New Study Finds Breast Milk Protein Protects Preterm Babies From Infection

New research from scientists at an American university reveals that giving premature babies a synthetic form of lactoferrin -- a protein naturally present in breast milk -- can eliminate staphylococcus epidermidis, a staph infection that can be deadly in infants born preterm.

Researchers from the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA, have identified the role of a protein, called lactoferrin, that protects preterm babies from a type of staph infection.

This antimicrobial protein occurs naturally in breast milk and helps the body absorb iron from food.

Babies born preterm don't get the full level of protective bacteria from their mothers to help fight dangerous infections. What's more, these vulnerable infants are often not able to be nursed and so don't receive lactoferrin from breast milk.

"Babies born with low levels of protective intestinal bacteria are at an increased risk of devastating and sometimes deadly infections," said Michael Sherman, M.D., the study's lead author.

The scientists studied the immune systems of 120 premature babies in neonatal intensive care units between July 2009 and January 2012.

Sixty of them were given a lactoferrin supplement via a feeding tube twice a day for 28 days. At the end of the study period, the researchers analyzed stool samples from the babies to identify the protein's role in the development of protective intestinal bacteria.

They found that harmful germs responsible for the colonization of staph infection were virtually eliminated in newborns who received lactoferrin.

Cost could be a factor in the development and use of lactoferrin treatment, as it can be priced at $25 to $500 per dose. However, "an infection can extend an infant's hospital stay by 10 to 14 days at a cost of $40,000 to $56,000," the study's authors said.

In conclusion, lactoferrin is a promising avenue of further research in the prevention of staph infections in preterm babies and as a means of bolstering their immune systems. However, at this stage, the scientists consider it too early to recommend lactoferrin as a standard treatment for babies born prematurely.

The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.

What It Means When Kids Walk On Their Toes

When toddlers are learning to walk, many spend some time walking up on their tip toes, which is known as toe walking.

Commonly this is to get into things they aren’t meant to, but as they perfect their walking, they walk more with their whole foot on the ground.

The majority of toddlers will walk with their whole foot by the time they are three. Some toddlers are unable to walk with their whole foot, and this is something that should be checked out by a health professional.

Causes

Toe walking can be classified into four groups. Some neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy cause the calf muscle to be tighter or change the way it works. This makes it hard or impossible for the child to get their heels onto the ground to walk with their whole foot.

There are also orthopaedic conditions such as congenital talipes equinovarus (also known as club foot) or calcaneal apophysitis (inflammation of the growth plate in the heel) which cause toe walking. The structural change in the foot or leg makes getting the heel to the ground impossible or painful.

However, some children who can get their heels to the ground prefer to walk up on their tip toes. This group of children also has other behavioural characteristics, such as delays in achieving milestones or ritualistic behaviours. Here toe walking is associated with autism spectrum disorders or developmental delay.

Then there are healthy children with no medical conditions who still persist in walking on their toes. This is known as idiopathic toe walking and is diagnosed through exclusion of all other medical conditions known to cause toe walking. Idiopathic toe walking has historically been called habitual toe walking with the presumption that the child has formed a habit of walking on their tip toes. It has also been called familial toe walking, as some studies report family members sharing the trait.

Idiopathic toe walking affects between 5% and 12% of healthy children and researchers don’t know its causes.

There may be a genetic cause as it is often seen in multiple family members. There are also other features often observed in children with this gait type. In some small studies, children with idiopathic toe walking have also shown speech and language delays and challenges with motor skills and sensory processing such as difficulty with balance and seeking out movement.

The most common observation in idiopathic toe walkers is tight calf muscles. This can make getting the heel to the ground even harder and can cause pain when children are trying to play sport. As you can imagine, children may be teased for walking differently.

What can be done?

No single treatment permanently fixes idiopathic toe walking. Often time is the greatest fixer as the children get heavier and the toe walking gets harder to maintain.

However, as many children with idiopathic toe walking also have tight calf muscles, many health professionals recommend treatment primarily focused on making these muscles longer. Tightness in calf muscles in adults has been known to cause trips, falls and foot and leg pain.

Treatment for idiopathic toe walking can be broken into two types: conservative and surgical.

Conservative treatment includes verbal reminders, stretching, heavy footwear, full-length orthotics, ankle foot orthotics, whole-body vibration, vinyl, carpet or gravel flooring, plaster casts to stretch the calf muscles, and injections of Botox into the calf muscles. Surgical intervention has primarily focused on lengthening the Achilles tendon.

Many of these treatments have limited evidence supporting their use.

At present, the best evidence supports plaster casts or surgery. Both of these treatments have shown the greatest improvement in the length of the calf muscles. Yet one longitudinal study found that many children who had been treated with serial casts or surgery still continued to toe-walk for up to 13 years after treatment.

