China Bans Ramadan Fasting

Hello Friends!

Authorities forbid Communist Party cadres, civil officials and students from marking Ramadan in mainly Muslim province. Chinese authorities in the northwestern province of Xinjiang have banned Muslim officials and students from fasting during the month of Ramadan, prompting an exiled rights group to warn of new violence.

Guidance posted on numerous government websites called on Communist Party leaders to restrict Muslim religious activities during the holy month, including fasting and visiting mosques.

Xinjiang is home to about nine million Uighurs, largely a Muslim ethnic minority, many of whom accuse China’s leaders of religious and political persecution.

The region has been rocked by repeated outbreaks of ethnic violence, but China denies claims of repression and relies on tens of thousands of Uighur officials to help it govern the province.

A statement from Zonglang township in Xinjiang’s Kashgar district said that “the county committee has issued comprehensive policies on maintaining social stability during the Ramadan period.

“It is forbidden for Communist Party cadres, civil officials (including those who have retired) and students to participate in Ramadan religious activities.”

The statement, posted on the Xinjiang government website, urged party leaders to bring “gifts” of food to local village leaders to ensure that they were eating during Ramadan.

Similar orders on curbing Ramadan activities were posted on other local government websites, with the educational bureau of Wensu county urging schools to ensure that students do not enter mosques during Ramadan.

‘Administrative methods’

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and strive to be more closer to God, pious and charitable.An exiled rights group, the World Uyghur Congress, warned the policy would force “the Uighur people to resist [Chinese rule] even further.”

“By banning fasting during Ramadan, China is using administrative methods to force the Uighur people to eat in an effort to break the fasting,” said group spokesman Dilshat Rexit in a statement.

Xinjiang saw its worst ethnic violence in recent times in July, 2009, when Uighurs attacked members of the nation’s dominant Han ethnic group in the city of Urumqi, sparking clashes in which 200 people from both sides died, according to the government.

Culled from Talk Of Naija.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

EXCLUSIVE: Naeto C's Controversial Wedding Gift: Larry Onuegbu Reacts; 'Dumebi Is A Fraudster, He Still Sleeps With His Ex-Wife'

Larry Onuegbu.

Hello Friends!

If gist coming from the camp of Auto Lounge boss, Larry Onuegbu is anything to go by, then, the controversies surrounding the Porsche Cayenne SUV presented to Naeto C on his wedding day may not die down soon. This is because the man alleged to have sold a 2009 model of the 'toy' as 2012 to Dumebi Kachukwu, Larry, has reacted to the allegations surrounding the wonder-on-wheels. 

You would Recall that on July 21, 2012, this controversial car was first reported to have been bought by D'Banj and presented to Naeto C. Soon after, other reports said Larry Onuegbu bought the car bought asked D'Banj to make the presentation for him. 

This did not end there as it was later reported that Naeto C's former in-law, Dumebi Kachukwu actually bought the expensive car but told D'banj to make the presentation in order for him not to take the shine of the day at his former in-law's wedding.

The Source Of The Problem.

Just as the story was almost ending as a forgotten issue, reports surfaced again that the reported 16 million naira car, which Larry puts at 14million naira, was a 2009 model as against 2012 model Larry allegedly sold the car as to Dumebi.

According to Larry, "Dumebi was aware that the Porsche car is a brand new 2010 model and he made a delivery request of the car to Naeto C's wedding which was honoured as the car was parked in front of the reception.

“When Dumebi arrived at the venue of the wedding, he thanked me for the delivery and promised to send a cheque of 14million naira on Monday but I didn't see it. 

So, I called him on Tuesday and he promised again to send the money to my bank account on Wednesday, but by Thursday evening, when I didn't see my money, I called him again to ask for the 14million for the Porsche car and the 4million he owned me for an Infinity car he bought from me in January this year. 

Dumebi Kachukwu

"An invoice was sent to him on request, but he started telling me stories that he wanted to check if the car is not stolen. I was annoyed but after he made his confirmation, it was revealed that I bought the car from one Mr Peter last year July, which is the truth.

"This same Dumebi Kachukwu was sighted with Larry at the reception and his ex wife Somachi Chikwe (Neato C’s Sister ) and kids at the wedding. They later spent a night at Four Point Hotel, Lekki that day."

Larry stated further, “Dumebi is building a mansion in Abuja for his ex-wife, who he lied to be legally separated from while they are still sleeping with each other." 

Larry also said that Dumebi gave his used BMW 3 Series to Neato C as a replacement to the controversial wedding gift.

