change. The more we concentrate our emotional energy on carrying a grudge and not forgiving someone, the more likely we are to become anxious, depressed and negative about the general situation.
Since it is often easy to think of forgiveness in terms of forgetting, we need to examine how we forget. Human memory does not work like computer memory. There is no way to reformat the past. Instead, we look at situations through different lenses. Psychologists often refer to these lenses as perspective. Reality of our situation is how we view it at the time that the impression or memory was formed.
Forgetting a past hurt refers to relearning the circumstances surround the situation, reprocess it through a fresh perspective, and move toward forgiveness. When we look at the outcome of what happened, we can either become bitter and angry or view the end result as an opportunity for personal growth and change.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Lovemore Munro yet to decide on gays' application
Chief Justice Lovemore Munro is yet to make a decision on the issue of whether the arrest of gay suspects Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga should be reveiewed by the Constitutiona Court.
Monjeza and Chimbalanga's lawyers argue that the two's arrest infringes on their human rights and freedoms, and works against the Republican Constitution.
Two weeks down the line, the Chief Justice is yet to decide while Monjeza and Chimbalanga are still being held on remand against their will.
The two complained on Monday this week Police officers were tightening hand cuffs too hard on them, "as if we are hard-core criminals".
Whenever they appear at the Blantyre Magistrates Court, people boo them, a tale-tell sign of a nation still shackled by conservationism.
Monjeza and Chimbalanga's lawyers argue that the two's arrest infringes on their human rights and freedoms, and works against the Republican Constitution.
Two weeks down the line, the Chief Justice is yet to decide while Monjeza and Chimbalanga are still being held on remand against their will.
The two complained on Monday this week Police officers were tightening hand cuffs too hard on them, "as if we are hard-core criminals".
Whenever they appear at the Blantyre Magistrates Court, people boo them, a tale-tell sign of a nation still shackled by conservationism.
Peter Mponda talks on retirement from Flames
Flames captain, Peter Mponda, says he rushed into announcing that he may retire from the Malawi National Team, revealing he is now under intense pressure from family members and soccer lovers to delay his retirement.
Mponda said after Malawi's group stage exit in Angola he was 'seriously' considering the option of resigning from the Flames.
"I feel I have done my part," said Mponda.
Now, he may be on the verge of changing all that:
|I will consider views from all angles and make a decision. At the moment, I am ready to go for the Flames," he said.
Mponda said after Malawi's group stage exit in Angola he was 'seriously' considering the option of resigning from the Flames.
"I feel I have done my part," said Mponda.
Now, he may be on the verge of changing all that:
|I will consider views from all angles and make a decision. At the moment, I am ready to go for the Flames," he said.
INTERNET AND THE LIKE; IS SYRIA SAFE?
For six years, Syrian users have been affected by U.S. government trade sanctions that exclude certain goods from the Syrian market. Specifically, the Syria Accountability Act (SAA) of 2004 prohibits the export of most goods containing more than 10% U.S.-manufactured component parts to Syria, with the exceptions of food and medicine. Sudan, Cuba, North Korea, and Iran are all also affected by similar sanctions.
In the past year, the fact that the sanctions against Syria include software has garnered significant attention. Last year, in an attempt to comply with the sanctions, LinkedIn unintentionally cut off Syrian users entirely (the sanctions require that sites block software downloads, not general access), a decision that was quickly reversed. Web-hosting companies have also kicked off Syrian, Iranian, and other users, some of which were not actually prohibited from use.
The discussion recently reached a fever pitch when, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a free and open Internet, Syrian users noticed they could no longer access open-source software community SourceForge. Syrian Abdulrahman Idilbi, writing for ArabCrunch, broke the news:
As of January 2008, people from those countries can browse SourceForge projects and download from them, but access to the secure server was not allowed, so they would not be able to log in to SourceForge or contribute to projects. As of January 2010, blocking went further with not allowing people coming from “banned locations” to download anything from SourceForge.net, having a response similar to this one: http://sourceforge.net/t7.php.
SourceForge's blockpage for Syrian users
Hiconomics, who tweets here, started up a discussion on the subject on the Yalla! Startup community. He writes:
As some of you may already know… SourceForge.net has suddenly blocked Syrian & Sudanese users on the basis of being compliant to US law.
In the past year, the fact that the sanctions against Syria include software has garnered significant attention. Last year, in an attempt to comply with the sanctions, LinkedIn unintentionally cut off Syrian users entirely (the sanctions require that sites block software downloads, not general access), a decision that was quickly reversed. Web-hosting companies have also kicked off Syrian, Iranian, and other users, some of which were not actually prohibited from use.
