Scavengers

Eking out a living in garbage…

ALTHOUGH scavenging, an act of unauthorised persons going through recycling or refuse containers and dumpsites, is considered a crime in various cities in the world because of its health implications and loss of revenue, it is however, a booming trade in Nigeria without restrictions.

Scavenging has become a family business in Lagos, Onitsha and other major towns, while the authorities look the other way.

But in cities such as San Diego, a major city in California, United States, scavenging is taken seriously because of its impact on the curbside programme, irrespective of whether the containers and dumpsites being rummaged by scavengers are located on city or private property.

Also in San Diego, scavengers reportedly steal thousands of dollars in recyclables from the city’s curbside programme, which makes the programme less cost efficient and ultimately, costs taxpayers.

To help stop this crime, the city encourages residents, who encounter a scavenging incident that has already taken place, to report it.

However, that is not the case in Nigeria, where authorised persons, including women and children, are allowed to rummage dumpsites and waste containers in the nation’s big cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Onitsha, Aba and others searching for plastics and other materials.

A visit across major dumpsites in these cities depicted a gory picture of neglect by a government, which even encourages scavengers to rummage through the refuse unprotected.

According to an Onitsha resident, Emeka Aniagolu, it is not uncommon to see dead bodies in these dumpsites with their offensive odours, while government at all levels exhibit lackadaisical attitude to their existence.

Aniagolu, who lives near the popular Onitsha dumpsite, that has covered a section of the Owerri/ Onitsha Expressway, recently completed by the last administration, said the offensive odours emanating from Onitsha dumpsite, has forced many to abandon the road.

But a female scavenger in Onitsha said they were no longer bothered by the offensive odour.

According to her, it is not unusual to see decomposing corpse in the site but they always shift it and continue to search for plastic and metals, which they supply to some people for recycling.

The woman, who was introduced to the business by a friend after the death of her husband two years ago, said she normally makes between N1,500 and N3,000 a day but the revenue dropped when many people joined the business.

“I hope to leave scavenging when I get a better business. For now, it is one danger I have to live with”, she said

But a trader at Upper Iweka, Kanayo Oderigbo was more concerned with the traffic and environmental nuisance the dumpsite was causing residents and commuters in and around Onitsha.

According to him, Governor Willie Obiano should consider relocating the dumpsite because of environment and traffic reasons.

The situation is also not different in Aba, where the dumpsite is located along Port Harcourt Expressway.

A resident, who gave her name as Joy Amah said, residents were worried the dumpsite is allowed in a place where it would be causing serious traffic snarl along the express way.

In Lagos, the boom in scavenging was triggered by the volume of waste generated in the state estimated at over 9000 tonness of waste per day.

Scavengers also known as rag pickers now ransack the four major dumpsites across the state to source for used items that could be sold and recycled.

They reportedly believe so much in the business that they refer to waste trucks as consignments that bring in goods to be cleared.

But the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in realisation of the importance of recycling, recently initiated support for Public/Private Partnership Participation and employment opportunity in resource recovery through the Waste to Wealth programme such as; nylon plastic recycling, kraft paper collection and buy back programme from scavengers.

Although, some of the qualified scavengers are now manning recycling banks sited at various parts of the state as resourced persons, just as the state government has adopted the 3 Rs: Reuse Recycle and Reduce strategy in waste management, a resident, Adewole Oni said scavenging is still a serious menace in the mega city that should be tackled.

“The government, he said, should not concentrate on the financial gains alone but adopt the San Diego’s option in order to safe guard the lives of children and women who are likely to go into scavenging”.

Also a health worker, who gave his name simply as Johnson, expressed worries over the attitude of government despite the health implication on the citizens.

According to him, it is worrisome to think that people wade through the dump side irrespective of the offensive odour.

By Bertram Nwannekanma, Guardian NewsPapers

6 Uncommon Ways To Improve Your Health…

These Bad-Habits Are Killing You! 6 Uncommon Ways To Improve Your Health…

Scientists are always making weird discoveries. For example, a study of high-heel wearers gave us the bit of knowledge that heels are actually better for women’s (and cross dressers’) knees in the long run. Fortunately, we can use these little snippets of information to make our life healthier and happier. We have compiled a list of some health hacks that you can take advantage of right now in your daily life to boost your well being.

#1 - Have a Nice Glass of Chocolate Milk

This advice is for those of us who exercise regularly. If that is not you, what’s stopping you? Go for a walk today to get started! For the rest of us, chocolate milk is the perfect beverage for recovering from a workout. The milk provides protein necessary for muscle growth. And, the chocolate has useful carbs that will restore lost energy.

#2 - Hand Wash Is No Substitute for Soap

Hand wash has come to take the place of soap in many American homes. It is convenient to just press down and get a single serving of liquid soap. However, in the Clinical Infectious Diseases scientific journal, researchers at the UK’s Aston University found soap was more effective at removing bacteria. Also, hand wash may encourage super bugs.