Larry, who has been in the car business for the past 12years, made it known that Dumebi brought back the car to his office with a flimsy excuse that the car was fairly used. He said, "I sent him away with the car, I told him to bring the car back the way he took it away."

Crazy & Funny Wedding Pictures...

Over-exposure: This picture will surely be one the bride will want to forget as she takes a tumble and reveals a little more than she intended.

Hello Friends!

For the day of your wedding, you'd want nothing but the best photography to capture those precious moments and preserve the memories of the happiest day of your life.

But its doubtful whether any of the brides in these pictures will be cherishing these images for a lifetime.

These disastrous wedding snaps show what can happen when a few unwanted elements work their way into the frame.

Dirty dancing: As the happy couple take to the floor they are blissfully unaware of the show the bride is putting on for the guests.

This collection of wedding snaps was compiled by internet blog Uphaa.

In a few images, the temptation to jump in on the action was just too great for some as they make their way into the frame.

While the happy couple are all smiles for the photographer, their guests grimace and pull faces in the background.

One man makes a face through a car window, while in another a woman feels the need to try and put off the photographer from behind a bush.

In the frame: As the happy couple smile for the photographer one of their guests in the background shows their appreciation of the big day in their own special way.

That's not a toy! A small dog sinks its teeth into the bridal gown as the couple try and prise it away from the animal.

There are also examples of a bride’s worst nightmare as their dress rides up and reveals her bare behind. In another a soon-to-be wife appears to take a tumble with a photographer in the perfect place to capture the shot. Another hilarious picture shows a dog getting a little too friendly with a woman’s beautiful white gown.

Also in the set is a happy pair at their reception, which always makes for a pleasing image for the photo album.

However not in this case as a bride pulls a less than flattering face at the camera as her groom is treated to a kiss from one of his guests.

Spot the gatecrasher: The bridal party pose for camera... but someone else has joined the line-up - and he's a tad under-dressed.

The cheek of it! A guest plants a smacker on the groom. While he looks surprised, his new wife seems blissfully unaware.

When the couple leaned in for this intimate pose, they had no idea someone else in the background wanted to share in their special day... by pulling a stupid face at the window of their bridal car.

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Yoga goes pop! New craze for disco yoga hits the UK...

Bridging the gap: Funk the Buddha combines yoga with entertainment and socializing.

 

Hello Friends!

Laughing, disco dancing, and socializing are not activities you'd usually associate with yoga. 

Its reputation of complicated twists, stretching and 'omming' leaves little room for the inclusion of fun. The ancient Indian practice is commonly seen as, well, serious. But it needn't be. 

Funnily enough, the word yoga, from the ancient Sanskrit language, literally means 'to join' or 'to unite', so there's no need to alienate it from everyday life or indulgences.

Founder of the newest yoga craze sweeping Europe, Rachel Okimo, says, 'You can take the group yoga experience to the next level; out of the studio and into the playground of our cities, bridging the gap between our yoga and social sanctuaries.' 

This is the philosophy adopted through her brainchild, Funk the Buddha.

The bi-monthly pop-up venture comprises of a 90 minute yoga practice, followed by entertainment and socializing with optional dinner and drinks, and a goody bag, all for a £20 ticket.

Each one is held at a different venue with a different theme and is sound tracked by a new guest DJ. Okimo’s concept was developed in Berlin’s clubs and art galleries, now popping up in Istanbul, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Okimo’s home town, London. 

As a budding yoga bunny myself, after an invite landed in my inbox for the London launch party, I decided to head down to see what all the fuss was about.

New craze: The class begins with a 90 minute yoga practice followed by cocktails and an optional dinner.

Yoga with dinner and drinks: The bi-monthly pop-up venture is held at a different venue each time, with a different theme and a new guest DJ.

Held in a huge space at Westbourne Studios, West London, this was like no other yoga class I'd ever been to. The lights were dimmed with brightly coloured disco beams bouncing off the walls, fitting with the disco theme. 

Over 60 mats were laid down in the centre of the room, yoga practitioners – aka yogis – mingled, DJ Anna Greenwood’s decks were parked to the side and a bar and restaurant space was just a few feet away. 

The class kicked off with the funky Electric Slide dance from the 70s, then Okimo guided the group through an intense Vinyasa flow session; a pacey, dynamic form of yoga where sequences and poses are synchronised to your breath – we really worked up a sweat'

BOXING GETS A CLUBLAND MAKOEVER TOO ...

Boxit 2 THE BEAT is an hour-long intense boxing training workout, including pad circuit and cardio, combined with the music and atmosphere of a nightclub. 

