Thursday, August 16, 2012

Show more kindness and save more lives

The night is cool, almost cold. The stars are out in their numbers but
the moon is hid somwhere in the cloak of dark cloud.
The richness of the earth can be felt with just a faint sniff as the
gentle hum of trees signal the passing of soothing wind on a pleasant
night.
Staring outside my windows, looking transfixed at the peaceful lull of
nightfall, my mind wanders far away, far far away but I don't complain
coz its so much a pleasant trip that leaves me smiling out at the star
filled night, nodding my head in rhythm with the noiseless beat of
swaying palms here and there.

I try to capture the night, to put its perfection in words, but try as
I may, I just don't grasp the right phrases to describe the richness
of tonight.
In midst of such perfection and beauty, I tend to reflect much.
So as my mind wanders I ask myself silently 'How much value do I add
to my world. To the people close around me and to my community. How
much did I add to someone's life today?
How many people smiled because of me and how many lives were
transformed coz of my existence?"
Life sometimes is not just about US. We begin to live life when we
stop thinking of happiness as when we personally don't have any
trouble bothering US.
So many people out in the open are desirous of kindness coz they don't
have any to show them such. That's where you and I come into the
picture. A little kindness here and there do actually add a tremedous
lift to the life of somebody. A kind word, kind smiles, gifts and
sincere love adds a glow to lives that have previously been in
shatters and do in fact help to change a life.

You don't have to be a non-governmental-organisation or own or belong
to one to stretch out hands of kindness to the needy nor own a fat
money-bag to be of help to those in need, what is actually needed is a
kind heart, an open mind and a friendly spirit.
Do you know you can brighten a person's whole day through your smile alone?
Your little act of kindness could be the turning point in the life of
someone who was so very close to losing out in the battle of survival.
I can't stress much on how much a little kindness all around the world
can take care of big problems our atomic bombs, space research & all
can't solve, but what I need you to know is that someone's happiness
out there depends on you.
You would be far happier when so many people draw their happiness from
you. #its a fact I've proved. Love more and show more kindness in
order to bring smiles on the faces of as much people as you can.

Play a part in changing your world.

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

A billion reasons to believe in Africa

Coca-cola, the carbonated soft drink giant scored another giant first
with the launch of its- A billion reasons to believe in Africa-
campaign. The timing of this campaign can't be any more perfect. With
the turmoil that africa is going through at the moment,- from
terrorism in Nigeria, military coups and fragile governments in Mali,
border wars between sudan and south sudan,rebel activities in
congo,(and the list goes on), there is every need to remind the
african people that there is still viable reasons to continue to
believe in the dreams of the continent even in the midst of
heart-rending difficulties.
Coca-cola with this have demonstrated that the company is not just all
about making profit and expanding the brand but about giving back to
the african people and supporting them in the midst of the trials
plaguing the continent.
Now, a billion reasons to believe in africa, do you have any? I know
so many people can't even list as little as one, it won't be easy
seeing your loved ones been maimed and still be told to believe in
africa, having to run for dear lives when your homes are been
destroyed for no pluasible reason is enough reason to forget about
africa. The millions of kids still grappling with sickness and hunger
would be justified if they decide to give up on africa.
Though I know all this, (as coca-cola does), I refuse to give up on
africa. Africans continued belief in africa is the first step towards
reforming our continent, the zeal and the commitment must be ever
alive else africa's future is doomed meaning the trevails of the
present would be a child's play compared to what is to come.
The hope of the future generations rest on us, and we can't tell them
we bequeathed a smoldering continent to them because we were facing
diverse challenges, or that we allowed africa to crumble under the
weight of the atrocities ravaging the length and breadth of this
blessed land just because we couldn't stand up to evil, No, the best
option is to rise above these challenges, pool our strength together,
have our resolve rekindled and set a machinery in motion to make good
our land, and this is what coca-cola hope to achieve with this
delightful campaign, its a tool to awaken the true african spirit that
never says never, the african spirit of brotherhood and love,
sincerity and discipline, creativity and genuis.
So I call upon every african to use this campaign as a medium to
double their efforts in order to bring positive growth to africa.
These changes though must start from the top, so, every government in
africa must as a matter of fact begin to put the needs of the african
people ( and I mean in every perspective) before and above their own
personal aspirations. So doing, the chronic corruption, ethnic wars,
bloody struggle for power with its attendant casualties would be
brought to the bearest mininum giving the african people a new lease
of life. The african people must on their part begin to show
commitment in whatever they do, privately and openly, only doing
things which would promote the march to greatness of the african
continent.
Rebels should drop their guns, stop the killings and embrace peace.
Suicide bombers and terrorists should rethink their actions and know
they only hurt their homes which I believe should weigh hard on their
conscience.
There is so many reasons to believe in africa, I have as many reasons
to, do you?.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Why you should read this blog.

