Protecting Your Marriage from an Affair

"To stand firm in the battle for our marriages, we must be prepared. We can never assume that having a good marriage shelters us from temptation. In this age of 'anything goes,' the wise woman will purposefully build walls around her marriage ahead of time to close the door on opportunities for temptation." (Judy Starr) That goes for the wise man as well.

It's like what Gary and Mona Shriver wrote in their book Unfaithful, "Very few of us start out to disrupt marital intimacy. Sometimes we simply fail to establish it. Sometimes we fail to maintain it. More often we fail to protect it. 'It just happened' is a common explanation for adultery. It exposes how little we understand the steps that got us there. When we don't have appropriate hedges in place we invite it to happen. ...You have to admit your vulnerability before can recognize the need for protective measures. Safety glasses were created because someone got hurt. Don't let that someone be your spouse."

Last week we talked about our marriages being more vulnerable to infidelity than we realize. We think it could happen to everyone else, but us. Bust as we discussed last week that's what Judy Starr thought.

Judy is the author of the book titled, "The Enticement of the Forbidden." She and her husband had a great ministry to over 40 countries showing the Jesus film and never thought either of them could be attracted to anyone else because they loved each other and were happily involved in ministry work together. But they let their guard down and Judy found herself tempted. This can be a lesson for all of us because if it could happen to Judy, it could happen to us.

Building on last week's message (prompted by a 2-part interview with Judy on the Family Life Today radio program with Dennis Rainey) we'd like to share a few more things, from which we could all learn. As the Bible says, "If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" We're all vulnerable to temptation if we don't stay on the alert as the scriptures tell us in 1 Peter 5.

First off, we want to say that Judy was fortunate because her husband wanted to work with her after her emotional affair to rebuild their broken relationship. That doesn't always happen. She and her husband Stotler began the process of putting their marriage back together the way God showed them. She said, "I began making our marriage the priority that God intended it to be in the first place. I had allowed work to overshadow that, so I really focused on our marriage.

"I also really worked on rebuilding trust. Anytime I felt there was something Stotler needed to know or wanted to ask, I'd give him that opportunity; or I'd share with him things that I felt were important for him to know, so that he sensed I wasn't trying to hide anything. I wanted to rebuild trust in our relationship."

What else did Judy and her husband do to rebuild a healthier marriage? She said, "There are basic things any marriage needs to do to build walls of protection around them, not only to reestablish trust but for the future of that marriage." Here's what Judy has learned from experience:

-- "THE FIRST THING IS HAVING OUR TIMES WITH THE LORD INDIVIDUALLY. I don't believe there is anything more important  that protects our marriage than our individual time with the Lord, making sure that we're yielded to Him and willing to do anything He tells us to every day. That's absolutely the most important thing that we can do daily.

-- "And then there's the issue of LEARNING TO PROTECT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER MEN (or women), AND HOW WE RESPOND TO THEM, because in this society, it's such a lax situation between men and women and friendships that grow. It's easy for a friendship to grow quickly beyond the bounds that God intends for a friendship with another man." (Please note that Judy's advice is aimed at women but it's also important for men to apply these principles.)

Judy was then asked, "As you look at friendships with men from church and in ministry with you, what keeps it an appropriate versus and inappropriate friendship?" She replied, "I call it 'BUILDING AN INVISIBLE WALL,' and certainly one of the first things is not sharing personal, private information --anything that should be kept exclusively for my husband and for that relationship.

"If I find myself looking forward to sharing something with another man rather than my husband, that's definitely a red flag. I need to focus on sharing all the things that are important in my life with my husband, first and foremost, so those needs of intimacy are met in that relationship." (Again, this applies to men and their dealings with other women.)

-- "BUILD PROTECTIVE WALLS IN THE WORKPLACE. The workplace is one of the first places women are being drawn to men, because there are so many women in the workforce these days and it's so easy. As women --we go to lunch with the men we work with, we're dressed our best, we're working with other men on the same important projects. It's the same kind of driving thing all day - every day. By the time you go home, you've already shared your heart with everybody else. You have nothing that you need to share with your husband anymore.

"We need to be so careful of saving those kinds of intimacies and those things that are exciting in our lives to be able to share with our husband." Please men --this applies to you also.

-- For women: "TO PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE THROUGH DISCRETION IN CLOTHING. Men become easily aroused se_ually by the stimulation of sight. Therefore, what we wear is very important. To attract men to you se_ually by the clothing you choose is to defraud them because you cannot (or should not) fulfill the desire you arouse. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 tells us, 'For this is the will of God …that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor …and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in this matter."

