12 Myths About Sex

How to Become a Sought-After Software Developer

Great software developers are highly in-demand. The Buraeu of Labor Statistics(BLS) estimates that job growth will continue to grow 32 percent by 2020!


Whether you're graduating from college or thinking about doing a full 180 career spin, you can become a software developer! Of course, it takes hours of intense hard work, lots of self-motivation and dedication.


To help you get on the right path, we created this infographic to show you what it takes to become a successful software developer, whether or not you have a tech degree! Shout out to Aaron Skonnard, CEO and co-founder of Pluralsight, Mark Lassoff of LearntoProgram.tv and Michael Dryer, software engineer at CyberCoders, for offering valuable insights.


Check it out:

Côte d’Ivoire: Mutiny undermines country’s prospects

 

This article originally appeared in the Daily Graphic.


I was saddened to learn of the deaths of four demobilised rebels this week during and after the crack-down on their armed uprising to demand a pay-off for past services rendered. My thoughts go to their families, as well as to the security forces who were wounded during the intervention.


These repeated armed uprisings are deeply concerning. The population periodically finds itself hostage to armed men who are supposed to be in charge of its protection. Ivoirians and their neighbours, like me, are unsettled.


Like most West Africans, I was happy to see Côte d’Ivoire recover from its protracted succession crisis following the death of Houphouët-Boigny. Côte d’Ivoire is an economic engine for the sub-region, and our destinies are intertwined. The country has been chalking up impressive rates of economic growth since President Ouattara took office, evinced by visible improvements in infrastructure for example.


The civil service strike, the repeated military mutinies since January and now the uprising of the demobilised rebels indicate that not all Ivoirians are benefiting, or feel they are benefiting sufficiently, from the fruits of this growth. And I agree that if growth is not shared widely and equitably it will not be sustainable.


But without peace and security and respect for the rule of law there will be no growth to share and, therefore, no development or improvements in living conditions. This is why these armed uprisings are deeply detrimental to Côte d’Ivoire’s prospects.


The means the mutineers and then the demobilised soldiers used to express their grievances were unlawful and at odds with the soldier’s code of honour and duty. Their demands should have been addressed through peaceful, legal and institutional channels, not through the barrel of a gun. Those responsible must be held to account, lest their example inspire others.


Economic success is built on confidence. It is thanks to renewed confidence in its prospects and to the restoration of stability that Côte d’Ivoire has been attracting high levels of investment, as well as assistance from aid donors these past few years.


While confidence can take years to create, it can be shattered in an instant, however, and the repeated incidents of violence have effectively undermined years of effort to turn the pages of the dark chapter of the country’s history. All Ivoirians will pay the price, as will their families, should there be a return to the past instability and fear.


Côte d’Ivoire is finally recovering from a wasted decade of civil war. No patriot should put this recovery in jeopardy. The armed forces in particular have a unique responsibility to protect the Nation. Soldiers and civilians alike must put the interest of the Nation first. The future of the country depends on their allegiance and respect for the constitution.

BMW 8 Series Concept Looks Tempting As A Convertible Too

The original BMW 8 Series never bred a convertible version. The 6 Series that followed certainly did, though. So will the new 8 that's set to take its place?


That's the question posed by this rendering from X-Tomi Design. It's based on the Concept 8 Series just revealed by the Bavarian automaker and set to debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Only instead of blue, it's orange. And instead of a fixed roof, this one's open.


The resulting form may not be as sleek or resolved as the coupe concept, but it could be just the ticket if Munich is intent on taking on the Mercedes SL and S-Class coupe/cabrio – to say nothing of the Bentley Continental (with the Rolls-Royce Dawn positioned above) and the forthcoming Aston Martin DB11 Volante.




The Roundel marque does, after all, have a penchant for convertibles. In addition to the aforementioned 6 Series, its stable of cabrios and roadsters includes drop-top versions of the 2 Series and 4 Series, only recently did away with the Z4, has another roadster on the way (being co-developed with Toyota) to take its place, and is expected to launch an i8 Spyder. That's to say nothing of the Mini Cabriolet, the Rolls-Royce Dawn, and the recently discontinued Phantom Drophead Coupe (which is also expected to be replaced by a new model).


We wouldn't quite call an 8 Series cabrio a foregone conclusion, then, but with such a rich background in convertibles, it could certainly be in the cards.

Perfect Love by Tom Robbins

Woman Quotes by Mary Kom

Life Quotes by Mike Dirnt

This BMW M2 Is A Tribute To All Things M Performance

When it comes to BMW purists, there's not a more appreciated letter in the alphabet than the one between 'L' and 'N'.


Yes, we're talking about BMW's M Division and everything that goes along with it - though in this case, we're focused on an M Performance-equipped M2 with M stripes and a custom exhaust.



On the outside, it's got carbon fiber on everything involving the aero kit, such as on the rear diffuser, front spoiler spoiler and skirt winglets, plus the trunk lid spoiler and even the mirror covers.


Inside, it's got Alcantara on the steering wheel, handbrake lever (partially) and door panels, full leather seats with blue contrast stitching, and, again, plenty of carbon fiber plastered on the center console, gear selector, hand brake lever and steering wheel, around the vents, grab handles, and some on the upper dashboard on the passenger side.




As you can see, the M Performance steering wheel features the race display, which is helpful for when you want to keep track of things like water temperature, gears, RPM, lap times, g loads and so on.




As for the custom exhaust, it comes courtesy of Akrapovic - and in case you've never heard it before on an M2, here's a quick taste of what this thing sounds like.




This car used to reside with BMW's Abu Dhabi showroom a couple weeks back, so we can only assume that whoever ordered it, had the chance to already enjoy it - as one should when they've just purchased a 370 PS (365 HP) sub 5-second Bimmer.

Helpful Guide on Missed or Irregular Periods!

Women having a regular menstrual cycle have an average of about 11 to 13 menstrual periods each year. Many women have known to experience skipped, short or irregular periods in certain phases of their lives. Reasons for skipped or irregular menstrual periods can be plenty. However, usually, irregularity is during the first few years after the beginning of menstruation. A menstrual period can also be irregular when the woman is during the last years of menstruation or reaching menopause.

What are Irregular Periods?

A normal and average menstrual cycle is about every 28 days of a calendar month. The menstrual cycle is considered irregular if bleeding occurs more frequently than 21 days or bleeding lasts for more than 9 days. Irregular periods are also characterized by absent, missed or skipped periods.


