Watery Mucus And Closed Cervix

NEW RELEASE: The Guardian of the decaying books


Just released (25 February) is my collection of reports from all corners of Africa - the publisher writes:

Even after five years in Africa, there are simple people and their stories that fascinate the correspondent Marc Engelhardt most. Their stories best describe the consequences of "big" events or simmering conflicts actually have. There is the librarian Saif Islam, seeing in the Mauritanian desert centuries-old books must forfeit even though he loves her so much that he can sing the verses contained in it. The Ugandan adolescents Deogratius Okema, who worships the child killer, who themselves abducted and forced to murder his own family. And the Berlin Architect Martin Grütter, trying in one of the most inhospitable parts of Africa alone, to provide development assistance - and to fail in one's own willingness to risk.

The intangibility of Africa can be understood only by its actors, the small heroes, tragic loser and quirky personalities. Their stories, Marc Engelhardt wrote down, creating a personal image of Africa from a continent where there are not only hardship and suffering, but also daring and imagination, a continent on the death not only but is lived in particular. ISBN 978-3-85452-955-2


Picus Verlag, 132 pages, hardcover, 14,90 Euro
(Clicking on the headline out of the book at amazon.de)

Lack Cervical Mucus Early Pregnancy

mercury prohibited


The summit meeting of environmental ministers but is only now ended, but the result is already seen as safe: Seven years after the start of negotiations to ban mercury had been agreed on the withdrawal, said Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) of the taz in Nairobi. "There will be a real negotiating mandate in order to qualify in two years as a result, as we draw mercury from the market worldwide," said Gabriel, who is fighting with his EU counterparts for years for the ban. The United States had prevented an agreement at all times. Only a U-turn Washington in the deal made it possible: "You can tell how fast the atmosphere has changed."

A working group from the summit now has the task of making the withdrawal decision within two years of a legally binding agreement. About the details of which were already heavily discussed on Thursday. "Everyone agrees that there should be a legally binding regulation," said the spokesman of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Nick Nuttall. "But there are countries that want to extend the Regulation in perspective to other heavy metals, others want it left with the mercury."

mercury is one of the most toxic substances. Each year 6,000 tonnes of Heavy metal release, one-third of coal power plants. "The amount is increasing, especially in Asia because more and more coal is burned," warns Nuttall. Dating from the combustion of coal mercury into the atmosphere and from there into the human food chain. Most dangerous is the consumption of contaminated fish. In Sweden the pike, and some other fish species from more than 50,000 lakes as so contaminated that the authorities in the birth-age women advise against eating them. "The rest of the population they should not exceed once a week to commit," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner. No wonder that every man now living mercury carries. "And the World Health Organization warns that even small amounts are even harmful. "consequences of mercury poisoning include the brain, liver, lung and nerve damage.

place in many developing countries, people today voluntarily surrendered to the heavy metal from. gold miner in Brazil, Zimbabwe, India and Papua New Guinea wash the precious metals using mercury, poisoning not only yourself but entire regions. Nuttall, the number of affected miners and their families is estimated at ten million.

When the mercury ban comes into force must not only gold prospectors to look for alternatives. Many industrial processes rely on mercury. While there are hardly any mercury thermometer are included, most LCD displays from electrical thermometers, the heavy metal. Even energy-saving bulbs contain mercury. "This is about one milligram, which is a tiny amount that fits on the tip of a pen," defended Philips manager Nick Kelso, participating in a technology fair on the UN compound. "If you buy conventional bulbs consume more energy and thus produces far more mercury than is in a fluorescent bulb." But a stand on presenting the Chinese company already Megaman mercury-free energy-saving lamps. "We have replaced the mercury amalgam," said David Fan "The pears are just as bright"

(Copyright with the daily newspaper, 20.2.09)

Second Hand Treadmill Bangalore

DJ against yogurt seller


His latest provocation Rajoelina Andry, 34, had been a particularly youthful painting. Instead of a political rally invited the former DJ and fired the mayor of Antananarivo Madagascar's capital for a concert featuring popular musicians. More than 20 000 were mostly young followers of the charismatic orator there when Rajoelina presented in the main square of the city's new "interim government" for Madagascar.