-- "PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE BY SPENDING TIME TOGETHER. One of the best guards against infidelity comes from having your emotional needs meet within your marriage. That means spending time alone together each week! Unless we purposefully protect that time, all of life's 'urgent' needs will undermine our marital intimacy like termites that slowly eat away the foundation of a house. What can be more urgent than protecting your marriage?

-- "PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE THROUGH ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability to a mature godly woman [is] invaluable …Accountability may be the key issue that makes or breaks our faithfulness to God and to our spouse." Again, this is a must for a husband, as well.)

(Just so you know, you can read the interview with Judy Starr in its entirety and other helpful information through links provided in this message posted on our web site at http://www.marriagemissions.com/.)

In closing, here's some great advice given by Dr. Willard Harley: "If you ever find yourself infatuated with someone other than your spouse, don't walk away, RUN!" God tells us, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

God Bless… Cindy and Steve Wright

MEET DJ NANA

In a world dominated by men, more female dj's are getting involved in the art. Under the wings of the great Dj Jimmy Jatt she perfects her craft. Sexy, energetic and full of life. Meet Nana.

Interviewed by Muyiwa Oni.

Tell us about yourself

I am from Kogi State, had my primary school education in Abuja, and i attended Saint Joseph Secondary School Mangoro Agege in Lagos State. I am currently a law student at the national Open University of Nigeria(lagos).

How did u become a dj?

Cos of my love for music, I call  myself a musicholic, thats my addiction and i love dance.Ii went for a street carnival and  saw a dj playing and said to myself that i can do it. Started telling people i wanted to learn and i got introduced to dj faze,

dj xkris, dj phurzy until i had a audition with dj jimmy jatt who happens to be my mentor, he liked how i played and took me into his company, it is a dream come true.

Whats your best meal?

Pounded yam and egusi soup

In any relationship?

Yes

Major obstacles or challenges?

It was transforming from a tomboy to diva. it took a lot of work cos it was like changing everything about me, i did it and i love my looks now.

Mention a few events you played at

Been to a lot of shows but the biggest ones are the MTN show with Brandy and Joe in 2011, AY live 2011 and 2012.

Religion?

I am a muslim

Where will you wanna be in 5 years time?

I wont speak about that cos i like to take the world by surprise and let God lead. I send all my dreams to him and

he edits them and takes me by the hand to achieving them, so i will just say you should keep your fingers crossed.

Favourite place to hang out

Clubs, movies and i love to be alone in my room cos i love meditating. i get inspired by God, music and laughter, i get bored easily so making people laugh helps me laugh. its weird but thats me.

AIMER THE CHARMER

Mpyremagazine had a chance to catch up with this bloke despite his busy schedule.  A charmer by all means and ways. Intervied by muyiwa oni

We know your stage name to be Aimer, what is your real name and where are you from?

I am Yusuf Umar and I am from Edo State.

How long have you been singing?

Always had a thing for music but i kinda started doing pro music in 2001.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

From motivational speeches and good songs.

Everyone faces a challenge sooner or later, what is your major challenge?

It definately has to be finance and promoting my music.

In your spare time what do you do?

love reading, listening to music and surfing the internet.

Which Nigerian artist will you like to do a song with?

Davido, flavour and wande coal

Are you married and when is your video and album dropping?

Yes i am married and my album and video will be out very soon.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME BROV

You are most welcome.

T'FLEX IS THE NEW FACE OF MOVIE PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

The movie industry in Nigeria has over the years seen many men claim to be the next big thing; such is not the case with this energetic young man who has the knowledge and technical Know How. Meet the man.

The Computer Science graduate of University of Abuja has recorded over a decade songs. T'FLEX (AWOLUSI Rotimi 'Seun) is a Film Maker, Photo/Video Editor, Choreographer, Performing Artist and a Show/Event Planner. Songs, include the Hit Birthday Song and celebrating you. He also has three musical videos to his credit which includes “Monkey no fine” with Tony One-Week.  He is a member of MASTERMINDERZ UK. He has performed on the same stage with international Acts like Kanye West and T-PAIN in the 2007 edition of STAR MEGA JAM and with NEYO AT Carnival Calabar 2008. He used to be a regular dancer for Rugged Man, Jeremiah Gyang, Naydo etc and at the apex of it, he was Featured in P-SQUARE'S award winning dance video ROLL-IT! .
He was also a cast and a crew member of a movie titled DARK CLOUD. Dir by Yemi Adenuga for T.A.C Acts Production, "Ayagbangba" (Yoruba) by Opeyemi Olusanya and "51 Degrees" a British featured Film dir by one of his mentors, a German Film Maker Greg Richters.

T’FLEX is an enigmatic, talented and vast fella. In 2005 he hosted BRING IT ON! ABUJA, An Inter-Secondary School Dance and Choreography Competition, with support of Extraterrestrial Entertainment (formally known as MASK). He is the initiator of GODSTER DANCE CREW & STEP 2 DANCE ACADEMY.

