Do you know the right way to pair your tie and pocket square?

The right way to pair your tie and pocket square

It is becoming increasingly popular among guys these days to wear a suit with a tie and a pocket square or just a pocket square with the suit. I must say that indeed it is very becoming and makes many a guy look suave and up to standard. So guys I salute you all!!!! No. I double salute you all!!! So go ahead, feel good, and feel cool because everybody knows who the boss is! 

Now  you are relishing and in  the aura that comes with knowing you look good and that most of the chicks around are casting you nice and hot glances. But  are you really sure that you have matched your pocket square and your tie the right way it should be done? just asking guys. The thing is, you really need to ensure that those hot looks the ladies are throwing at you stems from the fact that you have got your pocket square and tie act well put together and not that you have got the whole tie and pocket square all wrongly put together. Looks, they say, can be pretty deceptive right?

Now to make sure you really are on top of your game, I have put together this article on the right way to combine your tie and pocket square.

You can call it the six commandments of pocket squares and ties…. Here we go.

Pocket Squares Rule 1

Never ever match your pocket squares to your tie. We are talking same colour and same print. It is a capital crime! I’m yet to ascertain if there is jail time attached to  this crime. It means just don’t go matching ties and squares. Your squares should complement the tie and should blend with the colour of the suit  you are wearing. So let’s say you are wearing a blue and yellow coloured tie, you can choose to go for a plain coloured pocket square in either a solid blue or solid yellow.

Better still if you have a patterned square featuring the two colours you could choose to use them. The key to pulling of perfect combo lies in keeping it  classy and trendy. Definitely not a two way street. Take a look at the picture.

Pocket Squares look better when they complement or blend

Rule 2

Be versatile with your folds. You cannot learn all the different types of folds out there but at least you can master two or three types of fold which can come in useful depending on the occasion you will be present at. So have the flexibility of knowing which particular fold will create the maximum impact for your image in a particular setting. Simpler and structured folds makes for a conservative look and the fluid and less structured folds are casual oriented and gives you a relaxed appearance.

- Souce: The Mirror newspaper

Daytime Sleepiness, Long Naps Tied to Heart Risks

Daytime Sleepiness, Long Naps Tied to Heart Risks

People who nap more than 1 hour a day also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, researchers say

While getting enough sleep is key to health, a new study suggests that long daytime naps may not be doing your heart any favors.

The researchers found that long naps and excessive daytime sleepiness were associated with an increased risk for a combination of health problems that are collectively known as metabolic syndrome. And that can boost the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome includes conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar and excess fat around the waist.

The investigators analyzed the findings of 21 studies that included a total of more than 307,000 people. The research showed that people who napped for less than 40 minutes were not at increased risk for metabolic syndrome. In fact, those who napped less than 30 minutes had a slight decrease in risk.

But there was a sharp rise in risk among those who napped for more than 40 minutes, the study authors said. For example, napping for more than 90 minutes appeared to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome by as much as 50 percent, as did excessive daytime sleepiness.

The review also found that napping for more than an hour or being overly tired during the day were both linked with a 50 percent higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

However, the study only found an association between these factors, and did not prove that excessive sleepiness and long naps actually cause metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

The findings are to be presented April 3 at an American College of Cardiology (ACC) meeting in Chicago. Research presented at meetings is typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

"Taking naps is widely prevalent around the world," study author Dr. Tomohide Yamada, a diabetologist at the University of Tokyo, said in an ACC news release. "So, clarifying the relationship between naps and metabolic disease might offer a new strategy of treatment, especially as metabolic disease has been increasing steadily all over the world," he added.

About one-third of American adults do not get enough sleep, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Sleep Foundation recommends naps of 20 to 30 minutes to boost alertness.

"Sleep is an important component of our healthy lifestyle, as well as diet and exercise," Yamada said. "Short naps might have a beneficial effect on our health, but we don't yet know the strength of that effect or the mechanism by which it works.

-"WebMD

Identical twins who share a boyfriend vow to get pregnant at the same time

Identical twins who share everything including a boyfriend say they want to fall pregnant at the same time.
Anna and Lucy DeCinque, 30, from Perth, follow identical diets and exercise routines and have spent nearly $250,000 (£177,000) on cosmetic enhancements – including breast implants and fake eyebrows – to look more alike.