Having multiple treatment options with varied success makes it hard for parents to choose the best treatment option. It’s also a challenge for doctors in knowing what treatment to recommend.

Researchers agree that keeping calf muscles long enough to easily make heel contact with the ground is important for children who are diagnosed with idiopathic toe walking. If this isn’t able to happen, a health professional will commonly then encourage treatment. There is also agreement that any child who is unable to get their heels to the ground at any time or continues to toe walk after three, should be assessed by a health professional.

Cylie Williams: Adjunct Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Monash University

This article was first published in The Conversation

Pope Francis Falls In Poland, Escapes Injury

Pope Francis fell Thursday after stumbling down a step on an altar during a visit to Poland but quickly got back to his feet, seemingly without injury.

Polish media broadcast images of the 79-year-old Argentine pontiff stumbling, then falling down out of view before being helped to his feet by altar servers.

Francis appeared to be fine as he delivered a homily and said mass at the revered Jasna Gora monastery in Czestochowa, southern Poland.

It is home to the legendary Black Madonna, an icon which Catholic faithful believe has miraculous qualities.

Security was tight at the hill-top shrine following a series of attacks in Europe, with a highly visible police and army presence on the roads leading into the city.

Francis, 79, hopped in an open-topped pope mobile for a tour through the cheering crowds.

“We slept so little, but it’s worth it, what an atmosphere!” said pilgrim Kate Tor, whose young sons were among the thousands of children who had camped out on the sweeping avenue leading to the monastery.

Teenagers still wrapped in sleeping bags, elderly couples perched on folding chairs outside tents and families with Francis-themed balloons were serenaded by the Argentine pope’s favourite tango music before his arrival.

Ambulances and fire-engines were on standby with Polish officials taking no chances with security following the jihadist murder of a priest in a French church on the eve of the pope’s five-day trip to celebrate the 2016 World Youth Day.

Shortly after touching down in Poland, Francis said the world was at war but argued that religion was not the cause, insisting the way for people to “overcome fear” was to provide asylum to those fleeing conflict.

Francis left Czestochowa Thursday by helicopter, heading back to to Krakow where he will be presented with the keys to the city, before jumping on to a tram which will whisk him to the sprawling Blonia meadow for his first big WYD event.

“Now go and do your duty, make noise all night long!” he finished with a grin.

We Built Abuja-Kaduna Rail To 99% Completion - PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress (APC) of appropriating the Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail line project, which was conceptualised, awarded and constructed by past PDP administrations.

In a statement by Dayo Adeyeye, its spokesman, the party said that the rail project launched by Buhari on Tuesday was “conceptualised by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and successive PDP administrations of President Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan commenced work and built the project to 99 percent completion”.

“The only work done by President Muhammadu Buhari on the project was yesterday’s commissioning,” read the statement.

“The truth, which history will bear out, is that the PDP in its 16 years of rule successfully completed numerous projects that substantively changed the infrastructural landscape of Nigeria.

“Every one of those 16 years were years of great productivity with remarkable landmark achievements. This is very much unlike the APC which has already wasted one full year without even scratching one square meter of ground anywhere in the country.”

Buhari Orders NNPC To Intensify Oil Exploration Activities In Northern Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to increase the tempo on crude oil exploration activities in the northern part of the country.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Maikanti Baru, who disclosed this, yesterday, when governor of Bauchi State, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, also lamented that Nigeria was currently facing difficult times. 

Baru said the NNPC currently had exploration activities going on in the frontier basin in Chad and also in some areas close to the Kolmani River, located in Bauchi State, where Shell had made some indicative discovery of hydrocarbons. According to him, the President has directed the NNPC to go into that area to improve and further explore the magnitude and prospect of those finds. In response to the directive of the President, 

Baru disclosed that the NNPC was currently taking steps to re-strategise and get into those regions to step up crude oil exploration activities. “We will re-invigorate the Frontier Exploration Services and see how they collaborate with the Northern Nigeria Development Company, NNDC. ‘’NNDC is holding bloc 809 where we have some of the finds and also the Department for Petroleum Resources, DPR, for the other blocs that have not been assigned,” Baru added. 

On the tough economic situation, Baru lamented that the various attacks on oil and gas assets across the country was making it difficult for the corporation to meet its financial obligations to the country. He said: “It is a very difficult time for us with all the leakages that we suffer, especially infractions on our infrastructure, in terms of pipeline vandalism and theft to be able to meet our obligations to the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC.

Florida Nightclub Mass Shooting: 2 Killed, 17 injured

Two people have been killed in a mass shooting in a Florida nightclub.

According to local media reports up to 17 people have been injured in the shooting.

It happened at Club Blu in Fort Myers in the early hours of this morning according to local police.

The incident is thought to have taken place during a 'teen night' at the club, with some of the people at the event as young as 13.

The latest shooting comes after police in Florida are investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday near a nightclub in downtown Orlando.

