Spanish Fork businesses come together to donate car to single mother

Many people say that the Christmas season is a season of giving, and that is just what a group of businesses and their employees did on Friday during a special luncheon and Christmas Car Giveaway at Robarge Collision in Spanish Fork. Joellyn Booker and her son, LJ, who has Down syndrome, were presented with a 2010 Hyundai Sonata, donated by many local businesses in the community.

Spanish Fork businesses come together to donate car to single mother

"Oh my gosh," said Booker, when she was presented with the car. "Really, are you serious?"

Booker was speechless, which she claims she never is, when she and LJ were given the car full of gifts including groceries, household items and gift cards.

"We have been waiting for a car, but we just can't afford it," said Booker, to those in attendance. "You can't understand the impact this will have. God reaches down and uses you as his hands."

Booker, who currently lives in Spanish Fork, had recently moved back from Florida. She gave up a good job and her home to move to Florida to live near her daughter. Upon arriving in Florida, Booker quickly realized that her daughter was trying to get custody of LJ to get his Social Security Insurance. When Booker found out, she packed up and moved back to Utah. She was hired by UTA, where she is employed as a bus driver.

Spanish Fork businesses come together to donate car to single mother

This was the sixth car that Cary and Judy Robarge, along with Matt Barber and his wife, Rochelle Barber, have coordinated repairing and donating. The cars that are used are typically total loss cars. Vendors donate parts and staff members at local businesses donate labor to get the car in new shape.

This year, the Brett Harward family donated the wrecked car. Parts were provided by Murdock Hyundai, Keystone Automotive, NAPA Auto Parts and Safelite Autoglass. Robarge Collision provided the body and paint repairs; Dickerson Automotive provided the mechanical repairs and service; and Big O Tires provided the tires and brakes. Wiggy Wash, Western States Insurance and Brenton and Darlene Hatch also provided funds for the vehicle.

The Barbers coordinated this year's recipient.

"We try to find someone to give a car to that would be the least expecting but the most deserving person," said Matt Barber, who coordinates the recipients each year. "Joellyn is someone who is an amazing person who helps out so much in the community, but could use a hand herself."

Booker has always been involved in community service. She helps cook for the homeless and helps addicts on the road to recovery by giving them a place to live until they are on their feet. She currently drives a huge van that is in constant need of repair, has high mileage and gets poor gas mileage.

"Watching the reaction of the person who receives the car is why I do this," said Zack Dickerson, with Dickerson Automotive. "Seeing the happiness and joy and the gratitude is a great feeling and it makes you want to give back."

For both the Robarges and the Barbers the donation day is the best day of the year.

"This is my favorite day of the year," said Judy Robarge. "I feel privileged and honored to give something to someone who is so well-deserving."

"This is the highlight of our season," said Matt Barber. "This whole event is why I live here and why I do business here. This time of year makes it easier to have the Christmas spirit and to want to give of our selves. This event represents that spirit."

Ref: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/south/spanish-fork/photos-spanish-fork-businesses-come-together-to-donate-car-to/collection_d7b8cdde-6b1d-11e3-ac1c-0019bb2963f4.html#13

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Kathleen Turner Is Turning 60 Next Year

Once a sex symbol to men everywhere, legendary actress Kathleen Turner is turning 60 next year and tells Closer Weekly that she’s made peace with getting older!

“I don’t look like I did 30 years ago. Get over it!” Kathleen, who once burned up the screen in Body Heat jokes to Closer. “I’m going to be 60 next year. Sixty! And even I say to myself, ‘Okay, we can’t pretend anymore here.’ ”

Kathleen admits it isn’t always easy keeping confident with fans who remember her a certain way.  “One thing I get really tired of is people coming up to me and saying, [in a patronizing voice] ‘Oh, you look gooooood!’ One day I got so fed up I said, ‘I thank you. And I really wish I met you before so I could say the same for you.’ ”

But with a vibrant career and exciting new roles ahead, Kathleen is embracing her new chapter in life.  “You have to get to that place as a woman where you know your worth isn’t dependent on [looks].”

The 59-year-old actress is set to play Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels’ love interest in next fall’s Dumb and Dumber To and will soon star in the anti-war play Mother Courage and Her Children.

“I’m proud to have such a vibrant career. Acting’s never gotten tired for me.”

