Angry Birds and Blood Moon

Hello everybody,

Hope you are all well. It is Sunday again, and it is such a beautiful day here, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Summer weather, fabulous day for outdoors.

I want to share a true story about angry birds and the blood moon.

On Friday night August 23, a friend of mine, while at home, heard a commotion outside and went outside to investigate. The birds were flying relatively low and screeching as if to arouse attention. He looked up and surprised he noticed the moon was red. A blood moon, he took some photos, which we are sharing with you.

Wondering what this could mean as it is quite strange, although the moon did not stay red for long, a few minutes at the most. Then changed back to its normal color and brightened up the sky.

Perhaps the birds were screaming at the color of the moon, and raised our awareness to some bizarre incident that will possibly take place in the near future.
Especially since the people of the rainbow nation seem to be agitated and annoyed with the foreigners here. Several xenophobia incidents have occurred in recent weeks. Reports of how the locals burned down the foreigner's shops and attacked the individuals.

It is the angry rainbow nation and perhaps the visible blood moon is a reminder of a bloody nightmare that can take place in our country.

Well I do sincerely hope you have a wonderful week, filled with blessings.

All the best,
Your friend
Laura

The Evil and Corrupt Masterminds of Rhino Poachers

Hello everybody,

Today I want to share an article about Rhino Poaching. This article was posted on the guardian Express and this is the link should you wish to comment or read updates to this article - guardian 1

This is a link to a follow up of this story.

Guardian





South Africa – Rhino poaching is an ongoing story that seems to have no end. There is absolute evil and corrupt masterminds behind the rhino poachers and many people have lost their lives trying to protect the Rhino.
A nature reserve owned by private investors and government departments situated in Kwazulu, Natal is one of the various affected areas of Rhino poaching. During 2010, a horrific murder happened to a young tourism assistant. The murder case attracted a lot of hype and her police husband was found guilty and arrested for the murder.
The husband denied the charge and pleaded not guilty, but to no avail. It has now been resolved that he is innocent and that his wife's killer is none other than a deranged person who has killed more than once but remains under the witness protection act. This man is a well-connected person with the political players of the country. This murder was unnecessary, and a young life was lost because of greed. One of the sad stories told surrounding the Rhino poaching in South Africa.
Several other people have suffered at the fate of the masterminds performing their evil operations. People who will not hesitate to kill anybody who dares to cross their path. The lucrative trade of Rhino horn remains world dominant and the constant campaign to stop this nightmare does not end.
During 1998, an incident occurred after a witness to the Rhino poachers approached the National Prosecuting Authority to testify about the Rhino poaching. He was warned not to speak, and did not heed the warning, and on his way home, a minibus crashed into his car, and the vehicle caught alight while he was trapped inside the burning vehicle. Fortunately conservation officers saw the blazing vehicle and sought help. The person who prefers to remain anonymous was admitted to the hospital and struggled for months to reclaim his life back. He told of how the personal attack happened and it would seem this was a way to get rid of him. No official reports have been made or arrests occurred regarding this matter.
Factual evidence was taken to the senior counsel and advocates offices, but they blatantly told the people they were not interested. We might ask why, and then we are told that this Rhino poaching traffic is enormous, it's not only individuals but also trusted companies that are involved in the horrific acts of killing our Rhino.
The Criminal Procedure Act, Section 25(2A) which allows a police officer to be freed from a serious crime has seen the young police officer released from prison and has been programmed to act in the interest of his minders. He will not talk, his children's lives are at stake if he does, so once again the law enforcement of this country wins.
This is a organization of horrors, people who once saved Rhino have defected and now joined with high profile people involved in the despicable act of killing our Rhino. Not just in South Africa, but the lucrative marketing is huge in East Asia, Vietnam and China to.
The scramble for Africa, the leading powers who do not stop until they win. Is there an end to the evil and corrupt masterminds of the Rhino poachers?
There are many links to interesting articles regarding this treacherous deed and here is one that we are sure you will read.


