5 Ways Nigerians Relax Their Nerves.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the country is hard. 

Between an economy just recovering from recession, and a general state of hardship, considering the poor state of infrastructure, and the anger and frustrations everyone seems to be carrying around in their belly, Nigerians are in a perpetual state of being stressed.

All of this certainly isn’t news to you.

But then, how do Nigerians ease off? 

How do they let go some of the built up tension, and relax themselves, freshen up and get roaring to go again and surmount every odds in their way. I asked around, and found out a bit myself with some observation and I came up with the 5 Ways Nigerians Relax Their Nerves.

1. Owambe. Turn Up

All the party wey dem dey do for Lagos City. 

I guess you know the lyrics to the rest of the song. Essentially, partying and turning up is the number one stress reliever. Even though the way and manner Nigerians party, you wonder if it isn’t a different level of stress on its own. 

But where there is good music, great food, friends and family, alcoholic drinks of all sorts, you can’t blame the average Nigerian of temporarily forgetting everything else that is wrong with the world and thoroughly enjoy themselves while at it.

2. Lodge in a Hotel

Lodging in a hotel is also another way Nigerians relive stress. Of course depending on their budget and income, the class of hotel will surely differ. 

But hotels bring a degree of comfort and relaxation you can not get anywhere else, even if there is light at home. The overworked mom might consider dropping the kids off at their grandparents and check in to a hotel in Lekki for the weekend where all she has to do is lounge in her bathrobe, drink wine, order room service and watch cable television without her husband asking for the remote because Chelsea and Arsenal are playing. When you take a break to lodge in an hotel, you get the opportunity to take advantage of amenities such as the swimming pool, spa and gym. Even business travelers have been known to stay an extra night when they travel for business, the extra night is for them to cool off proper after all the work.

3. Eat

You can't separate food from the Nigerian. After all what is the point of all the hustle if not to eat and to eat big. 

Whether they are preparing the meals themselves, ordering online, or eating in their favourite restaurant or buka, eating is a great stress reliever. The sight of Amala and Abula, or Fufu and Afang soup with plenty of obstacles, or a simmering plate of Jollof rice with firewood flavour is enough to dissipate not just hunger, but any stress the Nigerian might be facing at the time.

4. Spa/Yoga/Meditation/Exercise

Another way many Nigerians relieve stress is through Spa, Yoga, Meditation or Exercise. Lots of upwardly mobile young people are increasingly engaging in these activities to achieve the ever elusive work-life balance, and the results are great too. 

5. Stay at Home

When all has been said and done, staying at home is still a great option for when Nigerians want to relieve stress. It might actually mean turning down all of the above. And it works. When you think of the noise, the traffic, the interaction with people you might not necessarily want to interact with, staying home and shutting your window blinds right after you turn off your phone is also a valuable way to stay fresh and relax your nerves.

What other means have you employed to relax your nerves?

Share with us in the comments section and don’t forget to share this post if you loved it.

5 Tips For Surviving The Harmattan This Holiday

In this part of Africa, the incoming harmattan winds usher in the Christmas season. 

Staying healthy in this characteristically dry, dusty and cold weather has become a challenge for some.

During the harmattan period, some common health issues include cold, dry skin, cracked lips, sneezing and running nose.

Below are some tips to avoid common health issues this season:

1. Moisturize: Skin moisturizers are a must during the harmattan season. They increase the skin's water content by reducing evaporation.

Skin moisturizers are designed to make the external layers of the skin softer and flexible. Keeping your skin soft and flexible helps prevents skin cracks.

2: Increase your fluid intake: It is important you increase your intake of fluids and succulent fruits like watermelons. Staying hydrated help the body function optimally, it keeps the skin refreshed and glowing.

3. Protect your nose: For some people, the seasonal catarrh has become a yearly tradition for them. This is mainly caused by the dusty winds that characterize this period; they are a major health risk that could ruin the festive period for you.

Avoid dusty environments and ensure your nose is protected whenever you are out. During extreme periods some home make use of humidifiers to increase humidity and counter dust.

3. Use lip balms: Preventing dry scaly and cracking lips is essential this season. Keep your lips soft and crack-free by always applying lip balm

4. Warm Clothes: When dressing up, wear clothes that ensure you are warm and protected from health issues that arise from the cold. It is usually cold in the mornings, hot in the afternoons and cold at night. When choosing clothes, pick wears that give you flexibility. Make sure you are always properly covered up when going out

5. Vitamin C: While it’s better not to be deficient in essential minerals and vitamins. A regular dose of vitamin C is your best guard against flu and common cold attacks.

