Issue 196 - Thursday, 12 May 2016 to Wed, 18 May 2016

Continued on Page 3

The drought has persisted for three consecutive years and we are asking for drastic measures, which are special to us to be implemented, or we will lose all our animals that are our lives (livelihood)

The Deputy Mayor Hilka Erastus, making this point clear at the last council meeting.

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Fabianus Hivirikee Uaseuapuani, chairperson of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority on the drought situation in the constituency.

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The national, regional and local authorities are hard at work and remain sensitive to the cry for affordable land and shelter, especially for the poor and the ultra-poor.

Continued on Page 3

See Page 4 See Page 9

Art After DArk Art exhibition Debuts At CosDef Centre See Page 7

Dome hosts DRC boxing clinic with Danny Boy

Swakopmund Matters applauds World Bank and President Geingob

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World Boxing Federation Lightweight Intercontinental Boxing Champion Albinus 'Danny Boy' Felesianu, in collaboration with the Dome Gymnasium, on Casinga Day

held a very successful boxing clinic in DRC in Swakopmund. The manager, Sport and Marketing at the Dome, Dave Hammond, told us the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the Municipality of Swakopmund were also partners in the event.

Namib Independent was present when the truck with equipment and the parts of the boxing rink left for DRC before six on that misty morning, with the handful of enthusiastic workers who erected the boxing rink in the heart of the informal settlement. Danny Boy was also up and ready to help. Out of the hundreds, a group of ten young boys with potential and talent would be identified to later become part of a training programme.

Boxing Champ Danny Boy inspires young children of the DRC during a boxing clinic held in the DRC and hosted by the Dome Health & Wellness Centre gym. (Photos Xenia Ivanoff-Erb)

Absalom Shigwedha

A Swakopmund-based group has called on proponents of phosphate mining in Namibia to be warned about sea-bed mining by the recent remarks by the World Bank and President Hage Geingob.

In a statement issued last week, Swakopmund Matters said the World Bank has made an important announcement in Washington DC, cautioning against experimental sea-bed mining.

“The crux of the announcement is the

World Bank's warning that not enough is known about the environmental and social impacts of the enterprise and likewise the appropriate fiscal regime and economic benefit to deep sea-mining are not yet clearly understood. And that the short and long term impacts on the environment, economy and society in general remain largely unknown,” said the group.

Swakopmund Matters said it is

Thursday, 12 May 20162 news

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Contact Us Santhea's 'Boemelaar' bash raises funds for Walvis SPCA

Donna CollinsMany people might know her as the attractive

blonde who plays keyboards in a live band for fun, but qualified accountant Santhea Delport and keen businesswoman has more to her than meets the eye.

Santhea has a heart of gold and is not shy to use it, by going that extra mile to raise awareness for the plight of the animals. Just recently, she pulled off a huge fund raising fancy dress 'Boemelaar' bash with proceeds being raised for the struggling Walvis Bay SPCA held at Sarah-se-Gat.

The fancy dress was organised together with the support of her husband and business partner Jacques Delport (owner of Sarah-se-gat), and the Sarah-se-gat staff under Simonie Schoonbee, and the themed event transformed Sarah se Gat into a world of ragamuffins, graffiti, decorated inside and out, plus live party music held over two nights.

Two full live bands got the party started and played well into the night for this benefit event, which included 'Double Vision’ and Hi-5, as well as some 'hot' acoustic sounds on the Saturday afternoon by the 'rock chic' SAVANNAH.

The fantastic effort, which was well supported, raised a total of N$10 000 for the SPCA, as well as food galore that filled a Hilux bakkie to the brim, with a handover made to the management

Funds donations poured in from the week-end Boemelaar bash which were handed over to the Walvis Bay SPCA

Jacques and Santhea Delport threw the dress up party of the year at Sarah-se-gat to raise

funds for the SPCA

last week. In addition to all this, Santhea has

also created a Facebook presence called 'Santhea's SPCA Walvis Bay support Group', which already has 3 500 members. Here she updates the public on the latest news on animal cruelty, neglect, fundraising ideas and keeps the public informed on the needs of the SPCA.

