TODAY WE ARE, TOMORROW WE MIGHT NOT BE!

My day started on a brighter note and everything seemed to go well.

Throughout the day, it was work, work work then the day ended.

I got back home, took my mandatory 45 minutes back rest nap then I got a call from a good friend.

As usual his calls gives us the opportunity to talk on various subjects relating to family, work, plans and all.

This particular call wasn't one of such. After the usual pleasantries, he went like, bro " I should have called you a few weeks back but didn't know how to break this news to you". 

I went like oh, what dey happen? Then he broke the news to me " Hmm chale your paddy go oo, your paddy *Twilight*(for the purpose of this post) pass on oo". 

Suddenly my whole mood changed. A few comments between the both of us ensued for a while then the call ended.

My mood changed and suddenly, sadness engulfed me.

We weren't that close as friends but from afar, this person lived her life. She was a very happy person and opened to conversations. Paramount of all was her love for GOD. She will show it no matter where she found herself.

My takeouts as thoughts run through my head all night after hearing the unfortunate news,

Folks today we are, tomorrow we might not be, Life is so uncertain we never know when and at what time we might not be.

Love God, fix your relationships, drop hate, aspire to achieve your dreams and of all be thankful to your maker for the gift of life!!

To my late buddy, rest well, may the good Lord keep your soul.

Just Learn!

This morning, I woke up thinking about how I was going to sort this printer issue out at the office.

I had a lot of data capturing and image documentation jobs to finish up and print them out entirely for my pending management meeting.

Trying to get the printer fixing person wasn't happening after countless efforts towards getting him over to the office to fix it.

After all the daily wahala and getting my trucks on the road for their various deliveries as well as pick up assignments, I got myself some good Ghanaian food to eat and relax. Thereafter, I decided to attempt fixing this thing by myself ready to face any consequence should any arise.

I picked up my phone and started to read along on what was to be fixed.

I got some level of knowledge on that but still felt I wasn't going to be able to fix the problem.

I later dropped my phone, did some data capturing manually then I decided to let me hit the internet once again if I'd be lucky to get some step by step information.

YouTube did the trick. I had to go through quite a number of videos where I had to skew my search keywords to be able to attract those exact, videos to guide me.

I got a few and they seemed interesting but I still told myself, guy, chill oo what if this thing is damaged, you'll be asked to respond to a query and attest to an incident report form.

So for a minute, I stopped and attended to other office duties. As time went by, it came back to me that I also needed the printer to get those other jobs done immediately. I came back to the desk to attempt sorting it out. My search couldn't get me the exact product but there was a twin product for which the same issue had a video tutorial on.

I watched for said video repeatedly for four times and decided no I'll do this.

Step by step, I tried this fix it issue on the printer.
Along the line, I had a few steps escaping me and had to return to the video to guide me through.

Eventually, I succeeded in solving the issue and the printer was back to its best performance.

The motive for this post isn't to tell anyone about being smart but to always approach solving problems by taking your time and learning. Learning doesn't end, it is a continuous act that one must always be ready to fall on when it is needed. Even when it isn't needed, you can learn something new to keep your brain active.

Also, there are many platforms you must recognize is available to use. With this one, YouTube helped me.

Cheers.

Summer Of Solutions - Pick Your Challenge

The "Summer Of Solutions" is a call for applications from young people around the world to create innovative technology-based solutions to global challenges.


This is a new initiative launched by the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, in partnership with the United Nations Technology and Innovation Labs, United Nations Development Programme, the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Unite Ideas.


The 2019 #SummerOfSolutions aims to solve climate challenges:

#OpenCI Platform Challenge: develop an information systems solution that can serve as a platform to enhance the access of localized climate and market information.


#CircularEconomy Challenge: present ideas for ICT tools and business process innovations that are related to the Circular Economy and can result in rapid and far-reaching improvements for society.


#EthicalFashion Challenge: present ideas for ICT tools and business process innovations that are related to Ethical Fashion & Textiles, which can result in rapid and far-reaching improvements for society.


Selected participants and their ideas will be showcased at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in
New York City in September 2019.


Pick your challenge, get involved and help change the world!

Have The Best Of 2019

Dear friends,

I know it has been ages when you last read something from my space here on blogger.

