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Laptop computers affect mens fertility

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Is something burning, or are you just computing again? New research published in the medial journal Fertility and Sterility (Nov 2010) reveals that laptop computers can roast a man’s testicles to the point where sperm production (and quality) starts to drop.

To conduct the study, researchers placed temperature sensors on the scrotums of 29 men, then asked those men to use laptop computers on their laps. It didn’t take long before scrotum temperatures rose to levels known to damage sperm production — just 10 to 15 minutes of computing time.

Staying cool means staying fertile

Testicles are supposed to stay cool. And I don’t mean “wow, that’s cool” but rather that they are supposed to remain a degree or two below body temperature in order to maximize sperm production. When the testes get too hot — even with as little as a one degree Centigrade rise in temperature — sperm production starts to fall. Using a laptop computer on your lap can cause temperatures to rise by 2.5 C in one hour, according to this research.

And the men in the study didn’t even notice the rise in temperature, by the way. Probably because they were too busy updating their Facebook pages with comments like, “Check it out, I’m actually getting paid to roast my nuts for the advancement of science!”

In the world of temperature-sensitive sperm production, 2.5 C is equivalent to a scrotum barbeque cook-off. And all it takes is a little laptop computing to send temperatures soaring.

Cooling pads didn’t help

Surprisingly, even using a laptop cooling pad didn’t help, researchers reported. Scrotum temperatures still rose just the same.

Reuters reported that Belkin International, Inc., makers of laptop computer cooling pads, “…did not wish to comment on the new findings.” (http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS…)

No surprise there. This is dangerous territory for marketers. After all, there’s really no way to spin this story in a positive direction. Even if Belkin unleashed ads such as, “Feeling the heat? We keep your scrotum cool,” they would be hit with complaints about lewd marketing tactics.

It turns out the biggest determining factor of whether a laptop computer heats up your testicles is your leg position while computing. I’m not making this up: Researchers found the best position was to spread your legs wide while computing in order to dissipate heat and cool your man-crotch.

Stay cool, dude

The bottom line in all this, guys, is that when it comes to your testes, hot is bad, cool is good. Keep things “breezy” down there, in other words, and you just might have children one day.

And for all the women reading this who have men you’re trying to conceive with, you might explain to them that in addition to fried foods and pharmaceuticals damaging sperm quality, now they have to worry about where they’re holding their laptop computers, too. If you catch your man with a computer on his lap, shove some ice packs down the front of his shorts until he gets the message. I guarantee you this will get his attention.

Because men who can’t keep their junk cool are actually practicing a form of laptop birth control. Although the drop in sperm quality from laptop heat isn’t considered permanent, it’s technically a form of short-term sperm suppression. Sort of like soaking your sack in a hot tub for twenty minutes (hopefully with the rest of your body along with it).

[Naturalnews.com]

On a light note – 10 quirky facts about kissing

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File:Captain Mwale receives a kiss from his wife Golezya when he arrived from Sudan on a United Nations peace-keeping mission

Think you know a thing or two about kissing? You probably do. But the facts below are so off the beaten path, we’ll bet you don’t know them all — and they could come in handy. Not only could they provide some steamy “Did you know…?” small talk, but they’ll help you see all the benefits a satisfying liplock can bring into your life. Happy smooching!

Please note that not all points may be true for our Zambian culture.

1. Two out of every three couples turn their heads to the right when they kiss.

2. A simple peck uses two muscles; a passionate kiss, on the other hand, uses all 34 muscles in your face. Now that’s a rigorous workout!

3. Like fingerprints or snowflakes, no two lip impressions are alike.

4. Kissing is good for what ails you. Research shows that the act of smooching improves our skin, helps circulation, prevents tooth decay, and can even relieve headaches.

5. The average person spends 336 hours of his or her life kissing.

6. Ever wonder how an “X” came to represent a kiss? Starting in the Middle Ages, people who could not read used an X as a signature. They would kiss this mark as a sign of sincerity. Eventually, the X came to represent the kiss itself.

7. Talk about a rush! Kissing releases the same neurotransmitters in our brains as parachuting, bungee jumping, and running.

8. The average woman kisses 29 men before she gets married.

9. Men who kiss their partners before leaving for work average higher incomes than those who don’t.

10. The longest kiss in movie history was between Jane Wyman and Regis Tommey in the 1941 film, You’re in the Army Now. It lasted 3 minutes and 5 seconds. So if you’ve beaten that record, it’s time to celebrate!

