THEWILL DOWNTOWN April 21, 2024

FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2024 GTCO

What to Expect

The annual GTCO Food and Drink Festival is back for the seventh year; this time, it has many exciting attractions. Since its maiden edition in 2016, the food fair has gathered food enthusiasts in one venue to explore different delicacies. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Victoria Island, the event, which started as a two-day event, has now expanded into a three-day event. Just imagine three days of exploring food from across the continent of Africa. The Masterclasses over the years have been nothing short of entertaining and informative, and this year’s promises to be even more exciting. For one, they have the kid’s baking class, which provides kids and up-and-coming cooks a chance to learn about the delights of baking. In anticipation of this year’s event, we journey through the previous Food and Drink Festivals and explore what to expect this year. Check it out on pages 8 to 10.

Have you ever started a new relationship to fill the emptiness from a recent breakup? That’s called a rebound relationship. This week, Downtown Confidential discusses rebound relationships and how you can avoid getting into one. That’s on page 15.

Fruits are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so we are advised to incorporate them into our diet. The problem is that they can be boring, but not to worry. Our food page, Bon Appetit, lists exciting ways in which you can add fruit to your diet.

It’s autism awareness month, so our health page discusses living with autism as an adult.

Don’t forget to click on the instructions below the QR codes on page 16 to download our playlist. As always, it promises to be musically pleasing.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

FASHION HACKS

Every Man Should Know FASHION

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Shopping for designer clothing and having your measurements taken by a tailor to ensure the ideal fit are only two aspects of looking great. Yes, those things do help, but you may also take extra steps to always look your best. Enhancing your sense of style may be achieved by thinking outside the box and utilising items that you currently own. In this article, we will show you style hacks every modern man should know and why they can help keep your wardrobe on its A-game.

1.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES

You need to be very selective when it comes to choosing your sunglasses. Everybody has a unique face shape, so you need to get sunglasses that complement your face shape.

YOU CAN ALWAYS SUBSTITUTE BANANA PEEL FOR SHOE POLISH

If you don’t have any polish, a banana peel works excellently for shining up your dirty shoes. Simply clean your shoes by rubbing the inside of the peel on them, then wipe them off with a soft towel. You would be surprised that the shine on your shoes will surpass that of a shoe polish.

3.

TUCK IN YOUR SHIRT USING MILITARY PRECISION STYLE

It doesn’t sound like the hardest thing to tuck a shirt into pants. However, tucking in your shirt without things looking billowy above the waistline is not easy. The key to doing it correctly? It is nothing but the military tuck. Pinching the extra material at either side of the waist and tucking it into the sides of the waistband is a specialised method of shirt tucking that removes bagginess. Under a blazer or jacket, it’s the ideal method to make a loose shirt appear tailored.

4.

FORGET THE BELT

It’s a frequent misperception that dressing stylishly entails constantly accessorising. Actually, It’s the other way around. Eliminating components from an ensemble might give the impression that it is more relaxed and casual. Take the belt as an example. Removing the belt from the equation can give you a more carefree look, as long as you can ensure your pants won’t fall down—which they shouldn’t if they fit you correctly. Always remember that less is more.

5.

LEARN TO UTILISE COLOURS

Your friends are colours, prints, and patterns, so you need to learn how to use them to your advantage. Knowing which colours go well with your complexion and which patterns elongate your figure separates stylish clothing from plain old clothing. Did you know that wearing dark colours might give the impression that you are taller and more slender? The impact of vertical stripes is the same. Pastel colours can wipe you out if you’re pale, so stay away from bright colours. If you’re well-built, cluttered prints, especially those with horizontal lines, will only add needless bulk.

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6.

DO AWAY WITH SOCKS FASHION

Going sockless could seem like a small change to an ensemble. However, as any well-dressed guy can attest, little touches frequently have the largest overall effects. You may project an extra level of casual cool when you do away with socks.

Every fashionable individual may benefit significantly from these incredible fashion hacks. With a few easy tricks, you can make an average wardrobe seem amazing. In addition, these tips might help you save time and money while keeping you in step with the newest trends. Anyone can quickly become a fashion expert with the correct information and a little bit of imagination—it’s an incredible transformation that you won’t believe until you give it a try.

6 Easy Ways to Add More

Fruits to Your Diet BON

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Abalanced and healthy diet requires eating a wide range of fruits. Fruits improve general health since they are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. But coming up with inventive ways to include them in your regular meals can be difficult. This article will look at six clear-cut strategies to assist you in easily including more fruits in your diet without any hassles.

