Ghana Life: Horse Riding in the Bush

For expatriate academic staff arriving at the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in the early 1970s, the greatest recreational joy was undoubtedly the outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool. To plunge into its cool water after a hot and humid day at work seemed like a life-saving necessity. However, as time went by with its accompanying acclimatisation, thoughts turned to alternative ways of spending leisure hours. It was then that membership of the University Horse Society came under consideration as an invigorating way of leaving the campus and exploring the surrounding bush.

Like Accra, Kumasi had a fully functioning horse racing track that had its origins in colonial times. Apart from racing, and a polo club in Accra, horses were not much used in the south of Ghana. Horses and donkeys were still used by farmers in the north and it was traditional for northern village chiefs to be mounted on ceremonial occasions. The University Horse Society acquired its horses from Kumasi race track and recruited northern horsemen as stable staff.

The horse society thrived in the 1970s. However, as most of the members were expatriates its fortunes waned as the numbers of foreign professors and lecturers declined. Local people took little interest in the recreations of their former colonial masters, and by the early 1980s, neither the horse society nor the swimming pool was functioning. Many who were there a decade earlier took full advantage of both recreational facilities.

The university campus in Kumasi extends to about 18 square kilometres. Much of this land was cultivated by the Faculty of Agriculture and there were extensive plantations of cocoa, coffee and oil palm. The oil palm plantations were laid out in square blocks separated by long wide fire breaks. These flat tracks of mown grass provided excellent opportunities for the old race horses to stretch their legs again in a full gallop that provided the high point of an evening ride on a working day. On weekends, however, with more time available, more extensive rides off-campus became possible.

Foreigners who only travel by motor vehicle along the main roads of Ghana see only towns and villages that line the road side. It may come as a surprise to some to learn that there remain many villages that lie deep in the bush, reached only along footpaths. These settlements were seldom visited by foreigners but the residents were as welcoming as most other Ghanaians. To reach them on horseback after a long trek through the bush was to re-capture some of the excitement experienced by explorers in earlier centuries. Emerging from dense forest, riders often burst unexpectedly into village clearings and both children and adults flocked to see the horses and greet the riders.

Riding in the bush was not always easy but it was always rewarding. Hazards included fallen trees, swollen streams and snakes. Fallen trees varied widely in size: those too big to be stepped over or jumped forced turning back, unless they had lain long enough for a circumventing footpath to have developed. Similar distinctions applied to streams: many that could be waded in the dry season, in the rainy seasons became swollen floods that prevented further progress.

Fallen trees and swollen streams could be seen by riders but the snakes were usually seen, or sensed, only by the horses. Often when riding in the bush a horse would stop and no amount of urging would induce it to move on. All the rider could do was sit and wait, usually for several minutes. At length the horse would move on, presumably when it sensed the danger had moved away. Only occasionally would a rider actually see a snake and it may well have been that there were other perceived dangers that stopped the horses. Fear of snakes was certain however, because a horse encountering a rubber hose pipe lying in its path for the first time would react in the same way.

If there were natural hazards there were also delights. One day, riding across a clearing, riders noticed crows circling around and attacking a large fluffy owl chick that had evidently fallen onto the ground from its high nest in a tree. One rider dismounted and collected the young owl and another rider carried it safely back to the stables, taking care to avoid any contact with its already fearsome beak and claws. A few weeks later, after the owl had been reared to maturity by an amateur ornithologist, it was carried back into the bush and released.

Anyone visiting the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in the twenty first century will be relieved to find that the swimming pool has been restored to its former glory. It would be pleasing to hear that the Horse Society had also been revived and that intrepid academics were once more venturing deep into the bush.

Common Enemies of the Rose Bush and How to Combat Them

Growing rose bushes and other colorful flora can be one of the most rewarding parts of gardening for pleasure. Roses in particular are among the most popular species of blooming flower among recreational gardeners. Unfortunately, human beings aren’t their sole admirers — roses face a large number of pests and disease obstructing their goal of healthily budding and spreading the beauty and fragrance of their lovely blossoms.

