THEWILL DOWNTOWN, November 19, 2023

V O L 3 N O. 4 7 • N O V E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 2 3

THE GTCO FASHION WEEKEND Like Never Before

VOL 3 NO. 47 • NOVEMBER 19, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

TECH 20 FUTURE FAIR 23 FORWARD 3.0

LET’S

TALK

TECH

Z E C AT H O N | P R E S E N TAT I O N S | PA N E L D I S C U S S I O N S B R E A KO U T MA S T E R C L A S S E S | E X H I B I T I O N S A N D LOTS M O R E .

Meet the

SPEAKERS Hon. Olatunbosun Tijani

Hon (Dr) Doris Uzoka‑Anite

Chris Lu MD, Huawei Nigeria

Keynote Speaker

Minister for Industry, Trade & Investment

Minister for Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy

Dr. Blaise Ijebor

Premier Oiwoh

Wole Odeleye

John Obaro

Director of Risk Management Central Bank of Nigeria

MD, NIBSS

Technology Lead, Financial Services, Microsoft

CEO, Systemspecs

Keelan Singh

Andrew Uaboi

Ebehijie Momoh

Vincent Ogbunude

Country Manager, Mastercard

MD, Verve

Banking & Financial Services Industry Lead, UiPath, EMEA

VP & Cluster Head, Visa West Africa

Stanislaus Martins

Shweta Juneja

Regional Meta Director, SSA Aleph

Partner, McKinsey Digital, Doha

Fey Wong

Demola Sanusi

Country Manager, Palmpay Ltd.

Adeola Agbebiyi

John Obidi

Prince Nnamdi Ekeh

Tunde Kehinde

MD, Network International

Author & Founder, Headstart Africa

CEO, Konga

MD, Lidya

CHIEF ORGANIZER Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON

GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc

DMD, Zenith Bank Plc

Seyi Banigbe Entrepreneur & Founder, Bland2Glam

DATE:

22nd & 23rd November 2023

TIME:

9:00am ‑ 6:00pm Daily

VENUE: HOST Dr. Ebenezar Onyeagwu

Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services

Temitope Aladenusi Partner & Leader Cybersecurity, Deloitte

Elo Umeh Founder & CEO, Terragon Group

Ope Ajayi Founder & CEO, Cinemax

Eko Hotels and Suites, Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

+234 1 278 7000, 0700ZENITHBANK zenithdirect@zenithbank.com Zenith Intelligent Virtual Assistant (ZiVA) 0704 000 4422 (WhatsApp) www

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VOL 3 NO. 47 • NOVEMBER 19, 2023

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CONTENTS

EDITOR’S NOTE

12

BEAUTY Photo: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

13

G

TCO Fashion Weekend was held over the past weekend and featured established and emerging designers. The runway was home to eleven designers, each model strutting their stuff and showing off different designs. While the fashion shows attract fashion enthusiasts, we must not forget the retail stalls, which, according to GTCO, is the main reason for the GTCO Fashion Weekend.

This week, we feature the designers who showcased their designs as our cover story. I must say GTCO needs to do better in the area of choosing designers, as most of them were foreigners. We have so many designers here in Nigeria who they could have featured. That said, go to pages 8 through 11 to view some of the designs from each designer showcased at the recently concluded GTCO Fashion Weekend.

More and more people are being rebels and breaking the rules when it comes to fashion. For instance, I have seen a couple of people in men’s traditional outfits with a face cap. Remember that to break any rules, you must first know them inside out.

Page 4 to 5 discusses fashion rebelling; I hope you can learn a thing or two from this article.

DÉCOR

14

BON APPÉTIT

15 LIVING Rebellion 04-05 Fashion Breaking The Rules FASHION

And Redefining Style

16

REVIEW

The Art of Nail Care Tips For Healthy And Stylish Manicures Enthralling Colour Scheme Ideas

Debunking Common Nutrition Myths

The Art Of Self Understanding

Oppenheimer

07

Erectile Dysfunction DOWNTOWN Understanding Causes CONFIDENTIAL And Solutions Gtco Fashion 8-11 The Weekend Like Never COVER

Before

Our beauty page shows you how to maintain healthy nails for long-lasting manicures.

I recently learned that eating after 7pm doesn’t make you add weight; apparently, it’s a myth. I saw this on the Instagram page of a nutritionist, and I was shocked. Page 14 highlights some nutrition myths, debunking them.