(1) START YOUR DAY WITH A FRUIT-PACKED BREAKFAST

Incorporate fruits into your breakfast to start your days on a healthy note. Including fruits in your morning routine is a great way to start your day with the necessary nutrients, whether you choose to top your cereal with fresh berries, make a delectable fruit smoothie, or just eat sliced oranges as an extra.

(2) SNACK SMART WITH FRESH JUICE

For a healthier option, replace processed snacks with fresh fruits. Store some clean, ready-to-eat fruits in your kitchen, such as chopped melons, apples, or grapes in a bowl. This makes it simple to grab a fast snack that fulfils your appetite for sweets and gives you a natural energy booster.

(3) CREATE COLOURFUL FRUIT SALADS

Prepare colourful fruit salads to add colour and nutrients to your meals. To make a nice and refreshing salad, mix a variety of fruits such as grapes, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries. To keep things interesting, try experimenting with different fruit combinations. Consider adding a sprinkle of mint or a drizzle of honey for an added taste boost.

(4) BLEND FRUITS INTO YOUR SMOOTHIES

Smoothies are an incredibly flexible way to get more fruits in your diet. Try out different combinations, like mango and spinach or banana and berries. They make a filling and healthy drink that can be had as a snack or in place of a meal when blended with yoghurt or a dairy-free substitute.

(5) TOP YOUR DESSERTS WITH FRUITS

Use fruits as natural sweeteners to elevate your desserts. This easy hack improves the flavour of your sweet treats while providing a punch of health benefits—try adding sliced strawberries to yoghurt or sprinkling fresh berries on top of your favourite dessert.

CONCLUSION

(6) FREEZE FRUITS FOR A REFRESHING TREAT

Particularly in the warmer months, freeze your favourite fruits for a cool and revitalizing snack. A tasty and healthy substitute for conventional frozen desserts is frozen grapes, banana slices, or berries. They’re great on their own or you can combine them with yoghurt to make a delectable frozen parfait.

It’s not hard to include fruits in your diet. You can take advantage of the tasty flavours and healthy advantages that fruits have to offer by adhering to these simple and clear instructions. Always remember that simplicity is the key, and with these helpful recommendations, you’ll find it easy to incorporate fruits into your everyday meals and make them enjoyable.

What to Expect

The seventh annual GTCO Food and Drink Festival is quickly approaching, and since its launch in 2016, foodies have been enthralled with this culinary spectacle. This three-day event, set against the colourful background of Victoria Island, Lagos, promises to be a sensory extravaganza highlighting the finest of Nigeria’s diverse food industry. As we look forward to the 2024 edition, let’s look back at the evolution of this culinary spectacle and explore what’s in store for attendees this year.

A JOURNEY THROUGH THE YEARS

GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2016

Bringing together food enthusiasts and business experts, the first GTCO Food & Drink Festival was a landmark event in Nigeria’s culinary landscape. The event set the groundwork for years of culinary enjoyment with its lively atmosphere and

wide variety of food vendors. The two-day event, which took place on May 1st and 2, 2016, provided participants with an opportunity to sample food from around the globe while showcasing Nigeria’s developing food sector.

Two highly regarded international chefs, Marcus Samuelsson and Raphael Duntoye, were the festival’s main attractions that year. Marcus Samuelsson is an Ethopiaborn restaurateur who was raised in Sweden. He also owns the Red Rooster in New York and is a judge on the popular TV series Top Chef and CHOPPED. Nigerianborn Raphael Duntoye is the chef patron and owner of Le Petite Maison in London, Dubai, and Miami. Atim Ukoh, Iquo Ukoh, Uzo Orimalade, Gbugbemi Fegene, Tiyan Alile, and Alex Oke were among the other highly regarded chefs who attended the occasion.

A platform for SMEs in the Nigerian food industry to promote their businesses was given by the free food and drink fair. A wide range of products, including dry foods, confectionery and pastries, ready-to-eat consumables, premium crockery, wine and champagnes, and fresh organic groceries, were on display. In addition, various restaurants serving delectable food, alfresco barbecues, and exciting entertainment were present at the fair, along with Cooking Master Classes covering the newest culinary trends. More than 90 food industry exhibitors participated in the 2016 edition of the consumerfocused event, which garnered extremely excellent reviews both domestically and abroad. Over 25,000 people attended the twoday event.

GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2017

The second edition of the GTBank Food & Drink Fair took place during the Worker’s Day holiday on Sunday, April 30, and Monday, May 1, 2017. In addition to providing small businesses in the Nigerian food industry with a free and dynamic platform to connect with experts in their respective fields and a broader segment of their target markets, the two-day event treated attendees to captivating gastronomic tours across a wide variety of exciting cuisines and delicacies.

The free festival that year included new and exciting features like a Farmers’ Market, where SMEs in the agriculture industry showcased and sold fresh and organic farm products, and a Baking Masterclass for kids. These were in addition to the beloved features of the previous event, like Cooking MasterClasses and Sales Exhibitions by small businesses. Various restaurants with delectable food, outdoor grills, fascinating entertainment, and wine tastings allowed guests to sample a unique and exciting blend of well-known and up-and-coming brands.

GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2018

Around 150 businesses in the food and confectionary industries came to the 2018 GTBank Food and Drink Fair to showcase the diversity and depth of Nigerian culture in the culinary arts. The annual food and drink fair, which brought together buyers and sellers from across the nation and diaspora to exhibit their products and innovations in the multimillion-dollar industry, took place at the expansive complex at Ligal Ayorinde, Water Corporation area of Oniru-Lekki environ.

According to Oyinade Adegbite of GT Bank’s Corporate Communications, the third annual fair, themed “Street Food,” received 2000 submissions from food stores, but only 150 could exhibit their produce.

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GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2019

The fourth edition of the GTBank Food and Drink Festival expanded after three outstanding presentations of the largest culinary experience in Africa. It took place at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, for four days, from Sunday, April 28, to Wednesday, May 1. More than 300 small companies, more than double the number from the previous year, were given free Retail Stalls by the GTBank Food and Drink Festival that year. Along with cooking classes, the event included several workshops led by internationally renowned experts on food and drink.

GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2022

This premier event for the fifth edition took place at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, from Saturday, April 30, 2022, to Monday, May 2, 2022. That year’s free three-day event included seminars in preparing dishes selected from across the globe, as well as more than 140 complimentary retail booths offering everything from the best Nigerian street food to gourmet bite-sized snacks and fresh fruit from the farmers’ market. The thoughtfully constructed play area kept kids actively engaged while introducing new levels of excitement.

GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2023

The most brilliant minds in international cuisine, the most hardworking Nigerian smallbusiness owners, and a top-notch, cutting-edge kids’ play area were all brought together for the sixth edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival to create an unparalleled culinary and drink experience for guests.

That year, the GTCO Food & Drink festival increased the number of vendor stalls from 142 to 204, allowing even more creative and hardworking business owners to not only show off their

enterprises to the over 250,000 foodies in attendance but also interact with their clientele and pick the brains of a gathering of like-minded food entrepreneurs. In addition, three of Africa’s top DJs set the tone for a celebration of food, drink, and community-building weekend.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2024

The countdown to the seventh edition of Africa’s most anticipated culinary festival has begun. Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced the dates for the 2024 GTCO Food and Drink Festival, which is scheduled to take place from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is widely acknowledged as the largest food and drink festival on the continent, uniting millions of food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in a dynamic celebration of flavours, scents, and cultures that honour Africa’s rich and varied culinary legacy. During the three days, guests can anticipate various delectable culinary offerings, ranging from inventive global fusion cuisines to classic African cuisine. The event will also have hundreds of food merchants displaying various delectable items, live culinary demonstrations, and tasting sessions. Thanks to the organizers’ careful selection of kid-friendly events this year, the festival will be a memorable occasion for the whole family. The kids will be occupied with games, interactive displays, and other activities in a specially created play area. A children’s baking class is added to the fair as a new, exciting element. This session will provide kids and budding cooks with a fantastic chance to learn about the delights of baking while also encouraging creativity and self-assurance in the kitchen. In an enjoyable and encouraging setting, kids can release their inner chef and learn essential cooking skills by creating their speciality delicacies or decorating cupcakes.

