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 •Ofunneka
Photo: Sun News Publishing Ofunneka Molokwu, first runner-up of the reality show Big Brother Africa 2 (BBA2) exhibits confidence. A 2001 Chemistry graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ofunneka has an artistic side as she likes to dance, act and write. She maintains a regular fertility column with Totally Whole(TW) magazine. She spoke with Daily Sun about her passion for fertility-challenged couples, her NGO and the BBA 2 experience. Excepts:
Big Brother Africa 2
How do I adequately relive such an experience, without leaving out anything? It was such a crazy adventure. All the pages of your paper may not be sufficient enough to document all the 91 days spent in the house. Quite honestly, I am glad I had the opportunity to go through that. It taught me tolerance, patience and made me understand what it is to be alone with your God. No matter how close you felt you were to anyone in the house or how friendly, we entered this competition individually. Each had his/her own race to run, we were really and truly on our own. It was a game and people had to play it as such, even with “new friends.” It definitely taught me maturity and to accept whatever challenges life throws at you by making the most of every single one.
BBA gave me a platform on which I have been able to get a step ahead in achieving my goals in life. It is ultimately a “change agent” to young people and the generation after. Fertility Treatment Support Foundation(FTSF)
Fertility Treatment Support Foundation (FTSF), formerly known as Expanding Access to Fertility Treatment was established as a result of the prevalence of infertility in our society today. According to research, one out of every four couples is fertility-challenged. Hence the appreciable demand of Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) solutions. However, the affordability of the treatment is one of the common causes for concern of the fertility-challenged couples. To keep the dream of these couples alive, the foundation was born. Starting out
FTSF kicked off on July 19, 2008, at Planet One, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos. The foundation in partnership with Nordica Fertility Center, Silverbird Group, Mtech, NTA, Planet One, FKG2 and Vanguard newspapers gave 10 couples free fertility assessment and two lucky couples free IVF treatment. These couples are currently undergoing treatment and their progress is being documented and monitored. The aims of the foundation include, to provide free fertility treatment to couples who are fertility-challenged and cannot afford the treatment. To provide counselling for couples who are fertility-challenged as well as providing a support system or platform for those couples who are fertility-challenged to interact and share their problems in confidence. Funds
We solicit from corporate bodies like banks, telecom companies, pharmaceutical companies and individuals who believe in our cause. We have gotten some support but we still need more because majority of the financial support we got last year was from Nordica Fertility Center. The response of Nigerians to this humanitarian cause is still poor but we believe that with time and positive results, it will increase.
Ofunneka Youth Empowerment Trust Fund (OYET-F)
(OYET-F) is a membership based not-for-profit, non-govermental and non-sectarian organization established in December 2007. The purpose is empowering youths to become contributing members of our society. This will be done through educational schemes, talent enhancement programs and volunteer opportunities which we believe will help build self-esteem and confidence. We believe that positive youth development orientation involves shifting attention away from concentrating on problems and moving towards increasing young people’s exposure to the positive and constructive activities that nurture healthy, responsible and compassionate young people. Soft spot for youths
Well I am a young person, so I am inevitably helping myself by helping these young ones. Having interacted with young people both during my service year and daily, I realized that majority of them have lost focus. They don’t seem to have positive goals which they hope to attain in life. Majority of them are lacking in self-esteem and confidence especially the female gender, whom I tend to defer to,for obvious reasons. I felt I needed to stand up, be a change agent by doing the little that I can in building our workforce of tomorrow and leaders of today.
