Church of Saint George is located in a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, some 645 km from Addis Ababa, and what is interesting about the church is that it was carved downward into a rock.
The church was carved from a type of limestone called tufa and the sole building material used in the structure.
It has been dated to the late 12th century AD, and thought to have been constructed during the reign of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, of the late Zagwe dynasty.
Nobody knows the equipment used to carve or construct the church or how long the construction took.
No one knows for sure if the Church of Saint George was completed in Lalibela’s lifetime, or if it was constructed after he died in an attempt to honor his legacy.
The cross-shaped stone church has been a popular site for Christian pilgrims since it was first constructed many centuries ago.
Lalibela’s sunken network of stone churches appear impossible to access to the untrained eye, but a keen observer will note that there is a small man-made entrance that grants access to the holy stone structures.
Countless Christian pilgrims dressed in white have flocked to the Church of Saint George to pray and express their commitment to their unwavering Christian faith.
Many years ago, st George church became UNESCO world heritage site.
New Czech Environment Minister Anna Hubackova said on Thursday she was ready to hold talks with Poland next week to overcome a dispute over Poland’s open-pit coal mine Turow near the two countries’ border.
Talks between the central European allies in the dispute faltered last year, with the Czech Republic rejecting an amended Polish proposal in November.
A new Czech government took over in December following an October election.
Hubackova said a previous draft agreement from the end of September was acceptable for the Czech side.
The Czechs sued Poland last year – a rare occurrence among European Union neighbours – for what it says were violations of rules in granting the mine a licence to extend operations.
They say mining at the open pit leads to the loss of underground water on the Czech side, as well as noise and dust pollution.
Hubackova said the September draft was satisfactory in terms of providing a system of monitoring the situation and technical measures to limit adverse effects.
“I am prepared to go to Poland, to Warsaw, with an offer of an agreement, or signed contract, or for talks for closing a deal,” Hubackova told reporters after meeting local representatives on the Czech side of the border.
The nearest date was Jan. 18, she said.
The two sides have been in dispute about the length of the agreement, with Poland suggesting it may be ended after two years, which the Czech side said was unacceptable giving the mine’s planned lifespan of over two decades.
A Polish government source said on Thursday Poland could seek to cut the planned compensation offered to the Czech Republic for investments and other technical issues because of the growing level of fines it faces from the top EU court, confirming an earlier report in Polish paper Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.
Hubackova said she was not aware of such plans.
The Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ordered Poland in September last year to pay a 500,000 euro daily penalty to the European Commission for defying an earlier injunction ordering it to halt operations, pending the Czech suit. Poland has refused to pay.
Turow, and the adjacent power plant operated by PGE , is a key power source and Poland has insisted it will keep operating the site.
The inter-governmental Mekong River Commission (MRC) on Thursday called on China and mainland Southeast Asian countries to better coordinate management of Mekong hydropower dams and reservoirs after three years of record low flows and extra dry conditions.
The Mekong River’s flow dropped to the lowest levels in more than six decades from 2019 to 2021 due to an increased number of reservoirs, dams and other water storage, a worsening of the climate situation and unusually low rainfall, a new MRC river flow report showed.
Dry conditions in the past three years have affected navigation, river ecosystems and riverbank stability in the region where tens of millions of people depend on the Mekong for their livelihoods.
The MRC – of which Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam are members – recommends governments of those countries improve coordination on the operation of hydropower dams and water storage in the Mekong basin to ease impacts of drought
Reliance Industries in India says it would invest $80.49 billion to set up green energy projects and bolster its retail and telecom arms in the western state of Gujarat, as it targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
Owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, the conglomerate has in the past year unveiled plans to reduce its dependence on its mainstay oil-to-chemicals business and invested in clean energy projects to brush up its green credentials.
The move is part of a larger renewable shift in the energy industry spurred by pressure from investors who want companies to do more to help in the fight against climate change.
The remaining sum will be spent on setting up solar modules, fuel cells and energy storage batteries, as well as investing in existing projects and new ventures over the next three to five years.
Reliance will also spend Rs 7,500 crore to upgrade its Jio telecom network and invest Rs 3,000 crore in its retail business.
“These projects will create 10 lakh (1 million) direct/indirect employment opportunities (in Gujarat),” Reliance said.
The company already has a massive footprint in Gujarat, operating the world’s biggest refining complex in the city of Jamnagar.
Earlier in the day, another Indian conglomerate Adani Group and South Korean steel major POSCO said they aim to invest about $5 billion on projects that include setting up an integrated steel mill in Gujarat.