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Malema arrested for speeding

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema was arrested on Thursday evening for speeding, Gauteng traffic police said.

“Mr Julius Malema was arrested by the high speed unit in the Vaal on the N1 driving 215km/h in a 120km/h zone,” spokeswoman Busaphi Nxumalo said.

 “They are still busy detaining him,” she said at 7.25pm.

Malema would be detained at a police station in the Vaal.

Further details were not immediately available, Nxumalo said.

 

 http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2013/12/19/malema-arrested-for-speeding

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Kathleen Turner Is Turning 60 Next Year

The past two years have been hell for The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Cynthia Bailey, who was diagnosed with fibroids — non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. The health crisis left her exhausted, suddenly 20 pounds heavier and pushed her marriage to Peter Thomas to the breaking point. 

The reality star now admits to Life & Style that if she hadn’t undergone corrective surgery this summer, her husband would have left.

“We’d be divorced for sure,” Cynthia reveals to Life & Style, on newsstands now.

Peter’s quick to agree: “I know we would have been done,” he tells Life & Style. “There is absolutely no way we could have survived another year if things hadn’t changed.”

The main issue plaguing the couple was Cynthia’s suddenly nonexistent sex drive, due to bloating and discomfort from the fibroids. Cynthia admits to the mag that sometimes they went three months without sex.

At one point, he confesses, he thought of cheating on his wife: “Me and my buddies were planning a trip to Venezuela because nobody knows us there.”

After undergoing a fibroid embolization to rid herself of the tumors, Cynthia says she is healthy again and their relationship is better than ever. “We’re intimate a lot more now and it feels great,” says Cynthia.



http://www.spyghana.com/cynthia-bailey-get-divorced/

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Numsa president: Zuma benefited from Nkandla, he must resign

Numsa's newly-elected president says the union should call for Jacob Zuma's resignation, adding the Nkandla saga was a blight on Madiba's legacy.

National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa's  (Numsa's) newly-elected president Andrew Chirwa said on Tuesday the union should call on President Jacob Zuma to resign following the Nkandla scandal to defend the legacy of late former president Nelson Mandela.

In his opening speech of the union's special congress on Tuesday, and while still acting president, Chirwa made the call after a Sunday Times survey revealed that 51% of registered ANC members want Zuma to step down after it emerged that over R200-million of state funds was used to upgrade his Nkandla homestead.

"We need to deal with this Nkandla saga. Numsa has condemned this misuse and theft of public funds. Should we not ask that President Zuma resign in the interest of the poorest of the poor of our people?

"Must we not ask that Zuma resign to preserve the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who said our people should be prioritised. We should ask in this conference perhaps that our own President Jacob Zuma who benefited must resign," said Chirwa.

He said the Nkandla saga was an indictment on those still trapped in poverty.

Earlier, Chirwa also launched a scathing attack at the South African Communist Party (SACP) boss and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande for abandoning the struggle for socialism, saying he has now become the big defender of the right-wing agenda.

He questioned why the SACP, instead of finding the root cause of the booing against Jacob Zuma at the memorial held for Mandela last week, was calling for a commission of inquiry into the incident. 

"The SACP now wants to spend resources to find out who was leading the booing. That is the analysis we are given [under Nzimande's leadership]. Instead of the SACP asking what gave rise to the booing, why couldn't they wait for guests to leave, they are asking for a tribunal. We are opposed to communists who are giving a left-wing cover to a neoliberal agenda in a capitalist state," said Chirwa.

Vavi

Chirwa also accused Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini for acting above Cosatu's constitution after he failed to convene a special congress as demanded by nine of the trade union federation's affiliates to deal with the suspension of general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.

Meanwhile, Chirwa was nominated uncontested for the position of Numsa president, and therefore took the seat. The position was left vacant after the resignation of Cedric Gina because of differences on policy directions taken by the ANC.

Current Numsa second deputy president Christine Olivier will take over from Chirwa as the first deputy president after she was nominated uncontested.

Basil Cele, current regional chairperson of Numsa in KwaZulu-Natal, was nominated uncontested for the position of second deputy president.

Cosatu affiliates not attending the NEC include the National Union of Mineworkers, the South African Democratic Teachers Union, and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union. The three unions are aligned to Dlamini.

http://mg.co.za/article/2013-12-17-numsa-nec-zuma-benefitted-he-must-resign

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Kanga lights up Arapapa fashion show

THE Kanga can be transformed from ordinary to extraordinary. It is time to take out your party shoes and dress for the occasion this festive season in Kanga-inspired fashion. 

