Actress Penelope Cruz named Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire mag

Actress and mother of two Penelope Cruz has been named the Sexiest Woman Alive according to Esquire magazine's annual list of desirable female beauties. (More like sexiest woman in Hollywood)

The Spanish actress, 40, inherits the title from Scarlett Johansson who was the Sexiest Woman last year. Cruz is currently married to Spanish actor Javier Bardem. She's a bombshell!

Davido nominated for Soul Train Awards, only African on the list!

Davido has been nominated in the ‘Best International Performance’ category for his ground-breaking song ‘Aye’at the Soul Train Awards set to hold on November 7 in Las Vegas. He is the only African on the list. You go, Davido! So proud of him!

With no less than 5 major awards in 2014 including the BET Awards for Best International act and the MTV Africa Awards Artiste of the Year, Davido appears at this point the African favourite to clinch the awards. 

Best International Performance Nominations

Davido - Aye

Machel Montano - Ministry Of Road (M.O.R.)

Nico & Vinz - Am I Wrong

Sam Smith - Stay With Me

Shaggy feat. Ne-Yo – You Girl

Ziggy Marley - I Don’t’ Want To Live On Mars

Davido is also an MTV E.M.A and M.O.B.O award nominee. 

Reasons why He isn't pinging you

The assumption when writing this article is that the guy that you’re texting is not a complete asshole, and isn’t replying for any number of asshole-related reasons (e.g he’s with his girlfriend and doesn’t want to get caught, he’s too lazy and just isn’t bothered). This list of reasons applies to genuinely nice guy who for one reason or another just doesn’t want to text you back. And in these cases, it’s much better for you to move on, rather than becoming desperate and sending text after text with no reply, like some sort of creepy stalker.

You’re Coming On Too Strong

Most guys are pretty easy-going when it comes to dating, or at least want it to make it seem that way. And they are attracted to girls who have a similar attitude, or even a slightly dis-interested one. Guys are always more attracted to girls when they feel like they have to chase her a little. Now I’m not saying playing hard-to-get is always the right way to go, but doing the total opposite and appearing way too keen is never the right thing to do. It will scare him off, and he’ll most likely get the impression that you’re desperate.

He Doesn’t Want To Give A False Impression

Although it’s a little childish, some guys won’t be texting back because they don’t want to give you the wrong impression that they want things to go any further. They might write back now and again to be polite, but if they aren’t replying as frequently as they should be then it might be time to move on. If you think this is what’s happening, it’s probably best to just ask the guy outright, rather than keep texting and building up false hope for yourself. Just don’t be weird about it.

Too Many Questions

Much like coming on too strong, asking too many questions can also scare a guy off. Guys are pretty simple creatures and can usually only deal with one thing at a time. So if loads of questions are coming in at once, especially if you’ve only recently met, chances are he’ll eventually just give up trying to answer them all and end up just not answering any. Better to ease yourself into it, and to find out more about him in person, rather than playing 20 questions with him through texts.

You’re Boring Him

Being good-looking can only get you so far, and most guys, again talking about the decent ones, will want a little bit more out of a person than just the fact that they dress well and have nice hair. You don’t have to have the exact same interests as him, just that you have some interests, and are interesting to talk to. Chances are that if he likes you, he’ll start to take an interest in these things too.

He’s Trying To Play It Cool

From the girl’s point of view, this looks pretty similar to when he doesn’t want to give you a false impression, so again the best way to get rid of any confusion is to just ask him. The only reason he’s doing this is to not come on too strong to you, which means that he likes you. So if you do ask him what the situation is, he’ll be honest and say that he is interested in you.

It’s Too Late At Night

Guys love sex, but they don’t like enough it to fell like they’re being used. And if you’re texting him at 3am, chances are its for a booty call, and chances are he’s not going to be up for it. And sorry for sounding like a girl when I talked about being used, but I couldn’t think of any other way to say it.

You’re Being Too Needy

If you’ve only recently met the guy, but you’ve already started getting emotional in your texts with him, he’s not going to respect you, and he’s going to be turned off very quickly. Guys like to be needed and to look after girls, but not if they’ve only known them for a couple of weeks.