[Article courtesy of Happen magazine]

FIFA disagree with NSCZ over FAZ

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The world football governing body FIFA has disagreed with the findings of the National Sports Council of Zambia into the investigations carried out by the sub-committee appointed to look into the dispute surrounding the legality of the FAZ executive led by Kalusha Bawalya.

In a letter addressed to National Sports Council of Zambia Chairman Chifumu Banda dated 10th November, 2010, in response to a letter by the NSCZ dated 26th October 2010 on the situation at FAZ, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said for FIFA, the replacement of the four FAZ executive committee members who resigned has been done in compliance with the FAZ statues.

He explained that the purpose to have provisions with regard to an emergency committee in member associations statutes is meant to allow them function and take urgent decisions, in this case the co-option of the new executive committee members to fill the vacancies.

Valcke said while FIFA understands that some FAZ members might not be happy, the FAZ constitution gives the possibility to FAZ to convene an extraordinary council should two thirds of its members request so. He said in the present situation, FIFA feels that there is no reason for it to intervene.

Valcke in his letter obtained by QFM however said FIFA is following closely the current situation and are in regular contact with the FAZ leadership in order to make sure that procedures are properly applied.

The NSCZ had requested FIFA to intervene in the FAZ impasse.

QFM

Lukulu priest nabbed for cannabis

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A JOINT operation team of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and Zambia Police Service has arrested a New Apostolic Church priest in Lukulu District for drug trafficking.

DEC public relations manager, John Nyawali said in Lusaka yesterday that Godfrey Chifunda, 37, a priest at Kangoi Congregation, was arrested after he was found with four bags of dry cannabis weighing more than 80 kilogrammes.

“Priest Chifunda becomes the second clergyman from New Apostolic Church to be arrested for drug trafficking in the last 12 months after another one was on Christmas Eve last year arrested for cultivating about a tonne of cannabis near the church premises,” Mr Nyawali said.

He said Mr Kangoi was in police custody and would appear in court soon.

Mr Nyawali said the commission was saddened with the increasing number of clerics arrested for flouting the law and appealed to the Church mother bodies to closely monitor activities of the men and women of God in order to restore the public’s confidence in them.

Meanwhile, 52 people were arrested countrywide in the last five days for trafficking in various quantities of cocaine and cannabis with a total weight of 248 kilogrammes.

Those arrested included a 20-year-old Grade Nine pupil of Mweke Basic School in Mongu who was found selling 20 kilogrammes of cannabis.

Another one was Jeff Hamuwele, a resident of Chamba Valley in Lusaka who was arrested in Chelston residential area where he was found with three sachets of cocaine which he wanted to sell.

[Times of Zambia]

Banda expected in Namibia

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President Rupiah Banda shakes hands with Namibian President Ipukefinye Pohamba at Teratona Hotel in Angola
FLASHBACK: President Rupiah Banda shakes hands with Namibian President Ipukefinye Pohamba

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda is today expected to travel to Namibia on the invitation of that country’s President Hifikepunya Pohamba for the commissioning of a power line that will connect the two countries.

The president travels to Katima Mulilo town in Namibia near the border with Zambia where he would officially commission the Caprivi link inter-connector, which would link the electricity transmission lines between the State-run power utility companies of Zambia and Namibia.

The two companies are NAMPOWER of Namibia and Zesco of Zambia. This is according to a media release by special assistant to the president for Press and public relations, Dickson Jere.

“This line will facilitate exchanges of power between the two utilities for trade purposes as well as during emergencies where there are deficits on either side,” President Banda said.

The transmission line to be launched on Saturday has an optic fibre installed on it, which would enhance the availability of broadband communication of Internet and data services for the two countries.

President Banda would be accompanied to Namibia by Energy and Water Development Minister Kenneth Konga and other senior Government officials. He returns home after the ceremony.

[Times of Zambia]

Reforms bring $3.4bn inflows into Zambia

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Commerce Minister Felix Mutati

Current business reforms being undertaken by the Zambian Government have led to attraction of investment inflows amounting to US$3.4 billion from January to October 2010, exceeding the targeted US$3 billion for the whole year.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati said the $3.4 billion worth of investments in various sectors of the economy has come because of the improved investment climate and stability in major macroeconomic indicators arising from prudent economic management and business reforms.

Last year, Zambia recorded in excess of US$1.8 billion worth of investments with the manufacturing sector leading in terms of investment recorded which exceeded $580 million.

In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mutati said in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the period under review, Zambia registered $3 billion.

Mr Mutati said about 25,704 jobs were created between January and October 2010 from sectors such as agriculture, construction, education, energy, engineering, financial institutions, health, Information Technology Communication (ICT), manufacturing, mining, tourism, real estate, service and transport.