When asked what the motivation was behind this huge effort and public awareness for animals she has created, she answered. "I simply love animals, and cannot watch the suffering that is going on around us every day, without helping them," she said. "These dogs and cats are products of

human neglect, so it is our responsibility to look out for them and care for them as they cannot speak for themselves.

"I am so grateful to everyone who donated generously, and all those who supported our 'Boemelaar' Party, as well as the bands who played their hearts out to help make this event such a success," added Santhea saying she would like to turn this into a quarterly fund raising event.

She said there is still an urgent need for funds to enable the SPCA to buy everything from, medicines, blankets, towels, food as well as the ongoing vet account, and is appealing the public to please open hearts this winter to assist our "furry friends."

3 Thursday, 12 May 2016

“Who knows, the next Danny Boy might be waiting in the wings here in DRC – and we want to be part of his training and upliftment and want to contribute to our youth in this way”, said Hammond.

Danny Boy – who is preparing for his first world title fight in July, also resides in DRC. This son of Swakopmund told Namib Independent that he was concerned about the high drug abuse, alcoholism and crime in the township, and its influence on the youth of DRC. He said he was thankful that he – who had been noticed and identified as boxing talent, and assisted and trained – could now do the same for children of his community.

“If they could train and exercise

in the gym on a regular basis, then the chance of them getting caught up within the wrong crowd, with bad influence, would be much smaller.

The youth need inspiration, positive role models, and opportunities to help them make the most of their lives. This might just be the spark for one or more of our young ones, to become the next champion for the country,” he said.

The young ones were deeply impressed by their local boxing hero’s skills and agility, telling the paper that the 10-round sparring session had been an inspiration. Afterwards the boxing champion handed out autographs for tens of young boys who waited patiently in long queues for an autograph.

The team at the Dome Health & Wellness Centre sponsors Danny Boy’s training and preparations – and for that he is obliged to engage with the community in a way to provide the youngsters in DRC with a Boxing Clinic. The training clinic was followed by a 10 round sparring practice for Danny Boy, which was very exciting for all to watch, right here in the heart of DRC.

Hammond said it was only the beginning of a series of clinics to be held in DRC in future. A handful of talented young boys were identified and one or two chosen will be given the opportunity to train and exercise in the Dome Health & Wellness Centre gym.

Continued from Page 1

news

Continued from Page 1

Swakopmund Matters

Namibia signs the Paris Agreement on Climate Change

Boxing with Danny Boy

gratifying to read this significant statement by the World Bank. It says when President Hage Geingob addressed the High-Level Segment Ceremony for the Paris Climate Agreement on 22 April, he also spoke strongly for environmental protection in Namibia. Geingob said the environment is part and parcel of Namibia's foundation of democracy, peace and stability and that it has been so in the past, it is so today and will be so tomorrow.

He added that environmental protection is enshrined in the country's constitution. Article 95 (I) of the Namibian Constitution states that the State shall “maintain ecosystems, essential ecological processes and

biological diversity of Namibia and the utilisation of living natural resources on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Namibia, both present and future.”

“Those in Namibia who have decided on any aspect of marine phosphate mining will be well advised to take the wise words of the President fully into account and furthermore should take note of the timely warning the World Bank has issued. Up to now, those eager to be involved in marine phosphate mining have yet to produce convincing evidence about the full scope of the environmental and social impacts of their enterprise,” said Swakopmund Matters in a media statement issued on 28 April 2016.

Dave Hammond (marketing Manager the Dome) and Gunnar Keil (Health & Wellness Centre Manager)

Absalom Shigwedha

On 22 April 2016, President Hage Geingob signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on behalf of Namibia.

This means that Namibia has in principle, agreed that the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is an international environmental legal instrument aimed at addressing climate change, taking over from the Kyoto Protocol once it expires in 2020.

However, Namibia will again need to ratify or acceded to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Ratification or acceding to this agreement, will mean that Namibia will domesticate the provisions of the agreement and make it part of the law of the land.

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change was adopted at the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, France, at the end of last year and was described as “a big achievement

in the history of international climate change negotiations.”

