Home Blog Page 2394

Dame Barbara Windsor: Carry On, EastEnders actress dies aged 83

0

Popular British actress, Dame Barbara Windsor, best known for her roles in EastEnders and the Carry On films, has died of Alzheimer’s disease at 83.

Her husband, Scott Mitchell, said she had died peacefully from Alzheimer’s at a London care home on Thursday evening.

She had been diagnosed with the disease in 2014 and had moved to a care home earlier this year, BBC reports.

Mitchell said she would be remembered for the “love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives”.

Dame Barbara appeared in nine of the 31 films in the comedy series Carry On, and Sparrows Can’t Sing, for which she was nominated for a Bafta, as well as small parts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and On the Fiddle with Sir Sean Connery.

She was well known to millions of TV viewers for her portrayal of landlady Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, starring alongside her on-screen children Ross Kemp and Steve McFadden.

Her last appearance in the soap came in 2016, the same year she was made a dame for her services to charity and entertainment.

She also worked in theatre-making her stage debut at 13 and appeared in productions including Oh! What A Lovely War and Fings Ain’t Wot They Used To Be.

After her dementia diagnosis Dame Barbara became an ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society and met Prime Minister Boris Johnson to raise awareness about the disease.

The star delivered a letter signed by 100,000 people pleading for better care for people affected by dementia and saying the system was “completely inadequate, unfair, unsustainable and in dire need of more money”.

Mitchell, who campaigned alongside his wife, said of her death: “It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserved. I will always be immensely proud of Barbara’s courage, dignity and generosity dealing with her own illness and still trying to help others by raising awareness for as long as she could.”

The couple went public with her diagnosis in 2018 and Mr Mitchell had said they had been “really nervous” about revealing she was affected by the condition.

In his statement, he thanked the public, family and friends for support which he said. “Barbara deeply appreciated”.

He added: “I’ve lost my wife, my best friend and soulmate and my heart or life will never feel the same without you.”

Tributes have been paid from across the entertainment world with Danniella Westbrook, who played her on-screen daughter Sam Mitchell in EastEnders, tweeting: “My heart is broken. Bar, you will always [be] in my heart forever.”

Just In: EFCC Arraigns Lawyers For Allegedly Rigging NBA Election

0

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two lawyers for allegedly rigging the August 2018 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections.

The duo; Sarah Ajibola and John Demide, were made to appear before Justice Chuka Obiozor of the Federal High court in Lagos on Thursday.

The anti-graft agency alleged that they manipulated the election in favour of Paul Usoro SAN, who was elected 29th NBA President in 2018.

Usoro had polled 4,509 votes to defeat other contenders, Okafor Obi, and Ernest Ojukwu, who got 4,423 and 3,313 votes in the election respectively.

EFCC counsel, Bilikisu Buhari Bala noted that the defendants committed the offences in August, 2018.

The two lawyers were alleged to have conspired to alter personal details, including email addresses and phone numbers of about 1004 eligible voters for the elections, with the intention that such inauthentic data will be acted upon as genuine during the said election.

The defendants were alleged to have used a smoke model on IP address 169.159.65.190 to commit the electoral fraud.

The offences, alleged to have been committed by the defendants contravened and punishable under sections 27(1)(b), 13, 22(2), 22(3) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention etc.) Act, 2015.

The lawyers, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defendants’ counsel, N. E. Ogeibe and Deborah Ogundele, prayed the court to admit them to bail “in the most liberal terms.”

The presiding judge, after listening to them, admitted each defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety each.

Justice Obiozor ordered that in EFCC’s custody for seven days in order to fulfill their bail terms, failure of which they will be transferred to the custody of Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS).

The case was thereafter adjourned to April 14, 15, 16, 20, 21 and 22, 2021, for commencement of trial.

Breaking: President Buhari Congratulates Ghana’s Akufo-Addo On Re-Election

0

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana on his re-election for a second term in office.

In a series of tweet, Buhari commended the people of Ghana on the successful conclusion of the presidential and parliamentary elections.

According to him, the election showed that with the right institutions and political leadership, constitutional democracy has come to stay in the West African sub-region.