MEET THE MASTERCLASS CHEFS FOR THE 2024 GTCO FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

(1) MAUNIKA GOWARDHAN - A Joyful Celebration Of Indian Home Cooking

Maunika Gowardhan is an Indian chef and best-selling author whose passion for real flavours and culinary methods, as well as offering a novel take on the food, have fueled her career. Through her culinary endeavours, she crafts and distributes classic Indian meals reminiscent of her Mumbai childhood and ancestry while incorporating intriguing flavours and ingredients. Her culinary style is straightforward and inviting, specializing in foods that are easily accessible and family-friendly recipes from many Indian groups, many of which have been passed down through the decades in her own family. She uses earthy spices, fresh herbs, and mixes that are synonymous with India. In addition to being a contributing editor for Vogue India, where she frequently writes on the London culinary scene, Maunika is a well-known contributor to publications including Good Housekeeping, Olive magazine, BBC Culinary, and BBC 1’s Morning Live. Her second cookbook, Thali, became a Times bestseller after her much-acclaimed debut cookbook, Indian Kitchen. Her third cookbook, Tandoori Home Cooking, is her most recent release.

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(2) LISA BROOKS – Southern Coastal Cuisine

In 2010, Chef Lisa Brooks, a trailblazing culinary artist who adores real Southern cooking and spending time with her family, came back to Charlotte, North Carolina, to share the recipes from her family. Combining her Southern roots and traditional French training, Chef Lisa turned Heart & Soul Personal Chef Service into a successful business providing upscale dining experiences. She started the Personal Chef Academy, LLC in 2021 to encourage budding chefs—especially women. Among Chef Lisa’s many achievements are her recognition by Forbes, Ebony, and the Women’s Business Journal and her status as a finalist on Food Network’s Chopped. Awarded the title of 2022 Charlottean of the Year, Chef Lisa motivates people with her skill in the kitchen and her love of deep connections.

(3) ROBIN MCBRIDE - Uncorking Your Wine Potential

At the international company McBride Sisters Wine Company, which has its main office in Oakland, California, Robin holds the positions of President and Board Chair. It is among the country’s most inclusive, approachable, and socially conscious wine companies, ranking in the top 1% in volume and being the largest Black-owned and women-founded business. In 2005, Robin and her sister started importing wines from New Zealand. Then, in 2009, they began producing wine together. By spring 2017, the two were making wine under the McBride Sisters Collection label from their hometowns in Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Monterey, California. The sisters introduced Black Girl Magic Wines in 2018 as a joyful wine brand honouring the women in their family and community. On International Women’s Day in 2019, the sisters unveiled SHE CAN Wines, a high-end canned wine.

(4) UCHE UZOKA - Kids Baking Masterclass

Chef Uche Annie Uzoka is the founder and creative director of Gourmet Twist, a fastgrowing food company with locations in Atlanta, Georgia, and Lagos, Nigeria. Chef Uche’s culinary experience began after she finished her education at Reddish Culinary School and the University of Lagos. She specializes in pastries and meals with Afro-infused flavours. Driven by her love of cooking and her ambition to provide distinctive dining experiences, she leapt into entrepreneurship in 2017 and opened Gourmet Twist. Chef Uche has gained global recognition and praise for displaying Nigerian cuisine’s rich tastes and dedication to excellence in pastry and culinary arts. Chef Uche is committed to providing exceptional dining experiences that showcase the richness and vitality of African food, even as she broadens Gourmet Twist’s customer base and ventures into uncharted culinary territory.

(5) GALE GAND - Mastering Creamy Chocolate Desserts

In addition to serving as a pastry chef, Gale Gand is the co-founder and partner at the Michelin twostar restaurant, Tru, Chicago. She hosted Sweet Dreams, a longrunning program on Food Network that is presently available to stream on Discovery Plus. In addition to writing eight cookbooks, she collaborated with Julia Child on her book and the PBS series Baking with Julia. Gale is a national culinary instructor and artisan soda pop producer, well known for her nationally distributed brand of Gale’s Root Beer. In addition to being inducted into the Chicago Chefs Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Chefs, she holds two James Beard Awards. She also schooled in Paris at La Varenne. Gale judges pie and food competitions professionally and participates in several food and wine events worldwide.

We look forward to another incredible celebration of Nigeria’s diverse food culture and reminisce on years of culinary brilliance as we excitedly await the coming of the 2024 GTCO Food & Drink Festival. The festival, which rose from modest beginnings in 2016 to become a top culinary event, never fails to wow audiences with its wide range of dishes, creative programming, and steadfast dedication to presenting the best of Nigerian cuisine. The GTCO Food & Drink Festival offers an experience unlike any other—a veritable feast for the senses—for those who are experienced foodies and those who are just interested in discovering the flavours of Nigeria.