In 2008, while undergoing his compulsory National Youth Service Corps in the Nation’s Tourist destination, CALABAR, Rotimi Seun Awolusi led a group of corps member and created a brand called Comedy, Music and Dance Team: COMMAND. He collaborated with Cross River State Government in the campaign against HIV/AIDS by organizing a concert at U.J Esuene stadium tilled LAFFMATAZZ, which featured International and Nigeria stars, over 20,000 people were in attendance, the state commended him for the huge success of his project.

T’FLEX later worked in the Banking Industry for a few years and opted out to study in the UK’s London Film Academy to pursue his passion for camera, lights, action!!!. He is at the moment working on projects with one of Nigeria’s best Film Makers. Watch out for this young man.

MANCHESTER CITY WINS PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City won their first English league title in 44 years on Sunday as they scored twice in injury time to beat Queens Park Rangers 3-2, edging out Manchester United on goal difference.
United thought they had won a record 20th title when they won 1-0 at Sunderland but Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero scored in the five minutes added on as City came from 2-1 down to snatch victory and their first English crown since 1968.
It was the most dramatic finish in Premier League history as big-spending City took the title from neighbours and rivals United.
City led on goal difference going into the final day but when they trailed 2-1 at home by 10-man Queens Park Rangers, it looked as if their dreams were evaporating.
But Dzeko equalised in the first of five minutes of injury time and then Aguero sent the City fans wild with a brilliant winner from short range just over a minute from the end.
Aguero's winner meant that Wayne Rooney's 20th-minute goal for United in their 1-0 win at Sunderland was not enough.
With Bolton drawing 2-2 at Stoke, the results meant that they joined Wolves and Blackburn Rovers in being relegated while QPR survived.
City began the day leading on goal difference, knowing they just needed to match United's result to win the league for the first time in 44 years.
When a goalkeeping error handed Pablo Zabaleta the opening goal on 39 minutes, they were on track but a terrible mistake from Joleon Lescott allowed Djibril Cisse to equalise three minutes into the second half.
City's chances were boosted again when Joey Barton was sent off for an off-the-ball incident involving Carlos Tevez, lashing out at Aguero as well after receiving his red card.
But as City chased the winner, they were undone by more slack defending as unmarked Jamie Mackie headed in for QPR on 66 minutes.
As City threw everything at QPR, manager Roberto Mancini brought on Mario Balotelli for Tevez with 15 minutes to go.
The Italian headed a chance to equalise straight at Paddy Kenny but Edin Dzeko gave them hope when he headed in a David Silva corner in the first minute of injury time.
And with the seconds ticking down, Aguero kept his head in the box to fire in the winner - and City fans, many of them crying, poured onto the field as the final whistle sounded over the third title overall, following 1937 and 1968.
In the battle for the two remaining Champions League places, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur finished third and fourth after respective wins on the final day.
Arsenal came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at West Brom to finish third, while Tottenham's 2-0 win over Fulham left them fourth.

Profile on Onyeka Onwenu

Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian singer, actress and politician. In 2006 she won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a supporting role. She is currently the chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture.


Rechristened "the elegant stallion" by the soft-sell media to consternation. But this is a pointer her tough go getting drive. Onyeka has always won the admiration of many Nigerians since her musical hit One Love. And even when she staged protest at the gate of Nigerian television authority concerning artiste royalty fee many still applauded her bravery. She has maintained an excellent spirit in her career as a singer, journalist, actress and humanist. She started her early childhood education in Nigeria then moved over to the United States. She studied in the Wellesley College Massachusetts. In 1977-79 she was appointed a staff of the public information United Nations.
Through her music Onyeka, has enthused unparalleled patriotism, preached, peace, love and tolerance.She has Bagged such awards as the best pop artiste performing musicians association of Nigeria 1988 award, a certificate of appreciation from the United States Aid 1989, global media awards population institute award, Pan African arts and music awards

profile on oliver de coque

 

Chief Oliver Sunday Akanite

Profile:

a prolific guitarist who popularised the "Ogene" dance, an inspiring style of Nigerian High Life music.
Oliver Sunday Akanite was born in 1947 and started his music career at the age of 11. He played on the Prince Nico Mbarga's evergreen album "Sweet Mother" and recorded himself more than 70 albums that have next to great music the most funniest picture covers around.
King Chief Oliver de Coque died on june 20, 2008 in a hospital Gbagada, Lagos, after he was struck by heart failure.