He said the manufacturing sector attracted investment worth $1.2 billion with 13,786 jobs being created.

“This Government of Mr Rupiah Bwezani Banda shall continue providing a favourable investment environment by continuing to reduce the cost of doing business in order to attract additional domestic and foreign investment for wealth and job creation that will lead to the attainment of the Vision 2030 of transforming our country into a prosperous middle-income country,” Mr Mutati said.

Zambia’s incentive package was among the best in the region, if not the entire Africa.
Investment opportunities remain untapped in the manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, energy and mining sectors.

Mr Mutati said recently, the Government developed and approved the Commercial Trade and Industrial (CTI) Policy for the period 2010 to 2014.

The vision of the Government under the industrial sector in the CTI policy was to develop a competitive, export-led manufacturing sector that would contribute 20 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2015.

Mr Mutati said regarding the performance of the manufacturing sector during the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) period, the sector had continued to grow at an average annual growth rate of 3.25 per cent.

Its contribution to the GDP during the same period averaged at 10.2 per cent.
The major challenge in the sector remained the high cost of doing business, which the Government was addressing as evidenced by the 10 places improvement on the World Bank Doing Business Rankings.

“Our target in the next three years is to move up by 40 places. This indeed shall be accomplished taking into account the vigorous business and licensing reforms being undertaken by my ministry to further reduce the cost of doing business,’’ he said.

Mr Mutati said transformation of the industrial sector and sustaining its competitiveness was one of the major factors in determining the pace of economic activity in Zambia.

Despite the challenges in the manufacturing sector, new companies have set up base in Zambia, which include Varun Beverages, Universal Mining and Chemical Industries Limited, MM Mobile, El Sewedy Limited and MM Integrated Steel Mills Limited.

[Times of Zambia]

Rupiah urged to intervene in Livingstone fracas

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Zambia Livingstone Coordinator for justice John Mwewa has appealed to President Rupiah Banda to intervene in the suspension of the Livingstone Council.

In an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone Mr. Mwewa said that since the Minister of local government and member of parliament for Livingstone Sakwiba Sikota have not done much in sorting out the suspension of the council there is need for the President to intervene in the matter.

Mr. Mwewa said that integrity and morality is very important in the conduct of civic leaders for development to be attained.

He said that the electorate should look at people’s character when electing its civic leaders to prevent what had transpired at the Livingstone city council.

The Caritas official said that the continued suspension of the council has broken the bridge between people and councilors who are the drivers for development at the wards and constituency level.

He said that a report should be published of the findings of the cause to the suspension of the council because not all councilors were wrong and have continued to be dented by there suspension.

Mr. Mwewa also challenged the Council management in Livingstone to come up with a modern market and intercity bus terminus.

He said that he has observed that some former councilors have big pieces of land which was not supposed to be disposed off to individuals but was supposed to be reserved for markets and bus stations which were going to benefit the Livingstone community.

Mr. Mwewa also observed that the current Constituency office for Kazungula which is at the border is far from the reach of people hence need to reallocate it to a central position so that it carters adequately for people of the constituency.
[ ZANIS ]

The Great Debate:Should Mbesuma Return Home?

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Should Collins Mbesuma search for redemption see him swallow his pride and return to his roots?

According to Kick.com, the fallen star striker is officially off the market and currently keeping fit at a football academy in Durban under the watchful eye of physical trainers from rugby giants Natal Sharks.

Mbesuma has failed to find a club since Moroka Swallows fired him in July for indiscipline.

He is reported to have come close to securing a deal in Israel but that fell through.

This is after Zesco United are alleged to have earlier offered him sanctuary while he searched for a permanent deal abroad but decided instead to go to Israel.

Mbesuma’s best shot at finding a club in South Africa looks bleak as we head towards Christmas and by a long shot likely coming in the New Year.

However if that doesn’t work  out, should he follow his compatriots Billy Mwanza and Sashi Chalwe and the much-traveled Linos Chalwe to earning his income back at home if the price is right?

Petioners Announce Parrallel ECM

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The petitioners calling for the dissolution of the Kalusha Bwalya executive committee have said they will hold a parallel emergency council meeting (ECM) in Lusaka on the eve of the one announced yesterday by Faz to be held in Kabwe on November 27.

Pettioner Simataa Simataa told ZNBC sports news this evening that, as far as the pressure group is concerned, there is no Faz executive after four executive committee members quit on October 1.

Simataa said the petitioners had garnered the required two-third majority with 147 signatures out of the 209 affiliates and will disregard association general secretary George Kasengele’s announcement on November 10 that an ECM will be held in a fortnight’s time in Kabwe.

