Wednesday 23 December 2015

TRAVELOGUE ESSAY CONTEST



TransitionsAbroad.com invites you to enter its 2016 Narrative Travel Writing Contest. Professionals, freelancers, and aspiring travel writers are invited to submit an article that describes how traveling in a slower manner and attempting to adapt to the space and time of locals, their culture, and land has deepened your experience of both the people and the destination.
One of the results of a slower form of immersion travel is the experience of epiphanies through the senses and spirit that change one’s perceptions of others, of oneself, of the interrelationship, and of the world as a whole. We urge you to translate one or more such transformative moments into a narrative.
We are not looking for destination pieces that describe in flowery “amazing” terms your experience, moralistic essays on the pros and cons of a postmodernist view of travel, nor are we looking for travelogues or blog-like posts that are often too overly personal and self-involved to resonate with others on their own paths of discovery. We are looking for evergreen well-written inspirational pieces that will lead others to experience the sense of engagement as a global citizen.
Theme
Entry should be an article that describes how traveling in a slower manner and attempting to adapt to the space and time of locals, their culture, and land has deepened your experience of both the people and the destination. One of the results of a slower form of immersion travel is the experience of epiphanies through the senses and spirit that change one’s perceptions of others, of oneself, of the interrelationship, and of the world as a whole. We urge you to translate one or more such transformative moments into a narrative.
Organizer
TransitionsAbroad.com
Prizes
In this year’s Narrative Travel Writing Contest, the first-place winner’s entry will receive $500 (USD), the second-place winning entry $150, and the third-place winner $100.
Any other articles selected as runner-ups will receive a $50 payment.
Deadline
January 15, 2016.
Guidelines
  • The Contest is open to professional, freelance and aspiring travel writers from any location around the globe and of any nationality.
  • There is no entry fee required for submissions.
  • Submit an original and previously unpublished essay from 1,000 to 5,000 words. Supporting photos in .jpg or .gif format are welcome to illustrate the experience and are considered part of the essay submission. Please do not embed the photos for the travel essay in the .doc files.
  • The Contest begins April 1, 2015, and all entries must be received by January 15, 2016. Transitions Abroad Publishing, Inc. will require first-time Worldwide Electronic rights for all submissions that are accepted as contest winners and for publication. In addition, Transitions Abroad Publishing, Inc. will reserve the right to reprint the story in a future publication. The writer may republish the unedited submission as desired six months after initial publication on TransitionsAbroad.com.
  • Editors of TransitionsAbroad.com will judge entries based upon the following criteria:
    • Engage and inspire the reader
    • Follow the thematic guidelines
    • Sensitive to the people and culture being described
    • Enhance with rich photographic and/or video illustrations
  • Accompanying photos that enhance the narrative are highly preferred, as strong visuals often add a substantial component to a travel narrative on the Web. Photojournalistic essays or accompanying videos will also be considered, and gentle (self) irony or humour is always appreciated.
  • Please include an optional bio of 1-3 sentences that reference your websites, blogs, books, and contact information in the body of the submission. We can include 1 link in the final winning version. A headshot is optional.
  • com will publish the top three winners’ entries as well as those of the selected runner-ups. See past contests for examples.
  • Notification of your participation in the contest via Twitter, Facebook, or other social networking sites would be appreciated (see our links/buttons at the top and bottom of this page).
  • Winners will be notified by phone, mail, or email by February 20, 2016
  • Decisions of the judges are final.
  • Transitions Abroad Publishing, Inc. is not responsible for late, lost, misdirected, incomplete, or illegible email or for any computer-related, online, or technical malfunctions that may occur in the submission process.
  • Submissions are considered void if illegible, incomplete, damaged, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error, or obtained through fraud or theft.
  • Submissions should be previously unpublished, either in print or on the Web.
  • Submissions will be considered made by an authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry.
  • The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners—along with any others accepted for publication—will be paid by Transitions Abroad Publishing, Inc. either by check or Paypal as preferred by the author.
  • All federal, state, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the Contest winners.
  • Check the full contest guidelines and past winning entries here
  • To enter the Contest, attach your essay in Microsoft Word format or copy and paste it into an email as a last resort. Please include your the essay title, full name, complete postal address and phone number in both the email and Word document and add a brief bio if you so choose. Please type “2016 Narrative Travel Writing Essay Entry” in the subject description of the email and send the email tonarrativewritingcontest@transitionsabroad.com.
Inquiries
For all inquiries, contact the organizers at narrativewritingcontest@transitionsabroad.com.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/travelogue_essay_contest