Arapapa recently showcased four designs in this category at Nakumatt Oasis Mall. Singer Judith Babirye and socialite Judith Heard strutted down the catwalk showing off how to wear the Kanga. 

Heard’s short dress looked sassy with a bow detail on one arm, while Babirye wore a long one-arm evening dress in eye-catching red with Kanga detail on the waist and sleeve. 

For the men, there was a tunic-like maroon shirt with Kanga detail teamed with fitting black trousers.

Although the show fashion was presented to only a handful of people, they appreciated the Afro-fusion styles, some of which were showcased last year at a private function graced by the Editor of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani.

These Afro-fusion styles, mainly in black, white and red, were outstanding too because of the blend of colours. 

The mini-dress and the black and white dress that fit like a glove meet different style needs. Santa Anzo of Arapapa promised to showcase Afro-fusion style and she did.

The fashion show, which started after 9:00pm, was punctuated with acapella music by The Cathedrals, an all-men singing group. 

They spiced up the evening with their rhythmic foot stamping, finger snapping and humming, while their sonorous voices blended in harmony, creating beautiful soothing music. 

However, the fashion show ended abruptly and the audience was left asking for more.

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Britain's first gay marriages set for March

The first gay marriages in England and Wales can be held from March 29 next year, Britain's equalities minister Maria Miller announced on Tuesday.

Miller said marriage, which officially became legal for gay couples in July, should be "open to everyone, irrespective of whether they fall in love with someone of the same sex or opposite sex".

"I know that many couples up and down the country will be hugely excited that they can now plan for their big day and demonstrate their love and commitment to each other by getting married," she said.

The government had warned in July that it would take several months to implement the new law, because of its impact on the pensions system and other issues.

Civil partnerships for same-sex couples have been legal in Britain since 2005, giving them identical rights and responsibilities to straight couples in a civil marriage.

But campaigners pointed to differences, such as gay couples' inability to have religious wedding ceremonies, or to call their partnership a "marriage".

Prime Minister David Cameron pushed through the gay marriage law despite fierce opposition within his Conservative party.

The new law bans the established Churches of England and Wales -- which are opposed to gay marriage -- from conducting ceremonies. Other religious institutions will be able to "opt in" if they wish.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own laws on the matter. Members of the Scottish parliament passed an initial vote on gay marriage in November, but Northern Irish lawmakers are deeply divided on the issue.

Same-sex couples who are married under foreign law, currently treated as civil partners in Britain, will be recognised as married couples from March, Miller said.

Gay marriages can take place at some British consulates and military bases abroad from June.

Gay marriage is legal in 14 other nations around the world, as well as parts of several other countries including 16 US states.

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Burundi ex-VP arrested while having sex

Bujumbura - Burundi's opposition on Tuesday condemned the arrest of one of its key leaders, claiming he had been “set up” in a sex and bribery scandal designed to block a challenge to the country's president.

Frederic Bamvuginyumvira, a former vice

-president of Burundi and current deputy of the Front for Democracy in Burundi (Frodebu) party, was arrested on Thursday “while having sex... in a house of ill repute”, said senior Supreme Court official Emmanuel Rumbete.

Bamvuginyumvira, 52, is alleged to have then tried to bribe his way to freedom, while a woman, reportedly an old family friend in her fifties, was released.

But his party said his arrest was organised by President Pierre Nkurunziza, adding to political tensions in the small central African nation, torn in the past by civil war, rebellion and massacres.

“This is outrageous,” said Frodebu president Leonce Ngendakumana. “We are witnessing a shameless and growing campaign orchestrated by Pierre Nkurunziza to remove a man known for his integrity, and who could pose a threat in the general election in 2015.”

Bamvuginyumvira, a highly respected leader with a reputation for being tough on graft, was Burundi's vice president from 1998 to 2001, and is touted as one of the most serious potential opposition presidential candidates for 2015.

According to eyewitness accounts, Bamvuginyumvira was arrested while riding in a car in the centre of the capital Bujumbura.

One of his lawyers, Fabien Segatwa, criticised the lack of evidence against him, as well as condemning his treatment in prison, where he said the politician was “forced to sleep on the floor” without a mattress or blankets.