Lately I have been caught up in a lot of things for which I had to put my blogging on hold for sometime. These other ventures has been eventful and a lot of experiences learnt.

This post isn't actually one for which I will type out a long piece. This is just to encourage and wish you the best of the new year 2019.

As always, when a new year sets in, a lot of resolutions, hopes, targets and likes are either written down or kept in memory. For all that you've wished for yourselves, I wish you well and hope they're fulfilled by the time set against them.

From the photo attached to this post, I wish you the best and hope you all become a success story.

I happened to have joined this passenger mini bus on my way back to the office after a meet up with a client.

Immediately I got unto the bus, the conductors attire drew my attention and for a minute, I said amen to that. I then took out my phone to capture it.

Believe in yourself, work towards all your goals, pray about it and 2019 will be a good one for us all.

Cheers to 2019 fam!

WHEN BEING TRUTHFUL TURNS SOUR

I can remember from one of my few Sunday school sessions' teachings telling us when we were young to always uphold the case of truthfulness.

The good book as well admonished each and every one to speak the truth at all times and the truth shall set us free.

This in some cases doesn't bind considering the human facet of life where at certain points, the lie will rather exonerate you out of a situation that should have been worse if the truth had been said.

Life as always has it's own way of teaching is lessons to build our stature as human beings. Experiences on the other hand, is the documentary tool for which we fall on when we need some form of reference.

I am sure you'll be wondering what I am driving at at all? Well full details to me won't be of much relevance to this post.

One will then ask, what then is the relevance for this post? BE TRUTHFUL in all dealings even if it'll cost you your job, salary, etc. especially when there is a clear conscience towards what you're doing or who you're dealing with.

Another experience of life made me to appreciate life in another state. I helped a friend and something arose, in reporting, I chose the truth for which superiors escalated what wasn't supposed to be an issue in the first place to be a third world war brouhaha.

Sometime down the line, I was vindicated and all along, the friend who actually lost it all because of me choosing the truth, was actually backing me and was wishing I wasn't affected in anyway.

Immediately I arranged a meet up, and we reconnected. We have been more closer than before and life goes on.

I know I hardly share personal digs of my life around but I thought I shared this to I hope inspire someone.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. See you later when I have another thing interesting to post.

A very lazy blogger like me so kindly bare with me. Lol !!!

Cheers!!

LOCS4Africa 2017: Water & Climate Congress

The Local Climate Solutions for Africa (LOCS4Africa) Congress series is Africa’s leading platform on local climate action for cities and other sub-national governments across the continent.

It connects business and industry, investors, scientists, technical experts, development partners, national governments and civil society with Africa’s cities and urban networks. LOCS4Africa offers opportunity for direct engagement and strategic discussions around current local solutions and emerging trends relating to urban resilience and low-carbon development in Africa.

It is a well-established pan-African bi-annual congress, each with a strategic theme critical to urban sustainable development, in line with emerging global trends. The congress places strong emphasis on local leadership and innovative approaches to sustainable development in Africa's urban context.

If you will want to be a part of this congress happening in South Africa from 20th March - 23 rd March of 2017, take a look at the attached document below to know who qualifies to be a part of this wonderful congress.

See you there in March !!

Njeri appointed as Greenpeace Africa Executive Director

PRESS RELEASE

Kenyan born Njeri Kabeberi, has been named as Executive Director for Greenpeace Africa after an extensive search for a combination of skills required to drive the organisation towards a people powered movement.

According to the Greenpeace Africa Board, Africans are hungry for a new story, one with a better take on nature, on humanity, their livelihoods, their future and their connection to the earth. “It was critical to find someone who embodies passion, activism and understands the context of environmental justice in Africa and we are confident that Njeri represents that” said Greenpeace Africa Board Chair Brian Kagoro.

Greenpeace currently runs campaigns on four key issues on the continent, to protect the Congo Basin from large scale deforestation, stop overfishing in West Africa, promote ecological farming in the horn of Africa as well as demand a shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in South Africa in order to reverse the impacts of climate change.

With a long history in human rights activism, Njeri will be leading Greenpeace Africa into a new wave of environmental justice for Africans by Africans.