This is a class aimed at those who want to get fit fast –  you can burn up to 1,000 calories in a session thanks to the live DJ spinning house tunes that should drive you to train harder and faster (thinking about that Ibiza body you want).

Boxit 2 THE BEAT is on every Wednesday, 7.15 – 8.15pm at Club 414 in Brixton. www.boxitbootcamp.com

Halfway through I got to the point where I didn’t think I could go on much longer, but then came the soothing and restorative bends, twists and stretches, and Okimo slalomed around the room assisting yogis into correct positions.

Once the class was complete, yogis meandered over to the bar for discounted bespoke Vita Coco mock or cocktails, seated dinner or nibbles. Shortly after, a catwalk was erected in the space we just practiced and a stunning acroyoga performance and lululemon athletica fashion show commenced for entertainment to finish the evening.

The physical, mental and spiritual discipline, which started pre 2000 BC, has proven its longevity and relevance in modern society; and not only that but from cocooning to Bikram and now Funk the Buddha, it’s wonderfully adaptable. 

If you haven’t tried yoga before and think it’s too preachy, all meditation and healthy living and too much commitment, Funk the Buddha dispels these misconceptions. 

It’s a cool alternative to a conventional Saturday night out, all about feeling good without forfeiting the fun.

Intense boxing workout: Boxit 2 THE BEAT includs pad circuit and cardio, combined with the music and atmosphere of a nightclub.

Yoga – while rightfully respected – is about acceptance of the self and balance, can enhance your existing life, and there should be no room for guilt when having a glass of wine after working hard on the mat.

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

'You can't spend your life worrying about calories!' Kim Kardashian shows off her bikini body as she reveals refreshing approach to staying in shape...

Bikini body: Kim Kardashian showed off her curves in a purple two-piece as she posted this picture on her Twitter page.

Hello Friends!

She's got one of the most envied bodies in the world, with millions of women dying to look just like her. So Kim Kardashian's fans will be pleased to know that the 31-year-old reality star maintains a refreshing approach when it comes to staying in shape.

Kim revealed her diet secrets as she shared another picture of herself in a bikini on her Twitter page, showing off her toned curves in a sexy purple two-piece.

Kim said in a recent interview: 'I used to eat a ton of junk food, but there are plenty of fast food places that offer healthy options, so there's no excuse for eating badly all the time.

'Although, when I go out for dinner, I eat what I want. You can't spend your life worrying about calories.'Kim later shared another picture of herself in the bikini, with the caption: '#nofilter #nophotoshop.'

The Keeping Up With The Kardashian star has been keeping her fans updated with her diet and exercise regime on her Twitter page.

'No photoshop!' Kim insisted the pictures hadn't been digitally altered as she shared another shot of her enviable figure.

And earlier this week Kim tweeted that she was keen to tone up, writing: 'Back on my workout grind!' Kim's bikini pictures came after she was subjected to abuse on Twitter over her weight.

After Kim received comments surrounding her figure, and the size of her derriere on the micro-blogging site, sister Khloe came forward to defend her sibling.

Dressed to impress: Kim looked sleek in an all-black outfit as she headed out in West Hollywood yesterday.

She wrote on Twitter: 'Still get disgusted by how people judge others by weight. Either ‘fat’ or ‘skinny’. Nothing is ever good enough...

'Throwing stones behind a screen. If you must judge a person. Try judging their soul. My brick walls are getting higher and higher.

'U can't love any1 else until u know how to love yourself first. The good, bad, ugly, beautiful.... Love yourself deeply. The rest is easy.'

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Prince William & Kate Middleton’s Super-Cute Olympic PDA — Pics

Hello Friends!


Will & Kate officially get the gold medal in cuteness! (Kate even flashes part of her Royal Stomach!)
If you want to know what a totally-in-love couple looks like, feast your eyes on Prince William and Kate Middleton. The royal couple celebrated Great Britain’s victory in the men’s team sprint at the Olympics in London on Aug. 2 — and they couldn't keep their hands off each other.
The hugs! The smiles! And is that Kate’s super-flat stomach we see? So much for those pregnancy rumors!


Culled from HollyWoodLife.


xoxo
Simply Cheska...

UTI CLOCKS 30 TODAY...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Hello Friends!

Few days ago, we brought you the outcome of an interview we had with Uti Nwanchukwu: BBA 5 Winner, Actor, Musician and Model.

In that interview, Uti intimated us on his plans for today: His Birthday....Top on his agenda today, is to visit Widows in Lagos and extend his hand of kindness and love...He would be baring different kinds of gifts...

This indeed, is a worthy gesture worth emulating by everyone, especially celebrities out there that have made it big...

