Cancer treatable, curable if detected early – EXPERTS

CANCER is treatable and curable if detected early according to medical experts in the country who spoke at a symposium in focus of theme of the 2013 World Cancer Day: “Dispel damaging myths and misconceptions about cancer: Did You Know?”.

At the event organised by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said the  belief that cancer was a death sentence was not only incorrect but popularise by nasty experiences of those who present their cases late in hospitals.

Idris who was represented by the State Acting Director of Disease Control, Dr. Bakare Omowumi also dismissed the misconception that cancer is a disease of the wealthy,  adding that,  “the disease  is rampant in both middle and low income countries of the world, including Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Director General, NIMR, Professor  Innocent Ujah, lamented that cancer had become a hydra-headed disease that needs support of every Nigerian to overcome.

*Cancer cell

According Ujah, studies have shown that common cancers of public health importance in Nigeria include breast and cervical cancers among women of reproductive age while prostate cancer among adult males as well as cancer of the lungs.

He maintained that early detection and appropriate interventions are key to cancer prevention and control while urging all women of reproductive age and men aged 40 years and above to avail themselves of  available screening methods rather than skepticism about whether cancer is real, adding that “by so doing that Nigeria will reduce the cases of new cancers to acceptable levels”.

Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Akin Osibogun, said the line between communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases such as cancer, was becoming thinner thanks to advanced research and care, urging the NIMR to research into breast cancer so as to assist scientists develop a vaccine.

Former Provost,College of Medicine, University of Lagos, CMUL, Prof. Wole Atoyebi, said most women die of cancer because 75 per cent of cancer cases diagnosed at LUTH are at advanced stage when only palliative measures can be rendered.

He noted that traditional healers and faith-based organisations were causing great harm in the fight against cancer as they often deceive cancer patients at the early stage of the ailment when it could have been cured in hospitals into patronizing them only to release these patients to hospitals when it is too late. LASUTH Consultant General Surgeon, Dr. Folusho Omodele, called for mass education, adding if detected early, cancers could be cured at minimal cost.

At the event organised by the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said the  belief that cancer was a death sentence was not only incorrect but popularise by nasty experiences of those who present their cases late in hospitals.

Idris who was represented by the State Acting Director of Disease Control, Dr. Bakare Omowumi also dismissed the misconception that cancer is a disease of the wealthy,  adding that,  “the disease  is rampant in both middle and low income countries of the world, including Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Director General, NIMR, Professor  Innocent Ujah, lamented that cancer had become a hydra-headed disease that needs support of every Nigerian to overcome.

According Ujah, studies have shown that common cancers of public health importance in Nigeria include breast and cervical cancers among women of reproductive age while prostate cancer among adult males as well as cancer of the lungs.

He maintained that early detection and appropriate interventions are key to cancer prevention and control while urging all women of reproductive age and men aged 40 years and above to avail themselves of  available screening methods rather than skepticism about whether cancer is real, adding that “by so doing that Nigeria will reduce the cases of new cancers to acceptable levels”.

Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Akin Osibogun, said the line between communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases such as cancer, was becoming thinner thanks to advanced research and care, urging the NIMR to research into breast cancer so as to assist scientists develop a vaccine.

Former Provost,College of Medicine, University of Lagos, CMUL, Prof. Wole Atoyebi, said most women die of cancer because 75 per cent of cancer cases diagnosed at LUTH are at advanced stage when only palliative measures can be rendered.

He noted that traditional healers and faith-based organisations were causing great harm in the fight against cancer as they often deceive cancer patients at the early stage of the ailment when it could have been cured in hospitals into patronizing them only to release these patients to hospitals when it is too late. LASUTH Consultant General Surgeon, Dr. Folusho Omodele, called for mass education, adding if detected early, cancers could be cured at minimal cost.

Life and time Late Justus Esiri

Legendary actor, Justus Esiri, died suddenly Tuesday night, throwing the entertainment industry into mourning. He was 71 years. His death was preceded by the death of Lugard Onoyemu and songstress Goldie Harvey.

Esiri, 71, reportedly died of complications resulting from diabetes at an undisclosed  hospital in Lagos.

