Volume 1 Issue 2
www.empowerghananow.org mpower Ghana Now is a non-partisan and a non profit organization with the sole purpose of educating Ghanaians, both at home and in the Diaspora of their freedoms, as well as shedding light on the abuses of power and the remedy for the correction of such abuses with reference to the constitution. This will be done through leadership development and public policy programs.
Who we are: A dedicated group of volunteers from different backgrounds, who have come together in an effort to enlighten the populace on the basic tenets of democracy in respect to the law and the constitution. What we do: Advocating government accountability. Giving voice to the voiceless through advocacy and awareness. How we do it: Tackling ongoing issues on poor governance and unfair practices in Ghana through media platforms ( print & radio) and social networks (facebook etc.). This will be done according to the dictates of the law and the constitution. On some issues, redress may be sought through the courts.
AKWAABA FAMILY MAGAZINE
LIFESTYLE 6 | LIFE WELL LIVED Love could be hard, because there are few people who naturally love. Start loving and transform your life for good!
10 |
The Ghanaian African Woman - Getting Back to Basics?
23 |
What to do if You Find Yourself in a Sexless Marriage
It’s like a vicious cycle, and this only increases the lack of trust, the awkwardness and the subsequent distancing.
VOL. 1 ISSUE 2
HEALTH & FINTNESS 8 | Health Benefits of Yoga 8|
SUMMER 2014
Simple Steps to Improve Sleep
FAITH 9 | Let There be Light You have tried to do it your way; try the Jesus way too and see what happens.
FEATURE 14 | In Focus: Sound, Rhythm and Culture The beautiful thing about internet radio, because we do a lot of analytics work to understand the market segments and tailor programming to offer value.
EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIP 16 | Go to College Free! 18 |
ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO
BALANCING ACT Children are a blessing and every opportunity to share our hopes and dreams with them should be precious moments we may never get back. The pursuit of their own dreams will inextricably be linked to how they had been nurtured. They will carry our faces, smiles, world views and ideas. They will carry our values also into the community around us, and into a world we cannot possibly fathom.
Who Is Eligible For Student Loan Forgiveness?
ENTERTAINMENT 19 | LUPITA SHINES BRIGHT
"When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."
20 |
Family FUN—20 Must do Summer Time Activities
22 |
How Anansi Came to America
SPORTS 11 | Black Stars – The Odds of Winning in Brazil: Can the Ghana’s Black Stars win against the odds, data-driven match analysis, and Bloomberg Sports projections?
FROM THE EDITOR Akwaaba Family Magazine is a quarterly magazine published by Akwaaba News Network. The magazine is distributed free through libraries, community center, African markets, local churches, advertisers, and family –oriented businesses in the United States. We invite you to visit us on the web at www.akwaabafamilymagazine.com
for
upcoming
events, resource lists and many more. Be sure to sign up for our free e-newsletter. Any reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the written permission from the publisher. For advertising rates and details, look in the advertising section of our website, or contact our sales & advertising representatives directly with an email to adsales@akwaabafamilymagazine.com
PUBLISHER
Nana Yaw Anobah EDITOR
Eric Amoako Edmonds PARENTING EDITOR
Priscilla Koranteng ADVERTISING / SALES MANAGER Nicholas Anobah Patricia Kumah ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Kwasi Awortwi
Resetting Family Values
T
echnology changes at a dizzying pace in America. It is no different in Ghana, and that is what our world has gradually turned into. In what has become a quick fix society with a new generation growing up with a microwave mentality, family values are falling aside. We want everything, faster and faster, and miss the chance to give life our best effort. Children were previously the victims to the unfortunate phenomenon of emulating everything they saw around them. That was a long time ago; now its their parents who are taking every opportunity to redefine themselves, and copying everything they see on television. The hairstyles may change, fashion trends could evolve, but it is my humble plea that family values ought not fall victim to the same tendencies. More than ever, our community desperately needs parents whose self-worth are not been tied to assets and career, but to the most important investment in life, our children's future. Children are a blessing and every opportunity to share our hopes and dreams with them should be precious moments we may never get back. The pursuit of their own dreams will inextricably be linked to how they had been nurtured. They will carry our faces, smiles, world views and ideas. They will carry our values also into the community around us, and into a world we cannot possibly fathom. As we go through our days as fast as we could to keep pace with technology and social trends, it is important that family values do not become a casualty of our race to nowhere. In the end, what will matter most will not be the mirage of the fleeting life which conveniently cluttered our lives, and made us lose sight of what is most important. Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
CONTRIBUTORS
Barima Asare Evelyn Mensah Martin Ackah Kofi Quansah
Eric Amoako Edmonds Editor@akwaabafamilymagazine.com
By Priscilla Koranteng
W
hen you sow a seed
Before you know it, you would have built
of love, it blooms and becomes that
a coalition of haters and that is the coalition that will also destroy your very
wonderful reminder
being and in the end, hinder your pro-
to you and all around
gress for good.
you how beautiful this life can be.