To understand if periods are irregular count from the last day of your previous month period till the first day of your next period. Take an average of 3 months. If the number of days differs between stopping and starting of your periods significantly, then you are said to have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Causes of Irregular Menstrual Cycle

If you are suffering from irregular menstrual cycles, have you ever wondered what causes irregular periods? The causes of irregular periods can be plenty and vary based on several factors such as lifestyle, body and age. Medical conditions and lifestyle can be a major influence factor on your menstrual cycle.


The following factors can be some of the causes of irregular periods.

1. Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most common reason for a missed or irregular period. If you are pregnant the egg will be fertilized and implantation will occur in the uterine wall. Hence the endometrium will form a protective layer of covering around the embryo and will not shed as in every menstrual bleeding. Hence it leads to a missed period.

2. Extreme Diet and Exercise

Extreme diet and exercise can lead to an irregular menstrual cycle. Too much of exercise and diet can put the body under pressure and abruptly stop menstrual cycle or cause irregularities. Athletes commonly suffer from irregular periods or sometimes missed periods. Dieting too much, being underweight, having an eating disorder can also cause irregular or missed periods.

3. Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are one more common cause of abnormal periods. Birth control pills or contraceptives interfere with the ovulation and normal process of menstruation to prevent fertilization from happening. However, it leads to an adverse side effect causing skipped or irregular menstruation.

4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Disorder

Women diagnosed with PCOS are commonly known to have irregular periods. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome disorder is a condition that forms tiny cysts in the ovaries. These cysts interfere with the regular ovulation. PCOS can cause infertility, heart diseases and diabetes in addition to irregular menstrual cycle.

5. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is an important gland that plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body. It is important that a proper balance of T3, T4 and TSH is maintained in the body. An abnormal imbalance of TSH is the body reduces the levels of TSH in the body leading to missed menstrual cycles or misbalance in the menstrual periods.

6. Stress

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress can play a negative impact on the hormonal balance in your body. Destruction in hormonal balance can cause missed, skipped, absent or irregular periods.

7. Excessive Weight Gain or Loss

Low body weight and obesity can be a very common cause of abnormal periods.

8. Breast Feeding and Lactation

Due to pregnancy, there is a stop of a menstrual cycle for 9 months. Post birth the hormone prolactin is released during breastfeeding. Prolactin inhibits the menstrual cycle causing irregular periods. Many women resume their normal periods only after they stop breastfeeding.

9. Age

When teens begin their menstrual cycle, their periods are not very regular and may not happen every 28 days. It takes a few years to settle into a normal pattern. Additionally, women who are attaining menopause also experience irregular menstrual cycle and their period’s frequency gradually decreases.

10. Medical Illnesses

Hormonal imbalances, pelvic organ disorders, ahserman’s syndrome, thyroid malfunction, and imperforate hymen can be some of the causes of irregular periods.

Prevention and Treatment for Irregular Periods

There is no pre-defined home remedy or treatment for missed or irregular periods however it can be controlled to a certain extent.


Some of the simple tips you can follow to prevent and treat irregular menstrual cycle are-

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Being obese or underweight can be a major underlying cause for irregular or missed periods. Hence it is important to eat a healthy and balanced diet to maintain adequate weight and nutrition within the body.

2. Avoid Stress

If stress and anxiety is a culprit to abnormal periods, practice meditation and relaxation techniques to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Avoid Over Exercising

Avoid over-exercising as this can cause physical damage and endurance to your body. Athletes are advised to cut down on their rigorous training.

4. Avoid Contraceptives

Contraceptives or birth control pills can have adverse effects on your menstrual cycle. Avoid taking these pills and switch to herbal and natural remedies instead.

5. Treat Underlying Medical Conditions

If you are suffering from medical conditions such as PCOS, Asherman’s syndrome, pelvic disorders, eating disorders, and hormonal imbalances ensure that you get these medical conditions treated right away. Treatment of these medical conditions can treat irregular menstrual cycle.

Symptoms Not to Be Ignored

Sometimes irregular periods settle down and get back to an orderly menstrual cycle by some simple lifestyle changes. However, when in certain conditions it is advisable to take medical help. Contact your gynecologist or general practitioner if you experience the following symptoms.

• If you show a positive pregnancy test with a home pregnancy test kit
• Lower belly or pelvic pain
• Missed 2 periods consequently
• Missed 3 periods in spite of taking birth control pills and you are not pregnant
• You have not had the first period by 16 years
• Not developed pubic hair or breast by 15 years

A couple of missed periods in a year should not be a concern and there is nothing to worry about.


However, if you experience the above-mentioned symptoms then you must consult your doctor right away. If you have been wondering why is my period late, then you have all the answers to your question. Simple lifestyle changes and food habits can treat small reasons that cause irregular periods.

A regular menstrual cycle is a sign of good health for every woman.

Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta

Hope Quotes by Winston S. Churchill

Making drugs with spider silk protein

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have managed to synthesise lung surfactant, a drug used in the care of preterm babies, by mimicking the production of spider silk./ AFP PHOTO / Courtesy of Professor Maydianne Andrade / Ken Jones /

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have managed to synthesise lung surfactant, a drug used in the care of preterm babies, by mimicking the production of spider silk. Animal studies reveal it to be just as effective as the biological drugs currently in clinical use. The study is published in Nature Communications.


Surfactant revolutionised the care of preterm babies by reducing the surface tension in their pulmonary alveoli and allowing them to be inflated at the moment of birth. Scientists at Karolinska Institutet developed Curosurf, the most globally widespread drug, in the 1970s and 1980s. The drug is produced by the isolation of proteins from pig lungs, a process that is expensive, complicated and potentially risky.


Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and their colleagues from the University of Riga amongst other institutions have now developed a surfactant drug that can be produced much more simply and cheaply using spider protein.


By applying this method, the researchers have managed to produce a range of potential biological drugs using the part of the spider protein that ensures that the proteins remain soluble, namely the N-terminal domain.


The researchers also compared their synthetic lung surfactant with the biological analogue currently on the market and found it equally effective at reducing the surface tension in an animal model of neonate respiratory disorders.


The study was primarily financed by the Swedish Research Council and was performed in collaboration with the Italian pharmaceutical company Chiesi Farmaceutici.

India tech giant warns Trump’s ‘radical shift’ to hurt industry

Tech Mahindra Ltd. said net income was 5.9 billion rupees ($91 million) in the fourth quarter, compared with the average analyst estimate of 7.8 billion, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The vice chairman at one of India’s largest technology services companies warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s visa policies will damage the industry as his company reported weak earnings and his stock fell the most in almost two years.