The discussion recently reached a fever pitch when, a day after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a free and open Internet, Syrian users noticed they could no longer access open-source software community SourceForge. Syrian Abdulrahman Idilbi, writing for ArabCrunch, broke the news:
As of January 2008, people from those countries can browse SourceForge projects and download from them, but access to the secure server was not allowed, so they would not be able to log in to SourceForge or contribute to projects. As of January 2010, blocking went further with not allowing people coming from “banned locations” to download anything from SourceForge.net, having a response similar to this one: http://sourceforge.net/t7.php.
SourceForge's blockpage for Syrian users
Hiconomics, who tweets here, started up a discussion on the subject on the Yalla! Startup community. He writes:
As some of you may already know… SourceForge.net has suddenly blocked Syrian & Sudanese users on the basis of being compliant to US law.
Four national teams for Kinnah's signature
Flames Coach Kinnah Phiri says he will take time to sign a new contract with the Football Association of Malawi as he tries to weigh over the options.
Kinnah revealed that he has received four "serious' inquiries from four respectable West African teams, and may be forced to quit ship if FAM does not improve on his perks.
"But I will not mention the teams right now; discussions are on-going," said Kinnah in Blantyre.
Kinnah revealed that he has received four "serious' inquiries from four respectable West African teams, and may be forced to quit ship if FAM does not improve on his perks.
"But I will not mention the teams right now; discussions are on-going," said Kinnah in Blantyre.
Malawi: Genocide suspect slips out to US
Rwandan officials have pursued their Malawian counterparts on the whereabouts of a 1994 Rwandese genocide suspect, Vincent Nzigiyimfura who was last freely conducting business in the country. Rwandan prosecutor General Martin Ngoga said the suspect was last reported in Malawi under the name Vincent Nzigiye.
rwanda genocide
He added that the Africa Rights, a non-governmental organisation and his country officials were convinced the man had sneaked out to the United States of America.
"We do not know under what circumstances he managed to sneak out of Malawi and end up in the US," he said.
Malawian authorities, however, said they were investigating the matter through the Malawi Police but that this issue was better handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Security.
Police chief, Inspector General Peter Mukhito said: "All refugee and asylum seekers movements are the responsibility of the ministry. That is beyond the police as we don't handle such matters," he told the Nation.
Mukhito however said he would act only when a red alert was issued.
Nzigiyimfura was in the country in the capital city Lilongwe running a business, Mzigiye Shopping Centre in Area 2, situated just a few kilometres to the country's Area 3 Central Region Police headquarters.
In April 2009, Africa Rights produced a report that the former Rwandeese businessman in Nyanza town, is suspected to be a key architect during the genocide against Ttusti Rwandans that led to the killing of more than 100,000 people.
Rakiya Omaar of Africa Rights also told the newspaper it was hard to understand how the suspect managed to fly to the US using a visa.
"The good news, however, is that US authorities are aware of the allegations against him, and we have sent them a copy of our report, in addition, justice officials in Rwanda are actively following his case and working with US authorities.
Ngoga visited Malawi where he met with the Director of Public Prosecutions to discuss the matter and said it was a shared responsibility of all other civilized nations to take some action.
rwanda genocide
He added that the Africa Rights, a non-governmental organisation and his country officials were convinced the man had sneaked out to the United States of America.
"We do not know under what circumstances he managed to sneak out of Malawi and end up in the US," he said.
Malawian authorities, however, said they were investigating the matter through the Malawi Police but that this issue was better handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Public Security.
Police chief, Inspector General Peter Mukhito said: "All refugee and asylum seekers movements are the responsibility of the ministry. That is beyond the police as we don't handle such matters," he told the Nation.
Mukhito however said he would act only when a red alert was issued.
Nzigiyimfura was in the country in the capital city Lilongwe running a business, Mzigiye Shopping Centre in Area 2, situated just a few kilometres to the country's Area 3 Central Region Police headquarters.
In April 2009, Africa Rights produced a report that the former Rwandeese businessman in Nyanza town, is suspected to be a key architect during the genocide against Ttusti Rwandans that led to the killing of more than 100,000 people.
Rakiya Omaar of Africa Rights also told the newspaper it was hard to understand how the suspect managed to fly to the US using a visa.
"The good news, however, is that US authorities are aware of the allegations against him, and we have sent them a copy of our report, in addition, justice officials in Rwanda are actively following his case and working with US authorities.
Ngoga visited Malawi where he met with the Director of Public Prosecutions to discuss the matter and said it was a shared responsibility of all other civilized nations to take some action.
Malawi: President finds new wife
Malawi's president Bingu Wa Mutharika has found a new wife and expected to marry on May 1 this year. The former Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Calista Chapola Chimombo would now become the first lady after the official marriage ceremony. They will have an engagement ceremony on February 14.
calista chimombo
Mutharika who is in his 70’s lost his wife Ethel in May 2007 after a long battle with cancer.