A Genuine Reason

Sometimes there actually is a genuine reason, like he doesn’t have any texts or data left to reply to you, or he’s at a football match or he’s with his friends. But the key thing to remember about this situation, even though you don’t know if it is a genuine reason, is to still be patient. He will reply to you eventually when he does get a chance, and will apologise for the delay (if’s a decent guy), so any extra texts you send can only harm your situation.

He Doesn’t Like You

This is the biggest fear when he’s not texting you back, especially if you really like him. But unfortunately this is the case sometimes, and it’s just important to remember to not get desperate, because you’re never going to change his mind like that, and to just try and move on.

How to control ur Anger!!!

Everybody gets angry, but out-of-control rage isn't good for you or those around you. When you can't control your anger, you may get into fist-fights or drive recklessly, for example, endangering yourself and others.

But anger also plays havoc with your own body. Research shows that anger can increase people's — especially men's — chances of developing coronary heart disease and having worse outcomes if they already have heart disease.¹ Anger can also lead to stress-related problems, such as insomnia, digestive problems, and headaches.

You can learn to control your anger, however. In one study for example, cognitive-behavioral therapy improved people's control of their anger and reduced their hostility, aggression, and depression.² Here are some strategies you can use to simmer down. If you are in a relationship with a hot-tempered partner, you could both benefit from these techniques.

Relaxation

Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery, can help soothe angry feelings.

Try these simple steps:

• Breathe deeply, from your diaphragm. Breathing from your chest won't relax you, so picture your breath coming up from your "gut."
• Slowly repeat a calming word or phrase, such as "relax" or "take it easy." Keep repeating it to yourself while breathing deeply.
• Use imagery. Visualize a relaxing experience from your memory or your imagination.
• Try non-strenuous, slow exercises. Yoga and similar activities can relax your muscles and calm you down.

Practice these techniques daily. Eventually, you'll be able to use them automatically when you're in a tense situation.

Cognitive Restructuring

Simply put, cognitive restructuring means changing the way you think. When you're angry, your thinking can get overly dramatic. When something goes wrong, you might tell yourself, "Everything's ruined!" With cognitive restructuring, you replace those kinds of thoughts with more reasonable ones. You might tell yourself instead, "This is frustrating, but it's not the end of the world."

Try these strategies:

• Avoid words like "never" or "always" when talking about yourself or others. Statements like "This never works" or "You're always forgetting things" make you feel your anger is justified and there's no way to solve the problem. Such statements also alienate and humiliate people who might otherwise be willing to work with you on a solution.
• Focus on goals. Say you have a friend who's constantly late when you get together. Don't go on the attack. Instead, think about what you want to accomplish. State the problem and then try to find a solution that works for both of you. If that doesn't work, take matters into your own hands. You might tell your friend to meet you half an hour earlier than you plan to arrive, so that he or she will get there when you do. Either way, the problem is solved — without damaging the friendship.
• Use logic. Even when it's justified, anger can quickly become irrational. Remind yourself that the world is not out to get you and that you're just experiencing one of life's inevitable rough spots. Do this each time you start feeling angry, and you'll get a more balanced perspective.
• Translate expectations into desires. Angry people tend to demand things, whether it's fairness, appreciation, agreement, or just the willingness to do things their way. We are all hurt, disappointed, and frustrated when we don't get what we want, but don't let disappointment turn into anger. Some people use anger as a way to avoid feeling hurt, but that doesn't make the hurt go away. Instead, become aware of your demanding nature and change your demands into requests. Saying you would like something is healthier than saying you must have it.

Problem-Solving

Sometimes anger and frustration are the result of very real and inescapable problems in our lives. Anger can be a healthy, natural response to these difficulties. Some people have a cultural belief that every problem has a solution. That belief adds to their frustration when they find out that this isn't always true. If you can't find a solution, focus on how to handle and face the problem.

Make a plan and check your progress along the way, using a guide to organizing or time management if needed. Give it your best, but don't punish yourself if you don't find an answer right away.

Better Communication

Angry people tend to jump to conclusions, however far-fetched. If you are in a heated discussion, slow down. Listen carefully to what the other person is saying. And take your time before answering. Instead of saying the first thing that comes into your head, think carefully about what you want to say.

