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7 Healthy, DIY Airplane Snacks

1. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

This addictively crunchy travel snack has high protein and fiber content to keep you full and nourished while you’re in flight. Bonus: Cayenne pepper provides a metabolism boost with a touch of spice. Pack this snack in Ziploc bags and you’re ready to go!

Read More: yahoo.com

                                                                                                                                  

DONT JOIN  command must be obeyed (the book review) <<<< GRAB YOURSELF A COPY

The novel, Don’t Join is the first short story book published and written by Azubike A. Ahubelem. It is about a young intelligent man named Uche and his experience as a University student living in Nigeria, and how peer pressure can stands out as a choice rather than a forceful influence. The novel starts off as intriguing and therefor luring the reader into the story.  While reading the book, I found myself on the edge of my seat, eager to know what would be revealed in the next chapter. The style of the book is narrative and not only does it educate us into the life of Uche, but also it causes the reader to take a step back and reflect about the world today on how some students live their lives in Universities be it in Africa or Overseas. If you are into romance and action thriller, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

My favourite character from the book is Uju, a young beautiful girl with beautiful eyes and in every way perfectly capable to seducing any man she wanted. I love her because even though she is beautiful, she is humble, caring and loving. Throughout the story, I got to see how falling in love can change ones perspective forcing them to compromise, break boundaries and go against their natural instincts and in this case Uju was a perfect example. In between chapters we not only get to see her changing, but also we get to see her grow, becoming tough and showing characteristics of a lady capable of taking chances for her man in spite of difficult circumstances.  

Uju and Uche’s relationship was just inspiring regardless of what had happened with Joe and the gang. It was just beautiful in every way and revealed the different margins of how males and females act when in a relationship, and plus they seemed perfect for each other, but then again what is perfection?

However, there was another female that I found difficult to resist and she is named Suzy. She is described as more beautiful, tougher, and more courageous than Uju. In my own words I would personally say she comes across as a trained snake that is loyal to its master and can strike at anytime when threatened. Suzy created tension in the story line and challenged Uche in the commitment in his relationships. The end result from these indirect challenges I must add, was pretty much surprising and hence made me wonder how many guys would actually go ahead with Uche’s decision. Such scenes were written very well in relation to tension, mystery and sadness. As the reader I felt captivated by such scenes, keeping in mind that the book is also funny, when looking at how naïve some of Uche’s friends were in certain situations. A good example is a character named “12 Seconds”. He seemed to be bit too brutish and comical. The stories he enjoyed telling sounded like something straight out of a SIN CITY comic book. Although he was fun to read about I couldn’t help thinking he was just a mere display of testosterone and machismo.

The writer also made it very difficult for the reader not to care about the main character. I found myself understanding his feelings and experiences. Such situations kept me tossing and turning on each chapter. In addition, the setting of the story in terms of chapter arrangement follows itself pretty well. Each chapter has a subtitle and a quote either from a famous writer or well-known artist hence causing the reader to pounder on some thoughts about it and what the content of the chapter may entail. A good example would be chapter six, “Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy.” This chapter itself shows us the calamity, mishap and distress that a gang member may undergo. Additionally, we get learn that as a gang member, one has to be strategic in all situations and at all times to avoid getting either killed or injured. Also for some reason, as the reader I found myself siding up with the Uche’s gang (who called themselves The Warriors) despite their stubbornness.

Like most of us, The Warriors believed in something, a place called Vahalla which gave them hope to overcome the struggles and challenges that they found themselves faced within different battles. We also learn that in order for one to become a hero, in their case did not only require bravery it also required knowing your clan and how to identify yourself from another gang. A secret handshake is another example of such and lack of knowledge of these resulted in serious consequences.

In conclusion, I would rate the book a 5/5.  I love the cover page, it is simple and clean. The title “Don’t Join” relates very well with the story line and as previously mentioned, the chapters are well aligned in order of the events. The book is not difficult to understand when read by a foreigner in comparison to other Nigerian books where one would find it difficult to relate and comprehend to the pidgin English, however in this story the writer gives a brief explanation of the meanings when spotted. The characters and story line did seem all real to me as I found it very easy to relate to each character thus making it difficult for me to spot the bad spots in the book.

Ksesinyi

Cambridge

                                                                                                                                                    


ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A PANACEA FOR NIGERIA’S YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT.