Blessing Okagbare in Guiness Book Of Records


The Guinness Book of Records has honoured Nigeria’s track queen Blessing Okagbare as the athlete with the highest number of Diamond League appearances.
The 27-year-old has 38 appearances which is the most by any athlete in the tournament. Okagbare is the only Nigerian athlete to win two medals at an international athletics meeting.
The current Commonwealth Games 100m and 200m sprint champion is regarded as Nigeria’s best athlete of all time due to her number of titles and medals.
The International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAf) Diamond League is an annual series of track and field meetings which began in 2010.
It replaced the IAAF Golden League, which held from 1998 to 2010, with the next meeting due in London in 2016.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/blessing_okagbare_in_guiness_book_of_records

FIFA Bans Sepp Blatter, Michel Platini for 8 Years Over $2M in Payments


FIFA's ethics committee banned Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini for eight years from all soccer-related activities in verdicts announced Monday.
Platini's bid to succeed Blatter as FIFA president in a Feb. 26 election is now likely ended.
Ethics judges ruled that Blatter broke FIFA Code of Ethics rules on conflicts of interest, breach of loyalty and offering gifts.
Platini broke rules on conflict of interest and loyalty.
Both denied wrongdoing in 2011 when Platini took $2 million of FIFA money approved by Blatter as uncontracted salary for work as a presidential adviser from 1999-2002.
Blatter was fined 50,000 Swiss francs ($50,250) and Platini was fined 80,000 Swiss francs ($80,400).
"Neither in his written statement nor in his personal hearing was Mr. Blatter able to demonstrate another legal basis for this payment," the judges said. "By failing to place FIFA's interests first and abstain from doing anything which could be contrary to FIFA's interests, Mr. Blatter violated his fiduciary duty to FIFA.
"Mr. Platini failed to act with complete credibility and integrity, showing unawareness of the importance of his duties and concomitant obligations and responsibilities," the judges said.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/fifa_bans_sepp_blatter_michel_platini_for_8_years_over_2m_in_payments

NUC ANNOUNCES BEST 100 SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA


The National University Commission (NUC), has released its annual university rankings and named University of Ibadan in Oyo state as the top tertiary institution in Nigeria. The body which is responsible for accreditation of schools, put University of Ibadan in first place while   Covenant University is rated as the best private university.
Below is the 2015 Top 100 NUC University Ranking in Nigeria:
1. University of Ibadan, UI
2. University of Lagos, Unilag
3. University of Benin, Uniben
4. Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU
5. Ahmadu Bello University, Abu
6. University of Ilorin, Unilorin
7. University of Jos, Unijos
8. University of Port Harcourt, Uniport
9. University of Maiduguri, Unimaid
10. University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,
11. Lagos State University, Lasu
12. Federal University of Technology, Futo
13. Covenant University, CU
14. University of Nigeria, UNN
15. Federal University of Technology, Futa
16. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Unizik
17. Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Esut
18. Pan African University
19. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. lautech
20. Modibbo Adama University of Technology
21. African University of Science and Technology
22. University of Uyo, Uniuyo
23. Bayero University Kano, Buk
24. Ambrose Alli University, AAU
25. Redeemer’s University,
26. Babcock University
27. Federal University of Technology,
28. University of Calabar, Unical
29. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,
30. Ajayi Crowther University
31. Bowen University
32. Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Rsust
33. Lead City University
34. Crawford University
35. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU
36. Abia State University, Absu
37. Usmanu Danfodio University,
38. Igbinedion University
39. Imo State University, Imsu
40. Niger Delta University
41. Bells University of Technology
42. Kwara State University
43. Nasarawa State University
44. Caleb University
45. Obong University Obong
46. Adekunle Ajasin University
47. Ekiti State University,
48. American University of Nigeria
49. Joseph Ayo Babalola University
50. Veritas University Abuja
51. Afe Babalola University
52. Kaduna State University Kaduna
53. Osun State University Oshogbo …
54. Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University Katsina
55. Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ndufu-Alike
56. Salem University Lokoja
57. Novena University Ogume
58. Achievers University, Owo Owo
59. Benson Idahosa University Benin City
60. Ebonyi State University Abakaliki
61. University of Abuja Abuja
62. University of Mkar Mkar
63. Madonna University Okija
64. Bingham University Auta Balifi
65. Plateau State University Bokkos
66. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun
67. Federal University, Dutse Dutse
68. Nigerian Turkish Nile University Abuja
69. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai
70. Landmark University Omu-Aran
71. Delta State University, Abraka Abraka
72. University of Agriculture, Makurdi Makurdi
73. Renaissance University Enugu
74. Federal University, Otuoke Otuoke
75. Tai Solarin University of Education Ijebu-Ode …
76. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti Oye …
77. Kano State University of Technology Wudil
78. Tansian University Umunya …
79. Akwa Ibom State University Uyo
80. Baze University Abuja
81. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero
82. Benue State University Makurdi
83. Adeleke University Ede
84. Ondo State University of Science & Technology Okitipupa
85. Kogi State University Anyigba
86. Western Delta University Oghara
87. Federal University, Wukari Wukari
88. Paul University Awka
89. Caritas University Enugu
90. Federal University, Lafia Lafia
91. Cross River University of Science & Technology Calabar …
92. Fountain University Oshogbo
93. Al-Hikmah University Ilorin
94. Godfrey Okoye University Ugwuomu-Nike
95. Oduduwa University Ile Ife
96. Anambra State University Uli
97. Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago Iwoye …
98. Federal University, Lokoja Lokoja
99. Federal University, Kashere Kashere
100. Rhema University Obeama-Asa