Remember, love takes time, patience
Just as love fills your heart with joy and
and perseverance and it needs to be cultivated in order for it to stand.
peace and the need to do more in life, when you sow a seed of hate, it creeps
Love resurrects- it brings life to people
into your heart and soul and it destroys you from the inside out without you real-
and it resurrects your imagination to do more good. Hatred kills your ability to get
izing. Hatred destroys your imagination and any positive thing that you could have dreamed of or done for yourself. While love gives you the energy to pursue your dream because you are focused on doing good and being the best you can be. Love also brings good people into your life in the process, as you continue to
Love could be hard at times, because there are few people who naturally love and only a few who will ride along with you in your cause. Hatred is easy for people (even though most would not admit it)- its usually
sow the seed.
more targeted towards a group, a person or self and it is usually a result of a
I can’t tell you how many times someone
major event or occurrence or something
has shared with me how their simple act of kindness and love shown towards oth-
or a group.
ers in the past, resulted in a good deed they later received from strangers or the same people they were kind to. Lets face it, to love is difficult, because it requires you to be patient , forgiving and tolerant – which is hard for most
of historical significance to the person
Additionally, when it comes to hatred, there are people who are waiting to join your cause, there are people who are waiting to hear the next nasty thing you have to say about someone and they will gladly lend you their ear so you can say
human beings.
more.
The scope of love is also bigger- it knows no boundaries, it cuts across oceans,
There are people who are bitter and want to spread that around and would
languages, ethnicity, color, sex, wealth, etc.
gladly contribute towards your cause as well.
things done because you are busy thinking about others’ demise and looking for the next bad thing that could happen, instead of focusing on yourself. If efforts to discuss the problems are too uncomfortable, frustrating or going nowhere, seeing a couples’ therapist may very well shed some light on the problems. Continued on page 18
7
T
TIPS TO GET WHITE TEETH
here are plenty of benefits of having your teeth white as snow: it helps you to make a better first impression, makes you look younger and boosts your confidence. Let me share with you some simple tips that will help you to make your
teeth whiter and, therefore, your smile brighter 1. Color of your food is important. Cut back on dark drinks such as coffee, cola, black tea or red wine. Those drinks not only stain your teeth, but also can weaken them over time. If you anyway love those drinks, try to use a straw while drinking
sodas…) Instead, eat more nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables rich in fiber and, of course, our best friend is water. 3. Brush your teeth regularly. One of the main reasons of all teeth’ problems and stains is bacteria. In order to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth white – brush them regularly. 4. Brush your teeth the “right” way. Avoid brushing your teeth too hard, not to scrub off the enamel. It’s very important to brush your teeth the right way. Try to spend two minutes bushing your teeth. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but try it, put a timer and you will understand that this is longer that your usual brushing time. Finish by rinsing with either water or your mouthwash. Floss your teeth at least once a day. Remember to smile!
them, to have less contact with your white teeth.
5. Baking soda for white teeth.
2. What you eat affects your teeth.
Baking soda is a good DIY remedy for getting white teeth, but it’s not an everyday solution to brush your teeth with and it’s not even recommended if your teeth are sensitive. How to use it? First, squeeze your usual
Avoid (or try to eat rarely) certain foods because they can change the color of your teeth, such as: soy sauce, ketchup and almost all acidic foods and drinks (lemons, candies,
Continued on page 21
Balancing Act
How children see themselves, their community and family is often largely influenced by what they see and hear from their parents.
reating a positive family culture is more of a science than it is an art. A Ghanaian family living in Ghana, while they face their own set of challenges, will live in a completely different world than their counterparts in America. In a country with such complex social, economic and moral diversity, raising a family in America requires a careful approach to instill values, embrace traditions, support ambitions and pursue dreams. I stand corrected, but there is often no one right way of accomplishing this, but there certainly are many wrong ways of doing so. At a recent event in Washington D.C., I met a young girl who had been born in Texas and lived in America all her life. I asked her where she was from and she told me she was from Baghdad, Iraq. That was where her parents were born, and everyone in her lineage had come from. That same afternoon, I met another young girl who I found them particularly intriguing because she wore traditional Ghanaian kente cloth wristbands and necklaces.
Mimi Jola “AKWAABA NKOMO” Mondays 7 - 10pm www.akwaabaradio.com
I asked where she was from and she was quick to say “America”, with a puzzled look in her face. How dare I ask where she was from? Neither answer is probably wrong. I understand both. The truth is a person’s sense of belonging or heritage defines their worldview and a host of other social characteristics. The long term implications are many, and I may end up using all the pages in this magazine writing on this subject. How children see themselves, their community and family is often largely influenced by their parents. Before external influences infiltrate a child’s mind, parents have an extraordinary opportunity to shape their families as they would like. It is amazing how many stories we can remember that have shaped your family and your children. If we ignore those and scramble to recreate new memories with children, we will soon find out that our children live in an America where others celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and a host of cultural festivals, and our children wonder how they got lost in the shuffle.