Ensure your diet contains vitamin C rich oranges, guavas, peppers, melons and tomatoes.

Consume fruits, vegetables, and supplements rich in vitamin C to reduce your odds of visiting the doctor this season

Health Facts About Urinary Tract Infection

 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any point along the urinary tract, from the urethra (in the penis) known as urethritis through the bladder (cystitis) to the kidneys (pyelonephritis). 

In adults, women are more likely to have UTI than men, probably due to their having a shorter urethra (for passing out urine) than the longer one in men, which allows shorter and easier migration of disease-causing microorganisms up along their urinary tract. 

You may be having a urinary tract infection if you're experiencing some of these below:

1. Feeling a burning sensation whenever you're urinating. In addition, there may be this need to always go urinate and an increase in the number of times you urinate in a day, all of which you never experienced before. 

2. A feeling that your bladder is full every time or pain somewhere near your pubic hair area or on either side of your lower abdomen towards your back near the rib cage. 

3. In some cases, people with UTI may see streaks of blood in their urine.

4. Because it is an infection, some people with UTI do have fever, chills and generalized body weakness. 

If you're experiencing some of the above, especially the first two, quickly visit a good hospital near you to see a doctor. 

Any good hospital should be able to recommend and, in most cases, carry out the following tests on you after the doctor has asked you series of questions and examined you:

1. Urinalysis: this analyses your urine with special chemicals or a strip of paper (dipstick) for things like white blood cells, protein, and other chemicals called nitrite and leucocyte esterase, which indicate you may be having a UTI if they are found in the urine. 

2. Urine Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity: this test examines your urine under the microscope for white and red blood cells; part of the urine is also cultured for the particular microorganism causing the UTI, and the identified microorganism is now tested against a batch of antibiotics to find which ones are most effective against it. 

Once the causative microorganism has been identified, the most effective antibiotics will be prescribed by the doctor. And you will be instructed to comply with the prescribed antibiotics for effective treatment of the UTI.

Failure to complete the prescribed antibiotics as instructed, even if all the symptoms you were having resolved in the first two days, the UTI will not be treated effectively; and there's a very high chance the UTI will reoccur and this time will be more difficult to treat due to the microorganism developing resistance to the antibiotics. 

Also, while on treatment for UTI, endeavour to drink enough water as this makes you urinate more which helps wash your urinary tract of microorganisms that may cause urinary tract infection. Women should urinate immediately after sexual intercourse to lower the risk of intercourse-associated bacteria migrating into the bladder where they can cause urinary tract infection. 

How to handle a sudden heart break

 

Most heart breaks comes with a severe shock, heart breaks are not mainly lost of a family member or spouse or maybe a close relative.

Most heart breaks could come from a lost of a useful documents or maybe a reliable device. When it comes to being heart broken, you have to try as much as possible to control your agitation and if possible, try as much as possible to get control. But first,

 

Stay calm

You should try as much as possible to be quite enough and not, speak out so quickly. When you are heartbroken, a slight vibration or wave could ignite your aggression and may lead to uncertain disaster. You cannot control aggression but you can probably avoid it, and you can do so by trying as much as possible to become reluctant to the present situation

 

Find a close by quite place

Calmness comes with quietness, when the environment is quite, there is certainly a relaxed nerves and will lower the probability of an individual being aggressive. If possible there is a close by tree plantation, walk in and get some rest, there is an assured unlimited excess oxygen supply, that helps a lot much in the relaxation of the nerves and a mind, try practicing the breathe in breathe out routine.

 

Think about the scenario

Think about the cause, you may get to finding a solution, why was the heart break? These questions should be a case study in your mind, try as much as possible to the cause and if you could determine the cause, you could find a solution, think of reliable measures to prevent further occurrence.

 

Talk to someone

If you could find someone to talk to, try as much as possible to. Most heart breaks come with a shock and if you get so lucky to gain consciousness, give out a shout if you probably can not approach an individual to have a conversation. The shout could make you look naughty but that’s a much help, someone could approach you to ask why there was a shout or maybe ask if could need a help.

 

Have a lot of fun

Much thinking and much hoping won’t get you a solution, most times, you have to skip away from your problems and skipping away from might get you to the solution. It is as simple as taking a step in a thousand miles. Find a close by fun place to spend some time, it could be a museum and maybe even go clubbing and you have to be sure, you won’t be back drunken. You state your problems to the bartender or the mixologist and trust me if you can simply tell that you just hanging out from a heart break, you probably might get some relieving counselling from a new friend.