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/nuc_announces_best_100_schools_in_nigeria

Tuesday 22 December 2015

You don’t have to be thin


One of the constant worries of every girl, be she a teenager or a woman is her weight. We are constantly watching our weight. If we are too thin people will ask questions and worry and if we become too fat people will ask questions and worry, and some people might tease us. But society has made it so that girls feel that is better to be as thin as a stick (size 0 models) and this has led many girls to living a very unhealthy live.
This unrealistic bod image placed by society (the fashion industry) has led many girls to become bulimic in the name of staying slim with some becoming anorexic
A recent study by the National Longitudinal Study for Adolescent Health revealed that in the five years between 1996 and 2001, about two million teens joined the ranks of the clinically obese! This is due to the high intake of Fat despite being aware of the risk. Fat is what make up the sweet stuff.
While being Obese is a health hazard, being thin may not be a good sign.
The main way to curb obesity is to avoid junk food. Being chubby is not being obese. As long as your BMI does not call you obese, you are perfectly normal. You do not need to resort to gimmick like vomiting up or starving to lose weight. Just maintaining a healthy diet and a normal exercise routine is all you need.
Here are some facts to help you make the right choice.
  • Only three percent of parents of severely obese children considered their child overweight.
  • If one parent is obese, the child's risk is about three times as high as normal and if both parents are heavy, the risk is more than ten times as great.
  • A study asked children to assign attractiveness to pictures of children with various disabilities. These preschoolers rated the obese child less attractive than the child in a wheelchair, a child with a facial deformity and a child with a missing limb!
  • Overweight adolescents have an 80% chance of becoming overweight adults.
  • A recent study in the Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology says that teenage girls who diet, who used appetite suppressants or laxatives, vomited, or participated in binge eating are at greater risk of obesity than teenage girls who don't diet! The girls didn't reduce calorie intake or exercise enough to achieve results even though they thought they did.
  • Anger, anxiety, ethnicity, or level of parental education were not found to have any relation to binge eating. Depression and low self-esteem were the main culprits.
  • Although many young women cut out milk, cheese, and yogurt for fear of fat, how much dairy a teenage girl consumes is not associated with an increase of body fat.
  • A study found that most adolescent girls were more afraid of gaining weight than getting cancer, nuclear war, or losing their parents!

