Ghana's Illustrious Son, Mr. Komla Dumor of BBC's Focus on Africa, is Dead.

Mr Komla Dumor, of the BBC World Service also known as the presenter of BBC Africa, has passed away. 

The Ghana born Broadcaster reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in London this morning 18th January 2014 which was followed by his untimely death.

Komla Dumor whose grandfather, Mr. Philip Gbeho, composed the Ghanaian National Anthem, was born on 3rd October 1972 in Accra the capital city of Ghana. "The Boss Player," as he was called by many, had his death announced on Facebook by one of his colleagues from BBC, Umaru Fofana, where he said:

"BBC World loses and Icon... Ghana born presenter Komla Dumor dies. "

He again added:

"What is it about life that we hate and envy others, do evil to our fellow man and wish others knelt down before us, when we will die in the next moment. What? Why?"

Since June 2012, Dumor has been the main presenter of the BBC World News program Focus on Africa. 

He joined the BBC African Service in 2006 as host of the radio show, Network Africa. From 2008 to 2012 he presented The World Today on the BBC World Service and began presenting the BBC World News and Africa Business Report in 2011. When the latter was relaunched in 2013; fellow BBC correspondent, Lerato Mbele was chosen as host.

Ealier in his past, Komla has worked for JOY FM in Accra, Ghana, and won the prestigious national award for Journalist of the Year in 2003. He was and will remain known till date as the only West African news reader on BBC World News.

Dumor graduated from the University of Ghana, Legon with BSc Honors in Sociology and Psychology. He also graduated from the Harvard University with an MA in Public Administration. 

He was a married man with three children.

This News has not yet been confirmed by his family and we await a formal statement from them soon. 

Upcoming updates will be past as they come.

Introducing the "One Good g+ Deserves Another" Campaign powered by The Dexter's Lab Project

As part of their plans for 2014, The DX Lab Foundation wants to make a difference by running the "One Good g+ Deserves Another" craze is on.

With support from Zoharous on etsy, their campaign aims at raising awareness towards the need for the introduction of mobile science labs into schools in third world countries. This act is meant to serve as an appeal to the senses and imaginations of kids in these countries. They will find it easier to grasp the "seemingly" complex and abstract concepts of science.

In the end, we'll help influence their choices for higher education and then we can raise a greater number of amazing scientists, awesome doctors, great engineers, and cool teachers... of course, towards the development of the nation.

Sounds laudable... What do you think???

Would you join the Craze!?!

g+ this post and let's help spread the word.

Don't forget to check out the campaign on indiegogo. 

20 Best Songs of 2013!!

So...Billboard's music critics picked out the 20 best songs of 2013...in their opinion. 
I am not a music critic and I don't know the criteria they used to rank the songs but i was quite surprised to see Miley's "We can't stop" at No. 1 spot. However, here's the list.

1. We Can't Stop - Miley Cyrus

2. Follow Your Arrow - Kacey Musgraves

3. Royals - Lorde

4. Same Love - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert

5. Get Lucky - Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

6. Black Skinhead - Kanye West

7. Hold On, We're Going Home - Drake

8. White Noise - Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge

9. Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. T.I. & Pharrell

10. Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

11. Body Party - Ciara

12. Diane Young - Vampire Weekend

13. Wrecking Ball - Miley Cyrus

14. Wake Me Up! - Avicii

15. Just Give Me A Reason - P!nk & Nate Ruess

16. Numbers On The Boards - Pusha T

17. That's My Kind Of Night - Luke Bryan

18. Versace (Remix) - MIGOS ft. Drake

19. Still Into You - Paramore

20. Treasure - Bruno Mars

So...there you go. What's your opinion?

When Technology and Design Come Together | The Making of a Logo

Technology and design are two completely different fields but I have recently begun to realize the importance of great design, albeit for a technological organization like DX Lab Foundation. It was hard for a technology enthusiast like me to sink my teeth into the fact that a good logo design and identity is essential for our plan to thrive, but now that I have realized its importance, I cannot help but take action.