Tech Mahindra Ltd. said net income was 5.9 billion rupees ($91 million) in the fourth quarter, compared with the average analyst estimate of 7.8 billion, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Shares fell as much as 17 percent and traded 12 percent lower at 1:18 p.m. local time, the largest intraday decline since May 2015.


The U.S. is tightening the criteria for visa programs that Tech Mahindra and other outsourcing companies use to bring skilled foreign workers into the country. Trump and other politicians have criticized the programs for hurting American workers and allowing companies to use cheaper employees from abroad.


“Trump’s America First agenda and focus on curbing the immigration, especially around H-1B visa policies, will hurt the IT sector,” Vice Chairman Vineet Nayyar said on a conference call. “The norms propose a radical shift in policies related to visa quotas and allotment, thereby, leading to a tougher application procedure and higher cost of Indian IT companies looking to bring talent to the United States.”


Trump, Tech Clash Over Visas for Skilled Immigrants: QuickTake
Several analysts cut their ratings and price targets for Tech Mahindra after it reported results, including those at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley. Vibhor Singhal of Phillip Securities Pte reduced shares to a sell rating and slashed the price target to 380 rupees.


Tech services companies, including Cognizant Technology Solutions, have been cutting positions in India. Some workers have blamed Trump for prompting the job losses and exacerbating problems in the industry.


Workers have begun debating whether to form the first industrywide IT union. Trade unions are common in India in manufacturing and transportation, but they never had much success in information technology because pay and benefits had historically been good.


“These are unsettling times in both in – on politics and economics of both Europe and U.S.,” said Nayyar. “However, the demand for technological services continues unabated. We do believe that as always, given our resilience, we will be able to see through – see our way through this current fog.”

Japan’s BITPoint to add Bitcoin payments to retail outlets

Genki Oda.Photographer: Akio Kon/Bloomberg

BITPoint Japan Co., the company behind Peach Aviation Ltd.’s move to let travelers use bitcoin to pay for tickets, is planning to give hundreds of thousands of Japanese retail outlets the ability to accept the digital currency.


“We’re holding discussions with a retail-related company,” Genki Oda, BITPoint’s president, said in a recent interview. “By going through a company providing payment terminal services to shops, we have the possibility of increasing its use at one stroke. It’s easier than talking to lots of individual retailers.”


BITPoint is joining a flurry of companies embracing regulations, enacted in Japan last month, that recognize digital currencies as a form of payment. That has helped to make yen trades one of the world’s largest transaction pools, exceeding China’s pole position at the end of 2016, according to Oda. Bic Camera Inc., one of the country’s biggest electronics retailers, began accepting bitcoin at two stores in Tokyo last month.


“We’re also talking to a big convenience store operator about using it,” said Oda, 36, who also runs BITPoint parent Remixpoint Co., which had a market value of about 21 billion yen ($189 million) on Friday. He said he’s aiming to make an announcement by early next year.


The shares of Remixpoint rose as much as 18 percent to their daily price limit. Last week, Remixpoint said it will convert debt issued to BITPoint into equity, raising its ownership in the subsidiary to 97.7 percent.


Bitcoin, which debuted eight years ago, is gaining wider use as a way to pay for goods and services, and lets people transact without oversight from governments, regulators or central banks. The virtual currency has been rallying against the dollar and other fiat currencies and was trading at $2,210 on Monday, near record highs.


While BITPoint operates as a bitcoin exchange, it’s pushing to promote the use of the cryptocurrency in stores and other retail outlets, instead of as a speculative instrument. The company currently has ties with tens of retailers and plans to expand that number, Oda said.


A change in Japanese law on April 1 formalized rules around anti-money laundering and put in place standards for security and audits. Restaurant booking site Gurunavi Inc. will start letting diners pay with bitcoin later this year, the Nikkei newspaper reported last month.


“It’s funny how the whole narrative of bitcoin being risky or dangerous has changed, and it is now seen as a form of pride to regulate and embrace it,” said Thomas Glucksmann, head of marketing at Hong Kong-based bitcoin exchange Gatecoin.


Asked about the recent climb in bitcoin’s value, Oda said he’s wary of the sudden jump and doesn’t think it’s sustainable. At the same time, Japanese investors and day traders are taking a serious look at bitcoin as an asset class, thanks to the new regulations, he said, adding that several large foreign exchange brokerages will begin bitcoin trading in the coming months, boosting volumes.


Still, it’s unclear whether bitcoin payments can become more than a marketing gimmick. The biggest hurdles include long network confirmation times and high transaction fees. While many bitcoin community members rallied around a new proposal last week to fix the problem, deep differences within the group have led to several similar solutions falling through since 2015.

World Best Footballer relaxing for Champion League Final

Christiano Ronaldo is drinking tea and reading book.


He is getting ready for the final match on Saturday against Juventus.


He is the best in the entire world.

How To Treat Under Eye Circles?

Under eye circles make look you aged, embarrassing and unattractive. Even if one has a pretty face, the dark patches beneath the eyes take away the entire charm and beauty from that person. Do you know how to treat under eye circles? In this post, we will discuss home remedies for dark circles.


If you have the problem of under eye circles, then you need to take the steps to reduce it. We will go through the causes, home remedies for dark circles and some of the useful eye packs that will help in reducing under eye problems. Please note that you need to be consistent in taking care of your eyes.


 Fading of under eye circles take lot of time and effort. You will have to be careful in all aspects starting from getting a sound sleep every night to applying eye packs on regular basis.

Reasons For Dark Circles Around Eyes

Before we move ahead towards the home remedies for dark circles, let us first understand the causes of this problem. Under eye circles are caused due to any of these or a combination of the above factors.

• Deficiency of Vitamins, particularly B12 and Iron
• Lack of proper sleep
• Nasal congestion
• Lack of nutritious diet
• Excessive intake of salt
• Less intake of water
• Stress and anxiety
• Genetic reasons
• Long hours of staring at the computer screens

Why Do You Have Dark Circles Around Eyes?

In order to determine your cause of under eye concerns, you can evaluate yourself with respect to the above reasons. For this purpose, answer the following questions.

• Is your diet comprised of all vitamins, iron, calcium and other essential nutrients?
• Do you get sound, undisturbed sleep at night for 7-8 hours?
• Do you have irregular sleeping episodes due to nasal congestion?
• How much salt do you consume every day?
• Do you drink 7-8 glasses of water on a daily basis?
• How often are you stressed or anxious in your daily routine?
• Is anyone in your family having under eye circles?
• For how many hours do you stare at the computer or TV screen?

These questions will help you in understanding the reason behind under eye circles. It is observed that men and women and even children are affected by the problem of under eye circles. Aging is yet another reason for under eye circles.