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/you_dont_have_to_be_thin

Monday 21 December 2015

Caffeine, Sugar, Fats, Food Additives and What They Do to Your Body


As we grow we notice that our body is constantly changing, sometimes the changes are subtle and other times the changes are massive – like a thin boy suddenly becoming obese or a total darkening of complexion. Though most of these changes are hormonal, they can be influenced by the things you consume.
Caffeine – is a stimulant which act like a drug when consumed. And like most drugs, you the more you use it, the more you feel you need it. Caffeine is usually found in coffee, cola drinks, black tea, and green tea and, in some, chocolate and cakes. While Caffeine may help you stay awake and look bright, its side effect is the mineral loss the body will suffer. Caffeine may cause heartburn, nervousness, sleeplessness, muscle cramp and irritability in some people. If you stop using caffeine after a while of continuous use, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, depression or anxiety.
Sugar – is a carb and it boosts energy. After eating sugar, you may get an energy surge, which only lasts for a short time and when it ends you become tired almost instantly. Sugar is considered to be an empty calorie which causes obesity. Some experts also think that sugar is addictive.
Fats – are needed to keep you healthy, yet the hydrogenated oils found in fried, processed and prepackaged foods can increase your chance of heart disease and cancer. Too much animal fat, or saturated fat, doesn't contribute to a healthy lifestyle. But "good fats" like olive oil, fish, and flaxseed oil are great for your health.
Food preservatives – like artificial coloring and flavors are terrible for your body. Red dyes, nitrates and nitrites, and MSG, can harm you. You should eat more of fresh fruits, vegetables and non-processed protein rather than stuff your body with preservatives.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/caffeine_sugar_fats_food_additives_and_what_they_do_to_your_body_

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach Wins Miss Universe 2015


Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, the Philippine representative has won Miss universe 2015, on the 20 December, 2015.
There a mix-up though from the host, Steve Harvey. He announced Ariadna Gutierrez,  Columbian representative the winner. He pointed out the mistake quickly though. The new Miss Universe did not forget to praise Ariadna Gutierrez's poise even after the error.
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is a Filipino-German actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder. Pia was born in Stuttgart, Germany and grew up in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. She has one sister who is two years younger than her. Pia finished her secondary education with the ABS-CBN Distance Learning Center and studied culinary arts at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in Metro Manila, Philippines. She worked as a cosmetics model. At the age of 11, under the screen name Pia Romero, she worked as an actress. Pia is currently a stylist and writer for the lifestyle section of a leading newspaper in the Philippines.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/pia_alonzo_wurtzbach_wins_miss_universe_2015

ANTHONY MARTIAL WINS GOLDEN BOY AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG PLAYER


Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has won the 2015 Golden Boy award for Europe's best young player.
Established by Italian publication Tuttosport in 2003, the accolade is reserved for players under the age of 21 and is voted for by journalists from 30 major newspapers across the continent, includingL'Équipe (France), Marca (Spain) and The Times (England).
France international Martial, 20, scooped the prize ahead of Bayern Munich's Kingsley Coman and Arsenal's Hector Bellerin. His Reds team-mates Luke Shaw and Adnan Januzaj were also on the 40-strong shortlist.
Martial's exciting rise in the calendar year of 2015 included a successful end to the season with Monaco (who finished third in Ligue 1), a first senior cap for France in September and a highly promising start to his Reds career, with six goals in his first 19 appearances.
The quicksilver forward is the third United player to receive the award, after Wayne Rooney (2004) and Anderson (2008) - no other club has had more than one winner. Martial succeeds Raheem Sterling, while other previous recipients include Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Aguero and Paul Pogba.
Everyone at Manchester United would like to congratulate Anthony on this great achievement.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/anthony_martial_wins_golden_boy_award_for_best_young_player

How to Make a Big Dry Ice Bubble


Have fun making a dry ice bubble that will grow and grow as it fills with fog. This experiment is a great one for adults to do with kids. Add water to the dry ice, cover it with a layer of soapy water and watch your bubble grow, how big will it get before it bursts? Give it a try and find out!
What you'll need:
•Water
•A large bowl with a lip around the top (a smaller bowl or cup will work too)
•A strip of material or cloth
•Soapy mixture for making bubbles (water and some dishwashing liquid should do the trick)
•Dry ice - one piece for a cup, more for a bowl. Places where adults can buy dry ice include large grocery stores and Walmart. Butchers and ice cream stores might have some too.
Safety first! Be careful with dry ice as it can cause skin damage if not used safely. Adults should handle dry ice with gloves and avoid directly breathing in the vapor.
Instructions:
1. Place your dry ice in the bowl and add some water (it should start looking like a spooky cauldron).
2. Soak the material in your soapy mixture and run it around the lip of the bowl before dragging it across the top of the bowl to form a bubble layer over the dry ice.
3. Stand back and watch your bubble grow!
What's happening?
Dry ice is carbon dioxide (CO2) in its solid form. At temperatures above -56.4 °C (-69.5 °F), dry ice changes directly from a solid to a gas, without ever being a liquid. This process is called sublimation. When dry ice is put in water it accelerates the sublimation process, creating clouds of fog that fill up your dry ice bubble until the pressure becomes too much and the bubble explodes, spilling fog over the edge of the bowl. Dry ice is sometimes used as part of theater productions and performances to create a dense foggy effect. It is also used to preserve food, freeze lab samples and even to make ice cream!
Culled from Sciencekids.co.nz