Environment and Tourism Minister, Pohamba Shifeta, said the agreement gives hope to the future generations to live in an undisturbed climate world and ensure a sustainable future.

The Paris Agreement on Climate Change will take over from the Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC) which is set to expire in 2020.

Amongst others, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change aims to strengthen the adaptive capacity of developing nations to deal with the adverse impacts of climate change, including loss and damage from the slow onset events of climate change.

With developed countries taking the lead, the agreement captures the crucial elements such as deep emission reduction including loss and damage, adaptation, integrity of all ecosystems, provisions of means of implementation such as finance, technology and capacity building for developing countries, and preparing for a global stock-take starting in 2023.

“Of great importance, the agreement, for the first time in the history of climate

change, included human rights issues with special emphasis on the right to health, the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, migrants, children, persons with disabilities and people in vulnerable situations and the right to development,” said Pohamba.

Namibia is an active Party to the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, and has so far submitted three

National Communications to the Secretariat of the Convention.

It has also submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution, a document detailing how the country voluntarily wants to address climate change.

Namibia is set to be hard hit by the impacts of climate change, due to its arid and semi-arid environment, and its over-dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

The Paris Agreement will be deposited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and will be opened for a one year for signature on 22 April 2016 – 22 April 2017.

It will be entered into force after 55 countries that account for 55 per cent of global emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification.

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Walvis Bay Council getting to grips with housing crisis

Donna Collins

The Municipality of Walvis Bay remains committed to the land and housing crisis, and is getting to grips with the process whilst in consultation with the Ministry, to finalise the fundamental logistics of the land delivery.

Making this point clear at the last council meeting, the Deputy Mayor Hilka Erastus, said that the town has been in the spotlight regarding the issue of housing and needs to step up their game plan.

She said that the Municipality has been requested to make available about 1 000 serviced erven in order to alleviate the demand for land and housing needs following the recent visit by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Honourable Sophia Shaningwa.

"Apart from the Government, Municipality, and various beneficiaries, there are other stakeholders whose role and

input will be crucial during this process, which includes the NHE, financiers, building contractors and employers of the beneficiaries," said Erastus.

"I need to emphasise that the national, regional and local authorities are hard at work and remain sensitive to the cry for affordable land and shelter, especially for the poor and the ultra-poor.

"And that while the housing and land issue continues to be a challenge, we should not allow it to detract us from other core responsibilities such as growing the local and national economy."

She continued to say that Walvis Bay is doing everything in its power to sustain the demands of a growing economy by investing in the necessary infrastructure.

"We dare not relax our efforts in this regard because we know it will attract investors, who in turn will create jobs - and the more jobs there are, the more

money is in circulation to afford goods and services, and assets such as houses," she explained.

"We know it’s probably just a matter of time before the urban population outstrips the rural population in Namibia. Thus, we need to be fully prepared for that eventuality."

Turning her attention to the growth of informal shelters, she said that, on a rather dim note, she requests all those persons who reside in these settlements to remain on high alert when using heating and other appliances during the fast approaching winter season to ensure that they do not become fire victims in any way.

Walvis Bay affordable housing is springing up but the demand far outweighs the delivery

Hilka Erastus (Deputy Mayor Walvis Bay) with Agostinho Victor (Acting CEO)

5 Thursday, 12 May 2016 news

“Sahara Desert Race back in Namibia in 2017”Maria Davel-Wallis

Last week Swakopmund was host to around 300 people from 42 countries of the world, who participated in the Sahara Race, one of the footraces of the world-renowned 4 Desert Footrace series.

And it might just be that it is here to stay, says the founder-owner, Mary Gadams, who has lauded the local support team and volunteers. The Sahara Race is the third in the series of 4 Desert Races over 250 kilometre - the Gobi, the Atacama, the Sahara and the so-called “last desert”, the Antarctica. The Sahara Footrace used to be run in Egypt, hence the name - but the political instability in that region brought the race to Namibia.