A reminder that our pages are interactive. Click on any page title on page 3, and it will take you straight to that page. The movie review page — page 16, also offers the same; click on the instructions underneath the QR codes, and it will take you to the playlist.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

WHAT YOU SAID V O L 3 N O. 4 6 • N O V E M B E R 1 2 , 2 0 2 3

Odun Ogunbiyi @oddbodandthecity

- Contributing Editor Odunayo Ogunbiyi is an ex pharmacist with a passion for food and pampering. Writing about her exploits wherever in the world she may find herself is just her way of staying sane in this zany world.

Onah

INSTAGRAM

@chikala_a

fashion

@onahluciaa

+2349088352246

LAGOS FASHION WEEK

THE MOST EPIC FASHION SHOWDOWN

Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.

@I_mhiz_yhu

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa Editor-at-Large: Danielle Loth Online Editor: Ntianu Obiora Writer: Ijeoma Ezeanyika Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

Dorcas Akintoye Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

@Iam_wilson

www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

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VOL 3 NO. 47 • NOVEMBER 19, 2023

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FASHION

FASHION REBELLION Breaking The Rules And Redefining Style

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

A

form of self-expression, fashion is more than just clothes. We have long been dictated to what, when, and how we should dress. Now is the moment to rise above these limitations and adopt a stylish rebellion. This article covers six easy techniques to defy convention and reinvent your style. Here are some simple, understandable guidelines for embracing your inner rebel fashionista.

2

. SAY GOODBYE TO SIZE LABELS

Size has no place in fashion. It’s time to discard size labels and embrace your shape, whether tiny, curvaceous, or anywhere between. Whatever makes you feel amazing, try it on. Regardless of what’s written on the tag, don’t be scared to dress in clothes that fit well and give you confidence.

1 MIX AND MATCH WITH CONFIDENCE .

Mixing and matching is our first strategy for breaching the rules. The old idea to “match everything” is out of style. Embrace the liberty to blend surprising parts. Wear sneakers with an elegant evening gown or that antique leather jacket with a floral dress. Confidence is the key. Wear it if you adore it!

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FASHION

5

.

SUSTAINABILITY IS CHIC By embracing sustainability, let’s redefine style. It’s a duty as well as a trend. Look for sustainable and eco-friendly clothing options. Opt for clothing made of organic materials, give your support to firms that put sustainability first, and think about thrifting.

You’ll look fashionable and feel good about your decisions.

3 MAKE YOUR OWN COLOUR RULES .

6

.

Who says bright hues can’t be worn all year round? You choose the colour rules; it’s your fashion rebellion. Whenever you want, wear vivid, strong hues. Choose colours that exude confidence and let your flair shine, whether during the rainy season or the arid Harmattan era.

DIY YOUR WAY TO UNIQUENESS Launch a do-ityourself project if you want to stand out and defy convention. Put your patterns on your clothes with paint, embroidery, or patches. It’s a great way to make unique pieces showcasing your unique style.

4

.

VINTAGE IS ALWAYS IN

Vintage pieces are always in style. Add vintage pieces to your wardrobe to create a distinctive and memorable look. Visit vintage websites, rummage through your grandmother’s wardrobe or thrift stores. You’ll be astounded by the finds you make and the stories your antiques can tell.

CONCLUSION There are no hard laws or intricate standards in the world of fashion revolt.

It all comes down to being authentic and accepting of your style. To design a wardrobe that is uniquely you, experiment with old styles, disregard size labels, establish your colour scheme, support eco-friendliness, and do it yourself. So go ahead, defy those fashion conventions, and confidently reinvent your look. Your fashion revolution is about to begin!

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VOL 3 NO. 47 • NOVEMBER 19, 2023

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

Erectile Dysfunction Understanding Causes And Solutions

5 SOLUTIONS FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (1) LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Your erectile dysfunction may be positively impacted by improving your general health. Keep your weight in check, work out frequently, and abstain from alcohol and tobacco use.

(2) COUNSELING

I

Speaking with a counsellor or therapist can assist in addressing the underlying difficulties if psychological factors are the cause.