 

5 Qualities that makes him/her an introvert

They always stay alone

Introverts are not prisoners; they are just always isolated not originally by the environment by their own self. Even if you should spot one in a refugee camp, they can be identified easily because they could be the only one alone all by themselves. If they are outside, it is always for a specific purpose and if they present in your party, it is because of a pressured invitation.

They are not the hangout specimen but hanging out with one is a treasure you should keep; they stick to you like you are their new t-shirt.  

They are Vulnerable

Approaching an introvert is as easy as sipping a wine in a glass cup, but sometimes it takes becoming an alpha to approach them or to be doubtless, you have to an extrovert to break in their walls.

They talk less but think much

If you are having a long conversation with them, you are really the one staring the conversation and they speeches are short form and they don’t talk so fast, they think in between the talk, so they absorb so much energy using their brain.

A little compliment wins them over

An introvert develops a trust easily by prizing, they pay so much attention to your words and actions, and if you should find a female introvert at club tonight, with a little compliment to her beauty, she would leave with her card, I don’t mean her “ATM” card, maybe her complimentary card, her office card and even her phone number. I can’t assure you she would be sleeping with you at first sight and with a little conversation and compliment, you have to build trust and is going take you so much time and so much talk also, you could also wrap it up with some gifting and hanging out.

To be sincere with you, the introvert is really expensive, and if you ask me why? I tell you am an introvert.

Easily gets jealous

If your spouse is an introvert, you should careful, when you play around her other friends and also your own friends. She easily gets pale when you kiss or even hug someone else, except you have to be sure you are not being seen. You have so much work to do to convince him/her to trust you, that you can’t be cheating and even if you have to be a play buddy, it shouldn’t be with an introvert, except you are promoting suicide.

If you are in a serious relationship with an introvert, and you get to run an analysis, you could end up getting a convincing answer that its only you and she could hardly cheat on you.

Summary:

When you find an introvert, give them so much attention, and don’t always wait for them to ask you for help, always ask them if they would need help and if you can offer a help, please, always do. And if you can’t, help them find someone who can and always show love to everyone both the introvert and the extrovert.

 

HEARTBREAKING!!! Chinese government proposes to have control of Blockchain in new regulations.

The gist is that the Chinese government shall have complete control over the information published on any blockchain in China; that users cannot be anonymous; and that blockchain providers need to start showing their users formal terms and conditions and service agreements that highlight the responsibilities of each party.

Here are the rules and some background in more detail:

Note: This is obviously not legal advice. It's a Google-translated and mildly editorialised interpretation of the new regulations.

All blockchain providers within China are required to operate according to these standards. 

1. The Internet Information Office of each relevant region will be responsible for enforcing the laws. Self-policing will be encouraged. Essentially, everyone working on or with blockchain in China will be urged to get on board with the new rules. 
2. Blockchain providers must be able to control the blockchain, including the ability to remove illegal content from the blockchain and control what kind of information is published on it. 
3. Blockchain providers will be required to collect personal identification information from blockchain users, based on their company, ID card number or mobile phone numbers. 
4. Blockchain providers cannot serve anonymous users.
5.  Blockchain providers will be required to codify the terms and conditions of their platform, and obligations of providers and users, under formal service agreements. 
6. Anytime a blockchain provider develops new products, features, functions or starts offering new services, it should report to the local Internet Information Office to subject it to a "safety assessment".
7.  Blockchain providers and users should not use blockchains for illegal purposes (go figure), including those which "disrupt social order".
8.  Prohibited content shall not be copied, published or disseminated on blockchains. 
9. Blockchain providers must be registered, must clearly show the details of its registration so people know it's a legitimate service, and will be periodically inspected. 
10. Blockchain providers are required to take appropriate measures when they encounter users who break the law, such as alerting the appropriate authorities, and are required to take timely action to prevent the spread of illegal information. 
11. Blockchain providers are required to cooperate with authorities and render technical assistance where needed. 
12. There will be trouble for those who do not comply.

Exclusive: Paris nude restaurant forced to shutdown for lack of customers

However, despite the laidback reputation of many Parisians, it appears residents of the City of Light weren’t all that eager to eat sans clothing. The establishment recently confirmed it will shutter its doors in February.

“Thank you for participating in this adventure by coming to dinner at O’naturel,” a recent Facebook post on the restaurant’s page began. “We will only hold good times, meetings with beautiful people and customers delighted to share exceptional moments.”
The post continued: “We are counting on you to support us and help us with many during this month of January and early February 2019.” With a closing date in the near future, O’naturel told fans and curious customers, “Don’t hesitate to book now to enjoy a last naked dinner in Paris. Now is the time.”

