Kidnapped Nigerian school girls forced to marry and change their religion

(Article I wrote for childrens news website Clic News)


A Nigerian terrorist group that kidnapped 212 school girls last April has said that the girls have now been married off to men.

Boko Haram is the name of the gang and they were founded in 2002. Their name means "western education is forbidden."

Their aim is to make Nigeria an all Islam country. Currently 50.8% of the population is Christian with 48.8% Islam.

They plan on achieving this through brutal violence.

Abubakas Shekav is the leader and he has said the kidnapped school girls have now converted to the Islam religion.

He said in a video: "Don't you know the school girls have converted to Islam? They have now memorised two chapters of the Koran."

The Koran is what Muslims follow like Christians and their Bible.

The Nigerian Government led by President Goodluck Jonathon have been trying to fight off the terrorist group and in October they claimed that they had a peace deal with Boko Haram.

However Abubakas Shevak has denied this and claims Boko Haram will not negotiate with the Government.

Nigeria is located in West Africa and is the most populous African country and is known for its rich culture.

Although the Muslims in Boko Haram have killed over 2,000 people this year, they do not reflect the majority of Muslims who follow Islam peacefully.

Media's role in intoxicated behaviour of young people and the perilous use of technology

When “Magaluf” appears in a headline, it’s clear that an ominous story has been written where a young person(s) is involved. 

Maybe teenagers feel indignant towards the media for branding them as a stigma. After all, wasn’t being young always associated with infamous behaviour? 

So why in 2014, are polemic media organisations fervently berating the actions of young people? Some argue that teenagers are representing themselves negatively and it's not the media being the catalyst for the grim depiction.

Many stories are being published of teenage drunken antics. But not just in writing. Newspapers are accompanying images beside explicit reports and news websites are providing video clips to support the text.

So that is the fundamental issue. Technology. Nearly every social occasion young people experience is captured on camera or recorded online. Therefore, if we become intoxicated, we are not safe from future derision or severe consequences. 

People need to stop being pretentious when they read these stories whilst they comment on how absurd these teenage actions are. I’m sure they were not all so obsequious during their youth. Fortunately for them, they could get drunk and not have to worry about technology exploiting their behaviour. 

Some young people's acts have been intolerable. This generation has to accept that their actions have a high chance of being exposed and therefore they should take extra caution.

But evolving technology and the encouragement to take alcohol and drugs are placing them at risk. In reality, being young and abroad will result in an excessive consumption of alcohol and it’s likely to be filmed. Therefore, more stories of deplorable teenage conduct will be published for years to come.

Is it justifiable for the media to further advertise these pictures and videos? It’s understandable why they publish them because it shocks their readers and inspires debate. Surprise stories are included in news values, maybe the continuous broadcasting of such incidents will diminish the astonishment factor and the number of reports of teenage disgrace will reduce.  

The link below contains a video filmed by an undercover journalist in Magaluf. Maybe the media are attempting to give teens abroad a notorious name. Or they are trying to raise awareness. It’s difficult to question a journalists agenda but what we do know is that technology is implacable and young people need to understand they are in a hazardous position of  scrutiny. 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/new-magaluf-nightclub-sex-shame-3957947 

Is club football more thilling than the international game?

As the German and Argentinian players strolled out into the raucous atmosphere of the Maracana to compete for the most prestigious trophy in the world; I felt that nothing could supersede such a sporting occasion. A World Cup finale is a peerless event. But aside from a tournament climax that arises every four years, international football fails to capture the excitement of the beautiful game at club level.

Contemplate football team rivalries. Reminisce Sir Alex Ferguson knocking Liverpool off their throne to make Manchester United the most successful English club in history. The contempt shared by Real Madrid and Barcelona supporters will generate unprecedented anticipation this year as Rodriguez, Bale and Ronaldo stand in the tunnel beside Messi, Neymar and the notorious Suarez as they await battle. Unfortunately, international football does not replicate this antagonism. Another England Scotland friendly clash will not get hearts racing like a derby match involving our favourite teams.

At club level, top players are surrounded by greats. It can be assured that Gareth Bale is more startled entering the Real Madrid dressing room than meeting up with his Welsh teammates in Cardiff. Watching a Portugal or Columbia match where individual stars are present can be fascinating, but witnessing a team of quality players makes for better viewing. Aside from world champions Germany, no international team beholds the excellence of a Real Madrid for example. Club level consists of greater teams and better matches.