What do you guys actually do on twinklepad? The questions have been
endless coming in diverse forms all wanting to know the same thing-
what is this blog all about. For a relatively new blog, its not
unusual to get such requests, people want to know exactly why they
should spend their time reading the posts and the benefits it would be
to them.
Though I cant answer all questions at once , I would try my best in
this post to give answers to the most crucial of questions so that our
esteemed readers would know exactly the idea and philosophy behind
what they are reading and why they should come back to read more.
I have always enjoyed reading newspapers as a kid, even my dad noticed
and I became his right hand man when it came to analysing the dailies.
I enjoyed the reporting a lot but not as much as i enjoyed reading the
columns of veteran journalists over a wide range of subject matters.
I not only wanted to read about facts in the dailies but i wanted to
know the implication of such facts and the views of respected people
concerning it.
I followed a select group of columnists (Dimgba Igwe, Femi Adesina
etc) who I admired not just for their beautiful use and choice of
words but also for their bravery. I'm always mesmerized when I read
how they bear their mind on the issues at stake without caring whose
ox was gored and going ahead to effect positive change and influence
the readers for good.
I believe that so many wrongs can be made right if only they are
brought to light. We here on twinklepad try to shed more light on the
critical issues at stake
globally in diverse areas helping our readers to form better opinions
and give an unbiased analysis of whatever we are commenting on.
Twinklepad is a group of diverse characters who come with different
dimensions so that at any time, the inquisitive mind would have a
right source of information on which to based his or her arguments.
The best part about twinklepad team is that we are all young. We
believe that age should not be a barrier in our quest to make use of
our words to change our world. Though young, we try as much as
possible to give analysis on the basis of strong insight, sincerity
and courage.
We dont believe in defamation or libelous articles so we dont
encourage such on twinklepad but at the same time the twinklepad team
believes in calling a spade a spade and wont hesistate to draw
attention to any event or character we deem unacceptable.
We welcome feedback from our readers in form of comments or articles
which help to enrich the arguments.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Feeding africa and saving african kids.

'Would african slum kids ever escape malnutrition?' this is a question
that rings in my head each time I think of the millions of kids who
live a painful life due to the challenge of non availability of
adequate food. Though it is no news that famine is ravaging parts of
africa at the moment, what should be news is that the governments of
these african countries are not doing enough to curb these ugly trend.
In a situation where emphasis are placed on urban
beautification,sophiscation of government procedures, inter-tribal
wars,struggle for power and overdependence on non-agricultural sectors
of the economy, at the detriment of intensive agriculture, its not
surprising that millions of kids still go hungry.
Now, if we add the alarming rate of desertification and adverse
climatic conditions to the mix, it shows how imperative it is for
african leaders as a matter of moral obligation to do more than they
are doing now in order to ensure that quality food is made available
to the african people.
Through efficient planning and correct placement of priority, I
believe africa can attain self-sufficiency in food production within
the next decade. African leaders ought to invest adequately in modern
farming techniques, encourage local farmers with farming inputs and
friendly policies. Also, farming should be made attractive to the
african urban youth inorder to have as many hands tilling the ground.
It does no side good ( the government and the masses) when the whole
'army' of african job seekers are gunning after white collar jobs or
office appointments when they could do well as farmers earning a
decent income while contributing their quota to eradicating the evil
called malnutrition in africa.
Efficient storage and processing facilities should also be built in
order to ensure that only minimal produce are lost to spoilage.
African governments should at this point begin to 'think' agriculture
because no matter how technologically advanced africa become, if the
children continue to remain malnourished in their formative years, the
future still remains bleak.
The african union, ecowas and every regional body on the continent
should harp it upon each country to begin an intensive campaign into
boosting the food production on the continent in order to save these
kids who are going through hell for no fault of theirs.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Right type of Media.