According to The Local, a French news outlet, people who visited O’naturel were presented with a list of rules outlining exceptional behavior. For example, “any voyeurism or exhibitionism likely to shock” was not tolerated, while teenagers (who were required to be accompanied by an adult) were the only parties allowed to keep their clothes on in the dining room.

Celebrities With Super Successful Alcohol Brands
For hygienic and safety reasons, all waitstaff and kitchen staff were also clothed. Still, all other diners were expected to leave their outfits in the cloakroom, along with their mobile phones and cameras, so no one could snap a photograph without permission.

The restaurant also featured a large white curtain over the windows, which was designed to shield diners from passersby.


SOURCE: Usmagazine

LAUNCHED!!! Heineken 0% alcohol.

If a beer doesn’t have any alcohol in it, is it still a beer? According to Heineken, the answer is yes! The beverage company released a new brew called Heineken 0.0 on Wednesday, January 9, and the alcohol-free malt beverage is apparently “brewed with a unique recipe for a distinct, balanced taste” meaning it’s flavored just like the real thing.

According to a press release, the brand’s master brewers created the new zero-alcohol option using only natural ingredients, resulting in a brew that’s “for beer lovers, by beer lovers.” What’s more? With only 69 calories per bottle. Heineken’s latest creation is perfect for those watching their waistlines.

“Heineken 0.0 brings an incredible beer taste to the non-alcoholic space and opens a world of opportunity for people to come together and enjoy a brew that expands drinking occasions, not limits them,” said Jonnie Cahill, chief marketing officer of Heineken USA.

Added Willem van Waesberghe, global craft and brew master at Heineken, “Removing alcohol from regular 5 percent Heineken would have been easy, but it wouldn’t deliver the same premium beer taste that Heineken is known for. Heineken 0.0 is brewed from scratch and has a perfectly balanced taste with refreshing fruity notes and soft, malty finish.”

To introduce the beverage, the Dutch company launched a new global campaign platform known as #NowYouCan, which aims to highlight the wide range of fun, social occasions Heineken 0.0 allows. The campaign includes a series of five TV and digital spots, which debuted this week, and illustrate how people can work, get behind the wheel and more with Heineken 0.0.
The alcohol-free drink first debuted in Spain and 2016, and makes its arrival stateside as booze-less events such as “Dry January” and “Sober October” are gaining popularity.

“We see large numbers of younger consumers not drinking alcohol at all and a continuing trend towards wellness and moderation and balance in your lifestyle,” Cahill explained to Ad Age. “These trends, which exist all over the world, actually started in the U.S. And yet the non-alcoholic space has been pretty poorly served.”


SOURCE: Usmagazine

Meet the 2018 most beautiful model

The 17-year-old beauty was awarded the top prize 11 years after first winning the title when she was just six.

I just can’t believe it myself … thanks so much @tccandler and everyone who voted.. I never thought I was once number one !!🙈,” Blondeau posted on her Instagram account Opens a New Window.  after receiving the news. “I’m thankful to all of you 🙏 I really hope your having great holidays and spend nice Christmas with your family ..all the best to all of you guys lots of love. @tccandler.

The daughter of French soccer player Patrick Blondeau and fashion designer Veronika Loubry, Blondeau’s has been working since she was just 4 years old, when she first walked the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier.

By the age of 10, her beachy blonde locks and piercing blue eyes landed her on the pages of French Vogue, though the photoshoot was not without controversy. Some considered the dolled-up pictures too risqué for a child.

She’s since started her own clothing line, Heaven May, served as a L’Oreal brand ambassador, appeared in the 2017 Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign alongside Zendaya Opens a New Window.  and Presley Gerber and and walked in countless runway shows throughout Europe.

In past years, the annual list compiled by TC Candler (which began in 1990) has bestowed the “most beautiful face” honor on Michelle Pfeiffer Opens a New Window.  (1990), Nicole Kidman Opens a New Window.  (1997) and Gwyneth Paltrow Opens a New Window.  (1998). Each year, the group chooses 100 faces from around the globe and puts together a video celebrating the winners.

SOURCE: Usweekly

Bitcoin emerges to become universal acceptable currency

Uruguay, Sweden and emerging economies are among the countries most likely to implement digital currencies first.
Most central banks don't really know what's going on with cryptocurrency usage in their countries, but believe it to be minimal.
Central banks perceive more current and future use of cryptocurrency in cross-border payments than domestic payments.
Most countries have given at least a passing glance at central bank digital currency (CBDC). This is exactly what it sounds like – a digital currency issued by a central bank. And many of them are now getting more hands on.
At the time of the survey, about 70% of respondents were actively exploring, or were about to start exploring, the possibilities of CBDC.
Most respondents shared dim expectations for the future of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin though, with no more than 10% saying they expected usage of cryptocurrencies for payments to increase.

