Dear All,
I have started a new project Online Model UN, the first training session has been planned on 11 July 2009.
The first conference will be held online from 15 to 18th July 2009.
Please send an email of interest to wajahat.nassar@gmail.com by 10th of July 2009.

Thank you

Yours sincerely,
Wajahat Nassar

Left to quest on the journey of no return,
I bid you farewell on this trip to Saturn;
How shall you, my dear, survive,
In this planet with nothing to revive?

Your ebullient boss,
Down on earth in your initial hose;
Barked orders to you in the eye of the dragon,
Who knows better way to win and get done?

You in the real live,
Or him in the theoretical hive?
That’s what superiors do,
Giving orders even to their boo.

How shall the opulent understand suffering,
If he has not lived in such bearing?
How shall the poor envision riches,
Without bits of such stitches?


The best people to define a pain;
Are those in the realms of its rain,
Not those who think they know,
They are Change’s greatest foe.

It's Not Too Late to Start Saving Lives in Nigeria

By Yinka Adeyemi

September 2001
Courtesy of AIDS News Service, Vol. 3, No. 2, a publication of Journalists Against AIDS (JAAIDS) Nigeria. www.nigeria-aids.org

In January of 2001, Mauritania, a country with one of the lowest reported HIV prevalence rates in Africa, took a step that Nigerian leaders neglected to take more than 15 years ago: The country's Senate held a Special Session on HIV/AIDS, inviting experts to speak on the nature of the epidemic, and to suggest ways to nip it in the bud, even as the epidemic ravages the rest of the African continent.

The Mauritanian Senate recognized the urgency of concerted action against the epidemic, and suggested the introduction of sexual education in schools as well as a privately managed national agency to play an advocacy role. It is a refreshing, bold step from a country about the size of a few local government areas in Nigeria.

Around 1989, when neighboring countries were reporting an outbreak of HIV/AIDS, Nigeria reported only 11 cases of HIV infection. Officials, unwisely and against every historical epidemiological trend, diverted attention from the virus, focusing instead on mosquitoes and malaria. As they did so, fuelled by apathy and delusion, the virus silently crept into the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, infecting millions and killing thousands.

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Due to bad policy, many Nigerians will have to suffer, and many will die from the virus, barring the sudden development of an efficacious vaccine. Today, even if we take the grossly underestimated figures used by the Nigerian government, the country has a whopping 2.6 million HIV/AIDS cases. And this is primarily the result of callous inaction and arrogance on the part of government. Information was adequate, but officials simply refused to use it or even take it seriously.

It was a familiar pattern in many African countries, with the possible exception of Uganda and a few East African countries. Indeed, rather than begin early intervention to educate and stem the spread of HIV/AIDS, African countries initially engrossed themselves in a wasteful debate over the origin of AIDS.

It all probably started in 1985, at the First International Conference on Virus-Related Cancers in Dakar, Senegal, in which I participated along with the co-discoverer of HIV, Dr. Robert Gallo, and the head of the OAU Scientific Commission, Dr. Williams. It was at this conference that respected scientists articulated their theory about Africa as the origin of not only AIDS, but of many other frightening diseases also. For instance, Dr. Kevin De Cock argued that Ebola virus, Marburg virus and Lassa fever, all thought to be new diseases, "turned out to have been endemic in Africa." Meanwhile, Gallo aired his African-Monkey Connection theory.

Said Gallo at the Dakar Conference: "Viruses closely related to HTLV (Human Type Lymphotropic Virus), but distinct from it, have been isolated from Old World monkeys. This and other facts led us to propose that the ancestral origin of HTLV is Africa."

As I wrote in a syndicated column in 1985, to a people who, barely 20 years earlier were under the yoke of Western colonialism, the Africa-Monkey argument was another indication of racism by Western scientists. Therefore, because of our history of colonialism and slavery, the first impulse of African leaders and opinion formers was to defensively repudiate such Western claims with a display of nationalistic garb.