Well hope you share and let us all stop this evilness that is destroying our land.

All the best
Your friend
Laura

Coco Cola

Hello Everybody,

Sincerely hoping you are all well. It is such fabulous weather here in South Africa. Lovely sunny days but still a little chilly during the nights and early mornings. Winter is behind us again. Summer days are almost here and then it is time for fun and outdoor activities.

This week I want to share some amusing old photos with you. I have rediscovered a former project I started many years ago, a collection of over a million old photos and posters from advertising covering a huge number of different topics.

Coco Cola is a popular beverage worldwide and has been so for years, so have a look at these old photos, and I hopefully you will enjoy them.

They are still wonderful and I just love the bears, now for a good laugh and this is a coco cola ad.

You can drink a coca cola anywhere.

Have an awesome day and take care.

All the best.
Your friend,
Laura

SIPHO AND THE GOLDEN NAILS - CHAPTER 16

Hello Everybody,

I sincerely hope you all had a great week and enjoying the weekend.

I have dedicated some of my weekend to writing articles for the Guardian Express and of course continuing the proof reading of the second book. Almost there, soon I will have it published.

Today I want to share another chapter with you. I have skipped a few chapters and here we will continue the adventure around Israel, visiting Ashdod and Masada with the hybrid children Sipho and Emma. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 16
TRIP TO ASHDOD AND MASADA
The group set off for their trip to Ashdod. Sipho was pleased he had some company other than adults, and they chatted about the Cotswold "home." Emma brought him up-to-date on what had been happening there.
"David, please tell us about Ashdod?" Asked Sipho.
"Well, Ashdod is the fifth largest city in Israel and is also an extremely valuable industrial center. I will take you past the port of Ashdod, it is the largest port in Israel, and I know you will enjoy this. This city also has pleasant weather, exceptionally hot summers, a pleasant spring and fall, and of course cool, rainy winters."
"Are there many interesting places to see?" Asked Sipho.
"Oh yes, besides the industrial center, the modern city of Ashdod was built outside the historic settlement. There are many neighborhoods. You will see the wide avenues that help make the traffic flow quite easily. The neighborhoods have easy access to their own commercial centers, and urban parks."
"It sounds awesome, I cannot wait to see this," said Emma.
"We are almost entering the city, and as we pass some of the interesting sites, I will tell you about them." David replied.
They drove into Ashdod, and both Emma and Sipho looked out of the jeep’s windows and enjoyed the sights of this large city. When they came to the port, David stopped the vehicle, and they all got out.
David passed them some refreshments and told them to walk down to the harbor and take a look at the surroundings and the ships in the docks. Excited they started walking along with David and Zerydo and asked questions as usual. David felt their energy and willingly answered them honestly. All too soon for Sipho and Emma, they were back in the jeep and David told them they were going to go to an exceptionally exhilarating part of the city.
"We are not too far from the place where we have to be," David said.
As they drove, the two youngsters tried to get more information out of David, but he told them to be patient and to wait.
They drove up a steep road and soon arrived at Givat Yonah, a mound where David stopped the jeep. They disembarked and looked around, admiring the magnificent view of the port and the gleaming white Mediterranean-style homes and wide boulevards. The view was Spectacular!

"Sipho this is the place where a nail must be placed." Zerydo said.
"It is a terrific place. Please tell me it's history," he asked
"This is where it is believed that Jonah was swallowed by a large fish." David answered.
"I don't know that story," said Emma.
"Oh, that is sad as it is a wonderful story and I promise you tonight I will read the story to you." David replied.
"Emma you are going to place the nail," Zerydo said. "You might as well get some practice, and we can judge how accurately you position it."
"Ok tell me what to do."
"Here is the nail," Zerydo said and passed it to her. "I want you to walk to the top of the mound, and see if you can feel where it should be placed."
She took the nail and following Zerydo's instructions, she climbed the mound. Emma immediately found the exact place and knew exactly where to put the nail so that it was secure. As soon as it was done, Sipho told her to watch as the star pearl appeared on the top of the nail. She was amazed.
"That is exactly what happened when you put the nail in at Jericho!" An excited Emma said.

