It's the aftermath of the show, where everyone around the world gets to give their opinion of the show. Because yes, they can, and have the right to,  after all, it’s a world show meant for the whole world.!-This is why every country gets to participate in it.  


The Olympic Games is one of the very few rituals that the whole world shares in common or participates in aside from the institution of Marriage. 

Aside from the fun and entertainment part of it, the Olympic ceremony shows off an aspect of the people and culture of the host country. It asks and answers the questions: Who are they, their values, their interests, their attitude to life and morals but especially whether they value foreigners and are willing to welcome them in the most gracious ways - this will most often reflect in its reactions to the Olympians and people participating during this time, not just in its hospitality to the athletes who are a representation of their countries, but also their security and in what manner the host country people welcomes them ( after all the Olympic ceremony is like the first dinner the host country offers Olympians ). 




 

Of course, the Paris 2024 opening ceremony cannot be compared to others before it like that of Beijing 2008 ( there is a lot to be said about that, some of which will be reflected on here). However, one of the things that cannot be taken from this opening ceremony is the Originality that Paris brought to the scene in the use of its precious landmarks in its natural habitat as loved by millions of people who have traveled thousands of miles and spent thousands and millions to see them.  A lovely ceremony on its own level - a showcase of Arts, history, entertainment, equality, theatre, culture, fashion, architecture literature, etc.  Whether or not you loved or liked it is up to you. However, I must mention that compared to ceremonies that have been hosted in the past? It seems the IOC was more lenient in its rules and needs for this year's Olympics, as well as tendered kindness to France in so many ways based on what was allowed for this ceremony. In other ceremonies before it, one can easily see the impact of strict rules and discipline through the country’s presentations.




However, this is not the time for us to compare. Before aligning with one of the main points of this article. We must understand without forcefully going in-depth into the complexity of the financial impacts of hosting the games. One of the most important gains for the host is the huge debt cancellation by the IMF, financial gains from sponsorship, and of course resources that will be gained as a result of people participating in the games, purchases, travels, etc. 


Most importantly, Note the debt cancellation - this is what makes the host country or state’s economy stronger in the years after hosting, check the impact on others. If the host country’s people do not understand this highly important information, it will be calamity. 





Now this is not obviously the main point for this article. This is. After last night’s show, I can well tell you that it is time for Africa to host the world -again ( talking Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, etc. even if it needs to be shared between 2 countries, not South Africa ) and I assure you that the Pan African countries can do a pretty great job at it. After all the Olympics should be hosted in countries that are indeed naturally welcoming people to all particularly to foreigners and will treat them right.  



What better place is there than in the continent of hospitality.  If anything, this year’s event shows that Africa does not need an extraordinary budget to host the games or to prepare the ceremony.  Just as security was organized and sent from all over the world, the same can be done for Africa. The continent needs its debts to be forgiven so that its people can stay in its land without bordering on the lands of others who say there is no more room for them. The opportunity to foster growth and a better economy of its own where debts are forgotten and transactional profits are gained from hosting the Olympics is one Africa as a continent needs now. Africa is once again ready to show other humans that they are loved, royal, and wanted. Ready to show its beauty, and hospitality and create history. Did I hear some say security, once again I will refer you to Paris 2024, the fact that all countries are willing to send in their security troops to protect is an easy beautiful icing on the cake, let’s be brave and take the seat for 2040.  I rest my case. 


What do you think?


xoxo




















Art will and is meant to provoke you . Provoke you to emit feelings or emotions for or against the depiction of the art being displaced . Art will provoke you to take a stand , to air your opinions in the negative or positive and take actions .

If you don’t understand Art, how to see or watch it , you would always take a negative back seat to what is being revealed . 


picture showing netflix logo on popcorn being poured out of a popcorn box on a red background

As a cross-cultural consultant, anything that improves lives for all humans through cultural knowledge excites me and I am sure there are others like me out there.  For me, Storytelling through the media is a big yes and this is where Netflix comes in. I could go on telling you more about who the big media streaming giant is but that would be so long. However, quickly let me say a little about them; Netflix is a media streaming giant of the 21st century, from TV to films and recently Video Games - this looked like fun when I saw it but I am yet to try it. The number of people that watch Netflix on a day-to-day basis continually increases particularly among the younger generations on a steady - from watching Netflix while on a date(Netflix and Chill) to eating in front of a Netflix series or movie.

I have a curious mind and an appetite and when it comes to media(films, series, tv, etc) I can consume almost any content. Some of my favorites are documentaries, actual events movies, culturally inept stories, boring Christmas movies( lol, I have concluded that this is a thing and all of us who are into this should form a club out there), and more. 

So how and why is Netflix a cultural game changer or why does the activities of Netflix in films and TV benefit the larger world culturally?