The president of Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Miss Ibinabo Fiberesima confirmed the death of Esiri in a statement she made available to Vanguard.

Ibinabo said: “We regret to announce the passing away of our member and veteran actor, Justus Esiri who died last night (Tuesday). He was said to have died of complications resulting from diabetes at a hospital in Lagos.”

“Declared as one of the strong men of the African film industry, Justus Esiri is widely known for his role in the now rested popular TV series, The Village Headmaster. We commiserate with the family and pray that God gives us the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Late Esiri and son Dr Sid

Also, announcing Esiri’s death online, one of his sons, popular pop singer, Sidney ‘Dr SID’ Esiri put up a photo of the veteran actor on his Twitter avatar and updated his bio as ‘RIP Dad.‘

Meanwhile, reacting to his death, former president of AGN, Mr. Ejike Aseigbu described Justus Esiri as “one of the best actors this country has ever produced .”

He said: “I’m pained because we have lost a legend. Last week, we lost the pioneer Secretary of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Lagos chapter, Lugard Onoyemu, who slumped and died during a football training at the National Stadium, Surulere. However, I found Justus Esiri quite inspiring, he was a loving man.”

On his own, Segun Arinze said “It is so bad. Uncle Justus Esiri was a figure and a great motivator to us. He left a legacy that needs to be sustained. Justus Esiri contributed his quota to the growth of the industry. It is a very bad news, we will miss him.”

Monalisa Chinda, who expressed shock when she heard of Esiri’s death said, “I don’t really know what to say at the moment. I am totally devastated.”

In a career that spanned decades, late Esiri, shot to lime light in the early 80’s through the popular TV series, Village Headmaster which aired on the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA. He also featured in many interesting Nollywood movies.

Two years ago, the late Esiri was one of the actors who ran to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for a special prayer session against consistent deaths and sicknesses in the industry. The event was held at the church’s headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

Born on 20 November 1942 in Oria-Abraka, Delta State, Esiri attended Urhobo College, Effurun, Warri in Delta State. He travelled to Germany to study engineering at the Maximillan University, Munich, Germany, 1964, where he developed an interest in theatre.

Esiri started his acting career in Germany. He was the only Nigerian male that performed  on stage between 1968 and 1969. He also worked for Voice of Nigeria VON, German Service, as a translator.

The veteran actor won several laurels including THEMA Awards, NTA Honours Awards and AMAA awards. He was also the star actor in acclaimed productions such as “Wasted Years”, “Forever,” “The Prize”, “Six Demons”, “Corridors of Power”, “Last Knight”, “The Tyrant”, ‘The Investigation”, “The Ghost.” He was also reputed to have performed on more TV Network drama programmes than any Nigerian actor.

Assassin’s Practice, one of the most recent movies where he featured, was produced last year.

Late Esiri was last seen at a social function few weeks ago when a delegation of the Federal Government led by  Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, met some major stakeholders in the Movie industry in Lagos, to inform them of the forthcoming centenary celebration and to seek the support of the Nollywood industry.

At the close-door parley, Esiri bubbled with life. He sat next to the Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, and did not show any sign of failing health.

Esiri’s death came two months after another veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa, a.k.a Andrew died in an Indian hospital and 18 months after legendary actor, Sam Loko Efe also took his bow.

In one of his last interviews, Esiri had lamented his deteriorating health condition, saying “I had to be rushed abroad. But since I came back, I’ve not been fine-it’s either one sickness or the other. But thank God things will get better.”

He was married to Omiete and had six children, one of them being Dentist-turned pop artiste, Dr SID.

WORD..

Viewpoint: Can Kenya avoid election bloodshed?

 

 

 More than 1,000 people died in violence around the 2007 election - and there are fears of more deadly disturbances as Kenya heads to the polls again

Four years after the worst political crisis since it gained independence in 1963, pre-election tensions are mounting in Kenya. Writer Gray Phombeah believes the country is set for more bloody clashes amid the polling.

In what some see as a flashback to the horrors of Kenya's post-election violence of 2007 and 2008, episodes of inter-ethnic violence, killings and the use of hate speech have increased.

