Pity my Hashtag...

Hi guys,

If you are a frequent reader of my blog, you would by now already know how much I hate the hypocrisy in Nigerians. We are a nation plagued by people who want to look good even when it doesn’t make sense.

I write this because of the recent social media ‘pity party’ upsurge. 

In the past two months, we have been constantly hammered by all kinds of media, especially audio, visual and the internet to donate money to help save lives. First it was Rhythm FM, Abuja’s OAP – Kachi; then it was #SaveFunmi and even more recently the #SaveDebbie movement.

I am not against trying to save a live, but what I would rather do is SAVE LIVES!! We heard about Kachi because of his ties with Rhythm, Funmi because she is an aspiring wig from the great Unilag, and thanks to the ‘twitter celebs’ like @GossipGirliee and @TwitterOracle who have decided to ride Debbie’s bandwagon. The question here is after all these Millions of Naira have been raised and utilized – WHAT NEXT??

Would those monies guarantee these people a better life? Would they live longer than the rest of us? Would they get a stable means of sustenance after their operations? Would they even survive the operations? When they are done with the operation, would we start a #FEEDTHEM movement again for them to survive?

I love life. I love people, and I have a very big heart, but what causes my heart to ache is the fact that we turn our backs on ourselves until it feels good to do good, or when we can do good under the bright lights. If all these artistes and celebs were earlier contacted to donate towards A CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, A STATE OF THE ART DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE OR A SUBSIDIZED DRUG STORE, would they be this eager to drop large amounts of money??

All we do is wait till our birthdays, album launches, or when we’ve got a camera crew following us around before we do good. We really don’t have to wait till ONE person is in critical need before we do good, when we can SAVE THOUSANDS by acting on time.

Let’s all join hands to change this trend, let us think about ALL the people who don’t know about twitter, who can’t get to radio and who don’t have as many friends in high places; those are the people who really NEED our help. I just dropped my 2 Cents; it might seem harsh but deep down you know I speak the truth.

BB Etiquette.. Part 1

Hi guys!

                There is no denying the fact that the Blackberry smartphone has taken over the phone/smartphone markets along with, well, most of our lives. The attachment most people have for their ‘BBs’ is quite ridiculous. A necessity it is for some and an indulgent habit for most.

                I have a couple of reservations about the way it has shaped our lives and the way most people (Nigerians especially) have created virtual lives out of a mere communication device. Below, I have permitted myself to vent..

• Broadcast messages:

                Why would you have a car and complain when a ‘rubber’ tire bursts? Why would you buy an air-conditioner and then complain that it makes you cold? It is for this very same reason that you buying a Blackberry phone also comes with the risk of a couple of people abusing some of its uses. The broadcast function is one that enables a fellow user send a message to ALL of his/her contacts; so if you happen to be on the contact list of what I like to call a ‘serial BCer’, then too bad.

                This is not enough reason to hate, curse or delete anyone who sends you a BC. How many of you smash your TV screens whenever that very annoying advert comes up? Or how many companies have been put out of business because you think their adverts are shitty? Do open EVERY broadcast message you receive, they might contain some really valuable information (with the exception of those who you have identified as the senders of GOOD MORNING, HAPPY SUNDAY, RAIN IS FALLING, GOD WILL PUNISH YOU IF YOU DON’T DANCE ALANTA IN CHURCH etc.).

• Putting up nude/topless/bum/boob photos as your display picture:

                DO NOT even get angry if you start to get random pings asking about your cup size or if the body parts belong to you. I say do not get angry not because they can’t be very annoying, but because you asked for it. If a lady in her right senses decides to put on a very low cut blouse, then any guy in his right senses can decide to stare at her boobs! It’s a simple case of action and reaction.

                If you keep putting naked pictures on display, do not vex if I ask how much for a night. I do not advocate the crossing of personal boundaries or the excuse of seductive dressing as a reason to rape; but I say like our elders in Nigeria – If you do not plan to eat the food, do not sniff it. If you can handle the onslaught of horny guys whenever you use such seductive pictures or personal messages, then more power to your elbows, but if you can’t, please stop it. You will look like a hooker saying she’s a night hustler when you start to insult a guy who propositions you with a top that barely contains your boobies as your dp.

