DON'T LET THEM FEED YOU RUBBISH!! OUTSMART FAKE NEWS FEEDS ON YOUR FACEBOOK!!

Before social media became the ‘in-thing’, when we heard the word ‘NEWS’ the first thing that would come to mind is ‘TRUTH’ and not just gossip or some individuals who may just be constituting ‘nuisancy’, that’s if English would permit me that usage.

As a child, listening to news on the Tv or radio was most of the times 100% authentic or 97% at the most very authentic and verifiable.

But with the advent of several social media platforms, just about anything is put out there for public consumption whether fake, false, true or … you just name it. It’s all out there and it takes only a very sound mind to rational what is or what is not. The internet does a lot of misinformation and harm in one month than what simply gossip and ‘word-of-mouth’ has done in decades put together.

Having consulted with two communications experts, Dr. Melissa Zimdars, an associate professor at Merrimack College in Massachusetts and Alexios Mantzarlis, the head of the International Fact-Checking Network at the Poynter Institute, CNN decided to published an article hammering on the notion that just because it's on the internet doesn't make it true.

It seems so simple, but if everyone knew that, Facebook and Google wouldn't have to pull bogus news sites from their advertising algorithms and people wouldn't breathlessly share stories that claim Donald Trump is a secret lizard person or Hillary Clinton is an android in a pantsuit.

First, know the different types of misleading and false news

1. Fake news

These are the easiest to debunk and often come from known sham sites that are designed to look like real news outlets. They may include misleading photographs and headlines that, at first read, sound like they could be real.

2. Misleading news

These are the hardest to debunk, because they often contain a kernel of truth: A fact, event or quote that has been taken out of context. Look for sensational headlines that aren't supported by the information in the article.

3. Highly partisan news

A type of misleading news, this may be an interpretation of a real news event where the facts are manipulated to fit an agenda.

4. Clickbait

The shocking or teasing headlines of these stories trick you into clicking for more information -- which may or may not live up to what was promised.

5. Satire

This one is tough, because satire doesn't pretend to be real and serves a purpose as commentary or entertainment. But if people are not familiar with a satire site, they can share the news as if it is legitimate.

Alexios Mantzarlis trains fact-checkers for a living. He says it's important to have a "healthy amount of skepticism" and to think, really think, before sharing a piece of news.

"If we were a little slower to share and re-tweet content purely based on the headline, we'd go a good way towards combating flasehoods," he told CNN.

Melissa Zimdars points out that even those who spend a lot of time online aren't immune to fake content.

"People think this (thinking) applies only for older people," she told CNN. "I think even early education should be teaching about communication, media and the internet. Growing up with the internet doesn't necessarily mean you're internet savvy."

For starters, here are 10 questions you should ask if something looks fake:

1. Does the story come from a strange URL?

Zimdars says sites with strange suffixes like ".co" or ".su," or that are hosted by third party platforms like WordPress should raise a red flag. Some fake sites, like National Report, have legitimate-sounding, if not overly general names that can easily trick people on social sites. For instance, several fake reports from abcnews.com.co have gone viral before being debunked, including a June article that claimed President Obama signed an order banning assault weapon sales.

2. Does the headline match the information in the article?

Mantzarlis says one of the biggest reasons bogus news spreads on Facebook is because people get sucked in by a headline and don't bother to click through.

Just this week, several dubious organizations circulated a story about Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi. "Pepsi STOCK Plummets After CEO Tells Trump Supporters to 'Take Their Business Elsewhere'," trumpeted one such headline.

However, the articles themselves didn't contain that quote nor evidence that Pepsi's stock saw a significant drop (it didn't). Nooyi did make recorded comments about Trump's election, but was never quoted telling his supporters to "take their business elsewhere."

3. Is it a recent story, or an old one that has been re-purposed?

Sometimes legitimate news stories can be twisted and resurrected years after the fact to create a false conflation of events. Mantzarlis recalls an erroneous story that actually cited a legitimate piece of news from CNNMoney.