The Dexter’s Lab Project, having evolved from being just a helping hand to a now full-fledged non-profit organization called the DX Lab Foundation, branding (which includes the design of a perfect logo) became of utmost priority in order to have more people positively associate themselves with DX Lab. Logo design is important because it helps to create a good first impression and also gives individuals an idea about the company’s purpose. In this fast paced world it is important to create impressive identities so that your company can stand out amongst all the clutter. Getting a well-executed logo design also categorizes your company as professional and trustworthy.

Now that we have established the need for logo designs, let’s discuss cost friendly and user friendly ways to obtain good ones. It is hard for small companies, especially nonprofit missions like ours to spend a lot of time and money to create a good identity. There are various websites which allow you to post your requirements and have various graphic designers work on them. They are expensive though. However, the logo design site which struck a chord with us is called Designmantic. 

This wonderful website works as logo maker and lets you play with designs to create a logo according to your needs. All you need to do is mention the name of your company and the website presents you with hundreds of options to choose from. You can personalize these logos and use them to create a strong identity for your company or yourself.

For us it has been an ideal resource because we wanted something within our pocket range. In fact, they are fond of community building by way of giving out free logos to nonprofits. And we love them even more because of that fact. We strongly suggest you check out the website as it can act as a very valuable resource for nonprofits like ours!

Can’t wait to show you’ll the official logo designed for DX Lab Foundation. It’s so sweet! Thanks Designmantic. We love you.

Visit their site at www.designmantic.com

Nelson Mandela Dies at age 95.

South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, South Africa's president says.

Mr Mandela, 95, led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison.

He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.

In a statement on South African national TV, Mr Zuma said Mr Mandela had "departed" and was at peace.


Nelson Mandela
1918 Born in the Eastern Cape

1943 Joined African National Congress

1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped after a four-year trial

1962 Arrested, convicted of incitement and leaving country without a passport, sentenced to five years in prison

1964 Charged with sabotage, sentenced to life

1990 Freed from prison

1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize

1994 Elected first black president

1999 Steps down as leader

2001 Diagnosed with prostate cancer

2004 Retires from public life

2005 Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness

"Our nation has lost its greatest son," Mr Zuma said.

He said Mr Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world's most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.

He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004.

"What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves," Mr Zuma said.
Remembering the man
"Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell."

UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Mr Mandela, saying "a great light has gone out in the world".

REST IN PERFECT PEACE!

courtesy: bbc.co.uk ; Andrew Harding-BBC african correspondent.

Ghana's Victoria Hammah sacked over $1m claim

Ghana's Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah has been sacked in Ghana after she was apparently recorded saying she would stay in politics until she has made $1m (£600,000).

"If you have money then you can control people," she said on the tape which has been widely circulated in Ghana.

Ms Hammah has not yet commented on the tape or her sacking.

The BBC's Sammy Darko in Accra says she played a key role in President John Mahama's election last year.



Story by:
BBC News

The Inaugural Youtube Music Awards has gone Live!

As at the time of posting, we have over 214,000 people watching the Live feed of this inaugural awards.

The Grammys have the unrivaled prestige. The MTV Video Music Awards go for unpredictable, deliciously viral irreverence. And the BET, Billboard Music and American Music awards are better known for A-list performers than who wins which trophies.

So what will the inaugural YouTube Music Awards look like on (potentially) millions of computer screens Sunday?

Well, no one actually knows -- yet.

There are awards, with honors handed out in six categories including video and artist of the year, YouTube phenomenon, and innovation of the year. Nominees span a who's who of the Top 40 including One Direction, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Selena Gomez. There are A-list acts -- Eminem, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire and Avicii lead the bill – and actor Jason Schwartzman will host with  comic-musician Reggie Watts.

Enjoy!

Youtube Music Video Awards

Heidi Klum As A Grandma | Discover How Far You can go For Halloween

The 40-year-old German stunner completely transformed herself for the big event, with ultra-realistic age spots on her body and raised varicose veins running up her famously long legs. Gone were her trademark blonde tresses; in their place was a stringy, white wig.