Chimombo is a high ranking official of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The news of their engagement and wedding comes barely a month after speculations were rife that the two were planning to marry and the two have been seen together at recent functions.
The Malawi president, who retained the presidency in the May 19, 2009 elections, will marry.
calista chimombo
Mutharika who is in his 70’s lost his wife Ethel in May 2007 after a long battle with cancer.
Chimombo is a high ranking official of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The news of their engagement and wedding comes barely a month after speculations were rife that the two were planning to marry and the two have been seen together at recent functions.
The Malawi president, who retained the presidency in the May 19, 2009 elections, will marry.
Some international reactions to story about Malawi Gay Rights Movement 15, 000 Euros injenction
As humans, we have strayed so far from our creator. We have decided that we will determine what is right and what is wrong. Seemingly, the laws of nature now have to take a back seat to the laws that men set. Homosexuality is an illness, it should not be embraced and forced upon people. The rich nations should not be trying to use money to spread their disease throughout the worlld. That is exactly what it is, it is a disease, a chemical imbalance. It should be treated as an illness. If a man goes out and kills someone, he is arrested and sent to prison. He is not considered a productive part of society. It is wrong for us to go against what the creator has put in place. Throughout nature, creatures are paired male to female. God gave us the gift of free will, he also laid out the law and put consequences in place. If you want to be gay, you will have to deal with the Almighty on that issue one day. But please do not try to corrupt the rest of humanity along with you.
Loyd, United Kingdom
Chancy Namadzunda, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
A 15, 000 euros boost is to be made to the underground Malawi Gay Movement (MGM) from their Netherlands counterparts (name withheld) to help heighten the activities of the movement in the southen African country. MGM said the money would help create a reliable network among its members.
black gays
“We want to have a powerful movement which will enable us to get settled in the country. We want to be recognised just as any other social groups. Currently, it is threatening in the country to come out and say you are gay just like what happens to our friends.
“We are also going to use the same money to help this couple in legal fees. They are our friends and groundbreakers, they have done us proud and we cannot leave them,” an official who does not want to be named said.
The source said they are planning to launch a massive campaign to lobby the parliament to legalise gay marriages as human rights.
Recently, the Minister of Information Leckford Thotho warned that any attempt by anyone within or outside the country to bring gay relationships in the country will be punished.
“This is a cultured and religious country, so nobody should try to bring in this issue,” he said.
Reply
Please login first to reply or create an account.
Reactions
1.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 03:01
rebel
Image of rebel
* Profile
* 1 messages
As humans, we have strayed so far from our creator. We have decided that we will determine what is right and what is wrong. Seemingly, the laws of nature now have to take a back seat to the laws that men set. Homosexuality is an illness, it should not be embraced and forced upon people. The rich nations should not be trying to use money to spread their disease throughout the worlld. That is exactly what it is, it is a disease, a chemical imbalance. It should be treated as an illness. If a man goes out and kills someone, he is arrested and sent to prison. He is not considered a productive part of society. It is wrong for us to go against what the creator has put in place. Throughout nature, creatures are paired male to female. God gave us the gift of free will, he also laid out the law and put consequences in place. If you want to be gay, you will have to deal with the Almighty on that issue one day. But please do not try to corrupt the rest of humanity along with you.
2.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 17:33
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
I think that the aritcal show the right of people to be they are. That peole should not be juged or kiled cause they like the same spices of there self. It was an all right artical.
3.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 17:37
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
I agree with you im not gay but people should have rigtht be free in not being judge by it. In that it is sometimes a cofuseing that some peploe are gay.
4.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:16
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
helo)i agree with you well i am not gay but the people that are gay they have the right to be wat they wanna be and the wourld is never ganna end so that is why i really agree with you and the people who disidet that okay and if some people are gay where you live then that is okay because there alot of gay people over hear in Austin and we dont tell them nuthing because i have a uncle that is gay and thats why i understand jajaja its kinde of funny that i am telling you dis but its okay any ways i like youre story you realli know how to right a story and really make someone emagen it bue any ways i have to go but dont worry if youre gay or not dat wont change youre life or other peoples life
5.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:20
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
hola
6.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:21
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
hola
7.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:22
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
k ases
8.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:22
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
nada y tu tita jajajaja
9.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:23
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
nada lil chivitita
10.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:23
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
oh okay pos deque ablamos
11.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:24
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
kien sabe to2 van a ver estos
12.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:25
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
jajajajajajajaajajajajajaj LOL:) ya se pero que inporta namas no pongas nuestros nombres
13.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:26
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
ok k mas osea nose de k
14.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:27
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
HOLA
MrWashington modified this message on 26-01-2010 00:50 with 100%
15.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:28
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
hey i like youre story okay bye
Loyd, United Kingdom
Chancy Namadzunda, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
A 15, 000 euros boost is to be made to the underground Malawi Gay Movement (MGM) from their Netherlands counterparts (name withheld) to help heighten the activities of the movement in the southen African country. MGM said the money would help create a reliable network among its members.
black gays
“We want to have a powerful movement which will enable us to get settled in the country. We want to be recognised just as any other social groups. Currently, it is threatening in the country to come out and say you are gay just like what happens to our friends.