“He was first prosecuted for adultery, but that charge was quickly abandoned because it requires a complaint from his wife,” Segatwa said, adding that police also considered charges of rebellion and incitement to debauchery.

Frodebu won the 1993 general elections, bringing to power the country's first elected president Melchior Ndadaye.

Ndadaye was assassinated a few months later, triggering a brutal civil war that ended in 2006.

Like other opposition groups Frodebu boycotted legislative elections in 2010.

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Jessica Simpson seeing tantric sex therapist

Los Angeles - Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are seeing a tantric sex therapist.

The 33-year-old mother-of-two is said to be even closer to her fiancé since they have been getting advice from the expert in the Indian arts of Tantra meditation, which can see couples having sex together for hours while they meditate.

A source told the National Enquirer magazine: "While it sounds like it's all about sex, tantra is all about intimacy and also has a spiritual element.

"It's more like a yoga session mixed with couples' therapy. They do breathing exercises and then the therapist encourages them to discuss their sexual fantasies. Jessica says it's helped them open up in ways she never imagined."

Jessica - who has children Max, 19-months, and Ace, six months with Jason - has recently been on a health kick to lose her baby weight and her diet combined with the new tantric practices have made her feel in better shape than ever.

The source added: "Jessica swears she has more energy, and her skin is constantly glowing. She's telling friends she's found the fountain of youth."



more: http://www.channel24.co.za/Gossip/News/Jessica-Simpson-seeing-tantric-sex-therapist-20131209

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The three women in Nelson Mandela’s life

Nelson Mandela married three times and fathered six children. He also had 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

His life was dedicated to politics and achieving freedom for the oppressed people in the country, which left him little time with his children and loved ones. He was described as a stern and demanding father but affectionate towards his grandchildren after his release from prison.

Mandela first married Evelyn Ntoko Mase from his homeland in Transkei in October 1944. She was the cousin of Walter Sisulu.

The couple had two sons, Madiba “Thembi” Thembekile (1946-1969) and Makgatho Mandela (1950-2005), and two daughters, both named Makaziwe Mandela (known as Maki; born 1947 and 1953).

Their first The three women in Nelson Mandela’s lifedied aged nine months. They named their second daughter in her honour. Mandla Mandela, became chief of the Mvezo tribal council in 2007. In his autobiography the Long Walk to Freedom he said in 1955, she (Mase) gave him an ultimatum to choose between her and the ANC.

“When I came out of prison, I found that she had moved out and taken the children. Mase and I had irreconcilable differences. I could not give up my life in the struggle. She could not live with my devotion to something other than herself and the family. I never lost my respect and admiration for her, but in the end, we could not make our marriage work. I regret what happened to my first marriage.”

Mandela married Winnie Madikizela in 1958. She was Johannesburg’s first black social worker. Their marriage lasted until 1996. They had two daughters, Zenani (Zeni), born on February 4, 1958, and Zind-ziswa (Zindzi) Mandela-Hlongwane, born in 1960.

Mandela was sent to Robben Island in 1962 and did not witness his daughters grow up.

“I have nursed for her inside and outside of prison from the moment I first met her.” Mandela said describing his marriage to Winnie. Journalist Jessie Duarte who interviewed Mandela said Mandela and Winnie had grown apart. He said Mandela recognised this. Duarte said he (Mandela) thought it was going to be very difficult for them to continue a relationship that hadn’t been there for 27 years. Mandela had very fond memories of their early marriage together. Winnie was his only reference point physically with the rest of the world for a long time.

Mandela married his third wife Graça Machel in 1998 on his 80th birthday. She was the widow of Samora Machel, the former Mozambican president.

They had first met in July 1990, when she was still in mourning. Their friendship grew into a partnership, with Machel accompanying him on many of his foreign visits.

“I’m in love with a remarkable lady,” Mandela said in a public announcement.

Graça in a radio interview said, “It’s just wonderful that finally we have found each other and can share a life together.”

In an interview with journalist Ann Mcferran in 2007, Graça said, “We were both very, very lonely. We both wanted someone you could talk to; someone who’d understand. It just happened; I can’t explain it. I’m very close to my children so I couldn’t hide it from them. I said, ‘I feel good about seeing Mandela, but there’s no question of marriage.’ But it came to the point where for Madiba (Nelson) the only thing that was missing was marriage. When I told my children, they couldn’t believe it. I’d sworn I wouldn’t get married again, but he surprised me. It took a very special person to make me change my mind.”