They even have the same boyfriend – 32-year-old electrical mechanic Ben Byrne – and plan to fall pregnant at the same time because their ‘bodies need to be the same.’
‘We would have to be exactly the same – even if we went through IVF at the same time,’ they told news.com.au

The pair appeared on SBS’s Insight to discuss identical twins and they changes they undergo as they age.
Though identical twins share 99.9 per cent of genetic information, Anna and Lucy make their own efforts to be as similar as possible.
‘If she walks a few metres, I need to walk a few metres because we have to burn the same calories,’ Lucy said.
‘Our diet is identical. Our food has to be identical. The same glass of water we measure. The same size of chip packets we have to measure.’

-soobolonewsonline

First Lady trumpets gender parity as Ghana marks Int’l Women’s Day

First Lady trumpets gender parity as Ghana marks Int’l Women’s Day

First Lady Dr. Nana Lordina Dramani Mahama, has stressed the importance of gender parity and the need to end child marriage as Ghana joins the world today [Tuesday] March 8, to observe International Women’s Day.

“I join today, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, in pledging for parity as is being done across the world.”

First Lady of the republic of Ghana, Lordina Mahama

In a statement signed by the First Lady, she charged Ghanaians to support and give a voice to marginalized underage girls who stand the risk of being married off or are already married off to older men.

“We must support and give a voice to the young girls who stand the risk of being married off or already married off to men far older than them and yet are required to remain silent.”

She further called on female role models to encourage the youth to commit to ensuring gender parity in Ghana saying, “Today, I call on you, our leading women, to reach out to the young ones, and to the men I say, take a stance to commit towards parity at the work place, home and school…”

Find below her full statement commemorating International Women’s Day.

STATEMENT FROM THE FIRST LADY OF GHANA, 2016 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 8TH MARCH

I am glad to join the world in celebrating the enormous contributions made by women of diverse backgrounds to the sustenance of our families, economy and society as a whole. These contributions, both at home and in our social life, have contributed so much to the world today.

Today, a young lady is hardly hindered in many places including going to school to pursue a course that was previously reserved for men. However, this is not enough. We can do more as a society and a country.

During the recent meeting of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV & AIDS here in Accra, my husband President John Dramani Mahama launched the “Ending Child Marriage’ Campaign.

I am committed to this campaign because it will open doors to many more girls who would like to have a future with better economic and social prospects instead of falling into the traditional quagmire of yesterday.

We must support and give a voice to the young girls who stand the risk of being married off or already married off to men far older than them and yet are required to remain silent.

We will continue to make opportunities available not only to those who will reach out but also those who may not have the hands to stretch out due to ignorance or poverty. This is because, just as every boy and man can, so must every girl and woman be able to, reach out to a better world.

I join today, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, in Pledging for Parity as is being done across the world.

We are not asking for help. We are asking for our part in this great world of humanity. It is a great injustice to deny those who contribute to life the ability to participate in its offerings.

Parity also means having the knowledge to make the right choices. That is why this year, in addition to the activities of the Lordina Foundation, we will also focus on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.

At the just ended 7th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights, which I hosted in Accra, we strategized on measures to educate our young people on a topic most of us, as parents, have neglected- their sexuality, their choices and their rights. This will provide us an avenue to reach out to many young girls and women to make the right choices as far as their sex is concerned.

It is great to be a woman but it is greater to be a model and to help others to excel.

Today, I call on you, our leading women, to reach out to the young ones, and to the men I say, take a stance to commit towards parity at the work place, home and school, because “a stronger woman does not make a weaker man but a better home, workplace and school.”

Let’s #PledgeForParity

Signed: HE Dr. Nana Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady of the Republic of Ghana & President of the Lordina Foundation

-citifmonline

Why it matters what Barbie looks like

      (CNN)When did dolls become role models?

This question became the cynical undercurrent to news that Mattel unveiled new Barbie dolls in three new body shapes -- petite, tall and curvy -- and seven skin tones. The original Barbie is still for sale as well. While parents and fans of the iconic blonde bombshell cheered the toymaker for making dolls that look more like real people, others couldn't help rolling their eyes at what they saw as a last-ditch effort by Mattel to regain market share as Barbie loses ground to other dolls. 

Actress Kirstie Alley emerged as a voice from this camp, asking on Twitter if the celebrations "seriously" implied that "Barbie needs to be taken seriously." She stood her ground as people challenged her, reiterating the point that she does not "consider toys to be role models."

"I prefer humans," she said. "Apparently it is now politically incorrect to make wisecracks about dolls now in America... hmmm and I thought they were just toys."