This is all I am going to touch on right now, the follow up will be out real soon. Please do feel free to visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/glazegonewild to also add your takes on this particular issue and do not forget to like the page.

Cheers!

Confidence?

Howdy y’all?!

My parents and I happened to be watching the ‘X Factor USA’ last week ago; and my dad kept going on about how much confidence Astro (a contestant on the show) has for a 14 year old kid and I could not help but flip. Every time, Nigerians always compare their kids to their age-mates in the diaspora.

“Michael Jackson started singing at the age of 5!”

“Madonna’s daughter has started designing her own make-up line at 14!”…. Yada yada yada.

I had to tell him that it’s easy for them to say kids abroad have the confidence we so very openly lack in this part of the world due to a structural defect that many have tagged ‘culture’. In Yankee and Jand where they are said to lack cultural values that we so dearly hold to our hearts, they are progressing at speeds unimaginable to us even if we all slept and dreamt the very same dream.

Over there, elders, teachers, household staff etc. are addressed by their names, i.e. Mr Paul, Mrs Paula (formally) and their first names (informally). This is unlike Nigeria, where the mere thought of calling a neighbour you absolutely have no relations of any sort with ‘Mr or Mrs’. You will be castigated as a child who is full of pride and absolutely no respect for anyone.

It is so crazy that even in an official setting; I cannot in my capacity as the boss properly scold an erring driver, gateman or subordinate who is older than I am without becoming the devil that wears Prada. I do not understand how in a country/culture that any, and I mean ANY random person can send you on futile and useless errands just because they are older than you, a child is expected to have confidence.

The confidence that probably would fetch you the ass-whooping of your life, when that ‘aunty or uncle’ that bears that title only because he comes from the same geo-political zone as your mom or dad or he/she owns a shop on your street reports that sole act of insubordination to your parents. The confidence that has been sucked by parents and teachers who would do wrong and punish us for questioning such actions.

The very confidence that we have been brought up to lack, even when the requests of these so-called elderly people are discordant with logic. This same FEAR for elders which we have been raised with has caused woe, sadness, absolute sorrow and even death to the families of those little girls that have been raped because an‘UNKU’ sent them on an errand, the young boys that have been kidnapped because their teachers told them to wait behind after school, or the men/women caught with drugs or body parts because they had too much respect for the ‘elder’ that gave them the package, that they could not even ask what it was they were transporting.

The respect that has seen many dreams die with their owners because they didn’t in their prime, have the audacity to question or alter the ideas of a boss or superior who probably had nothing to offer.

National honours or Sallah meat?

Stakeholders in the Nigerian entertainment sector have reasons to celebrate as some of their own were proud recipients of prestigious national awards conferred on them by the President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Sunday, November 13, 2011.

Those conferred the award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), include veteran actor, Olu Jacobs, actor turned politician, Kanayo O Kanayo, one-half of the ‘Aki and Pawpaw’ duo, Osita Iheme, producer and director, Amaka Igwe, and Nollywood divas Stephanie Okereke and Genevieve Nnaji.

Meanwhile, respected pioneer African novelist and renowned author of bestselling epic novel ‘Things Fall Apart’, Professor Chinua Achebe, has again rejected the national award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) awarded to him by the federal government.

Chinua Achebe

The professor of Africana studies at Brown University, United States, rejected the award on the ground that the concerns he raised when he first rejected the award in 2004 remain unresolved and it was ‘inappropriate’ for the government to offer him the award again.

It will be recalled that 81 year old Professor Achebe had earlier turned down the same award by the Olusegun Obasanjo government in 2004, lamenting the corroding influence of a certain ‘clique of renegades, openly boasting its connections in high places’, who seem ‘determined to turn my homeland into a bankrupt and lawless fiefdom. I am appalled by the brazenness of this clique and the silence, if not connivance, of the Presidency’.

Now that is one man I respect!

Ways to spot A Good Man..