profile on sunny okosuns

Sonny Okosuns was born on the 1st of January 1947 in Enugu, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
A self-taught guitar player, in 1964, at the age of 17, Sonny formed the Postmen, a covers band also known as the "Local Beatles". He visited London with a theatre group for the 1965 1st Commonwealth Arts Festival, but in 1967 the Biafran war prompted both the dissolution of the Postmen and a move by Okosun and his family to Lagos. There, he worked briefly in television before moving to Benin, where in 1969 he joined Victor Uwaifo's Melody Maestros as a second guitarist.
He formed his first professional band in 1971 called Paperback Ltd., which he disbanded in 1974 and went on to form Ozziddi in 1976. Widely popular in the West African region during the late 1970's and early 1980's, he enjoyed some international attention, most notably for his cooperation with Eddy Grant in several releases. Of these, the album "Fire In Soweto" with its hit title tune was to enjoy the largest success.
By the late Eighties, Okosun's star was fading, but he reinvented himself as "Evangelist Sonny Okosuns" and with the 1994 comeback album "Songs of Praise", which sold nearly a million copies, rode a wave of Christian evangelism in Nigeria to become that country's foremost gospel musician. In 1998, he founded the House of Prayer Ministry, converting part of his expansive building to a church.
He passed away in Washington D.C. on the 24th of May 2008.

majek fashek the rain maker

Majek Fashek
Birth name	Majekodumni Fasheke
Born	Benin City, Nigeria
Genres	Roots Reggae
Occupations	singer, songwriter
Years active	early 1980s—
Labels	Interscope Records
Associated acts	Jastix

Majekodumni Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, is a Nigerian reggae singer and guitarist.Various translations of his name include "high priest who does not lie", "powers of miracles" and "the high priest does not live". Fashek was born in Benin City, Nigeria to an Edo mother and a Yoruba father.

Fashek first gained national fame on a television show in the early 1980s as a member of Benin-based reggae group Jastix. His bandmates included Ras Kimono and Amos McRoy Gregg. They toured for many years with fellow reggae group The Mandators. In 1988, shortly after Jastix disbanded, he began a solo career and quickly became the best-known reggae artist in Nigeria.^[7] His song "Send Down The Rain" was a hit, and he won six US-based PMAN Music Awards.
After leaving Tabansi Records, he was signed to CBS Nigeria in the early 1990s before moving to Island Records' Mango imprint, a label more accustomed to marketing reggae internationally. His first album for the company included a cover version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song". In 1990 he was signed to Interscope Records and released the critically acclaimed album Spirit Of Love, produced by "Little Steven" Van Zandt. Flame Tree released The Best of Majek Fashek in 1994. He has recorded several albums for various labels since, including Rainmaker for Tuff Gong (1997) and Little Patience for Coral (2004).
Fashek is one of the increasing number of African artists to be drawn to the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae, rather than indigenous hybrids such as fuji, jùjú, or highlife. Having grown up in a fervently religious and musical family, he was exposed to the imported sounds of Bob Marley at an early age, alongside the innovations of local stars such as Fela Kuti.

Fashek's major influences are Bob Marley (whom he strongly resembles vocally), Fela Kuti, and Jimi Hendrix.

Majek Fashek
Birth name	Majekodumni Fasheke
Born	Benin City, Nigeria
Genres	Roots Reggae
Occupations	singer, songwriter
Years active	early 1980s—
Labels	Interscope Records
Associated acts	Jastix

MPYREMAGAZINE: Meet the 'Mann' who registered 14,962 domains in 2...

MPYREMAGAZINE: Meet the 'Mann' who registered 14,962 domains in 2...: For years, Mike Mann has been snapping up Internet domain names and selling them off to the highest bidder. Mike Mann, sporting a costum...

Meet the 'Mann' who registered 14,962 domains in 24 hours .

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Russian Plane crash in Indonesia

Rescuers have discovered bodies but no survivors near the wreckage of a new Russian-made passenger plane that smashed into the side of an Indonesian volcano during a flight to impress potential buyers. All 45 people on board are feared dead.

Owing to the remoteness of the crash site, the bodies will need to be placed in nets and lifted by ropes to a helicopter, according to a national search and rescue agency spokesman.
"So far we haven't found any survivors, but we are still searching," Gagah Prakoso said. "I cannot say anything about the condition of the bodies," he said, but added that "a high-speed jet plane hit the cliff, exploded and tore apart".
The bodies from Wednesday's crash were due to be flown to the capital, Jakarta, for identification by family members.

Authorities had lost contact with the Sukhoi Superjet-100 shortly after it took off from a Jakarta airfield, carrying mostly representatives from Indonesian airlines. Family members, many of whom spent the night at the airport, broke down in tears on hearing the newsfrom the crash site.

The plane, Russia's first new passenger jet since the fall of the Soviet Union two decades ago, hit a jagged ridge on top of Mount Salak, a dormant volcano, leaving a giant gash along the steep slope as it stripped trees.