It's amazing the things people do for Halloween. First and foremost, I'm sure nobody could stop staring at Heidi Klum 's Halloween costume.

Klum's face was unrecognizable, too. Her normally taut skin appeared to sag, and there were wrinkles all over her forehead, chin, and neck. She wore a pearl necklace, printed top, and a houndstooth suit, and she had a black cane to help her walk. 

Elaborate, jaw-dropping costumes are the supermodel's trademark. In the past, she has transformed herself into Cleopatra (2012), an ape (2011), an alien robot (2010), a black crow (2009), and a Hindu goddess (2008). Speaking about her penchant for killer Halloween getups in an interview with Parade earlier this month, the stunning supermodel said she puts a lot of thought into every costume.

The old lady make-up! The perfectly white hair! The fake varicose veins! It's absolutely incredible. The supermodel was willing to look like the opposite of her typical self. 

According to the America's Got Talent judge's style of dress, this old lady lives on the Upper East Side, Regularly expect the ballet and vacations in the south of France. Look at that Chanel-inspired tweed skirt and perfect paisley tank, they're in the season's hottest colors! And to top it all off, she Has the strings of pearls, just like a refined retired Would woman.

If this is any indication of what we can expect from Heidi Klum in 40 years, we look forward to covering it.

For the Sneak Peek Photos of Heidi's Transformation, click HERE to discover the undiscovered. I think it was amazing!

Heidi says, "I start thinking of ideas months before Halloween, and I have an amazing team who makes the impossible possible," she told the mag. "I don't really have a system for picking my costume each year, they just kind of come to me. It's definitely not a last-minute decision. It takes months of preparation."

Courtesy: 

E! Online

US Weekly

US Magazine

Russian Fashion Week | Unprecendented Chance for Fashionistas to buy online

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Leaders of the fashion industry have flocked to the Russian capital this week, with over 70 designers from Russia, Britain, Japan and many other countries showcasing their 2014 spring-summer collections at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. And for the first time, fashionistas worldwide have a unique chance to snap up the outfits online, hot off the catwalk. VoR's Daria Chernyshova reports from the scene.

The most significant event in the Russian fashion industry – the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Moscow - has kicked off with over 70 designers from all over the world presenting their 2014 spring-summer collections on the catwalks at Moscow’s Manezh Exhibition Hall.

And even though Russian Fashion Week still sounds like an oxymoron to many, it is in fact a well-established event that's been held in Moscow since 2001.

Fashion Week gives western designers a chance to break into the Russian fashion market.

It also provides an opportunity for Russian designers to gain more recognition abroad as buyers and fashion gurus come here to see the crème of the Russian fashion market.

Photo: MBFWR

And this season consumers have a unique chance to snap up Russian designer outfits online, as they move straight from the catwalk onto eBay.

Fashionistas all around the world can watch fashion shows online and order the models on eBay – an opportunity that’s never been provided by Milan, Paris or any other fashion capital of the world.

This retail project not only provides easy access to Russian designers, but also the chance to get the edge with clothing that will only appear in stores next in spring - and at very affordable prices.

Alexander Shumsky, the president of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, tells us about the new scheme.

SB SHUMSKY in Russian

Participants of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Russia are going on eBay. This is a big event as internet retail is our future, we all understand that. This is a unique option which has never been explored by anyone. We are the first. I’m glad that Russian designers open new opportunities, and I’m sure this new project will translate into a big story.

Fashion Week started with the Day of Industrial Collections, demonstrating co-operation between well-known designers and major industrial companies within the concept 'Made in Russia.'

And over the week, every day offers a wide assortment of fashion shows and designers.

But Moscow is a place of exploring opportunities and has already made this fashion week the show.

Meanwhile, the Miss Universe contest will be held in Moscow at the beginning of November. Contestants from the competition modelled creations by British designer Tony Ward on the catwalk in Manezh and Olivia Culpo – the current Miss Universe – opened  the show.
Read more: http://voiceofrussia.com/uk/news/2013_10_28/Russian-Fashion-Week-unprecendented-chance-for-fashionistas-to-buy-online-6920/

Photo: Tony Ward fashion show, MBFWR

Tony Ward has been on the Russian Fashion circuit for 8 years already and says the market is flourishing.