She's definitely not alone. Various news outlets fired off hot takes questioning Barbie's influence with such headlines as "Barbie is Past Saving" and "Did You Really Feel the Need to Identify With Your Barbie?" Some argued that Mattel took too long to catch up to other doll makers that have already made inclusiveness a selling point, and Barbie's moment is over.

"Mattel is, literally, messing with the mold that made Barbie iconic in the first place. But that mold is more out of touch than ever. Most American girls never looked like Barbie, it's true, but it's also true that most American girls have never looked less like Barbie than they do right now," Jessica Goldstein wrote for Think Progress.

"The trouble with Barbie is that if you start taking away her unrealistic elements, she disappears altogether," Alexandra Petri wrote in the Washington Post.

"Barbie is either the iconic, unattainable figure, blonde and waiflike, with huge eyes, or she is — what, exactly? Make her real, and she ceases to exist. She becomes a brand, a category heading, like American Girl, Monster High, Bratz."

10 photos: Barbie debuts new body shapes

Among the critics, no one seems to be objecting to the idea of curvy Barbie, a petite Barbie or an Asian Barbie with distinct features from "original Barbie." It's more that, as VH1's Taylor Ferber put it, "I can't honestly say that the plastic toy I played with was something I ever wanted to look like in real life. Primarily because Barbies aren't real life."

All of that is well and good, except that decades of research show that children do absorb messages about body image and identity from toys and play, though studies also show that different kids identify in different ways and that countervailing influences can minimize the impact.

As recently as 2006, a British study found that "girls exposed to Barbie reported lower body esteem and greater desire for a thinner body shape" than those who had been given dolls reflecting larger body types or no dolls at all.

"What people forget is all toys are educational to children, and girls learn what it means to be a girl through the toys they have," said University of Kentucky psychology professor Christia Spears Brown, author of "Parenting Beyond Pink and Blue: How to Raise Kids Free of Gender."

"I don't think what Barbie looks like is a trivial issue," she said.

Mattel has made changes in recent years to address criticism of Barbie's unrealistic proportions and ethnocentric image. Mattel introduced Entrepreneur Barbie in 2014 and expanded the number of available skin tones, eye colors and hair styles available in June 2015.

Brown called the new line the "first legitimate change" by Mattel to make Barbie a more positive role model for children.

It's more than simply putting a lab coat on the same busty, cinch-waisted doll, or dipping her skinny body in a darker hue. Not only do they come in different shapes and colors, but they have distinct features -- eyes, hair, noses -- too.

"That's the message kids need to see, that people come in a range of sizes."

Now, if only the focus could shift away from her appearance, developmental psychologist Erica Weisgram said.

"One of the things that's always concerning about the Barbie brand in general is the focus on appearance," said Weisgram, who has examined the impact of gender labels and gender-typed toys on children's toy preferences..

There's nothing wrong with being attractive, feminine or girly, she said. But girls should know those aren't the only qualities to aspire to, Weisgram said.

"We shouldn't look to dolls as role models," she said, "but we know that when kids are playing, they are enacting social roles. They are playing out what they might want to do in the future."

source: CNN

Unlimited and free usage of Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube? Meet Busy 4G

BusyInternet, which has provided reliable Internet access from its famous Cyber Café on the Ring Road  since 2001 has evolved into Ghana’s latest 4G LTE network, simply known now as Busy. This comes after BusyInternet’s major move in 2005 to become an Internet Services Provider.

The new evolution sees BusyInternet making a major leap forward by launching a cutting edge 4G data service in Accra and Tema, along with a fresh and colourful brand identity. Busy now offers consumers and businesses an innovative and flexible range of 4G data packages, plus MiFi and Wireless Routers designed to suit every need, all delivered with its customary high quality and personal customer service.
Speaking at the media launch  at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Praveen Sadalage, CEO of Busy said:
“We have made sure that our innovative 4G service is fast, affordable, reliable and flexible; because that is what consumers told us was most important to them. We at Busy are excited about the many opportunities available to Ghanaians, when they upgrade to 4G. The Busy brand purpose is to ‘Enrich Lives Through Connectivity’. Our launch of 4G services, that are accessible to the mass market, is a major first step towards us achieving this.”
Busy hope to offer the most affordable and reliable 4G service and currently offers MiFi priced from as low as GHC 99.  Busy 4G data bundles range from just 100MB for casual users to 50GB for 4G lovers, with the ability to rollover unused data from one bundle to the next. SEE Data packages here
Busy also offers a choice of Unlimited Freebies to any customers who purchase more than 5GB of data each month – customers can choose between unlimited and free usage of Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, Ghanaweb or Myjoyonline; or unlimited and free usage either at Night-Time or at the Weekend. Choice, value and peace of mind, all in one brilliant offer.
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Communications Minister congratulated Busy for playing a pioneering role in the evolution of Internet services in the country.
“For over a decade, Busy symbolized the provision of Internet services in Ghana and I am particularly encouraged that you have taken your service to the next level to meet the increasing demands of your wide range of clients” he said.
Consumers wishing to try or buy Busy 4G can visit the Busy Experience Centre on Ring Road Central, Accra Mall, West Hills Mall or visit our websites at www.busy.com.gh for more details on the various outlets in Accra and Tema.