The Superjet has been touted as a challenger to similar-sized aircraft from Canada's Bombardier and Brazil's Embraer SA.
Potential buyers will scrutinise the crash investigation for signs of flaws in the aircraft.
The plane took off on Wednesday afternoon for what was supposed to be a quick demonstration flight – the second of the day. Just 21 minutes later, the Russian pilot and co-pilot sought permission to descend from 3,000m (10,000 feet) to 1,800m, said the head of the national search and rescue agency.
The plane then fell off the radar. It was not clear why the crew asked for the shift in course, he said, especially when they were so close to the 2,200m-high
More than 1,000 people, including soldiers and police, took part in the search and rescue effort. Helicopters carrying out aerial surveys near the crater and northern slope spotted the wreck.
The Superjet – developed by the civil aircraft division of Sukhoi with the co-operation with western partners – has been widely considered Russia's chance to regain a foothold in the international passenger plane market. The plane was on a tour, which included stops in Pakistan, Burma and Kazakhstan, and was due to visit Vietnam and Laos.
All but 10 of the 45 people on board were potential buyers and journalists, said Sunaryo from PT Trimarga Rekatama, the company that helped organise Wednesday's event.
The others were Russians, all from Sukhoi companies, an American consultant with a local airline and a Frenchman with aircraft engine-maker Snecma.

With a relatively low price tag of around $35m (£21m), the plane has gained around 170 orders. Indonesia is already one of its biggest customers.

Kartika Airlines and Sky Aviation, among dozens of airlines to have started up in Indonesia in the last decade to meet the growing demand for cheap air travel, have ordered at least 42.

PROSPERITY TATTOOS CEO HOSTS MPYREMAGAZINE

Can you please introduce yourself to us?

My name is Akinsanya Adedayo. All my life has always been about design, before I started doing tattoos I was a professional photographer and i have a degree in accountancy, naturally i can draw but drawing on paper is different to drawing on the skin, I had to go and learn everything about the art of tattooing and application so as to know how to use and implement ink on the different types of skin as a canvas.

What makes you different?

Tattooing is not all about drawing on the skin. There are a lot of other things you need to put into consideration such as the colour of the individuals skin, how fat he or she is, the location the person is placing it and several other things, for example anything below the wrist usually doesn’t heal fine because the hand is prone to infections, very close to the wrist and the ankles are places you should try and avoid as much as possible. We have different colours and they react differently to types of skin, knowing the exact colour to use on the exact complexion is part of the technicalities of the art. How far one goes into the skin is also vital part, the skin has layers such as the dermis and epidermis and also fat. How you deposit the pigment into the skin is very essential, how to handle hair follicles are theoretical. It not just about carrying machines and sticking needles into people, how to make your tattoo shop virus and infecting free, how to sterilize.

What challenges have you faced?

When you study more about something and you get to the peak, you will find yourself floating, there has never really been any serious challenge cos in art there is no mistake, most times i counsel clients on where to put the tattoos, knowing whether the design will stay on the individuals skin, sometimes you handle a client and the pigment fails to stay on the body.

What skin type is better for tattooing?

Everybody can have a tattoo it depends on the application and handling, the only persons you can’t do tattoos for are diabetic people because it would not heal, it will take longer to heal and bacteria will set in and at the end of the day will turn to a wound and will not dry off like a normal tattoo, tattoos should appear as designs, dry and the dead skin will peel off and the design will generate and not heal as a wound.

What other things interest you

All my life has been about designs; I did photography for eleven years, designed and customized shirts too. Writing a good essay is a piece of art as well knowing where to add certain stuff. I have always found every kind of art as interesting because they all have the same foundation.

Any pets?

I have ten breeds of dogs, they happen to be what i cannot live without, i grew up having dogs around me i have always believed in dogs because of their greater sense of smell and sense of hearing, they don’t have good eye sights so they cover up with the other two.

WHAT YOU DIDNT KNOW ABOUT TATTOOS

The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian "tatu" which means "to mark something."

It is arguably claimed that tattooing has existed since 12,000 years BC. The purpose of tattooing has varies from culture to culture and its place on the time line. But there are commonalties that prevail form the earliest known tattoos to those being done on college students on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley.