By the numbers
It's worth breaking down what the responses actually mean.
First, contrary to some headlines roaming around elsewhere, it's probably not accurate to say that 70% of all central banks are working on a digital currency. Based on the survey responses, the BIS notes that central banks that are not currently looking at CBDC are "typically from smaller jurisdictions and/or face more pressing priorities."

At a glance, it looks like smaller jurisdictions or those with more pressing issues were also disproportionately among those that didn't respond.
While 70% of respondents said they were looking at digital currencies, or were about to start, the actual number of all central banks in the world doing so is probably considerably lower. And even among those who did say they were looking at CBDC, the expectation of usage in the near or medium term is low.
In the short term (up to three years), 85% of respondents said it was unlikely they would be releasing any kind of CBDC.

A large number of respondents (about 40%) were unsure of whether they even had the legal authority to issue a digital currency while a full third did not have authority. Only about a quarter of central banks currently have the authority to release a digital currency or are changing the laws to do so.
But a low likelihood of releasing a CBDC in the near future isn't no likelihood.

At least a few central banks seem highly confident that they will be releasing a general-purpose CBDC within the next few years. The BIS also notes that many more central banks have started sharing information on their CBDC research this year and joining efforts to work towards usable systems.
It's possible that a small handful of central bank trailblazers will see a lot more follow suit.

Who's first?
According to the survey, the greatest impetus to adopt digital currencies came from emerging economies. Based on the reasons given in the survey, the BIS suggests that this is because, in emerging markets, the desire to bolster financial inclusion provides a clear mandate for central banks to take actions like issuing digital currencies. At the same time, a lack of existing infrastructure limits the disruptions a CBDC might have.

In many emerging economies, mobile payment apps have also taken off dramatically in lieu of traditional banking. This has many countries taking a significant step towards going fully digital. And as can be seen from the digital currency adventures of Sweden, an increasingly cashless economy also provides a need to drive towards digital alternatives.

In Sweden, people are turning away from cash and in many cases completely forgoing it. This shift towards cashlessness has made the possibility of an e-Krona a more pressing issue in Sweden than elsewhere, and it's currently throwing up ideas for testing.
The good news for potential uptake is that a new payment method can gain steam exceptionally quickly. Payments with Sweden's Swish payment app have risen sharply as people increasingly abandon cash and then abandon card payments.

One of the more pronounced lessons from these numbers is that card providers are facing imminent disruption from payment apps one way or another.
But the advanced state of digital payments in Sweden and Uruguay also brings some headaches and problems left to solve. One of them is the simple problem of ensuring that there's some kind of backup in case the power goes out. There might still be something to be said for cash as a backup, but wide adoption of digital payment methods is already limiting its circulation. When digital currencies come, cash circulation is likely to fall out even more.
Then there's also the problem of financial exclusion arising from new technologies. It's mildly ironic given that one of the main reasons central banks give for exploring digital currencies is to promote financial inclusion.

As the numbers from Sweden show, older people are much less likely to go for the newfangled payment options. People aged 65+ are most likely to still use cash and least likely to use credit cards. And they're by far the least likely to use the Swish mobile payment app. Only 25% of those aged 65+ have taken the plunge, while almost everyone in the 18 to 44 age range has.
The best way to avoid unintentional financial exclusion of the elderly is still undecided, although Sweden's Riksbank has suggested a simpler and more user-friendly alternative to digital payments might still be needed in the future. It's keeping an eye on blockchain for the future, but as of late 2018 noted that the technology was still too immature for its needs.

Some countries have a much greater need for digital currencies than others, and so will most likely be the earlier adopters. Currently, the most likely early adopters of CBDC might be Sweden, Uruguay (which completed an e-Peso CBDC test last year, deeming it a success) and the emerging economies that can benefit most significantly from digital currency.

Central banks all around the world will be watching the progress of early adopters and learning from their hopefully minimal mistakes.

"To meet the payment needs of the future, physical cash is unlikely to be the main answer. Yet, most people will have to wait to use a CBDC. However, central banks are working hard to make sure the wait is worth it," the BIS report concludes.