They walked around for a while and enjoyed the view. Back at the vehicle, David offered them some drinks and told them it was a pity they could not spend more time here as there were superb shopping malls, parks and restaurants to visit in Ashdod. He told them they had to leave for Masada as he wanted to return home before nightfall.
They left feeling satisfied, and happy they could enjoy and see such incredible surroundings. Emma told them that as soon as she was an adult she would travel around the world forever - and they all laughed.
The day was pleasantly warm, and the children enjoyed the journey toward Masada. Zerydo told them he knew they would like the trip as it would be an exceptional experience. Excited at visiting yet another city and learning so much about the rich history of this country, they kept asking questions. David told them Masada was located on a high plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. He told them about the Roman occupation, the fortress castle and continued to tell them all about the interesting history of this place.

Herod the Great fortified Masada as a refuge for himself in the event of a revolt by the Jewish people. Later on a Roman Garrison was constructed on Masada, but a Jewish sect called the Sicarii, attacked the Romans and drove them off Masada. The Sicarii remained and built temples and dwellings on the summit. They were joined by several Jewish families who fled from the Romans. They refused to surrender and harassed the Romans at every opportunity.
The Romans built a ramp to the top intending to force the Jews to surrender. Rather than submit themselves to slavery again, all seven hundred odd Sicarii committed mass suicide. This was a hollow victory for the Romans and inspired the Jewish people to resist them even more. Sipho and Emma were captivated by the story, listened in silence.
Soon they arrived and all they saw was desert and Rocky Mountains. The children felt as though it was going to be a dull place compared to Ashdod. David parked, and they all got out. The first thing Sipho saw was a cable car.
"Are we going up on the cable car?" He asked.
"Yes, we have to. The walk is far too tiring and I am sure you will enjoy the ride."
"It looks exciting."
They walked to the cable car entrance, paid for their tickets and waited for the cable car to depart. The ride up to the top of the high mountain was exhilarating and entertaining. Everyone admired the view and commented on the various features that seemed so small and far away.

At the top, they left the cable car and started walking around the palace and old storehouses, baths and other fascinating sites. They arrived at the area in front of the northern palace, and Zerydo walked along with Sipho and told him this was the place where the nail must be placed. Sipho got ready and together with Emma, they both placed the nail in the exact spot where it was meant to be. Watching, they saw the star pearl appear on top of the nail yet again. Excited that this was the final nail, they asked what the next part of the mission would be.
"Well, we will visit another city and try to find a man who lives in a cave. Once we find him, we will be able to continue," said Zerydo.
"A man! Who is he and why must we find him?" Asked Sipho.
"We have no choice, we have to find him as he has the last golden nail," replied David.
Sipho said, "I want to ask you more about the cave man and the last golden nail, but I truly think we should walk around Masada a bit more if we have the time. I think it would be fun exploring here."
"I am sure it will be alright," Zerydo said, "if David agrees and hasn’t run out of breath yet."
David chuckled at Zerydo’s comment and told them that he had already planned to take them on a tour to the rebel dwellings and the Byzantine monastic cave and then they would see the Snake Path Gate from the top of Masada. Excited to see and learn, they followed him as he guided them to the various attractions. The afternoon came all too soon, and David ushered them into the cable car, and once they had reached the bottom, they stood and stared at this historic mountain, knowing that they would never forget this place.

David told them they would be returning to his home now, and tomorrow they would leave for Eilat and would probably spend a few days there. He advised them to pack enough clothing for the journey, but said he would remind them before they left for Eilat.
The children were so tired that they soon fell asleep while David and Zerydo drove for home. By the time they reached David’s house, it was already dark, and the sky was full of dazzling stars. Soon they were all in the kitchen talking to David as he prepared a meal for the famished travelers. They ate, retired for the night and slept like logs.