The scenes and events of Saturday (15/March/2014) shows that there is a need for our leaders and the formulators of our national polities to reflect and provide suitable alternatives for Nigeria. It is evident from the scenes and numbers of deaths recorded from the Immigration aptitude test that there is no plan for the average Nigerian:  especially the youths. One is left wondering if the President’s numerous advisers actual provide him with detailed facts and statistics glaring showing how his policies and plans have had no meaningful impact on the Nigerian youths and it proves his government lacks foresight and are not in touch with the realities and issues the Nigerian man lives through daily. My intention is not to ridicule the ‘good’ president’s initiatives and map plan but to raise awareness to the issues affecting the young and unemployed people of this country and provide a useful remedy to the scourge of unemployment and poverty destroying the unemployed, young and poor people whose mandate he is representing.

Inviting thousands of people to write a test for a job which only needs two thousand (2,000) people is not only ludicrous, absurd and wicked, it is the most irresponsible decision ever taken. Was it really necessary to ask all of these people to write a test because they all paid a thousand naira which will end up been embezzled by an ‘Oga at the top’ to fund his/her numerous trivialities and vanities? Obviously, the human resources (HR)/personnel department (if it even exists) of the Nigerian Immigration is either incompetent or a lame excuse of a department created to embezzle and siphon tax payer’s funds. The Nigerian Immigration’s HR has no HR planning and no clear-cut recruitment and selection process. Therefore, because of the deaths of innocent Nigerians who are someone else’s children, mothers, fathers, siblings and spouses and a bitter heart that I ask for the resignation (as it is done in most advanced countries) of the minister of interior and the Head of Immigration as it is evident that they cannot lead this government institution.

Having explained the issues which act as the prelude for this article, my intention is to proffer a useful antidote to this cankerworm destroying our society and turning our future leaders (If they ever get the chance) into jobless and unemployed people. Entrepreneurship is the solution and the only viable option to help Nigeria in eradicating this problem affecting its youths. Being and entrepreneur goes beyond living a hoax life involving allusions of facades. Rather, it is about dreaming about an idea, building that idea, and turning it into a business (no matter the amount of trials and obstacles) into a profitable avenue which provides the means of livelihood for the entrepreneur and his/her staff.  Being an entrepreneur is seeing an opportunity in what everyone else believes it’s a waste of time and energy. It is about passion, commitment and dedication to your idea despite numerous challenges which are permanent fixture of every business idea.

If entrepreneurship is very stressful and without no straight route to success, why should anyone aspire to be one and how will this actually change unemployment in Nigeria? My claim that entrepreneurship is the way forward for Nigeria is a result of been one and starting from scratch without any funding from anyone and reaching enviable heights with my idea. Furthermore, the joy of owning your business goes beyond the pain and guilt of stealing billions of tax payer’s monies. Therefore, the government needs to do more and dedicate more resources and funds into skills acquisitions for Nigerian youths and also making entrepreneurship part of the Nigerian education syllabus or curriculum from Primary to University education. A country with a high number of entrepreneurs is a self-sufficient country whose citizens can sustain its economy and produce its basic needs. A closer look at the economies of most advanced and developed countries will indicate a high number of entrepreneurs who financial dealings and investments have been the sustaining elements of these countries. Why then is Nigeria different and what can be done?

The Nigerian situation starts from ignoring young people without any plan towards making their issues a priority of national plans and polity while integrating them into decision making is a no show. Hence, the things which will make them prosper and become active and prosperous are diverted for selfish gains and personal aggrandisement.  The government continues to sponsor different national jamborees which are used as avenues to loot public funds which could have been used to set up purposeful entrepreneurship agencies or organizations to boost creativity and independence amongst Nigerian youths. Rather, the monies are spent on frivolities like the Sovereign National Convention (SNC) where it is been rumoured that each delegate will be paid a sum of twelve million (12,000,000) Naira spread into four Million (4,000,000) naira monthly on accommodation. To digress a little, the SNC will surely provide employment. However, the employment will be for those working in the oldest profession in human history who will be strutting their different endowments on the streets of the hotels/accommodations of these delegates and their aides.

The funds budgeted for this unnecessary jamboree and the so called ‘Missing’ NNPC funds can actually empower millions of youths into successful entrepreneurs. The bane for most entrepreneurs is capital and funding. Invariably, if the Nigerian government decides to invest into its abundant human capital, I foresee a Nigeria where independence, pride in people’s handwork and hard work becomes a prominent feature of our society. 