These disturbances are a warning the country could descend into violence worse than the crisis around the disputed general elections in December 2007.

The clashes began in the Tana Delta region, where more than 100 people were killed in August in fighting between the Pokomo people - mostly farmers growing cash crops by the Tana River - and the Orma, semi-nomadic cattle herders, in what appeared to be a dispute over land and water.

Continue reading the main story

In September, the killing of a Muslim cleric was followed by days of deadly riots in the port city of Mombasa.

Since then, junior minister Ferdinand Waititu has appeared in court charged with hate speech and inciting violence in the capital city Nairobi.

More violence has also been reported on the coast of Kenya and in the north-eastern part of the country. The outbreaks have sparked fears that, as the scramble for votes intensifies ahead of the March 2013 poll, the killings could herald another bloody election season.

Political interference

Following the 2007 election and its violent aftermath, a power-sharing government was eventually formed in February 2008 - but by then at least 1,000 people had been killed and tens of thousands displaced.

The violence was so serious that former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan flew into Nairobi to steer meetings between the two main political parties' leaders, the Orange Democratic Movement's Raila Odinga and the encumbent, Mwai Kibaki of the Party of National Unity.

A referendum on a new constitution in August 2010 produced a resounding "yes" vote, devolving power and establishing a bill of rights.

But efforts to set up a local tribunal to prosecute suspects of the election killings were blocked by the politicians who were implicated. 

 

 

With official reports still to be published, many Kenyans are still unable to put the violence behind them

So were attempts to undertake land reform, police reform and enact the Integrity and Leadership Bill. Other ambitious reforms whose need had been exposed by the election were not pushed through.

The big debate now is about the two politicians who are due to appear before the International Criminal Court at The Hague just weeks after the 2013 election, charged with displacing, torturing, persecuting and killing civilians during Kenya's election crisis.

Former finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and William Ruto, arguably Kenya's most divisive political figure, both deny the charges and are still running for president.

Mr Ruto is widely accused of instigating violence but revered as a hero within his ethnic community, the Kalenjin.

Mr Kenyatta is the son of Kenya's former leader Jomo Kenyatta.

Their presence in the electoral contest has raised fears of fresh violence. And Mr Annan - on hand to mediate after the previous election - last week warned the country was in danger of spiralling into serious violence once more.

Deep inequality

Of course, Kenyan elections have often triggered clashes between tribes, as political parties tend to draw support from particular ethnic groups.

But Kenya's violent past interacts toxically with another contributing factor: Deep inequality, especially between different regions. It is that, rather than poverty, which sparks political violence and crime. Official unemployment hovers around the 40% mark, with young people the worst affected. Tribal rivalries can easily cause tensions to spill over.

Meanwhile, the political elite continue to award themselves higher salaries and perks - considered the highest - against a backdrop of increasing labour unrest and strikes by doctors and teachers. 

 

 

Ethnic tensions have added an extra dimension to the struggle for power

One of the many shortcomings of Kenyan society since the electoral violence has been its failure to takes the effects of the fighting seriously enough. The sheer relief that accompanied the arrival of the peace pact gave way to an unspoken belief that all was now relatively calm.

The truth is that thousands of those internally displaced during the violence are still in makeshift camps, four years on. 

During the post-election crisis, there was state-directed violence against civilians, fighting amongst various civilian factions, and uprisings against the state by civilians.

As a recent report concluded, Kenya has not yet healed. The report says both the victims and the perpetrators of violence are still trapped in the after-effects of the fighting, without undergoing a healing and reconciliation process. 

The belated Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, set up three years ago, has yet to release findings and recommendations, adding fuel to the widely-held belief that the coalition administration is not serious in bringing closure to the election's events.

Part of the reason for this could be that this time the stakes are even higher.

Scarred country

In March, Kenyans will vote for county governors and senators for the first time. More power will be up for grabs, this time at a local level. This could lead to intense competition and rivalry, raising the likelihood of more violence.

And back in the Tana, a new threat to peace is emerging. Investors, both Kenyan and foreign, are acquiring leases on vast tracts of land for large-scale crop cultivation for food and bio-fuels. 