We hear that tomorrow, somewhere on Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria; the Party would be so on!

Watch this space, for details of the Celebration....

On behalf of The Simply Cheska Team, here's wishing Uti a great Life ahead, filled with Wisdom and Divine direction...May he get the desires of his heart...Amen! Happy Birthday Uti!

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Tuface and Annie Idibia postpone white wedding ceremony

Hello Friends!

The much awaited white wedding between African Queen crooner, Tuface Idibia and Annie Macaulay have been postponed. The wedding was supposed to have taken place in July as widely reported some months back.

According to Stella Dimoko Korkus of Encomium, no new dates have been fixed.

Annie and Tuface Idibia dated for many years before they eventually agreed that it was time to formalize things and live together as husband and wife.

Tuface proposed to Annie at Club Number 10 owned by Nigerian born soccer star, Austin Jay Jay Okocha.

Despite having two other baby mamas, Annie had no problem saying "yes" to Tuface’s marriage proposal as she gladly received an engagement ring from him on February 14 this year.

Tuface’s profile skyrocketed after he released his popular song ‘African Queen’ .He is one of Africa’s most decorated music stars. Annie on her part is an upcoming actress. She also took part in Sola Fajobi’s Next movie star reality TV show.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Kristen Stewart Beats Out Jennifer Lawrence for Major Movie Role: Report...

Hello Friends!

Kristen Stewart's reputation may have taken a major hit among Twi-hards, but folks within the movie industry still seem open to giving her a shot.

Vulture reports that the Twilight star, 22 -- who was caught cheating on boyfriend Robert Pattinson with her Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders, last month -- has landed a role in Lie Down in Darkness, an adaptation of William Styron's gritty 1951 novel of the same name. Stewart reportedly beat out Hunger Games' Jennifer Lawrence for the part of Peyton Loftis, a young woman in 1950s Virginia desperate to escape the confines of her extremely dysfunctional home life.

Still, a production source tells Us Weekly the buzz is premature.

"While it's exciting to see all the interest the project is generating, the film is still in the pre-production process," the insider explains. "No offers have been made yet."

In the wake of the On the Road actress' cheating scandal, the fate of the sequel to Snow White is still uncertain; a Universal source told Vulture that "nothing has changed and we are still looking at sequel options that would include Rupert [Sanders] directing."

Summit Entertainment -- the production company behind the Twilight behemoth -- also told Entertainment Weekly Wednesday that Breaking Dawn promotions will go on as planned.

"While it is studio policy not to comment on the personal lives of actors, Summit is moving full steam ahead and looking forward to this November's opening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn -- Part 2," Summit's president of worldwide marketing Nancy Krikpatrick said in a statement to EW. "We are confident that the film delivers amazing entertainment for our passionate fans and general audiences alike."

Culled from Us Weekly.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Olympians' Darkest Secrets

Lolo Jones

Hello Friends!

The U.S. hurdler told HBO's Real Sports that although she's been tempted to have sex, yet she's determined to stay chaste until marriage. "It's just something, a gift I want to give my husband," Jones, 29, said. "But please understand that this journey has been hard. There are virgins out there and I'm going to let them know, it's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life." She added, "I've had guys tell me, they are like, 'Hey, you know, if you have sex it will help you run faster."

Jennifer Nichols

Not only is the U.S. archer a virgin, but she waited until she was 27 for her first kiss! "I saved my first kiss for the man I knew I was going to marry -- my fiance," she told Us Weekly. "I made that commitment when I was about 13 years old. I knew that I wanted to save my kiss on top of purity. I felt like a kiss was something very special and I wanted to save that."

Michael Phelps

In 2009, the gold medalist swimmer was caught smoking pot, and stripper Theresa White came forward and said he "likes threesomes and short girls," and slammed his sexual prowess, according to The New York Post. "I've been able to talk to a lot of people, a lot of people who have been in my shoes in other sports, and I’ve been able to get their perspective and just talk to them a little bit," Phelps told WBAL-TV in Baltimore about the smoking incident. "That's been helpful."

Hope Solo

"When we were done partying, we got out of our nice dresses, got back into our stadium coats and, at 7 a.m. with no sleep, went on the TODAY show drunk," soccer star Hope Solo told ESPN The Magazine in July about the raucousness of the Olympic Village.

Ryan Lochte

The world-record-holding swimmer made his third appearance at the Olympics in London this year. "My last Olympics, I had a girlfriend — big mistake," he told ESPN The Magazine in July. "Now I'm single, so London should be really good. I'm excited." And he's looking forward to getting busy in the Olympic Village. "I'd say it's 70 percent to 75 percent of Olympians [have sex during the Olympic Games]," he estimated to the mag. "Hey, sometimes you gotta do what you you gotta do."