CREATE THAT VISION BOARD NOW

I’vebeen feeling quite unmotivated recently. Writer’s block has also become a recent acquaintance, so I was lost when we had our weekly team meeting about what I’d write this week. Yes, I haven’t been feeling well, and that added to the fall in my morale, but even now, I’m still confused.

therapy, and do more with YouTube this year. The group chat for the girl’s trip has been activated; I hope the trip makes it out of the chat and into reality. Wish us luck! In January this year, I shot a YouTube series for a brand I’ve been working closely with and though it was my first time hosting a show, I enjoyed every bit of it. And finally, I’ve also started therapy, and I’m very happy with my experience so far. I can be very introspective, and I love themes of self-awareness, self-exploration, and selfactualization, so it’s been great, and I’m glad I started it.

After what I wrote last week, I started thinking about the importance of vision boards in helping you see yourself as the person you want to become and how a vision board can be a helpful physical reminder of this. I started creating vision boards at the beginning of 2022 and now, it’s something I do every year and sometimes within the year, I don’t always wait for January 1st and you shouldn’t either.

The really cool thing is that I’ve been able to achieve up to 70% of the things on my vision board by the grace of God. In 2023, I wanted to move into my own home and start painting seriously, and I did. I also wanted to go on a girl’s trip holiday with my best friends, start

One thing that was on my bucket list was to record a song and I did that towards the end of last year as well! I’m not trying to become a singer so don’t call my line if you’re looking for one but it’s just something fun I’ve always wanted to do before I die.

Back to the matter, visualizing your future self with the help of a vision board. Create one!

Some people like to do it the usual way. Get a few old magazines, some scissors, glue, and cardboard paper. Flip through the magazines, cut out images and text that you’d like on your vision board, and

things that you’d like to see or experience in your future. Stick them on the cardboard using the glue, and you’re done. Easy example, If you’d like to buy a car, find a photo of a car (the exact car you’d like would be even better), cut it out of the magazine, and stick it on your cardboard. Super easy.

However, I like to go the digital route and create a collage of photos of things I’d like to see in my future and use it as my wallpaper on my phone. It’s very simple to do. I get images from Pinterest, and then I use Canva to put the photos together, but if you don’t have that, you can use your Instagram stories and save it as an image, and you’re done!

SGD Spotlight

Here’s a mini version of mine you could use as a guide.

Here’s another very simple example

Hair Loss 101 Everything You Need to Know About Hair Loss

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Everyone will experience some form of hair loss at some point in their life, and this can happen due to some hereditary and lifestyle factors. It is normal for us to shed strands of hair each day, but how do we know when this has escalated to problematic hair loss? This article will explore everything about hair loss, including the various causes responsible for thinning out our strands and how to put up a good fight proactively.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

(1) AGE

As people age, almost everyone will experience thinning and hair loss. Cells grow and die off incessantly at every age. However, as we age, our cells lose their ability to repair quickly. As a result, people acquire thinner skin and weaker bones. The procedure for hair is comparable.

Additionally, as you get older, your scalp produces less oil, which can weaken and break off your hair. As you become older, some people may have more severe hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, often known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, is the disorder in question.

(2) NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Nutritional deficiencies may occasionally cause hair loss. Hair loss and excessive shedding have been related to low levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin D. Vitamin deficits may be readily remedied with dietary supplementation. It’s crucial to speak with your healthcare physician before beginning any new supplement regimen, as they will often perform a blood test before making a recommendation.

(3)  PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

Giving birth is one of the most talked about—and less often explained— causes of hair loss. Pregnant women have this gorgeous head of hair with little to no shedding; naturally, this condition is temporary. After a few months of the postpartum phase, everything starts to come out in large handfuls. Why does this occur? The life cycle of human hair is divided into three stages: telogen (resting), catagen (transition), and anagen (growing). Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause the hair to stay in the anagen phase. The hair enters the catagen and telogen stages after the infant is delivered when hormones change again. Your gathered hair is ready to fall out naturally, just like it would have. It is understandably unsettling when it all happens at once. You don’t have to worry; your hormones will return to normal in a few months, and so will the growth of your hair.

HOW TO MANAGE IT

(1) ADOPT A MEDITERRANEAN DIET

According to research, the Mediterranean diet, which emphasises raw vegetables and fresh herbs, may help lower the incidence of androgenic alopecia, often known as male or female pattern baldness, or delay the beginning of the condition. The greatest outcomes were noted in those who ate large portions of fresh herbs and raw vegetables, such as salad greens, parsley, and basil, more than three days a week.