This has given them a reputation for being notoriously difficult to tend and cultivate, but this is for the most part untrue. In actuality, roses fall somewhere in the middle ground as far as care goes. While they may have a high number of potential enemies, they don’t all occur at once and there are specific treatment regiments designed for each one. Here I outline some of the more common threats and how to defend against them.

Insects

  • Thrips: Light colored roses are particularly vulnerable to thrips, especially in early summer. They are small brown or yellow insects that cause irregular leaves, misshapen buds and unsightly blooms (brown spotted.) Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Aphids: Aphids are minuscule, pear shaped and love to attack young growth on your rose. Dislodge them with a strong spray from a hose or treat with insecticidal soap, though never in temperatures of 80 degrees.
  • Japanese Beetles: Copper and green metallic looking bugs, they usually occur in small enough quantities to individually pick off and drown or place into baggies (avoid squishing, which releases attracting pheromones.) For greater numbers, check your local gardening store for Sevin and follow the provided instructions exactly.

Fungi

  • Powdery Mildew: Occurring only in dry weather, this mildew creates a white, powdery residue that tends to congregate on the leaves in particular. Fortunately there are a variety of treatments, including spraying with a baking-soda solution, summer oil, a sulfur-based fungicide or an anti-desiccant (which keeps the plant hydrated.)
  • Rust: Another disease that is prevalent during the dryer months. With rust, it is important to remove affected leaves and be careful with watering, doing so only at ground level. Treatment options include lime-sulfur fungicide, dormant oil or rusticide – the later option can again be acquired at a local garden center (be sure to read and follow label instructions precisely.)
  • Black Spot: This fungus is more common and detrimental during hot and humid weather, causing small black spotting and fringed edges to occur on the leaves. Affected leaves must be removed and destroyed (do not use for mulching or compost) and the plant pruned to improve air circulation. Water only in the mornings, and spray with neem oil, summer oil, sulfur-based spray, a baking soda solution, and certain commercially available strong chemicals.

On a side note, let it’s important to know that like a healthy human, a healthy rose bush is much better equipped to naturally fight off parasites and illnesses, so make sure to read up on proper rose-tending practices to keep your plants strong and thriving. In addition, roses are being specifically bred for resistance to many of their typical bests, and each year many improvements are made. Phasing newer breeds into your gene pool at regular intervals is definitely a good practice.

Following these guidelines for keeping your roses disease free in addition to regular nurturing gardening habits will definitely ensure your flower garden bears its most beautiful, fragrant flowers yet!

President Bush and Pyramid Numerology

Can Numerology reveal the future? Some think so and most Numerologists are familiar with the predictive aspects of the Art. One of the most common, and perhaps reliable, techniques is Pyramid or Pinnacle Numerology. Each Pinnacle represents a long term cycle of learning and challenge as we walk upon our Life Path. With the exception of the first, each cycle is nine years long. Transitions between Pinnacles are almost always strongly felt and correspond to a psychological shift in perspective. There is usually a two year overlap, before and after the Pinnacle date, where we prepare for and then become comfortable with these momentous changes. The first shift is usually the most difficult but, it is the gateway to maturity and usually provides a sense of direction and identity.

Note: One of the most profitable areas in Numerology is Comparative Life Cycle studies. What follows is a study of the Pinnacle Cycles of President George W. Bush. It is not intended as a critique, political or otherwise, but merely as a learning tool. Policy and politics are not the subject matter but rather, the information revealed by the Pinnacles as compared to the events in the President’s life. We shall discuss the Pinnacle first and then compare the events, as we know them. You may draw your own conclusions to its accuracy. Keep in mind, no other predictive tools or methodology are being used.

1st Pinnacle: The 4 vibration was influencing President Bush until the age of 30. This represents hard work and its rewards. This is the time to build solid, long lasting foundations. The 4 pinnacle gives ability to organizational and managerial skills and places success within reach. It is success that must be built piece by piece though – imagine a child playing with Legos or building blocks. Slowly but surely crafting in the material world what only he sees in imagination. This means that while the ultimate goal will be realized there will be frustrations and challenges along the way. Growth takes time and is a slow process. Often, people under the 4 vibration oscillate between the solidity of the 4 and a drive toward chaos. The negative side of the 4 influence is an unwillingness to accept the need for order, discipline, and rules. The child who faces this pinnacle as his first is often stirred by an inner need to move beyond the limitations, real or perceived, of his parents but, should avoid jumping into the harsh world of practical affairs too soon.