Orlando Police say the shooting happened near the Venue 578 nightclub and that three people were injured, one critically. The two other victims had minor injuries.

Mynews13.com reported that the fighting started inside the club before it moved outside. Employees told the station that they saw a man fire his gun in the air.

Niger Delta Avengers Blow Up NNPC Pipeline In Akwa Ibom

In its continued onslaught against the Nigerian oil and gas industry, the Niger Delta Avengers yesterday blew up an NNPC gas pipeline in Akwa Ibom State. 

The incident, according to the group's spokesperson Brig.Gen Mudoch Agbinibo, took place late on Sunday night.

"11:30pm on Sunday, the NDA blew up Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) gas pipeline at Nsit-Ibom L.G.A, Akwa Ibom state. NNPC should check their pipeline if it's "system Anomaly"

This latest action is coming at a time the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claims there is an ongoing 'preliminary talks' between the armed groups in the delta region of the Niger and the Federal Govenment.

The rampaging Avengers have distanced themselves from any peace talks not involving the international community.

PHOTOS: Fayose Distributes Tubers Of Yams To Ekiti Residents

In continuation of his 'Stomach Infrastructure' program, the Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose yesterday distributed tubers of yam to residents of Irona area of Ado Ekiti the state capital.

FIFA President Arrives Nigeria As Protesters Demand Pinnick's Resignation

The visit of Fifa president Gianni Infantino to Nigeria has been marred by a protest demanding the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick over his illegal stay in office and incompetence on Sunday.

The protesters, led by former Nigeria international Emeka Ezeogu, besieged the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, following the arrival of the Fifa boss and  secretary general Fatma Samoura. Fifa executive assistants Mattias Grafstrom and Veron Mosengo-Omba were also part of Infantino's entourage.

The Fifa president and the secretary general landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 4:30pm from Switzerland ahead of his two-day working visit to the country. 

Infantino's visit is his first official appearance in Africa since he was elected as the new Fifa president on February 29, replacing Sepp Blatter. He will also meet with federation heads of several other African countries duing the trip.

Munich Gunman Planned Attack For One Year

The teenage gunman who killed nine people in Munich on Friday had been planning his attack for a year, German authorities say.

David Ali Sonboly, 18, who had a Glock pistol and more than 300 bullets, killed himself after the attack.

Bavarian officials said the gunman, still not officially named, appeared to have bought the illegal pistol used in the attack on the so called "dark net".

Vigils continue in the city to commemorate the victims.

Seven of the dead were teenagers - two Turks, two Germans, a Hungarian, a Greek and a Kosovan.

A further 35 people were injured, but only four of them have bullet wounds.

The state government officials told a news conference that the victims of the attack had not been specifically targeted and were not classmates of the gunman.

Also they did not include three youths allegedly involved in bullying Sonboly when he was at school.

Robert Heimberger, head of Bavaria's criminal police, said the gunman had been planning the attack since he paid a visit last year to the town of Winnenden - the scene of a previous school shooting in 2009 - and took photographs.

He said it was likely the Glock pistol - which had been reactivated - was bought on the "dark net" market, an area accessible only with the use of special software. It had been a theatre prop.

Sonboly was said to be a keen player of "first-person shooter" video games.

Mr Heimberger added that the parents of the gunman remained in shock and were not able to be interviewed.

He also said police had not found the manifesto of Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik when they searched the gunman's room at his parents' flat.

A day earlier, officials had raised the possibility of a link to Breivik, whose own attack was carried out five years earlier to the day.

As to Sonboly's state of mind, a spokesman for the Munich prosecutors' office told the news conference that the gunman had spent two months as an inpatient at a mental care facility in 2015 and was afterwards treated as an outpatient.

"The suspect had fears of contact with others" and also depression, Thomas Steinkraus-Koch said.

However, there was no evidence of any political motivation.

Senior German politicians have called for tighter controls on the sale of guns in the wake of the shooting at the Olympia shopping centre.

Munich's police chief has urged the media to respect the privacy of those affected by the attack on Monday, when schools reopen.

Nadia Nakai's Booty Gives Nicki Minaj Serious Competition

Nadia Nakai has never been shy to show off her curves. But the female rapper has all but broken the internet with one picture of her booty.

Posting the snap to her Instagram page, Nadia showed off her bum in all its glory.

She captioned the picture: "I came to slay."

Watch Tigers Attack Two Women At Beijing Wildlife Park

Tigers at a wildlife park in Beijing have killed one woman and injured another after the pair left their vehicle, Chinese media have reported.

CCTV published footage of the incident showing one woman getting out and standing beside the car before quickly being attacked and dragged away.

The second woman was killed when she jumped out to try to help and was herself mauled by another tiger.Some reports said an argument had led to the first woman leaving the car.A man, who was in the car with the women and also attempted to help, was unhurt.