Deeply scarred and limping into new elections, Kenya could be showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress on a large scale.

And it won't take much to make things worse.

Gray Phombeah is a Kenyan writer and broadcaster.

10 celebrities we can’t get enough of….

From the red carpet to the after parties, there are some celebrities that are simply on track at all times when it comes to fashion. With the awards season approaching, you never know what they could come up with next.  These celebs always step up their fashion A-game. They are always a delight on the red carpet, they never disappoint when it comes to dressing all the way up, whether it’s one shoulder or strapless, these selected ten fashionistas wear them well.

 Tiwa Savage 

From all her classy red carpets dresses to her darling baby doll dresses and little clutches, she always looked refreshingly sweet. We can’t wait to see more of her pretty style in 2013.

           

Genevive Nnaji 

Nigeria’s Nollywood sweetheart’s fashion choices have become more and more glamorous with each even but we’re even more excited to see what she’ll wear on the red carpet this year.

Lisa Folawiyo

The fashion designer is one of the coolest around. Whether she’s wearing a funky short sleeved shirt, bold shoes, or an elegant Ankara dress, she always looks fashion forward and totally at ease in her clothes.

Nkiru Anumudu

She never fails to give us something interesting to look at, and to think about. She’s always one-upping herself too. We can’t wait to see what new looks she rolls out in 2013.

Alali Hart

The Clarins boss always appears in outfits that are supremely well-fitted and classy.

Omowumi Akinnifesi
Her style of gowns, I’m sure, has been taken to plenty of tailors to be duplicated simply for being the most eye catching. She never disappoints when it comes to dressing all the way up, whether its one shoulder or strapless, she wears them well.

Agbani Darego

- We can’t get enough of her quirky, vintage-inspired red carpet choices. This former Miss World knows how to rock the red carpet.

*Agani Darego

Nike Oshinowo

- Whether she’s rocking a funky print dress, bight printed scarves,, Nike  one to watch for all the newest and most wearable trends this year..

Munachi Abii 

She was giggling for the paparazzi, wearing a wild poka-dotted dress, or strutting in hot pink pumps, former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Munachi is fun fun fun. Here is hoping for   more fun with Muna in 2013.

Omotola Jolade Ekehinde

- With her often times dramatic dresses which emphasizes her curves, the Nollywood diva is always a delight to watch on the red carpet. We look forward to more drama this fashion year.

*Omotola

Tuface drops ‘Dance Floor’ hot new video

     

In May last year, Tuface released his fifth studio album, ‘Away and Beyond’ and ever since, video’s of the different hit tracks that make up the album have continued to quake the music industry… Tuface is far from over.

Only weeks to his much anticipated and ‘feverishly’ flamboyant Dubai wedding with heart rob Annie Macaulay, the singer has released the video of another wave making single ‘Dance floor’.

uface in the video filmed by Godfather productions show an even more matured side of him. He sings of a party without blood on it’s dance floor. The track was produced by Tuface’s close friend Femi Ojetunde.

Watch the Video here

Since the release of his ‘Away and Beyond’ album containing tracks like Omo Tosan, Dance In The Rain, In your eyes amongst others. Tuface has continued to drop video after video.

Ihe Neme video released in September last year, still rules the airwaves.