facebook.com/BusyGH
@busy_gh
                                          

source: ameyawdebrah.com

Some Black Stars players using 'juju' - Taylor

Former Accra Hearts of Oak playmaker Charles Taylor claims some Black Stars players could be involved in the practice of Black magic popularly known as ‘juju’.

In an interview with Peace FM, the former Black Stars player said “Yes it is possible that thing [black magic] is in football and most of the players do it.”

The use of black magic in the senior national team has been a long-standing debate. It became a topical issue in 2012 after former Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic attributed the team’s poor showing at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to the practice of black magic in camp.

Taylor's comment also comes days after a juju man claimed that he helped Black Stars defender Rashid Sumaila to cause an injury to Jerry Akaminko ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Sumaila has denied the allegations saying he has no idea who the juju man is and his motive for such wild claims.

But Taylor who is now an ordained pastor states that he would not be surprised some Black Stars players use juju on each other.

“I will not be surprised if it is so in the Black Stars camp. It will be very difficult for you as a player if you don’t use it…most players who are God-fearing turn not to succeed in football because they don’t use black magic.

“This particular Black Stars team has had the same players being invited for the past five years, and it’s going to be difficult for a player to break into the team even if that player is very good.”

The attacker played for Hearts between 2000 and 2003 after joining from city rivals Great Olympics, before controversially transferring to Kotoko.

He was a member of Hearts’ 2000 Caf Champions League-winning squad as well as Ghana’s team at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, and the 2009 African Nations Championship.

Source: Starrfmonline.com

Perez Chapel denies BNI invasion

The Perez Dome

Officials of Perez Chapel International have denied reports of armed police and Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) operatives’ invasion at its Dome to arrest a member.

According to a report in a local newspaper Today, armed security personnel laid ambush at the Perez Dome between January 17 and 24 during church service to “trail a church member.”

An official statement from the church headed by Bishop Charles Agyinasare said: “For the avoidance of doubt we want to state that there was no security detail at the Perez Dome to trail, harass or arrest anybody. Neither were church members alarmed because of the presence of security personnel on the premises.”

Below is the full statement:

The Editor
Today Newspaper
Accra.

REJOINDER – PURPORTED BNI OPERATIVES AT PEREZ CHAPEL
Our attention has been drawn to your publication dated 26th January 2016 in which you stated among other things that on the 17th and 24th of January 2016, armed police and BNI operatives invaded the Perez Dome church premises during church service, in trail of a church member.

The Perez Church states emphatically that the story is misleading and completely false.

It is important to point out that the Perez Dome accommodates thousands of worshipers. Consequently armed police presence has become a regular feature in recent times to assure worshipers of their security and safety.

For the avoidance of doubt we want to state that there was no security detail at the Perez Dome to trail, harass or arrest anybody. Neither were church members alarmed because of the presence of security personnel on the premises.

We would encourage the media to always clarify issues about the church with us before proceeding to publish.

We request a retraction and an apology for the false and misleading story published in your medium.

Thank you.