In the book, Mandela: The Authorised Biography he said, “I don’t regret the reverses and setbacks because late in my life I am blooming like a flower, because of the love and support she has given me.”

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Ajax confirm Manyama Chiefs move

Ajax Cape Town have agreed terms with Kaizer Chiefs for the services of Lebogang Manyama.

Manyama’s move to the Chiefs in January is subject to the player agreeing personal terms with the club.

In a press release, Ajax admit that the “lucrative offer” they made to Manyama was not enough to entice him to stay, but add that they wish him all the best at Amakhosi.

“We have agreed and accepted the offer made by Kaizer Chiefs for Manyama’s services,” club boss Ari Efstathiou says.

“As new management, we indicated at the start of the season that we would like to retain our players so as to build a strong and competitive team.

“We offered Lebo a new lucrative contract, however, the player indicated that he would like to make a move and start a new adventure in his life.

“With Lebo’s contract coming to an end in June 2014, we had no alternative but to consider all our options.

“Kaizer Chiefs was first off the block, tabling an offer that was fair and reasonable.

“We are absolutely sure that Lebo will play his heart out in the remaining two home games against Bloemfontein Celtic and Platinum Stars next week and will leave the club that launched his career with a flurry of goals.

“We appreciate Lebo’s contribution to the success of Ajax Cape Town during his time at Ikamva and we wish him well for his future.”

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Kanye West kicks fan out of gig

Kanye West reportedly kicked a fan out of his concert on Sunday for heckling.

The 36-year-old rapper had a member of his security team remove a female from his gig in San Antonio, Texas, after she and a group of friends repeatedly screamed at him to take off his Maison Martin Margiela-created mask that covers his entire face.

The incident was caught on video and posted on Instagram by a fellow concert-goer, and the footage shows the Blood on the Leaves hitmaker becoming increasingly irritated by the fan's demand as he approaches the crowd.

He said: ''Now, you can see my face on the Internet, every motherf**king day. I came here, I open up a mountain...and you tryin' to tell me how to give you my art.''

The rapper, who then performed a song explaining that he wears the mask so he doesn't have to worry about unflattering photographs, later gave his bodyguard a hand signal to have the woman thrown out of the show, before he ranted: ''Do I look like a motherf**king comedian? Don't f**king heckle me.

I'm Kanye motherf**king West. I'm dead f**king serious.'' Kanye's reaction to the heckling came just days after his fiancee, Kim Kardashian, surprised one of her Twitter followers by inviting her and a friend to join the reality star in the VIP section for Kanye's concert in New Orleans on Thursday night.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star sent her security to find the 19 year old fan after she tweeted: ''I'm looking for Kim SO hard while we wait for Yeezy to come out. Wya sis? (sic)''

 The 33-year-old beauty also brought them backstage to meet Kanye after his performance.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/celebrity/2013/12/10/kanye-west-kicks-fan-out-of-gig

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Our long run in spotlight is over

This is the end of our exceptionalism. In global terms, the passing of Nelson Mandela takes us back into the realms of the ordinary and the ignored, writes Mike Wills.

Former president Nelson Mandela and Britain's Queen Elizabeth ride in a carriage outside Buckingham Palace, in this July 9, 1996 file photo. In global terms, the passing of Mandela takes us back into the realms of the ordinary and the ignored, says the writer.

It’s been a remarkably long run. The arc of apartheid has placed South Africa in international consciousness since Sharpeville in 1960 and over the past half century we have consistently had more air time and column inches (and their latterday equivalent digital metrics) than any nation other than the major powers and Israel.

Some societies have flamed into and out of widespread news consciousness but we have held a steady presence. Joburg has been the base for more foreign correspondents and international news bureaus than any southern hemisphere city and a tour of duty was an almost obligatory line on the CV of any ambitious reporter.

Apartheid truly was a cosmopolitan issue. Barack Obama recalled that his first political act was to protest against it.

When I arrived at an English university in 1973, the first leaflet that was pushed under my door attacked Barclays because of its South African ties.

Sports boycotts and sanctions were constant running debates. Anti-apartheid demonstrations were constant running battles.

Everyone had a view on South Africa and after 1976 everyone had heard of Soweto.