Justin Gatlin

The runner tested positive in 2006 for excessive testosterone, landing him a four-year ban, according to The Guardian. He admitted in 2011 that he considered suicide afterwards. "I got to the point where I said, 'I don't care anymore.' I was depressed about life, period. There were times I felt, 'Who would miss me if I ran this car off the road right now?'"

LaShawn Merritt

Track and field star Merritt was given a 21-month suspension in 2010 for testing positive for steroid derivatives DHEA and pregnenolone, according to The Guardian.

Taylor Phinney

The American cyclist admitted to ESPN The Magazine that he had a big crush on gymnast Shawn Johnson in Beijing. "She was a superstar," Phinney, then 18, said of the then-16-year-old, "and I was a lowly cyclist with a massive crush." But he claims he had a "kissing session" with Johnson in the hotel lobby and said, "This is going to sound stupid, but I almost forgot I had to race."

Culled from Us Weekly.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Task force arrests 52 sex workers

Hello Friends!

The Lagos State Task force on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has arrested 52 commercial sex workers.

The ladies, whose ages range between 18 and 34 years, were raided at different spots in Isaac John and Toyin streets in Ikeja by policemen attached to the unit.

It was learnt that the exercise, which took place between 10pm on Wednesday and 1am on Thursday, was as a result of several petitions by residents of the areas against the sex workers.

The source within the task force, said, “We started moving round Toyin Street and later Isaac John Street to know where the prostitute usually stand to solicit for customers.

“As soon as we were satisfied, we started arresting them. The exercise did not last for more than three hours.” Task force Chairman, Bayo Sulaiman, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the arrest.

He said, “There had been complaint by residents against a surge of commercial sex workers on Isaac John and Toyin streets.

“Isaac John Street is where we have the Government House and it is a criminal offence to solicit for sex by roadside.”

He warned that the task force would extend its raids to Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island where he said commercial sex activities had been on the increase.

Culled from Punch Metro Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

First Pictures From P-Square's Mum's Burial

Hello Friends!

Yesterday, August 2, 2012, the mother of singing duo of Peter and Paul Okoye of P-Square, Mrs Josephine Okoye was buried in her home town in Anambra State.

The duo were also joined by their other siblings including Jude 'Engees' Okoye for the burial rites.

The funeral started today at her husband’s house at Ifite-Dunu, Akwa Village, Anambra State today. It was preceded with a lying-in-state in Umunachi, Umudioka Village, Anambra State, and a church service afterwards at St.Gabriel Catholic Church, before the proper burial at Ifite-Dunu, which is also be the reception venue.

M.I.C anchored the burial reported to have cost about 50 million Naira. Below are some pictures from the funeral.

Culled from NigeriaFilms.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

I AM READY TO ACT SEXY AND UNGODLY SCENE, – Nollywood Actress

Hello Friends!

"I am weird and very daring, so yes, I can act nude. I am available to act nude. If I can go topless, what will stop me from acting nude?

There is no big deal there because I feel that it is all about being professional." 

– 'Desperate' Nollywood actress, Susan Ekwe was quoted by online mag

My Thoughts: I don't think our society should accommodate this at this time or any time in the future. A Real Professional actress/actor does not need to pose nude or act ungodly scenes to be classified as successful.... '' Here Comes The She-Devil".

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Okonjo-Iweala in Senate: Nigeria not broke, cash problems normal

Coordinating Minister for the economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala 

Hello Friends!

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Thursday, tried to douse the controversy set off by the implementation of the budget by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke at the Senate when she appeared before the special joint committee on the performance of the 2012 budget.

Asked if the country was broke, she said, “The country is absolutely not broke. And I want to repeat that again, because there are those who would want to push that idea. The country is not broke, (though) the country may have cash flow problems from time to time. That is normal and is to be expected because a person may be very wealthy, he may have a lot of assets but at a particular point in time the stream of income may delay.

“You are running a business, you can be assets rich therefore you cannot be broke but you may have a temporary month when the flow is not as it should be because the price of that product may be lower. The time for you to collect money from that product may take a little longer because you extended credit to people by selling to them and then telling them you will collect later. So, sometimes there may be temporary cash flow issues, but the country broke? The answer is no.”

The House of Representatives on July 19 had berated the Federal Government for alleged poor implementation of the 2012 budget and gave President Goodluck Jonathan a September 18 deadline to achieve 100 per cent performance of the budget or face impeachment proceedings.