Where it leaves crypto
Cryptocurrencies, in contrast to CBDC, are decentralised, public digital assets like bitcoin. Most central banks weren't too aware of the extent to which cryptocurrencies were being used, and wouldn't hazard a guess as to whether or how they would continue to grow in the future.
Of those who did take a stab at it, fewer than 10% anticipated their usage increasing. More expected it to decrease and a quarter expected it to stay about the same.
Among all the shrugs though, one key highlight of the central bank responses to cryptocurrency was a recognition of its use in cross-border transactions.

According to the survey, 14% of respondents expected cryptocurrency use domestically to decrease, but only 7% expected cryptocurrency use in cross-border transactions to decrease. In other words, there are some central banks out there that foresee a future where cryptocurrencies fall away in domestic payments but continue taking off for moving money internationally.
While thoughts on the current usage of cryptocurrency were overall muted, there are still clear differences in how central banks look at crypto in domestic compared to cross-border payments. Almost 60% of central banks are happy to say cryptocurrency has practically no use for domestic payments, but only 40% say the same for cross-border payments.

It's worth noting that central banks (hopefully) tend to have a pretty good finger on the pulse of their country's economies. If they overall say more people are using cryptocurrency for international payments than domestic payments, that's probably worth noting.


SOURCE: Finder

8 Bitcoin fraud you should watch out for in 2019

1. Phishing:

The first scam on the list is one that you may well be familiar with already, as it’s also been widely used to target customers from major banks.

Known as “phishing,” this type of scam occurs when you receive an unsolicited email that looks as if it’s from your bank — or, in this case, from your crypto exchange or wallet provider. This email contains a link that takes you to a site that looks almost identical to the exchange or wallet you usually use, but is actually a scam site.

Once you enter your account details on this unofficial page, the scammers have everything they need to log in to your real account and steal your funds.

How to avoid phishing scams:

• Always double-check URLs to make sure you’re visiting the genuine website.
• Don’t click on suspicious links that are emailed to you.
• Never disclose your private key.

2. Fake exchanges and wallets:

In a similar vein to phishing scams, keep an eye out for fake bitcoin exchanges. They might walk and talk like a reputable exchange, but they’re merely a front to separate consumers from their hard-earned cash.

Some will entice users with promotional offers that sound too good to be true. Others pressure users into creating an account and depositing funds, perhaps even offering “bonuses” to those who deposit larger amounts. But once they have your money these platforms might charge ridiculously high fees, make it very difficult to withdraw funds or simply steal your deposit altogether.

Other scammers have turned their attention to creating quite sophisticated fake wallet apps that, once downloaded to a user’s smartphone, can be used to steal critical account details. These apps have even made it into official, legitimate app stores like Google Play, so it pays to do your research before downloading anything to your phone.

How to avoid fake exchange and fake wallet scams:

• Stick with well-known and popular exchanges.
• Thoroughly research any exchange or wallet before creating an account — who is the team behind the exchange or wallet? 
• Where is the company registered? 
• Are there reliable reviews from other users confirming its legitimacy?
• Don’t let yourself be pressured into depositing funds or providing any personal information.
• Don’t just randomly pick a wallet from the app store — only download apps and software from legitimate wallet providers and exchanges.

3. Old-school scams;

Cryptos may be based on new technology, but there are still plenty of scammers using old tricks to con unwitting consumers.

The classic example of this is an unsolicited phone call or email from someone claiming to be with the IRS. This fictional tax man will try to convince you that you owe the IRS money and you’ll be facing legal action if you don’t transfer them a certain amount of bitcoin as soon as possible.

The tried-and-tested “Nigerian prince” scam has also migrated into the world of cryptocurrency. So if you’re ever contacted out of the blue by someone overseas promising you a share in a large sum of digital currency if you help them transfer funds out of their own country, use your common sense and recognize it for the scam it is.

How to avoid old-school scams:

• Use your common sense.
• Don’t trust unsolicited emails or phone calls.

4. Fraudulent ICOs:

Seduced by the astronomical price rises bitcoin has experienced since its inception, many everyday consumers venture into the world of cryptocurrency looking for the next big thing. After all, if “the next bitcoin” ever actually arrives, getting in at the ground floor could see early-adopters earn a fortune.

And if you want to get in on the ground floor, the easiest option for the average person is to buy coins or tokens in an ICO. There’s a huge appetite for new digital currencies — in the first half of 2018 alone, ICOs raised a total of $11.69 billion — and with many new buyers having limited knowledge of how the crypto industry works, it’s the perfect breeding ground for scammers.
This has led to the rise of fake ICOs which, with some slick marketing and a little bit of hype, can convince people to buy a cryptocurrency that doesn’t actually exist. For example, one report found that 78% of ICOs in 2017 were scams, while a separate report put that figure at above 80%.