Achievements
The Calabar experience of December 7, 2008, tagged Youth Development Zone was organized by Heritage Alliance an NGO in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, YES Country Network Nigeria,YOUTHCARE and KIND as collaborators. It was a youth forum put together during the annual Calabar carnival to avail youths the opportunity to interact with experts in different fields. Also, OYET-F in partnership with Big Sisters Network with support from Resource Sharing Network (RSN) launched a tutoring and mentoring initiative to enrich our youth. It was tagged “After School Program” and has evolved to Education/Skills Development Program (ESD). It is a program that addresses the educational and creative needs of our young ones through school adoption programs, reading clubs, tutoring/mentoring programs and field trips. We have visited four public schools to act as the pilot phase of our ESD program. Our aim is to set up a library and a reading center for them. The project which kicked off in September will move on to other schools on successful completion of library and reading club in the first school. The target age group is 11-18 years for both genders. Background
I am from Delta State. The second child of my parents, from a strong Catholic home. I see myself as a spiritual being always seeking for higher levels of intersction with God. I am not a saint because I have my own shortcomings as it is the norm in all human beings. But I am striving for sainthood and eternal life with my maker which is really the reason for our existence. I am a graduate of Chemistry from University of Ibadan. I love writing, singing and dancing. I am a confident, hardworking and self-motivated young woman whose dream and passion is to put a smile on the faces of those who need it most even if it requires me putting myself out. Challenges
The challenges range from seeking like-minded people to work with, putting together timelines and sticking to them. Attending meetings and having to seek for sponsors since both projects are not-for-profit. It can be really tedious but as I mentioned earlier, I am quite passionate about both causes so that keeps me going more often than not. Combating the challenges
I take some time off once in a while just to reflect on whatever achievements I may have attained and what needs to be done better. I also set aside some “me” moments, like going for long walks, going to church to interact with my Maker or just stay indoors and read a book. All these are quite rejuvenating for me and prevent burn-out. Before these projects I used to work full time for Nordica Fertility Center, but I now consult for them. I write for Totally Whole, a woman’s magazine, I have a regular fertility column, and a youth magazine called Genexx, which is circulated in 13 universities. Future plans
In the next 5-10 years, I hope to see OYET-F running effectively with me playing a solely supervisory role, setting up a youth center in Delta State. We have acquired a landed property thanks to my father. I hope to be able with the NGO to adopt as many public schools as we are able to revitalize our educational system which is ailing seemingly irreversibly. For FTSF, we are seeking for more sponsors to hold the next raffle draw. We are setting up a support group for the fertility-challenged, which will hold its first gathering soon. We also hope to publish a book to educate both the fertility-challenged and the general public on infertility and coping skills. I also intend to become an accomplished writer. So, watch out for my memoirs, amongst other books I have planned.
Following recent comments by former Big Brother Africa rep, Mimi ‘Divalish’ Andani, suggesting that she would soon become the best female artist in Ghana with the launch of her album, I couldn’t help but ask myself the question, who really is the best female performer in Ghana?
According to Mimi, she is going to beat the completion like stealing candy from a kid because most Ghanaian female artist put up performances similar to that of children singing and dancing at any children’s party.
And while I agree with her that some of her counterparts need a lot of work on their stage craft, Mimi has a lot to prove to me and the rest of Ghana that she could actually sing to save her performances.But seriously though who are the best female performers in the game?
I think Becca would be right up there with the best because she always tries to go the extra length to entertain her audience. Although she may not have the best vocals, she is aware of her range and very often she comfortably performs within her range. With a deep voice akin to Tracey Chapman, a slinky and sexy body combined with a unique fashion sense, Becca certainly knows how to attract the right attention for herself and her music.
Her stage craft without a doubt is the most elaborate amongst her contemporaries. With heavy props, lighting and audiovisuals, she usually tries to tell a story and make her audience live in the moment of her performances - similar to what a Beyonce or Mariah Carey would do, but only to smaller audiences and restricted venues.
Becca continues to be on the rise in Ghana and across Africa, collaborating with international acts and producers. With a catalogue of hits to her credit, I am waiting for the moment when I would see her headline her own concert so that I can put her up there with the best Africa has to offer.
I word of advice to her though; she should stick to performing within her range because sometimes her ambitions on stage frighten me. Let me just say that I wasn’t too impressed with her over the top tribute to Michael Jackson in the last public performance I saw of her. She was completely overwhelmed by the MJ songs…baby steps diva, baby steps!!!!
Sex sells, and this next person on my list is aware of it; and has no plans to stop using her sex appeal to her advantage. Mzbel is not the best singer by a long shot, neither is she the best rapper but her ability to get away with her play on words and raunchiness is a skill that cannot be matched by any of her colleagues.
But she better watch out for Eazzy, because she also understands the power of ‘sexy’ and is working her way up. She just needs to put in more work with her music; breathing ‘mmmmm’ and moaning in a song is simply not enough, Eazzy. Anyway back to Mzbel! Her lyrics are controversially stimulating and her stage performances even more seductive.
With skimpy attires and ubiquitous booty shaking by herself and her female dancers, Mzbel is often criticized for pushing the envelope a bit too much. Nonetheless, Ghanaians home and abroad enjoy her music and performances and she is definitely going to stir more controversies with her new album, ‘Saucy Girl’ which spots a topless Mzbel on the cover.