Major Events from Birth to 1976: True to form, the President begins laying his foundation in this period. Among other accomplishments he receives a degree in history from Yale in 1968 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1974 He works in various political campaigns at this time including two of his father’s Senate campaigns.. He is a member of the Texas Air National Guard and then the Alabama Air National Guard. The negative aspects of this Pinnacle were felt as well. President Bush himself has characterized this period of his life as ‘irresponsible’. A time in his life which he has admitted was fueled in part by substance abuse and disorderly conduct. Now, take note of the shift year 1976. Firmly stuck between the energies of the two Pinnacles – an often traumatic time with strong psychological implication – the President is arrested and charged with a DUI on September 4, 1976.

2nd Pinnacle: President Bush’s 2nd Pinnacle is the 8 influence. This is a cycle of harvest when material growth will occur. It enhances success in business and finance. It also strengthens personal power which is the basis for success. Other people recognize this about you and defer to your judgment. People place their faith in you and desire to share your vision. Problems become challenges as you grow in stability and develop the organizational skills to head large enterprises. Your influence upon others will be almost supernatural and you move ever closer to the realization of your dreams. The challenge in this period is the development of your spiritual self. This pinnacle is a test of balance between material and spiritual abundance. If you do not find this balance you become a slave to the almighty dollar, if you do you find a reawakening to the true values of life.

Major Events 1977 – 1985: The years of 1976, 1977, and 1978 are all very important to the President. Notice how close they are to the Pinnacle shift. He enters the oil industry at this time. In ’77 the President is introduced to Laura Welch. A short time later ( 3 months ) they will marry. In 1978 the President ran for congress and lost The loss was only by a small margin and his political opponent, Democrat Kent Hance, will later donate money to the President’s campaign for the Governorship. Finally, in 1981 his twin daughters are born and the President joins his wife’s church.

3rd Pinnacle: The next Pinnacle exerts the 3 influence and acts upon President Bush until the age of 48. In this period self-expression comes to the fore. It is a highly social time when friends and admirers will be attracted to you. Under this influence your ability to inspire and motivate others will be very strong and your positive outlook and energy will cause others to want to work for you. This tends to be a very lucky period will problems seem to melt away. However, this can lead to a less vigilant attitude toward your accomplishments. Focus and discipline are called for and you should be wary of impulsive behavior and chaotic thinking else you squander your opportunities.

Major Events 1986 – 1994: In 1986, again notice its proximity to the shift, the President quits drinking and begins reading the bible. After a meeting with Reverend Billy Graham he is born again. Two years later he moves his family to D.C. to work on his father’s Presidential campaign. He helps develop a strategy to court conservative and Evangelical voters – a strategy that works. He delivers numerous speeches at fundraisers and rallies, and meets with religious and conservative organizations on behalf of his father. In 1989 he purchases a share in the Texas Ranger baseball team serving as managing general partner where he led team projects, remained active in the team’s PR, and regularly attended games – choosing to sit in the open with the fans. The Rangers were, for the most part, successful during Bush’s tenure, acquiring Hall-of-Famer Nolan Ryan. In 1993 he completed the Houston Marathon. And precisely at the Pinnacle shift in 1994 we find: He is involved with the construction of ‘The Ballpark’ in Arlington, the Rangers win their first division title, and he declares his candidacy for Governor.

4th Pinnacle: This Pinnacles acts upon the President until the age of 57 and its influence

is the 9 vibration. This is a period where President Bush will begin to identify himself with a goal that is universal in scope. Social activism is prominent as is being an agent of societal change. He will attempt to apply himself to the good of the community. Sacrifice is called for and his personal ambitions must be subordinated to the larger good. This is a period where the President will face a large challenge. The inner impulse is one of greater love and compassion for community, country and world, and a sense of social responsibility develops. He begins to see humanity as a whole. People under this pinnacle are often drawn to religious or philosophical teachings and may begin to spread some particular doctrine or belief system. The challenge is again remaining wed to material reality and not becoming overly idealistic. If the ideal is too large failure may result. Travel in this period will be prominent and he will find himself meeting people from many varied cultures.