Here are the 5 main reasons why I consider Netflix to be a global cultural game changer through media.

1. Original content: First and foremost we must recognize how Netflix has revolutionized the way we consume television and film by producing its original content. Shows like "  The Crown" (one of my favs), "Narcos" (the first season about the late Drug Lord Pablo Escobar had everyone glued to their screens), and "Stranger Things" have become cultural phenomena, garnering millions of viewers and critical acclaim. This has not only changed the way we watched television but also the way in which it is produced and distributed globally. 

Picture showing an advert of the netflix crown show with its lead male and female character as queen and king

2. Global Reach:  Netflix is available in over 190 countries, making it one of the most widely accessible streaming services in the world. This has allowed all kinds of people from all over the world to access the same content and experience the same cultural phenomena, regardless of where they live. Let's not forget that Much of the content on the Netflix app or web is shown on the home page which serves as a reminder or attention grabber for anyone with a Netflix account across the globe to take a peep at. By creating for this availability as well as viewer ability of these foreign content; Netflix is gradually breaking barriers across the globe in media. In the past, what most people saw majorly on their TV was mainly about their culture and America; but this is no longer the case. As Netflix seems to aim at the large concept and knowledge of awareness.

3.  Diverse programming: Netflix has made concerted efforts to always include diverse programming in its lineup of shows and films,  with shows and films representing various cultures, languages, and prospects. this has allowed for greater representation and inclusivity in the media landscape.

4. Breaking down language barriers: From its global reach; Netflix has also made it possible for people to watch shows and films in their own languages with translations for other countries or people - making it easily available to view by others thereby almost blending cultures from a certain angle; while inducing or providing specific cultural knowledge of one culture to another.  This feature has helped to break down language barriers and allowed people to experience different cultures through the media they consume.

5. Changing the way we consume media: With the ability to bing watch entire seasons of shows, and the options to download shows and films for offline viewing, Netflix has changed the way we consume media. This has allowed for more flexibility in how and when we watch television and films and has made it possible for more people around the world to consume more content in a shorter period of time. 

In conclusion, there are perhaps many more reasons to list but I am sure that these few points will convince you of the cultural impact that Netflix is creating through media -shows, films, and games. Netflix has the entertainment industry and has become a major player in shaping our cultural experiences. Perhaps they may even be nudging towards or gradually inducing a single worldwide culture.

Love,

xoxo




Hello everyone,

Forgoing by the events of COVID-19 causing various governments all over the world to impose confinement periods for quarantining and forcing 90% of the population to work from home, people have managed to find ways to stay entertained. Now, its no news that the confinement season has made travel or physical contact and visitations more difficult or canceled, but we are also forced to find new or use old ways(still talking about the internet) to communicate, hence get connected online.
Now Easter is here and what would have been a holiday celebration done by going to meet with or hangout with family and friends, may have been cut short. So what better way to use the most available resources to us this season - Online Video Calling.

Thank Goodness for all forms of video calling communication tools on the internet now. Now, since the isolation, many have been able to use these video conferencing tools to not just communicate,  but also to throw birthday parties, have an Aperos, attend church services and programs online,  host shows, and more. As weird as it may sound, many including myself have found and can testify to the fact that this can it can be fun.  So getting on fast to the main details without much talking, what do you need to do to host one and what do you need to know?



The first thing you will need of course is a stable internet connection.

Secondly, a Confirmation from family and friends that they will like to join the video call, along with their email addresses (have in that some applications may need their phones for the connection) and the following applications either on your Phone or Computer.

Thirdly.  Make sure to have a plan for the video call, such as an email or text message informing family and friends of your intentions, purpose of the video call and any other things you may want them to have of do during the call, example, inform everyone to have a drink ready at hand, etc

Fourthly, download any of the following applications below unto your devices, please go onto their websites to read more on setting up each account. Most processes are really easy to follow. (Please note that this is not a paid advert, just wanting to warm your hearts this season).

The Pros and Cons of most of the video calling applications:

PROS

# They are all mostly free to use or subscribe, either forever or free for 14 to 30 days.
#They are mostly available for use on various platforms, such that they are available for download across various mobile phone operating systems and web browsers on your laptops.
# They all come in handy and can be used in various formats such as texts, chatting, video calling or voice calling

CONS

#Inconsistency in terms of how each app works on different platforms. There may be different needs required for setting up on different operating systems.
#One may need to pay to stay longer for hours of video calling/voice communication (make sure to check the calling time allowed for a free subscription)
#Some of the applications are not ideal for some users on different operating software or platforms.
#Some of the applications can only be accessible to a limited number of people per video call.