Which Diva rules the stage?
  ‘Stars of the Future’ trio of Irene Logan, Jane ‘Efyah’ Awindor and Adina ‘Thembi’ Ndamse have impressed me with some good performance either collectively, individually, or however the permutation goes. No doubt these ladies have very good vocals but can they bring on? While still together as a group, Irene and Jane proved at all the numerous Charter House events that they could sing and in some cases dance as well.
They were appealing to watch and that has not changed much since they both assumed separate solo careers. I recently saw Jane in a live performance at the launch of the latest edition of Canoe Quarterly Magazine, and truly she has the right attitude and makings of the diva she so desperately wants to be.
I have seen only one performance from ‘Stars of the Future’ Season 3 winner; Adina and I must say she has a lot of potential. She can sing and dance pretty well as well; two elements of any good performance. At this point, I would like to ask Mimi whether she can do either. Just kidding! Throw in a little of her sex appeal and Adina is ready to go, so I would put her in my list and hope that she doesn’t disappoint me.
Surely this list isn’t exhaustive of the many talented female performers in Ghana; it is just the list of artistes that immediately came to my mind as natural competition for Miss Divalish, the moment she made her claims. And in no way can I conclude without adding the true gospel diva, Christiana Love in the mix. Without a doubt, the energy and charisma of this gospel music icon puts her above most of the younger female singers of her time.
She rocks every show that she performs on and even with a protruding belly; she’s been known to shake the devils off. Yes, the odds are up against Mimi alias Lady Gaga but let’s wait a few more month and perhaps a few performances from Mimi (that is if she gets the chance) to see if she can live up to her words.
Jeremy has no regrets that he was booted out of the Big Brother Africa Revolution house because he took a one-in-25 chance on the big prize.   Asked about the rumours that sex took place after he was shown the door on Sunday, he said he was not surprised because there were rumours about Leonel and Mzamo. “My guess is that it was Leonel and Mzamo. There were rumours that it had happened already ,” Jeremy said. The 22-year-old from Kenya said he did not misbehave although he and Emma had cuddled and were “lovey dovey”. He said he was aware that his parents, his sisters and friends were watching the show. “I liked Emma very much but the environment in the house was artificial. We were all cooped up in the place which gave us an opportunity to get to know each other very fast. “I was mindful of the fact that if something had happened, it is the girl who gets the backlash for that.” Jeremy revealed that he had broken up with his girlfriend shortly before he joined Big Brother Revolution. He intends going back to Kenyatta University to complete his degree in telecommunication and IT. “I have no major expectations although I hope I will get a platform into advertising and modelling. “I would have loved to get the prize but I don’t regret my time in the house. I had not planned what to do with the money. I would probably have given it to my mom for her new business.”
Monday night’s BIG BROTHER REVOLUTION nomination show left Emma, Nkenna and Elizabeth up for eviction this week as alliances crumbled and revenge tainted the housemates’ nomination strategies .
Once all the housemates had completed their nominations, Big Brother announced that Nkenna, Emma and Mzamo were up for eviction this week. Head of House Edward was then summoned to the diary room to make his ‘save and replace’ choice. He didn’t hesitate as Big Brother asked him who he would like to save, naming Mzamo, “my only true friend in the house”.
He put Elizabeth in her place surprising many who thought he would be gunning for Itai. His decision left Angola’s Emma, who survived eviction on Sunday, Nigeria’s Nkenna and Tanzanian Elizabeth, at the mercy of the continent’s voters.
Kevin nominated Mzamo and his fellow Nigerian, Nkenna. He told Big Brother that Nkenna is playing for the other team and is very close to Edward. He says that Edward is his rival in the House and wants him out. Meanwhile Head of House Edward nominated Elizabeth and Emma, saying that he planned to save his former Comrade-in-Arms, Emma, and put Kevin in her place.
Nkenna nominated Emma, because she believes Emma will nominate her in return and Edward because he can save himself. Elizabeth nominated Mzamo because she believed Mzamo does not like her and Nkenna because she is not comfortable with her. Mzamo unwittingly returned the favour, nominating Elizabeth and then Emma.
Itai’s nomination choices were Mzamo and Emma, because to him they represent the ‘two sides’ of the house. Leonel nominated Nkenna, because she “did something" to him and – surprisingly - love interest Mzamo, because "she is a strong player". Leonel recently told Kevin that he wanted to end his relationship with Mzamo to pursue Geraldine – who had previously spurned his advances.