Whether you came from a poor village in Ghana or struggled for decades cleaning toilets in America, the most important fact remains you have done all that work to give your family a life they otherwise would not have. Those are stories worth sharing, and nothing to sneer at. I have come to find that families with stronger connections and unity tend to be those who families learn from surroundings and past, but don’t discard their own. The family will have the foremost responsibility of helping children find their identity; it is a bit more complex than picking the country with the best soccer team or technological advances to call your own. America will continue to live up to the “melting pot” epithet in the coming years. Take a closer look at the “melting” pot and you will quickly discover that not everything in the pot is worth a taste. That is the complex task of raising a family in America, but the joy in our children’s lives makes it worth the journey. By Kofi Amoako
By Nana Yaw Barimah
y dear friend, the bible says in Genesis 1:3-4: 3
Then God said, “Let there be light, “and 4 there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness”. This scripture tells us that in the beginning, the earth was completely without form, it was void and there was total darkness. However God appeared and spoke light into being and bible says light appeared. I have realized and believe that darkness has no source; you cannot turn on a switch to bring darkness. Darkness is the absence of light. Light, on the other hand has a source, you flip a switch and a bulb turns on. The same way in our lives, we are originally in darkness, the mere fact that you are a descendant of Adam makes you a sinner and thus in darkness. It is only when we choose to “turn on the light” that we come out of darkness, so the question is how do we turn on the switch to bring light into our lives? First, you ought to admit that you are in total darkness and thus you need light to come into your life. You then seek the source of light who is God through His son Jesus Christ – For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
After you find Him, invite Him to come into your life and He will come, for He says He stands at the door of your heart knocking, if only you will open and let Him in, He will come in and dwell with you.
16
As the Lord comes into your life, His light
prayer that you will invite the savior to
is turned on and you will begin to realize
come into your life to introduce His light
that all the confusion, delay and chaos
in your situation.
In the same way, let your light shine[b] before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. – Mathew 15:14-16 Beloved, as you read this piece, it is my
(darkness) in your life will give way for order to take place, the Lord will then
I challenge you to try this God I am talk-
begin to order your steps and re-arrange
ing about if you don’t already know Him; He yearns and wills to be a part of your
everything as He originally planned it. Not only that, you will also begin to positively affect the lives of others for the good book again says: 14 “You
are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket,[a] but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.
life. You have tried to do it your way; try the Jesus way too and see what happens. God bless you and enjoy!
www.trailstothestream.com
T
By Evelyn Mensah o be modest is to show propriety in speech, dress,
involving the old as well as the young, men as well as wom-
or behavior; lacking pretentiousness (The Free
en! Not rare, however, you hear our men decrying the
Dictionary). To others, it is about being reserved,
“modern” Ghanaian woman for having lost her cultural herit-
humble, simple, or even timid (the last I have a
age—(identity, virtues/values).
problem with!). I recall with nostalgia how the people of old, and for that matter Ghanaians lived simply. From their dwellings to clothing to the way of worshipping, and developing relationships. Modest, right?
The
men
who
express
dissatisfaction,
disapprov-
al, even disgust are our own brothers, husbands, lovers, sons, friends. Not too long ago, and for the second time if my memory serves me right, one of our men openly ques-
Those days are gone and for good! We live in a new age with
tioned
its complexities.
“Western” particularly with our hair, nails, and make up. Ac-
At times fraught with uncertainties epitomic of a labyrinth. Yet, some of us prefer this complex world and life to that of old, not forgetting that there are others who know no other except that which they live in now. These are modern times—and modernity has led to changes in how we dress, talk, work, virtually everything,
why ladies have taken to becoming everything
cording to him, his non-Ghanaian female colleagues at work always want to find out why “his women prefer donning their hair rather than our own. Why do they want to become like us?” Sad, yes, sad! And like me, I think you expect him to defend us, isn’t it? Sorry, he doesn’t. Continued on page 23
Ghana Black Stars The Odds of Winning in Brazil
G
By Kofi Quansah
hana’s Black Stars have-
The soccer landscape is a lot less lop-
n’t set foot in Rio yet, and
sided than it used to be decades ago
the predictions are al-
when Karl Heinz Rummenigge was the
ready flying in from all
de facto MVP and Germany won the cup
over the world.
before the game even began.
A team that is traditionally been fundamentally sound, a few questions still remain in their defensive line, yet the world will be too transfixed on Ronaldo’s flash and fashion to worry about the rest of the Portuguese squad. The USA is the tricky one. The country desperately wants to succeed on soccer’s biggest stage to prove to the 300 million people living within its borders that soccer is here to stay.
For every fan who is optimistic the coun-
Those days are long gone. In the
try will shake off its soccer ghosts that
In 2 successive world cups, they had
has haunted them since Suarez’ infamous
months leading to Brazil 2014, you will be hard-pressed to find a squad which
handball 4 years ago, there are 2 more
is completely healthy and have no gaps
lot of motivation – understandably so –
who can’t imagine a scenario where Gha-
in the starting 11.
to at least win that game, even if that’s
na actually slides past Portugal, and USA.