Visitors to Beijing Badaling Wildlife World are allowed to drive their own vehicles around the park but are warned not to get out in areas open to wild animals. Video of the incident suggested park rangers in a vehicle were on the scene within seconds, but they were unable to save one of the women. The Yanqing district government said the woman who survived was receiving medical treatment, without giving further details.

Park officials have declined to comment saying only that the facility is closed because of forecasts for heavy rain.

Pirate Attacks: Nigeria Deploys 10 War Ships

Nigerian Navy has deployed 10 war ships in a massive operation which aimed to stop pirate attacks on local and international merchant ships on the nation's waterways.

The operation would contain the high spate of attacks by oil thieves on critical oil and gas installations and other criminality prevalent on the nation's territorial waters, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, Nigeria's Chief of Naval Staff, said on Saturday at the launch of the operation.

He said the operation was a continuation of an earlier operation it launched in the first quarter to tackle incessant attacks on merchant ships.

The navy chief told his audience that pirates and oil thieves carried out 30 attacks on Nigerian waterways. Sixteen of these attacks were successful between January and April.

He added that there have been less than seven attacks on the sea with only one pirate attack being successful, since the first phase of this operation was launched to protect ships.

Ibas said the operation aimed to inject new tactics and robust operational initiative to tackle the merging security challenges in the Niger Delta.

He added that the operation would enable merchant ships move their cargoes freely, which according to him, will improve economic activities and revenue for the country.

The navy, he said, would soon take delivery of many gun boats to complement 30 newly built gunboats it recently deployed to waterways and creeks in the Niger Delta

Why I Chained My 9-Year-Old Son – Father

Francis Taiwo, a cleric who chained his 9-year-old son for several weeks, has given reasons for his action.

Mr. Taiwo, pastor of the Key of Joy Celestial Church, was arrested on Sunday after initially evading law enforcement authorities. His son, Korede, was rescued on Friday from the church premises where he was chained and appeared malnourished.

Narrating his case to the police, Mr. Taiwo reportedly said he took the action because he believed his son was possessed with a ‘stealing spirit’ known in Yoruba language as ’emi ole’

‘I chained my son because I felt he is possessed and I’m not comfortable with his stealing habit,” a police source present during his interrogation quoted the suspect as saying.

He also told officials that he married Korede’s mother who bore four children for him before their divorce in 2007.

He said the victim’s mother, Marine Taiwo, was from Delta State and that Korede’s siblings were not living with him.

The 40-year-old suspect, who hails from Benin Republic, said he was born in Ota Town of Ogun State. He said he rose to be a pastor in the Celestial Church, CCC, and was ordained in 2012.

The Church has already distanced itself from the controversial pastor.“All we can say is that the man is not a registered – or recognized – pastor in the CCC,” a church official sent from the Lagos headquarters told journalists on Saturday.

The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said he would be prosecuted once investigation is completed.

MEND Confirms Talks With Nigerian Government

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) on Sunday confirmed that it has been in preliminary talks with the government through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies.

Jomo Gbomo, the group's spokesperson, said in a statement that these preliminary talks are the precursor to a wider dialogue between the government and the MEND Aaron Team 2 peace initiative which will seek to find solutions to the short, medium and long-term future of the Niger Delta region.

On Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, that dialogue is held with key Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law enforcement agencies to find a lasting solution to insecurity in the region.

He said his administration was studying the instruments of the amnesty program inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments that were undelivered.

Two weeks ago, the MEND said it has set up a peace broker committee to mediate between them and the government, and gave the government a two-week ultimatum to commence dialogues.

ISIS Militants Disguised As Women Captured In Syria

Islamic State fighters dressed as women were reportedly caught by opposition forces while attempting to flee Manbij, Syria.

The men, dressed in full black veils, attempted to blend in with civilians fleeing the northern city, after coalition forces issued an order to leave Manbij within two days.

Footage of the three men was published online by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday, which consists of predominantly Kurdish fighter. The video shows the men sitting in front of the opposition fighters, with their faces still covered.

They are then shown walking with their face veils removed, and eventually stripping down to their underwear. One of the captured fighters said he was a sniper, according to Storyful news verification service, as cited by Middle East Eye.

The attempted escape came after the Manbij Military Council (MMC) – part of the SDF - gave IS fighters 48 hours to leave the strategic town with their “individual weapons” on Thursday, saying that was their last chance to leave alive

Why Ogun Church Chained 9-Year-Old Boy For Weeks – Police, NSCDC

A nine-year-old boy who was chained in Ogun State for weeks before his rescue on Friday, was given the horrifying punishment for allegedly stealing, police and the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps have said.

In a statement on Saturday, The NSCDC said that its personnel rescued Taiwo Korede from the Celestial Church of Christ (Key of Joy Parish, Ajiwo) at Ajibawo in Ado Odo/Ota local government area of Ogun State.