Major Events 1995 – 2003: Bush’s run for Governor is crafted around the theme’s of ‘personal responsibility’ and ‘moral leadership’. The campaign focused upon the issues of education, tort reform and crime His popularity grew after an impressive performance at a debate ( believe it or not ) with political rival Ann Richards. He is elected and in his first term makes good on his promises by increasing education funding, legislating tort reform, and reforming the criminal justice system. In 1998 the then Governor of Texas won reelection in a landslide victory. He is one of the most popular Governors in the United States at this time. Bush runs for the Presidency under the rubric of ‘compassionate conservatism’. He is elected to the office of president. 9-11. In March of 2003 he invades Iraq.

5th Pinnacle: The President’s 5th Pinnacle is a 7 and will exert its influence until 2012 when President Bush turns 66. This will be a time of inner reflection and soul searching. Spiritual growth continues to develop and faith is strengthened. During these periods the universe itself seems to propel a person. People begin to specialize during this time and pursue some particular course. As intuition develops he will have an uncanny sense of ‘the next step’. However, this in turning of consciousness makes it difficult to clearly articulate ideas. Nevertheless, expertise in some area will be his as he learns to see beneath the surface of things. The challenge is to refrain from becoming cynical or critical. President Bush must not withdraw from society. Sarcasm does not suit him.

Major Events 2004 – 2012: In 2004, precisely at the Pinnacle shift, he is re-elected to the Presidency. His inaugural address centers upon the theme of universal freedom and democracy – still feeling the effects of the last Pinnacle? Since then we have seen broader discussion upon the Iraq War and the War on Terrorism. The President seems more open to advice and input from others. The 7 Pinnacle can lead to either inaction or informed action. It remains to be seen which direction shall be taken. Although it is quite likely that his ability to articulate his ideas and ‘sell’ them to the public will continue to suffer, the actions he takes in the next two years seem to moving toward a reevaluation of the ‘bigger picture’. We can look for some stunning moves out of this President as policy shifts owing to the increase in introspection. Many questions will emerge in the geo-political realm, problems which can only be solved with an intuitive approach. The world, as of January 1, entered a 9 year. This year will see a resolution to questions of policy and a reevaluation of goals and strategy. The President will regain popularity in the poles and his second term on a surprising high note.

Addendum: The Pinnacles are not the only predictive tool in Numerology. And a full examination of future potentialities would need to include such factors as Challenge Numbers, Essence and Transits, Personal Years, Months, and Days as well as many other contributing elements.

My Life As a Bush – And My Heart For Imitating Jesus by John Morgan – Book Review

A Call to be an Imitator and a Career as an Impersonator

John Morgan, a presidential impersonator shares experiences from his life as a George W. Bush look alike. With a flare for comedy tells his story. John suddenly found himself in the limelight during George Bush’s campaign for the presidency. After weeks, and months of disciplined study of Bush’s voice, facial expressions, stance, speeches, and personal philosophy, John was ready for his first professional assignment.

Since that beginning in January 2005 John has traveled as “the face” of President George W. Bush. He has appeared at corporate and faith-based comedic events. He uses a Texas drawl to introduce himself to his audience in a show that combines humorous impressions of the president, parody songs, and concludes with a message of hope.

Throughout the book John relates his professional experiences in his role of impersonating George W. Bush. He also includes a related personal story as he unfolds his testimony as a follower and imitator of Jesus Christ. He draws from the scriptures to illustrate the parallel to his two roles, impersonator and imitator.

The questions for reflections included meaningful and thought provoking. I found the action steps practical and enjoyed the sections provided for devotional journalling. I felt this opened another valuable dimension to the book for group study and discussion.

John Morgan and Vince Wilcox collaborated to create this entertaining, inspirational story, a combination of a career and a calling. Vince’s strong writing and John’s clear message make this an important and timely book in a year when our allegiance to Christ will impact our future and the future of our country.