Following are some of the valuable tips to get rid of under eye circles. You are responsible for caring for your eyes to beautify them. Let’s see here some home remedies for dark circles.

Home Remedies For Dark Circles

1. Proper Water Intake

Increase your water intake if you want to reduce dark circles around your eyes. Initially, monitor your water consumption on a daily basis. On the basis of the evaluation, increase it. Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water daily. In this way, you will throw away all the unnecessary toxins from the body.


Even you will feel refreshed all day long.

2. Balanced Diet

Weight-loss diets that are meant to reduce pounds within a week can also cause terrible dark circles around eyes. It is essential to consume a balanced diet power-packed with all vital nutrients such as vitamins, iron, calcium, proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Increase intake of fruits, salads and vegetables. These are best to maintain the balance of water content in your body.

3. Natural Under Eye Treatments

No parlour will guarantee you with removal of under eye circles in one sitting. Hence, you have to be consistent in applying natural eye coolers and packs for getting rid of under eye circles. We have given some of these below. Instead of using under eye creams and gels, try to be as natural as possible in curing this issue.

4. Regular Breaks

We cannot escape from staring at the computer screen as we have to work for 8-9 hours a day.


However, we can take regular breaks to relax our eyes. Constant staring can cause considerable strain on your eyes leading to eyesight problems, dark circles, puffiness, soreness, redness of eyes, etc. Small breaks will give desired level of comfort to your eyes as well to your neck and back.

5. Stay Away From Harmful Pollutants

Pollutants, dirt and dust affect out body not only externally but also internally. As these pollutants enter through respiratory organs, they release chemicals that are harmful for the blood vessels. As a result, eyes become puffy and dark circles grew.


Similarly, one also needs to stop excessive smoking. Smoking is very harmful to our overall body. It also causes dark circles around eyes.

6. Proper Use Of Makeup Products

Always use branded makeup products. Do not appear excess makeup around eyes if it causes redness or soreness to your eyes. Do not use eye makeup products if they have crossed the expiry date.


Similarly, remove eye makeup before sleeping as it may cause damage to the skin near eyes.


When women apply kajal or kohl, it remains on the eyes for a long time. They rarely remove it properly before going to sleep. As a result, the residue of kajal or kohl keeps accumulating under the eyes resulting in dark patches over a period of time. Hence, one needs to remove the kajal carefully before going to sleep. Use cotton pad dipped in rose water to remove it. Pat the area around eyes with the help of a tissue paper in a careful manner.

7. Stress Management

One cannot avoid stress. However, we can manage it. Do yoga or meditation for at least 20 minutes a day. Spend time with your family members or friends. These are simple, easy-to-follow tips for stress management. Our body, including eyes will feel better if we manage stress in an effective manner.

8. Eye Care Cooling Packs

These packs are not available in the market. But these are easy-to-prepare and highly effective. We can use natural ingredients to prepare these packs for eyes.

9. Cucumber-Potato Eye Pack

This is an extremely cooling pack during summers for your eyes. Grate cucumber and potato and mix it. Apply a layer of this pack on the eyes and keep it for 10 minutes. Feel relaxed. Remove the layers and feel the difference yourself.

10. Cucumber-Almond Oil Eye Pack

Cucumbers are soothing for your eyes and help in reducing under eye circles and puffiness.


Almonds also brighten the skin underneath your eyes and provides nourishment. Grate cucumber and mix one spoon of almond oil into it. Dab this mixture onto the cotton pods and keep it over your eyes for 5 minutes. You can use the leftover cucumber juice to remove the extra oil around eyes with cotton.

11. Potato-Raw Milk Eye Pack

Grate potato and mix one spoon of raw milk into it. Press the cotton pods into this mixture and keep it over your eyes for 5 minutes. Wash your eyes with cucumber juice or rose water for extra relief!


Another simple application would be to keep sliced cucumbers or potatoes over the eyes for 5 minutes whenever you get time and need instant relief.


Dip cotton balls in raw potato juice to reduce puffiness of eyes.


Immerse cotton balls in cold rose water and keep it on eyes for 5-10 minutes before going to sleep. It is best for stressed eyes.


Thus, we have seen home remedies for dark circles. But, it is not possible to reduce dark circles around eyes within a week. They will take their sweet time to disappear. But this depends largely on one’s patience and effort. One needs to focus on proper sleep, proper diet, no smoking, and application of these natural coolants on eyes.

How to Make Creative and Beautiful Lampshade Using Plastic Bottle?

Hi Friends, in this craft video we will see how to make a DIY Table Lampshade out of used plastic bottle and aluminium wire. This is an excellent table decoration idea that you can easily make in your home. The things needed for this craft are also available easily in every household.

Things You Need

• Aluminium Wire
• Green craft tape
• Scissors
• Glitter
• Lighter
• Cutter
• Pencil
• Scale
• Craft Wire
• Crepe Paper
• Decorative stones
• Glue Gun
• Acrylic Colors
• Color Palette
• Decorative Tape
• Brushes
• Decorative light
• Plastic Bottle

Step 1

Take an empty cold drink bottle and cut the upper portion with the help of knife. Cut the mouth of the bottle as well.

Step 2

Using the remaining plastic from the bottle, cut a small circle and stick it to the opening of the mouth. Stick it with glue gun to pack the mouth.

Step 3

Paint the sections of the bottle piece with the green and yellow colors.

Step 4

This is our lamp head. Make a hole at the top of this lamp head so that a wire can be inserted through to hang it.

Step 5

Now, using a brush draw some black and white Warli designs on the lamp head to decorate it.

Step 6

Apply some glitter on the color divisions.

Step 7

Next we need to make some leaves. So take the remaining plastic bottle and cut small pieces of leaves out of it.

Step 8

Paint the leaves with green color and add some details.

Step 9

Now take a crepe paper and cut more leaves out of it. Take some readymade plastic flowers as well.

Step 10

Now its time to make a stand for our lamp. So take aluminium wire and mould it in a way that it forms triangular stand as shown in the image.

 

Step 11

Cover the aluminium wire stand completely with green craft tape.

Step 12

Using glue gun paste the flowers and leaves on this stand. Use golden wire to create tendrils. Cover the stand further with decorative tape to enhance its beauty. Triangular base of the craft can be covered with lace and stones.

Step 13

Finally attaché the lamp head to the stand.

Step 14

Take a decorative light bulb and fix it inside the lamp head so that it emits light.

Congratulations! Your beautiful plastic bottle lamp shade craft is ready!

Enjoy!

Recycled Craft Ideas : How to Make Lampshade From Plastic Bottles | Best...