Firstly, I would like to send a big shout out to my M.I.A brother, the blackest of US all - Wande Coal! Today is his birthday and I hope he has the best. 

In other news, below is a list of ways by which the ladies among you can spot the 'good ones' in a group of guys. Considering our culture and ways of life, I do not totally agree with all of them.. but its still a cool guide I whipped up. Enjoy!

1. Are first and foremost, gentlemen. They are polite, respectful, considerate and attentive to a woman’s needs. They open the door, pull her chair, lend their coat, offer to escort her home, pay for the dinner and kiss her goodbye on the cheek not on the lips. Good guys never cross the line of being inappropriate.

2. He’s Patient–A real man won’t try to force you to be with him. He’ll try to impress you and convince you that he’s worth your time, but he won’t force you to do anything. If you find a real man you won’t have to worry about unwanted groping, date violation, or worse. He’ll take the time to get to know you and take things at a speed you’re comfortable with. A real man will wait for you to open your arms to him. Good guys are humble guys. They don’t need to beat themselves in the chest to show they are better, stronger, smarter, more successful or more handsome than other men. The ego is the enemy of good guys and they usually have it under control.

3. Write cards, send text messages, buy flowers and cook dinners for a woman as an act of thoughtfulness. Good guys don’t need an occasion to express their love. They just do it spontaneously. See their woman as the most beautiful, glorious, magnificent and unique woman in the entire Universe! Other beautiful women may catch a good guy’s eye but his heart and soul belong to her!

4. Are not intimidated by strong women. Good guys are not threatened by women who speak their minds, have different opinions, show passion or the causes they believe in or perhaps, earn more money than them. They see strong women as a gift to society because they are the ones who have the power to change things for the better.

5. Are supportive to woman’s personal and career goals.They understand the importance of individual growth outside the relationship realm. Good guys see their woman’s success as their own success. Therefore, they prefer to encourage her to move forward as opposed to oppress her desires for expansion.

6. Keep their word. If they promised to call, stop by, take you out or do anything else, they stick to their promise. If they are unable to fulfill their promise, good guys have a sensible explanation…not a lame excuse.

7. Are not jealous. Good guys don’t require for a woman to check with them every single hour, to give them detailed reports on who she’s speaking to on the phone, to document every one of her activities or to follow everywhere she goes. They are secure enough in themselves to need a constant reaffirmation of the status of their relationship.

8. He’s Flexible –A real man might not be able to touch his own toes; but he will be able to sleep on concrete, wear the same clothes for days, and survive for indefinite periods of time in beer and noodles. Any man who says he couldn’t survive under the same conditions is either lying to appeal to your fair nose or is hiding a sex change. If he’s being real with you, he’ll admit to his, um, flexibility when it comes to lifestyle options. How is this good for you? A real man’s flexibility means he’ll be able to take your ups and downs, curves and flats, and wild ideas in stride. If a real man loves you, he’ll flex to you. That’s huge.

9. Will find time and place for you no matter how busy and crazy their schedule may be. Good guys never use the excuse, “Sorry, but I was busy with work.” If they want to be with you, they will move mountains, sail oceans, cross continents, fly countries and do anything they can to be with their special woman.

10. Don’t use past relationship disappointments as excuses to why they don’t want to commit to a woman. What happened in the past, stays there. What’s important is the here and the now…and that is YOU!

11. Have achieved a balance in their lives on their own. Good guys have invested enough time in all aspects in their development – family, education, career, health, hobbies, interests and sports. They are happy with who they are and are satisfied with their lives.

12. Are in touch with their romantic side. They are not afraid to express their emotions, talk about their feelings, show their interest and do it in the most romantic ways possible. Good guys can make a woman’s heart melt from miles away just by opening their romantic side and letting the love flow. Make love to a woman’s soul at the same time as her body. Merging with her soul is their ultimate goal…not just a mere heavenly feeling.

XtraCool BBM..