In a world where news evolve by the second, and spread round the world
in a time even less, information falls on the laps of anybody who
wants to know.
But on the other hand, a right perspective to the issue at stake is
not as rampant and widespread as the distorted version that prevails.
This is more reason why I don't get swayed by what is ruling the
airwaves until I'm certain that it is no hoax or a media hype.
I am an avid reader of newspapers both local and international and I
know for certain that 'bad news is good news', but what is getting me
scared is the crave for going after WRONG NEWS!! Clearly,this is not
right and should not be encouraged in any way. So many strifes and
needless hostilities have been started due to the needless publication
of tainted stories.
A good journalist worth his salt should know how to source for good
information and great news, sniff around at the right place, the right
way and at the right time without having to resort to self-immolation
by going ahead with a story he knows has no base.
I'm not against journalists going on an adventure during reporting or
speculating on THE NEXT BIG NEWS, but as in other professions, such
speculation should have a water-tight reason behind it and not just
the desire to be the next biggest name in the journalism universe.
Moreover, to me, I would say the media is the most powerful tool in
righting the wrong that is prevailing all over the world. It behoves
of us to keep the people enlightened on what is really happening,
how,when, by whom, and most especially how it affects their overall
well being, but when such responsibilities are negated when
journalists go in search of ridiculous pieces (such as the kate
meddleton's case in which she was protrayed with a decaying tooth by a
US magazine), the people who scan through their papers and browse
through the internet would have nothing and no one to tell them of
what is really going on.
There are so many issues heating up the world at the moment that
requires tact and professionalism to handle- the syrian case is a good
example. With the syrian government ban on forieign media presence in
the country, it is very hard to verify reports on many media platforms
that are supposely the true representations of events in syria. I know
at this moment that it is a hard case reporting on syria( having to
depend on amateur photos and videos of residents) , but the case still
remains the same, setiments should not be brought to bear while
reporting.
Though as a person, I can't wait to see the bloodshed end and Assad
vacate the Leadership position since I still haven't been able to come
up with any logical reason why a man would want to end the lives of
the people he claims to serve.
Another case that requires caution is the IRAN nuclear dispute
involving much of the world (Isreal and US at the forefront) against
Iran over their alleged nuclear weapons production.
Sensational reports on issue of this magnitude would not in anyway
shed greater light on the matter but would only help to inflame the
polity further bringing about destruction that was avoidable.
Journalist should not misquote me as saying that I am against been
daring while reporting, I'm just a new comer into the journalism
affair, but I choose to believe that there is always a right way to do
the right thing... That is just to get the RIGHT information out and
NOtHING else.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I'm A PROUD MEMBER OF AMNESTY WORLDWIDE.

Even as a kid, I had always wanted to be part of something that
promotes the well being of every person living around the world. You
may think it weird, but it was my childish obsession which I held so
dear to myself.
So growing up and experiencing all the atrocities been perpetuated
everywhere and anyhow- in the middle east, africa, america, europe -
the fire was rekindled to an extent I felt like bursting into flames.
But sadly, I had no let out, no conduit through which I could channel
my energy into helping the world become a better place, no way to let
the fire burning in me come out and achieve something positive.<br />
All those periods were times of frustration, despair with the
thoughts of my inability to do something ravaging my mind.

Then sometime in 2009 ( I've been out of high school for some few
months), I received a mail from amnesty. To say I was surprised is
saying the least, I was apprehensive as I opened the mail and viewed
their invitation to me to join their letter writing campaign. I
grabbed it with both hands as at last I had found something worthwhile
through which I could contribute my iota to building a safer world and
since then I have not looked back.
Its been awesome, taking part in all amnesty's activities not for
personal glory or vain pride but because its really what I wanted to
do. You know, it tears my heart to see the MILLIONS of children,
women, and men been destroyed by the wickedness of FEW callous
individuals around the world.
Imagine what would happen if we all stand up and join the fight in
saying NO! to all these barbaric acts. Imagine the change we would
effect if we resist in our little ways the selfishness of these
individuals.
Been a member of amnesty (and newly a member of one.org/africa ) has
been one of the most fulfilling achievements of my life knowing the
fact that I am not just complaining of the ills in the world but I am
also doing something to stop them.
You too can, you can stand up to evil and say enough is enough. We
all don't need to be armed to the hilt with ak 47s, grenade launchers,
bamsookas, uzi sub-machine guns to be able to make a impact in our
world, we don't need to wield the highest power to make a change, what
is needed is the zeal, the commitment and preseverance that no matter
the circumstance and challenge, you would not allow evil to
continue.
I have decided on what I wanted a long time ago - fighting for the
well being of people wherever and however I can- you too can decide
now and join the crusade of healing our world.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Mysterious Things You Need To Know About!

I do love mysteries, I surf and search (google, wiki, yahoo,
answersdotcom)the web trying to get new information especially old
ones. Below are 5 worldwide mysteries that would not just surprise you
but educate also. Why I chosed these 5 among the batallions of myths
around is mysterious even to me, but you can find out after the 5th
mystery.
»
»
Top 5 Unsolved Mysteries

This list comprises the most famous unsolved mysteries known to man
that really defy rational explanation or are just outright strange.