Geraldine nominated Mzamo and Edward. Emma nominated Nkenna for putting her in the firing line last week and Mzamo because she is close to Edward, who will be able to save her. Only 5 housemates received nominations this week: Mzamo (6), Emma and Nkenna (4), Elizabeth and Edward (2).
In down economic times, companies seem to have carte blanche to limit salaries and make low-ball offers. But that shouldn't be the case. Below are the top salary secrets your employer doesn't want you to know. With this information in hand, you'll be in a better position to get the pay you deserve. Employers don't always offer a fair salary. Some employers think they're being fair, but they're not up-to-date with the latest salary information. Others may try to pay less than the market value because they're financially strapped. That's why it's important that you know exactly how much money you should be making. A free salary report can help you calculate how much you should be earning in any job. You can negotiate your salary in a tight job market. In a recession, many people would rather take a pay cut than lose their jobs. Raises are hard to come by and new hires may feel they have less negotiating power. But that doesn't mean it's impossible to bump up your salary; it's just a little more challenging. According to a recent survey from the Society for Human Resource Management, 80 percent of HR professionals say employers are willing to negotiate salaries. So, if you're looking for a raise at your current job, come armed with your marketplace worth and make your case. And, if you've been offered a job that pays less than you like, don't be afraid to name your realistic asking price. Keep in mind that, if you got the offer, you're clearly the best candidate for the job -- even in this highly competitive job market. New hires sometimes earn more than long-term employees. When there's a strong job market, organizations need to do whatever they can to attract top candidates. This often means that starting salaries may be higher for newbies than they are for long-term employees. Given the current economic conditions, that's less the norm these days, but it still happens in certain industries. If you suspect that a new hire with similar responsibilities is making more than you are, use current salary data to approach your manager with the request to bring your salary up to par. Your performance doesn't decide your pay. While your performance is one important factor in the salary equation, your pay is also a reflection of many other factors, including: - The job market -- lower pay is more acceptable in tighter job markets.
- Location -- generally the higher the cost of living, the higher your salary.
- Years of service -- in many cases, the longer you've been with a company, the higher your pay.
- Organization size -- large organizations tend to pay more than small ones.
- Education level -- in most cases, the more education you have, the higher your pay. Take a free education test to find out how going back to school can help you earn more.
If you're a valued employee who isn't making the money you deserve, you do have options. Know your value and make your case with the help of your free salary report. And know too, that many employers -- particularly larger employers -- have a little more in the "raise kitty" than they let on.
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Back in 1999, Robert G. Hagstrom wrote a book about the legendary investor Warren Buffett, entitled "The Warren Buffett Portfolio". What's so great about the book, and what makes it different from the countless other books and articles written about the "Oracle of Omaha" is that it offers the reader valuable insight into how Buffett actually thinks about investments. In other words, the book delves into the psychological mindset that has made Buffett so fabulously wealthy. (For more on Warren Buffett and his current holdings, check out Coattail Investor.) Although investors could benefit from reading the entire book, we've selected a bite-sized sampling of the tips and suggestions regarding the investor mindset and ways that an investor can improve their stock selection that will help you get inside Buffett's head.
1. Think of Stocks as a Business Many investors think of stocks and the stock market in general as nothing more than little pieces of paper being traded back and forth among investors, which might help prevent investors from becoming too emotional over a given position but it doesn't necessarily allow them to make the best possible investment decisions.
That's why Buffett has stated he believes stockholders should think of themselves as "part owners" of the business in which they are investing. By thinking that way, both Hagstrom and Buffett argue that investors will tend to avoid making off-the-cuff investment decisions, and become more focused on the longer term. Furthermore, longer-term "owners" also tend to analyze situations in greater detail and then put a great eal of thought into buy and sell decisions. Hagstrom says this increased thought and analysis tends to lead to improved investment returns.
2. Increase the Size of Your Investment While it rarely - if ever - makes sense for investors to "put all of their eggs in one basket," putting all your eggs in too many baskets may not be a good thing either. Buffett contends that over-diversification can hamper returns as much as a lack of diversification. That's why he doesn't invest in mutual funds. It's also why he prefers to make significant investments in just a handful of companies.