The new president had been elected Rajoelina a week earlier. "Power of my office I appoint Monja Roidenfo the first Prime Minister of the Fourth Republic," said Rajoelina repeatedly interrupted by cheers of the crowd, he asked shortly afterwards to march on the palace of President Marc Ravalomanana. But what began as a proof of power, ended with a bloodbath.

"We have demonstrated peacefully," said Jocelyn Ratolojanahary sitting yesterday with a bandaged hand in the largest hospital in the capital. "Then, without warning, the security forces opened fire on us." On television pictures can be seen, such as police and military to shoot indiscriminately into the crowd. As the mass of fleeing in panic, demonstrators are trampled to death. At least 28 opposition supporters were killed, police said, more than 200 were injured.

"People armed only with their courage, "can Rajoelina journalists know who film his hospital visit, a standing for weeks negotiating offer by the Government proposes from Rajoelina." The blood has been shed for nothing, we will continue until final victory, "he said on Sunday . Last night, the two opponents agree but a UN mediation to. Rajoelina called as a prerequisite to set up an interim government until new elections, and the punishment of those responsible for the massacre of last Saturday.

The demonstrators, on Saturday before the presidential palace were cut down, are the latest victims of a ruthless power struggle between president and Rajoelina Ravalomanana.In recent weeks should have lost in the island republic off the African coast more than 125 people died. It is the worst crisis since Ravalomanana seven years ago was elected president.

At the time, refused the throne in more than 25 years of Marxist and naval officer Didier Ratsiraka, the election to recognize Ravalomanana. Ratsiraka left the roads and bridges around the capital Antananarivo mine and starved the population. Only when struck after five months without basic food and petrol on the army side of Ravalomanana, Ratsiraka fled to exile in France. The former colonial power had supported him to the last. Quick

Ravalomanana made a name for himself as one who could make the run-down land on their feet. Most people are subsistence farmers on the island, few grow vanilla and coffee, the two main export agricultural goods. To date, despite new discoveries of raw materials more than two thirds of the population live below the subsistence level of one dollar a day.

But Ravalomanana widespread optimism, because he also knows Poverty: Growing up in a suburb of Antananarivo, the now 59-year-old yoghurt sold by the rack of his bicycle down. Today Ravalomanana is the largest operator in the country. In interviews, he praises like Germany in general and German dairies across special. His conglomerate Tiko permeates all sectors Madagascar: Ravalomanana except dairies include supermarkets, newspapers and radio and television stations. The president, he deftly uses to expand its market position and increase his wealth. It was from him within a short time a kind of African Berlusconi.

Ravalomanana was indeed the end of 2006 re-elected with a clear majority. But especially in the capital of the discontent is growing ever since. "We are a poor country, it should go forward for us," complained a taxi driver. "But it's only got worse." Like most in Antananarivo, will the man with gray hair to remain anonymous. Not only since Saturday Ravalomanana is an authoritarian ruler. "The only people making money are, but the president and his baggage," said a market vendor. A few months ago rumors making the rounds that the government wanted to lease an area of 1.3 million hectares of the Korean conglomerate Daewoo, was for them as for many others the limit is reached. On the surface, half the size of Belgium, Daewoo will grow pig feed and palm oil for biodiesel. "Shortly thereafter, the President has bought a new private plane, but which have the finances," says the shopkeeper. The cost of the converted Boeing 737 after Ravalomanana needs: almost 50 million Euro.

no surprise that representatives of the international relief community on the president are talking bad. "Madagascar will be in the long run one of the few African countries, where the poverty instead of decreasing," says the now detached representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Belgian Pierre van den Boogaerde. Many donors, including the EU, had suspended its aid even before the latest unrest. The resentment against Ravalomanana is the Rajoelina will use for his ascent. Mayor's campaign denied the man with flashy T-shirts and rap music. Because of its speed it is called after the French express train: TGV. He promises change Ravalomanana and is more similar than admit he wants to himself. Except for two advertising agencies Rajoelina has a radio and television station, Viva stirred for weeks for the boss the big drum. As the "TGV" a little more than a year was mayor, he was unceremoniously removed all the billboards of a competing ad agency. Today it is one Injete his company.