Although Swakopmund was the host town for the event, the footrace course took participants to the north of the coastal region, where contenders had to complete six stages over seven days. The stage distances varied between 10 and 77 kms – the

initial 212 participants consisted of top international individual contenders, including Jax Mariash-Koudele of the USA, Kathia Rached of Lebanon, Maria Dombek of Germany, Wataru Iino of Japan, and many first timers, like Tommy Chen. Three Namibians, Hannes Smit and Lourens Rademeyer from Windhoek and Alfeus Haushona from the North were among the contenders.

Several blind athletes participated, of whom one, Brit Simon Wheatcroft, was on a solo mission, assisted only by GPS technology to show him the way. He had been born with a genetic degenerative eye condition and lost his sight at the age of 17. He told Namib Independent that he was still light sensitive to some extent. Six international teams also participated.

Sixteen of the contenders were in a quest of their own – to earn the 4 deserts Grand Slam title by completing all four Desert races in one year. Another five competitors were aiming for the Grand Slam

Plus title, by completing 5 races, the Roving race and the 4 deserts races.

The oldest competitor was 71-yeal old Yoshiaki Ishihara, who has been running for 15 years and is one of the initial 4 Deserts Club members, with more than 200 ultra marathons on the book, including nine roving races. The organisers had obtained special permission to let the course run through parts of the Skeleton Coast National Park that was normally inaccessible to visitors.

Stage 5, also known as the Long March, had most of the contenders in awe. Wheatcroft finished the third stage but then withdrew – he told Namib Independent at the prize giving ceremony on Saturday evening, that he would be back next year, but that he was still contemplating if he would bring a guide and finish the Race, or go solo again, with the possibility of failing again – he was awarded the prize for Spirit, and, acknowledging his prize, he said, “I’ll be short: I tried, I failed, I’ll be back ..”

Wataro Iino of Japan led the men’s competition from the start, and although Chen was sometimes on his heels, Iino never lost the number one position – for him too, the Long March was the highlight of the Race. Rached of Lebanon initially led the women but was overtaken later by Mariash-Koudele, who then set the pace for the women until the end. One hundred and ninety-eight of the contenders finished the Race in time. (For more info, see www.4deserts.com)

The participants, as well as Gadams and her team, have lauded the local teams of volunteers and workers, and said they are among the best they’ve ever encountered.

On Saturday morning, after the sixth stage of just 10 kilometre at Torra Bay, the participants returned to Swakopmund for the prize giving ceremony and dinner at the Dome. Gadams has expressed her delight with the country and its people and has confirmed that the Sahara Race will be back in May next year. She says it might just stay here permanently. The name of the Sahara Race, though, will not change, says Gadams. She says she would love to return to Namibia soon, to just relax and enjoy what it has to offer - and definitely to get a line in the water and do some serious fishing.

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First man and woman to cross the finish line Wataro lino (Japan) and Jax Mariash Koudele (USA): (photo 4Deserts.com)

Thursday, 12 May 20166

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news

NUST's Handjaba finds new insights on scorpions

Absalom Shigwedha

A group of borrowing scorpions referred to as ' fossorial scorpions', create borrows in soft substrates such as sand and fine gravel, although occasionally they also construct their burrows in hard substrates such as clay and calcrete soils.

This one of the findings of a student from the University of Science and Technology (NUST) researching how scorpions survive in their subterranean places at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre (GRTC).

Martin Handjaba says scorpions use one of three ways in their respective environment: there are those that live in trees, there are wandering scorpions that shelter under logs or rocks and there are burrowing scorpions.

Andjamba has found that, what merely looks like an obscured dome shaped entrance to the casual passerby, in fact turns out to be an“underground architectural master piece.”

Carbon dioxide and ammonia concentration, he said, can reach lethal amounts in burrows depending on the soil type, size of the animal and local biosphere.

Handjaba, using an ordinary resin to make casts of the burrows, found the incredible shape which is not visible to a human eye.

“This architecture differed with respect to soil type, but seemed to show a consistent compartmentalisation of rooms across all burrows,”Handjaba elaborated.

He explained that the single hole shortly winds either left or right, creating spirals following a very

sophisticated design. The burrows then turn sharply

downwards, descending further below ground to form a dead-ended chamber.