The Senate also on Tuesday had condemned what it described as the non-impressive execution of the budget and summoned the finance minister to appear to brief it on the budget performance on Thursday (yesterday).

Okonjo-Iweala, however, faulted the claim that the budget performance had been “abysmal.” The minister explained that her position on the 56 per cent budget performance ratio was based on funds actually utilised from the releases as of July 2012.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, the 2012 budget implementation actually started in April 2012 and had only been operated for four months after it was signed into law.

Olympics record broken as U.S routs Nigeria in basketball game

Hello Friends!

The United States on Thursday night knocked off Nigeria’s D’Tigers 156-73, in the highest scoring basketball game in Olympic history.

It was a game in which Olympic scoring records were broken across the board, reports NBA Circle.

Carmelo Anthony scored 37, surpassing the US record of 31 by Stephon Marbury, on 10/12 from three point land, also a US record, in just 14 minutes.

The US shot 29/46 from 3 (a record) & 30/37 from inside the arc on 41 assists (tying the Olympic record). The 156 US points surpassed the Olympic record of 138 by Brazil and the 83 point differential is a US Olympic record.

The final score of 156 points is the U.S highest winning scoring while 83 point differential is a U.S Olympic record.

The sensational win featured 37 points from Carmelo Anthony for a U.S Olympic individual scoring high.

No fewer than 12,000 spectators gathered on Thursday to watch the keen Group A basketball game between both sides at the Olympic basketball arena in London.

The game was another dismal outing for Nigeria’s D’Tigers, two days after their defeat by Lithuania.

The USA-Nigeria game ended ‎​49-25 in the first quarter and was 78-42 at half-time.

The third quarter ended ‎​119-62 in favour of U.S, with Nigeria showing no sign of improving.

The game ended U.S 156 Nigeria 73, with many going away disappointed at Nigeria’s poor outing so far.

Culled from The Punch Nigeria.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Why is SHE The Most Beautiful Woman in The Room?

Hello Friends!

My Thoughts: I totally Love Shannon and I always encourage the women around me (and men too) to read her articles(www.shannonyvette.com). Women (and Men too) must realize that what lies within us is more important than what the world expect us to look like...We must take ownership of our destinies and not lose sight of our purpose...It's easy, if we try to be true to ourselves...Always. Please enjoy this Piece from Shannon.

Pretty women abound in our society. Women who possess true beauty are rare.

MAC make-up cannot mask brokenness. A fit body cannot hide shame. A brand new weave cannot cover up insecurity.

Our world teaches women to “strive” for the external; God calls us to look within.

When women are confident of their calling (purpose) and the love of our Creator–we radiate a peace and abundance that money cannot buy.

I love dressing up. I love make-up. I love all things girly and pretty; but in the midnight hour—my soul is what needs to be abundant, not my shoe closet.

It is easy to get caught up in a fear-based society that sends one consistent message to women; “You are NOT enough.” God desires to heal our hearts and restore us to truth.

Growing up in Los Angeles, I was surrounded by women who toiled, and struggled, literally wearing themselves out, trying to be what they already were…enough.

I have read stories of gorgeous women with ugly hearts, I have known such women.

I have also seen the glory of a woman’s whose confidence, power and light far exceeds her physical appearance.

A woman who possesses beauty draws ALL good things into her life. Pray for true beauty. True beauty is transformational, it is healing, it is needed in this world.

True beauty will never tarnish or fade, it is a position of the heart.

Culled from Inspired Truth For Relationships.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Social workers followed me to France to snatch my baby...

Reunited: Marie, Joe and baby Luna.

Hello Friends!

At a cottage deep in the French countryside, a baby girl kicks her feet in the air and smiles at her father, Joe, as she is cuddled by her mother, Marie.

Little Luna is home at last — reunited with her parents at the end of an historic legal battle against British social workers which began when Marie became pregnant and moved to France from her home in Norfolk.

Soon after Luna was born in February, social workers from Norfolk snatched her from her family, flew her to Britain, put her into the care of foster parents and began making plans to have her adopted.

They had accused Marie of putting Luna ‘at risk’ of harm by keeping in touch with her violent estranged husband, who is not baby Luna’s father and who had previously been jailed for assault. 

It is an allegation 31-year-old Marie strenuously denies, saying she never wants to see the man again. But social workers spent up to £250,000 of taxpayers’ money in court and legal fees to try to prove their case.

It is believed to be the first time British social workers have snatched a baby born abroad from its parents — a baby who had never set foot in Britain — and brought it back to this country for adoption.