The statement said Korede was rescued while in chains, and that the case had been transferred to the appropriate authority for further investigation.

Police confirmed that Korede was chained by the neck to a heavy log of wood in a room for “more than a month”.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the boy was chained by his own father, a pastor in the church, who is currently on the run.

Mr. Adejobi said the rescue operation was carried out following a tip off from a neighbour in the community.

“The police operatives of the Command attached to Onipanu Division, Otta, on Friday, 23rd July, rescued one Korede Taiwo, M, 9, from where he had been chained on his neck to a heavy log of wood in a room by his biological father Pastor Taiwo Francis, m, of THE KEY OF JOY CELESTIAL CHURCH, Ajibawo area, via Atan Otta, in Ado Odo Otta Local Government Area of Ogun State for more than a month,” he said.

He said the child’s step-mother, Kehinde Taiwo, who has been arrested by the police, accused the boy of stealing.

A statement by the NSCDC’s Ogun State PRO, Kareem Olanrewaju, said Korede was chained for repeatedly stealing soup prepared by his step mother.

“She reported to the Father who took step by chaining his hand and legs. This situation was on like that until a Good Samaritan informed NSCDC officials on surveillance patrol of critical infrastructure in the area, they immediately swung into action and ensure the boy was immediately rescued,” the corps said.

He said church members, led by the step-mother, Kehinde, had attempted to stop NSCDC officials from rescuing the boy.

“According to the information from officer in charge of Ado-Odo NSCDC Division who led the rescue operation, the boy had been chained for two weeks at the very Celestial Church of Christ (Key of Joy Parish) the boy was tired and pale, he was not able to talk when he was initially rescued. On getting to the church there was serious resistance by members led by the pastor’s wife Kehinde, but Civil defence Corps men insisted, and they were able to force their way into the church premises. The boy was actually under lock and key. They quickly took him to the office for necessary entries and documentation and proceeded to the General Hospital, Ota.

“The boy was bath and one Dr. Akintunde asked NSCDC officials who took him there to give him lucosade boost, they then called on welder to cut the chains so as to enable them administer treatment. Before NSCDC left the hospital, he has been responding to treatment as he has started talking. However, the Hospital Medical Director one Dr. Osinbajo who came later assures the Corps that the boy will get necessary medical attention needed.''

RMD, Joselyn Dumas to Host Nigerian Entertainment Awards

The 11th annual Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEAs), Africa’s premier entertainment awards, is set for September 4 2016, at the prestigious Tribeca Performing Art Centre, 199 Chamber street, New York, NY 10007.

Anchoring the 11th edition of the awards this year is actor Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, a veteran Nollywood actor who is also nominated this year. Co-hosting with him will be Ghanaian actress, Joselyn Dumas.

The Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) is an annual award ceremony with primary objective of recognising contributions of Nigerian and African entertainers. The award ceremony is not only focused on recognising Nigerian entertainers but also highlight Nigerians who continue to make impact on immediate communities in Nigeria or extended communities in diaspora.

VIDEO: Watch Thief Smash Car Window And Make Away With Stolen Goods Within 30 Seconds

A South African CCTV camera captures a thief breaking into a car parked on a busy road in broad daylight. After making a hole in the window on the passenger's side, he pulls the whole window out and puts half of his body into the car to help himself to the contents of the vehicle in less than 30 seconds.

20 dead, 160 Wounded As Blast Rips Through Kabul Protest

A powerful explosion on Saturday ripped through crowds of minority Shiite Hazaras in Kabul who had gathered to protest over a power line, killing at least 20 people and leaving 160 others wounded, officials said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast, but it comes in the middle of the Taliban's annual summer offensive, which the insurgents are ramping up after a brief lull during the recent holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The scene of the blast was littered with charred bodies and dismembered limbs, with ambulances struggling to reach the scene as authorities had overnight blocked key intersections with stacked shipping containers to impede movement of the protesters.

"At least 20 people have been killed and another 160 others wounded, but these are initial figures from our hospitals and could change," health ministry spokesman Mohammad Ismail Kawoosi told AFP.

Thousands of demonstrators had gathered to demand that a multi-million-dollar power line pass through their electricity-starved province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan with a large Hazara population.

"The horrific attack on a group of peaceful protestors in Kabul demonstrates the utter disregard that armed groups have for human life," Amnesty International said in a statement.

"Such attacks are a reminder that the conflict in Afghanistan is not winding down, as some believe, but escalating, with consequences for the human rights situation in the country that should alarm us all."

In a statement, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was "deeply saddened" by the carnage, adding that the casualties included security officials.

"Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack, killing and injuring a number of citizens including some security forces."

The protest march was largely peaceful before the explosion struck as the demonstrators sought to march on the presidential palace, waving flags and chanting slogans such as "death to discrimination".