Okay..,

I've been holding back on the urge to do this weird bit of 'calling out'. This one is for all the Naija girls who keep going on about how they can never date or respect a guy who calls them after 12 midnight. For Heaven's sake, if you happen to be awake at that time - why not?! If it happens to be a member of your family, or even a crush, or boy/girl-friend, would you not pick the call?
It IS a voice call, and its going to cost the dude (except he is a total creep who has a sim card that is permanently loaded with N100, no more, no less). I do not advocate the inconveniencing of other people just because 'you can't sleep' but in the same vein, I totally applaud the genius that invented the silent function on the mobile phone. Even chinko phones have it and if you are put off by a nuisance caller, use it and throw your phone under the pillow!

Anyway, I'm doing this finally because I have some maths to share with you guys..

Midnight caller:  N100 x 30 days = N3,000


Badt Guy/Babe BIS:  N2,800

If you do not pick the call, or you pick the call and talk for two minutes - it's all up to YOU! So shut it and stop complaining about a 30 minutes call when you stay up all night pinging..

This Moment..

“In this very moment, I’m King..”


So it says in Nicki Minaj’s single ‘Moment for life’.

At some point in our lives, we have to take charge of things that happen to us; Or at least be responsible for the effect that we allow such events to have on us. We are all capable of changing outcomes or at best channelling negative energies into positive endeavours.

In every moment, we are either masters of our time, or slaves to our actions...

Change starts with individuals. We are responsible for each other.

Quote of the week..

You must look into other people as well as at them.

Lord Chesterfield

Quote of the week..

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.

Winston Churchill

Ironies..

Howdy y'all?


Today is a sad one for all the fans of hip-hop world-wide who for one reason or the other loved the man known as Nate Dogg. He passed on earlier today and he must have trended on Twitter. I send out my sympathies to his family and all those who loved his quite unique voice, but deep down inside of all of us we know the answer to my next question...

How many of us remembered Nate Dogg until today?

Geez, even the new artistes have a hard time trying to stay relevant, not to talk of someone who has (tey-ed) been around for a while...

• We all hate and despise the Abachas and IBBs of this world, but we won't mind their wealth.
• We all think Lady Gaga is a satanic lunatic, but the 7th most powerful woman in the world ain't no joke.
• We all want a British passport, but feel immense pride when we hear the phrase, 'When she goes black, she ain't going back'.
• We say foreign movies are fake and full of special effects, but we could give up a lot just for a cameo appearance in one.

As for me, I would honestly say up until today, I only remembered Nate when the shuffle button on my media player was turned on.

Quote of the week..

The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others.

-Solomon Ibn Gabriol

Signs of a Cheating Husband and Infidelity in General...

Statistics say that 85% of women who feel their lover is cheating are correct and 50% of men who feel their lover is cheating are right. If you have suspicions, consider some of the following and be as impartial as possible.

Have you noticed a:

• Sudden increase in time away from home

• Decreased sexual interest with you

• Cheating spouse is often distracted and day dreaming

• Cheating husband or wife is often “unavailable” while at work

• Cheating spouse attends new functions outside of work or wants to go alone

• Cell phone calls from you are not returned in timely fashion

• Cheating spouse leaves house or goes to other rooms to talk on the telephone

• Cheating spouse uses computer alone and secretly

• Cheating spouse asks about your schedule more often than usual

• Mileage on car is high yet he / she reports only short distance errands

• Clothes smell of perfume or cologne

• Cheating spouse gets his / her laundry done independently

• Unexplained payments on bank statements

• Cheating spouse has more cash on hand without accountability

• Cell phone bills contain calls with long duration

• Cheating spouse now has a phone card but never used one before

• Cheating wife or husband has unexplained receipts in wallet or purse

• Cheating spouse has suspicious phone voice-mail messages

• Cheating spouse has suspicious cell phone numbers stored or dialed

• Internet web browser history list (this is a record of web sites visited) contains unusual sites

• Cheating spouse begins to use new or free e-mail account

• Cheating spouse is suddenly deleting e-mail messages

To kiss or not to kiss?

Howdy y'all!