(2) REGULAR WASHING

Regular hair washing can prevent hair loss by maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. It’s important to use light shampoo. Stronger formulae have the potential to dry out hair, break it, and result in hair loss.

(3) GENTLE STYLING

Avoid pulling on your hair at the roots or creating excessive shedding with tight braids or ponytails. Let your hair air dry to prevent irritating your scalp. Curling or straightening irons are heat stylers that should be avoided since they can break or damage hair shafts.

Thanks to low-level lasers, patients who have chemotherapy-induced hair loss or hereditary hair loss may benefit from increased hair density. This method, also known as red light treatment, may stimulate epidermal stem cells. There are laser devices for use at home. To see results, you might need to use the gadget often.

(4) LASER THERAPY CONCLUSION

There is no need to be afraid if you are experiencing hair loss. Several methods are available for treatment. Regardless of the cause of your hair loss, treatment tends to be more effective when you discover it early. If you notice that your hair is starting to fall or thin out in clumps, make sure you visit a healthcare provider so they can help you figure out the cause of your hair loss and share tips on how to treat the root issue.

HEALTH

CHALLENGES OF AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD

BYJOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a complex condition that affects an individual’s ability to interact socially and communicate with anyone, and even affects their behaviour.

Autism is very common among children, and they are usually the first set of people that come to mind when autism is spoken of. But a piece of knowledge that’s not so common is the fact that autism transcends beyond childhood, and this neuro disorder affects the way they go about their everyday lives.

In commemoration of the month of autism, this editorial will explore the challenges faced by these older individuals who still deal with autism even in adulthood.

EMPLOYMENT

Dealing with autism affects how individuals behave and react to other people, especially new faces. But then, as adults, we all have to earn a living, and the same applies to autistic patients, which means they have no other choice but to put themselves out there. The mental stress of having to put themselves in a new environment for job interviews is one problem, while maintaining the job and the responsibilities that come with it is another problem autistic patients have to deal with.

RELATIONSHIPS

Building and maintaining relationships with autistic people has always been a challenge that’s not easy for them to overcome. The constant struggle to understand other people, make small talk, have deep conversations, keep up with social norms, and generally form connections with people has continued to be a major issue for these individuals. Even though they may be empathic towards what other people are feeling, expressing it or showing concern can be difficult for them, and it’s not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know how to.

MENTAL HEALTH

INDEPENDENT LIVING

People living with autism may require help with learning personal skills needed to navigate the complex nature of adulthood, as sometimes these skills don’t come naturally to them. Tasks such as managing finances, cooking, and doing some other household chores can be difficult for them, hence the reason they are advised to have someone else live with them.

ACCESS TO SERVICES

Being at work, being in educational institutions, or even in a social gathering can be exhausting for autistic individuals as it’s not something they are comfortable with, and having to make it a part of their lives makes it stressful for them mentally. Studies have shown that autistic patients have a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

Resources needed by autistic people have been limited over the years due to long waiting lists or even the lack of these resources in the general market. Accessing the necessary support services has become difficult for them.

As much as adulthood has its numerous challenges for individuals with autism, it is essential to recognize their personal strengths and gifts. They have what makes them special, and they can shine their light as bright as possible with the right people around them.

Understanding Body Types

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

People often wonder why things don’t work out for them in a particular way, but it worked for another person even though they went through the same stage and did the same things as the other person. The answer is usually simple: you aren’t the same as the other person. The same can be said about our bodies. Human beings have different body types, and understanding these body types is critical to creating a workout routine that promotes progress in your body’s physique. Whether you are an ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph, each body comes with its unique challenges and advantages. This fitness guide will explore how these body types affect workouts and metabolism.

Individuals with the ectomorph type of body are characterised by a lean build, narrow shoulders and hips, and a fast metabolism. Their physical features also include long limbs, which contribute to their lanky appearance. Due to their high metabolism, ectomorphs are advised to focus on increased calorie intake, strength training, and a high-protein diet and avoid excessive cardiovascular exercises, which will only burn calories faster. If you find out you belong to this category, it is advised that you be both patient and consistent, as building muscle takes time.

Mesomorphs

A natural athletic and muscular build, broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and low body fat are the typical features to identify persons under the mesomorph body type. Mesomorphs gain muscles much easier than ectomorphs and have a moderate metabolism.

Regarding fitness recommendations, mesomorphs are encouraged to focus on strength training, have a balanced diet, get more involved in cardiovascular exercises, and incorporate various exercise routines into their workout plans. By harnessing their natural genetic advantage and implementing a good fitness routine, mesomorphs can achieve peak physical condition.