“We are also going to use the same money to help this couple in legal fees. They are our friends and groundbreakers, they have done us proud and we cannot leave them,” an official who does not want to be named said.
The source said they are planning to launch a massive campaign to lobby the parliament to legalise gay marriages as human rights.
Recently, the Minister of Information Leckford Thotho warned that any attempt by anyone within or outside the country to bring gay relationships in the country will be punished.
“This is a cultured and religious country, so nobody should try to bring in this issue,” he said.
Reply
Please login first to reply or create an account.
Reactions
1.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 03:01
rebel
Image of rebel
* Profile
* 1 messages
As humans, we have strayed so far from our creator. We have decided that we will determine what is right and what is wrong. Seemingly, the laws of nature now have to take a back seat to the laws that men set. Homosexuality is an illness, it should not be embraced and forced upon people. The rich nations should not be trying to use money to spread their disease throughout the worlld. That is exactly what it is, it is a disease, a chemical imbalance. It should be treated as an illness. If a man goes out and kills someone, he is arrested and sent to prison. He is not considered a productive part of society. It is wrong for us to go against what the creator has put in place. Throughout nature, creatures are paired male to female. God gave us the gift of free will, he also laid out the law and put consequences in place. If you want to be gay, you will have to deal with the Almighty on that issue one day. But please do not try to corrupt the rest of humanity along with you.
2.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 17:33
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
I think that the aritcal show the right of people to be they are. That peole should not be juged or kiled cause they like the same spices of there self. It was an all right artical.
3.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 17:37
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
I agree with you im not gay but people should have rigtht be free in not being judge by it. In that it is sometimes a cofuseing that some peploe are gay.
4.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:16
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
helo)i agree with you well i am not gay but the people that are gay they have the right to be wat they wanna be and the wourld is never ganna end so that is why i really agree with you and the people who disidet that okay and if some people are gay where you live then that is okay because there alot of gay people over hear in Austin and we dont tell them nuthing because i have a uncle that is gay and thats why i understand jajaja its kinde of funny that i am telling you dis but its okay any ways i like youre story you realli know how to right a story and really make someone emagen it bue any ways i have to go but dont worry if youre gay or not dat wont change youre life or other peoples life
5.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:20
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
hola
6.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:21
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
hola
7.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:22
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
k ases
8.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:22
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
nada y tu tita jajajaja
9.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:23
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
nada lil chivitita
10.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:23
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
oh okay pos deque ablamos
11.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:24
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
kien sabe to2 van a ver estos
12.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:25
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
jajajajajajajaajajajajajaj LOL:) ya se pero que inporta namas no pongas nuestros nombres
13.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:26
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
ok k mas osea nose de k
14.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:27
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
HOLA
MrWashington modified this message on 26-01-2010 00:50 with 100%
15.
Posted on Monday 25 January 2010 22:28
MrWashington
Image of MrWashington
* Profile
* 190 messages
hey i like youre story okay bye
A lie about Malawian gays
Chancy Namadzunda, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
A 15, 000 euros boost is to be made to the underground Malawi Gay Movement (MGM) from their Netherlands counterparts (name withheld) to help heighten the activities of the movement in the southen African country. MGM said the money would help create a reliable network among its members.
black gays
“We want to have a powerful movement which will enable us to get settled in the country. We want to be recognised just as any other social groups. Currently, it is threatening in the country to come out and say you are gay just like what happens to our friends.
“We are also going to use the same money to help this couple in legal fees. They are our friends and groundbreakers, they have done us proud and we cannot leave them,” an official who does not want to be named said.
The source said they are planning to launch a massive campaign to lobby the parliament to legalise gay marriages as human rights.
Recently, the Minister of Information Leckford Thotho warned that any attempt by anyone within or outside the country to bring gay relationships in the country will be punished.
“This is a cultured and religious country, so nobody should try to bring in this issue,” he said.
LINK TO FALSE STORY:http://www.africanews.com/site/Malawi_15_000_euros_boost_for_gays/list_messages/29588
A 15, 000 euros boost is to be made to the underground Malawi Gay Movement (MGM) from their Netherlands counterparts (name withheld) to help heighten the activities of the movement in the southen African country. MGM said the money would help create a reliable network among its members.
black gays
“We want to have a powerful movement which will enable us to get settled in the country. We want to be recognised just as any other social groups. Currently, it is threatening in the country to come out and say you are gay just like what happens to our friends.