1. Shroud of Turin



The shroud of Turin is a linen cloth bearing the image of a man who
had apparently died of crucifixion. Most Catholics consider it to be
the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. It is currently held in the
Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. Despite many
scientific investigations, no one has yet been able to explain how the
image has been imprinted on the shroud and despite many attempts, no
one has managed to replicate it. Radiocarbon tests date it to the
middle ages, however apologists for the shroud believe it is incorrupt
- and carbon dating can only date things which decay.

Prior to the middle ages, reports of the shroud exist as the Image of
Edessa - reliably reported since at least the 4th century. In
addition, another cloth (the Sudarium) known even from biblical times
(John 20:7) exists which is said to have covered Christâs head in the
tomb. A 1999 study by Mark Guscin, a member of the multidisciplinary
investigation team of the Spanish Center for Sindonology, investigated
the relationship between the two cloths. Based on history, forensic
pathology, blood chemistry (the Sudarium also is reported to have type
AB blood stains), and stain patterns, he concluded that the two cloths
covered the same head at two distinct, but close moments of time.
Avinoam Danin (a researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
concurred with this analysis, adding that the pollen grains in the
Sudarium match those of the shroud.

2. Mary Celeste


Mary Celeste was launched in Nova Scotia in 1860. Her original name
was âAmazonâ. She was 103 ft overall displacing 280 tons and listed as
a half-brig. Over the next 10 years she was involved in several
accidents at sea and passed through a number of owners. Eventually she
turned up at a New York salvage auction where she was purchased for
$3,000. After extensive repairs she was put under American registry
and renamed âMary Celesteâ.

The new captain of Mary Celeste was Benjamin Briggs, 37, a master with
three previous commands. On November 7, 1872 the ship departed New
York with Captain Briggs, his wife, young daughter and a crew of
eight. The ship was loaded with 1700 barrels of raw American alcohol
bound for Genoa, Italy. The captain, his family and crew were never
seen again. The ship was found floating in the middle of the Strait of
Gibraltar. There were no signs of struggle on board and all documents
except the captainâs log were missing.

In early 1873, it was reported that two lifeboats grounded in Spain,
one with a body and an American flag, the other containing five
bodies. It has been alleged that these could have been the remains of
the crew of the Mary Celeste. However, the bodies were apparently
never identified.

3. The taos hum


The âTaos Humâ is a low-pitched sound heard in numerous places
worldwide, especially in the USA, UK, and northern europe. It is
usually heard only in quiet environments, and is often described as
sounding like a distant diesel engine. Since it has proven
indetectable by microphones or VLF antennae, its source and nature is
still a mystery.

In 1997 Congress directed scientists and observers from some of the
most prestigious research institutes in the nation to look into a
strange low frequency noise heard by residents in and around the small
town of Taos, New Mexico. For years those who had heard the noise,
often described by them as a âhumâ, had been looking for answers. To
this day no one knows the cause of the hum.

4. Black Dahlia


In 1947 the body of 22 year old Elizabeth Short was found in two
pieces in a parking lot in Los Angeles. According to newspaper reports
shortly after the murder, Short received the nickname âBlack Dahliaâ
at a Long Beach drugstore in the summer of 1946, as a play on the
then-current movie The Blue Dahlia. However, Los Angeles County
district attorney investigatorsâ reports state the nickname was
invented by newspaper reporters covering the murder. In either case,
Short was not generally known as the âBlack Dahliaâ during her
lifetime.

Many rumours and tales have spread about the Black Dahlia, and the
investigation (one of the largest in LA history) never found the
killer.

5. Comte de Saint Germain


The Count of St. Germain (allegedly died February 27, 1784) was a
courtier, adventurer, inventor, amateur scientist, violinist, amateur
composer, and a mysterious gentleman; he also displayed some skills
with the practice of alchemy. He was known as âDer Wundermannâ â âThe
Wondermanâ. He was a man whose origin was unknown and who disappeared
without leaving a trace.

Since his death, various occult organizations have adopted him as a
model figure or even as a powerful deity. In recent years several
people have claimed to be the Count of St. Germain. (Note that St
Germain was never regarded as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church -
the âst.â before his name refers to his alleged home).

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

What is going on?

As the reports of the recent killings in kaduna, northwestern Nigeria
filter into my ears, I just think 'Its just absolutely crazy'.
Everyone should join in fighting this madness of killing innocent
citizens whether christians or muslims. This should not happen, we
ordinary citizens should not allow the callous and selfish leaders we
have use us as pawns in exterminating ourselves. I live in the midst
of hausa muslims in lagos and I don't feel threatened in their midst.
We can live together in peace only if we seek to find the true cause
of this atrocity prevailing in Nigeria instead of chasing mundane
issues and inflaming the polity further. Flipping through pages these
days is akin to read obituaries, editors no longer consider as big
news reports of 10 or less people dying. So much essence of life has
been eroded that life in itself now means little or nothing in
Nigeria.