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/how_to_make_a_big_dry_ice_bubble

Lemon and ginger Drink


This Holiday you may find yourself eating a lot and need to Detoxify yourself.
Here is a quick home remedy
Ingredient
Lemons
Salt
Ginger
Method
Squeeze the Lemon into a cup, grate the ginger into the cup and add a tinsie bit of salt to taste.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/lemon_and_ginger_drink

How to Wear High Heels Like A Pro


Wearing heel can make a girl’s shape look more flattery, it can make you look taller, it can add class to your dress. Well, that’s if you can walk properly in heels.
RubyPlus has put together a few Tips to help you wear your heels better even if you are a beginner.
TIP 1:
When walking, place your heel on the floor first, then roll down to your toes. Do this with every step you take. This way your steps will look natural.
Tip 2:
Take shorter strides when walking, do not rush. This means it will take you longer to get to where you are going. Don’t creep walk, just walk normally; at a normal pace and with shorter strides.
Tip 3:
Don’t walk fast on heels. This will make you look super awkward. Don’t walk too slow either. Just walk like you are in control of the moment. This will give you an air or confidence.
Tip 4:
Lean back a bit when you walk to prevent you from leaning forward. Mostly when you get tired of walking.
Tip 5:
Walk straight, look at your destination when you walk. Not at your legs. By doing this you get to see everywhere at once.
Tip 6:
Arch your foot to put pressure on the inside of you shoes if you feel yourself slipping out of your shoes
Tip 7
Get the right size of shoe. Not too tight, and Not too Loose.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/how_to_wear_high_heels_like_a_pro

MOURINHO HAS BEEN SACKED


Chelsea have revealed that Jose Mourinho was sacked on Thursday because of a rift with the players. The club are now set to name Guus Hiddink as caretaker manager.
In an interview, Michael Emenalo, the Chelsea technical director, pinned the blame for the club’s dramatic collapse this season firmly on ­Mourinho because of what he termed "palpable discord". Emenalo said Chelsea were “in trouble” but rejected suggestions that the players had let the club down.
In the interview, on Chelsea TV, Emenalo referred to Mourinho as “the individual who has done so much for the club”, but did not name him. He also stated that it was unacceptable for a club of Chelsea’s stature to be just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/mourinho_has_been_sacked