Uhuru Kenyatta (C) and running mate William Ruto address supporters during a political rally in Nairobi. Photograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images Kenya's high court has cleared the way for Uhuru Kenyatta to run in next month's presidential election, dismissing arguments that his looming trial on charges of crimes against humanity make him ineligible. Kenyatta, a former finance minister and the son of the country's founding president, is one of four accused at the international criminal court of orchestrating violence that killed 1,200 people after the election in 2007. He is running a close second to Prime Minister Raila Odinga, according to opinion polls ahead of the 4 March election. If Kenyatta wins, his first foreign trip as president could be to appear in the dock in the Hague at a hearing scheduled for April. The Kenyan high court also cleared the way for Kenyatta's running mate, William Ruto, to stand in the vote, as part of their Jubilee coalition. Ruto is also facing charges at the ICC over the 2007 violence. Both men deny the charges. "I welcome the high court ruling today," Kenyatta said in a statement. "It has affirmed what we have always held; the people of Kenya – and they alone – have the power and the mandate to determine the leadership of this great country." Odinga and Kenyatta head largely ethnic-based coalitions with few ideological differences, and there was concern about how Kenyatta's supporters might react if he had been barred. Similar ethnic rivalries fed the fighting after the last vote five years ago which damaged the image of the east African country, the region's most powerful economy and a key ally in the US-led war against militant Islam in the region. The vote is predicted to be close, and if no candidate secures an absolute majority, a run-off will be conducted. Dismissing the case against Kenyatta, the principal judge of the high court, Mbogholi Msagha, said it did not have jurisdiction over the petitions filed by various legal and rights groups, and added they should have asked the electoral commission to exclude Kenyatta and Ruto. Msagha also said he could not deny Kenyatta and Ruto their right to contest the poll because they had not been convicted. "They are presumed innocent until proved otherwise," he said. However, one of the groups seeking to block Kenyatta's bid said it would take the case to the supreme court. "For sure, we are ready for supreme court engagement," said Ndung'u Wainaina, the executive director of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict. "Uhuru Kenyatta is not free to seek and hold public or state office." Odinga, who has repeatedly said he would rather face Kenyatta in the ballot and not have his rival blocked by the courts, said he respected the court's ruling. The vote in March also includes parliamentary and regional elections in a country of 40 million people where tribal links still have a big influence on voters' political allegiances. Issues such as the ICC or high court cases do not usually sway the majority of voters' opinions, and Kenyatta's popularity soared among his tribe when he was indicted by the ICC in January last year. However, several western powers face a dilemma over what to do if Kenyatta wins the election, warning it cannot be business as usual when dealing with an ICC indictee. Adams Oloo, a professor of political science at the University of Nairobi said Friday's verdict was not a surprise. "We have come too far down the road in the race for the presidency to have a candidate struck out of the ballot paper by the stroke of a pen," said Oloo. "That would cause serious polarisation of voters and in a way throw the country to the dogs. The big concern for Kenyatta still remains the ICC trial gnawing at the back of his mind." Although Kenyatta and Ruto have both criticised the ICC prosecutor for bringing the cases against them, they have repeatedly said they will obey the war crimes court's summons in the hope of eventually clearing their names. They have rejected calls to stand down as candidates, saying Kenyans should be able to elect who they wish..

 

 Son of founding president is one of four accused at the ICC of orchestrating violence that left 1,200 dead after 2007 election

Uhuru Kenyatta (C) and running mate William Ruto address supporters during a political rally in Nairobi. Photograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images

Kenya's high court has cleared the way for Uhuru Kenyatta to run in next month's presidential election, dismissing arguments that his looming trial on charges of crimes against humanity make him ineligible.

Kenyatta, a former finance minister and the son of the country's founding president, is one of four accused at the international criminal court of orchestrating violence that killed 1,200 people after the election in 2007.

He is running a close second to Prime Minister Raila Odinga, according to opinion polls ahead of the 4 March election.

If Kenyatta wins, his first foreign trip as president could be to appear in the dock in the Hague at a hearing scheduled for April.

The Kenyan high court also cleared the way for Kenyatta's running mate, William Ruto, to stand in the vote, as part of their Jubilee coalition. Ruto is also facing charges at the ICC over the 2007 violence. Both men deny the charges.

"I welcome the high court ruling today," Kenyatta said in a statement. "It has affirmed what we have always held; the people of Kenya – and they alone – have the power and the mandate to determine the leadership of this great country."

Odinga and Kenyatta head largely ethnic-based coalitions with few ideological differences, and there was concern about how Kenyatta's supporters might react if he had been barred.
Similar ethnic rivalries fed the fighting after the last vote five years ago which damaged the image of the east African country, the region's most powerful economy and a key ally in the US-led war against militant Islam in the region.

The vote is predicted to be close, and if no candidate secures an absolute majority, a run-off will be conducted.