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

(3) MEDICATIONS

To improve erectile function and increase blood flow to the penis, several drugs, including Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, can be used. Whichever is best for you should be decided after seeing a medical expert.

mpotence, which is often known as erectile dysfunction (ED), is a condition that affects a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection needed for sexual activity. This condition affects men of all ages and happens more often than you might imagine. Having a better understanding of erectile dysfunction’s causes and treatment can help you have a more meaningful and healthy sex life.

(4) HORMONE THERAPY

Hormone replacement treatment is a potential solution for men who have hormonal abnormalities.

5 COMMON CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

(5) PENILE IMPLANTS

Penile implants can offer a long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction when other options are unsuccessful.

(1) PHYSICAL HEALTH ISSUES

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction does not indicate a man’s virility or masculinity. Rather, it is a medical illness that may be brought on by several psychological and physical reasons. Finding successful remedies begins with understanding the underlying reasons.

In finding successful remedies to erectile dysfunction, you need to start by understanding the underlying reasons.

Blood flow, neuron function, and hormone levels can be impacted by diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity, which all worsen erectile dysfunction.

(2) PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS

Your sexual performance can be affected by mental hurdles caused by stress, worry, despair, and relationship issues.

(3) MEDICATIONS

Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of some drugs meant for high blood pressure, depression, and prostate problems.

(4) LIFESTYLE CHOICES

The chances of one getting erectile dysfunction increase when one smokes, drinks too much alcohol, and uses drugs.

(5) HORMONAL IMBALANCE

The ability of a man to get an erection might be affected by an imbalance in his hormones, particularly his testosterone levels.

CONCLUSION If you are having erectile dysfunction, there are some workable remedies available. You need to find the root of the problem and work with a medical expert to establish the best course of action. Open communication with your partner is very important because the outcome of a good erectile dysfunction resolution depends greatly on your partner’s understanding and support. Do not let your sex life be defined by erectile dysfunction.

You can reclaim your self-assurance and experience a joyful and meaningful sexual relationship with the correct strategy and care.

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COVER

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

T

he GTCO Fashion Weekend, created in 2016, has become a leading platform for showcasing Africa’s finest fashion and promoting real commerce for small businesses in the fashion industry. Some notable figures who attended the two-day event include international makeup artist John Barnett, British model Jordan Dunn, award-winning fashion journalist Julee Wilson, renowned international hairstylist Jawaraw, and international Fashion stylist Sergio Hudson.

Fashion stakeholders and enthusiasts also trooped in to experience the phenomenal event.

THEWILL DOWNTOWN • www.thewilldowntown.com

THE GTCO FASHION WEEKEND

The GTCO Fashion Weekend featured an educative masterclass on both days, providing fashion entrepreneurs with the unique opportunity to learn from global industry leaders and experienced brands.

The conversation covered topics addressing challenges and opportunities across the entire industry value chain, including entrepreneurship, growth & profitability, retailing, and several others.

The weekend also offered full access to exciting brands, providing an avenue for point-of-sale purchases. This was also to support local entrepreneurs making strides towards economic empowerment through creative expression. Then, the runway show, designed with current realities in mind, featured a carefully curated ensemble of bold and enthralling fashion statements by Africa’s

Theophilio

Theophilio is a Brooklyn-based clothing brand for men and women. The label was launched in 2016 by designer and creative director Edvin Thompson. Central to the brand’s ideology is using sustainably sourced and upcycled fabrics to celebrate cultural identities.

PAGE 8

Like Never Before Loza Maléombho Loza Maléombho is a self-titled brand established in New York City in 2009. The brand’s pieces feature bold decorative details an ode to the synergies between Ivorian tribal aesthetics and New York City’s urban style.

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COVER

Banke Kuku The Banke Kuku brand made its debut in 2011. It is a womenswear lifestyle brand based in Lagos, Nigeria, which specialises in lounge and occasional wear, catering for women who want to look effortlessly stylish and phenomenal.

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri The Ejiro Amos-Tafiri brand, established in 2010, is shown to meet a modern woman’s fashion needs. The brand celebrates the sophistication, class, and uniqueness of every woman. It creates timeless, traditional, glamorous pieces.

BruceGlen The BruceGlen brand was founded by identical twin brothers Bruce and Glen Proctor. The brand’s collections are characterised by boldness, vibrancy, and inclusivity, igniting conversations and inviting everyone to partake in the fashion odyssey.