"I’ve been in the Russian Fashion market for eight years now, I work with the Russian clients – bridal and couture.. It’s an amazing market, very exciting, huge one, and runs from Russia to Azerbaijan, to Turkmenistan. We can have a wider exposure. Britain is different. When you sell in Russia, you sell to a Russian client, when you sell in Great Britain, of a hundred per cent, 70 to 80 will be to Arabs and Americans. Here you are dealing with the real people of the country."

And Russians do like fashion.

It is probably in their DNA, as many designers, models and fashion industry connoisseurs notice Russian women are not only beautiful, but also have a profound sense of style.

Photo: MBFWR

Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe, is in the Russian capital for the fourth time.

"One of the things that I noticed is that women are beautiful," she says. "I think that European women have a different classic style that’s been around for years, that people in America don’t have. I think it’s more sophisticated here. I think we need to take a little bit of Russian fashion over to the US."

As a part of European fashion traditions, Russia has its unique style that’s been inspiring the artists and designers for years and as Russian fashion is on the rise, the notion of Russian style is now not only about fur, winter coats, and bulky hats, but a mixture of traditional western fashion with Russian zest.

(Voice of Russia)

Story By: 

Voice of Russia, Daria Chernyshova

Hakimullah Mehsud killed by drone, Pakistan Taliban say

The BBC's Richard Galpin: "One intelligence source has said his (Mehsud's) funeral has been scheduled  The leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud, has been killed in a drone strike, a high-ranking Taliban official has told the BBC. The strike targeted a vehicle used by Mehsud with four missiles in the north-western region of North Waziristan. Four other people were killed in the strike, including two of Mehsud's bodyguards, intelligence sources say. Several previous claims of his death, made by US and Pakistani intelligence sources, have proven untrue.for tomorrow afternoon" Pakistan's government has issued a statement strongly condemning the drone attack, saying such strikes were a "violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Friday's strike targeted Mehsud's vehicle in the Dande Darpakhel, some 5km (3miles) north of the region's main town, Miranshah. A senior US intelligence official told the Associated Press that the US received positive confirmation on Friday morning that he had been killed. However, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council said that "we are not in a position to confirm those reports, but if true, this would be serious loss for the... Taliban". BBC diplomatic correspondent James Robbins says that however weakened the Taliban may be by this loss, they will fight on under a new leader. Hakimullah Mehsud had come to prominence in 2007 as a commander under the militant group's founder Baitullah Mehsud, with the capture of 300 Pakistani soldiers adding to his prestige among the militants. In January 2010 he gained further notoriety when he appeared in a video alongside a Jordanian who is said to have blown himself up, killing seven CIA agents in Afghanistan to avenge Baitullah Mehsud's death. Hakimullah Mehsud had a $5m FBI bounty on his head and was thought to be responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. Mehsud became leader of the Pakistani Taliban in 2009, aged 30, after Baitullah Mehsud died in a US drone strike at his father-in-law's residence in South Waziristan. Hakimullah Mehsud spoke exclusively to the BBC in a recent interview The strike against Baitullah Mehsud reportedly came after repeated complaints by Pakistani officials that the Americans were not hitting militant groups who attacked targets in Pakistan. His second-in-command, Waliur Rehman, died in a drone strike in May. The attack targeting him comes on the same day that the Pakistani government announced it was about to send a delegation to North Waziristan to try to get peace negotiations with the Taliban under way. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had pledged to talk with the Taliban to try to end its campaign of violence, which has left thousands dead in bombings and shootings across the country. In a rare interview with the BBC two weeks ago, Mehsud said he was open to "serious talks" with the government but said he had not yet been approached. Mehsud denied carrying out recent deadly attacks in public places, saying his targets were "America and its friends". He had loose control over more than 30 militant groups in Pakistan's tribal areas. The BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says that Khan Said Sajna is one of those now tipped to become the new leader of the Pakistani Taliban. Story by: BBC News Continue reading the main story