10 Very Useful Homemade Masks For Healthy Hair!

Nature is filled with abundant and useful ingredients for getting healthy hair. We can gift our hair with natural substances that are comprised of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, etc. Take a simple example. Only applying and massaging our hair with coconut oil or coconut milk diy hair masks can boost hair growth, reduce hair fall, strengthen the roots and calm your mind.


On the same parlance, if you try to prepare several DIY Hair Masks and apply those on hair, then you can definitely provide immense benefits to your hair. We bring you the 10 home-made hair packs that can be made easily. All you need is little patience and effort.

Dos and Don’ts Before Application Of Hair Packs

• Always use the ingredients in sufficient quantities depending upon the length of the hair.
• Do not store the hair packs in refrigerator for a prolonged period.
• Before you ingredients such as margosa, do a patch test as it may not suit all.
• Application of hair packs takes time. Hence, make sure you are relaxed.
• Apply these hair packs on a consistent basis. Do not expect miracles after the first application itself.

So, we will provide you with detailed information about 10 home-made hair packs along with the ingredients, their benefits to hair and their properties.


We have provided with details regarding hair packs that can be prepared in less time and efforts. You do not need complex ingredients or the whole day for performing these hair treatments at home.

DIY Hair Masks For Healthy Hair

1. The Banana Hair Mask

Bananas are fortified with nutrients such as Vitamins A, Vitamin B and manganese and phosphorus. It moisturizes the skin and offers a glow to it.


Simply make a paste of banana in a mixer with sufficient quantity of water. Apply to the hair, leave it for 10 minutes and wash it with water.


This hair mask will reduce itchiness and dryness of scalp and hair. It is best suitable for dry and frizzy hair.

2. The Beetroot-Henna Mix

Beetroots are comprised of silica and Vitamins such as A, C and K.


Beetroot has a natural reddish colour. Due to the natural dyeing properties, it can mixed with henna leaves and applied on the hair. Even if beetroot juice is applied directly on hair, it can help in hair problems.

3. The Curry Leaf Hair Pack

Curry leaves are fortified with Vitamins, iron and calcium. Though curry leaves are commonly used in Indian kitchen for adding taste, it is also helpful for hair growth.


Make a thin paste of curry leaves and amla powder and apply to the hair as similar to a normal hair pack.


Curry leaves are an ideal solution for all your hair concerns. Let us start from nourishing hair, strengthening roots, fighting against dandruff, and boosting hair growth. Thus, it is a one-stop solution for your hair needs.

4. The Egg Hair Pack

Eggs are comprised of Vitamins, protein and zinc. You can beat an egg into a bowl and add amla and neem powder into it. Form a paste. It is true that eggs give an awful smell to your hair. Hence, wash your hair immediately with a good scented shampoo.


Due to the large quantities of protein, egg hair masks are great for hair. It offers strength and lustre to the hair.

5. The Fenugreek-Coconut Milk Hair Mask

Fenugreek seeds are rich in Vitamin C content, proteins, potassium, carotene and calcium.


Soak handful of fenugreek seeds into a bowl of water overnight. The next morning, grind the seeds.


Prepare coconut milk by grating coconut, grinding it, and straining the milk out of the mixture. Add grounded fenugreek seeds into the coconut milk. This forms a unique solution for your hair needs.


Apply the mixture to the hair and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Wash it off with a good shampoo to prevent extra oiliness. Repeat this process at least twice a week to observe the results.


Fenugreek works wonderfully in treating hair problems such as follicular issues, dry and itchy scalp and stubborn dandruff. It also boost hair growth.

6. The Hibiscus Leaves Pack

Hibiscus leaves contain essential acids such as organic acids, tartaric acids and so on. It is also comprised of a unique acid known as hibiscus acid. It is great for hair nourishment.


Ground hibiscus leaves in a mixer and form a paste. You can boil the leaves in water for some time before grinding. Apply it to the hair like a regular hair pack and wash it off.


Hibiscus nourishes hair, conditions it, removes dryness and frizz and also imparts a natural dye.

7. The Indian Pennywort Hair Mask

Please do not get confused with Indian pennywort. It is our Brahmi that is beneficial for the growth of brain cells and also for healthy hair. Brahmi is used in tonics for increasing one’s memory. It has immense powers to boost hair growth.


It is better to use Brahmi leaves for the hair mask. However, if you face difficulty in finding brahmi leaves, then opt for a pure Brahmi oil and mix it with neem or amla powder. Massaging your hair with brahmi oil is significant for calming down the nerves and hair roots.


Brahmi nourishes your hair, strengthens hair roots, and gives a shine and lustre to the hair. It stimulates hair growth to a large extent.

8. The Neem Hair Pack

How can we forget neem in DIY hair masks? Neem is a best solution for all the hair problems.


Mix equal quantities of neem powder, amla powder, fenugreek seeds powder and coconut oil. This will be a hair enriching pack that will boost hair growth and get rid of all concerns.


Neem will prevent your hair from frequent breakage and also avoid split ends. It fights against hair loss without drying your hair.

9. The Papaya Hair Mask

Papaya is a rich source of potassium, magnesium and vitamins. It is also a good hair tonic. Prepare papaya paste by grinding it in mixer along with water. Simple as it is! Apply, leave it for 10 minutes and wash it off. Papaya helps in preventing baldness, fights dandruff, cleanses hair and accelerates hair growth.

10. The Tea Tree Hair Pack

Tea tree oil is a fighter against dryness of skin and hair.


Mix sufficient quantity of tea tree oil with a teaspoon each of walnut powder and wheatgrass powder. Massages hair with this solution for some time, leave it for 10-15 minutes and wash with lukewarm water.


Tea tree oil reduces dandruff, bacteria and itching.


Thus, the above hair packs are not the stereo-type ones. We have tried to sort out the unique and the easiest ones to prepare for your convenience.


Everyone wants a good hair volume, shine and lustre to their hair, but no one has got sufficient time to invest in hair nourishment. They go for artificial hair products or opt for expensive hair treatments in the parlour. Instead of acquiring guaranteed results, they lose money and time and the hair problems still persist.


Hence, these DIY Hair Masks will not only save your valuable time and efforts, but will also provide sufficient nourishment and care to your hair. You may need to go shopping to buy these essential ingredients. However, fruits such as banana and papaya are easily available at home or the nearest fruit vendor.


So, next time, you may choose any of these above 10 DIY Hair Masks to fight against hair concerns and get healthy, bouncy, shiny hair in few weeks. Repeat it regularly for best results!

Amazing Benefits Of Dry Fruits In Skin Care!