“We will continue to work on our flagship campaigns but more so, we shall be working closely with communities to ensure that our campaigns speak to the local realities on the continent and can effect change in the day to day life of our people” said newly appointed Greenpeace Africa Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi.

“Africa has a major role to play in the global efforts to reverse climate change, protecting its vast natural forest and safeguarding its rich ocean resources is centre to the continent’s contribution in averting the catastrophic effects of climate change. It is important that the continent works together to push for an end to illegal logging, unsustainable fishing and a shift from industrial agriculture to ecological farming to ensure that our biodiversity is protected” added Njeri.

Njeri joins Greenpeace after serving as CEO of the Civil Society Reference Group and as the immediate former Executive Director of the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.  She is also a member of the board of advisors of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and chairs the board of the International Centre for Policy and Conflict.

  

Njeri is passionate about social justice and women’s rights, and in 2010, amongst others, received the ILO Wedge Award.  She also has extensive INGO leadership and management experience and was on the Board of the Kenya Human Rights Commission for many years.  

WHEN IT MATTERED MOST, WE FAILED!!

Over the years, there's been the case of remembrance or celebration and when appropriate it should be done. Different schools of thought have either stated it to be before or after and at large defending their stance.

A little under a week ago, Ghana lost one of its illustrious football icon in Coach E. K. Afranie affectionately called Coach Hene after a short illness. The sports fraternity was saddened by his demise and a lot of condolences were sent to his surviving family and loved ones.

THE LATE COACH E. K. AFRANIE

A few days into his demise, the senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars had a game to be fulfilled in their quest for a fourth FIFA world cup appearance against Egypt. Fast forward to the match day and some of us if not most of us spectators were expecting the entire team to show their utmost respect or remembrance to this icon of a coach.

Ironically, almost all if not all of the players that featured had been trained or developed by this man who was no more. It would have been prudent and in line to at least wear the black armband as a sign of remembrance to him. Nothing of that sort was done and I don't know who to put the blame on as I post this piece.

Did the management team of the Black Stars ever think about this?

Did the FA ever think about honouring coach Hene at any point prior to the game?

How about the playing body themselves? Did they project it, if they did was it rejected? If it was why and who rejected the proposal?

I am tempted to draw in the Sports ministry but on this day I feel they won't be an appropriate case to attack.

As a case of fact, nothing like this was done and as a nation circled down to the football loving arena must bow their heads in shame why?

Because when it mattered most, we failed as a group in honouring a son of the land who gave his all to serves in that small capacity and you can't deny the fact that he succeeded in that field for the nation.

IN MEMORY: SKY+FACE !!

"Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep". - An Indian Memorial Poem 

I haven't been in the best of health and general mood during the week has been down but in all these work had to be done.

I had a few client complains that needed attention and prompt solutions to be meted out. I joined my driver for his usual deliveries and supply schedule so I use that opportunity to meet up with them personally.

One after the other, I handled the very simple ones to the complex ones, and for those that needed further attention, assurances were given to them that action would be taken to their best interest.

As we went along, I felt a little tired and decided I get myself some refreshment of a sort since I am not a big fan of Energy drinks. I spotted a mini mart around and pleaded with my driver to pull the breaks so I get something. He did and I got of the van heading straight to the mart. Approaching the mart, I coincidentally hit my foot against a stone which drew the attention of the people in-front of the mini mart who were also getting one thing or the other from the same mart I was approaching. Immediately I raised my head up so I take a few steps to the mart for the attendant serves me. In the process of raising my head, I saw an inscription on the side of the mart, a dress- makers shop written in chalk, SKY FACE.   

Immediately, I startled a bit and went further to have a real look at it if it was a spelling mistake or for real written right. The latter was the case, very well written as you can see from the photo taken and attached to this post. I then took out my phone and took a couple of shots. After getting back into the van, I took out my phone to look at the photo captured.

SKY+FACE

It then dawned on me for a brief moment that yes I really missed my favourite cousin who was that selfless and always happy to make you happy.

I still remember when our house attire came through and we were to receive them from the bursar's office, immediately you got yours you wore it right in front of the library of Nifa Secondary School and walked up the hill to our 1B1 classroom to the amazement and admiration of many.

Till this day, we all know you created a vacuum in our hearts but we mourn no more Nana Kumi, we believe as a family as well as your close friends and mates that you are definitely resting in perfect peace.