“We are also going to use the same money to help this couple in legal fees. They are our friends and groundbreakers, they have done us proud and we cannot leave them,” an official who does not want to be named said.
The source said they are planning to launch a massive campaign to lobby the parliament to legalise gay marriages as human rights.
Recently, the Minister of Information Leckford Thotho warned that any attempt by anyone within or outside the country to bring gay relationships in the country will be punished.
“This is a cultured and religious country, so nobody should try to bring in this issue,” he said.
LINK TO FALSE STORY:http://www.africanews.com/site/Malawi_15_000_euros_boost_for_gays/list_messages/29588
Malawi: Gov’t set guidelines for HIV/AIDS fund
In a quest to combat corrupt practices in the administration of HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme in Malawi, the government of that country has come up with new guidelines intended to standardize the care package across the public sector to facilitate effective use of the resources.
HIV_AIDS
Government introduced HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme as a fund to benefit HIV/AIDS infected civil servants who had come in the open as an encouragement to mobilize more people to declare their status. Such workers were getting K5,000 (about $34) on top of their monthly salaries.
But the programme was temporarily suspended after it was discovered that some unscrupulous people in the civil service were conniving with hospital personnel to issue them (civil servants) with bogus medical reports indicating that one is an HIV patient and that their CD4 count had reached a point where they are supposed to start taking the life-prolonging drugs - ARVs.
After being issued with the bogus medical reports the civil servants would go to their employers asking to be included on the list of HIV infected servants benefiting from the fund meant for civil servants on anti-retroviral drugs so that they too, should be receiving a monthly K5000 (about $34) from government coffers.
“Through this practice, a lot of government money was lost,” said Dr. Mary Shawa, Principal Secretary (PS) for Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, in August 2008.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Director of Nutrition, HIV and Aids in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Catherine Mkangama said the new guidelines provide a minimum package for nutrition care and support that should be given to the people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS using the two percent ORT [other recurrent transactions] resources.
Mkangama explained that the package has been developed through a process of wide consultations and lessons learnt from other Nutrition Care and Support programmes in the country.
“The guidelines are intended to standardize the care package across the public sector to facilitate effective use of the resources. In addition, the guidelines suggest activities that can be implemented to promote HIV prevention, control, mitigation, care, support and treatment in the work place programme,” Mkangama stated.
The new arrangement states that Public Servants Living with HIV/AIDS (PSLWHAs) will also be getting nutrition support complement the food security of their households.
While as support was restricted to the infected persons in the old programme, the new programme extends the support to their registered dependants (only those residing with the public servant) if infected by the pandemic.
“The new arrangement is very effective and will help in saving government money. Beneficiaries will need to go a number of processes to qualify for the support. This is done to avoid fraud and corruption in the administration of the programme,” said Mkangama.
Among others, public servants will have to produce their health passbook, ART number, health centre where they are collecting their drugs from, village where they come from and the type of assistance they would need.
Department of Nutrition, HIV and Aids is currently printing a document containing these guidelines on the use of the 2% of other recurrent transactions (ORT) budget commitment towards HIV and Aids at work place to all government departments and ministries.
HIV_AIDS
Government introduced HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme as a fund to benefit HIV/AIDS infected civil servants who had come in the open as an encouragement to mobilize more people to declare their status. Such workers were getting K5,000 (about $34) on top of their monthly salaries.
But the programme was temporarily suspended after it was discovered that some unscrupulous people in the civil service were conniving with hospital personnel to issue them (civil servants) with bogus medical reports indicating that one is an HIV patient and that their CD4 count had reached a point where they are supposed to start taking the life-prolonging drugs - ARVs.
After being issued with the bogus medical reports the civil servants would go to their employers asking to be included on the list of HIV infected servants benefiting from the fund meant for civil servants on anti-retroviral drugs so that they too, should be receiving a monthly K5000 (about $34) from government coffers.
“Through this practice, a lot of government money was lost,” said Dr. Mary Shawa, Principal Secretary (PS) for Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, in August 2008.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Director of Nutrition, HIV and Aids in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) Catherine Mkangama said the new guidelines provide a minimum package for nutrition care and support that should be given to the people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS using the two percent ORT [other recurrent transactions] resources.
Mkangama explained that the package has been developed through a process of wide consultations and lessons learnt from other Nutrition Care and Support programmes in the country.
“The guidelines are intended to standardize the care package across the public sector to facilitate effective use of the resources. In addition, the guidelines suggest activities that can be implemented to promote HIV prevention, control, mitigation, care, support and treatment in the work place programme,” Mkangama stated.
The new arrangement states that Public Servants Living with HIV/AIDS (PSLWHAs) will also be getting nutrition support complement the food security of their households.