#3 - Make Your Linen Closet Your Medicine Chest

Many people keep their meds in their bathroom. However, with the heat, humidity, and light of the bathroom, the efficacy and potency of these medications can degrade quickly. Instead, keep them with your linens, where it is typically quite cool, dark, and dry.

#4 - Suffering from Migraines? Sniff an Apple!

The more scientists study apples, the more the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” rings true. The Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago found that the severity of headaches were reduced by simply smelling a green apple. Researchers believe that the pleasant fragrance reduced tensions allowing one to relax.

#5 - Keep the Toilet Lid Down

Sorry, Bro, that special woman in your home has a point when it comes to keeping the toilet seat down. In fact, you should also keep the lid down. According to a researcher from the University of Arizona, if you flush with the lid up, polluted water particles will float around your bathroom for a few hours. Then, they make a new home wherever they land…like on your toothbrush.

#6 - Take a Different Route to Work

Or, take a close look at your daily routines and tweak them. Why? Psychologists at Hertfordshire University found that deeply ingrained bad habits can be kicked by simply adjusting other habits, whether they are good, bad, or benign. Shake yourself out of your routines, and you may be able to stop eating, drinking, or smoking too much.

http://www.worthalike.com/these-bad-habits-are-killing-you-6-uncommon-ways-to-improve-your-health

The Penis

Even though a penis is controlled by the nervous system, it also has a mind of its own. 

Erections can occur at random due to some impulses firing from the brain during sleep and that is why most mornings, men experience ‘morning glows.’ 

The penis is turgid without a prior sexual arousal trigger. 

In fact, the penis does not need the man’s brain before it climaxes. 

It is basically the function of the penis than the brain of the man. 

Orgasm actually starts with the spine; the signal to ejaculate is the result of muscle contractions in the spinal cord and pelvis, not the brain. 

But amazingly, simple things like having a rough day at work can lead to a man not gaining an erection for a week.

On average, adult penis typically measures between four and six inches when flaccid and six to nine inches when erect. 

So typically, most penises are created equal in almost all men. 

Human penis still weighs and looks bigger than that of other animals. 

Many men worry so much about the look of their penis but the truth of the matter is curves are common in penis. 

The vast majority of penises lean ever so slightly to the left or right when erect (you are probably just too distracted to notice). 

However, some bend so dramatically (or curve up or down) that having sex is almost impossible. This is known as Peyronie’s Disease and it happens when the penis doesn’t expand evenly during a hard-on.

The structure of the penis does not help men to finish slowly; rather they are programmed to finish quickly. 

So wives, don’t take it personal. 

One of the purposes of intercourse for men is pleasure, then procreation.

 In fact, 85 per cent of men think of pleasure first before procreation while having sex.

Penile rupture is very real; it tends to happen mostly during vigorous sex and also overly enthusiastic solo action like masturbation. M

ost men who have experienced this unthinkable breakage always report hearing a cracking noise, followed by excruciating pain. 

It is always advisable to get treatment on time because an untreated fracture can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (ED).

Penis size, thickness and shape are not genetic. 

Penises are actually formed in uterus when the male hormones are in active service. 

Penises have a ‘seam’ as all men have a line going down their penis and over their testicles. It’s more a ‘seam’ on the underside of the penis. It forms when the fetus is in the uterus. 

In women, the seam becomes the inner lips of the vagina. 

In men, the seam encloses the urethra along the length of the penis. 

Penises contrast in color to other body parts; penises are generally darker in color than the bodies they hang from. 

Why?

 It’s part of the sexual maturation process. 

Every penis experiences a degree of shrinkage on a daily basis, especially when it is very cold. 

In other words, cold weather and cold water are a penis’ mortal enemies.

A typical testicles need to be warm to effectively make sperm and testosterone. 

So when you stay too long in a chilly air-condition room on a daily basis, try to take a ten minutes’ walk in a warm environment away from the cold. 

But there is no correlation between penis size and shoe size, hand size or wallet size. 

And the worst exercise for the penis is masturbation. 

Masturbation is not healthy at all. Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it is also bad for the penis. 

It’s no secret that smoking clogs the arteries, including those that fill the penis with blood, especially at the initial stage of ejaculation. 

This means the penises of smokers may have a harder time rising to its full potential at the occasion of sexual activities. 

Also, men will go limp if they drink too much.

Men really do get ‘blue-balls, technically called ‘pro static congestion which is caused by ‘trapped’ blood in the testicles.

It has been discovered that a lukewarm shower or aspirin will also do the trick. 

With a vasectomy, a man can still be a father because some sperm cell can still hang around, ready, willing and able to cause a woman to be pregnant two weeks post operation. 