532 Nika riots begin in Constantinople, revolt against Emperor Justinian I, prompted by chariot racing.
1785 John Walter publishes 1st issue of “The Times” of London.
1943 Adolf Hitler declares “Total War” against the Allies.
1970 Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu flees Biafra into exile, leaving his deputy Philip Effiong to surrender to the Nigerian army, unofficially ending the Nigerian Civil War.
2000 Microsoft chairman Bill Gates steps aside as chief executive and promotes company president Steve Ballmer to the position.
Historical Events Today Today in Film & TV 1928 RCA and GE install three test television sets in homes in Schenectady, New York allowing American inventor E.F.W. Alexanderson to demonstrate the first home television receiver which delivered a poor and unsteady 1.5 square inch picture.
Today in Music 1976 Sarah Caldwell is 1st woman to conduct at NYC Metropolitan Opera House as she led orchestra in a performance of “La Traviata”.
Today in Sport 1972 Bernice Gera wins anti-discrimination case against the National Baseball Congressl, initiated March 15, 1971 to be allowed to umpire
Do you know this fact about today?Did You Know? 1930 “Mickey Mouse” comic strip 1st appears
Would you believe this fact about today? Would You Believe? 1842 Dr. William Brydon, a surgeon in the British Army during the First Anglo-Afghan War, becomes famous for (reputedly) being the sole survivor of an army of 16,500 when he reaches the safety of a garrison in Jalalabad.
The Director of Disease Control, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Hamza Ikara, on Wednesday said an outbreak of Lassa fever has claimed two lives in the state.
This was as residents of Narayi, in the Chikun Local Area of the state scrambled for suspected toxic frozen fish dumped at a cemetery in the area.
Meanwhile, Ikara said the two Lassa fever cases involving a female and a male were recorded in Kubau and Chikun Local Government Areas of the state.
Those were the first cases recorded in 2022, according to the health worker.
The director said contact tracing was ongoing for those who had contact with the victims just as the state government had activated its surveillance for more case detection and proper treatment.
According to him, the risk communication team has also been alerted.
On the dumped toxic frozen fish, it was gathered that the incident happened penultimate Friday when several cartons of the suspected toxic frozen fish were dumped in a cemetery.
An eyewitness said once some passers-by spotted the vehicles offloading the suspected toxic frozen fish at the cemetery, they scrambled and moved the cartons containing the toxic fish to their homes.
It was learnt that the owner of a cold room in the Sabo Tasha area of the same LGA, dumped the fish there following a power outage that allegedly left the fish rotten.
A viral WhatsApp message on Wednesday warned residents of the danger inherent in consuming the fish.
Ezekiel bread is about as nutrient-dense as a bread gets. It’s a type of sprouted bread, made from a variety of whole grains and legumes that have started germinating (sprouting). Compared to white bread, which is made of refined wheat flour, Ezekiel bread is much richer in nutrients and fiber.
Ezekiel bread is a flour-less bread made using a variety of sprouted grains. The grains are mashed into a dough-like texture and baked. Sprouting grains increases their nutritional value. Some researchers have suggested that sprouted grain could be a part of a global solution to boost nutrition.
Whereas most types of bread contain added sugar, Ezekiel bread contains none. It is also organic because of sprouted whole grains and legumes.
In contrast to most commercial breads, which consist primarily of refined wheat or pulverized whole wheat, Ezekiel bread contains several types of grains and legumes:
4 types of cereal grains: wheat, millet, barley, and spelt
2 types of legumes: soybeans and lentils
All the grains and legumes are organically grown and allowed to sprout before they are processed, combined, and baked to make the final product.
Wheat, barley, and spelt all contain gluten, so Ezekiel bread is out of the question for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
What Does Sprouting Do?
Even though grains such as wheat and corn look simple on the outside, they contain enormously complex molecular machinery. There are genes, proteins, and enzymes that can turn a tiny seed into an entire plant.
When the grain receives the right signals, a complex biochemical process begins. The seed starts germinating, breaks through the shell, and sends sprouts up into the air and roots into the soil.
If it gets enough water and nutrients from the soil, it eventually turns into a plant.
A sprouted seed is somewhere between being a seed and being a full-fledged plant.
But there’s one thing to keep in mind: The seed doesn’t sprout unless the conditions are favorable. Given the right signals — mainly hydration (water) and the correct temperature — the seed will start to sprout.
Grains And Legumes Contain Anti-Nutrients
It’s also important to note that most organisms don’t want to be eaten. Grains and legumes are no exception. To get their genes to the next generation, they need to survive.
Many plants produce chemicals to discourage animals from eating them.