While as support was restricted to the infected persons in the old programme, the new programme extends the support to their registered dependants (only those residing with the public servant) if infected by the pandemic.
“The new arrangement is very effective and will help in saving government money. Beneficiaries will need to go a number of processes to qualify for the support. This is done to avoid fraud and corruption in the administration of the programme,” said Mkangama.
Among others, public servants will have to produce their health passbook, ART number, health centre where they are collecting their drugs from, village where they come from and the type of assistance they would need.
Department of Nutrition, HIV and Aids is currently printing a document containing these guidelines on the use of the 2% of other recurrent transactions (ORT) budget commitment towards HIV and Aids at work place to all government departments and ministries.
Malawian gays plan demonstration
The Malawi Gay Rights Movement (Magrim), a representative body of Malawian gays, plans to hold demonstrations against the continued 'intimidation and harassment' of gay suspects Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. Magrim made the resolution at a gays and lesbians meeting held in Blantyre Tuesday morning.
black gays
Magrim Spokesperson, Wongani James Phiri, said they were unhappy with the continued keeping of the two gays in custody, some 26 days after being arrested on December 28, 2009.
"We are demonstrating on Sunday and our march will start from Upper Kamuzu Stadium through to old Blantyre Town Hall. We demand the unconditional release of the two," said Phiri.
Monjeza and Chimbalanga have themselves complained the tightness of Police handcuffs, saying they were being treated as hardcore criminals when they were not.
black gays
Magrim Spokesperson, Wongani James Phiri, said they were unhappy with the continued keeping of the two gays in custody, some 26 days after being arrested on December 28, 2009.
"We are demonstrating on Sunday and our march will start from Upper Kamuzu Stadium through to old Blantyre Town Hall. We demand the unconditional release of the two," said Phiri.
Monjeza and Chimbalanga have themselves complained the tightness of Police handcuffs, saying they were being treated as hardcore criminals when they were not.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Let's pray for our friends in Haiti
Malawians, let's pray for our friends in Haiti.
Thank God, help has started arriving.
Too late for some.
Thank God, help has started arriving.
Too late for some.
Comments on stories about gays in Malawi
As humans, we have strayed so far from our creator. We have decided that we will determine what is right and what is wrong. Seemingly, the laws of nature now have to take a back seat to the laws that men set. Homosexuality is an illness, it should not be embraced and forced upon people. The rich nations should not be trying to use money to spread their disease throughout the worlld. That is exactly what it is, it is a disease, a chemical imbalance. It should be treated as an illness. If a man goes out and kills someone, he is arrested and sent to prison. He is not considered a productive part of society. It is wrong for us to go against what the creator has put in place. Throughout nature, creatures are paired male to female. God gave us the gift of free will, he also laid out the law and put consequences in place. If you want to be gay, you will have to deal with the Almighty on that issue one day. But please do not try to corrupt
What Chancy Namadzunda has written about Malawian gays on Africa News
Malawi: 15, 000 euros boost for gays
*
Search in this item
Keywords
Type of query
Search
1.
Posted on Sunday 24 January 2010 - 13:10
* Quote
* Report
Chancy Namadzunda
* Profile
* 27 messages
Chancy Namadzunda, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
A 15, 000 euros boost is to be made to the underground Malawi Gay Movement (MGM) from their Netherlands counterparts (name withheld) to help heighten the activities of the movement in the southen African country. MGM said the money would help create a reliable network among its members.
black gays
“We want to have a powerful movement which will enable us to get settled in the country. We want to be recognised just as any other social groups. Currently, it is threatening in the country to come out and say you are gay just like what happens to our friends.
“We are also going to use the same money to help this couple in legal fees. They are our friends and groundbreakers, they have done us proud and we cannot leave them,” an official who does not want to be named said.
The source said they are planning to launch a massive campaign to lobby the parliament to legalise gay marriages as human rights.
Recently, the Minister of Information Leckford Thotho warned that any attempt by anyone within or outside the country to bring gay relationships in the country will be punished.
“This is a cultured and religious country, so nobody should try to bring in this issue,” he said.
Link to the story: http://www.africanews.com/site/Malawi_15_000_euros_boost_for_gays/list_messages/29588
*
Search in this item
Keywords
Type of query
Search
1.
Posted on Sunday 24 January 2010 - 13:10
* Quote
* Report
Chancy Namadzunda
* Profile
* 27 messages
Chancy Namadzunda, AfricaNews reporter in Blantyre, Malawi
A 15, 000 euros boost is to be made to the underground Malawi Gay Movement (MGM) from their Netherlands counterparts (name withheld) to help heighten the activities of the movement in the southen African country. MGM said the money would help create a reliable network among its members.
black gays
“We want to have a powerful movement which will enable us to get settled in the country. We want to be recognised just as any other social groups. Currently, it is threatening in the country to come out and say you are gay just like what happens to our friends.