Tattoos have always had an important role in ritual and tradition. In Borneo, women tattooed their symbols on their forearm indicating their particular skill. If a woman wore a symbol indicating she was a skilled weaver, her status as prime marriageable material was increased. Tattoos around the wrist and fingers were believed to ward away illness. Throughout history tattoos have signified membership in a clan or society. Even today groups like the Hells Angels tattoo their particular group symbol. TV and movies have used the idea of a tattoo indication membership in a secret society numerous times. It has been believed that the wearer of an image calls the spirit of that image. The ferocity of a tiger would belong to the tattooed person. That tradition holds true today shown by the proliferation of images of tigers, snakes, and bird of prey.
In recorded history, the earliest tattoos can be found in Egypt during the time of the construction of the great pyramids (It undoubtedly started much earlier). When the Egyptians expanded their empire, the art of tattooing spread as well. The civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia picked up and expanded the art form. Around 2000 BC tattooing spread to China.

The Greeks used tattooing for communication among spies. Markings identified the spies and showed their rank. Romans marked criminals and slaves. This practice is still carried on today. The Ainu people of western Asia used tattooing to show social status. Girls coming of age were marked to announce their place in society, as were the married women. The Ainu are noted for introducing tattoos to Japan where it developed into a religious and ceremonial rite. In Borneo, women were the tattooists. It was a cultural tradition. They produced designs indicating the owners station in life and the tribe he belonged to. Kayan women had delicate arm tattoos which looked like lacy gloves. Dayak warriors who had "taken a head" had tattoos on their hands. The tattoos garnered respect and assured the owners status for life. Polynesians developed tattoos to mark tribal communities, families, and rank. They brought their art to New Zealand and developed a facial style of tattooing called Moko which is still being used today. There is evidence that the Mayan, Incas, and Aztecs used tattooing in the rituals. Even the isolated tribes in Alaska practiced tattooing, their style indicating it was learned from the Ainu.
In the west, early Britons used tattoos in ceremonies. The Danes, Norse, and Saxons tattooed family crests (a tradition still practiced today). In 787 AD, Pope Hadrian banned tattooing. It still thrived in Britain until the Norman Invasion of 1066. The Normans disdained tattooing. It disappeared from Western culture from the 12th to the 16th centuries.
While tattooing diminished in the west, it thrived in Japan. At first, tattoos were used to mark criminals. First offenses were marked with a line across the forehead. A second crime was marked by adding an arch. A third offense was marked by another line. Together these marks formed the Japanese character for "dog". It appears this was the original "Three strikes your out" law. In time, the Japanese escalated the tattoo to an aesthetic art form. The Japanese body suit originated around 1700 as a reaction to strict laws concerning conspicuous consumption. Only royalty were allowed to wear ornate clothing. As a result of this, the middle class adorned themselves with elaborate full body tattoos. A highly tattooed person wearing only a loin cloth was considered well dressed, but only in the privacy of their own home.
William Dampher is responsible for re-introducing tattooing to the west. He was a sailor and explorer who traveled the South Seas. In 1691 he brought to London a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Prince Giolo, Known as the Painted Prince. He was put on exhibition , a money making attraction, and became the rage of London. It had been 600 years since tattoos had been seen in Europe and it would be another 100 years before tattooing would make it mark in the West.
In the late 1700s, Captain Cook made several trips to the South Pacific. The people of London welcomed his stories and were anxious to see the art and artifacts he brought back. Returning form one of this trips, he brought a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Omai. He was a sensation in London. Soon, the upper- class were getting small tattoos in discreet places. For a short time tattooing became a fad.
What kept tattooing from becoming more widespread was its slow and painstaking procedure. Each puncture of the skin was done by hand the ink was applied. In 1891, Samuel O'Rtiely patented the first electric tattooing machine. It was based on Edison's electric pen which punctured paper with a needle point. The basic design with moving coils, a tube and a needle bar, are the components of today's tattoo gun. The electric tattoo machine allowed anyone to obtain a reasonably priced, and readily available tattoo. As the average person could easily get a tattoo, the upper classes turned away from it.
By the turn of the century, tattooing had lost a great deal of credibility. Tattooists worked the sleazier sections of town. Heavily tattooed people traveled with circuses and "freak Shows." Betty Brodbent traveled with Ringling Brothers Circus in the 1930s and was a star attraction for years.
The cultural view of tattooing was so poor for most of the century that tattooing went underground. Few were accepted into the secret society of artists and there were no schools to study the craft. There were no magazines or associations. Tattoo suppliers rarely advertised their products. One had to learn through the scuttlebutt where to go and who to see for quality tattoos.
The birthplace of the American style tattoo was Chatham Square in New York City. At the turn of the century it was a seaport and entertainment center attracting working-class people with money. Samuel O'Riely cam from Boston and set up shop there. He took on an apprentice named Charlie Wagner. After O'Reily's death in 1908, Wagner opened a supply business with Lew Alberts. Alberts had trained as a wallpaper designer and he transferred those skills to the design of tattoos. He is noted for redesigning a large portion of early tattoo flash art.
While tattooing was declining in popularity across the country, in Chatham Square in flourished. Husbands tattooed their wives with examples of their best work. They played the role of walking advertisements for their husbands' work. At this time, cosmetic tattooing became popular, blush for cheeks, coloured lips, and eyeliner. With world war I, the flash art images changed to those of bravery and wartime icons.
In the 1920s, with prohibition and then the depression, Chathma Square lost its appeal. The center for tattoo art moved to Coney Island. Across the country, tattooists opened shops in areas that would support them, namely cities with military bases close by, particularly naval bases. Tattoos were know as travel markers. You could tell where a person had been by their tattoos.
After world war II, tattoos became further denigrated by their associations with Marlon Brando type bikers and Juvenile delinquents. Tattooing had little respect in American culture. Then, in 1961 there was an outbreak of hepatitis and tattooing was sent reeling on its heels.
Though most tattoo shops had sterilization machines, few used them. Newspapers reported stories of blood poisoning, hepatitis, and other diseases. The general population held tattoo parlors in disrepute. At first, the New York City government gave the tattoos an opportunity to form an association and self- regulate, but tattooists are independent and they were not able to organize themselves. A health code violation went into effect and the tattoo shops at Times Square and Coney Island were shut down. For a time, it was difficult to get a tattoo in New York. It was illegal and tattoos had a terrible reputation. Few people wanted a tattoo. The better shops moved to Philadelphia and New Jersey where it was still legal.
In the late 1960s, the attitude towards tattooing changed. Much credit can be given to Lyle Tuttle. He is a handsome, charming, interesting and knows how to use the media. He tattooed celebrities, particularly women. Magazines and television went to Lyle to get information about this ancient art form.
Toady, tattooing is making a strong comeback. It is more popular and accepted than it has ever been. All classes of people seek the best tattoo artists. This rise in popularity has placed tattoists in the category of "fine artist". The tattooist has garnered a respect not seen for over 100 years. Current artists combine the tr5adition of tattooing with their personal style creating unique and phenomenal body art. With the addition of new inks, tattooing has certainly reached a new plateau.