Some of these function as anti-nutrients — substances that can prevent the absorption of nutrients and inhibit digestive enzymes.
One example is soybeans. Because they contain enzyme inhibitors, they are toxic when raw.
Even though most grains and legumes are edible after being cooked, cooking doesn’t eliminate all anti-nutrients.
Many non-industrial populations throughout the world have eaten grains without problems. However, most of them used traditional preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting, fermenting, and cooking to significantly reduce the number of anti-nutrients.
While anti-nutrients don’t adversely affect health in most people, they can contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in people who rely on legumes or grains as a dietary staple.
However, anti-nutrients aren’t necessarily unhealthy. Phytic acid, for example, is a strong antioxidant that contributes to the beneficial effects of grains and seeds.
Are Sprouted Grains a Good Choice?
Sprouting — soaking grains in water and allowing them to germinate — causes a number of biochemical reactions in the grains.
The benefits of sprouting include increasing the number of beneficial nutrients and reducing the number of anti-nutrients.
How Sprouting Increases Nutrients
As a result of sprouting, Ezekiel bread may contain more of some vital nutrients. Studies show that sprouting grains increases their lysine content.
Lysine is an amino acid that many plants contain in only small amounts. Increasing its levels through sprouting boosts the nutritional value of grains and seeds.
Studies also show that sprouting wheat may lead to significant increases in protein, soluble fiber, folate, and vitamin C.
Because it contains sprouted seeds, Ezekiel bread should be more nutritious than most other types of bread.
How Sprouting Decreases Anti-Nutrients
Sprouted grains also have lower numbers of anti-nutrients. While phytic acid has some antioxidant benefits, when present in higher amounts it can bind minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron and prevent them from being absorbed. Sprouting modestly reduces phytic acid content.
Enzyme inhibitors are also present in seeds. They protect the seeds from spontaneously germinating but may also make the nutrients found in the seeds harder to access. Sprouting deactivates some enzyme inhibitors.
Another benefit of sprouting is that it reduces the amount of gluten, a protein found in wheat, spelt, rye, and barley. Many people have gluten-related disorders and therefore must avoid consuming gluten.
As a result of the reduction in anti-nutrients, Ezekiel bread may provide better nutrient bio-availability, or absorption, than bread made from grains that have not sprouted.
Takeaway
Ezekiel bread is available in many supermarkets and health food stores. You can also make your own by following one of the many recipes available online.
However, wheat is still the number one ingredient in Ezekiel bread.
Although sprouting may decrease the levels of gluten slightly, people with gluten-related disorders need to avoid Ezekiel bread and other types of sprouted bread that contain wheat, barley, or rye.
If you’re not sensitive to gluten and not on a carbs-restricted diet, then Ezekiel bread can be a more nutrient-dense choice than conventional bread.
It’s certainly more nutritious than most other breads on store shelves, which are usually made from refined wheat and often contain added sugar.
The former emblematic captain of the Ivorian national team, Didier Drogba arrived Tuesday night in the den of Elephants who started their 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday against Equatorial Guinea’s Nzalang Nacional at the stadium Japoma of Douala.
On his arrival, Drogba took part on Wednesday in the muscular awakening, in the daytime walk before the match. He also shared lunch in the middle of the day with his successors in the Cote d’ivoire team.
Besides Didier Drogba, the Normalization Committee of the Ivorian Football Federation is waiting for other Ivorian football icons to come and give their contribution for the success of the current generation.
Quarter-finalists of the previous edition, the Cote d’Ivoire’s Elephants who won the 1992 and 2015 AFCON editions, “enter the field” to win every game, said coach Patrick Beaumelle.
Besides Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, Group C also includes Algeria and Sierra Leone who went 0-0 on Tuesday.
All eyes were on Group E once again as Cote d’Ivoire played out an entertaining match against Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Wednesday.
Patrice Beaumelle’s side shot to the top of Group E after a 1-0 victory against the well drilled Nzalang Naciona. Cote d’Ivoire were coming into the match as favourites opened the scoring early on.
Max-Alain Gradel’s right footed shot from outside the box found the top right corner of the net to beat Equatorial Guinea Keeper Manuel Mbara Sapunga in spectacular fashion.
Equatorial Guinea nearly found the equalizer, Basilio Ndong’s left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner by Badra Ali Sangare.
Ibrahim Sangaré had a chance to double the lead for the Elephants but his header from the centre of the box is too high after a wonderful cross by Franck Kessié.
Nzalang Nacional were beginning to pile the pressure on the Elephants in the last quarter of the first half. Saúl Coco’s right footed shot from the left side of the box was close, but missed to the left hand side of Badra. Coco was in the thick of things again with another attempt blocked in the six yard box.