The 500-kilovolt TUTAP power line, which would connect the Central Asian nations of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan with electricity-hungry Afghanistan and Pakistan, was originally set to pass through the central province.

But the government re-routed it through the mountainous Salang pass north of Kabul, saying the shorter route would speed up the project and save millions of dollars.

Hazara leaders in the ethnically divided nation lashed out at the Pashtun president, calling the decision prejudiced against the Hazaras, a community that has suffered a long history of oppression.

Saturday's protest follows a similar demonstration in May, which drew tens of thousands of people.

The three million-strong Hazara community has been persecuted for decades, with thousands killed in the late 1990s by Al-Qaeda and the mainly Pashtun Sunni Taliban.

- AFP

Manchester Utd Unveil New Kit

Manchester United have launched their new home kits for upcoming 2016/17 season.

In a statement, the club said: "Adidas and Manchester United have launched the club's new home jersey for the 2016/17 season, taking inspiration from the club's early years as Newton Heath LYR Football Club.

"In the second year of the partnership with Manchester United, Adidas has taken cues from the Club's illustrious history, with a two tone red split design evoking the two-tone Newton Heath kit of 1878."

The home kit was officially launched in China during United's 2016 pre-season tour, and it will be worn for the first time when they take on rivals Manchester City in Beijing on Monday, July 25.

Hillary Clinton Picks Tim Kaine As Running Mate

Hillary Clinton on Friday tapped Tim Kaine, a popular Spanish-speaking senator from the swing state of Virginia, to be her running mate in the White House showdown against Donald Trump. 

“I’m thrilled to announce my running mate, @timkaine, a man who’s devoted his life to fighting for others. -H,” the presumptive Democratic nominee tweeted. The 58-year-old senator swiftly tweeted his response, saying: “Just got off the phone with Hillary.

 I’m honored to be her running mate. Can’t wait to hit the trail tomorrow in Miami!” Kaine, an experienced foreign policy hand who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, could help Clinton bring in two key voting blocs: Hispanics and the battleground state of Virginia.

Politically a middle-of-the-road Democrat, he is also seen as helping the former secretary of state win over votes from reluctant independent male voters. Widely seen as a safe choice for Clinton in a brutal election race, Kaine emerged as a frontrunner in the veepstakes because he ticks so many boxes. 

Clinton put out a series of tweets heaping praise on the senator, known for his affable manner as well as his expertise on matters of defense and foreign policy. “@timkaine is a relentless optimist who believes no problem is unsolvable if you put in the work to solve it,” Clinton wrote. “@timkaine’s guiding principle: the belief that you can make a difference through public service.”

One of the tweets included a five-point graphic highlighting the senator’s youthful spell on a Jesuit mission in Honduras as well as his track record in fighting homelessness, discrimination and gun violence, in expanding early childhood education and in fostering a positive business environment in Virginia.

The pick comes just days before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, where Clinton — and now Kaine — next week are to be elevated as the nominees to the party’s presidential ticket.

15 Tips For Buying a Woman The Perfect Gift

Buying a gift for a woman is a delicate topic – you are tiptoeing along the boundary line of making her feel on top of the world or like you don’t care at all.

It’s the ideal time to show her how special she is to you, so here are 15 tips to help you pick the perfect gift!


1) Don’t Buy Clothes Unless You Know Her Really Well
That dress may look great on the mannequin in the shop window, but have you considered your lady’s size, shape and the style that suits her? Unless you are 100% sure of her specific taste, this one could go badly wrong. Buying something too small will make her feel fat and embarrassed and buying something too big will leave her feeling insulted! Sorry guys, but unless you know your girl perfectly, you just can’t win with this one!

2) Pick Up Hints and Show That You Listen
If a girl wants something specific, you can be sure that she will have dropped a few hints, in the hope that you’ll pick up the clues and surprise her. Of course if these hints are that she wants a whopper of a diamond ring, you can always pretend you weren’t listening. As a general rule though, if there’s something she really wants, she will have probably already told you.

3) Don’t Buy Her a Gift That You Would Rather Have For Yourself
This one can be pretty transparent and it’s not going to impress her. If you’re big on video games, and you buy her a games console so you can “play together” – she’ll see right through you. Similarly, if you buy her a snooker cue so you can “teach her” or tickets to a sporting event she’s not interested in, it’s not going to go down well.

4) Experiences Are Often Better than Material Gifts
Life should be more about cherished memories than material possessions and planning a great experience together is one of the best gifts you can buy. Whether it’s a romantic spa getaway, a food tour or even a pair of plane tickets to somewhere she’s always wanted to go to, this sort of gesture will definitely impress. A shared experience will be something that you can reminisce about for years to come.

5) Don’t Assume It’s All about Money
Anybody can flash the cash but what women really care about is the thought that goes into the gift. So instead of aiming for quantity, go for quality and a present that really shows you’ve put thought into it.