TRUVADA! NEW DRUG TO BATTLE HIV AND AIDS

Truvada is a major breakthrough in the fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The US Food and Drug Administration has stated that it is a "safe" and "effective" way of preventing the virus, and yet this little blue pill has already become something of a polarizing force.

There are those who say it is a major step towards the goal of finding a cure for the HIV virus, and clinical trials have backed those claims up.

But others, some of whom have been fighting for years to get those at risk to use condoms and counseling, have concerns that Truvada may lead to a dangerous sense of invincibility.

If taken every day, Truvada provides more protection against the HIV virus than any other drug available.

Potential 'catastrophe'

Having an excuse to not use a condom has led the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to describe the use of Truvada as a potential "catastrophe" that could undue years of safe-sex advocacy.

But others, who are just as passionate in their fight against HIV and AIDS, say the issue comes down to personal choice and responsibility.

 Charles Martin, at southern Florida's only AIDS awareness project called Truvada  a "great new weapon in the arsenal against HIV and AIDS".

Martin said the pill should be made available as soon as possible.

Ultimately, it may be the cost of Truvada that decides its immediate fate.

A daily dose will cost around $11,000 a year, and it is not immediately clear whether insurance companies in the US will cover the cost.

Clearly, Truvada could have an impact way beyond the US in the 30-year-long battle to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.

For many, any hope and progress is a big leap in the right direction.

MEET IB CITY RADIO QUEEN DIVA RONNIE G

Who is Ronke Giwa and who is Ronnie G?

Ronke Giwa is Ronnie G and I am a radio presenter at splashfm105.5 here in Ibadan, I am on the morning show from seven to eleven in the morning, I won’t say how old I am because a lady never tells, I studied English at the Lagos state university, and studied music at the London centre of contemporary music because I love music, and I am also a musician as well as a broadcaster. I am a Christian.

Where are you from and your favourite food?

I am from Lagos Island, Isale Eko. I will say fried rice plantain and turkey. I will never eat rice without plantain.

What will you never put on?

Comfort is very important to me, I wear what suits me and my favourite colour is green but when it comes to clothes I love black. If I was going paint my bedroom it will be green. I don’t expose thighs and stuff

How long have u been into music?

That has been on longer than my broadcasting career.  Started a group with my sisters and neighbours when I was about seven called the golden girls club and we used to sing at events. I was in the choir at thirteen. After schooling in the UK and coming back to Nigeria broadcasting just kinda chanced music. My sister Moji is a lawyer and my neighbours Bunmi and Seun are into something different, am kinda like the only one who is still into music.

Which Nigerian act will you like to work with?

Tu face or Tiwa Savage

How challenging is transforming from music to broadcasting?