What is forgotten now is that not everyone at that time knew of Mandela even though he had been in prison for 12 years. The well-informed were aware of his critical importance to the ANC but in broad terms he was relatively unknown. Steve Biko, after his murder in 1977, eclipsed him in global prominence.

It was only in the early 1980s that the protest banners on the streets calling for an end to apartheid significantly morphed into “Free Nelson Mandela”.

The ANC was slow to ride this publicity bandwagon because OR Tambo was the movement’s official leader. Many were reluctant to promote a culture of celebrity and the SACP, which played a key role in every ANC debate, was not sure Mandela could be relied on to hold the ideological line.

Lest we forget, more than anyone it was Winnie Mandela who gave the Mandela name unstoppable global impetus. She understood the game far better than the ANC and provided the easy hook for foreign media coverage – a vibrant, articulate and brave woman battling an evil system. The reporters could not cover him but she always made a good story.

By his 70th birthday in 1988 the Mandela name was big enough to pack Wembley Stadium for a star-studded concert and his release from prison in 1990 remains one of the definitive international TV news events of the last century.

All of that happened beyond the control, and without the active participation, of Mandela himself. Languishing in prison and with no published visual image since the mid-1960s, he was an invented and contrived persona on which so much expectation was draped.

It is extraordinary beyond price that Mandela not only met those burdensome expectations when he was finally able to take control of his own destiny but he exceeded them.

What the media had built up, it could so easily have knocked down, and there were enough stumbles along the way – both politically and personally – for that to happen. His immense attributes simply overcame everything and everyone.

The words “apartheid” and “Mandela” have been the global shorthand for how people see us. They defined us in the world’s eyes. Without either to glibly hang their hats on, the rest of the planet will move on with scarcely a glance. We’re pretty much on our own now.

*Mike Wills’ column Open Mike appears in the Cape Agus every Wednesday.

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Naomi Campbell: Mandela unites everyone

Johannesburg - British supermodel Naomi Campbell has described Nelson Mandela as the only leader who could bring everyone together, ITV News reported on Tuesday.

"It's been an amazing service and everyone has come together. Only Mr Mandela, Madiba, Tata, could bring everyone together like this," she was quoted saying.

On Tuesday, tens of thousands of South Africans attended the former statesman's memorial service.

US, British and French heads of government past and present attended, along with European royals, African leaders, including Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, and a strong celebrity contingent led by local-born actress Charlize Theron.

Campbell told ITV News after Mandela's memorial that he was someone she would treasure in her heart for the rest of her life. "I got to know him for 20 years and it's an honour and a blessing and I'm truly in awe and will always be eternally grateful. He means a lot to me and I have a lot of wonderful memories."

Madiba would have wanted people to celebrate his life and legacy, she said. 

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Zara reports slower growth in sales

Spanish textile giant Inditex, owner of the fashion brand Zara, revealed Wednesday slower profit growth as it pursued a global expansion beyond the fragile economies of Europe. 

Inditex said net profit in the nine months to October 30 edged up one percent from the figure for the same period a year earlier to 1.67 billion euros ($2.3 billion), a far cry from the 27-percent leap in profits it reported a year ago. 

Sales rose by five percent to 11.93 billion euros in the same period; a year ago they had shot up by 17 percent. 

"The results for the interim nine months 2013 show that Inditex continues its global, multiconcept, multi-channel growth," said a statement by the group, which has grown from humble beginnings in the northwestern Spanish region of Galicia to reign over 6,249 stores in 86 countries. 

Inditex said it now employs 124,880 people in a fashion empire that includes the brands of Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull and Bear, Stradivarius and Zara. 

The group said its operating costs were "tightly managed" but nevertheless rose by seven percent as it opened up new retail space. 

Inditex said expansion plans for its 2013 business year, which ends January 31, were "on track". The group plans to open about 500 large stores, enlarge 100 global flagship stores and introduce a new image to key stores around the world. 

The group said it now had 4,545 stores in Europe, 536 in the Americas and 1,168 in Asia and the rest of the world. Inditex said it had rolled out online sales in Russia and now planned to launch e-commerce operations in South Korea and Mexico next year. 

In an encouraging sign in the run-up to the key end-of-year sales period, Inditex said sales rose by 10 percent between November 1 and December 8 after excluding the impact of currency variations.