THE QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION 2016


The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2016 is now open for entries. The Royal Commonwealth Society, RCS, has a rich history of nurturing the creative talents of young people around the Commonwealth. We endeavor to promote literacy, expression and creativity among young people by celebrating excellence and imagination.
Run by the RCS since 1883, this international schools’ writing contest – the world’s oldest and largest – is a highly regarded and popular international education project which we run in partnership with Cambridge University Press.
In 2015, the contest was renamed ‘The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition’, in honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s role as both Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Open to all Commonwealth citizens aged under 18, our essay competition offers young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to make their voices heard on a global platform, to engage with issues important to them and to express their aspirations for the future. Each year, participants demonstrate their ability to stimulate and provoke discussions about important Commonwealth and global issues from a young person’s perspective and to showcase their critical and creative skills.
Topic
  • JUNIOR CATEGORY
Born after 1st May 2002 (under 14 years)
  1. Imagine inviting a stranger to your country. How would you welcome them?
  2. My ideal community.
  3. Are we really so different?
  4. Tales of an ‘insider/outsider’
  • SENIOR CATEGORY
Born between 2nd May 1997 and 1st May 2002 (14-18 years)
  1. Let them in.
  2. How can you balance the needs of the individual with the needs of the crowd?
  3. The wealth we have in common.
  4. Is it possible to have an inclusive and tolerant society?
Organizer
The Royal Commonwealth Society
Prizes
  • There will be a Winner and Runner-up in each category. Winners and Runners-up will be flown to London for a week of cultural and educational visits, culminating in a special award event.
  • All four top entries will be published by the RCS.
  • A number of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be made in both the Junior and Senior categories; participants who do not receive an award will be entitled to a certificate of participation
 Deadline
1st May 2016
Guidelines
Entries will be disqualified if they fail to meet any of the following requirements:
  • The Competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories. Note: Special dispensation applies to entrants from Hong Kong, The Gambia and Zimbabwe who are entitled to enter the Competition.
  • Entrants must select a Senior or Junior topic depending on their age on 1st May 2016. Please see the flyerfor age guidelines.
  • Only one essay per entrant is allowed. Once an essay is submitted, students/teachers will not have the opportunity to revise it. Please carefully check and improve you writing before submitting the final copy, and also ensure that all supplementary information is filled in correctly (name, contact details, topic number, etc.)
  • Entries must be written in English.
  • Plagiarism: Every year a number of students are disqualified because they are suspected of plagiarism. Plagiarism is the ‘use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author without authorisation and the representation of that author’s work as one’s own, as by not crediting the original author’ (dictionary.com). If using existing writing material, do cite appropriately.
  • The final copy submitted for the competition MUST be the entrant’s own work, and cannot be excessively corrected or improved by another person. This does not rule out input or assistance from others. However, an entry will be disregarded if there is any suggestion of excessive external help.
  • The maximum word counts are 1500 words for Senior entries and 750 words for Junior entries. These word limits apply to all topics and all formats (essay, poem, letter, etc). Exceeding the word count will result in automatic disqualification.
  • A new element of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition this year is a small number of Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) local branch Competitions. This means that your name, email, school and essay may be sent to your local RCS branch. See Clause 4.1.6 of the Privacy Policy for more information.
  • Essays can only be uploaded in either word doc. or pdf format.
  • All entries must be submitted before midnight (GMT) on 1st May 2016.
  • All entrants retain the copyright rights that they have for the pieces they submit, but by entering The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, each contestant consents to the use of his/her name, and/or pieces or parts thereof in any advertisements, educational materials or publicity carried out or produced by the Royal Commonwealth Society and its local branches without further notice or compensation. The Royal Commonwealth Society can publish or decline to publish; use or decline to use, any submitted pieces at the Royal Commonwealth Society’s sole discretion.
Guidance Notes
  • Award-winning entrants are expected to show originality and flair, linked to sound academic standards and competent use of English as a written language. This includes a good standard of spelling and punctuation, neat presentation and clear hand-writing or word-processing.
  • Entries must respond to the topic. Each year a number of good entrants must be disregarded because they do not fully answer/reflect on what the topic has asked them to do.
  • Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their response to a topic. Entries can be submitted in a number of different formats: for example, a poem, letter, article, story, essay or even a short play.
  • Illustrations are welcomed, particularly in Junior entries, but they must enhance the written text and add to the overall quality of the entry.
Submission
  • If you are submitting your entry by post, please complete your entry form entry form in block capitals and attach it to the front of your essay. Entries should be sent to the below address.
  • Post directly to the Royal Commonwealth Society
FAO Commonwealth Essay Competition
THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY
7-11 St Matthew Street
London
SW1P 2JT
  • Regional postal hubs will be available shortly, but all individuals and schools are encouraged to enter online if possible.
  • Important information for teachers: During the registration process, you will need to enter as “A teacher, on behalf of pupils”. You will then have the option to add additional pupils (as many as necessary). Please be sure to enter all the mandatory information for each student. You’ll be given an individual reference number for each student which is needed to download the student’s certificate. Please be sure to keep these reference numbers safe so you can download the certificates for your students, or pass appropriate reference numbers on to each individual so they can download their own certificates when the results are announced in August 2016.
Important Reminder
All certificates are generated online. We do not post hard copies of certificates. You will be given a reference number when you submit your essay. It is very important that you keep this number is a safe place as you will need it to download any certificates you are awarded. Teachers, please remember to retain the reference numbers for each of your students.
Inquiries
Having trouble submitting your essay? Contact competitions@thercs.org

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/the_queens_commonwealth_essay_competition_2016