Buffett is a firm believer that an investor must first do his or her homework before investing in any security. But after that due diligence process is completed, an investor should feel comfortable enough to dedicate a sizable portion of assets to that stock. They should also feel comfortable in winnowing down their overall investment portfolio to a handful of good companies with excellent growth prospects.
Buffett's stance on taking time to properly allocate your funds is furthered with his comment that it's not just about the best company, but how you feel about the company. If the best business you own presents the least financial risk and has the most favorable long-term prospects, why would you put money into your 20th favorite business rather than add money to the top choices?
3. Reduce Portfolio Turnover Rapidly trading in and out of stocks can potentially make an individual a lot of money, but according to Buffett this trader is actually hampering his or her investment returns. That's because portfolio turnover increases the amount of taxes that must be paid on capital gains and boosts the total amount of commission dollars that must be paid in a given year.
The "Oracle" contends that what makes sense in business also makes sense in stocks: An investor should ordinarily hold a small piece of an outstanding business with the same tenacity that an owner would exhibit if he owned all of that business.
Investors must think long term. By having that mindset, they can avoid paying huge commission fees and lofty short-term capital gains taxes. They'll also be more apt to ride out any short-term fluctuations in the business, and to ultimately reap the rewards of increased earnings and/or dividends over time.
4. Develop Alternative Benchmarks While stock prices may be the ultimate barometer of the success or failure of a given investment choice, Buffett does not focus on this metric. Instead, he analyzes and pores over the underlying economics of a given business or group of businesses. If a company is doing what it takes to grow itself on a profitable basis, then the share price will ultimately take care of itself.
Successful investors must look at the companies they own and study their true earnings potential. If the fundamentals are solid and the company is enhancing shareholder value by generating consistent bottom-line growth, the share price, in the long term, should reflect that.
5. Learn to Think in Probabilities Bridge is a card game in which the most successful players are able to judge mathematical probabilities to beat their opponents. Perhaps not surprisingly, Buffett loves and actively plays the game, and he takes the strategies beyond the game into the investing world.
Buffett suggests that investors focus on the economics of the companies they own (in other words the underlying businesses), and then try to weigh the probability that certain events will or will not transpire, much like a Bridge player checking the probabilities of his opponents' hands. He adds that by focusing on the economic aspect of the equation and not the stock price, an investor will be more accurate in his or her ability to judge probability.
Thinking in probabilities has its advantages. For example, an investor that ponders the probability that a company will report a certain rate of earnings growth over a period of five or 10 years is much more apt to ride out short-term fluctuations in the share price. By extension, this means that his investment returns are likely to be superior and that he will also realize fewer transaction and/or capital gains costs.
6. Recognize the Psychological Aspects of Investing Very simply, this means that individuals must understand that there is a psychological mindset that the successful investor tends to have. More specifically, the successful investor will focus on probabilities and economic issues and let decisions be ruled by rational, as opposed to emotional, thinking.
More than anything, investors' own emotions can be their worst enemy. Buffett contends that the key to overcoming emotions is being able to "retain your belief in the real fundamentals of the business and to not get too concerned about the stock market."
Investors should realize that there is a certain psychological mindset that they should have if they want to be successful and try to implement that mindset.
7. Ignore Market Forecasts There is an old saying that the Dow "climbs a wall of worry". In other words, in spite of the negativity in the marketplace, and those who perpetually contend that a recession is "just around the corner", the markets have fared quite well over time. Therefore, doomsayers should be ignored.
On the other side of the coin, there are just as many eternal optimists who argue that the stock market is headed perpetually higher. These should be ignored as well.
In all this confusion, Buffett suggests that investors should focus their efforts of isolating and investing in shares that are not currently being accurately valued by the market. The logic here is that as the stock market begins to realize the company's intrinsic value(through higher prices and greater demand), the investor will stand to make a lot of money.
8. Wait for the Fat Pitch Hagstrom's book uses the model of legendary baseball player Ted Williams as an example of a wise investor. Williams would wait for a specific pitch (in an area of the plate where he knew he had a high probability of making contact with the ball) before swinging. It is said that this discipline enabled Williams to have a higher lifetime batting average than the average player.
Buffett, in the same way, suggests that all investors act as if they owned a lifetime decision card with only 20 investment choice punches in it. The logic is that this should prevent them from making mediocre investment choices and hopefully, by extension, enhance the overall returns of their respective portfolios.