Moreover an aura of uncertainty: After Rajoelina 26 January, the President convoy was throwing stones, Ravalomanana had left the capital in a hurry. He has not been upgraded - the carnage from Saturday has to answer one of his newly appointed head of security. The defense minister took yesterday back, on the grounds that it could not accept that the blood of their countrymen had been shed. Obviously the support of the president is crumbling in the army.

After fleeing the President had to wait Rajoelinas followers more than 24 hours on a word of their leader. Finally, Rajoelina reported by radio and called for calm. Many observers believe that the man who can make laws according to Madagascar's first in six years as president, vote, then squandered a chance to move into the two days of unprotected presidential palace. All the more surprising is the vehemence with which Rajoelina now sold as a strong man. "In the countryside know him, many not at all "is even one of his advisers to consider.

also Rajoelina that had a lot of support for its fresh wit, are lost followers." There have been days hardly salt, oil and sugar to the markets, " reported Nadine Ralaivao, a wholesaler. "Gasoline is running out." Rising prices and the dead in the streets many Rajoelina fans have turned right. "We wanted someone who is closer to the people," says a young person, "a civil war we did not want .

Allergy To Chap Stick

The misery of bleaching


When the sun sets red-hot in the Indian Ocean off Dar es Salaam, Ernest Kimayo proposes a faster pace to view before the darkness at home. Previously the father of four loved the night, when the blazing sun is gone and Kimayo could move bareheaded through the streets of the capital of Tanzania. But those days are over. do fear for a year, the albino before his potential murderers, chop him into pieces and sell his body parts to shamans. Throughout the country, such killings have happened to more than 40, the police estimated the number of victims. Kimayo fears he could be next.

"I'm afraid to go to a bar or on the beach," says Kimayo, in a narrow, stuffy Office is located, is the Ocean Road Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the city connected. "I'm even afraid to go during the day in an office or meet business partners, because I can not be sure if the one I want to sell to the killers."

throw at the oblique views, the black Tanzanians the pale albino, Kimayo had become accustomed to. The fact that people change the road side when it comes, will not hit it. "When I was a child, wanted the other paw me always, when we touch the skin, the blood flows out immediately, they have said," recalls Kimayo. "There is always misunderstanding and discrimination, but so a horror, as now we have never experienced before. "

is particularly bad it was in the country, in Western Tanzania, where the belief in spirits is widespread today. Little Esther Charles only ten years old when a band of them in the hut the parents tracked down in their home village Shilela. The cheerful girl with his white hair and sensitive eyes was cut with machetes in pieces. fingers, eyes, genitals, or even a piece of skin to bring the murderers more money than they would otherwise in a month can earn, says Kimayo. contracting the cruel persecutors are recognized spirit healers who promise their clients wealth. "Entrepreneurs have albino skull on their gold mine down in order gold moves magically to the surface, "says Kimayo." Fischer albino meat used as bait, because they believe that the fish caught will have gold in your stomach. "Others say that diseases could by using albino body parts healed. Kimayo on the street hears constantly whispering. "There goes past our luck, some say. Let's do it, we need the money tell them. "

Kimayo knows almost all the stories. He is chairman of the Tanzania Albino Association, which has in the stuffy office headquarters. The fact that the center on the hospital grounds are not far from the Cancer station has its reasons. "It is a Curse to be born in Africa without protective skin pigments, "sighs Kimayo carrying even in closed rooms sunglasses. The sun is so strong that many albinos are already developing teenage skin cancer. Many will die before their thirtieth birthday. A medical procedure can can not afford most of the estimated 200 000 Tanzanian albinos simply. "Many of us drop out of school because our eyes are very weak and there in the schools, no support," says Kimayo.

Other Tanzanians beat with odd jobs by:. that can not albinos "pickers, street vendors, car washers are all working under the burning Sun, against which we have no natural protection. "Therefore, suffer the most albinos poverty. So far, the most important project of Kimayos organization zusammenzubekommen enough money for sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats. Sunday we met to eat at together and the particularly in need of care. But the almost 12 000 euros, which he filed last year, donors, especially foreigners living in Tanzania, at his disposal, even for front and rear do not. against the new danger that albinos have only very few resources.