Generally, you must have heard about the useful applications of fresh fruits from beauty experts and doctors. But have you heard about the remarkable benefits of dry fruits for skin care routine? So, today we are going to throw light on some of the essential uses of dry fruits that can make your skin healthy, glowing and beautiful.


Let us go step-by-step with each of the essential benefits of dry fruits for skin, its properties and applications. Apart from the external benefits of dry fruits for skin, it is also essential to consume it on a consistent basis. However, one has to consume dry fruits in a proper manner and not leniently.

Benefits Of Dry Fruits For Skin Care

1. Almond

Almonds are used in most of the traditional sweet dishes. We even get ready-to-drink almond shakes in the market. However, if almond is applied to the skin, it can act as one of the greatest beauty aids.

Properties of Almonds-

• Vitamins B and Vitamin E
• Proteins
• Antioxidants
• Emga-3 fatty acids – this is the main element which makes it extremely beneficial for the skin nourishment.

Uses-

• It offers sufficient hydration to the skin.
• It lightens the skin tone, making it even and glowing.
• It helps in getting rid of dark spots and other signs of pigmentation.
• It fights against signs of aging.
• It adds a protective layer for the skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Applications-

• Almonds can be used in various forms such as soaked, grinded and peeled. Women having dry skin need not soak almonds before applying. Whereas women having oily skin should soak the almonds before peeling and grinding it into a powder.
• Almonds can be used in various face packs along with sandalwood powder, oatmeal powder or as it is. Almond oil is used for applying and massaging on the hair to make it lustrous and shiny.
• Almond is also used in under-eye packs and for applying on chapped lips to provide it with adequate nourishment.

2. Apricot

Another powerhouse of beauty care nutrients is the dry fruit – apricot. You must have used apricot-based face scrubs for skin. It helps in removing blackheads, whiteheads and other dead cells on the skin, giving a smooth and flawless look. One can also use apricots available at home for skin care.

Properties-

• Vitamins A and vitamin C
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Calcium

Uses-

• An excellent moisturizer, the apricot oil blends into the skin and provides sufficient moisture.
• It makes the skin firm. Hence, one can get rid of the saggy skin.
• The vitamins in the apricots help in fighting against aging signs.
• Moreover, apricot oil is also beneficial for the hair. Yes, that’s true. It acts as a good conditioner for the hair giving it soft and smooth.
• As we all know, apricots are great for exfoliating skin so that skin becomes free from dead skin cells.
• People suffering from skin diseases such as dermatitis or redness must incorporate the application of apricot oil on the skin.

Applications-

• Instead of grinding apricots at home, one can prevent the hassle and use apricot oil that is available in the market. Apricot oil can be easily applied on the hair, and mixed with other face packs.
• If you want to make an apricot scrub at home, then ground it with sufficient quantity of almonds and use it as a scrub.

3. Avocado

Avocado can be perfectly described as a powerhouse of Vitamins. It comprises of all the essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, D, E and H.
That’s the reason why healthcare experts and dieticians tell us to eat dry fruits on a regular basis. Surprisingly, avocados also help in skin care when applied externally. If you think it sounds funny to apply such expensive dry fruits on the skin externally, then let us consider this aspect. Instead of buying expensive skin care and anti-ageing creams from the stores, it is better to use natural ingredients. At the end of the day, it will cost you the same amount but will guarantee you with 100% skin care as compared to the branded ones.

Properties-

• As already mentioned, it contains large quantities of Vitamins A, D, E and H which is a boon for skin care.

Uses-

• It is an excellent moisturizing agent that makes the skin soft and supple.
• It protects the skin to fight against damage caused due to pollution and sub rays.
• It is also great for hair care as it softens dry and frizzy hair.

Applications-

• Mash the avocados and apply a layer on the skin and leave it for nearly 15 minutes. This is the simplest method and you will definitely see the difference. If you have dry skin, then avocados are best for hydrating it.

4. Pistachios

Well, this sounds very amusing. We have never heard about the use of pistachios in skin care products. But pistachios are beneficial for skin care in several ways.

Properties-

• Calcium
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Vitamins A, B6 and C

Uses-

• It acts as an anti-aging agent and provides moisture and softness to dry skin.
• It protects the skin from harsh sun rays and pollutants.

Applications-

• If you can find pistachio oil, then it should be used for hydrating face as well as body.
• Instead of using chemical-based moisturizers available in the market, one can grind pistachios and use it directly on the skin.
• The best way is to use them along with other natural ingredients such as green gram dal powder or almond powder. Even if it used in minimal quantities regularly, it will work wonders.

5. Walnut

Walnuts are eaten by most of the people in the morning. If you observe a walnut carefully, then it resembles the structure of nerves in our brain. Co-incidentally, it is beneficial for brain growth.
Secondly, walnuts are often seen as main ingredients in the ready-made face scrubs available in the market. These are primarily used for removing dead skin cells accumulated in various forms such as blackheads, whiteheads and so on. It removes the dead cells and makes your skin soft and smooth.

Properties-

• Magnesium
• Iron
• Copper
• Vitamin B6
• Omega 3-fatty acids

Uses-

• Walnuts are rich in omega3 –fatty acids. Hence, your skin receives sufficient hydration and softness.
• It fights against aging processes such as wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin more youthful.
• Due to the antioxidants, it removes unnecessary substances from your skin so that the pores are not clogged.
• It also reduces inflammation. Hence, walnuts are used in case of the irritated or dry scalp.
• Moreover, it can add shine and luster to your hair.

Applications-

• Walnuts can be grounded to use as scrubs instead of opting for a chemical-based one available in the stores.
• Walnut oil is beneficial if you have dry or irritated skin.
• During winter, skin becomes dry and scaly. It is advisable to use walnut oil during those days.
• Walnuts can be powdered for adding to henna. In this way, your hair will not become dry as walnuts provide adequate moisture and shine to the hair.

As we have seen benefits of dry fruits for skin. Thus, these dry fruits are immensely useful for nourishment and smoothness of skin and hair. Even if you do not have adequate time to make home-made remedies, then you can opt for relevant oils. Almond oil is commonly used for massaging on hair. In addition to it, other dry fruit oils such as walnut oil, apricot oil or pistachio must be incorporated in the daily skin care routine to gain more benefits.

C Check out Mike Campbell Rolls Royce (Pics)

 Check out Mike Campbell Rolls Royce - Group CEO AET Global Group.

People ask what car do you drive? Not sure why it matters? But for those that do ask - it is a Rolls Royce of course. But please note - I only drive it when my Chauffeur is on his day-off...