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COVER

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Sukeina Sukeina was founded in 2012 by Senegalese designer Omar Salam. It is known for its high-drama pieces that feature intricate origami folds, elaborate detailing, and statement silhouettes.

Duaba Serwa Torlowei Torlowei is a family-owned fashion house based in Lagos, Nigeria, specialising in designing and producing sustainable, timeless, and ethical pieces. It was founded in 2017. The brand offers collections of strikingly feminine separates and delicate nightwear and lingerie.

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Duaba Serwa is a Ghanaian brand renowned for its sophisticated women’s wear. Founded by designer Nelly Hagan-Deegbe in 2011, Duaba Serwa offers innovative designs that embrace modern influences and contemporary sensibilities.

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VOL 3 NO. 47 • NOVEMBER 19, 2023

COVER

Mazelle Mazelle is a unique brand for women that offers a complete doll-up experience. It is known for fashioning the traditional attire fabric into unique silhouettes adorned with delicate embellishments to make bold and beautiful pieces.

Huishan Zang Sergio Hudson Established in 2016, Sergio Hudson Collections is a Women’s ready-to-wear brand crafted and designed entirely in the USA, led by the creative designer Sergio Hudson. Construction and meticulous attention to detail are at the forefront of every Sergio Hudson garment.

Huishan Zang is a London-based luxury brand launched in 2012. The brand’s collections create a romantic, sophisticated, and ageless philosophy with feminine details, strong lines, and directional design.

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TheTipsArt of Nail Care For Healthy And Stylish Manicures

BEAUTY

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

M

ore than just a blank canvas for fashionable patterns, our nails offer a window into our grooming routines and health. A nice manicure helps maintain healthy nails in addition to enhancing your style. This article will go over six ways to keep your nails looking great and healthy, including how to become an expert at nail care for gorgeous, long-lasting manicures.

. USE 4 QUALITY NAIL PRODUCTS

To keep your nails healthy, spend money on high-quality nail care supplies. Since acetone dries up nails, go for nail polish removers without it. When choosing nail polish, look for brands that don’t include dangerous ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, or DBP, as they can weaken and destroy nails.

1

. LIMIT EXPOSURE 5 TO HARSH CHEMICALS

. KEEP NAILS CLEAN AND DRY

With dry, clean nails, begin your nail care regimen. Before applying a fresh layer, remove any remaining nail paint and let your nails completely dry. To ensure a healthy foundation for your manicure, keeping your nails clean helps avoid bacterial and fungal diseases.

. MOISTURISE 2 YOUR NAILS AND CUTICLES

.GIVE YOUR 6 NAILS A BREAK

Like your skin, healthy nails require moisture. To keep your cuticles and nails nourished, use a hand cream or nourishing cuticle oil on a daily basis. This keeps the skin surrounding your nails soft and healthy and helps prevent dry, brittle nails.

TRIM AND SHAPE 3.WITH CARE Use a nail file or clipper to cut your nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

Whether you want it round, oval, or square, file the edges to your chosen shape. To protect your nails, use caution and refrain from applying excessive power.

PAGE 12

Avoid exposing your nails to too much water or the harsh chemicals in cleaning products. Put on gloves when handling harsh chemicals or performing home tasks.

Nails might become softer after prolonged exposure to water, which increases the risk of breakage.

Take gaps between manicures to allow your nails to breathe and heal. You risk weakening your nails if you constantly apply and remove nail paint. To allow your nails to strengthen naturally, try to have a few “naked” days where you don’t use any polish.

CONCLUSION

The art of nail care integrates health and style. You can attain healthy and fashionable manicures by adhering to these six tips: moisturise your cuticles and nails, use high-quality nail products, trim and shape your nails carefully, avoid harsh chemicals, and give your nails occasional breaks. Take some time to give your nail care regimen some thought because well-maintained nails are the cornerstone of attractive nail art. These quick fixes can help you maintain impeccable manicures and show off gorgeous, healthy nails!

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DÉCOR

ENTHRALLING COLOUR SCHEME

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

A

s a designer, colour is your most powerful tool due to its influential and communicative nature, and it is the most vast, with over 16.8 million types.

