Monday, 30 June 2014

12 Essential Must-Haves for the Apartment of a Single Guy

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You’ve been on a few dates with the girl who could be Ms. Right. Chances are good that she’s going to see your pad in the not-too-distant future. Here’s the thing–you won’t know it, but during her first visit, she’s going to inspect your place with extreme prejudice. (She wants to make sure you’re a civilized guy.) Is your home the kind of place a girl wants to spend more time in, or are you still living like a frat guy?

1. A Personal Photo of… Something
That Scarface poster you’ve had since college doesn’t count as personal, no matter how much you think you relate with Tony Montana. Try a picture from your brother’s wedding, an old group family photo, even one of you with your dog. (Absolutely no exes!) The framed photo should be something to show you are a sentient being with more in his heart than old Brian DePalma films.

2. A Clothes Hamper
A hamper is your friend. With such a receptacle in a discreet corner of your bedroom, you go from the guy with a pile of dirty underwear on the floor to the guy whose dirty laundry is where it should be: out of everyone’s sight. (Pro tip: Make sure you eventually do said laundry.)

3. A Full Set of Dishes and Cutlery
The husband of a married couple I know once told me that he stole all his silverware–a full set–slowly, from his local Chili’s. That’s not ideal but did you notice that he stole it all from the same place, and a full set, to boot? I’m not advocating petty larceny—I’m just saying, get thee something to eat with and on. (Bonus points if you can find a couple large bowls and platters big enough to serve snacks.)

4. Cleaning Supplies, Somewhere
A single roll of paper towels doesn’t count. A lone bottle of glass cleaner doesn’t count. You don’t need a full custodial closet, but some basics (all of which have been employed in the last few months) help show we’re not walking into a cesspool of bachelorhood.

5. Nice Fluffy Towels (Yes, Plural)
Sorry, but nothing turns a girl off more than a graying, fraying towel with the consistency of sandpaper hanging on your bathroom rack. And what’s your thing against a hand towel near the sink? Buy a set of towels. Wash said towels weekly. Then replace them when they start to resemble the Shroud of Turin. Actually, before that.

6. A Proper Dining Table
And not the kind that doubles as a poker table. It’s cool if you don’t know the difference between modern and rustic furniture, but you should know that you can’t serve that awesome dinner you just made on the coffee table in front of your TV.

7. Clean, Comfy Seating
Is your only chair that weird egg-shaped thing you play video games in? Or is it a stained yard sale couch with one good cushion and one that was permanently taken out in The Great Nacho Cheese Debacle of 2011? Look, man–go to a furniture store and choose a couch and/or matching loveseat because you like it and not because you can’t believe someone just left it by the curb. Curb furniture is not “perfectly good.”

8. Displayed Books (Some of Which You’ve Actually Read)
“A room without books is like a body without a soul,” said the good man Cicero. You should at least have one modest shelf of books you’ve read, and a selection of ones you’re looking forward to reading. This is incredibly more interesting than your collection of Xbox games. And if she doesn’t care about books or have any of her own? Maybe think twice…

9. A Good Vacuum
It doesn’t have to be a space-age Dyson, but when you fire it up, your vacuum should suck up more dust than it expels. No points for vintage Hoovers when it comes to cleaning gear.

10. A Few Pots and Pans
A cast-iron skillet, a decent frying pan, maybe a stockpot… you don’t need to own a gourmet arsenal, but some cookware (coupled with the mastery of two to four decent dishes) really makes all the difference in the world.

11. A Proper Bed
Don’t go getting any ideas–she’s not hopping in it just because you have one. But, if you’ve been out in the “real world” for any length of time and you’re still sleeping on a futon or a floor-bound mattress, get a bed… with a frame. (Spending money on a mattress is a good investment, by the way.)

12. Lack of Strange Smells
Dishes in the sink for more than 12 hours? Food crusting in bowls or pizza boxes with leftover crusts littered around the house? Smells of unidentifiable origin? We want to visit a boyfriend, not a crime scene. Clutter isn’t ideal, but it’s tolerable. That said, if the mess is of a perishable nature, clean it up immediately.