For 12 weeks, Joe and Marie were allowed to see and speak to their daughter just three times, and only then via video calls to Luna’s foster family on internet phone system Skype.

Then in a landmark decision, the High Court in London ruled Norfolk social services’ actions were illegal. Because Luna was born in France and her parents had a permanent home there, she was outside England’s jurisdiction. The little girl was returned to the couple after French social services concluded they were trustworthy parents. Joe and Marie were told: ‘Your new life is ahead of you with your baby — go and enjoy her.’

Marie said this week at their home near Cahors in south-west France: ‘We were so excited. Luna went to sleep that first night back with us as though she had never been away.

'I lost the chance of breastfeeding her, and we missed her first smile. We blame the English social workers'

But she added: ‘I had lost the chance of breastfeeding her, and we missed her first smile. We blame the English social workers.’ The couple now plan to seek compensation from Norfolk social services for unnecessarily separating them from their baby.

John Hemming, the Lib Dem MP who has advised many parents whose children have been removed by social services, said: ‘The Norfolk social workers don’t seem to recognise any limits on their legal authority.’

The couple’s solicitor, Brendan Fleming, added: ‘I find it amazing that social workers flew to a country outside their jurisdiction and brought this baby to Britain at a cost of thousands of pounds of public money.’

Social workers are under immense pressure not to make a mistake following the Baby P case in London in 2007. He died after suffering many injuries despite being seen by Haringey social services and NHS doctors.

This has led to a big increase in the number of children taken into care — mostly against their parents’ wishes. Meanwhile, there has growing criticism of the accuracy of evidence given by psychological ‘experts’ in the family courts and a growing mistrust in social services.

As a result, increasing numbers of parents under investigation have fled abroad, worried their children will be forcibly removed from them by social workers.

It is estimated that there are now at least 300 families living overseas for this reason, in countries such as Ireland, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and France, where the social services try to keep troubled families together rather than taking their sons or daughters away.

Marie and Joe have certainly had turbulent personal lives, though they are intelligent and obviously very much in love. They met at school in Norwich at 14, and had a relationship for five years. Joe ended up working in Rugby as a builder, but returned to Norwich after he fell out with his girlfriend and was homeless.

Tragedy: Social workers are under immense pressure not to make a mistake following the case of Baby P.

In the meantime, Marie had married young and had five children by her abusive husband before fleeing his violence. At one stage, she lived with her children in a hostel for abused women.

But when this proved difficult, she asked social services for help. They took the children into temporary care, and have refused to return them (we have hidden Marie’s face here to protect her other children’s identities).

Social services accused her of secretly keeping in touch with her husband, putting her children, including Luna, at risk of violence.

Marie insists her only contact with her ex-partner came when she was living in the hostel and, in desperation, asked for his help in transporting her children to and from their schools. She bitterly regrets this.

‘I am the last person who would want to see my husband — particularly as I repeatedly reported him to the police,’ she said.

Joe and Marie then embarked on a fresh relationship after becoming Facebook friends. They set up home together, and last summer Marie became pregnant.

During one of the family court cases over her other children, Norwich social services learned she was expecting — and warned Marie her baby would be taken into care and prepared for adoption.

The couple were horrified. They were already planning a new life in France, where they could share a house with Joe’s mother in the village of Frayssinet-le-Gelat, near Cahors, where she has lived and worked as a landscape gardener for ten years.

Last November, when Marie was 20 weeks’ pregnant, they left Britain. ‘We needed a fresh start, but we did not run away,’ insisted Joe.

In France, he started work as a general builder. But ten days after Luna’s birth in hospital, a letter was left in their postbox by a courier from Norfolk social services, saying they planned to put Luna into care in England.

‘I was distraught,’ said Marie. ‘They said I had to “return” her to England, although she had never been to England. They said she was “at risk” from me because of my husband.’

The couple wrote back to Norfolk social services saying they were not going to cooperate in an ‘illegal kidnapping’. But by early March, social services in France had been contacted by Norwich social workers.

'We were cuddling Luna, and even the male French social worker in charge of our case was welling up'

Joe and Marie were invited to meet a female judge and local social workers in a Cahors court house to discuss their baby’s future. At the end of the meeting, the judge said that until matters were ironed out, Luna must go into the care of a French social services.

‘We left without Luna and I cried all the way home,’ Marie said.

‘For the next few weeks, Luna was fostered by a woman locally. We were allowed to see her at a social services center twice a week.’

However, on Friday, March 23, matters changed for the worse. At the end of a visit to Luna, Joe noticed gendarmes outside the center as two English social workers walked inside to take six-week-old Luna to Britain.