Kimayo, 41 shows with a shrug to a phone that is on the dusty wooden table. "The police have given us, so we can alert the emergency may. "But a persecuted in the country that uses little. This is Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete made the gruesome murders a top priority." These murders are a disgrace to our society, "he said at a specially scheduled televised address." It is only through hard working rich, not by murdering fellow citizens and dismembered. "Kikwete, the registration of albinos arranged to protect them better. An albino activist he appointed to the deputies, as a signal that albinos are full members of society. shamans throughout country was deprived of the licenses, they now have to examine themselves. Kimayo was these days for his involvement with a state award excellent. But the horror continues: Just recently was in the vicinity of Lake Victoria again murdered an albino.

"People believe their healers, they ask no questions," says Kimayo. "Many think that are so pale that are not always men, but spirits, which makes the cruelty all the more easier." Then there is the greed. At first dug up the bodies of suppliers to the master magician of albinos in cemeteries to meet the demand. Today, with a complete albino body for allegedly EUR 350 000 will be sold throughout the country have joined the head-hunters hunt. "One woman she beat off both legs above the knees and let her bleed to death just leave, because a Healer legs needed, "says Kimayo in a halting voice.

long must also fear albinos in the neighboring countries for their lives. In Burundi, the top prosecutor in a border region with Tanzania all albinos in the area quartered in his house, he protects like a fortress . The long march to the provincial capital Ruyigi most lay only under cover of darkness, far back of the main roads. In Kenya, there have been the first murder.

That the poor of the country place their hopes on unscrupulous spirit healer, has many reasons . Most of the forty million Tanzanians live below the poverty line, as generations before them. However, television had entered her life "Strengthens As an increasing number of Nigerian series and movies in which spirit healers have a nearly unlimited power, of course, the traditional healer in the village already powerful," says Kimayo.

In the city there is hardly different: In Dar es Salaam is home to three million people, slums surround the inner city with its colonial architecture. In the sprawling slums regulate people today often live together in a rural community. To prevent further killings, believes Kimayo, you have to reach out to these people. "We try to educate in schools and elsewhere, and to hold discussions, but that is not easy."

Kimayo locked the door on the evening of his Home early especially to get to safety. At least his children, says Kimayo, he must not worry. He is married to a black Tanzanian. "All my four sons are black." What a relief for the father.

(Copyright Berliner Zeitung, 4.2.2009)

Fireflies Ron Pope Piano

Africa's King of Kings


Even before his arrival at the summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Muammar al-Gaddafi caused a scandal. He'll not only as Libyan revolutionary leader, he let the astonished leaders say, by circular, but as "King of the African Kings" - and expect to be received as such. When Gaddafi entered Ethiopian ground, he was accompanied by corresponding seven traditional African kings.

There are performances like this, which Gaddafi has shaped his reputation as an eccentric. The generally unkempt political maverick, just real with sunglasses and stubble, strikes out on state visits and presidential suites in the hotel garden instead Bedouin tents. Even years of confidants, he is considered totally unpredictable, he is consulting with anyone. As a recent coup in Guinea's army, Gaddafi flew by private jet in the capital Conakry and had to pull back when it became clear that no one wanted to talk to him.

It is beyond Question that in 1942, was born near the Libyan town of Sirte, Gaddafi is a political exceptional talent. In September he will be the 40th Anniversary of its revolution to celebrate the bloodless coup, which was allowed to settle the then 27-year-old King Idris of Libya Colonel. In his "Green Book," Gadhafi's equivalent of Mao's Bible, he announced Libya's alternative to socialism and capitalism that followed the founding of People's Committee and its "ground state".

companies were nationalized in the first, since a few years later privatized. For dogmatic Gaddafi is only one: his unchallenged leadership. Opposition and free press are being hounded until a few years ago could Foreigners enter the country only in exceptional cases. This was also the fact that Gaddafi granted to terrorists from around the world shelter, construction of weapons of mass destruction and announced ordered the bombing of a Pan Am plane over Lockerbie. Only since 2003, he renounced all terrorism, Gaddafi is in the West again socially acceptable.

Africa Gaddafi attracts many stripping: He financed rebels in Chad, Sudan and many other countries and makes the same time governments with large transfers compliant. Outsiders because it may be surprising that Gaddafi has just prescribed for the African Unity. The establishment of the AU has been particularly his idea, Gaddafi repeatedly proclaimed goal is the United States of Africa. At its peak: he himself, Gaddafi the first king of the African Kings.

(Copyright with the daily newspaper, 02/03/2009)