Dismissing the case against Kenyatta, the principal judge of the high court, Mbogholi Msagha, said it did not have jurisdiction over the petitions filed by various legal and rights groups, and added they should have asked the electoral commission to exclude Kenyatta and Ruto.
Msagha also said he could not deny Kenyatta and Ruto their right to contest the poll because they had not been convicted. "They are presumed innocent until proved otherwise," he said.
However, one of the groups seeking to block Kenyatta's bid said it would take the case to the supreme court.

"For sure, we are ready for supreme court engagement," said Ndung'u Wainaina, the executive director of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict. "Uhuru Kenyatta is not free to seek and hold public or state office."

Odinga, who has repeatedly said he would rather face Kenyatta in the ballot and not have his rival blocked by the courts, said he respected the court's ruling.

The vote in March also includes parliamentary and regional elections in a country of 40 million people where tribal links still have a big influence on voters' political allegiances.
Issues such as the ICC or high court cases do not usually sway the majority of voters' opinions, and Kenyatta's popularity soared among his tribe when he was indicted by the ICC in January last year.

However, several western powers face a dilemma over what to do if Kenyatta wins the election, warning it cannot be business as usual when dealing with an ICC indictee.
Adams Oloo, a professor of political science at the University of Nairobi said Friday's verdict was not a surprise.

"We have come too far down the road in the race for the presidency to have a candidate struck out of the ballot paper by the stroke of a pen," said Oloo.

"That would cause serious polarisation of voters and in a way throw the country to the dogs. The big concern for Kenyatta still remains the ICC trial gnawing at the back of his mind."
Although Kenyatta and Ruto have both criticised the ICC prosecutor for bringing the cases against them, they have repeatedly said they will obey the war crimes court's summons in the hope of eventually clearing their names.

They have rejected calls to stand down as candidates, saying Kenyans should be able to elect who they wish.

Todays little story: The Glasses..

Mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to some orphanage in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China!

The Great Depression was at it's height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this."  

Several months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago. The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my coworkers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses lying on top. 

The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued: "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom-made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that." 

The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way.

6 Jaw-dropping Moments from Beyonce's HBO Documentary Life Is But a Dream..

You guys are probably sick of listening to us talk about everything Beyonce does is perfect, right? Well, I'm here to switch it up a little.

Beyonce's HBO documentary, Life Is But a Dream, might be THE most perfect thing she's ever done. (I'm sorry. It is.) It's a gift. Most of all because: this is Beyonce. We love her, and she knows it. She didn't have to reveal half of what she did in this film, and we still would've kissed the ground.

But when it came to being candid, honest and intimate, Beyonce didn't stop giving until she'd showed us that when all the giltter's stripped away, she's weathered the same insecurities and heartbreaks every girl has. She kept in the parts where she was sleepy, and sad, and pissed-off (which is not to say she ever looked anything but gorgeous, 'cause that's just the way things are). But the point is: she celebrates the ups in the moment, and she takes the downs on the chin, tries to learn from them and keep them with her as she just keeps kicking ass, because she believes in herself and she believes in us, in women.

Can you tell I came away inspired?

Which brings me to a couple of moments we need to discuss:

Jawdropper #1: The miscarriage. It took my breath away to hear Bey talking about her first pregnancy, two years ago--"I picked out names, I envisioned what my child looked like."

Jawdropper #2: Bey singing "Listen" in the car. Especially after talking so frankly about splitting from her dad business-wise, and needing his approval life-wise.

Jawdropper #3: Getting to see the aftermath of Beyonce's VMA pregnancy reveal. Which, honestly, was already one of my favorite TV moments of all time. Getting to see her hug Jay in the green room afterwards brought tears to my eyes.

Jawdropper #4: The two of them singing "Yellow" to each other. STOP. I CAN'T.

Jawdropper #5: All of the dancing scenes. Real quick: why are Beyonce's rehearsals not a weekly show? Please! I want it!

123

Jawdropper #6: BLUE! IVY! Bliss.

What did you think? And if you need more, more, more Beyonce--check out WWBD?).

Photo: HBO

Moving forward..