But while Africans were engaged in this needless debate, intense anti-HIV/AIDS efforts were going on in the West. Pressure groups were forming and national education campaigns on HIV were being launched everywhere.

In Nigeria in 1985, it was difficult to meet one person who did not view HIV/AIDS as a "disease of the white man," and the African connection theory as more evidence of the Western association of Africa with everything negative. Well-meaning people who dared to preach abstinence or condom use as a way to curb the spread of HIV were routinely laughed at as victims of malicious Western propaganda. In the prevailing environment, therefore, many did not see the need for behavioral change. Unfortunately, that attitude persisted for years. Yet, many science writers knew that a major outbreak in Nigeria, with its 100 million people, was only a matter of time.

Such was the prevailing attitude in Nigeria, and it was the principal reason the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA) was not inaugurated until last year. The Committee's work is cut out for it, and the challenges are daunting.

Although the death of popular musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and the admission by his world-renowned physician brother, Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, that the musician died of AIDS has promoted some awareness and encouraged the use of condoms, many Nigerians still remain unpersuaded. A survey of some Nigerians, selected randomly over two weeks in January 2001, suggests that many are armed with information about the disease. But even those who reported adequate knowledge said they did not see any reason to wear condoms because, "I do not sleep around" or "I know the people I sleep with." Less than 5 percent said they would consider voluntary testing, while the majority said they would rather not know about their HIV status in order not to be ostracized by friends and family.

That is not an irrational fear in Nigeria today. Fela's brother suffered unprecedented assault in the press by commentators who accused him of a criminal vendetta against the more popular musician. Worse than ostracism is the likelihood of an HIV-infected person being fired from gainful employment.

There appears to be no recourse in Nigeria for such people who are wrongfully dismissed from their jobs. In a shocking case that resonated throughout Nigeria, a judge on January 22, 2001, disallowed a former hospital worker, Georgiana Ahamefule, who was dismissed from her job, from appearing in her defense out of fear that she would spread the virus in court! Her case remains unresolved.

The attitude of the judge underscores a desperate need in Nigeria for a national education program on HIV/AIDS, along with comprehensive programs to combat the virus, including condom use, vaccine tests, counseling and treatment.

Political leaders should begin to speak openly about the virus and participate in public blood screenings. Of course, it is probably too late for 2.6 million Nigerians, who, unfortunately, will eventually become the cadavers next door. But far too many Nigerians remain at risk. And they must be saved.

Yinka Adeyemi is a Columnist for the Daily Times of Nigeria and author of "A Media Handbook for HIV Vaccine Trials for Africa" published by UNAIDS.

Just like the bringing down of the World Trade Center, so was it sudden and fictional when I heard the death of Michael Jackson yesterday. The great pop star could not out-dance death.

Hmm. Death is what i called: THE UNIVERSAL CROWN. It does not matter if you're a king or maid, black or fair; it just takes its toll on the rich as does to the poor.

May his soul Rest In Peace.

We are at it again. The National body of Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) in Nigeria yesterday embarked upon an indefinite strike action, coming after a warning strike of some weeks ago.

The Government , according to the union, has been very receptive to their demands and eeven the compromise that was reached by both parties from a negotiation led by the reknowned Gamaliel Onosode on behalf of the Government.

Sometimes in 2006, an indefinite strike of such that lasted 6 months occured. Days passes swfitly, who knows what happens now? In hope the parties involved - Government and ASUU - would resolve in no time to pave way for the progress of the youths.

Let all this old men and women in both parties stopped being selfish and let them think of us for a while.

The truth is non of this parties are conquesting in the interest of the students. Even the porpoted 26% of bugdet allocation to education, I'm sure is not in our interest. At least, many of these lecturers rarely come to class and those that come, we know what they are like.

Ejo, e ro ti wa mo ti yin - (Yoruba language, meaning - consider us in your priorities.

(16/06/2009)

As the HIV response represents one of the soundest of all possible global investments, it is critical that commitment to HIV efforts be maintained and strengthened in the midst of these economic challenges - Report of the Secretary-General to the 63rd General Assembly.