The seemingly indomitable Germans will
In every statistical analysis, the game
find a way to split points where neces-
against Germany is a guaranteed loss;
sary and win the winnable games, just
the Ghana Black Stars might as well save
as they have always done.
themselves the headache and not go to
been sent home by Ghana, so there is a
the only one. Jurgen Klinsman knows it’s a tall order for the USA to squeak out of Group G alive, but the Americans as latching on to hope with what will be Landon Donovan’s
The likes of Lam, Podolsky and Ozil
last ride.
makes the Germans a group favorite,
Defense, a position that once calmed the
Bloomberg Sports, a firm in Europe that
but that doesn’t make them unbeatable
nerves of Black Stars fans has turned
provides the most accurate data-driven
by any means. Portugal is the interest-
match analysis, as well as projections and in-depth analysis for all the major
into a mishmash of hopefuls.
ing one. Take away the glamor and glitz
leagues in Europe, says the World Cup in
turned into Paraguay.
the stadium.
Brazil will be Ghana’s worst-ever showing in the global tournament. Their predictions are based on 100,000 simulations for every game throughout the tournament. In a Group G, aptly marked as the “Group of Death”, conventional wisdom leads me to believe that Ghana has a 25% chance of making it out of the group stages. 25% gives the Black Stars and equal chance as Germany, Portugal and the USA.
of Ronaldo and you have Portugal just
Continued on page 21
Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? This year, take the opportunity to learn healthy habits to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
How to Find Your Perfect Gym Symptoms and Risks of Fatigue If you are tired, you are more prone to mood changes, loss of energy and appetite, headaches, and a lack of motivation and concentration. In addition, fatigue can hurt your job productivity or create a safety hazard. Fatigue can also contribute to de-
All gyms are not created equal. While most gyms provide the same set of essential services, there are many important differences in specialization and availability.
tes.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a gym that’s right for you:
Get Better Sleep
MATCH YOUR GOALS
pression, anxiety, high blood pressure and diabe-
Make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Keep a regular sleep schedule— even on weekends. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, sufficiently dark and a comfortable temperature. Try activities that help you relax before bed, such as reading or listening to relaxing music. Adopt Healthy Habits Eat nutritiously and avoid big meals right before bed. Exercise regularly, but also not close to bedtime. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, and avoid nicotine altogether. For a Quick Energy Boost Eat a snack with complex carbohydrates and protein, like an energy bar or half a peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread. Take a short walk. Try to vary your day or routine when you start feeling tired. Have a mini-meditation.
A gym that specializes in lots of muscle sculpting equipment isn’t going to help much if you are trying to lose weight and start a cardio program. Before signing a contract, seriously consider your fitness goals and what services you need to achieve them. LOCATION, MONEY, TIME The best gyms in the world aren’t going to help you if they are too out-of-the-way for to you to travel to them regularly, or if they are only open when you’re unable to work out. It also won’t help if getting a membership is beyond what you can reasonably afford. Finding a gym that is both convenient and affordable for you will go a long way towards helping you meet your fitness goals.
It’s no secret that you can eat for less money by making your meals instead of dining out. But did you know you can also save money through smart shopping?
Stick to your list and avoid impulse buys. Opt for the cheaper store brands for most items; in most cases you’re not sacrificing quality. Buy whole, in-season fruits and vegetables (not pre-cut or packaged) for maximum produce savings.
Set aside a certain amount of money each week or pay period and do go not over what you budget.
Opt for dried beans over canned - they are among the cheapest, healthiest items you can purchase. Never go shopping on an empty stomach.
Consider buying a gift card from the grocery store you go to most often as a way of reinforcing your limit. Make a grocery list before going to the store, using coupons and advertised sales.
Make fewer trips to the grocery store by cooking large batches of food and freezing the extra portions.
with Esther Kyeremateng
The Daily Sudoku by Andrew Stuart
Enter numbers in the squares so that each row, column and the boxes with the same color contains all the numbers 1 to 9. Best of luck!
In Focus There is a fine line between broadcasting and playing music on radio; a line that is often blurred by many enthusiastic entrepreneurs seeking to cut their teeth in media. The mass media hopefuls fall by the wayside after week or month into their first Podcast. Others soon discover the challenges of media broadcasting are landscape is more sophisticated than they otherwise anticipated. The radio business is a fascinating avenue to entertain, educate and connect people from all walks of life.
Sound, Rhythm and Culture
IF: I heard you say 2 years ago that you believe that streaming technology is the wave of the future, is that still true? NYA: Yes I still strongly believe so. I think, however, unless other forms of media that competes in order to not be extinct, traditional radio found its complement with online platforms. The starting point and investment may seem a little different but ultimately the same core principles apply.
For entrepreneurs who are able to nurture ideas into reputable and widely recognized media venture, the joy of sharing their culture with a global community makes the long journey to success a worthy adventure.
IF: what about internet radio attracted you to launch Akwaaba radio? NYA: Streaming technology essentially allows certain media such as video, audio and other multimedia to be transmitted via the internet. The idea being, once the technology is in place, and is sustainable and professional, the music delivery becomes a little more dynamic in the sense that a listener can enjoy at their convenience, on computers, phones, or any mobile platform, in real time.