My plea with Nigeria youths is that we should move from been dependent on the government and our families and accept responsibilities for our mistakes and present situation. We need to face this issue squarely and start something no matter how little it is. Hard work, perseverance, determination and belief should be our mantra and driving force. We will make it if we try. The future is now, decide wisely.

Ojimaojo Achema

Lagos.

                                                                                                                                

A Review on the Movie "Knocking on heaven's door"

Produced by: Emem Isong and co-produced by Ini Edo-Ehiagwina

Cast include: Blossom Chukwujekwu, Majid Michel, Adesuwa Etomi, Ini Edo-Ehiagwina, Lelee Byoma, Evaezi and others

Directed by: Desmond Eliot

I got so inspired when I watched the Nigerian movie "Knocking on heaven's door". As humans we are faced with a lot of challenges known and unknown to us. We ask God to answer our prayers but if he doesn't answer them at a particular time we get pissed off and conclude that God doesn't care. In Ephesians 3:20 states "to him who by means of his power working in us is able to do much more than we can ever ask for, or even think of", deduced that if we have faith in him, we already understand the power that he possess and as such ask for what we need through faith.

Back to the movie:
At the beginning of the movie we see a pretty lady with a lovely voice singing to the glory of God but while that was being shown we could also see the images of what she goes through in her matrimonial home. After her scene comes her husbands part, as he is seen in the movie also singing to the glory of God, in society (Nigeria to be precise) that is the ideal home, a home that everyone wants to emulate, a family everyone looks up to. Debbie (played by Adesua Etomi) plays a very challenging role. A reality that most women face at home but cannot talk about it, because of what society will say or do. A strong character, a personality that most women cannot have, she stood the test of time until she was pushed to the wall by her husband (Moses played by Blossom Chukwujekwu). Moses (her husband) was obviously scared and jealous that his wife will be better off than him and as such tries really heard to stop her from accomplishing her goals, also playing the role of a wife beater. This can be seen at the end of the church service at the start of the movie as seen in the video bellow.

In Colossians 3:19 states "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them". I understand that even in the bible it is clearly stated but in the world of today men see women as property and as such, they can do with them as they please which include beating and controlling them. This God condems.

Also in Proverbs 18: 22 states "Find a wife and you find a good thing: it shows that the lord is good to you". But how many men today understand that they have found a good thing? in the movie the character played by Majid Micheal (Tom) could see that Debbie was good in his eyes but her husband was not seeing it because of selfishness.
The scene when Debbie was in the dinning room after her husband beat her up, she sat at the table and began to question God!! But when we pray, we should try to be quiet sometimes to listen and watch. All these while, her answer was by her side but because of what "society will say" she choose to ignore.

Another scene I found really interesting was the part where the character played by Ini Edo (Brenda) published an article about Debbie and Tom and the church got hold of the publication. What the pastor said was interesting he said and I quote "I am not the author of your salvation so I have no right to excommunicate you from the body of christ". In churches today especially in Nigeria and Nigerian churches abroad correct me if i am wrong.
But for the fact that you are in a group in a church you are expected not to miss anything or program the church is organising if you do you will be suspended or sent out of the church. In Matthew 6:14-15 states " if you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your father in heaven will forgive you. 15, but if you do not forgive others, then your father will not forgive the wrongs you have done". By this i understand that If we as christians worship God and all forgiven God, an ever loving father, why then do we treat people in the church as though we are not all worshiping the same God?
Some lessons I learnt: always stand by your wife and husband no matter what but when it comes to domestic violence seek for help[ try not to get killed]. Worship the lord your God whole heartedly, this one is not easy but if your ex is posing as a treat cut them off completely. Don't get me wrong. It is good to be friends but when the ex is crossing the border show them the door. The role her best friend played was good [even though you have friends your opinion matter too]. It is when it gets out of hand, then they tend to shield you.
What I find interesting about Debbie's character was her ability to fight temptation and tried her best not to commit adultery. At the end the message is still the same, good always wins against evil no matter how long it takes, not forgetting the lovely music in the movie for once it looked real and not fake! #Good job. Please my dear readers try and watch this movie it is really an inspiring movie #"Knocking on heavens door"