STILL CONTINUE TO REST IN PEACE AND HOPEFULLY WE SHALL MEET ON THE OTHER SIDE.

HAS IT FALLEN THAT LOW?

And then 2015 ended calmly and we were ushered into the new year.

Invitations to a lot of social events came through for which I chose quite a number to attend.
So the very first social event for 2016 was the wedding ceremony of a working colleague. It was out of town so had to travel the distance to make it there. Somewhere in the Eastern region is where it took place.

Right on time, I made it to the service and everything as planned began. Time went by and the service went on and on and on. The groom came in and it was time for the bride to show her presence for the solemnization to begin. Minutes went by, then it turned into an hour of waiting. Various singing groups were called upon to minister different songs from worship, to reggae, to praises all in anticipation for the arrival of the bride but still it was a no show from the bride. It was an hour and a half gone and the bride had not showed up. People started to express some level of anxiety and anger as it was getting annoying to a few myself inclusive. I asked a friend who also knew the groom and had come to support, why it was always the case with brides delaying to show up. Well guess what she showed up two hours after the groom had taken his seat.

Fast forward to the plot of my post, I will try to get that bit of why brides, if I will say take delight in keeping everyone waiting for such long periods during their wedding days.

Soon they were pronounced man and wife after their vows exchange and it was time for merry making. Photographs were taken and we all headed to the reception grounds. Guests and family got seated awaiting the newly weds to come take their seats so the other half of the day could continue.
Then the MC showed up! He started with some jokes and introduced himself to the gathering. All through his presentation and MC duties, coordination of what follows what on the outlines program was duly delivered with dexterity. He did well in mixing both the English and Twi languages to the admiration of everyone. Still that doesn't pitch in my plot for this post.....lol!


Here it is......recently the form of worship with reference to Christianity has come under a lot of scrutiny. Several reasons have been assigned to the modern ways of worship in recent times.
Throughout his MCing, one thing that run through was how the various forms of worship in the christian faith was used as jokes and used them as jokes formats. One of the very repeated ones was the speaking of tongues. The sight and movements that ensued around immediately warranted a form of prayer and ended in the tongue speaking craze which drew laughter and giggles from most people around.

Personally I wasn't enthused by those gimmicks and thought I was the only one. Right behind me, I overheard some grown up women expressing their displeasure of that particular aspect of his mcing. One of the women expressed in twi "Enti ebi nom ensuro Nyame anaa?" meaning "so don't some people fear God?"

That wasn't the only time I had heard of such jokes. On a lot of platforms, I have heard such lines being jokingly expressed. In not trying to compare to other religions, will they - comedians, MCs etc try that other forms of worship of other religions?

Aside the tongues bit, kindly share any experience you've had where certain forms of worship of other religions has been jokingly expressed even though will prefer more of the christian religion.

Cheers and have the best of 2016 and welcome to another run of cool posts from me.

LET'S JAM TO MUSIC MONDAY - #MUSICWEDEYFEEL

So this week I decided to play the bias card a little.

I am sure you'll noticed I pick two or more countries to feature those beautiful tunes from thier various countries. This week I chose to go with just a single country. The country I chose for our reading and enjoyment pleasure for #MusicWeDeyfeel for this week's #Music monday is #CONGO.

This country is known for it's rich culture and diversity of lifestyle. Their music I believe needs no introduction since over the years, they've had some top ones.

My first choice for you is;

1. LOKUA KANZA - I BELIEVE IN YOU


Lokua Kanza is both a singer and songwriter known for his ballads mostly. His style is more mainstream compared to the others as he explores a more modern tradition of Congolese music that speaks to people worldwide.

My second artist to feature from Congo is no doubt one of the biggest acts to come out of that country and continent at large.

2. FALLY IPUPA - SWEET LIFE



Fally is also known through his self proclaimed nicknames such as ‘Fally Ipupa Dicaprio la Merveille Pibe de Oro Pitshishi Hustler’. "No Congolese party would now be complete without Fally Ipupa" one entertainment tabloid was quoted at stating that.

Till I come your way again with another exciting set of tunes, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Season's Greetings !!!