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health of South Africa addressed the General Assembly on 16 June 2009
Credit: UN Photo/Jenny Rockett

At the 63rd session of the General Assembly held in New York on 16 June 2009, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented a report on the progress made in the implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS. The first address by UN member states was delivered by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the new Minister of Health of South Africa. Speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Motsoaledi noted recent progress made in South Africa and in the SADC region in confronting AIDS.

This year’s report provides an update on developments in the AIDS response, looks forward to the agreed 2010 milestones, recommends key actions to accelerate progress and urges renewed commitment to the goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

In June 2008, the General Assembly held a High-level Meeting on HIV/AIDS that assessed progress in the response to the global HIV epidemic. Reports from 147 countries showed that important progress had been made, including in the areas of access to antiretroviral therapy and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

However, the report shows that, despite such encouraging developments, considerable challenges remain, including significant access gaps for key HIV-related services. The pace of new infections continues to outstrip the expansion of treatment programmes, and commitment to HIV prevention remains inadequate. While funds available for HIV in low- and middle-income countries increased from $11.3 billion in 2007 to $13.7 billion in 2008, there has been a global economic downturn since the 2008 High-level Meeting.

As the HIV response represents one of the soundest of all possible global investments, it is critical that commitment to HIV efforts be maintained and strengthened in the midst of these economic challenges, report of the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General’s report also highlights that despite the many commitments made by Member States to protect the rights of people living with HIV and people vulnerable to HIV infection, many countries have laws and policies that are inconsistent with the commitments and result in reduced access to essential HIV services and commodities.

In 2007, one third of countries reported that they still lacked laws to prohibit HIV-related discrimination, and many countries with anti-discrimination legislation have problems with adequate enforcement. A total of 84 countries reported that they have laws and regulations that present obstacles to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care and support for vulnerable subpopulations. Furthermore, some 60 countries have laws that restrict the entry, stay and residence of people living with HIV based on HIV-positive status only. Finally, an increasing number of countries have enacted overly broad laws that criminalize transmission or exposure to HIV, as well as non-disclosure of HIV status. Such measures are likely to lead people to avoid HIV testing, thereby undermining efforts to achieve universal access. Therefore, the report recommends that laws and law enforcement should be improved and programmes to support access to justice should be taken to scale to prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. HIV-related travel restrictions should be eliminated; the criminalization of HIV transmission should be limited to intentional transmission; and laws that burden or impede service access among sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users should be repealed.

Improved analytic methods have enabled countries to better characterize the magnitude and dynamics of their epidemics, to select appropriate interventions and tailor evidence-informed strategies to address their specific national context. The strategic tailoring of national responses magnifies the results of HIV programmes and reduces waste and inefficiency. Improved monitoring and evaluation systems also permit countries to revise national strategies as their epidemics evolve over time. In their efforts to closely align national strategies with actual national circumstances, countries should work to understand and address the social and structural determinants of HIV risk and vulnerability, such as gender inequalities, social marginalization and stigma and discrimination.

The HIV epidemic presents a long-term global challenge and requires a sustained commitment for an effective long-term response. As the coverage and quality of HIV programmes increase, the report calls to intensify efforts to strengthen the health, education, social welfare and other key sectors, and to integrate HIV with tuberculosis, sexual and reproductive health and other health services.

The long-term AIDS response will be sustainable only if substantially greater success is achieved in slowing the rate of new HIV infections, while providing optimal services for people living with HIV, the report underlines. Bringing to scale the appropriate mix of behavioural, biomedical and structural HIV-prevention strategies would more than halve the number of all new HIV infections between now and 2015. Access to such a combination of prevention strategies, however, remains sharply limited in most countries according to the Secretary-General’s report.