So, it’s important to use some kind of protection until your family doctor says the coast is clear.

Please note that if an erection comes on and refuses to go away, this is not a miracle, but a medical emergency. 

This means that the blood flow that causes an erection doesn’t eventually leave the penis. Serious complications can result, like blood clots and some major damage.

Take good care of your manhood, if you cherish it.

Love you always.

Sleep, Exercise May Help Battle Alzheimer's Disease

New research suggests poor sleep and a lack of exercise may increase people's risk of Alzheimer's disease, and make coping with the disease difficult after it has taken hold

Watch this video and listen to how sleep and exercise can help battle Aizheimer's Disease

It is important

How To Know If Honey Is Original

Honey is so important. It's good for food, for healing wounds, for cosmetics, as drugs, etc.

Because it is so versatile and in high demand, most of the honey that is sold around is unfortunately fake. 

Just last week, I did a post on how a mixture of honey and cinnamon is all you need for many of your beauty and health problems. 

You can't afford to have fake honey in the mix. 

The color and thickness of honey varies based on what kind of pollen it was made from, so color is not a good test for honey. 

How can you tell the fake from the original honey? 

Here are 7 foolproof tricks.

1. Natural Honey is not sticky

If you rub some honey between your fingers and it is sticky or gummy, then it is not all natural. Real honey is easily absorbed by the skin.

2. Caramelizing

When you pour some honey into a pan and heat it up, raw honey caramelizes while the fake ones foam and bubble.

3. The paper test

Pour some honey on paper. Real honey will stick together, while the structure of the fake one will break down after some time.

4. The Ant Test

Ants never, ever go near real honey. If you have hands in or around your honey, then it definitely has some kind of sugar in it.

5. The Water Test

Natural honey falls when poured in water and settles together at the bottom, fake honey melts and mixes in with the water.

6. The tongue test

Pure, natural honey causes a mild inflammation and tingling sensation on the tongue, the fake one does not.

7. Crystallization

Real honey crystallizes with time but the fake one becomes somewhat syrupy.

Food On Sticks

From s'mores to kebabs, food's better when it's on a stick 

                                                 Corn dog

Grilling the hot dog before battering in a buttermilk-cornmeal batter: one ticket to the smoky corn dog jackpot

                                          Summer Berry-Coconut Milk Ice Pops 

You've never had an icy treat like this. Fresh berries make a unique swirl in these coconut milk and cardamom pops. 

                                   Lamb Kebabs with Mint Pesto 

When the heat gets high, you bring the lamb and cooling mint. 

                                    Chicken-Apricot Skewers 

You haven't had a skewer until you've had one of these creamy peanut-marinated chicken and apricot skewers 

                                     Steak Skewers with Scallion Dipping Sauce 

While we never met a steak we didn't like, these coconut milk-marinated kebabs are best with tr-tip, top sirloin cap steak, or rib eye.

 Grilled Shrimp and Sausage Skewers with Smoky Paprika Glaze 

Tapas, meet the skewer. 

These sherry-rich shrimp and sausage skewers get a healthy hit of spicy paprika that makes them even harder to put down. 

                                   Glazed Japanese Chicken Meatballs on Skewers

These sweet-and-savory ground chicken skewers change the game for ground chicken everywhere.

                                             Frozen Lemon Pie Pops 

Forget making a pie crust—these lemon pie pops are so much better.

                                  Tamarind "Teriyaki" Chicken Skewers

Here's a low-sodium fix with a high return: Use tamarind paste in the place of salty teriyaki sauces. You'll find the flavor is just as good.

                                  Skewered Strawberry & Marshmallow S'mores

When you can't decide between strawberries and chocolate or s'mores, a stick can bring you both. 

                                  Frozen Chocolate-Dipped Bananas with Peanut Brittle 

There's always money in these gorgeous frozen bananas with DIY peanut brittle. 
Who needs ice cream when you have banana on a stick? 

                                        Chicken Skewers with Meyer Lemon Salsa 

Make your salsa pucker with this Meyer lemon mix-in. It'll make the chicken that much better. - 

                                   Chicken and Scallion Skewers 

Move over sushi, this seared yakitori skewer is Japanese, done much easier 

                    Turkish-Spiced Chicken Kebabs with Pomegranate Relish and Tahini Yogurt 

If you haven't tried it yet, baharat, a mixture of cumin, oregano, and dried mint needs to be in your spice pantry. 

Its smoky heat is just right on these chicken and pomegranate skewers. 

                                      Frozen Fudge Pops 

The childhood favorite doesn't need to grow up. Smooth and deeply chocolatey, they're great just the way they are. 

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes-menus/food-on-sticks-gallery 

9 Awesome (and Healthy) Ways to Eat Watermelon

There are few things better than the fresh crunch of a wedge of watermelon. But this summertime staple is more versatile than you might be giving it credit for.