The outraging thing about all these is that it was never this way.
Though I grew up knowing Nigeria to be a place where anything goes, I
never knew it would one day come to this sorry pass, where no one is
sure of seeing the next minute anylonger. The more I try to do the
analysis of the situation unpartially and passionately as my creed as
a de facto journalist behoves of me, the more hazy the situation
becomes.

Come to think of it. If the boko haram fundamentalists insist that
they are fighting for the entronement of sharia in their region, does
it entail exterminating others who are not inclined to their faith?
Though I'm not too versed in the Quran, I'm quite certain that no
where was it written by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be unto him)
that arson, carnage, annihilation and destruction of lives and
properties without cause are proper ways to propagate the sacred
teachings of islam.

Its is also with much aghast I listen and watch the almost.
Irrelevant leaders we are unfortunate to be governed by comment
on the series of atrocities been committed in the country. I do
suspect that they may even have written their 'comdemnation' and
'consolation' speeches in advance since the killings are now a routine
affair akin to a past time or a recreation to the beasts who carry
them out.

Under no circumstances can the wiping out of whole families and
extinguishing lineages be justified. At the moment, Nigeria still been
a united nation gives every Nigerian the right to reside and interact
wherever he or she chooses so far no laws are been broken.
Come to think of it, we all cry of racism we suffer in some part of
the westen world, is what is happening in Nigeria not akin to racism
of blacks against blacks?. My recent travels around the south east
afforded me opportunities to experience so many things I had hitherto
seen only on tv. In the north, you hear of sabo gari otherwise known
as stranger's quaters, in the east, just after entering Abia state,
there is a settlement populated by northerners which can be rightly
termed as a strangers hub as no easterner resides there.

All these are the root of the conflicts since the country is already
polarised not just along religious lines but also along tribal
lines.the yorubas are gunning for regional autonomy, igbos fighting
for the actualization of biafra, northerners seeking a free state or a
untied Nigeria where sharia reigns. Its now scary since so many
Nigerians don't care about whatever happens to the country. Speaking
to so many people on the state of the nation, I could rightly say that
they all are frustrated if not completely hopeless on the state of
affairs in the country. Though I'm still an ardent believer in a
united Nigeria (just like PM Cameron is stuanch believer in the United
Kingdom), my hope is continaully be weaned of its potency that at the
moment I only hope that Nigeria survives beyond 2015.

On the last note, reading the comments made on so many online
platforms, I appeal to evryone, use your words well, as almost all of
what is happening is the fallout of a wrong word said and a wrong
meaning read into it.

(To be continued)

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

My tribute to the victims of the DANA air crash of 3 june 2012.

They may be gone but not forgotten, their lives cut short but definitely their memories live on. The passengers of the ill fated dana flight, and the occupants of the building that the plane crashed into on the 3rd of june 2012 though dead, deserve not to have died. The nationals from different countries but chiefly from Nigeria who perished in the crash did so because of the endless sleaze going on in Nigeria's aviation sector. Though I am not one of the many bloggers or columnist who just go on to apportion blame to whoever their pen or pad falls on, but in this case I think the actual cause of the crash that claimed a whooping 160 lives and still counting at the time of writing this report is NEGLIGENCE, on the part of the airline authorities, the aviation ministry and its attendant comatose (except in the area of collecting bribes) agencies, and the government.
Though, they are gone and can't be brought back, their memories should serve a worthy purpose, if not for anything but to make sure their souls find peace. To start with, a thorough investigation should be carried out to ascertain the culpability of everyone who is involved directly or indirectly with the crash. There should be severe consequences for anyone found wanting no matter how highly placed since none of the late victims of the crash was worth nothing-everylife been precious.
I am not advocating for a witch hunt but a thorough overhauling of the aviation sector, the team at the helm of affairs at the agencies should take the noble path and resign to pave way for those who would do a complete clean up inorder to avoid such carnage again.there should be upgrading of the facilities at our airports, its as shame for Nigeria despite its enormous resources to still be using outdated technology. The lives of the so many more who would travel through our airports should be protected starting from now. The victims of the crash should be given a fitting farewell not by the millions been paid to their relatives(though required to ease the pain) , but by an improvement in Nigeria's aviation sector so their untimely and most gruesome deaths would not be in vain.
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