Bottom Line "The Warren Buffett Portfolio" is a timeless book that offers valuable insight into the psychological mindset of the legendary investor Warren Buffett. Of course, if learning how to invest like Warren Buffett were as easy as reading a book, everyone would be rich! But if you take that time and effort to implement some of Buffett's proven strategies, you could be on your way to better stock selection and greater returns.
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'So You Think You Can Dance': Tap Out Night
 Earlier this season, the producers and judges of So You Think You Can Dance made a really big deal about there being three tap dancers in the season 6 top 20, a SYTYCD first. So it was odd that last night--when the public voting was preempted AGAIN due to stupid, boring baseball--the judges chose to send home two of the tappers, Bianca and Phillip, so soon.
I kind of understand their decision. While I respect tap dancing as an art form and a skill that takes years to master, and Bianca and Phillip are definitely masters of tap, they did struggle with other dance styles this week. And in my opinion, tap dancing just isn't all that interesting to watch. I knew when the three tappers--Bianca, Phillip, and Peter--did that ho-hum tap number on the "Meet The Top 20" episode that they sadly would not last long on this show. And now there's only one tapper left standing--or tapping, specifically--and that's poor Peter. I do feel bad for Bianca and Phillip, however. I found Bianca's solo last night to be dull, but enjoyed her Southern church dance with Victor; conversely, I cringed when Phillip nearly dropped partner Channing like a "sack of potatoes" (Nigel Lythgoe's words) during their clumsy samba, but I was entertained by his solo. Plus Bianca had been dreaming of being on SYTYCD for ages (she auditioned three seasons in a row for making it on) and Phillip lost his father only a week and a half ago. This was a tough elimination night. But what's done is done--so with that out of the way, here are my assessments of last night's nine couple dances, listed in order from (in my opinion) best to worst:  Kathryn & Legacy: Contemporary
I've been hard on B-boy Legacy in the past, and I've even questioned his inclusion in the top 20 at all. But all my doubts were silenced after his stunning star turn in this gorgeous, Stacey Tookey-choreographed routine to Patti LaBelle's "Steps Away." The man gave me Deeley chills. I had no idea this street tough had the ability to be so tender, so emotional, so sweet, so capable of pointing his feet, yet still so strong. Kathryn of course held her own and danced like a dream--but that was to be expected, as she's a contemporary dancer by trade. Legacy, however, was the revelation here. Judge Adam Shankman described the routine as "incredibly special" and called Legacy a "different man" who'd "turned a corner." Adam was even beaming as he declared, "There are no words to describe how proud I am." Fellow judge Mary Murphy declared Legacy's growth on the show to be the fastest in the series' history, said the routine raised the hair on her arms, and praised both dancers' total "abandonment." And Nigel Lythgoe likened the piece to Kupono and Kayla's Mia Michaels-choreographed "Addiction" piece from last season, and said this was the routine that would ensure that Kathryn, one of the season's more overlooked contestants, would never be under the radar again. I concur: Legacy and Kathryn were my favorites last week and this week, and they are both definitely ones to watch.
 Mollee & Nathan: Bollywood
The cutest, and youngest, couple on the show went straight to Molleewood last night with the help of choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan, and they dazzled like a true leading man and lady. Nathan's dizzying and seemingly endless spin while brandishing a sword was like something out of an Olympic ice-skating routine, and his flat-back collapse, something that could almost paralyze a lesser dancer, was executed faultlessly. Little blonde spitfire Mollee smoldered like a sexy mature woman, not a teen girl, and she most definitely brought the drama. Adam called them "such an exciting couple" and said Mollee "came into her own," embracing stillness and maturity. Mary understandably whooed a lot, and Nigel described the routine as "tremendous." Yes, a tremendous dance by a little couple.
 Karen & Kevin: Hip-Hop
Choreographers Tabitha & Napoleon always know how to create a hawt routine, but this one was REALLY smoking. In this car-shop hip-hop number set to Dorrough's "Ice Cream Paint Job," Karen surprisingly stole the show from hip-hop dancer Kevin, looking like the kind of pinup model who'd be lying across a race car in glossy photo straight out of a calendar on a grease monkey's wall. Damn! She danced as good as she looked, too. Adam was floored, literally, when he shouted, "Ah-oooo-ga!" and fell off his chair--twice. Mary put both of them on the Hot Tamale Train (woo woo!), and told Karen she had the "It Factor." And Nigel likened Karen to an invertebrate due to her rubbery undulating talents. Karen just may be this season's Janette, after this sexy number.