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Desmond Tutu on Nelson Mandela: 'Prison became a crucible'

For 27 years, I knew Nelson Mandela by reputation only. I had seen him once, in the early 1950s, when he came to my teacher-training college to judge a debating contest. The next time I saw him was in 1990.

When he came out of prison, many people feared he would turn out to have feet of clay. The idea that he might live up to his reputation seemed too good to be true. A whisper went around that some in the ANC said he was a lot more useful in jail than outside.

When he did come out, the most extraordinary thing happened. Even though many in the white community in South Africa were still dismissing him as a terrorist, he tried to understand their position. His gestures communicated more eloquently than words. For example, he invited his white jailer as a VIP guest to his inauguration as president, and he invited the prosecutor in the Rivonia trial to lunch.

What incredible acts of magnanimity these were. His prosecutor had been quite zealous in pushing for the death penalty. Mandela also invited the widows of the Afrikaner political leaders to come to the president's residence. Betsie Verwoerd, whose husband, HF Verwoerd, was assassinated in 1966, was unable to come because she was unwell. She lived in Oranje, where Afrikaners congregated to live, exclusively. And Mandela dropped everything and went to have tea with her, there, in that place.

He had an incredible empathy. During the negotiations that led up to the first free elections, the concessions he was willing to make were amazing. Chief Buthelezi wanted this, that and the other, and at every single point Madiba would say: yes, that's OK. He was upset that many in the ANC said Inkatha was not a genuine liberation movement. He even said that he was ready to promise Buthelezi a senior cabinet position, which was not something he had discussed with his colleagues. He did this to ensure that the country did not descend into a bloodbath.

He said of the Afrikaners: you can very well understand how they must be feeling. He reached out to them using the symbol of the South African rugby team, the springbok, which was excoriated by many black people as a symbol of Afrikaner power.

Rugby was the white man's sport, especially for Afrikaners, and Mandela's master stroke at the World Cup final was when he strode on to the turf wearing his Springbok jersey. Almost any other political leader would have seemed gauche, but he carried it off with aplomb. The whole arena, which was probably 99% white, mostly Afrikaner, erupted into cries of "Nelson! Nelson!" It was extraordinary. And who would have believed that in the townships they would be celebrating a rugby victory?

Of course I saw him angry. After the Boipatong massacre, in 1992, in which 42 people died, the ANC pulled out of negotiations, and he was quite livid. He claimed the intelligence services had warned [the president] FW de Klerk something untoward was going to happen, that there was collusion between the security forces and Inkatha. I don't know whether De Klerk ignored that warning. Madiba said it was clear black lives meant nothing.

Another time, he told me that when he and De Klerk were at the Nobel peace prize ceremony in Oslo, something had upset him greatly. There was a group singing Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, regarded as the anthem of the liberation struggle, and De Klerk and his wife talked through the singing; they didn't show respect.

But his anger was never greater than his patience or forgiveness. People say, look at what he achieved in his years in government – what a waste those 27 years in prison were. I maintain his prison term was necessary because when he went to jail, he was angry. He was relatively young and had experienced a miscarriage of justice; he wasn't a statesperson, ready to be forgiving: he was commander-in-chief of the armed wing of the party, which was quite prepared to use violence.

The time in jail was quite crucial. Of course, suffering embitters some people, but it ennobles others. Prison became a crucible that burned away the dross. People could never say to him: "You talk glibly of forgiveness. You haven't suffered. What do you know?" Twenty-seven years gave him the authority to say, let us try to forgive.

One of the greatest traumas of his life is what happened between him and Winnie. He really loved Winnie. Soon after he came out of jail, I invited them for a Xhosa meal. And as they sat there, you can't imagine anyone more besotted. The hurt was deep. It's marvellous that he found Graça. But you feel a little sad, because Winnie went through so much, and it would have been a perfect ending to a fairytale had they lived happily ever after.

The most fitting memorial to Mandela is to make a success of what he helped to establish. He was clear that, ultimately, no one is indispensible. He was a great one for stressing that he was a loyal member of the ANC, and that no one was bigger than the movement. But, of course, we know better.

Anyone, anywhere in the world, who gets to be a leader knows that here is the benchmark. And they must ask themselves: how do I measure up?