“We are also going to use the same money to help this couple in legal fees. They are our friends and groundbreakers, they have done us proud and we cannot leave them,” an official who does not want to be named said.
The source said they are planning to launch a massive campaign to lobby the parliament to legalise gay marriages as human rights.
Recently, the Minister of Information Leckford Thotho warned that any attempt by anyone within or outside the country to bring gay relationships in the country will be punished.
“This is a cultured and religious country, so nobody should try to bring in this issue,” he said.
Link to the story: http://www.africanews.com/site/Malawi_15_000_euros_boost_for_gays/list_messages/29588
Haiti still needs help
Dear Richard
International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization, founded by volunteer doctors and nurses and dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through relief and development programs. Our emergency response team is in Haiti responding in force and I would like to ask for your help to get the word out to the readers of Zachimalawi. There are still thousands of patients seeking treatment of which approximately 80% are in need of surgery and are running out of time - especially with the tremendous aftershocks still devastating this country. The team is treating crush injuries, trauma, substantial wound care, shock and other critical cases with the few available supplies - And they're in it for the long haul. I would love your help spreading the word by blogging or tweeting about IMC's rescue efforts. We've put up a blogger friendly widget here on our site:
http://www.imcworldwide.org/haiti
With the widget it's really easy to let your readers know that donating $10 to help the people of Haiti is as simple as sending a text message of the word "haiti" to 85944. If you have any questions just let me know and I will do my best to help you out. If you are able to post the widget or tweet, I would appreciate it if you could send me the link.
Thanks so much,
Ellie
International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization, founded by volunteer doctors and nurses and dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through relief and development programs. Our emergency response team is in Haiti responding in force and I would like to ask for your help to get the word out to the readers of Zachimalawi. There are still thousands of patients seeking treatment of which approximately 80% are in need of surgery and are running out of time - especially with the tremendous aftershocks still devastating this country. The team is treating crush injuries, trauma, substantial wound care, shock and other critical cases with the few available supplies - And they're in it for the long haul. I would love your help spreading the word by blogging or tweeting about IMC's rescue efforts. We've put up a blogger friendly widget here on our site:
http://www.imcworldwide.org/haiti
With the widget it's really easy to let your readers know that donating $10 to help the people of Haiti is as simple as sending a text message of the word "haiti" to 85944. If you have any questions just let me know and I will do my best to help you out. If you are able to post the widget or tweet, I would appreciate it if you could send me the link.
Thanks so much,
Ellie
‘Anti-gay bill threatens HIV fight in Uganda’
The UN Special Rapporteur on health, Anand Grover, warned that the Anti-Homosexuality Bill being considered by the Ugandan Parliament is "not only a violation of the fundamental human rights of Ugandans, but will also undermine efforts to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support."
Uganda_map
“Lessons from the last 30 years of the HIV epidemic have shown us that recognition of the rights of people with different sexual identities is a necessary component for a successful HIV and health response,” stressed the UN expert.
“In many countries where sex between men is not criminalized and where stigma and discrimination have been reduced, men who have sex with men are more likely to take up HIV prevention, care and support and treatment services,” he added.
“I urge the Ugandan Parliament to build on its past successes in responding to HIV and to refrain from passing this Bill,” said Grover, while strongly supporting the President and other members of the Government in their attempts to prevent the initiative of some members of the Parliament that the bill becoming law.
He said: “Uganda is in the great danger of taking a step backwards – away from realizing human rights for its people and away from an effective, evidence and rights-based HIV response.”
The Special Rapporteur on health stressed that a number of UN human rights conventions ban discrimination on grounds of sexual identity or orientation, and laws that criminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults violate the right to privacy.
Homosexuality is already criminalized through Uganda’s existing penal code, but the proposed Bill will increase penalties for homosexual conduct and will criminalize many related activities, such as the ‘promotion of homosexuality.’
By including the publication and dissemination of materials, funding and sponsoring related activities, and any attempts to ‘promote or abet homosexuality,’ these provisions could affect the work of civil society actors and human rights defenders addressing issues of sexual orientation or gender identity, which are crucial to addressing vulnerability to HIV.
The Bill also criminalizes failure to report any relevant offences. It therefore compels citizens – including health workers and civil society organizations active in HIV prevention and human rights– to report to the authorities anyone whom they suspect of being homosexual. Furthermore, the Bill would result in the punishment of ’serial offenders’ and those who are living with HIV, with the death penalty.
Uganda_map
“Lessons from the last 30 years of the HIV epidemic have shown us that recognition of the rights of people with different sexual identities is a necessary component for a successful HIV and health response,” stressed the UN expert.