It doesn’t matter if you are an amateur decor designer or a seasoned professional; you know firsthand the incredible impact of colour. Colour evokes emotion and has an impact on our perception. With the vast array of available colour options, the colour scheme for your next design is infinite. Here are some amazing colour combinations to inspire your next project.

HUNTER GREEN + RED This combination is a chic masterpiece recipe if used well and is not for the weak of the heart. It lends young and vibrant energy to any room. You can expect to be blown away by its discernable old-world charm when paired with the correct furnishings.

MOSS GREEN + TAN + WHITE There is no combination as perfect as moss green, tan, and white for nature lovers.

This rich, delicate, and classy combination is here to stay.

Natural textured fabrics like linen, burlap, and hemp complement this palette.

Nature-inspired artwork can be added to dramatize this combo further.

GREY + SAND + BLUE If you are looking for a nautical or coastal vibe that is not done to death, look no further. The grouping of blue, sand, and a touch of grey is refreshingly beach-like. This palette is instrumental in designing interiors that have a sophisticated, modern, yet easygoing air. The dining and living room can seem welcoming when donned in this palette.

BLACK + RED It pays to be brave! The drama unfolds in oodles when there is a medley of red and black. This combination packs a punch and is perfect for focal points in dens, parlours, hallways, and stairways. It envelopes the room and its inhabitants with a ferocity that cannot be tolerated by all.

BLACK + WHITE For ages, classic black and white have been the favourite colour schemes in interior design.

No matter how you use it, this combination rarely goes wrong.

You can use either white colour on the walls and furnish the room with black - and vice versa — or add them in radial patterns around the room to create vibration and rhythm.

WHITE + POPS OF COLOUR White paint serves as a blank canvas on which your imagination can run wild. Pops of colour in a mural, abstract shapes, or artwork can also adorn this canvas as every element gets highlighted and showcased in white. However, overuse of this theme may get chaotic if crowded with details.

CONCLUSION Trying out colour combinations is always exciting as you are eager to transform the space into an enchanting visual masterpiece. However, things can get messy and complicated if you mix and match the wrong colours.

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BON APPÉTIT

YOU SHOULDN’T EAT ANYTHING AFTER 7PM While late-night snacking can lead to weight gain or prevent weight loss, you should know that this is not because of the time on the clock; instead, it is about why you are eating.

It is common to reach for food in the evening for reasons other than physical hunger. It could be a habit, or due to boredom, or a craving.

WHITE POTATOES ARE UNHEALTHY

White potatoes are avoided by many people wanting to lose weight or improve their overall health, as it is often labelled as “unhealthy” by those in the nutrition world. Eating too much white potatoes can lead to weight gain, but this is also true with every other food. These starchy tubers are highly nutritious and can be part of a healthy diet. They are excellent sources of many nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and fibre. Plus, they’re more filling than other carb sources like rice and pasta and can help you feel more satisfied after meals. Just remember to enjoy potatoes baked or roasted, not fried.

A

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

mong the sea of nutrition information is a tide of inaccuracies. Although these nutrition myths are likely here to stay, you must educate yourself by separating fact from fiction regarding nutrition. This can help you feel more empowered to develop a nutritious and sustainable dietary pattern that works for your individual needs. Here are some nutritional myths to debunk.

GOING VEGAN CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT Maybe, but that will depend on your diet in the first place. If you eat a terrible omnivorous diet, switching to a plantbased diet will typically mean you are more conscious of your food choices.

However, a vegan diet is not necessarily synonymous with weight loss.

RED MEAT IS BAD FOR YOU

Have you ever heard the common statement, “Red meat causes cancer?”

Absolute statements are why we have so many nutrition myths. Cancer is particularly difficult to discuss in absolutes. After all, almost everything we eat has the potential to be associated with cancer development.

CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS ARE NECESSARY FOR BONE HEALTH Many people are told that calcium supplements will keep their skeletal system healthy. Current research has, however, shown that supplementing with calcium may do more harm than good.

Studies, for example, have linked calcium supplements to an increased risk of heart disease. Research also shows they don’t reduce the risk of fracture or osteoporosis.

So, it’s best to focus on dietary sources of calcium, like full-fat yoghurt, sardines, beans, and seeds, if you are concerned about your calcium intake.