Google Hangout

Zoom Online

Telegram

Whatsapp

Facetime

EzTalks

Skype

Google Duo

Viber


These and many more are available online, So get connected  and get busy, make sure to send everyone a message after the video calls to appreciate them or maybe even to set up a new call.

XOXO


MyClarins

Hey guys,

How are you doing and how best are you coping with the COVID-19 epidemic? I hope you are doing amazingly well and taking good care of you and your family in the season?. In ensuring your safety please adhere to the health regulations and standards required to keep the virus out, avoid clouding your thoughts with too much of the negative news out there too. Above all stay motivated and positive : )

So, I know many of us are home and one of the best things we can do when we have some free time on our hands is to take care of those things we have neglected or failed to give good attention to. Things such as our skin, ladies, ladies!, I know many of us can go on for weeks not taking care of ourselves but ensure that all others around us are well taken care of.  Well, this is the time to lay back and wear that cleansing mask that you always wanted to use but never had the time to do, yep! This is the time to apply the mask all over your body, get into the tube and watch a movie on your pad while at it. Apply some body scrub and let your skin glow with some luscious creams and products.
Treat your hair and get rid of that dandruff, I have written an amazing post HERE on how to treat dandruff if you have it.

In case you do not have some of the products you would love to use, you can always order them online as many of the online stores are still open for delivery of goods. Now,  let me tell you about a product I have been using for a while now. I never even knew it could come in handy in this season, I just stumbled upon it. Mind you, this is not an advert and I have not been paid by Clarins for this post, I am just sharing a girl to girl help or tip.

So while searching for new natural-based products for my skin to protect and moisture it, I researched on organic and natural cosmetics products and decided that I wanted to try them, Same week, I started researching, I worked into my local Sephora and on display was this new range of products from Clarins. They launched a new line called My Clarins: the New Generation Vegan Skincare for the face, consisting of Masks, Creams, Scrubs, Cleansers, Exfoliating powders and scrubs and many more. All the products are formulated out of fruits, seeds, flower and botanical plants such as Moringa, Acerola, Chamomile, Sheabutter, Meadowsweet, Fig, Bamboo, Arbutus, Cranberry, Almond, Bitter Orange, Huang Qi, just to name a few. These blended together to give you a healthy skin(in and out) complex.

Of course, I was instantly interested not just because it is of the base and extracts of fruits and plants but the price was looking good too, not the same prices as the average Clarins products but way lower..... Yes, I like to live an affordable life. I decided to start with the Re-boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream.

Clarins
At instant application and opening of the jar, which are by the way cute, the cream scented so good(One of the main reasons that drove me to use Clarins range in the past from my Bachelor years in university was the beautiful scents of tall their products on the body), the texture of the cream seemed like water, so smooth, pinkish and it melted away quickly when rubbed slightly on the skin.  I decided to use the cream at night because I needed to see the effects better in the morning when the face is not so stressed. And boy was I wowed, my face was looking reborn, smooth, mostly hydrated, I didn't instantly want to believe it, so I tried it for a few more days, noting to use it as the last layer on my face after cleansing it. Ever since my first trial, my skin has been experiencing a deep moistured life! Yes! Yes!!. I am sticking to this one for the longest time and I have been enjoying my face bare with no makeup better than I have in the past months. I hope to buy more from this range soon.

Now, knowing most of us are at home during this epidemic, it's important that we find creams that really moistures and hydrates the skin deeply,  take some time to love on that skin and prep it for after the epidemic. Order online(preferably locally as a result of the season) for the products if you need them.

#STAYHOME #STAYSAFE
xoxo
COVI-19, NEW VIRUS 2019 FEAR
Courtesy ABC6

There is a lot going on in our world right now like you all know with the Corona Virus, COVID-19.  Firstly, I found that I am a different animal when asked to stay in one place without access to the outside world for 3 days max. I actually think that I am both an introvert and a very good extrovert. But there is just something about someone or orders telling me to stay in one place..... I just get twitchy with that ...looool. Anyways, I am doing fine and I was able to go grocery shopping yesterday, I felt like a child whose parents had just made up on their promise to go get candy at the stores, no joking, I was dancing with excitement just to see the outside world.

Now jokes aside, I know we all have so much on how minds due to this virus spread and my goal here is not to worry you more but to help ease any worries and questions that you may have.

There could be much I could say about the virus and areas I would love to take all day to address, however, I trust that I can do that in another writing/Post. While It’s no news that we all must stay safe,  clean at this time and wash our hands steadily and at all times, another intruding issue at this point is the fear that looms around. While this fear can be loudly expressed by some, for others it's lying quietly in within.
Journaled Inspire Bible by tyndale opened to a page on fear Zephaniah 3:17, lifestyle
My bible journaled page

Now, if you are like me who loves to keep things organised or best yet want to control things for most of the time, forgetting sometimes to hand over every fear and anxiety to God, then we must conquer this fear together, In conquering this fear we must learn to assure ourselves in the words of God. So to help you kick off this battle harder, here are some verses from the word that helps fight fear and anxiety and to remind you that God is in control of that situation be it Coronavirus or anything else you could be battling with. Let God take over to take the glory, stop fretting and rely on his words below as found in the text.