These individuals have been known to have a rounder body shape, wider hips, and softer skin. They have a higher body fat percentage because they can store more fat than other body types. They experience the slowest metabolism than the other two body types, and as a result, endomorphs find it difficult to lose weight and are prone to even more weight gain, although they are known to have stronger lower bodies. Mesomorphs are advised to engage in high-intensity training, which helps them burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. Their diet should consist of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Patience and persistence should also be personal skills for endomorphs, as they need a lot of discipline to achieve peak physical condition.

Understanding how your body works is the first step to achieving your fitness goals. People need to understand that we are all different and should always find out what works best for us in order to achieve the best results we want for ourselves.

Accept your body type, take advantage of the perks, and be the best version of yourself.

1. TAKE YOUR TIME TO GRIEVE

Allowing oneself to grieve after a breakup is crucial. Spend some time healing and processing your feelings. Trying to avoid feeling the hurt of the breakup by jumping into another relationship right away might not be good for you. After a breakup, it’s ok to experience sadness, anger, or hurt. Before starting a new relationship, give yourself time to grieve and recover.

2. FOCUS ON YOURSELF

Spend time with friends and family or engage in hobbies that bring you joy. It’s important to look after your mental and physical health. Pay attention to your ambitions and goals. You’re more likely to draw in a good relationship when you’re content with yourself.

REBOUND RELATIONSHIPS

How to Avoid Getting Into One

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

It’s normal to feel lonely after a breakup and desire to find another relationship to fill the emptiness. A relationship that develops soon after a breakup or when you begin a relationship as a response to a prior one, when one or both partners are still dealing with difficulties from the breakup, it’s known as a rebound relationship. It’s frequently a coping mechanism to avoid feeling the pain of the breakup. Rebound relationships should be avoided at all costs since they can be damaging and hinder your ability to recover completely. Let’s explore ways to avoid getting into a rebound relationship.

3. NEVER USE DATING AS A DISTRACTION

Don’t let dating serve as an escape from your feelings. Instead of being a means of numbing feelings of loneliness or sadness, dating should be joyful and entertaining. Never use a dating relationship as an opportunity to prove anything to someone, including your ex. Give yourself some time to recover before pursuing a new romantic endeavour.

4. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND POTENTIAL

Be honest with yourself and potential partners if you’re not ready for a relationship. If you’re not emotionally accessible, don’t lead someone on. Make what you want from a relationship clear and what your objectives are.

CONCLUSION

5.BEWARE OF RED FLAGS

When you’re ready to go back out on the dating scene, watch out for warning signs in prospective partners. Seek someone honest, courteous, and emotionally available.

Rebound relationships are harmful and can prevent you from fully healing from a breakup. Give yourself space to heal, give yourself attention, and be sincere with yourself and potential partners. Look for someone honest, courteous, and emotionally open, and be wary of any red flags. Remember that being single and taking your time to recover before entering into a new relationship is acceptable.

Sometimes,

it’s the little things that impede the full success of an ambitious film. That’s the case with Alex Garland’s Civil War –an alternate-history dystopian road trip movie that does its best not to answer the many questions viewers will have about a threadbare backstory. When focusing on the microverse inside a news van and the four passengers taking the trip, Civil War does a good job of dissecting the damage done by a desensitization to violence. But it botches the background and features an ending that belongs in another movie (preferably one featuring Gerard Butler).

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Civil War

Beyond the basics – the United States is in the midst of its second Civil War, various states have seceded and formed splinter alliances, the President (now in his third term) has become a dictator, and the loyalist states are losing the war – Civil War is frustratingly short on details. Although a case could be made that a major exposition drop might have been problematic, there are elegant ways this could have been done. The lack of even a middling attempt indicates that Garland simply doesn’t care about these things. His goal is to present a character-based allegory about the hell of war…at least until the narrative goes off the rails with a climax that defeats even the best attempts to suspend disbelief.

While the publicity material for Civil War postulates that the events in the film transpire in “the near future,” clues within the production contradict this. Considering the across-the-board level of technology (everything from automobiles to smartphones to Internet connectivity), the time frame is contemporary, meaning this is an alternate-history story (since preceding events must stretch years, if not decades, into the past).