Finally, the report emphasizes that achieving national universal access targets by 2010 will require an estimated annual outlay of $25 billion within two years, necessitating renewed commitment from all providers of HIV-related funding. Sustaining an effective AIDS response will require unprecedented leadership at all levels, including from Governments, civil society and affected communities.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the African Development Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the German development finance institution DEG announced that they have created a new private equity fund that will invest in Africa’s health sector. The Health in Africa Fund will invest in small- and medium-sized companies in sub-Saharan Africa, such as health clinics and diagnostic centers, with the goal of helping low-income Africans gain access to affordable, high-quality health services. The fund will help implement key recommendations of IFC’s report, ‘The Business of Health in Africa: Partnering with the Private Sector to Improve People’s Lives,’ which found that the private sector already delivers about half of all health-related goods and services in Africa, and that greater investment in private health companies could have major health and economic benefits for low-income Africans.

The World Bank’s Environmental Department is seeking civil society representatives to serve as observers on two Climate Investment Fund (CIF) Trust Fund Committees. The Bank has contracted a leading public policy dispute resolution organization, RESOLVE, to manage this self-selection process. The CIFs, which are managed by the World Bank and implemented jointly with the Regional Development Banks, were established through an inclusive and consultative process in support of the Bali Action Plan and approved by the World Bank Board in July 2008. Application forms, criteria, and instructions for the observer seats are available on the RESOLVE website (www.resolv.org/cif). Application instructions and criteria will be posted in Arabic, Bengali, Cambodian/Khmer, French, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tajik, and Turkish during the week of June 15. Completed applications are due by Wednesday, July 2. CSO Observers Sought for Climate Investment Funds (CIF)
The Bank’s Environmental Department is seeking civil society representatives to serve as observers on two Climate Investment Fund (CIF) Trust Fund Committees. The Bank has contracted a leading public policy dispute resolution organization, RESOLVE, to manage this self-selection process. The CIFs, which are managed by the World Bank and implemented jointly with the Regional Development Banks, were established through an inclusive and consultative process in support of the Bali Action Plan and approved by the World Bank Board in July 2008. Application forms, criteria, and instructions for the observer seats are available on the RESOLVE website (www.resolv.org/cif). Application instructions and criteria will be posted in Arabic, Bengali, Cambodian/Khmer, French, Nepali, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tajik, and Turkish during the week of June 15. Completed applications are due by Wednesday, July 15.

Visit the website: www.resolv.org/cif for more details

Before I could open my eyes, it is yet another day, another start of a working week. Iranians are still on with their protests, the injured in Pakistan Taliban war are writhing in pain, the Militants in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria are yet to make a U-turn, the Znox case of killing a fellow student goes on in Italy, the 2009 Confederations Cup rolls on with goals… and the list is just beginning.

With complications everywhere, will this day; week be different? That was the question that mornings my heart. Thoughtful was I for unheard answers. Then I asked: “Was there none of these yesterday?” It was from the answer that you are thinking that I finally realized; it is another day with the same people, no difference. But if only we could do things a bit different; nag less, greed less, cheat less…or better still do them for progressively to no one’s detriment- IMPOSSIBLE- things could get better.

You however can do that you are doing or about to do better.
…It begins with you.

The Global Deserts Outlook is the first thematic assessment report in the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) series of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). A UNEP contribution to the International Year of Deserts and Desertification in 2006, the report aims to help raise global public awareness of the state of the world’s deserts.

The Global Deserts Outlook presents a panorama of the environmental status of the world’s deserts: their location and extent, uniqueness and vulnerability, biodiversity and natural resources. The report provides a balanced picture of deserts as ecosystems which form a special part of the world’s natural and cultural heritage, and not simply as land that is the end result of the process of desertification. Few places on earth contain a richer collection of natural adaptations to the environment.

Readers are challenged to consider the development potential of deserts and their conservation needs, to explore what would be the most appropriate and sustainable livelihoods for people living in desert areas. Deserts do not have much water, but they do have other natural resources. The knowledge and technology exist to manage these resources sustainably; the challenge lies with determining and implementing appropriate actions for desirable long-term outcomes.

http://www.unep.org/geo/gdoutlook/

How to Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Windows genuine advantage notifications occur when your computer hasn't passed the validation test. The validation test can be failed due to being sold a pirated (non-genuine) copy of XP, or because you have changed your XP product key to a software-generated key, or sometimes it just happens for no reason at all. The failed validation installs three types of notifications on your computer: one on the log in screen, one log in timer, and one balloon. It also stops updates from Microsoft and disables your ability to install IE7 and Windows Media Player 11. This solution can get rid of all three notifications, even though you will still not be able to update through Windows Update. You will not be able to download things from Microsoft that requires a valid license either.