  • Luke 12:22-26
  • Psalm 27:1 
  • Psalm 91 
  • Psalm 55:22 
  • Deuteronomy 31:6 
  • Isaiah 41:13-14 
  • Psalm 46:1 
  • Psalm 118:6-7 
  • Proverbs 29:25 
  • Mark 4:39-40 
  • Psalm 34:7 
  • 1 Peter 3:14 
  • Psalm 34:4 
  • Isaiah 41:10 
  • Psalm 56:3 
  • Philippians 4:6-7 
  • 2 Timothy 1:7 
  • 1 John 4:18 
  • Psalm 94:19 
  • Isaiah 43:1 
  • Proverbs 12:25 
  • Psalm 23:4 
  • Joshua 1:9 
  • Peter 5:6-7 
  • Matthew 6:34 
  • Isaiah 35:4-14. 
  • Deuteronomy 3:22 
  • Revelation 1:17 
  • Mark 5:36 
  • Romans 8:38-39 
  • Zephaniah 3:17
Stay Safe during this period, please follow all the rules that needs be followed according to the WHO standards and I am sure you will be fine.


This is a very very important subject in christianity and it's the reason why many people don't read the Bible and are half captive by the weight of the world or the enemy. Once you are using and reading the Bible version that best speaks to you, trust me you would be having fun reading the Bible, It would be like the scales have been lifted from your eyes and you will spend house reading it..NO JOKES!

Now, When you are choosing your Bible make sure to chose a Bible that speaks your language. By this, I don't mean your spoken mother's tongue or by countries but I mean the best-written words and versions or translations of English language Bibles that best speak to you and you can comprehend with easy. There are over 2500 versions of the Bible in English alone and over 1500 in other languages.

The Bible has been translated from the original Hebrew language into different formats of  "word for word"  and  "thought for thought", or literal and phrase by phrase translation.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? ๐Ÿค”๐Ÿค”๐Ÿค”
Thought for thought =sense for sense, translating the meaning of phrases or whole sentences with readability in mind while
"Word for Word = translating the meaning of words and phrases in a more literal way, keeping the exact word translations.

Examples :
๐ŸฟThe King James Version (KJV ) is a word for word translation hence why it has a Shakespearan language feel to it, "thee, art mine beloveth with whom thou must pleaseth...๐Ÿ™„๐Ÿ™„  You know them. Hence, it's difficult to understand to many people. I have seen many trying to fool themselves to understanding it and begging the Holy Spirit for wisdom to understand, don't do that please, the Holy Spirit has created other versions for you through humans, leave him space to answer my needs, please ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚. This does not, however, mean that there are people who don't understand or love this version, there are☺.

๐ŸฟThe Modern English translation of New International Version (NIV)  is a translation balanced between " word for words" and "thought for thought". This can be a great read, I love it.
๐ŸฟThe NLT is my favourite here.
๐ŸฟThe Message Bible is a thought for thought version. And the Amplified Bible and more.

๐Ÿ„Fun Fact - Do you know that I sometimes read the Bible while eating Popcorn and my thoughts are like "... This joseph self, how will he do a thing as such and this Daniel can like to feel like gangster self ..." and I will have my pen too,  drilling down messages from conversations that the Holy Spirit is filling me with. It's like a movie scene in my head,๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜…


To help you best know the Bible version that suits your language of comprehension, I will advise that you download the world-renowned Bible app called "Bible" by YouVersion try out reading chapters of the books of the bible in the different versions available and you should be able to choose the main version that flows with you.  ๐Ÿ˜

I will love to add the MEV (Modern English Version),  Bible in Basic English, The NIV Note Taking Bible is a beautiful one too to add my Bibles soon. I love Bibles, especially for Bible journaling. I have 5 Bibles now.

Don't let the devil rob you of your dรฉlivrance and fruits by blinding you from understanding the Bible, this is the biggest plan to keep you locked down in struggles and failure and it's working. Always share this message with people and those struggling in their faith. The very root of their problems is often laid in the foundational understanding of which the Bible is first.

How Bibles many do you have?
Which is your most preferred Bible version? Check out my link below for some bible versions that you may like to own.
You can post a picture of your Bible in the comment section too ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ˜Š

Please note that as you buy from the links below, you are supporting my ministry with little contributions from Amazon, thank you.