Think about what's behind your anger. Say you value your freedom, but your significant other wants more closeness. If he or she starts complaining, don't retaliate by painting you partner as a jailer.

It's natural to get defensive when you're criticized, but don't fight back. Instead, listen to what's beneath the words. Perhaps the real message is that your partner feels neglected and unloved. It may take patient questioning, but don't let anger spin things out of control.

Humor

Humor can help defuse rage in several ways.

For one thing, it can help you get a more balanced perspective. When you find yourself thinking of a coworker as a single-cell life form, think what that would look like, picturing an amoeba sitting at a desk and talking on the phone. Or draw a picture. Doing so will take the edge off your fury or help defuse a tense situation.

Humor can also help when you find yourself being unreasonable. If you find yourself thinking that things not going your way is an unbearable indignity you shouldn't have to tolerate, picture yourself as a god or goddess who always gets your way while others defer to you. The more detail you add, the more you'll realize how unreasonable you are and how unimportant the things you're angry about really are.

There are two cautions in using humor. First, don't try to just "laugh off" your problems. Rather, use humor to help yourself face them more constructively. Second, don't use harsh, sarcastic humor. Such humor is just another form of aggression.

What these techniques have in common is a refusal to take yourself too seriously.

Environmental Change

Sometimes it's your immediate circumstances that prompt angry feelings. Problems and responsibilities can weigh on you and make you angry at the trap you seem to have fallen into — and all the people and things that form that trap.

Take road rage, for example. If driving makes you furious, research suggests, you're putting yourself and others at risk.³ Angry drivers are more aggressive, take more chances, and report more accidents and near-misses than their more relaxed counterparts. If your commute leaves you frustrated or enraged, perhaps you could find a less congested or more scenic route. Or investigate alternative options, such as taking a bus or train. Finding alternatives can ease your anger, making the road safer for everyone.

Try these other tips for easing up:

• Give yourself a break. Make sure to schedule some personal time during especially stressful parts of the day. You might have a rule that the first 15 minutes after coming home from work will be quiet time, for example. With this brief respite, you'll feel better prepared to handle demands from your kids without blowing up.
• Consider the timing. If you and your spouse tend to fight at night, perhaps it's because you're tired, distracted, or just accustomed to fighting then. Try changing the times when you talk about important matters so these talks don't turn into arguments.
• Avoid what you can. If you get furious when you walk by your child's messy room, shut the door. Don't make yourself look at what infuriates you. And don't tell yourself your child should clean up so you won't have to be angry. That's not the point: The point is to keep yourself calm.

How a Psychologist Can Help

If you continue to feel overwhelmed, consult with a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional who can help you learn how to control your anger. He or she can help you identify problem areas and then develop an action plan for changing them.

Practicing psychologists use a variety of evidence-based treatments — most commonly therapy — to help people improve their lives. Psychologists, who have doctoral degrees, receive one of the highest levels of education of any health care professionals. On average, they spend seven years in education and training following their undergraduate degrees

Culled from apa.org

Oscar Pistorius’ sentencing to begin

South African athlete Oscar Pistorius returns to court for sentencing after being convicted of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Ms Steenkamp last month but he was cleared of murder.

Judge Thokozile Masipa is expected to hear legal arguments and testimony for several days before passing sentence.

Pistorius faces up to 15 years in jail, although Judge Masipa could suspend the sentence or only impose a fine.

She said the athlete had acted “negligently” when he shot his girlfriend through a toilet door , but in the “belief that there was an intruder”.

The Paralympic sprinter had strenuously denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine’s Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake.

Ms Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, was hit three times by bullets shot through a toilet door by Mr Pistorius at his home in the capital, Pretoria.

The judge said the state had failed to prove he intended to kill.

Catholic Priest Wakes Up From Coma After 17 Months, Converts To Islam

The 87-year old priest from Spain has lived and preached on the island for more then 43 years and is fluent in Javanese and various dialects of the different ethnic groups of the island and is a well known and respected figure amongst all religious groups of the area.

The man who has suffered a cardiac arrest while helping local volunteers to fix the roof of his own church and fell an incredible two stories high has managed to survive and come out of his coma, in brittle shape, yet a changed man.