Pastor Raymond Acquah,
Resident Pastor and Media Laison – Perez Dome
Executive Council Member – Perez Chapel International
Source: starrfmonline.com

The Absurdity of Stonebwoy’s Imitator

A Critical Look At Security Measures At Events

On  
Friday the 22^nd of January 2016, a concert was held at the Silver Star Tower in Accra by Live 91.9 FM to officially launch the station after 9 months in existence. The concert was graced by stage performances from a host of Ghana’s mainstream artistes including Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, M.anifest, Efya, E.L, Bisa Kdei and Pappy Kojo. The concert was generally described by observers as successful. However, few days after the event, a video footage of an unfortunate incident which occurred at the event has emerged.
The content of the video footage

The footage in question, which has been widely circulated on social media platforms in the last 24 hours shows an imitator mounting the stage to imitate how Stonebwoy walks whilst Stonebwoy was on stage performing. Stonebwoy reacted angrily to the imitator’s act by ordering the instrumentalists on stage to halt playing the instruments. Stonebwoy followed up by uttering the following ; “3y3 gyimie no 3y3’’. To wit, “Enough of the fooling”.  Stonebwoy then threw the microphone into the crowd and left the stage.
The imitator’s conduct was clearly absurd and absolutely uncalled for. The act was morally improper. Whatever may have been his motive for doing that, the motive was completely wrong. This is an artiste who has been able to defy odds over the years and managed to go through the mill despite his physical challenge to become one of the biggest things to ever happen to Ghana’s music industry. The accolades he has amassed both domestically and internationally over the last 12 months alone substantiates this assertion. He is viewed as a model of inspiration to people with physical challenges or challenges in other forms to challenge conditions and aim higher. What informed this guy who has claimed to be a Stonebwoy fan to commit such an act just a little distance away from Stonebwoy? In my view, Stonebwoy’s reaction was appropriate and very understandable because as humans we can all be easily prone to such reactions especially when it dwells on such sensitivities.
Aftermath of video circulation
Following the circulation of the said video, apologies have been released into the public domain. Live FM, the media outlet which organized the aforementioned event has come out with a release to apologize to Stonebwoy and his team. In the statement, they condemned the fan’s act which they described as despicable. Earlier today, the fan also released an apology letter to Stonebwoy on behalf of all Bhimnatives. Stonebwoy is yet to officially respond to the apology letter but I believe Stonebwoy will accept it.
Going Foward

Going forward, event organizers have the ultimate responsibility to ensure that there are adequate security measures put in place to warrant a successful organization of events devoid of unfortunate incidents. Watching the said video, I spotted security personnel on the stage. As security personnel were employed for the event, I expected the organizers to barricade the crowd from the stage. The security personnel would have then been able to deal with anyone who scaled the barricade to mount or get closer to the stage. It’s important to barricade the crowd from the stage at every event, irrespective of the size of the crowd or audience. It is also necessary for artistes to employ personal security personnel who will provide security for them at such gatherings. I know some artistes have security personnel. The others who don’t have some yet should take a cue from them. Searching observers/crowd before concerts begin shouldn’t also be overruled. It was a mimicking in Stonebwoy’s case. Who knows, it can be a physical assault or a more life threatening incident another time. Surely, this incident should be a wake-up call to take a critical look into security issues at events.

Seth Mireku Jnr
mirekuseth16@gmail.com

Hurray! Nana Ama Mcbrown & Boyfriend, Maxwell to Marry this April

Screen goddess Nana Ama McBrown and her boyfriend, Maxwell, plan to tie the knot in three months’ time at a rather low-key event, the actress has revealed. She disclosed to Showbiz exclusively last week that after dating for many years, the love birds had decided to get married at a private affair, adding that 2016 would be her year of breakthrough. “Yeah, I am getting married this year and I am super excited about it. I know a lot of people have been waiting for this and the time is finally here,” she said. For an A-list celebrity, many would expect Nana Ama to have a big society wedding, but a glamorous marriage is not what the pretty actress wants. “It is going to be a very private affair because that is how I want it. I don’t want a big wedding as many would expect.” she explained to Showbiz. According to the award-winning actress, her preference for a private marriage is not due to her inability to afford a big wedding but just a matter of choice. “Being the kind of person I am, I will need a venue as big as the Accra Sports Stadium if I really want a big wedding but mine is going to be pretty much just family. That’s what we’ve decided to do.” Nana Ama who currently hosts the Aben Show, a cooking programme on UTV asked her fans to bear with her and not to be upset for not involving them in her big day because she wants a private affair, “I love my fans a lot and appreciate them but they would have to bear with me on this one.” Nana Ama and Maxwell who have dated for some years now had been rumoured to be ready to tie the knot in the past but those reports never saw the light of day. The lovebirds were in the news two years ago when they were involved in a frightening motor accident on the N1 Highway in Accra which resulted in injuries to the actress. The versatile actress, who has acted in numerous movies in both Kumawood and glamour productions, as well as a number of TV series, also hinted that she would be doing a lot of productions this year and has a lot lined up for her.

Source: Graphic Showbiz