Finally, if you’re dreaming of getting rich quick from a crypto ICO, be aware that for every ICO success story there are many, many more failures, even if the project isn’t a scam.

How to avoid fraudulent ICOs:

• Thoroughly research any ICO before buying in. 
• Look at the team behind the project, its white paper, the purpose of the currency, the tech behind it and the specifics of the token sale.

5. Ponzi or pyramid schemes;

A Ponzi scheme is a simple but alarmingly effective scam that lures in new investors with the promise of unusually high returns. Here’s how it works: a promoter convinces people to invest in their scheme. These initial investors receive what they believe to be returns, but are actually payouts from the money deposited by newer investors. Now satisfied that the scheme is legit, those investors who received payouts pump more of their money into the scheme and encourage others to do the same.

Sooner or later, the scheme collapses when the promoter runs off with the money or it becomes too difficult to lure new investors. These types of pyramid schemes are nothing new and can be easy to spot, but that hasn’t stopped some crypto buyers from being scammed in a handful of high-profile incidents.

How to avoid Ponzi/pyramid schemes:

• Look out for cryptocurrency projects that encourage you to recruit new investors to enjoy bigger profits.
• Never trust a scheme that promises returns that sound too good to be true.

6. Malware:

Malware has long been a weapon in the arsenal of online scammers. But thanks to the complicated and highly technical nature of cryptocurrencies, much of which isn’t well understood by most people, malware now poses an even bigger threat.

Rather than stealing credit card and bank account details, crypto-related malware is designed to get access to your web wallet and drain your account, monitor the Windows clipboard for cryptocurrency addresses and replace your legitimate address with an address belonging to a scammer, or even infect your computer with a cryptocurrency miner.

How to avoid cryptocurrency malware scams:

• Update your antivirus software regularly to protect yourself against malware.
• Never download and install programs unless you’re 100% sure they’re from a reputable, legitimate provider.
• Don’t open suspicious attachments.

7. Mining scams:

Cloud mining allows you to mine cryptocurrencies like bitcoin without having to purchase the expensive hardware required to do so. There are several legitimate cloud mining services that let users rent server space to mine for coins at a set rate.

However, there are also plenty of cloud mining scams out there. Some promise astronomical (and implausible) returns and fail to disclose a range of hidden fees, while others are fronts for Ponzi scams and are simply designed to part you from your money.


How to avoid cryptocurrency mining scams:

• Thoroughly research any cloud mining operation before signing up. Does it use https?
•  Does it have a public mining address? How long has it been in business? 
• Can you find any legitimate reviews from other users? 
• Does the site have a registered domain name? 
• Can the company provide proof of equipment?
• Be extremely wary of companies that “guarantee” profit.

8. Pumps and dumps:

Cryptocurrencies are often dismissed as a speculator’s dream come true that are ripe for a little bit of market manipulation, which has led to the rise of what are known as “pump and dump” schemes. This is where large groups of buyers target an altcoin with a small market cap, buy that coin en masse at a particular time to drive its price up (which attracts a whole lot of new buyers fueled by FOMO — a fear of missing out) and then sell to take advantage of the significant price rise.

This sort of thing is illegal in traditional securities markets, but is a common occurrence in the largely unregulated world of cryptocurrencies. In fact, there are several online groups and forums dedicated to this exact practice, so it’s important that you stay savvy and know how to steer clear of these scams.

How to avoid pump and dump scams:

• Be wary of low-market-cap cryptos that normally have a low trading volume but that suddenly experience a sharp price rise.
• Keep an eye out for “fake news” on social media that hypes particular coins.
• Carefully research the credentials of any cryptocurrency before buying.

SOURCE: Finder.com

5 killer ways to get free bitcoin

Bitcoin faucets:
A bitcoin faucet is a feature on websites that steadily drips bitcoin. For example, a website might dispense a fraction of a bitcoin every few minutes.
It’s usually an extremely small amount, equivalent to a few cents or a dollar, awarded to one user every few minutes.
This is often done as a promotional feature. If a faucet holds visitors on a website, it may translate to increased engagement, higher ad revenue or other benefits for the site’s owners that make it worthwhile.


Bitcoin games:
Games might award miniscule amounts of bitcoin as a prize. They’re typically also filled with advertisements.
It works similar to bitcoin faucets. The bitcoin rewards keep people playing and viewing ads, so on paper the game looks like a great way for advertisers to reach people.
If you don’t mind viewing ads, actually enjoy the game you’re playing and have a lot of time to kill, the tiny bitcoin prizes might eventually add up.


