Things Are Falling Apart...

Sigh! They are waiting for that hanging part to drop on an innocent pedestrian or driver on a windy day. 

Deadly Billboards...

One only needs to walk along the streets of Accra to see that outdoor advertising has become a very common means of exposing brands and products in the nation's capital Accra. Huge billboards advertising cars, mobile phones, banks, rice etc. can be found all over the city but it is those by the roadsides that command the attention of the viewer, due to their sizes and bright display of colours and creative flexibility. And, considering that it is always there 24hrs a day with no interruption, it is therefore no wonder that many advertisers who can afford it prefer this mode of advertising.

My problem with these billboards however, is how they are mounted and maintained. Have these billboard constructing companies forgotten that we are talking about tonnes of metal that could instantly create havoc if not handled with utmost care and responsibility? Anytime I'm going to the Legon Total Filling Station I say a little prayer as I drive underneath a billboard structure which used to advertise the Huawei range of tablets 

(would have taken a picture but the road does not really accommodate parking). The thing is literally falling apart! I sure hope that a piece (or the whole) of it doesn't decide to come crashing down when someone is driving by; it would be catastrophic! And that isn't the only faulty one I've seen!

AMA, AAG, DDP and the rest of you who work in the billboard construction and mounting industry, I beg of you, our lives are too precious to be risked by ignorance and incompetency.

Is Born Starz on Viasat 1 Offering Humiliation & Disrespect as Entertainment?

In recent years a lot of reality shows have hit the TV screens in our homes. We have all watched episodes of Mentor, Stars of the Future, Next Movie Star, Talented Kids and all the beauty pageants that have been aired on various channels. Some of these television shows unearthed the talents of many of our stars such as Irene Logan, Efya, Lydia Forson, Martha Ankomah, Yvonne Nelson among several others. It is for this reason that I personally applaud those that help the youth to reach their full potential.

I have been a giant, devout, shameless fan of every singing competition. It’s refreshing to hear Ghanaians who can sing any song effortlessly. I also love watching the auditions because I get to laugh at those who want to at least get their 15-30 seconds of fame even when it is very obvious that they won’t go beyond their first audition. Yes, I do believe that’s an extension of Schadenfreude, a German word used to describe people's delight and entertainment at the failings and problems of others. However, what I can’t accept is when the people who are acting as judges humiliate these contestants so badly that even viewers at home cringe.

Two nights ago I happened to be watching a Born Starz on Viasat 1. This show is supposed to be aimed at unearthing and developing skills and talents from individuals and groups from all walks of life. I also heard that there are no age restrictions and talent barrier, the show gives the public an equal opportunity to exhibit their unique abilities.

So, imagine my shock when after one contestant tried to show his “unique” ability by performing what I’m sure he thought was a good rap, the youngest judge, David Oscar who is the host of "Laugh A Minute"; one of the worst comedy shows I’ve ever come across on that same television station, just looked at the guy and said “Get out!!!”. That wasn’t all; he made rude remarks to a lot of other contestants after that.

I don’t think that these wannabes leave their homes to be insulted and humiliated on national or even cable television. If they are awful, just tell them politely. I think that rejection is enough humiliation but outright disrespect/impoliteness is an absolute NO. For crying out loud, if these contestants were professionals, they wouldn't even come auditioning on the show!

What about you guys? What is your take on this issue? Do you think that the behaviour of some of these judges is justifiable? Do these contestants really deserve disrespect just because they could not make these judges laugh with their jokes or impress with their vocal ability? Share your views....

Knowing When To Say Goodbye

Source: DeviantArt

In the last few months I have come to realize the importance of saying goodbye to certain people in your life, even though your heart may be loaded with love for them. Throughout our span of life we meet people, share common interests, develop relationships, and grow. Sadly, you do not always find yourself growing with a person when you desperately want to. Instead, you realize that you grow more apart with each passing day. For many relationships there comes a point where it becomes better for you and the other persons involved to end the relationship .

For so long I had maintained relationships that simply did not feel good in my heart, soul and mind. Some of these relationships involved a combined mixture of conflict and discontent. Others were filled with pure discomfort, selfishness and inconsideration.  As I insisted on maintaining these relationships I noticed that I was no longer growing. These people were not adding to my life and were actually using up all my energy. Times I should have spent having a good time were dedicated to me moping in my room and feeling sorry for myself.  I stuck with a lot of relationships because my heart was still flooding with great love for the persons of interest. Just the thought of saying goodbye frightened me to the core of my very being. This fear of letting go, being alone and, living with constant pain left me in negative relationships.

However, there comes a time where one has to accept the painful truth and move on. I find that giving my heart to the Lord has made things much easier for me. I realize now that getting rid of all unhealthy relationships will create more space in my life to create new and positive relationships. 

I thank the Lord for giving me the strength to do that which I should have done a long long time ago.