JAM TO THIS WEEK'S MUSICWEDEYFEEL PICKS

Great to be back here again. It's another Monday and as my quest to bring you the best of tunes from our continent, I will be introducing you to some great talents.

This week I chose my first act from Nigeria. Now let's get to it;

1. ADEKUNLE GOLD - ORENTE



Adekunle is one fast rising artist to come out of Nigeria. His sleek voice and traditional touch to his tunes makes his music unique and soothing to the ear. Indigenous and exclusively cultural piece from Adekunle Gold and it is titled, "Orente". A love song explained the Yoruba way about the faithfulness of a woman who adores a man despite all the odds against them. This video expresses love and I know you'll love this tune.

Now to the very next artist, we take a trip down south to the rainbow country South Africa and I bring you Berita.

2. BERITA - MWANA WA MAI FEAT OLIVER MTUKUDZI & HUGH MASEKELA

BERITA is an Award winning singer, a Gold selling songwriter and guitarist with a touch soul to her music. Enjoy this tune and tell me what you think if this doesn't make you love African music.

Music theysay is the food to the soul. This is ours. #MusicWeDeyfeel is on again next Monday.

Cheers for reading.

2015 Goodreads Best Book Choice Awards

Good reads announced the winners of the 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards for best books. Over the year there have been some good books coming through and I am sure if you are a follower of Good reads, some of these books might have caught your sight.

Luckily, I read a few of them but those I read unfortunately didn't make the winners list. Maybe yours made the list but might not know so I bring you the complete list of all the winners categorized by the various genres.

Here we go;

FOOD & COOKBOOKS --     THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS: DINNERTIME: COMFORT CLASSICS, FREEZER FOOD, 16-MINUTE MEALS, AND OTHER DELICIOUS WAYS TO SOLVE SUPPER

                                                    BY: REE DRUMMOND

 

POETRY                                 THE DOGS I HAVE KISSED

                                                  BY: TRISTA MATEER

 

GRAPHIC NOVELS              SAGA VOLUME 4

& COMICS                              BY: BRIAN K. VAUGHAN (Writer), FIONA STAPLES (Artist)

 

HISTORY & BIOGRAPHY    DEAD WAKE: THE LAST CROSSING OF THE    LUSITANIA

                                                    BY: ERIC LARSON

 

NONFICTION                       MODERN ROMANCE

                                                BY: AZIZ ANSARI, ERIK KLINENBERG

 

HORROR                              SAINT ODD

                                                BY: DEAN KOONTZ

 

MEMOIR &                           A WORK IN PROGRESS

AUTOBIOGRAPHY             BY: CONNOR FRANTA

 

ROMANCE                           CONFESS

                                                BY: COLLEN HOOVER

 

FICTION                               GO SET A WATCHMAN

                                                BY: HARPER LEE

 

FANTASY                              TRIGGER WARNING

                                                BY: NEIL GAIMAN

 

MYSTERY &                          THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

THRILLER                              BY: PAULA HAWKINS

 

SCIENCE FICTION            GOLDEN SON

                                                BY: PIERCE BROWN

 

HUMOUR                               WHY NOT ME?

                                                 BY: MINDY KALING

 

YOUNG ADULT                     ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES

FICTION                                  BY: JENNIFER NIVEN

 

MIDDLE GRADE &               THE SWORD OF SUMMER

CHILDREN                             BY: RICK RIORDAN

 

PICTURE BOOKS                  THE DAY THE CRAYONS CAME HOME

                                                   BY: DREW DAYWALT, OLIVER JEFFERS

 

SCINECE &                             BENEATH THE SURFACE: KILLER WHALES, SEA WORLD, AND THE TRUTH BEYOND BLACKFISH 

 TECHNOLOGY                      BY: JOHN HARGROVE, HOWARD CHUA-EOAN

 

HISTORICAL FICTION         THE NIGHTINGALE

                                                   BY: KRISTIN HANNAH

 

YOUNG ADULT FANTASY     QUEEN OF SHADOWS

                                                     BY: SARAH J. MAAS

 

DEBUT GOOD READS             RED QUEEN

  AUTHOR                                   BY: VICTORIA AVEYARD

 

Did any of the books you read during the year feature in the list? Well I had just one book that I read all year making the list and it is that of KRISTIN HANNAH’S; THE NIGHTINGALE.