Okay, as you all know, I've been writing exams and been either too busy or too tired to blog. Anyway, after yesterday's paper was done, I was just chilling outside my faculty with my peeps and a female classmate walked up to us. For some funny reason, she asked how the paper went only to part with, "Ol boy, I need to kiss o. This exam no gree me see my boyfriend".
It got a laugh out of all of us but it made me think about the whole kissing idea, is it over-rated? Everybody for some reason reacts to kissing, being kissed or seeing people kiss.

It could be Goosebumps for the persons kissing,
Envy for the person NOT kissing,
Satisfaction for the one who did the match-making,
Anger for the person who's partner is being kissed by another, 
Excitement for the person dared to kiss,
Shyness for the one kissing for the first time, and
Depression for the person who feels he/she will never kiss...


The thing is, it's hard to understand why the act of locking lips sends so much affection through us (you don't believe me? try kissing someone you've not met before, everyday for a week and see if you won't be seriously attached at the end of that exercise). I personally know a couple of people who are addicted to kissing (even though many of them are very bad kissers...lol). It's so annoying, you hear ladies especially getting angry at the boyfriend or husband who left without planting a wet one on their lips. Na by force? What if he wasn't in the mood? What if he forgot to clean his mouth that morning? What if he took something alcoholic and he didn't want you to know or you don't like alcohol? WHAT IF YOU DON'T KISS? Who's gonna die?
I like kissing too, but when I look at a beautiful lady... The lips are only a starting point..*wink..he he

Listening to 'Ndoli ndoli Prt 2' by H.Man

Exam Parolez..

Howdy y'all?

Sorry your boy hasn't been around for a while. I've been preparing for exams and it hasn't been exactly easy. Anyway, what's good? I've been getting a lot of feedback and really wonderful topics for review by us here at archieglaze.blogspot.com from you guys (my lovely readers). It's really wonderful to know that some of you guys actually take your time to read through the site, all previous posts and even use the search tab. I love you guys and I promise to return to the way we were right after my papers are done..xo

What’s love got to do with it?

Howdy y’all?


I’ve got exams coming up, so that explains why I’ve been away for a while. It’s not easy when you have so much to do in such limited time.

Anyway, today I’ll be talking about ‘EX’es. Isn’t it funny how much life screws us all? Just when you feel you’ve found the one, you run into an Ex that would have been the one if not for your mistakes or how immature you were in that particular relationship. You start wishing you were taller, slimmer, in school, out of school, in a particular town or country, had more freedom or more money back when you were still dating that person. All of a sudden, your number one now starts looking like the second choice option on your JAMB registration form.

What’s even worse is when you meet an Ex you were really fond of back then in company of your current partner. It’s so not fair on the new person because you’ll be putting them in a very awkward position where they have to smile and act nice to someone they could stick a knife into just because of the way you are acting like a dog who’s owner just got back from a trip. I happen to have a number of former girlfriends and we always parted ways without anyone being hurt (topic for another day); So whenever I’m done acting like an ass when I meet any one of them, I put myself in the shoes of the new significant other person and give myself a mental slap. What’s suicidal is when you find out they have changed addresses and now stay on your street, or they go to the same church as you or they’ve been employed at your place of work and you are their immediate boss – Now, you’ve officially been CHOPPED and SCREWED!

Listening to ‘Daytime friends and night time lovers’ by Kenny Rogers..

Pop Something or Show you've got money & Swagger?

Howdy y'all?

I'm kinda confused right now, just a little bit though. I just saw the newly released videos of two artists on the Mo' Hits label... and they confirmed my fears. Those guys are losing their touch FAST! For Heaven's sake! Do they feel it's now a compulsory thing for them to do? Na by force? If you are not ready for it, don't do it!
I don't want to be the one to keep smacking these dudes up, but they 'used' to do better. I think their video production has definitely taken a nose-dive starting with that appalling video by D' Prince; If I were told the entire video was shot with a camera phone, I wouldn't doubt it.

D Prince's 'Omo Oba' video

A big chair and tummy belly dancers do NOT make you an Omo Oba..

One sentence - A waste of time.