A blog called Viral Liberty recently reported that Ford had moved production of some of their trucks from Mexico to Ohio because of Donald Trump's election win. The story quickly caught fire online -- after all, it seemed like a great win for the domestic auto industry.

It turns out, Ford did move some manufacturing from Mexico to Ohio -- in 2015. It had nothing to do with the election results at all.

4. Are the supporting videos or photos verifiable?

Photos and videos can also be taken out of context to support a false claim. In April, the liberal site Occupy Democrats posted a video that purportedly showed a young woman getting removed from a bathroom by police for not looking feminine enough. This was during the height of the HB2 "bathroom bill" controversy, and the article clearly linked the two. "IT BEGINS," read the headline.

However, there was no date on the video or evidence that it was shot in North Carolina, where the "bathroom bill" was to be passed.

In fact, according to Snopes, the same video was published to a Facebook page in 2015, meaning it predated the HB2 controversy.

5. Does the article cite primary sources?

It's not just political news that can be bogus. Now8News is one of the most infamous fake-but-looks-real site, specializing in the kind of weird news stories that often go viral.

One such article claims Coca-Cola recalled Dasani water bottles after a "clear parasite" was found in the water. There was even an accompanying gross-out picture that allegedly showed the parasite, though some basic Googling reveals it is most likely a photo of a young eel.

Regardless, the article had no statement or claim from any company. Clearly this would be a big story. Dasani or any number of consumer advocacy groups would publish statements or news releases about it, right? There are none to be found -- because the story is 100% fake.

6. Does the story feature quotes, and are they traceable?

A favorite meme of Liberal Facebook groups features a fake quote from Donald Trump that is allegedly from a People Magazine interview in 1998:

"If I were to run, I'd run as a Republican. They're the dumbest group of voters in the country. They believe anything on Fox News. I could lie and they'd still eat it up. I bet my numbers would be terrific."

This one is easily debunked if you take even a moment to think about it: People.com has extensive archives, and this quote is nowhere to be found in them.

7. Is it the only outlet reporting the story?

During this election season, Pope Francis was roped into three super viral, and completely false, stories. According to various (fake) websites, the Pope endorsed three US Presidential candidates: First, Bernie Sanders, as "reported" by National Report and USAToday.com.co. Then, Donald Trump, as "reported" by fake news site WTOE 5 News. Finally, another fake news site KYPO6.com reported he had endorsed Hillary Clinton!

In all of these instances, subsequent reports all circled back to the fake ones. It's always good to trace a story back to the original source, and if you find yourself in a loop -- or if they all lead back to the same dubious site -- you have reason to doubt.

8. Is your own bias getting in the way?

Both Zimdars and Mantzarlis say confirmation bias is a big reason fake news speads like it does. Some of that is built into Facebook's algorithm -- the more you like or interact with a certain interest, the more Facebook will show you related to that interest.

Similarly, if you hate Donald Trump, you are more likely to think negative stories about Donald Trump are true, even if there is no evidence.

"We seek out information that already fits with our established beliefs," says Zimdars. "If we come into contact with information we don't agree with, it still may reaffirm us because we will attempt to find faults."

So if you find an outrageous article that feels "too good to be true," use caution: It just might be.

9. Has it been debunked by a reputable fact-checking organization?

Did you know there is actually an International Fact-Checking Network (which Mantzarlis leads)? And that it has a code of principles? The code includes the ideals of nonpartisanship and transparency, among others. Sites like FactCheck.org, Snopes and Politifact abide by this code, so if you see a debunking there, you know you're getting the real deal.

10. Is the host on a list of unreliable news websites?

This is where things can get tricky. There's obviously a big difference between "misleading" news, which is usually based in fact, and "fake" news, which is just fiction disguised as fact. Zimdars' now-famous list covers both kinds, as well as satire and sites that capitalize on clickbait-type headlines. Snopes also maintains a list.

While Zimdars is glad her list has gotten so much attention, she also cautions that completely writng off some of the sites as "fake" is not accurate. "I want to make sure this list doesn't do a great disservice to the ultimate goal," she says. "It's interesting that some of the headlines [about my list] are just as hyperbolic as the ones I am analyzing."