Bonus: A Plant
This is optional, but if you can find a healthy, green houseplant and keep that plant alive and mostly green, it shows you care about something other than yourself. A good start for any relationship. (Note: No plant is better than a woefully malnourished one—if you buy one, keep it alive.)

12 Essential Must-Haves for the Apartment of a Single Guy

1. A Personal Photo of… Something
That Scarface poster you’ve had since college doesn’t count as personal, no matter how much you think you relate with Tony Montana. Try a picture from your brother’s wedding, an old group family photo, even one of you with your dog. (Absolutely no exes!) The framed photo should be something to show you are a sentient being with more in his heart than old Brian DePalma films.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Zendaya's Departure Puts Aaliyah Biopic on Hold

Lifetime will have to start looking for a new actress for its Aaliyah biopic. Zendaya Coleman, whose casting for "Aaliyah: Princess of R&B" drew criticisms earlier this month, has dropped out of the project.

The cable channel announced it via Twitter on Sunday, June 29, posting a statement which read, "We are sad Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah. Production is currently on hold." Reasons of her departure are not disclosed.

Sources close to the production tell TMZ a protest from Aaliyah's family is one of the factors which caused Zendaya to exit the project. The "Try Again" hitmaker's uncle and former manager Barry Hankerson previously said that Lifetime did not contact them about the biopic and the family thought a TV movie "is too small for someone as big as Aaliyah."

Jomo Hankerson, Aaliyah's cousin and president of her label Blackground Records, added later, "We want a major studio release along the lines of 'What's Love Got to Do with It', the Tina Turner movie... This needs A-list actors, A-list talent that can breathe life into what we think is a phenomenal story."

Zendaya herself quoted a source's statement on E! News after news of her departure from the biopic made headlines. "Aaliyah has always been a source of inspiration to Zendaya. She was honored to portray her and pay tribute to her," she tweeted, "...if she is going to do it, she wants to do it right."

The 17-year-old stepped out for the 2014 BET Awards on Sunday. She donned a blue jacket, black crop top and high-waisted skirt paired with a black cap, gold earrings and black peep-toe pumps. She described her style as a mix of "a little urban" and "a little hip-hop."

BET Awards 2014: Lupita Nyong'o and Chiwetel Ejiofor Win Movie Accolades

It was a strike for '12 Years a Slave' as both the movie and the lead stars went home with a trophy each.

The 2014 BET Awards bestowed the movie accolades to "12 Years a Slave" stars Lupita Nyong'o and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The slavery movie itself was named Best Movie over "The Best Man Holiday", "Fruitvale Station", "Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain" and "Lee Daniels' The Butler".

Nyong'o portrayed Patsey in "Slave" and won an Oscar for the same role earlier this year. Sadly, the actress did not attend the event to receive her trophy. She beat out such actresses as Angela Bassett, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington and Oprah Winfrey.

Ejiofor played the lead male character Solomon Northup in the 2013 movie. He was nominated for an Oscar for the role but did not win it. His BET Awards victory was over such actors as Forest Whitaker, Idris Elba, Kevin Hart and Michael B. Jordan.

The 2014 BET Awards was held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. and broadcast live on Sunday, June 29 in Los Angeles. The ceremony was marred with violence when one man was shot to death and another was stabbed in two separate unofficial pre-show parties. BET has released a statement, saying the event is not affiliated with the incidents.

The awards event also gave nods to music and sports. Tennis star Serena Williams and basketball ace Kevin Durant won Subway Sportswoman of the Year and Subway Sportsman of the Year respectively.

Lily Allen Reveals Her Daughter Was Diagnosed With Laryngomalacia

The 'Hard Out Here' singer feared for her eldest daughter Ether who was diagnosed with the life-threatening illness.

Lily Allen revealed that she was scared after knowing her eldest daughter was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness called laryngomalacia when she was 12 months old. Laryngomalacia is a condition which obstructed the airway because the soft, immature cartilage of the upper larynx collapses inward during inhalation.

The British recording artist told BBC Radio 4'S Desert Island Discs about her daughter's illness, stating, "It's [the illness is] basically a problem with the throat. She was working so hard to breathe, to just exist really, and she wasn't really gaining any weight at all. Because all of the food she was taking on, she was just expending the energy on this breathing process."