Mining:
A few years ago, you might have been able to make hundreds of bitcoin by mining on a home computer.
These days, it’s a lot more difficult. The bitcoin mining network is mostly dominated by big players with hundreds of thousands of dollars of computing power dedicated to bitcoin mining.
To make a profit from bitcoin mining, you need to have a lot of very powerful hardware. Otherwise you’ll end up spending more on power than you earn from bitcoin.

Affiliate programs:
This is probably the easiest way to get free bitcoin that’s actually worthwhile. Affiliate programs are used in almost all industries, including cryptocurrency.
For example, you might refer a friend to a service and then you both get a discount, accrue rewards points or get a BTC or fiat currency bonus.

For example, by signing up to Coinbase through an affiliate link, you can get $10 worth of bitcoin for free.

When you can get discounts or free money, it can be worth going out of your way to sign up for a service through an affiliate link instead of signing up directly.

Apart from all these,

There are different ways to do this. For example, you could do any one of the following:

Asking for bitcoin donations on your website through a wallet address and QR code.
Working for a company that pays directly in bitcoin. For example, if you do freelance work for a cryptocurrency business or have a reputation as a reliable service provider, you could get paid in bitcoin.
Asking your employer to pay you in bitcoin. If you really want, you might ask for part of your wages or salary in bitcoin. Although it’s safe to assume that at this stage, most employers will say no.
If you’re hoping your bitcoin will appreciate in value, it might just be better to buy it the usual way.

Bitcoin might multiply in value tenfold, but that 10 cents of bitcoin you’ve earned from a game will still only be worth a dollar.

Source:Finder.com

Kim Kardashian spotted in a clothing store sipping a glass of wine

Kim Kardashian was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Robert Kardashian, an attorney who received much attention during the O. J. Simpson trial in the mid-1990s. After her parents divorced, her mother married Bruce Jennie, the Olympic athlete.

Kim grew up with money and was friends with Paris Hilton and the rest of the LA socialites
In 2007, Kim and her family got their own reality TV show. Keeping Up With the Kardashians followed Kim and her sisters Kourtney, Khloe, kendall and Kylie. The series showed the drama that the girls went through with each other and their other family and friends. Because of the show, the entire Kardashian family rose in popularity until they became a household name.

Over the years, Kim has been involved in many high profile romances. Her ex-boyfriends include Damon Thomas, Ray J, Nick Lachey and Kris Humphries.

In 2012 Kim started dating musician Kanye West. They relationship has been followed closely by the press. On New Years Eve 2012 the couple announced they were pregnant. On June 15^th Kim gave birth to a baby girl, North West.

Is your boy justin bieber on twitter yesterday

The Canadian Pop star Justin Drew Bieber who was born on 1st March 1994, propelled to fame after his 2010 YouTube single "Baby" became an international hit. His debut album, My World, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 and went on to sell over five million copies worldwide.

Yesterday on twitter, the famous pop star Posted a heart touching update on Twitter which can be seen above.

Show some love to bieber like and share blog post.

Lol!.. Fans asks Peter Psquare for financial support on new insta post

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Controversial RnB singer Peter Psquare gets asked for favour on his instagram page by fans identified as Judithfasae and Christainchidera. 

The duo are reported to handle most of their production/beat making in house. The band has been faced with many controversies for their habit of sampling western songs and popular hits in their records.

They have addressed the issue many times in interviews as well as in the lyrics of their songs. Technically speaking, P Square does more in the line of reconstructing the drum patterns, chord progressions or lyrics of the sampled songs as against actually cutting parts of the song and directly sampling into their production. This accounts for the largely electronic feel of their sound.
Some of the songs which have been called up on this account include "Get Squared", "Game Over", "Danger" and others.

P-Square attracted headlines because they reportedly turned irate when they were notified by organisers in the middle of their performance at the Guinness Show about some change in plans which would affect the length of their performance, and that of the next act, 2 Face Idibia. As reported by a news site vanguardngr.com, the info apparently stirred up resentment as Peter immediately said "I don’t know why, anytime a foreign artiste comes to Nigeria, they (show organizers) wanna treat us like slaves in our country".

Although initially they continued their performance but midway through, they threw their microphones to the ground and angrily stormed out of the stage saying, "We are leaving; they don’t want 2face to come on stage" They were said to have immediately left the premises of the show, but after intervention of the show organisers, they came on stage later with 2face for a performance, but later on were apologised to.

Paul Okoye, The boy, one half of the musical duo, P-Square, was involved in a paternity scandal with a lady named Elshamah Igbanoi. The lady claimed Paul impregnated her; Paul denied the pregnancy and went for a paternity test