Our senior editor sat down with Akwaaba Radio CEO Nana Yaw Anobah for this issue’s In Focus to discuss the impact of technology and culture on the business of radio and entertaining the African community in the United states. In Focus (IF): I like to start with a rather pointed question, do your see yourself as a DJ or entrepreneur? Nana Yaw Anobah (NYA): Thank you for the interview. I am in entrepreneur who uses the art of music and the technology available to communicate. Obviously my passion is creating the platform and the business environment to make this possible, and reach audiences in different parts of the world.
has to be transferred through one medium or the other, and the receivers on the other end need to understand and appreciate the message. So, just like in any other business, you need a defined target audience, need a clear long term strategy, and have to dedicate time and resources to it. At least those or some of my opinions.
IF: Which principles? NYA: maybe principle is not the right word. It’s the overriding philosophy that for communication to be effective, someone needs to say something, the meaning
The misconception is that you have to sit by a computer to listen to streaming radio. It was this flexibility that attracted me to this, instead of building a traditional radio station, with all the requirements and restrictions that comes along with it. IF: It sounds like something you studied. NYA: well, like any business, you can’t just dive in and hope the pieces fit together. I have always loved music. From back in Ghana as a young boy,
I wanted to do something with music. I am a big technology guy also, and that I studied for many years, so it was a good fit. I think when Podcast first came along was when I got hooked, because listening to one station, and playback another at a later time. The biggest advantage over conventional radio is the array of choices to select from, all kinds of music genres and so there’s something for every generation. IF: Why the name Akwaaba? NYA: Akwaaba is the Ashanti word for “Welcome”. We wanted to share cultures and connect a world through music and radio entertainment. In that sense, we would be bringing a piece of culture to people doorstep every minute and welcome the rest of the world into ours. IF: So you grew up in Ghana NYA: Yes I did. IF: That leads me to my next question. What are your future plans? NYA: Good question but that’s a secret tucked away in the strategy box. We have a team of professional broadcasters and passionate journalists so they all come to the table with something unique. Our big differentiator is a management strategists who are always thinking about exciting opportunities and negotiation investments for the long term. IF: Tell me about your audiences. How did you find them? NYA: Organic for the most part. I come from the old school way of doing business, and I was trained to believe that if you build a good product, the audiences will come.
In my case if you showcase a good product and the audiences see the value in every program, every presentation and event, the quality of advertisers, the rest spreads like wildfire. The truth is, in business, oftentimes the best marketing campaigns are word of mouth, and unintended foot soldiers who tell people about Akwaaba Radio. We do some backend promotions and sponsor community events as well, there is a cumulative effect of actions that puts our name out there IF: So can you know who listens to you at all times. NYA: Absolutely. That is what I find to be the beautiful thing about internet radio, because we do a lot of analytics work to understand the market segments and tailor programming to offer value. It also very critical for our advertisers that we know who understand the market out there, because the business side of Akwaaba Radio works to connect ad spots to the right listeners. IF: For entrepreneurs like you, how do you balance family and career? NYA: In my humble opinion, it comes down to setting clear priorities. I think much of what we all do, are probably useful in some sense and contribute to happiness or some fulfillment of a personal goal. But it is critical to understand that nothing substitutes for family. It may sound cliché but it helps when you make every decision with your family in mind, you sleep much better at night.
IF: Do you want your children to follow in your footsteps? NYA: What I want more than anything is for my children - and truly children in the Ghana community as a whole - to have the opportunity challenge themselves. I want their minds be exposed to different things they can become, so that whether they are teachers, doctors, business people, or whatever they choose, they can learn from our examples. If we do our job well, our children can use our achievements - no matter how small as stepping stones to even bigger goals. IF: What are some advice you have for aspiring business people? NYA: Take the time to do your homework. Also get 1 or 2 strategic thinkers in your corner. I really believe that there are smart people, or even knowledgeable people, but when it comes to business, you need thinkers who can transform ideas into something tangible. IF: Thank you for your time NYA: The pleasure mine. Thank you also.
By John Chen
F
or many, college is a dream that can’t come true without a little or a lot of financial assistance. Luckily, there are ample scholarships available to help students fund their education. While receiving enough financial aid to go to college for free is reserved for those require substantial financial aid, there are plenty of organizations offering scholarships any individual who requires financial aid- from a small financial boost to a full ride. The following resources are some great ways to get scholarships:+
The conditions vary by state, so research yours to make sure you’re on track to qualify for these valuable scholarships. University Scholarships You can also find scholarships by visiting the websites of the schools you’re considering attending. Most have aid available within each department, as well as school wide. These scholarships are usually very competitive, so apply early and do your best.