International friendlies are often tedious affairs. Contrast that to the buzz created from premier league teams on pre-season in America. People craved to catch highlights of Manchester United’s drubbing of LA Galaxy to see how Louis Van Gaal has redefined the Red Devils. Supporters have a genuine interest in club practice matches and this attentiveness declines when an international friendly is aired on television.

Competitive international competitions like the European Championships and the World Cup are wonderful events that help make international football appealing. But club football has a variation of special tournaments that consistently entertains spectators. Watching a premier league match on a Saturday, then a Champion’s League encounter midweek followed by the next round of the FA Cup at the weekend is exhilarating

Most of us fell in love with football through the club game. Growing up and seeing the invincible Arsenal team inspired us along with Liverpool’s memorable comeback against AC Milan in the Champion’s League final. Such occasions are what created our passion. Although the international game will always generate an implacable interest and phenomenal attraction, nothing quite beats club football.

Israel Palestine conflict: why we ought to be free thinkers

Israel's "operation protective edge" that's been targeting Hamas militants in Gaza has been a prominent news story this week. Tensions between Palestinians and Israelis have been rife since the late 1800's. Factual information aside, I have learned two lessons from this story and its coverage. One is the importance of being an independent thinker. And two is that media framing is eminent in the western world.


People with a moderate interest in news may have caught American politicians on television defending Israel's supposed attempt to protect their country or seen glimpses of newspaper headlines and then subconsciously formed an opinion. They would believe Israel to be innocuous and therefore, Palestinians to be notorious.


2014 is here and technology is evolving before our eyes. Information is easily accessible. It's healthy to have an opinion on events happening in the world. They may not be visible through our bedroom windows, but somewhere out there, bombs are being dropped, violence is merciless and innocents are having their lives taken away. Ignoring this and forming no thoughts on such issues is naive.


To help establish our opinions we should examine facts. Israel’s army has killed over 100 people since Tuesday; many were innocent civilians including women and children. A disability hospital was bombed. This is wrong, completely ignominious.


Perspective is also crucial. If unaware about the history of Israel and Palestine then research it to achieve a greater understanding of what is happening today.


My opinion is that through the years there has been brutality on both sides. Recently both Israeli and Palestinian teenagers have been victims of murder. This must be condemned. But I believe Israel to be ruthlessly oppressing.


But we are all individuals. Don't be swayed by my opinion, that of an American politician or a national newspaper. Be independent and make your own mind up.

A look at the new Premier League season: Top Seven

2013/2014 Premier League Table

1. Manchester City
2. Liverpool
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
5. Everton
6. Tottenham Hotspur
7. Manchester United


With the curtain closing on a memorable summer of World Cup spectacles, attention switches to the new Premier League season. Spurs and United have appointed new managers following a campaign of dejection. The old, traditional top four have strengthened their teams whilst champions City hope that a quiet summer of transfer activity and stability will be recipes for success.

Manchester City: Manuel Pelligrini will be confident ahead of his second campaign at the Etihad Stadium, following capturing the Premier League trophy by scoring a record number of goals and lifting the Capital One Cup. Not bad for a first season. Despite domestic success, City were outclassed in the knock out round of the Champion's League. Pelligrini's ambition is to defend his Premiership crown and also print Manchester City's name into European history. I believe that this team will narrowly fall short this year and will be outfought by rival managers and players. A top four finish will be achieved though.

Liverpool: Two momentous questions linger over the Reds. Was last season a one off? Will they cope without Luis Suarez? Liverpool were marvellous last year. A one man team they were not as players in all positions performed consistently well. Despite not luring in a lucrative signing, the players they have acquired are solid purchases. Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert have proved their Premier League quality. Liverpool supporters have magical Champion's League nights at Anfield to relish. This team is of a high standard and will compete for a top four finish and domestic trophies. But with the sale of Luis Suarez, they do not have a superstar who can make the crucial difference in big games.

Chelsea: The Blues were a disappointment following Jose Mourinho's anticipated return. The managers constant moaning, negative tactics and not winning a trophy resulted in a season to forget. Another manager who was not the "special one" would have recieved the inevitable boot from Chelsea's demanding hierarchy. History tells us that. But Mourinho will argue it's a period of transition. The signing of Cesc Fabregas will add quality to their midfield and Diego Costa's arrival will leave the Portuguese coach with no more excuses about his lack of quality up front. With the eye catching signings and Mourinho's great record, Chelsea can expect a better season with trophies being a huge possibility.