Buhari wrote: ” I congratulate President Akufo-Addo on his re-election for a second term in office. I also commend the people of Ghana on the successful conclusion of the presidential and parliamentary elections – further proof that constitutional democracy has come to stay in West Africa.”

He further stated that he looks forward to working with the re-elected president of Ghana, adding that both countries share the same cultural and historical relationship.

“Nigeria and Ghana share close historical and cultural ties and I look forward to working with President Akufo-Addo to realise our shared goals of peace, security and prosperity for our citizens and the entire ECOWAS community.”

“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I wish President Akufo-Addo a successful new tenure, and peace and stability in his country, as well as improved relations between our countries,” Buhari added.

Tiffany Haddish Explains Turning Down Hosting 2021 GRAMMYs Pre-Telecast

0

Grammy-nominated comedian Tiffany Haddish has explained why she turned down the opportunity to host the Grammys pre-telecast premiere ceremony next year.

The actress cum author disclosed in a chat with Variety that she had to reject the offer after she realised that she would have to pay her own way.

Expenses for her hair, makeup, wardrobe and making her way down to the venue would have to come out of her pocket.

“All of that would have to come out of my pocket,” Haddish told Variety. “I don’t know if this might mean I might not get nominated ever again, but I think it’s disrespectful.”

She added: “I was like, ‘The exposure is amazing but I think I have enough. I appreciate you guys asking,’” Haddish continued. “And as much as I appreciate the honor of being nominated, that’s not okay. This is something that needs to be addressed. How many other people have they done that to? It’s like a guy asking you on a date but telling you that you have to pay for it.”

Haddish is up for her second Grammy nomination this year after snagging a nomination for Best Comedy Album for Netflix’s Black Mitzvah.

The star received her first nomination last year for Best Spoken Word Album for The Last Black Unicorn.

Speaking about Haddish turning down the offer to host the event, a representative for the Recording Academy told Variety that the Academy is a not-for-profit organization and all hosts, presenters, and performers have traditionally performed gratis.

The rep added that Haddish’s refusal would not have any impact on her future Grammy nominations or awards.

The Recording Academy in 2014 announced the official name of the annual GRAMMY Awards  Premiere Ceremony. Formerly referred to as the GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony.

Last year’s show was hosted by Imogen Heap. The Recording Academy hands out about 70 awards during the three-hour pre-telecast premiere ceremony live stream.

Foods That Are Super Healthy

0

It’s easy to wonder which foods are healthiest.

A vast number of foods are both healthy and tasty. By filling your plate with fruits, vegetables, quality protein, and other whole foods, you’ll have meals that are colorful, versatile, and good for you.

Here are incredibly healthy foods. Most of them are surprisingly delicious.

Fruits and Berries

Fruits and berries are among the world’s most popular health foods.

These sweet, nutritious foods are very easy to incorporate into your diet because they require little to no preparation.

Apples

Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and numerous antioxidants. They are very filling and make the perfect snack if you find yourself hungry between meals.

Avocados

Avocados are different than most fruits because they are loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs. Not only are they creamy and tasty but also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

Bananas

Bananas are among the world’s best sources of potassium. They’re also high in vitamin B6 and fiber, as well as convenient and portable.

Blueberries

Blueberries are not only delicious but also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.

Oranges

Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content. What’s more, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants.

Strawberries

Strawberries are highly nutritious and low in both carbs and calories.

They are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.

Other healthy fruits

Other health fruits and berries include cherries, grapes, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, mango, melons, olives, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, and raspberries.

Moving on to other kind of foods

Eggs

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They were previously demonized for being high in cholesterol, but new studies show that they’re perfectly safe and healthy.

Meats

Unprocessed, gently cooked meat is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat.

Lean beef

Lean beef is among the best sources of protein in existence and loaded with highly bioavailable iron. Choosing the fatty cuts is fine if you’re on a low carb diet.

Chicken breasts

Chicken breast is low in fat and calories but extremely high in protein. It’s a great source of many nutrients. Again, feel free to eat fattier cuts of chicken if you’re not eating that many carbs.

Lamb

Lambs are usually grass-fed, and their meat tends to be high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts and seeds

Despite being high in fat and calories, nuts and seeds may help you lose weight.

These foods are crunchy, filling, and loaded with important nutrients that many people don’t get enough of, including magnesium and vitamin E.