"When she was really, really little the doctors said she had to have an operation to correct it and then that didn't work so she had to have it again," the 29-year-old actress continued, "And she was tiny, she'd lost so much weight and then as a result of that, because of what happened before with my previous, it was just a really tough time."

Lily said that her daughter had to be fed from tube for about eight months. The "Lily Allen and Friends" host soon revealed that her daughter was "absolutely fine now."

Lily had experienced a stillbirth before giving birth to Ethel. She recalled, "I lost a child three years ago now, and I just remember leaving the hospital empty-handed, so to speak, and driving from Homerton in Hackney, all the way down to Gloucestershire and this song ['I Would Rather Go Blind' by Etta James] being on a CD that Sam was playing and in a weird way it's just a nice song to kind of connect to."

Lily got married to a builder and decorator, Sam Cooper, in 2011. They have two children together, Ethel and Marnie.

D’Banj Takes ‘Koko Garri’ To Dangote, Gets 'Papa's' Blessing

Music artiste and ambassador for Agriculture, D’Banj has proved that he can make agriculture enticing to the youth, who prefer blue collar jobs to farming. Sometimes ago, he introduced his ‘Koko Garri’ and he is pushing to make it a big venture.

The entertainer recently took the product to renowned entrepreneur and one of Africa’s richest men, Aliko Dangote to check it out. He also revealed that Dangote is his mentor.

D’Banj also thanked Dangote for blessing the product and said, “from the godfather of agriculture (Dangote), it's an honour to have you as a mentor! Thanks for blessing my ‘Koko Garri’.”

What Will Make Me Quit Nollywood--Dakore Egbuson Reveals

It is being said that no food for lazy man and as such, every individual must try to earn a decent living in every possible means. The Nollywood industry has been able to provide an avenue for many to make a living; either educated or not.

Funny enough, the make-believe industry does not select gender, but accommodates everyone. What baffles many is how actresses manage their homes and still combine acting to it.

To many female celebrities, who can't do the two together, they quit acting if their husband wants it, while some will argue that it’s not possible because the man met her while acting and as such cannot stop her, while some will say they will have to reach a mutual agreement.

Nollywood actress, Mimi Orjiekwe, once described the Nollywood industry as an industry that is very challenging, but worth the experience. She also said she would not stop acting because it is her job.

In her words, “My job is not going to be a problem. I think it is something we should learn how to handle. It becomes a problem when you devote all your attention to your job. Your children and your husband are also your job. In other words, I am not leaving acting for marriage. It is something that can work hand in hand.”

Nollywood actress Oma Iyasara, did describe actresses as people who would make good wives at their various homes but stressed that she cannot quit acting for any man, excepts he has another business plan for her that is better than acting. The list is endless.

In reality, sometimes we need to appreciate the courage of some men who got married to actresses and the marriage is still intact, with the likes of Omotola Jalade as an example.

Recently, Nollywood actress, Dakore Egbuson Akande, left fans and colleague spell bound when she disclosed that she would gladly quit acting if and when her husband asks her to do so.

This disclosure was coming on the heels of speculation that the actress had taken a leave of absence from acting, because her father in-law and her husband asked her to stop.

Dakore debunked the rumours, stating that she had to take a break from acting because something more important came along. “I fell in love. I had to give more time to my relationship to make sure I nurtured it away from the public eye, as much as I could. I took an unintended break to focus on my relationship.”

Sunday, 29 June 2014

Don Jazzy Backs Tonto Dikeh's 'Sugar Rush' Track

Since Nollywood actress cum musician, Tonto Dikeh also now known as Pokolee. joined D’banj’s record label, DB records, she has been receiving controversial comments which has hit more numbers when she released a part of her new song ‘Sugar Rush’ which D’banj featured in.

Many people have criticized her and her record label CEO, D’banj, that the new song almost sound like Mavin records hit song ‘Dorobucci’. But the Mavin records CEO, Don Jazzy, thinks contrary to what people’s opinion are and he said he doesn't think so.

Don jazzy said even if people said Tonto Dikeh’s new song sounds like his Dorobucci hit song, he explained that he doesn't think the song sounds anything like Dorobucci.