Arsenal: If the gunners can remain relatively injury free throughout the campaign, they will improve from the previous season and be even more successful. With Arsenal's history of injuries, it's uncertain to whether this is possible. They seem to always have key players like Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere on the side-lines at some point. Alexis Sanchez is an addition that will strike fear into opponents. Arsene Wenger's investments of Mesut Ozil and Sanchez does prove that Arsenal are back in competition with the teams vying for the title. Lifting the FA Cup could be the begining of a period of exceptional achievement for this team.

Everton: Roberto Martinez's team are extremely well organised and play attractive football. Keeping players like Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines and Sheamus Coleman will secure a top seven finish. If they want to maintain their position of fifth or aim higher, it depends on one man. Romelu Lukaku. If they can somehow persuade the Belgian and Chelsea to have the striker's services for another year, then Everton will compete with the big teams. Even without Lukaku, Everton are a strong outfit and will be fighting for a place in Europe.

Tottenham: Another new manager means another new beginning at White Hart Lane. There are so many unanswered questions that will determine how Spurs perform this year. Will there be transfer activity? The new contract signed by Hugo Lloris was brilliant news for the North Londoners. But that's not enough for Spurs fans. They demand new additions after such a turbulent season. Ben Davies, Loic Remy and, or Wilfried Bony would be positive signings. But speculation is mounting that Liverpool have entered the race to sign the Swansea men and Arsene Wenger may want to secure Remy. Can Mauricio Pochettino get the best out of the players who arrived last summer and failed to impress? Until the transfer window closes and we see Spurs play, then it's impossible to predict their fortunes for next season. But with Pochettino as head coach, the Spurs way of playing the beautiful game will be returned to the Lane, much to the delight of the fans.

Manchester United: Louis van Gaal is the first thing that enters our heads when we contemplate the new season for United. Undoubtedly they have a quality manager. The new additions of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw will make the team significantly better. With the prospect of new signings the Old Trafford crowd have exciting times ahead. They will miss Champion's League football desperately, especially the fans that are so used to it. But this absence is temporary. Liverpool's exclusion from European football last season was advantageuous and it will be the same for United. Winning the Premier League may be a step too far in year one but securing a top four finish and a domestic trophy are realistic aims. But van Gaal being the winner he is, there is no doubt he will be gunning for the Premier League title from the first kick off. 


Thanks for reading. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LM1794

Game of Thrones: A series not to be missed

Following 13 episodes in three days, I am now half way into season four of Game of Thrones. That and the World Cup has resulted in a severely overheated tv and laptop. A planned summer of getting fit has not exactly materialised. But despite struggling my way through a seven minute workout app where five minutes will have to suffice, I say with confidence that I have been witnessing the best show on television presently. So, becoming unfit has been worth it, right? The World Cup is coming to a close and the summer holidays are still in full swing; now would be an ideal time to start consuming it. But most of you will already be all too familiar with this sensational television series.

I was the guy in college who would switch off when students commenced discussing the latest episode of Game of Thrones.  Quietly I would contemplate about why the football isn't being debated or why a fantasy show set in the past about Kings and Queens is so popular. Now I am part of the irritating group that's left exasperated when they learn of someone who hasn't seen the show. This person is probably fit who plays a lot of sport but what the hell, we will mock them regardless. My rise up the ranks has been rapid.

Even though it's free to read about the Israeili and Palestinian violence, the Syrian Civil War, Ukraine's dispute with Russia and the troubles of our own country, we discuss the events of Game of Thrones with drastic emotions as if it resembled reality. Young people fail to invest sufficient time on news which gives them an irrational life perspective. But that's for a blog post on another day, now it's time to get back to the world of the seven kingdoms.

Power, love, hatred, betrayal, loyalty, sex, cruelty, bravery and violence are just some words to describe what Game of Thrones represents. A show comprised of astonishing characters where no protagonist is safe. It's unpredictable where the unthinkable regularly happens. Endings will leave you in amazement, forcing you to watch the next episode. There are so many possible outcomes with Game of Thrones that you will always be wondering what happens next, unless you have read the books of course. So, for those who have seen it, keep up the memes and social media discussions and enjoy season 5. And for the people not yet acquainted with it, forget about going to the gym today, begin a period of beautiful procrastination and enter the world of Game of Thrones, a place where wants you enter, it's nearly impossible to leave.

