Lady Lee, Author at 1Africa

Straight Outta Compton Tops The Charts

Culture
Film

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August 21, 2015

“Straight Outta Compton” went to the top of the charts last weekend with one of the biggest surprises of the summer box office.

The debut of the Universal biopic made an estimated $56.1 million at the U.S. box office — nearly doubling its production budget of $29 million.

The film, which tells the origins of the influential rap group N.W.A. against the backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles, exceeded expectations. It was originally projected to bring in closer to $25 million for its debut.

“Compton” stars a predominately African-American cast and much of the film’s opening success came from minority audiences.

Nearly half, 46%, of the film’s audience last weekend were African-American and only 23% were white, according to studio data.

The musical biopic also represents the sixth No. 1 opening for Universal this year and the best R-rated August opening ever.

The film was boosted by strong reviews from critics — it currently holds a 88% score on review site Rotten Tomatoes– and audiences who gave it a CinemaScore of A.

“‘Straight Outta Compton’ is for Universal yet another example of a perfectly realized distribution and marketing plan that brought an important story to the big screen,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Rentrak (RENT). “Not only did audiences clearly love the film, but critics were on board as well.”

The total is even more impressive considering that the film comes at the tail end of the summer season and stars relative unknown actors.

The film also gained a good amount of buzz due to the timing of its release, which comes after a year of heightened tensions between African-Americans and law enforcement.

This theme can be seen throughout the film as N.W.A. takes on the police in many of its landmark songs.

Coming in at a distant second was Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” with $17 million.

The spy thriller starring Tom Cruise has made nearly $140 million at the U.S. box office since it was released three weeks ago.

As the Summer movie season nears its end, the weekend’s overall box office was up roughly 2% from the same time last year.

Are You Discouraged?

Lady Lee

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August 21, 2015

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Everyone will have their share of discouragement at some point in their lifetime. However, our approach to managing our discouragement will distinguish us from others.

The dictionary defines discouragement as follows; “a feeling of despair in the face of obstacles; or a state of distraught and loss of sense of enthusiasm, drive or courage.”

Discouragement happens in all areas of life. An employee puts in his best to ensure his department achieves success, only to get a damaging response instead of a good appraisal from his superior. A woman’s marriage dreams end when her husband is unfaithful. She truly feels the pangs of discouragement. A couple suffers their second miscarriage while trying to create a family. These people all deal with discouragement differently, but some may become so discouraged, so distressed and as a result may attempt to take their own lives.

What are the signs exactly of someone who’s discouraged? Well these following are some signs of discouragement:

Sleeplessness — the mind and soul is full of worry.
Restlessness — Absent mindedness sets in and weariness results.
Complacency — Loss of interest in food even though you might not have eaten for hours.
Negative Thoughts – The ultimate of this are thoughts of suicide.

If you are feeling the sudden sharp pain of discouragement and feel helpless in the situation, we encourage you to seek help through counselling, talking a Pastor or someone close to you that you trust.

Reading your Bible: When you are discouraged, you may not feel like getting into the Word, but you must go against your feelings, if need be, and expose yourself to the Word.

Are you going some emotional roller coaster and have all these mixed emotions and feeling discouraged? And perhaps feeling like things wont get any better at all? Discouragement happens in all areas of life and to almost everyone. Don’t feel alone, click on the banner below.

Pharrell Williams Reveals New Song

Lady Lee

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August 20, 2015

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N.E.R.D. fans got a special treat over the weekend, when Pharrell Williams revealed an unreleased track called “Locked Away” on his OTHER tone radio show on Beats 1. It’s an uptempo, jazzy number, with an unhinged vocal performance from Skateboard P, who describes an intense relationship. The track was originally meant for the group’s 2002 debut In Search Of…

During Sunday’s show, Pharrell also hung out with Tyler, the Creator, and described his experience meeting Michael Jackson.

You can watch a clip below and stream the entire show on Apple Music.

Nelson Mandela’s Grandson Charged With Rape

Lady Lee

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August 20, 2015

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Nelson Mandela’s Grandson Charged With Rape

Mbuso Mandela, 24, charged with raping 15-year-old girl at a bar in Johannesburg, with police saying he will be treated like any other citizen.

Nelson Mandela’s grandson has appeared in court charged with raping a 15-year-old girl at a bar, in the latest scandal to hit the family of the anti-apartheid leader.

Mbuso Mandela, 24, was “calm and composed” during a brief appearance on Monday, South Africa’s newspaper reported. He remains in police custody and will return to the Johannesburg magistrates court on Friday for a bail hearing. On Tuesday police insisted he would not be treated differently from any other suspect.

Media reports suggest that the girl was followed to a toilet where she was allegedly raped in a cubicle on the night of 7 August. Mbuso was arrested last weekend after the alleged victim, who is receiving counselling, opened a case against him.

Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, a police spokeswoman, said the investigation was ongoing. “According to the complainant, it happened on 7 August 2015,” she continued. “It was reported to the police on the 14 August 2015.”

Selepe insisted that Mbuso Mandela would be treated like any other citizen despite his family name, adding: “All the rights of suspects are upheld during their investigation and lawful custody.”

Some may argue and say what was an underage girl doing at a bar. No matter where she was, rape happened and the one responsible should accept the consequences.

No woman asks to be raped, no matter where they are. Women can’t live in fear all the time or fear of going to places they want to go to “in case” they get raped.

As a society we have an issue at hand. We need to start teaching our boys NOT to rape and not only focus on the girls and always telling them what to wear, where they should go, what they need to do. Women have a freedom to live freely just like men do.

The second issue again is; club/bar owners should also take responsibility and not allow underage boys and girls to enter these places and offer them alcohol.

Seems like lust is a big issue in our society today. Lust has as its focus pleasing oneself, and it often leads to unwholesome actions to fulfill one’s desires with no regard to the consequences. Lust is about possession and greed. If lust has not yet gripped your heart and mind, ready yourself through a life lived above reproach to combat the temptations of lust.

If you currently struggle with lust, it is time to come clean before God and ask for His intervention in your life, so that holiness can be a mark of your life as well. Click on the banner below.

Oscar Pistorius Release Suspended

Lifestyle

Lady Lee

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August 19, 2015

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Oscar Pistorius was set to be released on parole from the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre after serving 10 months for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The athlete was sentenced to five years in prison for culpable homicide, but may be released under correctional supervision after serving a sixth of his sentence.

Pistorius shot and killed Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day two years ago.

He claimed he thought she was an intruder.

Pistorius will swap a cold-walled hail cell for his uncle Arnold’s plush mansion in the Waterkloof area.

While he will no longer be confined to a prison, he will be subject to strict conditions and monitored by a parole officer.

It’s understood Pistorius may only leave the mansion to go to church, and must be accompanied when doing so.

The parole board sat in June where it authorised Pistorius’s placement under correctional supervision.

Justice spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said the minister considered a petition to stop his release and he has referred the decision for review to the parole board.

This implied that the earlier decision to release him on parole “has been suspended”, said Mhaga.

Steenkamp’s parents issued a statement at the time saying, incarceration of 10 months for taking a life simply is not enough.

Man Dies After 40 Day Fast

Lady Lee

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August 19, 2015

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The “Jesus of Zimbabwe” as they called him. He has died after attempting Christ’s 40-day desert fast.

Khulu Reinfirst Manyuka, 73, reportedly went into the African bush in mid-June in an attempt to fulfill Christ’s 40-day fast or even break the Son of God’s record, according to multiple reports.

“He was a very spiritual man. It’s unfortunate he had to die this way,” one family member said.

Malnutrition deaths from fasting are not unheard of, particularly in African culture.

“Traditionally, religious fasting has a very flexible role in all religions, with considerable creativity involved in what and when one can and cannot eat,” King’s College’s Dr. Marat Shterin said of a 2006 fasting death”…. Sometimes people can go over the top, particularly in some sectarian groups and cults.

“While some African churches do not actually encourage strict dieting, the personal involvement of some of their members in religion can be very intense.”

Biblically, fasting is a principle of Christian living, but there are healthy ways to limit food intake.

Fasting is not intended to punish the flesh, but to redirect attention to God. This is not a way to get God to do what we want. Fasting changes us, not God. Fasting is not a way to appear more spiritual than others. Fasting is to be done in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude.

Here are the 10 insights for healthy fasting:

1. Prepare your mind
2. Stock up
3. Drink water
4. Go easy
6. Be wise
7. Determine the length
8. Know the symptoms
9. Pray
10. Break smart

By taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can more successfully turn our attention to Christ. How do you prepare for your fasting? Click on the banner below.

Teen Choice Awards Winners

Lady Lee

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August 18, 2015

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Like all award shows with “choice” in the name, the 2015 Teen Choice Awards were for the fans as selected by the fans. This year, the annual event took it to another level: The kids would be responsible for picking the categories, too. This lead to the Vine famous and Instagram aware cleaning house — the future’s rockstars who never had to pick up an instrument.

When the Teen Choice Awards begin, they do so with the cast of Straight Outta Compton. The music doc is a point of pride in Los Angeles — the flyers litter downtown. Inside, the sentiment is felt throughout. While most of the attendees are far too young to remember the iconic N.W.A album, the legacy resonates. They greet everyone, we cheer, they file off stage, and 5 seconds of Summer take their place.

Counting out the wins, there was one clear boss: One Direction. The British and Irish boyband ruled the night taking out eight awards, including Choice Music Group: Male, Choice Song: Group, and Choice International Artist. Taylor Swift and Fifth Harmony collected multiple wins and Ed Sheeran took home TCA glory. Wiz Khalifa also had a big night with his hit “See You Again” (feat. Charlie Puth) claiming a handful of categories. Empire won Choice TV: Breakout Show while “Vine star” Shawn Mendes took out Choice Web Star: Music.

