In February 2015 Egypt became the first country to buy the French Rafale jet fighter.  The 5.93 billion dollar arms deal between France and Egypt covers 24 Rafales and a multimission Frigate.  The Rafale has been looking for buyers since its introduction in 2001.  In 2012 it was thought that India would be the first to sign a deal for the 4.5 generation multirole fighter, but that agreement has been stalled for years.  The Rafales will come at a good time for Egypt, which is involved in conflicts with Islamic extremists in the Sinai and in Libya.  At present the Egyptian Air Force is using old versions of the 4th generation F-16.  The introduction of the Rafale will allow the use of precision munitions for ground attack missions.  The jet will also provide Egypt with an AESA radar equipped fighter for any future conflicts which require air-to-air combat.

For more on the military CLICK HERE

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

Sukuma wiki is popular in East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. The literal Swahili translation means to "push the week" or "stretch the week." It's a food used to stretch budgets while filling the belly.  Sukuma wiki has been eaten for over 2,000 years.  The dish combines kale, collards, or other greens, with tomatoes, onions, meat, lemon and spices.  If you like greens, this may be a fresh way to enjoy them.

Recipe:

http://www.congocookbook.com/meat_recipes/sukuma_wiki.html 

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

This East African dish is actually called Ndizi Na Nyama Ndizi is the Swahili word for plantain/banana and nyama is meat in Swahili, and a number of Bantu llanguages across equatorial Africa.  With the popularity of beef and beef stew I suggest using beef in this recipe. In addition to the meat and plantains you have coconut milk, onions, tomatoes and a few other ingredients all combining to make a tasty meal for a Wintertime night.  Enjoy!

Recipe: 

http://www.congocookbook.com/meat_recipes/ndizi_na_nyama.html

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

Derrick Rose had successful knee surgery and may return to the Chicago Bulls this season. His damaged meniscus was removed rather than repaired. With a removal, as opposed to a repair, the rehab is much quicker.  Derrick could be back as soon as 4-6 weeks.  That's when his body will be healed, but the issue seemed to be the mind during his past recuperations.  He has been cleared to play after knee injuries in the past, but has chosen to miss the rest of NBA seasons to get his mind right.   Will he be back in 4-6 weeks, or will he need more time for mental reasons...time will reveal.

 Full story:

 http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/12392571/derrick-rose-chicago-bulls-torn-meniscus-repaired

It's been reported that Derrick Rose has injured his right knee, and will miss the rest of the season.  The injury is to his right knee's meniscus -- his second such injury to that knee.  When Rose has surgery it will be his third knee surgery since 2012.

Read:

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/12381446/chicago-bulls-react-latest-injury-derrick-rose 

Recently a Cowarts, Alabama man, Richard Bolden, 39, was sentenced to life in prison for one count felony trafficking marijuana.  The amount was 2.5 pounds.  The Houston County Circuit Judge who handed down the ruling, Michael Conaway, had recently given someone only 10 years in jail for a deal involving 30 pounds of marijuana.  It should be mentioned that Richard Bolden is African-American, and the case took place in the deep South state of Alabama -- a place that has a long history of racism!!!

This case melds two injustices:  The illegality of marijuana and racism.  People getting sentenced to 10 years in lockup for 30 pounds of a plant -- let alone a plant with medicinal value -- is ridiculous! Being Black and receiving disparate treatment because of it in going to prison for life, over 2.5 pounds, is criminal!  We have states which have legalized weed, and the rest of the country needs to follow suit.  Too many lives are being ruined in incarceration over a natural medicine!

George Bush started a war in Iraq.  On top of that, he lied over weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to justify it.  Thousands of people died in that war, many of whom were Americans!  George Zimmerman killed an unarmed Black teen, Trayvon Martin.  Both of these men caused death, yet they walk free.  In contrast, Richard Bolden, and people like him who have killed no one, are going into cells everyday.  Stop the insanity!  Make marijuana legal!  End Racism! 

 Read the full story:

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/life-prison-marijuana 

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-0uqFTBclo&feature=share&fb_ref=share

 To Stay Updated FOLLOW The Whitehurst Blog.  VISIT THIS LINK then CLICK THE FOLLOW BUTTON

Steven Whitehurst

Humankind on Mars - Mars One

Mars One will establish the first human settlement on Mars in 2023. Mars One invites you to join us in this next giant leap for mankind!

mars-one.com