The first half ended 1-0 in favor of the Cote d’Ivoire.
The second period began as the first ended with Equatorial Guinea on the front foot looking to get back into the match. Dorian Hanza threatened but his header was just wide of goal from Emilio Nsue’s cross.
Nsue has a chance himself to get a goal and put his team on level terms.
A searching ball over the top by José Marchín found the captain but his right footed shot didn’t have enough bend to beat the Elephants keeper Badra.
In an attempt to seal the game Beaumelle made a triple substitution with Nicolas Pépé replacing Max-Alain Gradel. Wilfried Zaha came on for Maxwel Cornet while Serey Dié replaced Franck Kessié.
Zaha saw his effort skim wide of goal moments from the end of the game. The Elephants would eventually hang onto their 1-0 lead and claim three points to go top of the table in Group E.
What they said
Jean Michaël Seri (Man of the Match)
“A lot of players could have earned that honor tonight, but like it’s me, I take it, it’s deserved. Regarding the match, we have to remember the victory and regarding the competition, we arrived with a lot of motivation, sad events must multiply this desire to do well. We were very keen to please our two friends who are going through difficult times “.
Patrice Beaumelle (Coach, Cote d’Ivoire)
’We’ll hold back the victory at the end of this meeting. Equatorial Guinea has made us suffer and I am not at all surprised even if our adversary remains ourselves. If we learn to play simple, nothing bad can happen to us. I really liked the first 15 minutes with the fluidity, simplicity and the collective put forward. We did not continue to play like this, it allowed our opponent to believe in it and to deploy his game. It was difficult but we will hold back the victory and this group will be difficult until the end, Sierra Leone and the Equatorial Guinea are not stooges, they deserve their qualification for this competition. ”
Nopo Casto (Assistant coach, Equatorial Guinea)
“Congratulations to Cote d’Ivoire on their victory but overall, we deserve better. We played well with clear chances. We have failed to make them happen. Now, we must start the work tomorrow to correct the mistakes made and come with more certainty against Algeria on Sunday. Like Cote d’Ivoire, this Algerian team is among the favorites, but we have the means to go for the victory. A game that is never like another.”
A day of history. The Gambia’ Scorpions achieve a historic feat by winning their first match for their first appearance in AFCON finals. T
The RFC midfielder Seraing also entered the history of Gambian football, scoring the only goal of the match. First achievement for The Gambia in TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.
The Scorpions started the game very strongly in Limbé, making the Mourabitounes doubt with a goal action from the tenth minute.
Barrow found Ablie Jallow who controled the ball from the right before putting a dry strike with his left foot into the net of goalkeeper Diop Babacar.
After this goal, the Mauritanians tried to get back to the mark and played very high, but the Gambian defense, well around their goalkeeper Jobe Modou annihilated all actions.
Neither Ba Papa Ibnou, nor even Captain Aboubacar Kamara succeeded in breaking the wall of the Scorpions.
After the break, the Mourabitounes played their game with forays to the sides, or collective combinations, but always in vain against Modou.
Neither the intention of Fofana Gussouma’s comrades, nor even the application and experience of Le Havre Ibnou were enough to set the record straight.
On the other side, the charges of Tom Saintfiet played blocks and controled the ball to hold this first historic victory for the Scorpions.
The Gambia, which is the only team to have made it through the playoffs and then the qualifying group stage for the 2021 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, finishing first in their group ahead of Gabon can celebrate their entry. Three precious points for captain Pa Modou Jagne and his teammates who join Mali at the top of Group F.
What they said after the match
Moussa Barrow, Captain and Man of the Match
“It is an honor for me to be the Man of the Match for Gambia’s first Africa Cup of Nations game. My college scored an extraordinary goal which delivers a whole nation. We will continue to play match by match and look for a place in the second round. I am happy and proud of our collective work”.
Tom Saintfiet, Coach of The Gambia:
“We were the little thumbs, the outsiders, a small country but with quality players, competitors at heart. We will try to win each match, by not putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves. We are realistic, the second game will be even more disputed. We won our first historic AFCON match. It’s amazing what happens to us when we look in the rearview mirror”.
Didier Gomez Da Rosa, Mauritania Coach:
“A timid start to the match, complicated with too much technical waste. We made a lot of mistakes, we paid for it dearly with this goal which came very early.
We’re not looking for excuses, it’s a shame that we missed the start of the game. We are going to look for another game system, another animation to will cause problems for Tunisia during the next match.”
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