“Being cool and humid, this chamber provides a refuge for the scorpions to rest during the heat of the day, where evaporation

and water loss is minimal. As the various burrow compartments were similar to those in all the burrows studied worldwide, this suggests that burrow building in scorpions has evolved by natural selection to meet the animals’ physiological needs. The discovery of this curious burrow,

says Handjaba, raises even more questions about the physiological adaptations of burrowing scorpions around the world, whilst also providing a crucial baseline for understanding the relationship between these structures and the scorpion environment – a matter especially pressing with the

continued acceleration of global climate change.

Scorpions are ancient living arthropods that were once aquatic but became terrestrial about 420 million years ago. There are over 1500 species, and are found on all continents, except in the Antarctica.

Martin Handjaba and Ibrahim Salman happily posing with scorpions burrow casts on the banks of the Kuiseb River close to Gobabeb RTC (Namib Sand Sea) Pictures by Martin Handjaba and

Oliver Halsey

Researchers Ibrahim Salman and Martin Handjaba busy digging out a scorpion burrow cast. The cast is clearly emerging and its

architecture starting to show.

Promising scientist, Martin Handjaba

7 Thursday, 12 May 2016 news

Art After Dark Art Exhibition debuts at COSDEF CentreDonna Collins

The who's who of the arty set clinked champagne glasses and rubbed shoulders, during the first 'Art After Dark Project' at the COSDEF Arts & Crafts Centre, which is the brainchild of SAATCHI & SAATCHI Namibia, aimed at promoting the visual arts and creative field in the Erongo Region

Four exciting local artists were given the perfect platform to exhibit their works at this debut exhibition, which included the works of Jost Kirsten, Pierre van der Westhuizen, Michael Mansfield and stone sculptor Knut Hüneke.

Their inspiring pieces chosen for this occasion were admired by an eager turnout of both corporate and culture 'heads' of Swakopmund, with the exhibition running for the next few weeks. The partners for this initiative include the NCCI Swakopmund Branch, the COSDEF Arts & Crafts Centre, and West Coast FM.

"As a creative agency based in the Erongo Region, the 'Art After Dark Project' falls within the Saatchi philosophy of investing in the communities in which we operate, in a way most suitable to our business model and purpose," said Christine Visser (Director Saatchi & Saatchi).

"We feel strongly that we should assist in the development of art within our region and we have demonstrated our commitment and belief in its future growth.

"This investment in the creative field will allow the talent within our region to reach their ultimate potential, while at the same time bringing the business community closer to the creative fraternity.

The first event in the form of an art exhibition, will see future events including a wider range of creative fields like music, poetry and design and, depending on the success of the first year’s events, the frequency may increase to more than two per annum in future.

COSFEF is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to teach and develop skills in the local community as well as providing a 100% Namibian shopping experience for both tourists and locals.

The centre is Swakopmund based with the purpose of training and mentoring unemployed youth and previously disadvantaged groups to create opportunities for employment, self-employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship. All training courses at the centre have no entry level requirements and are created to be affordable to the community.

The centre is home to several 100% Namibian arts and craft retail shops and a Restaurant and food kiosk serving Namibian cuisine, as well as catering for conferences, and has a stage and amphitheatre available. In addition, the centre also has an Art Gallery that supports both local and international artists alike, with the main focus being on local artists who need a platform for developing and marketing their art through the mentorship and help of the Centre.

Jessica Le Grange (COSDEF Centre), with Antonia Dumbu-Udeh (NCCI), Jorst Kirsten (artist) and Christine Visser (Director Saachi & Saachi) celebrating the opening of ' Art After Dark project' at the COSDEF Centre. (Photos Donna Collins)

Musicians Savannah Collins with Ferdi Hengombe were seen at the opening

Art enthusiasts at the opening with the works of Michael Mansfield behind

Exhibiting artist Pierre Van der Westhuizen with Jana Lategan

Thursday, 12 May 20168

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Our company currently has two opening for part time delivery staff. The company publishes a free magazine which is distributed to the key shops in Walvis & Swakop once a week. The delivery period is usually over a day and a half. On some occasions may include a Saturday morning.As the magazine is free there is no admin.