“We are all aware that there is no (Faz) executive committee since it dissolved itself on 1st October,” Simataa told ZNBC Sports.

Simataa said the parallel ECM will be held on November 26 at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka.

“That is why the members have taken up the right and the opportunity to call for this meeting. So from where we stand-and I stand- is that this is not tit-for-tat. No. The two thirds have called a meeting. It’s on a Friday 26t November,(at)  Intercontinental, (at) 09:00 Hrs,” Simataa said.

However, Faz has said in reaction after receiving the petition from the pressure group today that the parallel ECM is illegal and all affiliates should disregard it.

According to information obtained, the agenda for the 26th will have three three items that will see the confirmation of the dissolution of the Faz executive committee, the election of a chairperson for the ECM and the election of a new executive committee.

The ECM on the 27th to be chaired by Kalusha in Kabwe will have two items; to debate the legality of his regime and his speech.

Farmers urged not to squander money on beer and women

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File: Peasant farmers selling their part of their maize harvest

KAZUNGULA District Commissioner, Albert Chifita has appealed to farmers who recently got paid by Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for the crop purchasing exercise to re-invest their money in agriculture rather than squander it on beer and women.

Mr.Chifita who thanked the farmers in the area for contributing 4500 bags of maize towards food security said the Government spent about K24bn on crop purchasing exercise in the district.

And Mr.Chifita said that Government has been allocating fertilizer to farmers for the 2010/2011 farming season.

He said farmers should not panic as Government has enough fertilizer in store for all of them to benefit.

Mr.Chifita said some farmers are fond of spending their money on illicit alcohol and other money wasting activities.

He advised them to use their money to buy farm equipments such as tractors and irrigators if they are to succeed in their farming
career.

Mr.Chifita further assured farmers that Government is committed to empower people in rural areas through farming.

Meanwhile Mr.Chifita who addressed a gathering at Syakalima Basic School in Kazungula’s Musokotwane area advised parents to avoid
engaging their children in early marriages.

The District Commissioner said parents should look at educating their children rather than engage them in marriage.

Below 8% end year inflation unrealistic – HH

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UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema

United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema says the projected end year inflation of around 6.6 percent is unrealistic.

THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has projected that Zambia’s inflation rate will further fall to just above six percent at the end of 2010.

During the same period, the gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by more than six per cent.

BoZ Governor Caleb Fundanga is on record as saying that Zambia will be able to achieve a low inflation rate because of sound policies and the impressive economic indicators being recorded.

But Mr. Hichilema said Zambia should project the inflation rate at 10 percent stating that the 6 percent projection is unrealistic.

The UPND leader added that the creation of jobs and improvement of the economy cannot also be achieved at the government projected rate.

Meanwhile Mr Hichilema said there is a great need for the PF/UPND pact to address the challenges it is facing.

Mr. Hichilema said the pact should address all the challenges it is facing before the 2011 elections to avoid divisions.

He was speaking on national television last evening on Frank Mutubila’s Frank talk.
[ QFM ]

Shikapwasha is not principled – SACCORD

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Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha

The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has charged that Information and Broadcasting Services Minister is the most unprincipled man in the country for defending theft and abuse of office clause from ACC Act.

Reacting to Lieutenant General Shikapwasha statement that SACCORD and a named tabloid are the most corrupt institutions in the country SACCORD Information Officer Obby Chibuluma said his organization will not allow government to abuse national resources.

Mr Chibuluma said the abuse of office clause is vital in trying to prevent large scale plunder of national resources, hence the need to maintain the clause in the ACC Act.

He pointed out that people that have supported the legalized theft would have to answer to Zambians in the 2011 elections.

The Information Officer stated that it is shameful that the minister could label SACCORD to be the most corrupt institution on the basis of its opposition for the removal of the abuse of office clause from the ACC Act.
[ QFM ]

Early marriages worry Gwembe headman

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Young girls who dropping out of School to become mothers (File Picture)

Senior headman Siabbamba of Gwembe district has observed that empowering of youths in rural areas will significantly help reduce crime and early marriages among the rural population.

And headman Siabbamba has described early marriages among rural girls of school-going age as disturbing.

Speaking to ZANIS in Gwembe district, Silent Siandunda Siabbamba, noted that it was sad that youths have now turned into goat rustlers because of lack of social-economic activities and amenities to engage in.

Mr Siabbamba said the introduction of loan facilities to youths in remote areas would enable them grow into responsible and productive youths.