Dr Sid's 'Pop Something' video

Dudes, even Justin Bieber wouldn't start counting the amount of drinks he's bought or had in his video.. What was all that about? You guys are supposed to be extra fly, but for me the video was bull..(I like the song though a lot).







I think they should go take a cue from these dudes. They do what I like to call Turning the swag on and keeping it that way.

Cartiair's 'Owo ati Swagga' video

From the lighting to the girls, suits, lyrics and popping...
Cartiair killed this joint with a swell video.

Banky W's 'Lagos Party' video

When you talk about having a party, stepping up your game and representing LasGidi; I'ld have to doff my hat to Banky W. He knew he had to bring it on and he did. Lots of popping and obvious fun. And like I heard him say, "The video is as expensive as it looks"... Trust me bruv, you don't want to go bragging on me.. :-)

Howdy y'all!

Today was fresh. For the very first time I drove a car with just my Dad and I in it. I know that may sound a lil weird but if you know my Dad, you'll know he doesn't want to die soon and seeing me behind the wheels of any car is like him looking at a Reaper...lol. He just had this thing in his head that if that doesn't happen, I might give him a heart attack.

My mum is the total opposite. She happily gives out the heart and head-aches. She'll complain about how you don't use your brake just as she's insulting you on how you keep going too slow. I don't mind her company in the car though, as long as I am not the one driving. Was at my place of work today and finally things are beginning to look up. Change is constant and there's a pretty good wind of change blowing through that place. We are stepping the game up and am I glad about it?..Yes, I am.

I personally feel it's long overdue but happy to be getting the results I've wanted. Wish y'all the best of luck too. Y'all gonna be hearing about Archie Glaze doing lots of bigger things sooner than you imagine.

Do we really have to?

Howdy y’all!


You would have to forgive me for doing a little off the workload of the NLC president. It’s just that we need to check ourselves first. Every single one is responsible for what happens to us all.

Whenever we have reasons to celebrate worldwide, gift-giving and gift-receiving are almost a major characteristic. In Africa, believe it or not, it’s worse and in Nigeria... it’s the worst. Firstly, in Nigeria everything is a reason to celebrate; Getting married, getting pregnant, giving birth, 1st, 10th,13th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th, 100th birthdays, death and yearly remembrance parties. That’s different from getting admission into any institution(mental, marital, academic or professional..), matriculation, graduation, Thank God It’s Friday, after-exams, new house or car and too many other things I can’t remember now.

What are we using all these for? When we’ve got jobs to create and too many people starving in the world. Take a look around and you will see only too many places to put that money to better use...

Can we have a moment of Silence?...

Howdy Y'all!

If you are reading this today, then you probably are doing it because you need something or someone(me) to take your mind off the fan ruckus, football tv presenters and VuvuZella blaring South Africans.

It is indeed a great day for everyone in the world. A dream come true for many(mostly South Africans who won't go to school or will have to work half day for a month because of the World Cup). The fight for freedom, equality and a chance to show that we can prove ourselves has finally paid off.

I'm particularly loving Shakira's performance from last night.It was a lot of fun to watch, really colourful and entertaining. As with all celebrations though, i always pity those who have to clean up the venue... that's so not my favourite job.

In the midst of all the excitement and making merry by all of us, the family of a South African pillar has been thrown into grief and mourning. The death of Nelson Mandela's great granddaughter Zenani Mandela in a car accident has indeed saddened many of us who do not believe in doing many wrong things in the name of football.

Johannesburg Metro police spokeswoman Edna Mamonyane said the driver of the car, a man, had been arrested and charged with drunk-driving. She said the driver, whom the police refused to name, could also face culpable homicide charges. “The Metro police found that he was drunk,” Mamonyane said. “He lost control of the vehicle and it collided with a barricade.”

Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo, who earlier said the driver would appear in court for a preliminary hearing Friday, said that it had been postponed for more investigations, and that the driver was not being held. Mariemuthoo said that was not unusual...

May her gentle 13 year old soul rest in peace.

Some dispute the power of God,
Some challenge the power of nature,
Some question the powers of world leaders,
But all agree on the power of a woman…

                            - 'Femisire Ajayi