However he acclaimed that the new song by Tonto Dikeh, sounds nice and he likes it. Don Jazzy also made it known that all the comments on the new music is not his business, adding that he prefers sipping his Loya Milk than thinking about all the comments flying around.

Meanwhile the actress has released the full song today.

Banky W Trouser Ripped At An Event

Award winning R and B singer, Banky W had a minor wardrobe malfunction at the recently concluded MTN Project Fame Vip party which was staged at Blue Roof , LTV 8, Ikeja. This was very funny for people who were at the event. But it happens sometimes.

According to an eye witness, the misfortune occurred as Banky W was trying to pull some dance moves resulting in a tear on the seat of his trousers. It was really embarrassing though...

We recall that something like this has happened to Terry G before while performing at an event...his leather trousers ripped off while trying some dance steps..

Saturday, 28 June 2014

What Are African Proverbs?

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"To speak of any sacred scriptures as they pertain to religion in Africa is to speak of what is written in the hearts of the African people," said David Abdulai in "African Proverbs: Wisdom of the Ages." African proverbs tell us about the philosophies of ancient Africans, but they weren't brought to the U.S. in print. African proverbs were only passed down by word of mouth, and many have made their way into African American culture. The proverbs cover many topics, but tend to focus on a select few.

Proverbs About Love
- African proverbs on love speak about the many aspects of relationships. "A fish and bird may fall in love, but the two cannot build a home together," is a proverb that speaks of those who fall in love, but may have nothing in common or may be from different backgrounds. "He who loves the vase loves also what is inside," expresses that one must love what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside.
Proverbs About Children
- There are many African proverbs that speak about parenting and children. "It takes a whole village to raise a child," was quoted by Hillary Clinton in the 1990s and still heard often today in the U.S. "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings," speaks directly to children. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam, which his mother puts into his palm," has a meaning that is inscrutable.
Proverbs About Character
- A person's character is addressed several times in African proverbs. "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped," speaks of learning from mistakes. In the proverb, "You must judge a man by the work of his hands," ancient Africans teach to only judge people by their actions. Another proverb about character, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something," was paraphrased in a song by Aaron Tippin in the 1990s in which he sang, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything."
Proverbs on Pregnancy
- African proverbs on pregnancy often state the obvious such as, "She who gives birth to triplets cannot ask for a third breast," and, "A mother cannot give birth to something bigger than herself." Some pregnancy proverbs are worded as warnings or advice. One example is, "You cannot name a child that is not born." Some, such as, "It is not by watching a newly wed wife that she is going to become pregnant," even use humor.

1. Proverbs About Love

o African proverbs on love speak about the many aspects of relationships. "A fish and bird may fall in love, but the two cannot build a home together," is a proverb that speaks of those who fall in love, but may have nothing in common or may be from different backgrounds. "He who loves the vase loves also what is inside," expresses that one must love what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside.

Proverbs About Children

o There are many African proverbs that speak about parenting and children. "It takes a whole village to raise a child," was quoted by Hillary Clinton in the 1990s and still heard often today in the U.S. "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings," speaks directly to children. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam, which his mother puts into his palm," has a meaning that is inscrutable.

Proverbs About Character

o A person's character is addressed several times in African proverbs. "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped," speaks of learning from mistakes. In the proverb, "You must judge a man by the work of his hands," ancient Africans teach to only judge people by their actions. Another proverb about character, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something," was paraphrased in a song by Aaron Tippin in the 1990s in which he sang, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything."

Proverbs on Pregnancy

o African proverbs on pregnancy often state the obvious such as, "She who gives birth to triplets cannot ask for a third breast," and, "A mother cannot give birth to something bigger than herself." Some pregnancy proverbs are worded as warnings or advice. One example is, "You cannot name a child that is not born." Some, such as, "It is not by watching a newly wed wife that she is going to become pregnant," even use humor.