He explained that there was need to empower youths with fishing nets and boats in his area so that they could engage into profitable fishing activities

Meanwhile, headman Siabbamba said early marriages among girls of school-going age in rural area have contributed to high levels of pupils dropping out of school.

He attributed this to low levels of education and economic activities among their parents.

Senior headman Siabbamba has called on government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to consider empowering rural women with economic skills that would enable them empower their children with education.

“Women need help by way of club formation in my area. They need income to educate their children,” he said.

He said he desired to see more youths, especially girls, acquire decent education.

Meanwhile, senior headman Siabbamba has called on government to consider constructing a clinic in his area.

He said people in his area cover a distance of 14 kilometres to get to Sinafala clinic and 17 kilometres to access treatment at Chisanga health post.

The traditional leader observed that Siabbamba is an ideal location for the construction of a clinic because it was centrally located.

He said maternal mortality rate is rife in his area as expectant mothers have to cover a long distance to get to health facilities.

He added that impassable roads further worsen the already bad situation.

[ZANIS]

Faz Succumbs To Pressure And Calls ECM

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Faz has succumbed to pressure and has set a date for the emergency council meeting (ECM) at the end of this month.

However, the Zambia Premier League (ZPL) have resolved this afternoon not to meet Kalusha Bwalya in Kabwe to dialogue on the way forward because the current executive committee is illegal.

Faz general secretary George Kasengele said at a press briefing in Lusaka today that the ECM will be held on November 27 at Masiye Motel in Kabwe.

Kasengele said the meeting will be chaired by Faz president Kalusha Bwalya starting at 10:00.

The Faz general secretary said on the agenda will the legality of the current Faz executive and the association president’s speech.

“This decision has been arrived at after wide consultation,” Kasengele said.

“It is in conformity with the FAZ constitution article 26 (2) (i) and also article 26 (2) (2). Article 26 (2) (ii) says the executive committee shall set the date and time of all council meetings.

“Article 26 (2) (iv) says the executive committee shall convene an emergency meeting if it deems fit. With those provisions we have decided to hold the emergency council meeting.”

Meanwhile, ZPL chairperson Cephas Katongo  in a press statement today said  that they will play their league and club obligations and meet with the executive committee only when their conditions are satisfied.

In a statement, Katongo said: “The teams represented by the ZPL will not attend the meeting called by Faz for the following reasons:

  1. The presence of the self dissolved Faz executive members at the meeting is not acceptable While we welcome dialogue, this must be done in conformity with the (Faz) constitution. It is crucial for us as to who chairs the meeting as there is no Faz executive committee in place at the moment.
  2. The apparent partial disposition of the (Faz) general secretary who keeps calling unconstitutional disciplinary committee meetings and docking of points from teams who have stayed away from games must come to an end henceforth. “Therefore there must be a reversion to the status quo before the boycott and this must be made clear before the proposed meeting is  held with the general secretary.
  3. The super League clubs are willing to meet with the General secretary (Secretariat) to discuss the way forward during the course of next week on condition that the issues raised above are adequately addressed.

“In the midst of what is happening we call upon the current and potential sponsors to bear with us as the reasons for this impasse hinge on the corporate government, transparency and respect for the constitution. We value your contribution and look forward to your continued support.”, the ZPL statement read

Government to build more Universities

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MMD Spekesperson and Education Minister Dora Siliya
Education Minister Dora Siliya has hinted that Government intends to build more Universities in the country in order to decongest the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt University.

And Ms Siliya has disclosed that discussions are underway to set up Universities in each provincial headquarters beginning with Northern, Southern and Eastern Provinces respectively.

The Education minister was speaking yesterday, on MUVI TV on a programme titled” the future of higher learning institutions in the country and monitored by ZANIS in Lusaka.

She reaffirmed government commitment to education saying for this cause the State values the importance of higher learning institutions in the country as an educated citizenry would contribute more favorably to the development of the country.

Ms Siliya however, refuted media reports that Government intends to de -link the University of Zambia (UNZA ) from the Ministry of Education saying proposals abound by some concerned individuals and other stake holders to de-link the country’s biggest varsity from her ministry..

She said discussion are underway to find lasting solutions at higher learning institutions such as UNZA and the Copperbelt University ( CBU) which she said were once belonged to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Education Minister stated that as a former UNZA student herself, she would like to see improvement at the institution in terms of infrastructure development and conducive learning environment for students in these institutions.

Ms. Siliya expressed She also showed dissatisfaction the congestion at the university of Zambia where some students share small rooms which only occupy few students.

She said Government is committed to improving the lives of students at high earning institutions so that he problems which has been affecting high learning institutions are solved once and for all.

ZANIS

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