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LIVING

THE ART OF SELF UNDERSTANDING

BY IJEOMA EZEANYIKA

S

elf-understanding is the ability to recognise your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It means to know your personality traits and how you feel and react to different situations. This is a valuable skill for personal and professional development as it allows you to make better decisions, form stronger relationships, and improve your overall well-being.

Being self-aware is like a life cheat code. Isn’t that awesome?

Here are tips to help you understand yourself.

PRACTICE JOURNALING One good technique that can help you better understand your emotions and encourage you to engage in self-reflection is journaling. At the end of every day, write out what you can remember, as well as the moments that felt eventful. This will help you know what happens each day, events you consider the most meaningful, your most dominant emotion all through the day, and if you have more regrets or not about the decisions you made.

Meanwhile, journaling shouldn’t end with just writing; take time to read through your journals after a while; this will show you what has changed about you and what has not.

SPELL OUT YOUR VALUES One crucial element of selfunderstanding is knowing why you do what you do.

If you notice that your choices aren’t in line with your values, that may be a sign of a lack of self-understanding.

Understanding the root of your actions requires knowing your values. This will help you derive genuine satisfaction from what you do. You can spell out your values by listing them and reflecting on the ones you constantly live by.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE When you wake up every morning, reminisce and highlight at least one thing you are grateful for. It could be a person, or maybe your health, a pet, nature, or anything at all that feels special to you. Think about it, and then take a moment from your morning to experience gratitude in your heart. You could also write them out in your journal. Gratitude practice is an excellent way to develop a deeper awareness of your linkage to the world around you. It is also helpful in spotting out what you find important.

EXAMINE YOUR INSTINCTIVE REACTIONS Instead of reacting immediately you feel upset, take deep breaths and allow yourself to mull over what might be under your emotional response. This will help you think of what to do to help the situation instead of blowing it up. Also, when you feel more relaxed, it is a good idea to reflect on if there are specific situations that make you feel particularly emotional or if there are people you constantly conflict with.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS MEDITATION Mindfulness meditation improves your empathy.

It helps you develop selfawareness, self-regulation, and a positive relationship with yourself and others.

Mindfulness meditation involves two aspects: attention and acceptance.

Attention enables you to stay in the present moment, while acceptance involves observing without judgment.

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BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA Scan this with your camera or click to Scan this with your camera or click access the playlist (Youtube Music) to access the playlist (Spotify)

MOVIE REVIEW:

Oppenheimer

because science can, does that mean Jtheustitworld should? That’s the question plaguing today as we contemplate the

long-term ramifications of things like genetic modification and AI, and it is certainly at the heart of Christopher Nolan’s explosive (pun completely intended) Oppenheimer, an absolutely jaw-dropping cinematic achievement about the creation and deployment of the atomic bomb.

Oppenheimer works on numerous levels.

It’s a character study of the brilliant and obsessive J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy)—Oppy, as he’s known to friends—a man whose ego ultimately got in the way of his principles. It’s a philosophical contemplation of how the thirst for knowledge and the pursuit of power can intersect in catastrophic ways. And it’s a riveting procedural about the creation of the atomic bomb and its aftermath.

Yes, the film is three hours long, but it zips by, thanks to some wizardry by Nolan.

Never has a film filled with so many men in suits and military uniforms discussing things felt so riveting. He’s aided by agile editing, glittering performances by a star-studded cast, his own ingenious and multilayered screenplay, and one of the year’s soundtracks by Ludwig Göransson designed to rattle you to your core. Fair warning: Oppenheimer is extremely loud.

There are stomping feet and bone-quaking explosions, and a cacophony of twitchy, anxiety-inducing strings. You are meant to feel unsettled—and it works.

The film presents several timelines at once. Among those, we see Oppenheimer as a student at Cambridge, where visions of exploding cosmos and infinite doom haunt him. We see him as a professor at UC Berkeley, where he is the first man to bring quantum physics to the U.S. We see him at Los Alamos, where he builds the bomb. And we see him in a closed-door hearing, where

he’s in danger of losing his security clearance.

When Oppenheimer first arrives at Berkeley, he has but one student, but eventually, word gets out that he’s not only an excellent teacher—charismatic and challenging and provocative—but he’s doing something truly groundbreaking in that class. Soon, he’s surrounded by a coterie of adoring young scientists who are less students than groupies.

At that time, he begins to be interested in communism—the film makes it clear that most left-leaning intellectuals were at least dabbling in communism in the ’40s.