A Little Girl Console by Chinese Doctor For Fear Of Operation

Xin Er had a heart condition which meant that she needed to undergo major heart surgery at the Zhejiang University Hospital in China. 


Understandably, the young girl was incredibly frightened at the prospect of having to go through the operation, and started weeping in fear as she entered the operating theatre. 


This is when surgeon Shi Zhuo, who is the Deputy Director of Cardia Surgery stepped in and comforted the girl by watching her some cartoons on his phone with her. 


The photos were taken by anaesthetist Jin Ziying, and show the beautiful moment that sometimes being a doctor involves more than just what you learn at med school.


 Not only was Zhuo the man to perform the life-saving surgery, but he also calmed the patient down beforehand.

Future Quotes by Theodore Roosevelt

Instant Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

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No Bake Strawberry Jello Lasagna

Life Quotes by Thomas S. Monson

Greece’s ‘wizard of the weird’ wins best screenplay at Cannes

Director Yorgos Lanthimos, Best screenplay ex aequo award winner for his film “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” at 70th Cannes Film Festival on May 28, 2017.

The Greek master of the weird Yorgos Lanthimos picked up the best screenplay award at the Cannes film festival Sunday for his icy thriller “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”.


Despite dividing critics — and prompting its star Nicole Kidman to say she wouldn’t be taking her kids to watch it — the creepy tale inspired by Euripides’ Iphigenia impressed the Cannes jury.


He shared the prize with Scottish director Lynne Ramsay for her film “You Were Never Really Here”.


“Sacred Deer” picks up the laconic tone of Lanthimos’s hit “The Lobster” but then becomes much darker after a heart surgeon played by Irish actor Colin Farrell operates on a man while he is drunk and kills him.


Years later, the dead man’s teenage son plots revenge, telling the surgeon he must choose a member of his family to kill or they will all suffer an excruciating death.


Born in Athens, 44-year-old Lanthimos spearheaded a crop of young Greek filmmakers specialising in a so-called “weird wave” launched around the time of Greece’s brush with bankruptcy.


He cut his teeth on television adverts and dance videos before bursting onto the international scene in 2009 with “Dogtooth”, a film about the claustrophobic life of two sisters and a brother shut away in a villa by their dysfunctional parents.


“We just did whatever the hell came into our heads,” Lanthimos said of his early years as a director, recalling borrowing equipment and props and shooting in friends’ homes.


“A few friends, very little money. We just kept on making what we felt we wanted to make,” he said.
With just his second full-length feature, Lanthimos won the “Un Certain Regard” section at the 2009 Cannes film festival.


His equally surreal “Alps”, the story of an underground organisation that helps mourners by impersonating the deceased, won best screenplay in Venice in 2011 and best film at the Sydney awards in 2012.


By that point, Lanthimos had had enough of trying to make a career in crisis-hit Greece.


Tired by the mounting financial constraints — “Dogtooth” nearly failed to secure a home release before its success at Cannes — he soon decamped for greener pastures, settling in Britain in late 2011 with his actress spouse Ariane Labed.


Notoriously reclusive and media-shy, Lanthimos told The Guardian in a rare 2012 interview that he had “served his time” in Greece and was entitled to look for a better future in a functional enviroment where filmmaking was not regarded as a hobby.


“I made three films in Greece under very difficult circumstances, so I think I’ve served my time,” he told the paper, who called him the “laughing mortician” of contemporary Greek culture.


“But I don’t see it as jumping ship. It’s not abandonment. One day I’ll go back. It might be sooner rather than later.”


It took him a while to find his next project but when he did, the change in scope was palpable.


In 2015, Lanthimos released “The Lobster”, a surreal black comedy about modern love, this time with the backing of Irish funds and bankable Hollywood names on the roster.


His first English-language feature, which featured Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz and John C Reilly, and ended up bagging the third-place jury prize at the Cannes film festival.


“Lobster” became an arthouse hit, making over $5 million worldwide and securing him an Oscar nomination for best foreign language film in 2017 — Greece’s first such accolade in over 30 years.


Lanthimos was also in talks to film “The Favourite”, a period drama starring Weisz and Emma Stone about the rule of Queen Anne in 17th-century Britain.

Reps, stakeholders seek financial autonomy

House of Representatives and stakeholders in the communication sector yesterday proposed financial autonomy for Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) to meet international best practices.


At a public hearing on the bills to repeal the Nigerian postal service Act and to amend the stamp duties Act, conducted by the House Committee on Telecommunications, participants also seek to give NIPOST the enabling environment to measure up with the advanced postal administration.


In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Committee, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said with the passage of the bills, NIPOST would be well positioned for the realisation of the federal government financial inclusion programme, which seeks to provide access to the unbanked and under-banked rural communities as key to poverty alleviation.


He explained that the dwindling oil revenue and the current global recession necessitated the need for the nation to diversify its economy.He said: “The two (2) Bills seek to give NIPOST the enabling environment to measure up with the advanced postal administration in the deployment of its infrastructure and human resources as well as attainment of financial autonomy to meet international best practices.


“The dwindling oil revenue and the current global recession have necessitated the need for Nigeria to diversify its economy especially for the present administration to achieve its change agenda. And NIPOST is believed to be one of such key agency.”


Representing the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, the Post Master General of NIPOST, Barr. Bisi Adegbuyi noted that most of the laws regulating the agency were obsolete, adding that there were five core-challenging issues, which necessitated the amendment of the extant Act.


Asked if the use of an adhesive postage/electronic stamp to denote a document or receipt or registrable instrument, amount to the payment of stamp duty tax? The Minister said no, adding, “denoting a document or receipt or registrable instrument is not the payment of a stamp duty tax.”


He also said that the provision of adhesive postage/electronic stamps by NIPOST does not infringe on the powers of the Federal Inland Revenue Services or a State Inland Revenue Service to access, collect and receipt the payment of stamp duty tax.


The Minister pointed out that the punishment contained in the law were no longer relevant, adding, “of what use is a N20:00k fine or a N200:00k fine when the cost of prosecuting the offender is on the average N100,000:00k.”


Shittu said that amendment such as the internet and the Point of Sale (POS)) machine have been captured as receipting medium, whose electronically generated receipts are to be denoted, adding that financial penalties have been introduced for a first offender, a second offender and a third or subsequent offender.


He said: “The proposed amendments if approved and implemented will unlock the revenue potential of the stamping Protocol to generate huge revenue for the benefits of all the tiers of government.


“The suggested amendments will also end the interagency rivalry, which is militating against the effective implementation of the stamping protocol. The amendments are recommended for the consideration and approval in the overall interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”


Leader of the coalition of civil society in the communication sector, Comrade Razaq Olokeba also hailed the initiative, saying it would help in repositioning the service.