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Celebrated Ghanaian Actors Arrives For Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award

Celebrated Ghanaian actors, Yvonne Okoro and Majid Michel accompanied by Fashion 101 host, Sandra Ankobiah touchdown in Lagos Nigeria on Thursday morning ahead of Nominees party for the 2014 edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCAs).

The AMVCAs, created to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution made by Pan African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry.

The 2014 award ceremony is being organized in association with Multichoice Africa and sponsored Amstel Malta.

The nominees’ party will be hosted by Zimbabwean actress, model and television personality Vimbai Mutinhiri and South African icon, Lawrence Maleka at the Land Mark Event Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos on Thursday night.

The party is to announce next year’s event which will be the second of its kind and also release nominees for the year, among other activities.

Yvonne Okoro, Majid Michel and Sandra Ankobiah arrived in Lagos for the event at about 11:05am Nigeria time and were chauffeured straight to the event grounds for rehearsals.

Other Celebrated Africa icons are expected to attend the event tonight.

http://www.spyghana.com/celebrated-ghanaian-actors-arrives-africa-magic-viewers-choice-award/

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Oluchi Orlandi vs Rihanna.......Who's Dress is Best?

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Who wins Ghana Movie Awards?

The competition, lobbying and scheming among Ghanaian filmmakers ahead of this year’s Ghana Movie Awards has heightened, according to information reaching NEWS-ONE.

Though December 25 has been the usual date for the annual event, NEWS-ONE has picked some rather interesting information that the 2013 edition has been shifted to December 30, allowing more time for the nominees to lobby for votes.

Unlike previous editions where a jury was set to decide which actor or director won which award, what would happen this year is that the winners would be arrived at through a special voting system supervised by Deloitte & Touche, a multinational auditing firm of enviable repute.

“What would happen is that the actors would vote among themselves to decide who is the best actor, the actresses would do same to decide who should be the best actress, movie directors would also vote among themselves for their category, film editors would do same for their category and this is how winners for the various categories would be selected.

It is only the overall best winner that would be selected through a jury,” the source stated.

The source explained further that there would be a special voting sheet given to the various stakeholders and that after voting, the poll sheets would be forwarded to Deloitte & Touche for compilation and collation.

The overall winner still walks home with a car anyway, as well as a trip to the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Despite the annual controversies, the Ghana Movie Awards seems to be picking up year-after-year though there is still room for improvement.

Indeed, in the absence of the Ghana Movie Awards, the country cannot even boast of a ‘starting point’ towards the Oscars or other international awards.

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Amadi Jennifer Enuolare wins Miss Nigeria Ghana 2013

All was set at the outdoor event at La Palm hotel until the rain suddenly started. This did not change the plan because many Nigerians were present to witness the second edition. The program was quickly reorganized in the hall.

The Miss Nigeria Ghana 2013 beauty pageant came to end this morning when Amadi Jennifer Enuolare emerged as the new queen. Jennifer who is an orphan was able to beat the other 35 contestants in a fierce competition.

The new Miss Nigeria Ghana is from Rivers State, Nigeria and currently a student of Knutsford University College, East Legon, Accra, Ghana.

She is studying Human Resource Management and she loves cooking, listening to music and making friends. She entered into the Miss Nigeria Ghana 2013 to make a difference and represented Delta state.

The first Miss Nigeria Ghana, Amaka Okosieme was present and did the honors of transferring the crown to the new successor who will continue to pursue the breast cancer awareness campaign in the ten regions of Ghana.

The theme for the event was ‘Beauty Made in Nigeria’, and indeed Nigerian young women schooling in Ghana were at their best, representing each of the 36 states of Nigeria. Their cultural display, talent display and test questions and answers were employed by the Judges to determine the best and select the right person for the Miss Nigeria Ghana 2013.

Prominent among the Judges was Nita J, Nollywood movie star, and Louisa Bua, Ghana’s fast rising model. Nigeria’s prominent photographer and writer Chuks Ineh was official photographer of the Miss Nigeria Ghana beauty pageant.

The new Miss Nigeria Ghana was given gifts from Omatek computers, and a wrist watch from Swiss Watch, she was also presented with a car key from the Nigeria High commissioner representative.

Her tenure will last for one year during which a lot of activities are required of her as she tours Ghana and media houses to campaign for breast cancer awareness.

Congratulations to Jennifer Amadi as she now lives her life as the new Miss Nigeria Ghana 2013.

for more:  http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/artikel.php?ID=293853

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