The night concluded with a performance of the Flo Rida and Robin Thicke collabo, “I Don’t Like It I Love It.” The tune lives up to it’s title, and the very energy that exists through the Teen Choice Awards: Here, enthusiasm is king.

For the full list of winners, go to www.nick.com

Acts Of Kindness

Lady Lee

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August 18, 2015

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This waitress doodles on a receipt. When she opens Facebook 2 hours later, she almost faints.

Tim Young and Paul Hullings from New Jersey are hearty firefighters that live for their work. They once worked tirelessly for 12 hours to clear out a fire. After which, being completely exhausted, they went to a diner around 6 am to request the strongest cup of coffee the diner could muster.

Their waitress that day was Liz Woodward and she just happened to overhear the two firefighters discussing their tiresome battle. Eventually, when Tim and Paul went to pay, they were quite surprised. Instead of their bill, they were given this message.

As Tim and Paul read this message, their eyes fill up with tears. Emotionally, they thanked the kind waitress for her warm gesture. On Facebook, Tim recounts the event: “Such a selfless and kind act. I definitely urge my friends to make a trip out and support the business, and if Liz happens to be your waitress, tip big.”

But the story doesn’t end there! The firefighters learned that Liz’s father, Steve, is a quadriplegic and has been paralyzed for 5 years. Liz set up a donation page in winter to fund a wheelchair accessible vehicle to transport her father. Tim urged people on Facebook to donate to Liz’s crowd funding campaign: “Turns out, the young lady who gave us a free meal is really the one that could use the help…”

Then, the unbelievable happened: within a few days, she had gathered more than $70,000 – far more than the $17,000 needed for a wheelchair accessible van! Liz and her family couldn’t be more grateful to the two firemen: ”All I did was pay for their breakfast. I didn’t expect anything more than a smile,” says the waitress. “It goes to show that you just have to be kind to each other and that even the smallest gesture can change a life.”

This story is proof that kindness pays off. Seek out an opportunity to help every day. Hold open a door, offer assistance, help someone or take any random acts of kindness to them. Every small interaction with someone is an opportunity to have a positive impact on both of your lives. When you take those opportunities to perform acts of kindness, you’ll feel great. Share a story of your act of kindness, click on the banner.

Didier Drogba Opens Hospitals In Ivory Coast

Lady Lee

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August 17, 2015

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Didier Drogba Opens Hospitals In Ivory Coast

Didier Drogba opens first of five hospitals in Ivory Coast

Former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has launched the first of the five hospitals he earlier promised to offer to the country as part of his charity activities.

Situated in the Attecoube district of the country’s commercial city Abidjan, the $1 million health complex will mainly cater for less privileged women and children, according to officials.

Built on a plot of 800 square meters, the hospital has many facilities including an ultrasound room, a maternal and child protection unit, an x-ray block, an ultra modern laboratory, a pharmacy and hospitalization and isolation wards.

About 50,000 patients are expected to get treatment at the facility every year, according to Guy Roland Tanoh, secretary of Didier Drogba Foundation, which is handling the project.

The remaining four hospitals are under construction in the Ivorian cities of Yamoussoukro, San Pedro, Man and Korhogo and will be inaugurated in the coming months.

Drogba’s foundation will hold a gala event in London on April 18 to raise funds.

The Chelsea striker and the Elephants all-time top scorer remains an icon in his homeland despite retiring from the national team, which won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea in February.

Love Finds A Way

Lady Lee

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August 17, 2015

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But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any. Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated. – Matthew 12:43–44

It is very important that we fill our lives with godly activity and make decisions to work for God, making a positive difference in the world. Many people don’t realize that indifference is a decision. Right and wrong are not the only decisions we make. A decision to do nothing is still a decision, and it is one that makes us weaker and weaker. It gives the devil more and more opportunities to control us.

Empty space is still a place, and the Word of God teaches that if the devil comes and finds emptiness he quickly occupies the space. Inactivity indicates that we are in agreement with and approve of whatever is going on. After all, if we are doing nothing to change it, then we must think whatever is happening is fine.

We have taken various people on mission trips to minister to desperately needy people, but they don’t all respond the same way. Everyone feels compassion when they see the terrible conditions in which people live while in the remote villages in Africa, India, or other parts of the world. Many cry; most shake their heads and think these situations are terrible, but they don’t all decide to do something to change the conditions.

Trust in Him. Have you seen a need and decided to do nothing? Do you feel that you don’t want to settle for the status quo any longer? Why not trust God to show you what you can do to make a change. Click on the banner below.

Content by www.joycemeyer.com

Lady Lee

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