WAEC NOV/DEC HAS BEEN RELEASED


The West African Examination Council has released the November/December 2015 WASSCE results.
This was made know by Mr. Olutise Isaac Adenipekun (FCAI, MNIM), Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), in a press briefing.
According to him, out of the total number of candidates that sat for the examination, 235,542 candidates, representing 99.32% have their results fully processed and released. 1,612 candidates, (representing 0.68%) have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to the candidates in the course of registration or writing the examination.
However, he stated that such errors are being corrected and the result of the affected candidates released in due course.
He further mentioned that 79,490 candidates, representing 33.51% obtained 6 credits and above; 113,573 candidates, representing 47.88% obtained 5 credits. In addition, 146,253 candidates, representing 61.67% obtained credits and above in 4 subjects, while 175,718 candidates, representing 74.09% obtained credits and above in 3 subjects. A total of 200,304 candidates (84.46%) obtained credits and above in 2 subjects.
He also revealed that results of 28,768 candidates, representing 12.13%, were withheld for further investigation in connection with various cases of examination malpractice.
He stated that the outcome of the investigation will be forwarded to the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC) of the Council for consideration after which the decision reached will be communicated to the affected candidates.
Candidates are advised to check their results at the Council’s official website: www.waecdirect.org within the next 24 hours.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/waec_novdec_has_been_released

Wednesday 16 December 2015

BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARDS 2015


The 2015 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) which held in Akure, the Ondo State capital was brought to an end some few hours ago. Find below the full list of winners from the event.
Movie with best social message – Dry
Best supporting actress(Hausa)- Nafisat Abdulia
Best supporting actor(Hausa) – Yakub Muhammed
Best supporting actor(Igbo) – Ebube Nwagbo
Best supporting actor(Igbo) – Osiji Spider
Best supporting actor(English) – Kali Ikeagu.
Best supporting actress(English) – Omowunmi DadaBest TV Series – Tales of eve
Best Sound Track – Invasion
Best cinematography –  Dry
Best special effect – Hijack
Best screen play – Dry
Best costume – October 1
Movie with the best use Nigerian food – Ayo mi
Best child actress – Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge
Best child actor – Etochi Ejike Asuegbu
Best make-up – Ojuju
Best actor (English) – Sadiq Daba
Best actress (English) – Nse Ikpe Etim
Best director – Lancelot Imasuen
Best comedy movie – Diary of the triplets
Best movie – Invasion 1897
Best kiss – Seun Akindele and Roseanne Marcel
Best use of indigenous language – Stigma
Best production design – October 1
Special recognition awards. Goodluck Jonathan, Godswill Akpabio, Tades Ogidan and Patience Ozorkwo.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/best_of_nollywood_awards_2015

HOW TO WORK WITH STAND ND WALK WITH POISE AS A GIRL


Walking like a woman means walking with confidence and poise. You use the strength and center of gravity to lead with the hips and thighs, often balancing on high heels. If you want to channel your feminine side, start by learning correct standing posture, and then correct your gait. Soon you will be walking like a lady without a second thought.
STANDING WITH POISE.

Stand up straight with your hips at inner shoulder width apart. This is usually about six inches apart from instep to instep. Don’t let your toes point out or in, but rather straight forward. 
Don’t lock your knees. Loosen them up slightly, like you are getting ready to walk. 
Tuck your pelvis slightly. Pull your lower abdominal muscles inward. This will also shrink your waist and make it easier to stand up straight. 
Position your chin so that it is parallel to the ground. Keep your arms at your sides. 
Try to move your shoulder blades an inch closer together on your back. Drop your shoulders away from your ears. 
Pretend you are trying to touch the ceiling with the flat top of your head. You should grow in length by about an inch as you stretch out your spine and activate the muscles in your core. 
Return to this position any time you stand. To help keep a balanced figure, try balancing a book on your head while you hold proper posture.
WALKING WITH POISE

Do a few hip stretches to allow your hips to move while you walk
Try wearing high heels. 
Envision a line in front of you. Lift your thigh slightly on your dominant leg and set the foot down in front of you from heel to toe. Your step should be approximately the length of your foot. 
Repeat your step to start walking. Allow your hips to sway slightly in the direction of the leading foot. Women have a lower center of gravity and the hips naturally sway, especially when you are wearing heels. 
Keep your shoulders upright and back. Don’t lead with your head, chin, shoulders or chest. Your legs should lead the walk, taking advantage of strong legs and hips and a lower center of gravity. 
Repeat the process until you get in a rhythm. Remember that walking like a lady involves swaying the hips slightly, but not the shoulders. Don’t try to take steps that are too large, or it will look unnatural. 
Practice walking with a book on your head to improve your poise and posture. It can help your walk become second nature.

http://www.rubyplusafrica.com/postdetail/how_to_work_with_stand_nd_walk_with_poise_as_a_girl