Finding Financial Aid and Free Scholarships There are several different routes to take to get financial assistance with college. Need-based scholarships exist to help those who simply cannot afford it, while merit-based scholarships and grants are designed to reward students for exemplary skill in a certain area. Federal Aid The first step in applying for a needbased scholarship is to fill out a FAFSA application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a program through the Department of Education that can pay a substantial chunk of your college costs. State-Level Assistance Check with your state to see if they offer any financial assistance, as well. Many states have a lottery scholarship to assist graduating high school seniors with a certain grade point average.
Charities and Private Companies Thanks to the Internet, it is much easier to find and apply for scholarships offered by private companies and charities. Websites such as FastWeb let you browse through different categories of scholarships, enter contests, and provide tools to help. If you are trying to find merit scholarships for any hobbies or interests you have, this is the best place to look. Be warned, however, that any website that charges a fee to access scholarship applications is a scam. How to Stand Out When Applying for Free Scholarships When you’re applying for scholarships and grants, it may seem like there isn’t much you can do to stand out. However, there are lots of little things that will make your application truly shine. Continued on page 22
Employer Programs There are a lot of companies that offer scholarships for employees and their children. Look into family members’ employers to see if they have any existing programmers if they’d like to start one with you! Tuition reimbursement is another benefit that some companies offer their employees to assist in furthering their education.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Y
oga is a mind and body practice with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. Like other meditative movement practices used for health purposes, various styles of yoga typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation or relaxation. In the United States, yoga is the sixth-most commonly used complementary health practice, according to a 2007 National Health Interview Survey, and is generally considered safe for most healthy people when practiced under the guidance of a trained instructor. In addition to being a fun and relaxing pastime, yoga has been linked to the following: Stress Reduction A number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, and people who practice yoga regularly frequently self-report they are sleeping better and experiencing lower levels of stress. Yoga practice has been demonstrated to reduce the levels of cortisol—the stress hormone. Most yoga classes end with a savasana, or relaxation pose. Improved Fitness Practicing yoga can lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. These gains mean practitioners are less likely to injure themselves performing other physical tasks. Management of Pain and Chronic Conditions If you’re already injured or suffering from chronic illness, research shows that yoga postures, meditation or a combination of the two can reduce pain for people who have cancer, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, arthritis, back and neck pain and other chronic conditions. Yoga can also help reduce risk factors for developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
DID YOU KNOW? You don’t need to skip sweets to stay healthy. Look for treats that have no trans fats, less than 12 grams of sugar and are under 100 calories. Ideas include squeezable yogurt, low-fat and low-sugar pudding, sugar-free gelatin and a square of dark chocolate.
our eligibility for student loan forgiveness depends on the type of student loan in question. If you have a federal Stafford loan, you may be able to get all or part of your loan forgiven through certain types of volunteer work, public service, military service or medical practice. By volunteering through AmeriCorps or Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), you can receive up to $4,725 toward your Stafford loans. Another option for Stafford Loan forgiveness is the Army National Guard's Student Loan Repayment Program, which can help you earn up to $10,000 toward loans.
Law school graduates may earn Stafford Loan forgiveness by working in a public interest or nonprofit position. By volunteering with the Peace Corps, 15% of your Perkins Loan balance will be forgiven for each year of service. As a full-time elementary or secondary school teacher in a low-income community, you can have 15% of your Perkins Loan forgiven for years one and two of employment, 20% in years three and four, and the remaining 30% in year five. Stafford or Perkins loans may also be forgiven if you teach an understaffed subject such as math, science, or special education or work in a school in a low-income neighborhood.
power to shut them down- over time, you will drive out the
Continued from page 6 –Life Well Lived
thinking about others’ demise and looking for the next bad thing that could happen, instead of focusing on yourself.
negative forces that perpetuate hatred.
know that you can be the best that you want to be. And if
Here are a few basic tips
See life as a journey and begin to identify those things that will help you become a more loving person along your journey
just know that you too can get there if you try hard enough
If you have a hard time accepting and loving people, you may want to speak to professionals who can help you sort out
Make it a goal to transform yourself into a more loving per-
the root cause of your bitterness
to you and to others. Let go of hatred and bitterness and you
You will also have to rely on your faith and seek divine help for peace and love in your life
will liberate yourself. Yes, I completely understand that you
The question today is; are you sowing a seed of love or hatred?
were hurt by that person or you simply do not want to see
Think positive, stop hating, start loving and see your life turn
that person happy- But here is the bad news, you have
around for good.
placed yourself in bondage. Until you release that feeling or that sentiment that bothers you so much, you will be blocking a lot of good that you can do for yourself and a lot of good that can come to you. As you transform yourself into a more loving person, you will quickly realize how much time you will gain on your hands, to accomplish some good for yourself and others
someone gets to where you want to be, instead of hating,
- remember it takes time. son inside out and see how that love will manifest positively
Be happy for yourself and others alike- love yourself first,
When people are being negative around you, you have the
The 12 Years a Slave star took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, beating out big names Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts, June Squibb and Sally Hawkins, for her portrayal of Patsey, a favored but abused slave in the Steve McQueen-directed drama. "Yes! Thank you to the Academy for this incredible recognition. It doesn't escape me for one moment that so much joy in my life is thanks to so much pain in someone else's. And so I want to salute the spirit of Patsey for her guidance, and for Solomon, thank you for telling her story and your own," the actress said.