In addition to being cool, refreshing and downright delicious, watermelon offers important nutrients, including vitamins A and C, plus potassium and fiber. It’s also a good source of the antioxidant lycopene. Enjoy it in both sweet and savory recipes.

Sweet

The tantalizing natural sweetness of this melon makes for divine desserts.

                                             Watermelon Slushies

                                     Raspberry-Watermelon Terrine with Blueberry Sauce

                                      Gingery Watermelon Petit Fours

Savory

Mild flavor and big crunch makes watermelon a welcome addition to savory dishes as well, plus it contains a nice boost of low-calorie nutrients.

                                        Jicama and Watermelon Salad

                                        Fish Tacos with Watermelon Salsa

                                         Tomato and Watermelon Gazpacho

Drinks

Last, but certainly not least, are the watermelon beverages. Cocktails and mocktails can be infused with seasonal colors and flavors.

                                       Watermelon-Strawberry Sangria

                                                 Watermelon-Mint Water

                                            Watermelon and Cucumber Smoothie

Ingredients

One 2-inch piece English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped (about ½ cup), plus one slice reserved for garnish

3 tablespoons lowfat buttermilk

1 tablespoon honey, optional

½ small lime, juiced (about 1 tablespoon)

2 cups cubed seedless watermelon, frozen

Directions

Put the cucumber, buttermilk, honey if using and lime juice into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Add half of the frozen watermelon and blend until almost completely smooth, turning off the blender and pushing down on the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon as needed to help the blending process. Add the remaining frozen watermelon and continue to blend until smooth. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed to adjust consistency. Pour into a glass and garnish with a cucumber slice.

https://www.yahoo.com/food/10-healthy-ways-to-use-watermelon-123482018901.html

11 Ingredients You Shouldn't Refrigerate

The refrigerator is seen as a safe haven for food: tuck everything away in the ice box and it will keep better and longer, right? That’s not always the case—many food items don’t need to be refrigerated at all and could just be taking up space on the shelves. Some ingredients are actually worse off in the fridge.

Here are the top 11 things we think you should move from the fridge to the pantry:

1. TOMATOES

The refrigerator can transform a ruby red, juicy tomato in a mealy, flavorless mess. They’re happiest on the kitchen counter. If you slice into one and have some leftover, it can be wrapped in plastic and left on the counter if you’re planning to use it that same day. Otherwise, feel free to put leftover tomato in the fridge, but use as quickly as possible.

2. ONIONS

Moisture from the fridge can actually make whole onions moldy and mushy—store them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place like your pantry instead. Once cut, it’s OK to keep the remainder in the fridge, just wrap it well in plastic wrap or in an airtight bag and keep it in the crisper drawer.

3. GARLIC

Cloves can start to sprout if kept in the refrigerator—they can also become rubbery and moldy. Instead, store garlic in a cool, dark place that is well-ventilated.

4. BREAD

It may seem counterintuitive, but bread actually dries out faster when stored in the fridge. If you’re planning to use it within a day or two, it OK to keep it on the counter. Otherwise, wrap it well and toss it in the freezer, where it will keep for a few months.

5. POTATOES

Cold temperature causes the starch in potatoes to rapidly transform into sugar, which results in gritty, off-flavored tubers. Instead, keep them in a paper bag (which helps with air circulation) in a cool, dark place.

6. HONEY

If kept in the refrigerator, honey can begin to crystalize and turn in a thick mess that’s nearly impossible to drizzle over your yogurt. It’s most happy tucked away in your cupboard.

7. BASIL

Basil leaves wilt, losing their aroma and flavor when kept in the fridge. The better way to store your herb bunch is to treat it like cut flowers: just keep it in a glass of fresh water on your counter.

8. UNRIPE FRUIT

Fruit isn’t going to ripen in the cold confines on the fridge—leave it out at room temperature for it to fully ripen. Then eat immediately, or keep it in the fridge for day or two so it doesn’t get overripe and moldy.

9. HOT SAUCE

Even after it’s been opened, there’s no need to store hot sauce in the fridge. Its spices and preservatives make it perfectly safe to leave in your pantry.

10. OIL

Regardless of the type of oil, keeping it in the refrigerator will cause it to solidify into a butter-like consistency. Choose a cool, dark place for your oils instead.

11. COFFEE

Take those beans out of the fridge if you want to keep them fresh. If refrigerated, they can not only lose flavor but will actually absorb odors from other foods in your fridge. Go for a small bag that you stash in your pantry and use within a couple of weeks.

https://www.yahoo.com/food/11-ingredients-you-shouldnt-refrigerate-123551310264.html

It's Lunch Time - Which Would You like?

It's about time for lunch and so we present to you these cuisines

Which would you like to eat?

Place your order now!!!!!

1. 

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6.    

Bon appetito!!!!