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Proverbs About Love
- African proverbs on love speak about the many aspects of relationships. "A fish and bird may fall in love, but the two cannot build a home together," is a proverb that speaks of those who fall in love, but may have nothing in common or may be from different backgrounds. "He who loves the vase loves also what is inside," expresses that one must love what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside.
Proverbs About Children
- There are many African proverbs that speak about parenting and children. "It takes a whole village to raise a child," was quoted by Hillary Clinton in the 1990s and still heard often today in the U.S. "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings," speaks directly to children. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam, which his mother puts into his palm," has a meaning that is inscrutable.
Proverbs About Character
- A person's character is addressed several times in African proverbs. "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped," speaks of learning from mistakes. In the proverb, "You must judge a man by the work of his hands," ancient Africans teach to only judge people by their actions. Another proverb about character, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something," was paraphrased in a song by Aaron Tippin in the 1990s in which he sang, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything."
Proverbs on Pregnancy
- African proverbs on pregnancy often state the obvious such as, "She who gives birth to triplets cannot ask for a third breast," and, "A mother cannot give birth to something bigger than herself." Some pregnancy proverbs are worded as warnings or advice. One example is, "You cannot name a child that is not born." Some, such as, "It is not by watching a newly wed wife that she is going to become pregnant," even use humor.

Share
Print this article

Proverbs About Love
- African proverbs on love speak about the many aspects of relationships. "A fish and bird may fall in love, but the two cannot build a home together," is a proverb that speaks of those who fall in love, but may have nothing in common or may be from different backgrounds. "He who loves the vase loves also what is inside," expresses that one must love what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside.
Proverbs About Children
- There are many African proverbs that speak about parenting and children. "It takes a whole village to raise a child," was quoted by Hillary Clinton in the 1990s and still heard often today in the U.S. "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings," speaks directly to children. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam, which his mother puts into his palm," has a meaning that is inscrutable.
Proverbs About Character
- A person's character is addressed several times in African proverbs. "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped," speaks of learning from mistakes. In the proverb, "You must judge a man by the work of his hands," ancient Africans teach to only judge people by their actions. Another proverb about character, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something," was paraphrased in a song by Aaron Tippin in the 1990s in which he sang, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything."
Proverbs on Pregnancy
- African proverbs on pregnancy often state the obvious such as, "She who gives birth to triplets cannot ask for a third breast," and, "A mother cannot give birth to something bigger than herself." Some pregnancy proverbs are worded as warnings or advice. One example is, "You cannot name a child that is not born." Some, such as, "It is not by watching a newly wed wife that she is going to become pregnant," even use humor.

Share
Print this article

Proverbs About Love
- African proverbs on love speak about the many aspects of relationships. "A fish and bird may fall in love, but the two cannot build a home together," is a proverb that speaks of those who fall in love, but may have nothing in common or may be from different backgrounds. "He who loves the vase loves also what is inside," expresses that one must love what is on the inside as well as what is on the outside.
Proverbs About Children
- There are many African proverbs that speak about parenting and children. "It takes a whole village to raise a child," was quoted by Hillary Clinton in the 1990s and still heard often today in the U.S. "If a child washes his hands he could eat with kings," speaks directly to children. "A child's fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam, which his mother puts into his palm," has a meaning that is inscrutable.
Proverbs About Character
- A person's character is addressed several times in African proverbs. "Do not look where you fell, but where you slipped," speaks of learning from mistakes. In the proverb, "You must judge a man by the work of his hands," ancient Africans teach to only judge people by their actions. Another proverb about character, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something," was paraphrased in a song by Aaron Tippin in the 1990s in which he sang, "You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything."
Proverbs on Pregnancy
- African proverbs on pregnancy often state the obvious such as, "She who gives birth to triplets cannot ask for a third breast," and, "A mother cannot give birth to something bigger than herself." Some pregnancy proverbs are worded as warnings or advice. One example is, "You cannot name a child that is not born." Some, such as, "It is not by watching a newly wed wife that she is going to become pregnant," even use humor.

Monday, 30 June 2014

12 Essential Must-Haves for the Apartment of a Single Guy

Sunday, 29 June 2014

Saturday, 28 June 2014

Proverbs About Love

Proverbs About Children

Proverbs About Character

Proverbs on Pregnancy

Proverbs About Love

Proverbs About Children

Proverbs About Character

Proverbs on Pregnancy

Proverbs About Love

Proverbs About Children

Proverbs About Character

Proverbs on Pregnancy

Proverbs About Love

Proverbs About Children

Proverbs About Character

Proverbs on Pregnancy

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