Thank you for reading. No spoilers were contained withing this article and so I would ask you to reveal nothing about the latter parts of season 4. Although by the time you read this, I will most likely be almost finished.

6 experiences we all encounter during the Wold Cup

1. The pain of a last minute goal costing you a bet, jesus that is frustrating. An accumulator that goes down to the last game is always tense. The team you backed are in the lead and it's impossible not to imagine what the winnings will go towards. Then the World Cup saps away your joy. Greece equalising in extra time against a Costa Rica team who have already defeated Italy and Uruguay? The unpredictability of football is what makes it great, but sometimes it can be exceptionally irritating.

2. Ok so the element of surprise like the Greek comeback is to be expected in sport. But that holy shit experience always catches you off guard. Did Luis Suarez just bite his opponent? Am I seeing things? Twitter is already overflowing with memes and jokes about Suarez whilst you try to contemplate what just happened. Nothing can prepare you for the shock you feel when something so bizarre occurs.

3. Casually drinking in the afternoon and not even questioning if it's conventional. It's the World Cup, so of course it's acceptable to have a pint whilst watching the game. It would be deemed strange watching at home and not having purchased a crate of beer in advance. Or is that just me?

4. Politely refusing to turn up to an event which you were invited. Even though it's a Tuesday evening and you're not in work, the knockout phase has commenced meaning there's nothing you can do. Becoming unsociable during the World Cup is standard.

5. A spectacular goal where you just sit back in admiration. Whether it was Van Persie's unique header, Messi demonstrating his class with a late stunning equaliser that broke Iranian hearts or James Rodriguez hitting a phenomenal strike sending social media into frenzy, they are all to be praised.

6. The moment you rally behind the underdogs because of their courageous performance. Last night, Algeria's superb efforts encouraged many to wish for a German collapse. Eventually the quality prevailed leaving many neutrals "gutted". Witnessing the favourites experience a few scares is always entertaining.

Thank you for reading and enjoy the rest of the World Cup.

Should Marijuana (weed) be legalised in Ireland?

Lots of people have contrasting and engaging opinions on this topic. I'm going to express my thoughts on the subject but that's all it is, an opinion. Last night I researched the benefits and effects of smoking weed and there are genuinely persuading arguments for both. From my point of view, no, weed shouldn't be legalised in Ireland. Obviously this may not be the cool, hipster and inventive answer, especially coming from a 20 year old who does love a good time.

Kids start smoking and consuming alcohol relatively early in this country. By making weed legal, young people under 18 would be even more encouraged to smoke it along with tobacco and drinking alcohol. Weed is the least harmful drug out there but it will have effects on children. Yes, this is against the law, but legalising weed will result in people taking it up at an earlier age.

Some will disagree and dispute that weed is just as accessible as buying a packet of Tayto crisps, so it might as well be legal? Yes weed is easy to get your hands on but that's against the point. It's not a valid reason to make it legal. There are hard drugs that are in reach but that fails to justify legalising heroin or cocaine.

Recreational drug users will claim that alcohol is just as harmful as smoking weed, their correct. Alcohol can be even more perilous and can have devastating effects. People take weed regularly and have successful lives and don't encounter any of the consequences. But legalising getting stoned would be sending the wrong message out to young Irish people.

Drugs.ie outlines short term and long term effects of smoking week. After initially getting high you will feel sedated and happy. Getting the munchies is also expected. It gets slightly more worrying as your pulse rate speeds up and your blood pressure drops. In terms of future consequences they include paranoia, mental health problems, low sperm count, poor coordination and breathing problems. http://www.drugs.ie/drugtypes/drug/cannabis

I'm not attempting to spread an anti-weed message. You only get one life and trying it occasionally should be harmless. It might even be extremely fun. It's not a terribly hazardous drug for the most part. But legalising it would be irresponsible. Taking into account Irish politics conservative approach, it's unlikely to be made legal. Just to be clear, so I'm not misinterpreted, do I think people are totally wrong to smoke the occasional weed? No. But should it be legalised? No. Legalising something is a form of encouragement, and although it is not as harmful as other drugs, it's still not something to be promoted.

http://www.perkel.com/politics/issues/pot.htm - Good argument for the benefits of weed

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/pot/a/effects.-Lya.htm - Interesting counter argument

Many thanks for reading. Feel free to add your opinion in the comment section or via Twitter or Facebook.
@LM1794