6) Plan in Advance
Nothing shouts out last minute like a wilted bunch of roses you’ve bought from the petrol station. Is her favourite band going to be performing next month? Take the time to research and plan rather than leaving it to the day before, and your gestures will not go unnoticed.

7) Makeup Good, Soap Not So Much
Women love to make themselves look beautiful, so if you buy her some of her favourite makeup, this is guaranteed to be a hit. If on the other hand, you buy her a bar of soap and some shower gel – this conveys a less romantic message, as they are “essentials” she’d buy for herself on a daily basis, not as a special treat.

8) Be Romantic and Do Something Personal
Women love romance, so if you’re struggling with gift ideas, there’s one golden rule; do something romantic to show her you care. This could be a surprise – perhaps a little note telling her where to go that evening, or anything personalised, such as a handmade card, a picture frame, a scrapbook, a poem or even a song (if you’re musical).It’s all about being creative and romantic at the same time. Just don’t put a ring in her cake or her glass of champagne as accidents do happen and you might need to practice your best Heimlich manoeuvre!

9) Timing Is Important
If you’ve only been dating a week and it’s her birthday, then that diamond ring is going to be too much, and will definitely scare her off. She’ll think that you’re moving too fast and will worry that you expect an expensive present in return. For someone you’re just casually dating, a meal at her favourite restaurant and a small thoughtful gift always goes down well.

10) The Triple Threat – Shoes, Handbags, Jewellery
If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with choosing either shoes, handbags or jewellery. All of these things require some background knowledge though. With shoes, makes sure you are 100% sure of her size and favourite style. Handbags are always a hit – a woman can never have too many, and there’s something about a jewellery box that makes every woman melt. Just make sure you pay attention to her specific style. Does she like large statement chunky jewellery or more delicate pieces? Of course the age old phrase goes: “diamonds are forever” so that’s always guaranteed to be a hit. As a general rule though – look at the current style that she wears and buy something that fits the mould.

11) Give Her Your Time
Plan a romantic evening in for just the two of you, cook her a meal, buy her favourite film and focus on the quality time together. Giving her your time is far more important than the amount of zeros on the gift receipt. Material goods cannot compensate for you not giving a girl your time.

12) Ask Yourself What Would Make Her Life Easier
When you’re at her house, look around and ask yourself, what could you buy her that she needs and would make her happy that you’ve noticed? Perhaps she’s missing some champagne flutes, or her laptop is on its way out? Maybe she could do with a dressing table or a beautiful jewellery box? Look for problems that you could create thoughtful solutions for. Just make sure that you’re not too practical with your gift ideas though. For example, household appliances are a big no-no. Her vacuum cleaner may have broken but DO NOT use her birthday as the perfect opportunity to replace it. If this is the case – you’ll be the reason she starts thinking romance is dead.

13) Don’t Be Frightened To Ask Her Friends or Her Mum
They’ve known her longer than you have and will actually be pleased you’ve asked for their help. If anything, it will get you in their good books, for showing how much you care about your lady.

14) If You’re Struggling – Ask Her for a List
If she hasn’t dropped any hints, her friends can’t help you, and you don’t have the confidence in your own present choosing skills, then one simple solution is to ask her directly. Instead of asking her the one present she wants, ask her to write a list; that way, whatever you do get her will still be a surprise.

15) Ask Yourself One Important Question – What’s Unique about Her?
What women really want is for you to show that you know her well and recognise her interests and passions in life. Before you buy a woman a gift, take some time to really think about what she likes. What kind of person is she? What are her favourite things to do? Where has she always wanted to visit?

For example, if she’s a fan of 60s music, why not get her a vintage record player? If she loves to travel – get her a nice hand luggage bag, a unique map of the world or a trip away. If she likes to cook – why not get her a cooking class with a top chef? There are so many ideas that will show you pay attention to what she likes, so always remember to link the gifts you buy to what you’ve already learnt about her.

So there you have it – fifteen tips to ensure your gift is a hit! The most important thing is the thought and the message behind the gift. Women want to feel loved, special and appreciated, so that’s why well thought out presents go a long way. If you buy her something that’s personal to her rather than a generic gift, she’ll know that you really care.

Source: http://www.welovedates.com/

Public Transport Suspended In Munich Following Terror Attack

Munich’s main train station has been evacuated and metro and bus transport in the city suspended on police orders.

The decision followed the killing of at least six persons by gunmen, who attacked a shopping centre in the city.

Three gunmen were involved in the shooting, according to a police statement, citing witnesses.

“We suspect terrorism,” a Munich police spokesman told AFP.

The shooting spree began before 1600 GMT at a McDonald’s restaurant and continued on a nearby street before the gunmen moved into the OEZ shopping centre, a police spokeswoman said.

Europe has been on alert for terrorism in the wake of a string of attacks including bombings in neighbouring France and Belgium.