978-1599794594, Creation House

As reviewed for Midwest Book Review

What Makes Limpopo Bush Lodge Accommodation So Special And Where To Find It

Limpopo, the northern most province in South Africa, offers wide open spaces, amazing mountains and lakes. Limpopo animal lodge accommodation is home to the most awesome wildlife of bush and animals.

Because of the luscious setting, a Limpopo bush lodge can offer tropical gardens and uninterrupted magnificent views.

South Africans are renown for their hospitality and generous spirit, and animal lodge in Limpopo will be no exception. You will be served and treated to many treats and special offerings to make your stay in a Limpopo animal accommodation unforgettable.

Certain areas, such as Waterberg, in the province are malaria-free. Your hosts at your preferred Limpopo bush accommodation will be able to advise you with sufficient detail about the malaria as well as where to best view the local game (safari). Game viewing will include giraffes, antelope, leopards and possibly civets. Incidentally, when viewing giraffes, it may appear that they are eating a snake – it is actually their long dark grey tongue, which is long enough to clean its ears.

Between your game viewing, (very often to be viewed from your Limpopo bush lodge) make some time for other special offerings in the province. Activities available for your leisure include hiking, trout fishing, biking, visiting the local tea estate, waterfall sightseeing and comfortable walking in the magnificent mountain ranges. Your Limpopo bush lodge will also be able to refer you to a suitable bush lodge spa locally.

Local towns within the province include Groblersdal, Tzaneen, Musina, Mabatlane and Vaalwater.

Your Limpopo animal accommodation will also be able to guide you about game veiwiing on horseback, from your vehicle or with a fame ranger.

Your Limpopo bush lodge will also allow you to experience the culture of the Venda, North Sotho and Tsonga peoples. It is a special place and strongly encouraged. Take a trip to a Limpopo bush lodge.

Visit Guest Files to find Limpopo bush lodge accommodation.

Herbal Treatment For Cancer – African Bush Willow

Cancer is for most people like a death sentence. Conventional medicine has not found or has not really tried to find any cheap and effective treatments for cancer. But that does not mean they don’t exist. The cancer patient has to do his or her own research to find out the most effective natural treatments for cancer. In the end of the day, cancer is just a symptom. Treating the symptom itself is really not the solution. The key is taking nutrients which treat the root cause of the cancer itself.

There are many different herbal treatments for cancer and other diseases as well. But in this article I will tell you more about the African bush willow. It has been found to kill cancerous cells by cutting off their blood supply or disrupting angiogenesis. A sophisticated radiation therapy has been used with Combretastin (CA4P), which is derived from African bush willow, has produced startling results. This therapy destroyed cancerous tumors in 85% of mice to whom it was administered.

After more than 9 month since the treatments was stopped there were still no signs of cancer in the animals. The researchers, from the Royal Free Hospital, University College Medical School, and the Gray Laboratory Cancer Research Trust are planning to start testing this therapy on humans.

Combretastatin (CA4P), the new drug, is derived from the bark of the African bush willow, and like I said before, it destroys the blood vessels that supply the tumor with essential nutrients. And not only does it destroy the blood vessels of the tumor, it has no effect on healthy tissue. The tumor is completely destroyed by attacking it with radiation, which is carried to the cells by antibodies. The radiationtherapy attacks the tumor from outside in and the Combretastatin drug attacks the tumor from inside out.

Dr Lesley Walker, the Cancer Research Campaign’s Director of Cancer Information, said in an interview to the BBC: “This good news confirms what we have been saying all along – that treatments that directly target cancers and spare normal tissue will be the cancer therapies of the future.” He also said that: “as well as proving to be an effective treatment, the combination therapy should also greatly reduce side-effects for the patient.”

There are much more effective, safe and natural treatments for cancer which can be used with conventional cancer treatments. If a person wants to increase his or her chances of beating cancer, then he/she has to do something about as well. Getting the Cancer-free e-book is a great start, it as for me!

When Grandma’s Talked to Her Hairy Bush & Veges

Grandma’s Hairy Bush & Vegas

An intelligent older female once claimed to me:

” It is among one of the essential life abilities you can ever before find out.”

Currently, you could be assuming it’s regarding financial investments or monetary tools.

Possibly it was discovering exactly how to handle time and also or handle failing.