Steps

1. If you have only just installed Windows Genuine Advantage notifications, simply using the system restore function will remove the program. Then refuse to accept the WGA update next time Windows updates... Otherwise, proceed as detailed below. (NOTE: If you try these steps while you are in "Safe Mode," step #8 is unnecessary).
   
2. First Try the Following:
   
3. - Open a CMD Line Window by Clicking on Start ==>Run ==> type CMD and Press OK.
   
4. - Change Directory into the System32 Folder (Like Cd c:WindowsSystem32)
   
5. - Open a notepad Window and type the following lines:
   
6. taskkill -IM wgatray.exe
   
7. del wgatray.exe
   
8. del wgalogon.dll
   
9. - Highlight and copy to the Clipboard the three lines above
   
10. - now Paste the the contents of the Clipboard to the CMD Window
    
11. This should kill the wgatray.exe Process from the Taskbar and imediately delete both files wgatray.exe and wgalogon.dll without the need to to go through all steps bellow.
    
12. If that does not work, then continue and follow the steps bellow
    
13. Open System32 by either A or B of the following methods:
    
    • a) Click "Start", "Run", then type-in "System32". Click "Okay".
      
    • b) Find System32 manually by clicking "Start" > "My Computer" > "(X:)" (Replacing "X" with the drive letter of the host of Windows) > "Windows" > "System32".
      
    
    
14. In "System32", go to "Tools" > "Folder options" > click on the tab, "View" > Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types". Now you can begin...
    
15. Check to make sure the window that comes up has a full screen of various files. The files are in alphabetical order, which makes it easier to locate the specific file.
    
16. Find "WgaLogon.dll" and rename it "WgaLogon.dll.bak".
    
17. Create an empty copy of WgaLogon.dll:
    
    • Right click on a blank space in System32 and select "New" > "Text Document".
      
    • Leave the text document empty and label it "WgaLogon.dll". Press Enter (on your keyboard).
      
    • You may get a warning from the above step that says, "If you change a file name extension, the file may become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?". Click "Yes" on this warning.
      
    
    
18. Be ready to complete the next two steps very quickly! Find "WgaTray.exe" in "System32" and delete it. You will then have 5 seconds to find "WgaTray.exe" in the Task Manager (the next step). NOTE: If you remove the files mentioned above while you are in "Safe Mode," step #8 is unnecessary.
    
19. Immediately open Task Manager. You can do this by pressing the Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys simultaneously, pressing the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously, or right clicking the Taskbar and selecting "Task Manager". Click on the process tab and click end process when "WgaTray.exe" is selected. Note: If you take longer, do not panic! All that will happen is that "WgaTray.exe" will keep reapearing in the processes list (i.e. you won't be able to delete it as required). To remove the notifications after this, return to system32. You will find two files:"WgaLogon.dll.bak" (the one you renamed) and an Application Extension (0KB) called "WgaLogon.dll". Delete the Application Extension, rename "WgaLogon.dll.bak" to "WgaLogon.dll" and repeat the steps from the fifth one onwards (at a greater speed!!).
    
20. Restart your computer once you have finished. All the notification messages should be gone.
    

Video

Tips

• This process will only get rid of the notifications, and will not validate your copy of XP. It will remove the timer at the beginning of your XP log on, the white notice on the log on screen, and the annoying yellow star that appears in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  
• This is easier to do if you have someone reading the steps to you while you do it.
  
• You may need to Find Hidden Files and Folders in Windows to get to System32 manually.
  
• If task manager programs are moving, click the title of the "image name" row to freeze them.
  