"Steve
McQueen, you charge everything that you fashion with a breath of your own spirit. Thank you so much for putting me in this position," Nyong'o continued as she began to get emotional on stage. "This has been the joy of my life. I'm certain that the dead are standing about you and watching and they're grateful and so am I. Chiwetel, thank you for your fearlessness and how deeply you went into telling Solomon's story. Michael Fassbender, thank you so much, you were my rock...I want to thank my family for your training and the Yale school of drama. My friends. My brother Junior sitting by my side." The list of thank-you's continued, although Lupita noticeably left out costar Brad Pitt (gasp!), but clearly emotions were running high, so we're sure it was an accident. Nyong'o concluded, "When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."
20 Must Do y ilSummer Time Activities m a F UN F
1||| Find the closest beach, pool, lake, or swimming hole in your town and post up there at least once a week. 2||| Take a road trip that sees you travel through at least three different states to get to your destination. 3||| Buy four tickets to an amusement park and invite three random friends to accompany you. 4||| Take a cheat day and stuff your face with anything and everything that you can get your hands on at a neighborhood BBQ. 5||| Go
outside and dance on a warm day during a summer
downpour. 6||| Drive with all four of your windows down—or, if you're lucky enough to have a convertible, your top dropped!— blasting DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith's "Summertime." 7||| Play hooky from work one day and sit outside at the park on a blanket all day with a good book. 8||| Go somewhere exotic for Memorial Day Weekend. 9||| Snatch up a pair of tickets to the hottest concert of the summer (Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj, anyone?!) and ask your best friend to tag along. 10||| Go and see fireworks. As often as you possibly can!
11||| Try out one outdoor activity—mountain climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking all come to mind—that you never thought you'd try. 12||| Attend a party that features a safe bonfire setup. 13||| Try drinking a summer cocktail that you've never tried before. 14||| Grab one of your most adventurous friends, rent a pair of Jet-Skis for an afternoon, and go hit the water for a few hours. 15||| Watch the sunset with someone you really care about. 16||| Take your dad, your uncle, your brother, or one of your best guy (or girl!) friends out to see a Major League Soccer game. 17||| Join that sports league that you've always dreamed about joining when you "get more time" (no time like the present!). 18|||Skip hitting a fast-food joint and pack a picnic lunch for you and a co-worker to enjoy one day. 19||| See every blockbuster movie that there is to see in theaters. 20||| Take a cruise or stay home and find 20 more summer activities to do before Labor Day hits!
Continued from page 7—White Teeth
7) Important to know, that without balanced and healthy diet is
toothpaste on the toothbrush, top it up with a small amount of braking soda and start brushing, as usual. 6) The logical solution to get white teeth – try a whitening kit. There are plenty of good solutions on the market. The big
impossible to have white teeth. For example calcium can only be absorbed into our body with the help of vitamin D, which comes with the food and is synthesized by the body with the sun light. So, let’s start to care about our beauty (and even about our white teeth) from within by eating
choice is always great! But the number one bestseller
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Continued from page 11— Black Stars
There is Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, Jonathan Mensah (not the John Mensah from 2010), Baba Rahman, Harrison Afful, Jeff Schulpp, John Boye, Isaac Vorsah, Jerry Akaminko and Rashid Sumaila. Throw in Emmanuel Addoquaye Pappoe, Habib Mohammed, Hans Adu-Sarpei, Masahudu Alhassan, Baba Abdul Rahman, Harrison Afful, and David Addy, and the back group adds up to one big question mark. Goalkeeping, - a task previously uncontested for crowd favorite Richard “Olele” King
son - is now up for grabs, - with Adam Kwarasey, Daniel Agyei, Fatua Dauda and Stephen Adams. This is where the light at the end of the tunnel turns into an oncoming train fast approaching. Still, the games are played on a soccer pitch, with every team having a fair shot at winning on any given day. If Ghana wins Group G, I will no more surprise as I would be if USA loses all three group games. If Ghana is ousted, however, all interest in the world cup goes downhill for me.
On the bright side, if - or should I say when – Ghana emerges out of the “Group of Death” alive, their chances of beating anyone in the knockout stages dramatically improve. I am not a statistician so I won’t put any numbers on it, but on second thought, the numbers are useless anyway. June 2014 can’t come soon enough, but Coach Kwesi Appiah insists his team is well prepared and ready to rock the world again. It’s one thing “rocking” the world, what the world is waiting for is an African team actually “winning” the World Cup.
By Michael Auld
A
nanse walked for many miles into the bush until he came upon some fresh tracks of a warthog. He followed the tracks deep into the grassland. Sometime later he saw
signs which indicated that the warthog was not too far away.
His mouth began to water. His stomach started to grumble. He dreamed of sinking his teeth into juicy roasted meat. Continued from page 16 — Go to College for Free
Write a cover letter for each application that shows personality and enthusiasm. Many applicants skimp on their letters, giving you an immediate advantage.