Priest Eduardo Vincenzo Maria Gomez weeks before his tragic accident

“I know nothing of Islam. Never once have I read the Quran but God spoke to me and asked me to follow him to the heavens and the Holy light shone through my entire being and behold the golden gates of heaven appeared before me and God told me his name and it was Allah” told the newly convert to a journalist of the Kalimantan Press.

The man who miraculously suffers no spinal injury should be able to walk soon, admits the physician who took care of him at South Jakarta’s Metropolitan Medical Centre. “This must be the strongest 80-year old I have ever seen. His bones should be smashed to pieces” ponders Jim Won May, who has practiced medecine for over twenty years. 

His conversion to Islam took most of his church followers by surprise, but interestingly enough, already half of his christian followers have showed interest in converting to Islam. “If Allah is the true God, I don’t want to be misled in the wrong direction on judgement day. I trust Father Eduardo. We all believe in him” explains one of his followers.

The priest who is still under medical attention has already ordered the construction of a new mosque and his followers are already hard at work to find the funds necessary for the task. “We owe it to Father Eduardo for all he has done for us” comments one of the devotees of the old catholic church, that is now for sale.

Amazing 10 Tips For Managing Your Mother-In-Law

Do you have a mother-in-law who won’t butt out of your marriage? Or perhaps she’s disapproving or condescending? Got a father-in-law who’s a know-it-all? If you plan on sticking with your spouse, then you’re also stuck with your in-laws, so finding ways to get along with them is crucial. Here’s Dr. Phil’s advice for keeping the peace with your extended family:



 1. There can be no divided loyalties. When you get married and start your own family, that’s where your primary loyalty needs to be. Even in the heat of a fight, you need to stand by your spouse — not by your parents.

 2. Don’t share your marital problems with your parents. One of the biggest mistakes that couples can make is sharing their relationship issues with their respective families. You fix problems in a marriage within a marriage — not by turning away from your partner and toward your parents. You can love your parents and have a rich, active relationship with them without involving them in your marriage. And remember: If you vent to your parents every time you’re angry or hurt, they’ll build a case against your partner. You and your spouse may make up, but your folks will still remember the hurt your spouse has caused you and may hold a grudge.

 3. Negotiate with your partner the role that you want your in-laws to have. Don’t assume you’re on the same page until you talk about it.

 4. Create appropriate boundaries. Good fences make good neighbors. Your in-laws need to be your neighbors (figuratively speaking!), and you need to put up fences. Set boundaries about when they are or are not invited into your lives, so they can come in and out of your life appropriately. You’ve got a finite amount of physical and emotional energy. If your in-laws are draining you, you may need to change the boundaries. Reassure them that you are not closing them out.

 5 Talk about it. If your in-laws are butting into your life and invading your privacy, perhaps it’s because you and your spouse haven’t set limits or articulated them clearly. That’s your job. Once you’ve set boundaries, talk to your parents about them. They’re not as fragile as you may think.

6. Deal with “the other woman” dynamic. The other woman in every man’s life is his mother. If your husband says: “Well, my mother does it this way …” maybe you need to tell him to head to her house and sleep there! You need to come first now, not her.

 7. Know your role. If a husband has a problem with his mother-in-law, it’s his wife’s job to step in. Likewise, if a wife doesn’t see eye-to-eye with her in-laws, it’s her husband who needs to help resolve it. The person with the primary relationship (the son or daughter, not the in-law) needs to be the messenger or peacemaker.

8. Try not to criticize your spouse. There may be parent/child dynamics that your spouse can’t see; try not to be overly critical. It may only lead to more clinginess or complications.

9. Don’t be a right fighter. Do you always need to be right during an argument? Even if your in-laws are clearly in the wrong from your perspective, the way you react to a situation could inflame it and overshadow your position. It’s not about being right; it’s about being happy. Take the moral high ground and learn to compromise during a disagreement.

10. Don’t involve the children. Children should never be used as pawns. Protect them from being manipulated or emotionally damaged by being in the middle of a war zone. Grandparents need to understand that even though their role is vital in a child’s life, their involvement is a privilege, not a right. They must earn that privilege by putting the children’s interests above their own. Parents should make every effort to keep the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild healthy and loving.

Culled from naija frenzy