‘We were cuddling Luna, and even the male French social worker in charge of our case was welling up,’ said Joe.

‘We put Luna in her car seat on the floor, and left the center so we would not have to watch her being carried off by strangers.’ That was the last they were to see of their daughter — apart from three Skype sessions — for the best part of three months.

It was then that their English solicitor, Brendan Fleming, advised Joe and Marie to ask the High Court in London for an urgent ruling on their case. The couple flew to England for the May hearing, when a judge told Norfolk social services that France, not England, had jurisdiction over the baby.

In mid-June, Luna was returned to her French foster mother, while social services in France looked into their case. And finally, Marie and Joe were exonerated.

Two weeks ago, the couple got the news they longed to hear. ‘You can take your baby home,’ said a judge at a hearing in Cahors. ‘We walked out into the street cuddling and kissing our daughter,’ said Joe.

‘Now the nightmare is over and she is ours for ever.’

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...

Robert Pattinson 'hiding out at Water For Elephants co-star Reese Witherspoon's ranch'

Support: Robert Pattison is said to be in hiding at his friend and co-star Reese Witherspoon's ranch in Ojai, California, pictured here last April in New York.

Hello Friends!

Robert Pattinson has not been seen since his world was ripped apart after discovering girlfriend Kristen Stewart cheated on him.

And now it has been claimed that the English actor is hiding out at Reese Witherspoon's vacation house. The Twilight star, 26, went to ground last week after Kristen sensationally apologised for having a fling with director Rupert Sanders, who she worked with on Snow White and the Huntsman.

Us weekly which published the shocking pictures of the cheating pair together last week, now claims to have tracked him down to his Water For Elephant co-star's tranquil $7million ranch in Ojai, California. Previous reports had claimed a U-Haul truck was spotted outside the Los Angeles home he shared with Stewart, 22, and that he had jetted to London to spend time with friends.

But it seems that he may have decided to seek refuge with Reese, 36, who apparently came to the rescue and offered up the luxurious estate.

The pregnant actress wed husband Jim Toth at the rustic chic estate in March 2011 and opened the doors to the property for the September issue of Elle Decor.

Californian hideaway: An aerial view of Reese Witherspoon's Ojai ranch where Robert Pattinson is said to be hiding out.

A source told Us Weekly he is 'a total mess. He's questioning everything'.

Meanwhile his estranged love is said to be 'inconsolable', and has been trying to get in touch with a string texts and phone calls. An insider said: 'She's dying to save the relationship. It's the only thing she cares about.' But another source said Robert, who fell his on-screen lover nearly four years ago, 'doesn't know what to do.'

Luxury living: Reese opened the doors to her Ojai, California, residence to the September issue of Elle Decor.

Bolthole: The actor has been hiding out in the actress' property.

Meanwhile Sanders is holding onto the hope he can salvage his marriage, and is still wearing his wedding ring after pictures of him kissing Kristen emerged.

And now Robert is said to want to meet Sander's wife Liberty Ross to find out if their tryst was a 'momentary indiscretion' or if it had gone on for months, according to reports. 

A source told The Daily Mirror: 'He needs to know for his own peace of mind if theirs was just a fleeting moment. He hopes Liberty can help him find the answers he so desperately craves.'

Comfort: Pattison and Reese in a scene from their 2011 movie Water For Elephants in which they played lovers.

Liberty, 33, and Sanders, 41, have been married for 10 years and have two young children together. The actress and model has remained silent on her husband's liaison with her Snow White and The Huntsmen co-star. Rupert was pictured looked troubled on Monday as he emerged from his home in Los Angeles and crucially he was still wearing his wedding ring.

According to the Mirror, Kristen dumped the director hours after she was snapped with him on July 17.

Bad romance: Robert and Kristen at the Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 premiere in Los Angeles last year.

A friend told the paper: 'Kristen had wanted to end their closeness that day but her desires and her emotions got the better of her.'She had no intention of leaving Robert and Rupert has never mentioned walking away from his family.'

In the wake of the news both Kristen and Rupert were quick to make public statements saying that their tryst had been a mistake.

Wounded parties: Pattison is also said to want to speak to Rupert Sanders' wife Liberty Ross to discuss Kristen and Rupert's claims their relationship was a 'momentary indiscretion'.

Kristen said: 'This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I'm so sorry.'

While Sanders told People magazine: 'I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.'

Mail Online has contacted Pattinson and Witherspoon's representatives and awaits comment.

Before the truth came out: Kristen is said to have wanted to stop her relationship with Rupert the day they were pictured kissing according to reports.

Culled from The Daily Mail UK.

xoxo

Simply Cheska...