They also require almost no preparation, so they’re easy to add to your routine.

Almonds

Almonds are a popular nut loaded with vitamin E, antioxidants, magnesium, and fiber. Studies show that almonds can help you lose weight and improve metabolic health.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. A single ounce (28 grams) packs 11 grams of fiber and significant amounts of magnesium, manganese, calcium, and various other nutrients.

Coconuts

Coconuts are loaded with fiber and powerful fatty acids called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are very tasty. They’re much higher in monounsaturated fats and lower in omega-6 fatty acids than most other nuts.

Walnuts

Walnuts are highly nutritious and loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals.

Vegetables

Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the world’s most concentrated sources of nutrients.

There’s a wide variety available, and it’s best to eat many different types every day.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a popular vegetable. It’s low in both carbs and calories but loaded with vitamin K.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers come in several colors, including red, yellow, and green. They’re crunchy and sweet, as well as a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that tastes great both raw and cooked. It’s an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.

Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable. They are extremely crunchy and loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamin K.

Carrots are also very high in carotene antioxidants, which have numerous benefits.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a very versatile cruciferous vegetable. It can be used to make a multitude of healthy dishes — and also tastes good on its own.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are one of the world’s most popular vegetables. They’re very low in both carbs and calories, consisting mostly of water. However, they contain a number of nutrients in small amounts, including vitamin K.

Garlic

Garlic is incredibly healthy. It contains bioactive organosulfur compounds that have powerful biological effects, including improved immune function.

Kale

Kale has become increasingly popular because it’s incredibly high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and a number of other nutrients. It adds a satisfying crunch to salads and other dishes.

Onions

Onions have a very strong flavor and are very popular in many recipes. They contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to have health benefits.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and loaded with nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.

More healthy vegetables

Most vegetables are very healthy. Others worth mentioning include artichokes, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, eggplant, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, radishes, squash, Swiss chard, turnips, and zucchini.

Fish and seafood

Fish and other seafood tend to be very healthy and nutritious.

They’re especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, two nutrients in which most people are deficient.

Studies show that people who eat the highest amounts of seafood — especially fish — tend to live longer  and have a lower risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and depression.

Salmon

Salmon is a type of oily fish that’s incredibly popular due to its excellent taste and high amount of nutrients, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains some vitamin D.

Sardines

Sardines are small, oily fish that are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. They boast sizable amounts of most nutrients that your body needs.

Shellfish

Shellfish ranks similarly to organ meats when it comes to nutrient density. Edible shellfish include clams, mollusks, and oysters.

Shrimp

Shrimp is a type of crustacean related to crabs and lobsters. It tends to be low in fat and calories but high in protein. It’s also loaded with various other nutrients, including selenium and vitamin B12.

Trout

Trout is another type of delicious freshwater fish, similar to salmon.

Tuna

Tuna is very popular in Western countries and tends to be low in fat and calories while high in protein. It’s perfect for people who need to add more protein to their diets but keep calories low.

However, you should make sure to buy low-mercury varieties.

Grains

Although grains have gotten a bad rap in recent years, some types are very healthy.

Just keep in mind that they’re relatively high in carbs, so they’re not recommended for a low-carb diet.

Brown rice

Rice is one of the most popular cereal grains and is currently a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. Brown rice is fairly nutritious, with a decent amount of fiber, vitamin B1, and magnesium.

Oats

Oats are incredibly healthy. They are loaded with nutrients and powerful fibers called beta glucans, which provide numerous benefits.

Quinoa

Quinoa has become incredibly popular among health-conscious individuals in recent years. It’s a tasty grain that’s high in nutrients, such as fiber and magnesium. It is also an excellent source of plant-based protein.

Breads

Many people eat a lot of highly processed white bread.

For those trying to adopt a healthier diet, it can be extremely challenging to find healthy breads. Even so, options are available.

Ezekiel bread

Ezekiel bread may be the healthiest bread you can buy. It’s made from organic, sprouted whole grains, as well as several legumes.

Homemade low-carb breads

Overall, the best choice for bread may be that which you can make yourself. Here’s a list of 15 recipes  for gluten-free, low-carb breads.