“In many countries where sex between men is not criminalized and where stigma and discrimination have been reduced, men who have sex with men are more likely to take up HIV prevention, care and support and treatment services,” he added.
“I urge the Ugandan Parliament to build on its past successes in responding to HIV and to refrain from passing this Bill,” said Grover, while strongly supporting the President and other members of the Government in their attempts to prevent the initiative of some members of the Parliament that the bill becoming law.
He said: “Uganda is in the great danger of taking a step backwards – away from realizing human rights for its people and away from an effective, evidence and rights-based HIV response.”
The Special Rapporteur on health stressed that a number of UN human rights conventions ban discrimination on grounds of sexual identity or orientation, and laws that criminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults violate the right to privacy.
Homosexuality is already criminalized through Uganda’s existing penal code, but the proposed Bill will increase penalties for homosexual conduct and will criminalize many related activities, such as the ‘promotion of homosexuality.’
By including the publication and dissemination of materials, funding and sponsoring related activities, and any attempts to ‘promote or abet homosexuality,’ these provisions could affect the work of civil society actors and human rights defenders addressing issues of sexual orientation or gender identity, which are crucial to addressing vulnerability to HIV.
The Bill also criminalizes failure to report any relevant offences. It therefore compels citizens – including health workers and civil society organizations active in HIV prevention and human rights– to report to the authorities anyone whom they suspect of being homosexual. Furthermore, the Bill would result in the punishment of ’serial offenders’ and those who are living with HIV, with the death penalty.
How to Set Boundaries With Your Boss
It's good to be the "go-to" guy on the job. You please the boss. You're respected, looked up to, admired. Yes, the "go-to" guy is what so many aspire to be.
John Harris used to be the "go-to" guy. Harris screened calls, ran interference and made things happen for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- at least until both men were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and a count of soliciting bribes. Harris was caught in a web of deceit, bribery and poor ethics, operating as Blagojevich's chief of staff.
While the former governor continues to claim his innocence and exploits his notoriety with an appearance in the upcoming "Celebrity Apprentice," Harris seems to have recognized the severity of the charges.
What is Mr. Harris doing these days? Now he's the government's "go-to" guy. As part of his plea bargain agreement, Harris will be one of the key witnesses in the Blagojevich trial come June 2010. Yes, it's good to be the "go-to" guy.
Was Harris pressured by Blagojevich to act out this criminal behavior? Did Harris fear losing his job -- or worse, fear for his safety? His family's safety?
Establishing boundaries in the workplace can be tricky and sometimes difficult, although it's seldom as dramatic as the choices Harris faced. But if your organization's environment does not foster a comfortable climate for feedback, employee and corporate success suffers. Establishing realistic and appropriate boundaries in the employee-boss relationship and even key to the health of the organization.
John Harris used to be the "go-to" guy. Harris screened calls, ran interference and made things happen for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich -- at least until both men were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and a count of soliciting bribes. Harris was caught in a web of deceit, bribery and poor ethics, operating as Blagojevich's chief of staff.
While the former governor continues to claim his innocence and exploits his notoriety with an appearance in the upcoming "Celebrity Apprentice," Harris seems to have recognized the severity of the charges.
What is Mr. Harris doing these days? Now he's the government's "go-to" guy. As part of his plea bargain agreement, Harris will be one of the key witnesses in the Blagojevich trial come June 2010. Yes, it's good to be the "go-to" guy.
Was Harris pressured by Blagojevich to act out this criminal behavior? Did Harris fear losing his job -- or worse, fear for his safety? His family's safety?
Establishing boundaries in the workplace can be tricky and sometimes difficult, although it's seldom as dramatic as the choices Harris faced. But if your organization's environment does not foster a comfortable climate for feedback, employee and corporate success suffers. Establishing realistic and appropriate boundaries in the employee-boss relationship and even key to the health of the organization.
Tight handcuffs anger Malawian gays
Arrested Malawian gays, Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, have complained bitterly over "too tight handcuffs', saying it seems Police officers want to punish them for 'doing nothing wrong' by pressing the handcuffs too hard on them.
The two complaining loudly on Monday, not for the first time though, telling a Police officer: "Why are you pressing the handcuffs too hard on us as if we are hardcore criminals? Have we stolen anybody's property?"
However, the Police officers merely promised that they would loosen the cuffs in court.
Monjeza and Chimbalanga's case continued on Monday, and three witnesses are expected to testify against them.
The two complaining loudly on Monday, not for the first time though, telling a Police officer: "Why are you pressing the handcuffs too hard on us as if we are hardcore criminals? Have we stolen anybody's property?"
However, the Police officers merely promised that they would loosen the cuffs in court.
Monjeza and Chimbalanga's case continued on Monday, and three witnesses are expected to testify against them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)