SWOLLEN FEET, JOINT, GOUT, ARTHRITIS? LET YOUR CABBAGE DO THE WORK!

Nearly everyone eats cabbage on a daily basis in one form or the other. Especially for those who do not go a day without a rich salad. Even for those who do not eat the conventional form of salad, they still get to eat cabbage at least some days of their lives whether boiled, steamed, fried or raw.

Also for many others who  are not lovers of this cabbage, they get to use it in other ways such as for beauty therapies and remedies and it is some of those remedies that this article is all about today just as I read on Omigy and so if you would just take a few minutes to go through this, you will be glad you did.

Cabbage leaves have been used for centuries for swelling, ulcers, sprains, and strains. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been used to treat joint pain due to arthritis and sports injuries.

Although the proof is more anecdotal than medicinal, many arthritis sufferers reduce their medicinal intake by adding cabbage leaves to their treatment. How have they used cabbage? As a wrap!

Many gout sufferers claim, this simple home remedy reduces or eliminates gout pain. All you need to do is to keep a few frozen cabbage leaves in a plastic bag in the freezer.

When gout strikes, take them out, arrange them around the affected area, wrap a towel around them and let the warmth of your skin thaw them naturally.

If the theory is accurate, the gout-fighting chemicals in the cabbage will penetrate the skin and dissolve crystal deposits. If not, the frozen leaves will soothe the inflamed area anyway.

In one Swiss hospital, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have their swollen joints wrapped at night in cabbage leaves to help reduce joint swelling and pain.

Savoy cabbages work best. Take some leaves, cut out the central rib, lay them flat on a chopping board, and bash with a rolling pin until the juices start to come out.

Then place the leaves over the swollen joints and wrap a gauze bandage around the joint to keep the leaves in place.

Cool white or green cabbage leaves in the freezer until they are chilled but still pliable. Wrap them around your swollen feet and sit with your feet elevated for 30 minutes. Cabbage has great water absorption qualities and will draw out excess fluid in the feet.

Warning: It is rare to experience an allergy to cabbage, but if you have any swelling or itching to the skin where the cabbage poultice is place, remove the leaves immediately. Consult a health practitioner if the irritation continues or worsens.

SEX EDUCATOR -"USE VOCALIZATION TO TEACH YOUR PARTNER WHAT FEELS GOOD BUT DON’T FAKE IT"

I was going through a story that was recently updated online which was originally published on CNN.com in 2012 and I found it interesting so thought I should share with you my dear reader hoping that it makes a good read for you and others.

You rarely come across topics such as this on a daily basis but when you do see it on a page such as ‘yours sincerely’ trust that it would make a good read any day.

Given the topic of discussion, the article states that for many people, all you have to do is watch nearly any depiction of female orgasm on screen to get an idea of how a woman is "supposed" to react during sex.

From "When Harry Met Sally" to "Sex and the City" to your basic porn film, women in the throes of passion aren't just shouting their ecstasy from the rooftops, they're moaning with pleasure. Loudly.

But is this just cinematic license, or is there really something to noisy sex?

Experts wondered the same thing. In 2011, Gayle Brewer of the University of Central Lancashire and Colin Hendrie of the University of Leeds published their research on the topic -- technically known as "copulatory vocalization" -- in the Archives of Sexual Behavior. In the study, they asked 71 sexually active heterosexual women between ages 18 and 48 for more details about vocalization during sex.

The researchers found that many of the women did make noise but not necessarily while they were having an orgasm. Instead, 66% said that they moaned to speed up their partner's climax, and 87% stated that they vocalized during sex to boost his self-esteem.

"While female orgasms were most commonly experienced during foreplay, copulatory vocalizations were reported to be made most often before and simultaneously with male ejaculation," the researchers wrote. Women also reported making noise to relieve 

boredom, fatigue and pain/discomfort during sex.

So is female vocalization during sex just a performance for a guy's benefit? (After all, Meg Ryan's over-the-top moans were meant to prove a point to "Harry" that men are easily duped by a fake orgasm.)