• If you are having problems after this, disable the updates before rebooting.
  
• There is a program called RemoveWGA which does all of this for you. Just run the program, click yes, and you're done. (See External Links, below.)
  
• If you have problems changing files in the System32 directory, you will have to turn off "system restore". "Start" -> "Control Panel" -> "System" -> "System Restore" -> Check the "Turn off system restore" check box.
  
• You will not be able to download Automatic Updates anymore. This is not to say you cannot update your system anymore, Microsoft just won't do it for you. In the links, there is a program that will allow you to update any system, regardless of if it is genuine or not.
  
• You can also rename WgaTray.exe to WgaTray.exe.bak if you can't remove WgaTray.exe from your Taskbar.
  
• It will be useful to have task manager open first before deleting WgaTray.exe
  
• Unlocker is a free program that can assist in removing WGA notifications.
  

Warnings

• Do not edit anything but this in System32, or it could cause system start up failure.
  
• If you are new to computers, do not attempt this because if you modify the wrong file you may crash your computer.
  
• This is not required for systems older than Windows XP, as older versions of Windows do not have WGA installed. This list includes Windows 2000 and Windows 98SE.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Change a Windows XP Product Key
  
• How to Speed up a Windows XP Computer
  
• How to Install Windows Using a CD
  
• How to Defragment Your Computer
  
• How to Upgrade to IE 7
  

Sources and Citations

• RemoveWGA - a program that will do all this for you
  
• Wikipedia's page about WGA
  
• Windiz Update, a Firefox plugin that lets you install some updates through Firefox without WGA
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Iran's election went through without violence but the aftermart of the outcome has sent the Capital, Tehran, into disarray. Moussavi that had the support of the women and the youth was not favoured. The streets of Tehran is having road blocks and burning tires. The University of Tehran was not spared has students protested the results has well.

The fishy part of the result however is that the largerf percentage of voters are women and youth most of who supported Mossavi.

Let's hope things do not go bad beyond what is on now in Iran.

But why can't the people's wish be done in the spirit of true democracy?

Iran that was once swallowed by violence conducted a non-violent election yet local governments election in Nigeria will make blood flow. We need to learn from them, Ghana, South Africa and so on.

Nigeria on the March again on the March again, looking for a President, MKO is our Man.

June 12 1993 is watershed in the history of Nigeria.
The vents of that day includes; the freest and fairest election was held.MKO Abiola and Bashir Tofa were two the Presidential Candidates. There were two Parties SDP and NRC.

Prof.Humphrey Nwosu was the Umpire, National Electoral Officer.

General Babangida was President.

It is 17 years ago from today.


That day was symbolic because it was the first time i voted in my life.

It was an overwhelming turnout , Millions of Nigeria turned out to vote for their choice.

The events of the coming days, the annulment, intimidation of the Opposition, arrest and detention of MKO, death of Opposition members notably Kudirat Abiola, wife of the MKO and the eventual death of the symbol of June 12 MKO made the day most memorable in the history of Nigeria.

May the souls of thousands of people who died during the struggle rest in peace. Vengeance is from God, because the very people who perpetuated this heinous crimes still live in Nigeria.

Long live June 12.

The

The Presidency is satisfied with the conception and implementation of the Seven-point Agenda of the Administration and therefore has no plans to either prune or adjust it.

Presidential spokesman, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi said that the agenda was crucial to the survival of the Nigerian economy and the pivot on which Vision 20-2020 was anchored.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity was reacting to the suggestion put forward by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi during his confirmation hearing on the floor of the senate.

Mr. Adeniyi noted that since the Seven-point agenda is not an ad-hoc measure, any attempt to prune it would amount to economic suicide and urged Nigerians to see the views expressed by Governor Sanusi as “a suggestion with the best of intention and not an attack on the government focal policy.

The 7 Point Agenda are:

1. Critical Infrastructure
2. Niger Delta
3. Food Security
4. Human Capital
5. Land Tenure Changes & Home Ownership
6. National Security & Intelligence
7. Wealth Creation