It was probably life and service lessons regarding how to interact and become an efficient salesman.

Nope.

It was veggie horticulture lessons from my Grandmother.

I was simply a young teen year back, so I grinned as well as responded at whatever she claimed.

When older individuals talked back after that, you had to pay attention.

She would undoubtedly continue regarding just how to grow the seeds in great dirt, room them out, establish the proper deepness, just how much water, and obviously, the weird one.

Talk with them.


Currently, I liked grandmother as high as the following Grand-kid; however, I refused to talk with my plants.

Since I consider it, I talk to my damn phone regularly.

Anyways, you obtain my factor.

As well as you understand what?

Grandmother was everything about maintaining essential points.

On the one hand, I get it.

I can not picture what it resembled to endure difficult battle times, were expanding your food was practically a need.

Quick ahead to today, people checks Air-drops food to your front door with a drone.

It’s not like there’s a food scarcity where I live.

Guy, the granny, would undoubtedly be either perplexed or thrilled.

I am carrying on.

Because of ‘procedure lockdown,’ I began growing my natural herb yard.

Not because I’m an insane nut task that assumes the global economic situation is most likely to collapse,

And also, I need to begin hoarding food.

Since it was something various, I did it.

It provides me a break from resting in front of a computer system all day long.

Occasionally it aids to obtain outdoors and also

get your hands filthy and also do something analog.

But, unfortunately, we’ve become so familiar with barking orders at Siri or Alexa that we miss out on possibilities to go back to the old times.

Perhaps Grandmother was onto something,

anyways, as I tend to my plants (planter baskets).

I listen to granny’s unsteady voice in my head:

” Make certain you begin with great, abundant dirt.”

” Make certain you look at the plants everyday.”

” Make certain you water consistently.”

And also as it routinely does.

My mind wanders about as well as returns to considering company.

I began to think of the many companies that I communicate with as well as purchase from,

And I am also regarding exactly how a lot of them do worthless work of following up.

Right here’s things: If you wish to know an uncomplicated means to support the partnership between you and your clients or leads.

One that can divide you from your competitors.

It’s what Grandmother was attempting to inform me the whole time.

It’s in the excellent whole made follow-up.

The following time you obtain needs to get on the complying with social networks train.

Put on your own, search in the mirror, and information on your own to following up with your existing potential customers and consumers.

Excellent follow-up and also partnership nurturing is possibly the solitary most substantial company multiplier you have accessibility to.

It’s the most affordable of the low-hanging veggies.

How many publications, online programs, and video clips have you seen about individuals consuming concerning driving brand-new leads and clients right into their projects?

Proceed, matter.

They’re regularly screaming regarding just how to make those STRANGERS acquire before offering any belief to following up with individuals that currently understand them.

It is the fundamental factor of this email if you desire to streamline points down.

If you concentrated on making these follow-up points well, it would undoubtedly assist.

Listen up:

1. Do not be monotonous. It is a huge criminal offense that a lot of companies are guilty.You desire individuals to eagerly anticipate your e-mails, messages, books, and so on.Amuse individuals with your character as well as enjoy!

2. Stay in their bubble. Discuss subjects that are essential to them and also associate them to them with instances.

3. Have a point of view. Let them recognize exactly how you really feel, and also individuals see why you are the ideal suitable for them.

Email your checklist extra frequently. If you can run social media advertisements and regularly be in individuals’ feeds after that, so must your emails.

Constantly lead individuals.

They’re currently looking to you for recommendations, be the instance, and reveal to them the following actions in the conversion procedure.

And also similar to granny utilized to claim:

Please maintain it easy.


Follow-up is not much more challenging than that.

Currently, if you wish to attempt something straightforward, a method to market your E-books online without challenging funnels, coding, or touching gran’s hairy legs.

I have obtained the point for you.

It’s called webinar and also is the very best possibility for your web revenue for a longer time.

It will undoubtedly turbo-charge your authority, leads, sales, as well as E-book revenues!

Be viewed as a hero to countless individuals all over the world with your target market.

Since it’s completely incorporated right into your, there’s absolutely nothing to relearn.

Freelance Web Designer | WordPress Developer | Hong Kong