He attended meetings but never officially joined the party, although his beloved younger brother (Dylan Arnold) was a member. This communist-curious period of his life would have long-term ramifications for the scientist. It’s also at these communist meetings where he met both Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh), the troubled and withholding woman who was the great love of his life and Kitty (Emily Blunt), the smart and fiercely loyal biologist he would go on to marry and have children with.

Oppenheimer, the film, is positively filled with men—politicians, scientists, academics and even Albert Einstein (a sly Tom Conti). There was a joke online that if you were a white man who hadn’t been cast in Oppenheimer, you needed a better agent. Often, I would say such a who’s who of a cast is a distraction. But in this case, it really adds to the fun. Who’s that playing Truman? Why yes, it’s Gary Oldman. Is that Rami Malek? I liked it because it really gave certain character actors—notably David Krumholtz, Benny Safdie, Kenneth Branagh, and Alden Ehrenreich—a chance to shine.

But two men in particular had an outsized influence on the shape and trajectory of Oppenheimer’s life.

One was Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr., giving a performance that has all but guaranteed a Best Supporting Actor Oscar), who hired Oppenheimer to head up the astrophysics department at Princeton.

Strauss is a great admirer of Oppenheimer’s and seems like an ally—at first.

The other man is Lieutenant General Leslie Groves (Matt Damon), who recruits Oppenheimer to run the Manhattan Project with the goal of creating a bomb so powerful that it will end the scourge of Naziism once and for all. He knows about Oppenheimer’s communist leanings in the past but believes that the scientist is a true patriot. Also, crucially, he needs Oppenheimer, which is the bottom line. Oppenheimer’s mistake, it seems, was assuming that Groves’ loyalty to him would extend beyond his usefulness.

From there, there’s a bit of a “let’s get the team together” montage as they build the

secret laboratory in Los Alamos—a beloved site of Oppenheimer family vacations and also the perfect place to test bombs—and assemble some of the brightest scientific minds in the U.S. and beyond.

The scientist Isidor Rabi (Krumholtz) expresses the most moral qualms. Yes, the only thing worse than the U.S. having such a bomb is the Nazis having such a bomb.

But anyone who creates an atomic bomb will have an incalculable amount of blood on their hands.

But Oppenheimer proceeds. Partly because he’s really convinced himself a bomb like this could save lives—the ultimate way to scare a warring nation into laying down its arms—but also because he has to see it through. The need for discovery in him is insatiable.

The scene where they first detonate the actual atomic bomb at Los Alamos is filled with almost unbearable tension. And here, Nolan uses sound design to pull off his greatest trick. (You’ll have to see for yourself.)

Suddenly, they have a working atomic bomb, and Oppenheimer is no longer needed. Groves essentially says, “We’ll take it from here, doctor”, and drives away.

And they do take it from there, dropping the bomb not on Germany and the Nazis— Hitler is already dead—but on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As Oppenheimer’s scientists cheer him on like a conquering hero, he’s overcome with a feeling of dread. He has visions of skin peeling off face and sees a blinding white light. And he’s not the only one who sees the horror of this “achievement.” Amid the cheering, one scientist throws up. Another weeps.

What have they wrought?

After that, Oppenheimer becomes something of a pacifist, trying to halt the building of the even more powerful hydrogen bomb and advocating for peace talks with Russia. But it’s too late.

The genie is out of the bottle. “This isn’t a new weapon,” says his mentor, Niels Bohr (Branagh). “It’s a new world.” And Oppenheimer is about to be ensnared by the Red Scare sweeping the country. Will he go from national hero to villain?

For all of Oppenheimer’s probing questions about man’s willingness to destroy itself, the question Nolan is perhaps most interested in is: Why did Oppenheimer do what he did? Murphy’s performance is extraordinary. The actor shares Oppenheimer’s haunted, pale blue eyes and high, somewhat sunken cheekbones and craggy physique (he lost a lot of weight for the role), and he perfectly embodies the paradoxes of the physicist—brilliant in science but reckless in his personal life; outwardly cocky but plagued by doubt; relentlessly driven but unbearably tormented. Thanks to Nolan and Murphy, we see the full Oppenheimer—neither monster nor saviour, victim nor villain, but in the end, just a man.

Rating:10/10

PAGE 16

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