North Korea fires ballistic missile

This combo shows undated pictures released from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 28, 2017 of the test of a new anti-aircraft guided weapon system organized by the Academy of National Defence Science at an undisclosed location. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has overseen a test of a new anti-aircraft weapon system, state media said on May 28, amid mounting tensions in the region following a series of missile tests by Pyongyang. STR / KCNA VIA KNS / AFP

North Korea Monday test-fired a ballistic missile, the latest in a series of launches that have ratcheted up tensions over its quest to develop weapons capable of hitting the United States.


The short-range missile flew for six minutes before landing in the Sea of Japan, the US Pacific Command said, adding it was working on a more detailed assessment.


The launch comes in fresh defiance of tough talk from US President Donald Trump, who promised Friday that the “big problem” of North Korea “will be solved”.


Trump’s comments came at the G7 summit in a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, which along with South Korea is most immediately threatened by North Korean belligerence.


Abe swiftly condemned Monday’s launch and vowed “concrete action” with the US.


“We will never tolerate North Korea’s continued provocations that ignore repeated warnings by the international community,” Abe told reporters.


“As agreed during the G7 summit, the North Korean problem is the international community’s top priority. In order to deter North Korea, we will take concrete action with the United States,” he said.


In Washington, a National Security Council spokesman said Trump had been briefed on the launch.


South Korea’s new president, Moon Jae-In, ordered a meeting of the national security council to assess the launch, which came a day after North Korea said leader Kim Jong-Un had overseen a test of a new anti-aircraft weapons system.


– ICBM goal –
The isolated regime has been stepping up efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile that can deliver a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.


The missile launches, and Pyongyang’s threat to stage its sixth nuclear test, have prompted calls for tougher UN sanctions and a warning from Trump that military intervention was an option under consideration.


South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday’s missile had a flight range of about 450 kilometres (280 miles).


Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga, told reporters the missile appeared to have fallen into the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) — waters extending 200 nautical miles from its coast.


The regime has carried out two atomic tests and dozens of missile launches since the beginning of last year, with multiple sets of UN sanctions failing to halt its weapons push.


Following North Korea’s test-firing of what analysts said was its longest-range rocket yet earlier this month, the UN Security Council vowed to push all countries to tighten sanctions against Pyongyang.


But China, the North’s main trade partner and ally, has made it clear that the push for diplomatic talks — not imposing more sanctions — was the priority.


The United States has said it is willing to enter into talks with North Korea — but only if it halts its missile and nuclear tests.


Kim Jong-Un has sought to ramp up North Korea’s nuclear programme under his rule, saying the regime needs atomic weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion.


The UN Security Council adopted two sanctions resolutions last year to pile pressure on Pyongyang and deny the regime the hard currency needed to fund its military programmes.


In all, six sets of sanctions have been imposed on North Korea since it first tested an atomic device in 2006.

‘eCommerce driving digital change in Nigeria’

New business models and evolving consumer behavior are driving the digital change Nigeria is experiencing. Online shopping today is well known for its convenience and good deal.


Consumers are demanding more from eCommerce providers and taking advantage of online shopping, choosing from a variety of options without jumping from one market to another.


In this light, for a business to remain relevant in the next five years and beyond, two key developments hold sway namely: “Bringing your store online. This step is very vital in sustaining the life span of the enterprise. Because in years to come, many Nigerians will prefer to shop online, thus leaving the sellers with no choice than to join the moving train.”


Second, updating your stores and providing adequate details information about stocked items. This step keeps you in business, because consumers/customers will always come back for more and even refer people associates.


As consumers increasingly interact with products and services through digital content and services on mobile devices, desktops, apps and tabs, it is important that sellers understand the user’s journey.


Apps are fast becoming the best channel for engagement. Therefore, sellers should become familiar with application-based and cross-device advertising and messaging to reach users in a more customised way.


According to a recent survey, Nigerian mobile users install an average of 25 apps on their phones. This figure is billed to rise. The development should wake shopowners from their slumber and embrace online tools.


One of the platforms that provide you this opportunity FREE is MOEHLY marketplace (www.moehly.com). This medium, one of the fast-growing online markets, accommodates various sellers and buyers nationwide as well as guarantees maximum protection for buyers and sellers.

Nigeria ranks 114 out of 128 in innovation index 2016

The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2016 has ranked Nigeria 114th out of 128 countries globally surveyed and considered to be innovating and thinking ahead.The 423-page document obtained by The Guardian, yesterday, showed that about 19 countries including Mauritius, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, among others in Africa are investing in innovation and are far ahead of Nigeria.


Painfully, Nigeria is placed slightly above countries including Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger, Cameroun, Zambia, Togo and Guinea in terms of innovation.


The report, which claimed that Nigeria was performing below its level of development, said Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Uganda stand out for being innovation achievers at least four times in the past five years.


The GII puts Information and Communications Technology (ICT) access and use in Nigeria at 28.2 per cent and 18. 1 per cent respectively, with government’s online service and e-participation put at 30.7 per cent and 33.3 per cent respectively, which it described as low.


Indeed, innovation is important at all stages of development; specifically, the creation and diffusion of technologies are important for economic growth and welfare across all economies. The implication of not innovating and developing means that the country may remain a dumping ground for all forms of technologies from other countries.


Experts have however, blamed the slow pace of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) growth in Nigeria on poor and non-implementation of policies that can drive growth with a charge on both ministers of Communications and Science and Technology, Adebayo Shittu and Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, respectively to match policies with actions so that the country can be at par with other developed nations.


“I don’t see why we will have as a nation two important ministries, I mean Communications and Science and Technology and nothing developmental and innovating are happening,” said Kehinde Aluko, a telecoms expert.


The report ranked Switzerland first in the world with 66.3 per cent level of innovation with an efficiency ratio of 0.94 per cent against world’s 0.65 per cent. Sweden is second with 63.6 per cent and 0.86 per cent efficiency ratio; United Kingdom; United States of America; Finland ranked third, fourth and fifth with 61.93 per cent (0.83 per cent efficiency ratio); 61.40 per cent (0.79 per cent efficiency ratio) and 59.90 per cent (0.75 per cent efficiency ratio).


Nigeria, according to the GII, has an innovation index of 23.15 per cent and efficiency ratio of 0.57 per cent. Mauritius and South Africa, the two countries ranked highest in Africa have their GIIs put at 35.86 per cent (0.57 per cent efficiency ratio) and 35.85 per cent (0.55 per cent efficiency ratio) respectively.

The Evolution of Wireless Networks