"There isn't a lot of research in this area," said Kristen Mark, a sexuality researcher at Indiana University, "but we're bombarded with images through mainstream media that tell us moaning is associated with orgasm and sexual pleasure. So it would be a fairly wise faking strategy to moan since men already tend to associate moaning with orgasm."

Of course, there's nothing smart about faking it.

"If you're faking an orgasm, you are signaling to your partner that he is doing everything right, when in fact he isn't," sex educator and author Patty Brisben said. "Use moaning as a way of signaling that you are excited and things really are feeling good, not as a way to hide that they aren't."

Fake or not, women aren't the only primates who vocalize during sex. Research in the animal kingdom reveals that female baboons, for example, have a variety of copulation calls, which appear to relate to their fertility. The vocalizations tend to become more complex when the females are closer to ovulation and vary when a female is mating with a higher-ranked male baboon. Female macaque monkeys give a shout to help trigger their mates' orgasm, too.

Performances and primatologists aside, vocalizing during sex can actually be a great tool to help women get what they want in bed.

Brisben added that on the topic of talking about sex, it isn't always easy to translate sexual thought into action, so a little strategic moaning can definitely help get the point across.

"Women are learning to take responsibility for their own sexual needs and wants in the bedroom," Brisben explained. "We need to take this one step further and give ourselves permission to become teachers. Use vocalization to teach your partner what feels good. It can help you say, 'stop, go, yes, more please,' without sounding like a traffic cop."

And when it comes to noise, "partner benefit isn't the only piece of the puzzle," Mark said. "Perhaps making noise turns some women on and helps them experience pleasure."

Brisben concurred: "I think there are many women who need to be vocal to help themselves achieve orgasm. It helps move them and their orgasm along. There are certainly phases. As a woman gets into it, she may become extremely vocal and then move into a period of quiet as she is on the verge."

So do what feels right to you. Any other benefits are just a great bonus. And when it comes to "copulatory vocalization," perhaps men should take a lesson from the ladies.

"Women understand that moaning is a turn-on for guys, and many women ultimately enjoy it because they've made an effort to push a little beyond what comes naturally," said Logan Levkoff, a sex educator and author of a guide for men entitled "How To Get Your Wife to Have Sex With You."

"But sexual self-esteem is a two-way street, and, for their part during sex, guys should aim for more than a single grunt at the end. It's not about faking or doing something you don't want to, but more about being sexually present and in sync with each other."

So let's all make some noise.

FRENCH MAN DISCOVERS GOLD UNDER FURNITURE IN INHERITED HOUSE

How pleasant it would be to just bump into a huge amount of real gold even in these times where recession has become the buzzword in nearly most countries in the world today especially africa not leaving out our dearest country Nigeria.

And so it goes for a Frenchman who inherited a large house from a relative has found an astonishing 100kg (220lb) haul of gold hidden under the furniture. What an excitement!

According to the report from the BBC, the unnamed heir discovered the glittering hoard in a variety of inventive locations, including under piles of linen and in the bathroom.

"There were 5,000 gold pieces, two bars of 12kg and 37 ingots of 1kg," auctioneer Nicolas Fierfort told AFP.

The treasure is worth an estimated €3.5m ($3.7m; £3m). Mr Fierfort said he had visited the house in Evreux, Normandy, to value furniture the new owner was selling. He said he totally overlooked the gold, which was "extremely well hidden".

The coins and gold bars only came to light when the house's new owner started moving things around.

First, he found a tin box of coins screwed to the underside of some furniture. Then came more, carefully concealed in a box meant for a bottle of whisky.

Finally, the man unearthed a staggering pile of gold bars - each weighing 12kg. "At that point he called his solicitor to make an inventory," Mr Fierfort said.

According to certificates found in the deceased's estate, the gold was legally purchased in the 1950s and 1960s.

It has already been sold on to buyers in France and overseas.

However, local newspaper La Depeche, which first reported the story, said the golden hello may come with a sting.

The finder will be liable for 45% inheritance tax and, if the original owner did not declare his or her assets, a further three years of back taxes.