You can’t be shy and go into both fields. I have a singing voice which works on radio, people always want to keep you down and keep you in a box, they call you a local champion I don’t let it bother me, just keep trying to perfect my skills. I don’t let it bother me.

How supportive is your family?

Very supportive. They are even in more support of my music.

Is there a man in your life?

Wouldn’t you wanna know? I am not married but that doesn’t mean I am searching. I am free for any responsible and Godly man who is goal oriented.

 Words of advice for the youths out there

Always be yourself and follow your dreams

ISABELLA AYUK IS NEW MBGN

Miss Cross River, Isabella Ayuk has emerged the winner of 2012 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN).

Isabella beat 31 other contestants short-listed for final 32 to compete for the crown at the ceremony held in Benin City the Edo State capital.

She will represent Nigeria in the Miss World competition holding later this year. She has now taken over reign as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria from 2011 winner, Sylvia Nduka.

Those who made the top five were Miss Abuja, Miss Osun, Miss Rivers, Miss Kaduna and Miss Cross River.

Miss Cross River, Winner/MBGN World;
Miss River, 1st Runner up/MBGN Universe;
Miss Abuja 2nd Runner up/MBGN Tourism;
Miss Kaduna, 3rd Runner up;
Miss Osun, 4th Runner up.

Other winners include:
Miss Amity--Miss Taraba
Miss Photogenic--Miss Edo
Miss Traditional Costume--Miss Cross Rivers
Miss Lacasera--Miss Gombe

Google and Oracle battle over Lindholm, Schwartz testimony

Oracle and Google have each tried to jettison potentially damaging testimony in their intellectual-property dispute over Android, as a jury deliberates over Oracle's copyright allegations and prepares to move on to the patents part of the case.
Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, giving it control of the Java programming language. It sued Google later that year, claiming Android violated patents and copyrights it holds on Java. Google has denied wrongdoing, saying Android uses a "clean-room" Java implementation that doesn't violate Oracle's intellectual property. The case went to trial in April.
In a motion filed Sunday, Google tried to bar further testimony by Google engineer Tim Lindholm. He is the author of a controversial August 2010 email in which he wrote that alternatives to Java for use in Android "all suck," and that Google needed to negotiate a license for Java. Google tried but failed repeatedly to keep the email out of the trial.
Oracle plans to call Lindholm as its first witness during the second phase of the trial, which deals with its patent allegations. Lindholm worked at Sun before being hired by Google and his testimony will show that Google had knowledge of one of the Java patents at issue in the suit while it was developing Android, Michael Jacobs, an attorney for Oracle, told the judge in court Monday morning.
Despite Google's contentions, Lindholm was "an early member of the Android team at Google" and had "specific, detailed working knowledge" of a patent at issue in the lawsuit, Oracle said in another filing Sunday.
Google disagreed. Lindholm had "no responsibility for, or awareness of" Android's design, so any testimony about his knowledge of Sun's patents would be "highly prejudicial and confusing to the jury," Google wrote.
On Monday morning, Judge William Alsup ruled that Oracle is permitted to bring Lindholm back to the witness stand, but that it may not discuss Lindholm's controversial email again until it can provide evidence that he had direct knowledge of one of the two patents at issue in this trial.
"If you don't cover that gap you're not getting back to that email, which I know is the reason you really want to bring him back," Alsup told Oracle's attorneys.
Meanwhile, Oracle filed a motion last week asking for the court to preclude further use of testimony from former Sun Microsystems CEO Jonathan Schwartz.
Earlier in the copyright phase of the trial, a Google attorney asked Schwartz on the stand whether he had made a decision as to whether Sun should sue Google over its use of Java for Android.
"Yes," Schwartz replied. "We didn't feel we had any grounds."
Alsup expressed his irritation Monday at that testimony and said Oracle's attorneys should have raised an objection when the statement was made. The question called for a yes or no answer, Alsup said, and instead Schwartz gave a statement that strayed into "attorney-client material" that the jury should not have heard.
"If there had been an objection I would have excluded that sentence in a heartbeat. I believe that should never have come out in the presence of a jury," Alsup said.

Rio suffers groin problem

Sir Alex Ferdinand is hoping that defensive duo Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling will be fit for next Sunday's trip to Sunderland.
With Jonny Evans already a major doubt for the Stadium of Light encounter, a selection headache at the back loomed when Ferdinand limped off in some discomfort towards the end of the 2-0 win against Swansea.
Ferdinand's central defensive partner Smalling was also being troubled by injury as he completed the game alongside Phil Jones, who moved into the middle after substitute Rafael slotted in at right-back.
"Rio got a bit of a spasm in his groin," revealed Sir Alex to MUTV. "Chris Smalling has a little groin strain, too. But I don’t think it’s serious. I think they’ll both be available next week."