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Communal farms in Erongo appeal for special drought aid

NOTICENotice is hereby given in terms of section 63(2)(b) of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act 23/1992), as amended, that the Council of the Municipality of Walvis Bay intends to lease, 2 hectares of land for the purpose of constructing a safety clothing and equipment manufacturing factory to Think Safety First CC.

Full particulars pertaining to the lease will lie for inspection by interested persons until *Tuesday, 17 May 2016 at room 30, Municipal Offices, Kuisebmond. For more information Ms S. <upupa can be contacted at telephone (064) 2013294 during office hours.

Written objections, duly motivated, to the intended transaction must be received by the undersigned before or at 12:00 *Friday, 20 May 2016.

DESCRIPTION AREA ZONING RENTAL AMOUNTFarm 38 2 hectares Unsurveyed/ N$2 533.66/month Unserviced plus N$308.05 (15% VAT)

A. VICTOR, GENERAL MANAGER: COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTMunicipal Offices, Civic Centre, Nangolo Mbumba Drive

Fax: (064) 209714, Private Bag 5017, WALVIS BAY

Cremation caskets found on beach!

News reporter

Leaders of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority in the Omatjete area of the Erongo Region have requested special treatment in order to cope with the ongoing drought in the Daures Constituency.

Erongo Regional Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua, who was approached by the traditional authority to inform the Geingob about the drought condition, said the government bought farms that were added to communal land in Otjimbingue, Okombahe and Omatjete over the past two years.

“We added farms to communal areas to increase grazing and we are working on adding more farms to communal land. I think in Erongo, we did more than we can to assist the farmers in terms of drought,” Mutjavikua said.

As such, they want President Hage Geingob to declare a state of emergency on their condition specifically. Fabianus

Hivirikee Uaseuapuani, chairperson of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority, says the drought situation in the constituency has worsened because there is still no rain. “This situation should be given special attention as it is worse [than others]. I do not think we should be treated as part of the national drought mitigation procedures as we are in a serious drought,” he explained.

Uaseuapuani said he personally lost 15 heads of cattle this year and knows some farmers in the Ozondati area north of Omatjete who lost about 20 cattle due to drought. There are about 6 000 communal farmers affected by the drought in the constituency. He noted that their request is for government to supply fodder for their animals, because many continue to die due to lack of pastures. “The drought has persisted for three consecutive years and we are asking for drastic measures, which are special to us to be implemented, or we will lose all our animals that are our lives (livelihood),”

Uaseuapuani said.The leaders proposed that they must

be given machines to make fodder for their animals from tree leaves, barks, branches and pods amongst others.

“If the government buys resettlement farms, they must consider giving some of this land to us so we can graze our animals there until we receive good rain,” he said. Uaseuapuani also suggested that an emergency green

scheme should be established in the constituency to grow lucerne and grass for animal feed. He said farmers have been buying lucerne and grass to save their animals, but it is expensive.

The traditional leader said farmers also used to harvest grass on municipal land in Omatjete and also graze animals there, but there is no more grazing available.

“We are determined to save our animals if assisted; we cannot afford to lose them all.” He noted

that although the government already encouraged farmers to sell their livestock at auctions, this does not help much as the animals are thin.

“Even if we sell, there is no profit. An animal which costs about N$5 000 to buy or raise will only be sold for even N$2 000; that is a big loss.”

Communal farmers usually sell their cows at prices between N$3 000 to 6 000, depending on the breed and health.

Erongo Regional Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua adding more farms to communal land to help drought stricken farmers

The eerie discovery of four cremation caskets found amongst the pebbles on the beach of Mile 4 beach recently, has left residents perplexed as to how they got there. The four undamaged caskets had however, been opened and the cremation ashes in little plastic bags were lying around with some of the ashes dispersed on the rocks and beach sand. The caskets were discovered by

an elderly man who was taking a daily stroll, and immediately reported the matter to the Neighbourhood Watch. The one casket had a clear engraving plate on which reads W H Laubscher with the dates 23-4-1900 to 28-12-2004. It is assumed that these personal items had been stolen in thinking that there were valuables inside, which is why they had been opened and discarded.