Legumes

Legumes are another food group that has been unfairly demonized.

While it’s true that legumes contain antinutrients, which can interfere with digestion and absorption of nutrients, they can be eliminated by soaking and proper preparation.

Therefore, legumes are a great plant-based source of protein.

Green beans

Green beans, also called string beans, are unripe varieties of the common bean. They are very popular in Western countries.

Kidney beans

Kidney beans are loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Make sure to cook them properly, as they’re toxic when raw.

Lentils

Lentils are another popular legume. They’re high in fiber and among the best sources of plant-based protein.

Peanuts

Peanuts (which are legumes, not a true nuts) are incredibly tasty and high in nutrients and antioxidants. Several studies suggest that peanuts can help you lose weight.

However, take it easy on the peanut butter, as it’s very high in calories and easy to overeat.

Dairy

For those who can tolerate them, dairy products are a healthy source of various important nutrients.

Full-fat dairy seems to be the best, and studies show that people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

If the dairy comes from grass-fed cows, it may be even more nutritious — as it’s higher in some bioactive fatty acids like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamin K2.

Cheese

Cheese is incredibly nutritious, as a single slice may offer about the same amount of nutrients as an entire cup (240 ml) of milk. For many, it’s also one of the most delicious foods you can eat.

Whole milk

Whole milk is very high in vitamins, minerals, quality animal protein, and healthy fats. What’s more, it’s one of the best dietary sources of calcium.

Yogurt

Yogurt is made from milk that’s fermented by adding live bacteria to it. It has many of the same health effects as milk, but yogurt with live cultures has the added benefit of friendly probiotic bacteria.

Fats and oils

Many fats and oils are now marketed as health foods, including several sources of saturated fat that were previously demonized.

Butter from grass-fed cows

Butter from grass-fed cow  is high in many important nutrients, including vitamin K2.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains relatively high amounts of MCTs, may aid Alzheimer’s disease, and has been shown to help you lose belly fat.

Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest vegetable oils you can find. It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is very high in antioxidants with powerful health benefits.

Tubers

Tubers are the storage organs of some plants. They tend to contain a number of beneficial nutrients.

Potatoes

Potatoes are loaded with potassium and contain a little bit of almost every nutrient you need, including vitamin C.

They’ll also keep you full for long periods. One study analyzed 38 foods and found that boiled potatoes were by far the most filling.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are among the most delicious starchy foods you can eat. They’re loaded with antioxidants and all sorts of healthy nutrients.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is incredibly popular in the natural health community. Studies show that it can help lower blood sugar levels and cause modest weight loss.

It’s great to use as a salad dressing or to add flavor to meals.

Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is loaded with magnesium and serves as one of the planet’s most powerful sources of antioxidants.

The bottom line

Whether you want to overhaul your diet or simply change up your meals, it’s easy to add a number of these foods to your routine.

Many of the foods above not only make a great snack but are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Some of them may even aid weight loss.

If you don’t normally challenge your palate, don’t be afraid of trying something new.

US Senate Rejects Resolutions Aimed To Block Sale Of F-35s To UAE

0

The US Senate on Wednesday rejected two resolutions aimed to block the Trump administration’s F-35 sale to the United Arab Emirates.

The votes were 50-46 and 49-47 on a procedural motion that stopped the effort to pass a resolution disapproving of the sale.

Three US senators introduced different resolutions aimed at halting the sale of advanced arms to the United Arab Emirates, saying that the administration did not follow procedures in the sales process.

The administration of President Donald Trump formally notified Congress last month of its intention to sell the F-35 stealth jet in a deal worth over $23 billion, as well as other state-of-the-art systems.

US senators Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) and Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) announced that they are introducing four separate Joint Resolutions of Disapproval, “rejecting the Trump administration’s effort to provide the United Arab Emirates with a precedent-setting aircraft and myriad other weapons systems.”

Trump Announces Israel And Morocco To Establish Full Official Relations

0

Israel and Morocco have agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations, US President Donald Trump announced Thursday, marking the fourth Arab-Israel agreement in four months.

As part of the deal, the US will recognize Morocco’s claim over the disputed Western Sahara region.