The four main characters are well-defined types – journalists expecting and enjoying protection from all sides in the conflict so they can provide a front-line perspective of events. There’s Lee (Kirsten Dunst), a veteran photographer whose deep resume includes iconic pictures taken from other wars and whose extreme PTSD has turned her into an emotionless shell. Joel (Wagner Moura) is Lee’s writing partner, an adrenaline junkie who gets off on the thrill of battle while not yet having confronted its true horrors. Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), an ageing New York Times reporter, is war-weary but committed. Finally, there’s Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), a young photographer who idolizes Lee and seeks to learn from the older woman. Lee and Joel have a single goal – they want to make the trip from New York City to Washington, D.C., in time to interview and photograph the President before he is captured and executed. Sammy calls the trip a “suicide” mission and believes there’s no way they can achieve their aims. Jessie is along for the ride.

A significant portion of Civil War focuses on the primary characters, showing their interactions and

exploring their views about the war and their purpose as journalists. The trajectory is that of a road picture, with the news van travelling from Point A to Point B and having various encounters along the way. One of these, a disturbing run-in with a group of soldiers (whose leader is played by Jesse Plemons), is a standout. Plemons is so good in this role that he steals the entire movie despite having minimal screen time (as is tradition).

Garland’s objective is to amp up the claustrophobia – an achievement in which he and his cinematographer, Rob Hardy, find success. Throughout his career as a writer and director, Garland has never dealt in upbeat stories, so it’s no surprise that Civil War starts in the twilight and gets darker as it proceeds. Even casual encounters are fraught with tension and uncertainty. Perhaps one of the reasons Garland doesn’t bother with a complete and credible backstory is because (to the characters if not the audience), it doesn’t matter. Once one has entered hell, does it matter how one got there? As events unfold, each of the characters experiences major personality changes. By the end, no one is the same as at the beginning.

Performances are key in making the characters real. Kirsten Dunst is especially good as a woman who has buried herself so deeply in an emotionless cocoon that, when there are cracks, they make demands on Dunst as an actress. Stephen McKinley Henderson is the voice of reason who realizes this may be his last rodeo but is determined to see it through. Cailee Spaeny, who recently played the title character in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, faces the most difficult arc as the horrors around her shred the remaining vestiges of her naivete and force her to understand what she must sacrifice to become who she wants to be.

Alas, the ending cheapens the overall experience. Especially without a better understanding of how things got to that point and who The President (Nick Offerman) is, the cheesy action and silly narrative contortions of the final 15 minutes are a difficult pill to swallow. Garland fumbled the ending of his previous film, Men, and that same problem is evident here. He knows how to tell a story but can’t stick the ending. This flaw diminishes Civil War but it isn’t a fatal blow. There’s still enough captivating and disquieting material here to make the experience worthwhile. And this isn’t an easy movie to shake off.

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WATCH OF THE WEEK

PARASYTE THE GREY

Parasyte: The Grey is a liveaction spin-off of the manga series Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki. However, no prior knowledge is required to enjoy a goofy premise about parasitic alien creatures invading human hosts. What is required is a strong stomach and an appreciation for delightfully gruesome fight scenes.

Fun, right? The creatures look like something Guillermo del Toro crossed with his

monstrosities and stacked on top of human bodies. These parasitic creatures and their bonkers battle sequences are the real stars of Parasyte: The Grey — the story itself is pretty generic stuff about humans vs. parasites. But the visuals are so good, who cares?

The main wrinkle comes in the form of Jeong Su-in (Jeon So-nee), a grocery store cashier who’s only partially taken over by the parasite Heidi (as in Jekyll and Heidi). These two have to coexist in

Thee Sacred Souls - Easier Said Than Done

the same body, which leads Heidi to start developing pesky human emotions.

Meanwhile, the Grey Team task force just wants to put poor Su-in/Heidi down for good. But Su-in finds an unlikely ally in small-time gangster Seol Kang-woo (Koo Kyo-hwan).

Look, there’s nothing particularly profound happening in Parasyte: The Grey — it’s a gloriously schlocky, B-movie-esque escape from reality. Director Yeon Sang-ho (of Train to Busan fame) serves up six episodes of gory creature designs and fight scenes that will have you both wincing and cheering.

Khruangbin

The Number 3

¥$; Kanye West; Ty Dolla $ign - BURN

Isaiah Falls - FLORIDA BABY

Mack H.D; Night Myl - Comment Faire

Emotional Oranges; Tkay MaidzaBe Somebody (feat. Tkay Maidza)

Landon Sears; Rexx Life Raj; Chase Murphy - Exfoliate

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