Thursday, 12 May 201610 news

11 Thursday, 12 May 2016 Worldwide

WorldwideFast food giant KFC announced a new twist on its "Finger Lickin' Good" slogan -- edible nail polish designed to taste like chicken.

The chain's ad firm, Ogilvy & Mather, worked together with spice company McCormick, the source of KFC's legendary 11 secret herbs and spices, to create nail polish that tastes of Original recipe and Hot & Spicy chicken.

The nail polishes are currently being marketed exclusively in Hong Kong.

"To use, consumers simply apply and dry like regular nail polish, and then lick - again and again and again," KFC said in a news release.

"The recipe for our edible nail polish is unique and was specifically designed to hold the flavour, but to also dry with a glossy coat similar to normal nail polish," Ogilvy creative director John Koay said. "This campaign is designed to be intriguing and fun to increase excitement around the KFC

brand in Hong Kong."Anna Mugglestone, marketing

and communications director for Ogilvy, said she was among the first to sample the product.

"I tried it myself in the office when they were doing the testing," she said. "It tastes like chicken. It's crazy, I don't know how they do it."

The company also released a bizarre music video to announce the product.

Source: www.upi.com

KFC takes 'Finger Lickin' Good' literally

A biotech company in the U.S. has been granted ethical permission by an Institutional Review Board in the U.S. and India to use 20 brain-dead patients for what is sure to be a highly controversial study: From next year, they plan to stimulate their nervous systems in order to restart the brains. Bioquark is hoping that its part in the ground-breaking ReAnima project will reveal if people can at least partly be brought back from the dead.

It is important to note that at this point, there is not much evidence to suggest how genuinely realistic or even serious this endeavour is; however, the panel of experts working on the initiative does include Dr. Calixto Machado, a well-known neurological researcher and a member of the American Academy of Neurology who has written extensively on brain death.

The team will test a combination of therapies on the participants, who have been medically certified as being brain dead and are only kept from decomposing by life support machines. Injecting the brain with stem cells, giving the spinal cord infusions of beneficial chemicals, and nerve stimulation techniques – which have been shown to bring people out of comas – will all be tried out.

After each therapy has been administered, the team will monitor the brain activity of the participants for several months, hoping to look for signs of neurological reactivation. Their focus will be on the upper spinal cord, which is the lowermost part of the brain stream that controls a person’s cardiorespiratory functions – breathing and a beating heart, essentially.

“To undertake such a complex initiative, we are combining biologic regenerative medicine tools with other existing medical devices typically used for stimulation of the central nervous system, in patients with other severe disorders of consciousness,” said Ira Pastor, the CEO of Bioquark Inc., as reported by the Telegraph. “We hope to see results within the first two to three months.”

The central nervous system is bio electrochemical, in that it uses biologically manufactured chemicals called neurotransmitters to transmit electrical signals through the body. Stimulating neurons with electrical currents is one thing – even in a coma, the neurons will be able to respond to electrical stimulation – but after brain death, neurons begin to wither away and degenerate, so for any “resurrection” to occur, the team will need to stimulate the regeneration of neurons in these brain-dead folk.

This is presumably where the stem cells come in, which in their most primitive state can differentiate into any cell in the human body. Although there has been plenty of remarkable progress using them to regenerate damaged heart, pancreatic, eye or even brain tissue, for example, there is a long way to go before stem cells can simply be injected into humans, allowing them to regenerate any type of lost cell.

In any case, the trials will begin at Anupam Hospital in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand in India. For this stage, the brain-dead people will be continuously given cocktails of peptides, chemicals that can act as neurotransmitters, along with biweekly injections of stem cells.

“It is a long-term vision of ours that a full recovery in such patients is a possibility, although that is not the focus of this first study,” Pastor added. “But it is a bridge to that eventuality.”

Source: www.iflscience.com

A biotech company to attempt to reactivate the brains of the dead