The OEZ shopping centre, which opened in the 1970s near the city’s Olympic stadium, was surrounded by armed police and emergency vehicles, while a helicopter buzzed overhead.

“There is a major police operation under way in the shopping centre,” Munich police said on Twitter, urging people to avoid the area.

Emergency vehicles were seen in the streets outside, as shoppers rushed away from the mall, some carrying children in their arms.

“Attention — avoid the neighbourhood around the OEZ. Stay in your homes. Leave the street,” the Munich police tweet said.

Germany has so far escaped the kind of large-scale jihadist attacks seen in France.

But the shooting comes just days after a teenage asylum seeker went on a rampage with an axe and a knife on a regional train near Wuerzburg, also in Bavaria on Monday, injuring five people, two of them critically.

One victim is still fighting for his life, the hospital treating him said Friday.

(AFP)

Ronaldo Opens Own “CR7” Hotel

Cristiano Ronaldo inaugurated his own hotel on Friday called 'CR7' after his initials and shirt number, while the airport on his home island of Funchal was renamed in his honour.

Just two weeks after leading Portugal to the Euro 2016 title in France, the national team skipper appeared on a terrace of the red-coloured building overlooking the sea, wearing a white baseball cap.

"It's a little strange. I never could have imagined that I would be a hotelier at the age of 31," said Ronaldo of his hotel which opened for business on July 1.

Meanwhile, the president of the Madeira region, Miguel Albuquerque, said that the local airport would be named in Ronaldo's honour.

On Saturday, Ronaldo will visit his new museum which is situated on the ground floor of his hotel.

A second 'CR7' hotel is due to open in Lisbon later this year with two others planned in Madrid and New York in 2017.

Celebrities Who Have Admitted To Plastic Sugery

 Nene Leakes admitted she got ANOTHER nose job in June 2016, telling Andy Cohen she "had a real medical reason why I had to get it done again"

 After busting up his face on the set of the upcoming "Prison Break" reboot, Dominic Purcell had to get a nose job. "Still some swelling around my nose and eyes but should be down in week or two," he said of the pic on the right after the operation.

On the season premiere of "Botched," Dr. Terry Dubrow and Dr. Paul Nassif fixed trans woman Rajee Narinesingh's face, after she had her cheeks, chin and lips injected with a cement-like filler.

 Kim Zolciak "I had a boob job and I've had a hernia fixed," she revealed in a May 2016 interview. "I had a pretty big hernia from the twins, so I said just do a tummy tuck, which is kinda the same thing, just make the skin really tight. But that doesn't change my size. I'm the same size I was the day I walked into surgery, I'm just a little bit tighter looking."

 Khloe Kardashian revealed she had a horrible experience with fillers. "I looked crazy, and I still think the effects are in there! My face was so f--cked," she admitted on the March 23, 2016 episode of "Kocktails with Khloe."

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 Porsha Williams got a "non-surgical nose job" from Dr. Simon Ourian to enhance the shape of a small bridge on the nose

 Courtney Stodden took fans behind the scenes of her latest procedure in an exclusive interview with ET as she got a nose job. The reality star has also had a breast augmentation and temporary lip fillers.

 "Teen Mom 2" star Kail Lowry underwent liposuction, a tummy tuck and a butt lift by Dr. Miami in a procedure that was broadcast online via Snapchat. Click here to see why she's feuding with Jenelle Evans over the operation!

 "Love & Hip Hop" star Erica Mena says she's "officially implant free." "I literally got rid of everything that was worthless & old," she added on Instagram. "Ready for MY NEW Life! Ready for My Own Show & Movie role which called for my breast to be all natural."

 "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta" star K. Michelle got a reduction on her butt, after previously getting implants. "Betsy is smaller, but she still makes a statement. Sometimes less is more. Not finished yet, but feeling liberated getting back to myself," she captioned the pic of her new derriere (right).

 "Modern Family" star Reid Ewing says his body dysmorphia led him to get cheek implants, a chin implant and "several" other procedures from 2008-2012. "Before seeking to change your face, you should question whether it is your mind that needs fixing,"

 Farrah Abraham went from 650CC implant to 800CCs during her third boob job in October 2015

 After facing criticism in the Playboy Mansion, Karissa & Kristina Shannon went under the knife. In a new episode of "Botched," they admit their noses are "way too pinched, too small" and "f**ked up," adding they don't think they even look like twins anymore.

 Snooki confirmed that she had her lips injected, admitting that she's always disliked her thin lips.

 After months of speculation, Kylie Jenner finally admitted to getting temporary lip fillers..

"Vertigo" star Kim Novak says she got fat injections in her face in 2012, because they "seemed far less invasive than a face-lift."

Sylvester Stallone had surgery on his face to repair damage from being taken from the womb with forceps as a baby.

The Rock admitted to liposuction to have fat sucked out of his chest because he thought it was starting to look too big