Well that is the end of chapter 16 and will share more next week. Israel is a fascinating place, and a significant aspect of the story focuses around this country.

Wishing you all the best and have a wonderful week. Remember never to accept to be anyone's second choice. You are unique!

All the best.
Your friend,
Laura

Sipho 2nd book update, and sharing a story - Green Tea, the Good News Tea

Hello Everybody,

Here in South Africa, it is a fabulous Saturday afternoon. The weather is lovely. A perfect day, but it will soon grow cold as the day ends. We are nearing winter and can definitely feel the warmer weather approaching. Yeah summer is almost here.
Last weekend I had to meet a journalist and give him a tour of our beautiful city. He spent four days with my family and we enjoyed contributing to his visit. He is currently blogging the story of his visit to Johannesburg, and if you would like to follow the events, please click on this link –

http://mikesfilmtalk.com/2013/08/03/south-africa-my-personal-journey-schiphol-and-beyond/

I am sure you will find this exciting as he did, I too am enjoying the memory of the visit.

Before I share another story with you, I want to give an update on the 2nd novel. I am posting a picture of the cover. I love it and will probably not change this again. I have a copy of the book and busy proofing for the 2nd time, and I found a mistake. Hoping to finish this quickly and then can publish next month. I am excited and am sure you will enjoy the story as our little hybrid child Sipho continues with his adventures.

Well let me share another story that was published in the Guardian Express with you this week.

This is an article regarding the benefits of Green Tea, and I want to tell you that I took the test and can honestly say, the benefits are enormous.

The potent plant nutrient called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, found in Green tea is proving to be the good news tea and is the best medicine for a healthier life style.
The Japanese and the Chinese have been drinking Green Tea for thousands of years. The tea is not only for their pleasure but also for the health benefits. Green Tea contains ingredients that are more effective, antioxidants and vitamins than regular teas. It is low in caffeine, with a distinctive smoky and nutlike flavor. The tea can be taken either hot or cold, with lemon or honey.
During the production and processing of Green Tea, none of the active ingredients such as catechins and vitamins is lost through fermentation and oxidation as occurs in normal tea processes. The green tea leaves are either steamed or pan-fried to retain their active ingredients.
Cholesterol is a wide spread problem around the world, and research has found that the EGCG in Green Tea actually helps prevent fat build up in the arteries. The tea can help to prevent cardiovascular disease.
The Journal of Applied Oral Science tested the effects of EGCG against bacteria found in the mouth and it is proven effective against bacteria in the mouth. Several other journals have confirmed the antibacterial effect on harmful dental bacteria.
The active nutrient EGCG in Green Tea has proved to be an effective and natural inhibitor of the cancer cell metabolism in breast tumors. Further studies by the Cancer Prevention Research reported that the EGCG in Green Tea suppressed the lung cancer cell growth and can prevent and inhibit colorectal cancers. EGCG aids the body by killing prostate cancer cells.
The EGCG in green tea, similar to other catechins activate fat burning genes in the stomach and can speed up weight loss. Green tea is the overall fat buster. Energy levels remain stable, and the tea is found to balance the sugar levels. The blood sugar spikes and crashes that result in fatigue irritability and cravings for unhealthy foods are also controlled by the improved insulin use in the body from the Green Tea.
The active ingredient contains a potent antioxidant that can positively affect the skin cells. It can prevent skin damage and wrinkling. The EGCG is considered more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals. It is reported that free radicals are increasing linked to many serious illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes. Another benefiting factor from the tea is the protection of the skin against UV damage.
The research continues, and more health benefits are being discovered. Green Tea, rich in catechins, vitamins and minerals is a miracle from Mother Nature, a tea that boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation and improves health. The good news tea with an increasing variety of beneficial health factors.

You can read my other published articles from this link
http://guardianlv.com/

Be blessed and remember you are special.

Your friend,
Laura