As his time in office winds down, Trump said Israel and Morocco would restore diplomatic and other relations, including the immediate opening of liaison offices in Rabat and Tel Aviv and the eventual opening of embassies. US officials said it would also include joint overflight rights for airlines.

srael and Morocco established low-level diplomatic relations during the 1990s following Israel’s interim peace accords with the Palestinians, but those ties were suspended after the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising in 2000. Since then, however, the informal ties have continued, and an estimated 50,000 Israelis travel to Morocco each year on trips, learning about the Jewish community and retracing family histories.

The White House said Trump and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI had agreed in a conversation that Morocco would “resume diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel and expand economic and cultural cooperation to advance regional stability.”

Smallholder farmers are crucial to food security – NEPAD boss

0

NEPAD has stated that smallholder farmers’ capacity must be enhanced and strengthened to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

Ms Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), has stated that to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030, smallholder farmers’ capacity must be enhanced and strengthened.

She made this statement in Abuja at a stakeholders forum, tagged: “Strengthening Smallholder Farmers Capacities Towards Productive Land Restoration Amid COVID-19 in Nigeria.”

According to a news report by NAN, the National Coordinator of NEPAD said the forum is concerned with accelerating food security in Nigeria and cushioning the effect of COVID-19 towards building long-term resilience for sustainable economic growth and development.

According to her, government needs to take more proactive steps to improve nutrition and food supply. She, therefore, called on the Federal Government to effectively address the issue of hunger and food insecurity by actively involving smallholder farmers across the country.

She explained that this would not only help in winning the war against hunger and the widespread food insecurity in the country, but would go a long way to boost food production and strengthen economic resilience, in a bid to stimulate and enhance sustainable economic growth and development.

In this vein, Akobundu added that if the various intervention programmes were implemented, new jobs would be created, poverty reduced, while more youths would be engaged more positively.

Again, Israel To Normalize Relations With Arabian Country

0

The nation of Israel is set to normalize bilateral relations with Morocco, a north African (Arab) country.

The United States president Donald Trump disclosed this in a tweet on Thursday.

According to Trump, the U.S. government will back Morocco’s sovereignty over the Western Sahara.

“Another HISTORIC breakthrough today! Our two GREAT friends Israel and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to full diplomatic relations – a massive breakthrough for peace in the Middle East!

“Today, I signed a proclamation recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal is the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution for enduring peace and prosperity!” he tweeted.

The development is coming after Israel had normalized relations with three Arabian countries – United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan.

Just In: Nigeria to get COVID-19 vaccine January 2021, says Okonjo-Iweala

0

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has assured Nigeria and other African countries of access to COVID-19 vaccines from the end of January through the first quarter of 2021, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

The statement quoted Okonjo-Iweala as disclosing this after a closed-door meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, in Abuja.

“As long as one person has it in the world, no one is safe. And that is why poorer countries, lower-middle-income countries like Nigeria, need to get it as quickly as possible,” she was quoted as saying.

Okonjo-Iweala is currently the African Union Special Envoy on mobilising international economic support for the continental fight against COVID-19 and Nigeria’s candidate for the Office of the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

She disclosed that the international initiative involved the World Health Organisation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, GAVI, and the international community, to get vaccines delivered to developing and poorer countries, in an affordable manner and quickly.

According to her, the Pfizer vaccine and the AstraZeneca were presently being negotiated so that poor countries don’t have to stand in a queue behind rich countries.

The former finance minister described Africans as blessed, for not having the same incidence rate of COVID-19 as other continents, but warned African nations against complacency.

Okonjo-Iweala recalled that a platform called the COVAX facility had been developed with 186 countries on board, saying that the side interested in serving the poor countries had 92 countries, for which resources have been raised to try and get the vaccines to them quickly.

“So, the Pfizer vaccine, the AstraZeneca, those are being negotiated now so that poor countries don’t have to stand in line behind rich countries.

“So, we hope they are starting by the end of January. We will be able to reach these countries, including most of the African countries, Nigeria included, will be able to get access to some of these vaccines.

“Initially, it will be for frontline health workers, followed by some other target groups – older people, those with underlying conditions, and then, from there, the rest of the population. I think the COVAX facility can cover maybe 20-23 per cent of the population by the end of next year,” Okonjo-Iweala said