Upon reaching a patch of tall grass, Ananse saw the warthog lying on its side. The warthog had been killed by someone else. However, there was nobody around to claim it.
Use a spell-checker and have a friend (or two, or three, or four) proofread your letters, essays, and applications. When you’re filling out a lot of applications, you may not catch the same errors a pair of fresh eyes would.
"Ah, I wonder who was so kind to leave this meat for me?
Read the directions before you start your application and again before you submit it. You don’t want to lose a potential scholarship because you forgot to include something minor, or you used the wrong color of ink.
struck the beast down
Using these tips and resources effectively will help increase your scholarship-earning potential. With a bit of effort and a little luck, you’re on your way to a free or affordable college education.
Without giving thanks to Nyame, he quickly picked
Maybe it was my father Nyame the Sky God. Nyame must have seen that his son was tired and hungry", Ananse thought to himself. "He took pity on me and with his lightening so that I would not have to do the hard work of killing it. I must thank Nyame." Ananse said.
Continued on page 26
Continued from page 10 - The Ghanaian
And I wonder if he ever would. His public decry of how Ghanaian/African ladies have changed almost always suggest that he actually thinks we want to become like his western female friends.
WHAT TO DO
T
he longer a couple goes without being intimate, the more ambivalence they will feel. It’s like a vicious cycle, and this only increases the lack of trust, the awkwardness and the subsequent distancing.
Resistance to talking about the problems and to exploring ways to be intimate only puts greater stress on the relationship. If your marriage is suffering from a lack of sex, consider these tips to help get the intimacy back into your relationship. 1. Rule out medical problems. First, it’s necessary to medically rule out physical causes such as side effects of chronic illness or medications as well as age-related issues. Continued on page 26
Have we truly become Westernized from the hair on our head to our ten toes? Do we actually like to become like our brother’s female colleagues? Can we become like them? My answer to all three questions is NO! But I don’t know about you! I can cite a great number of such instances when Ghanaian men think the women have become westernized (how chauvinistic of them, go ahead and say it!), though, that’s what most of them believe and say. Do we go back to the days of “opportulala” or “watchman yere” (ask my St. Monica’s Training College sisters)? What in our heritage do we need to go back to? “Ghanaian/African ladies should appear as natural as possible,” says the men—whatever that means! What is modesty to you? Does modesty apply to only women? and very importantly; What do men expect of women in their dressing, speech, and behavior?
Continued from page 22—Ananse
up some dry sticks and made a fire. Soon the warthog was roast-
However, Nyame has another plan for Ananse "I am sending you some-
ing. Before the roasted meat had time to cool, Ananse began to
where, Ananse, but not to Asanti. You must go with these captives to
eat. He did not stop eating until he had eaten almost all of
the place called the New World." Nyame said.
the meat, except for a piece of the foot. Suddenly, Osebo the Leopard appeared out of the bushes carrying some firewood, a large gourd filled with water, and a cooking pot. He looked around for the warthog that he had killed.
"But, Nyame... These people are slaves! I did not have anything to do with them being here. They were the ones who brought me here. It is their misfortune to fall into the hands of the
It was gone.
slave traders.
However, in its place was Anansi the Spider, stuffed and pleased. The story continues when Osebo pursues Ananse who hides out in a medicine bag around the neck of a captive woman on her wretched march into slavery. Ananse is unwittingly transported on to a slave ship bound for the Spanish Americas. During his perilous journey in the hold of the ship, he has an encounter with Nyame. Anansi pleads with Nyame to return him
Oh, Nyame, punish the people who deal in slavery... But send me back to my people." Ananse pleaded. Ananse was not sent back to Asanti. Instead, he ended up in the New World. He arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619 against his will. There he became "The Comforter of the Enslaved".
home to Asanti.
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Continued from page 23—Sexless
Sexual problems in marriage can also be related to incompatibility in sex drives. The contributing factors are not insurmountable. 2. Think about counseling : A sexless marriage is usually a sign of more serious problems in the relationship—lack of trust, unresolved anger, deep resentment, one partner having an affair or with one foot emotionally out of the marriage. If efforts to discuss the problems are too uncomfortable, frustrating or going nowhere, seeing a couples’ therapist may very well shed some light on the problems. 3. Know each other’s needs : Compatibility of goals—both inside and outside the bed-
4. Consider gender differences : Another contributing factor can be the hard wiring differences that surface between men and women around a lot of issues—communication, support, problem solving and, yes, sex too. Men often view sex as the intimacy in a relationship and making love is when they feel
room—is important, as well as the freedom
closest to their partner.
to talk about what the partners both need
Women, on the other hand, need to feel the
and want. For some couples, control and
intimacy before opening themselves up emo-
withholding sex is one way to have the up-
tionally. It takes some understanding of these
per hand. If other problems in the relation-
dynamics and a willingness to work together so
ship aren’t attended to, the anger and hurt
both partners can feel loved and satisfied.
take away the desire to be close or even try to make it work.
Credit: Huffingtonpost