 Ellenore & Ryan: Argentine Tango
Ellenore = Elegance. Seriously, look up "elegance" in Webster's and you'll likely see Ellenore in her Jazz Age flapper dress and gamine hairdo (Nigel compared her to the legendary Cyd Charisse), making this Miriam Larici & Leonardo-choreographed Argentine tango look effortless and graceful even after her flapper dress caught in her heel. She and her partner, ballroom dancer Ryan, just kept on dancing, and honestly I didn't even realize such a wardrobe malfunction had occurred until the judges pointed it out, praising them for not breaking character, concentration, or the "laser-like connection" between them. As Mary (who gave them a standing ovation) put it, they "made it work." Did they ever!
 Pauline & Peter: Contemporary
A zany Van Gogh-inspired routine created by Wade Robson, in which Pauline and Peter portrayed figures in a painting come to life, I personally felt the dancers were a bit too restrained here, not quite zany enough. Mary was a bit underwhelmed too, saying a dance like this would not take the couple anywhere in this competition, and Nigel criticized Peter's high, tight shoulders (apparently buff Peter works out too much). But Adam praised Peter for being "1000 percent committed"...and as the only tapper who survived eliminations last night, he obviously did all right.
Bianca & Victor: Broadway
This is the Tyce Diorio routine that sent Bianca home and put Victor in the bottom four, but I honestly don't think this was the worst dance of the night. Set to "Maybe God Is Tryin' To Tell You Something" from musical production of The Color Purple, this was a church revival number that required Bianca and Victor to cut loose and give themselves over to a higher power--the power of God, the power of dance, what have you--and yes, like Pauline and Peter, they were a little too reserved. This dance didn't quite have the judges shouting, "Hallelujah"! Adam admitted they danced it well but they didn't "lose it"; Mary said the routine "didn't go there" and there was not enough "abandonment" in their dancing; and Nigel griped that their characters not strong enough. It's too bad, because this dance did have potential, as did Bianca. 
Ashleigh & Jakob: Viennese Waltz
In this Tony Meredith & Melanie Lapatin-choreographed wedding dance to "At Last" by Etta James, these two demonstrated such sweet, natural chemistry that I might have assumed Jakob was Ashleigh's real-life husband instead fellow semi-finalist Ryan, to whom she's actually married. (I wonder if Ryan was jealous at all?) This was a lovely routine, if not too memorable, although Mary called it "absolute perfection" and Nigel said Ashleigh was quickly proving all doubters wrong (Ashleigh was an alternate, not originally chosen for the top 20). I agree with Nigel: Ashleigh is growing on me, too. 
Noelle & Russell: Hip-Hop
Krumper Russell is one of my favorites this season, and I'm still furious that he was in the bottom four last week. He wasn't in the bottom this week (although his partner Noelle was), but if he had been, it would have made more sense, as this gimmicky Jamal Sims routine really fell flat. However, that was neither Russell nor Noelle's fault. This routine was a depiction of a feisty tennis match, and it was just too literal for me, with their tennis-racket props distracting from their talents and getting in their way; both dancers fared much better when they were able to set their rackets down for a bit. Adam said the characters and choreography overwhelmed them, and Nigel said they never quite got hold of the quick steps. The only bright spot was that Noelle, who'd been sidelined with a knee injury last week, had recovered enough to return to the competition, and Mary said Noelle danced so well that her weakness was undetectable. But that still wasn't enough to keep Noelle out of the bottom four. 
Channing & Phillip: Samba
Ooh boy. Well, Channing looked hot, but overall this routine was one hot mess. The whole dance was awkward, especially whenever they tackled tricks; I held my breath and prayed for Channing's safety every time Phillip lifted her in the air and seemed on the verge of dropping her headfirst onto the stage floor. This was very tough routine, filled with advanced lifts and spins, and this couple was just not cut out for it. Their struggle was very obvious, and they didn't even deny this to the judges. Adam praised their teamwork--they got through it together, somehow--but that was not enough. In the end, only one of them, Channing, got through to the top 16.
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Zimbabwe's housemate in Big Brother Africa Revolution Itai Makumbe is off to a good start after two "starmates" picked him as the strongest contender in the biggest ever reality TV series. The Revolution series has exciting twists, more housemates and the prize money has doubled to US$200 000. As some might have already noticed, no body knows how to keep viewers glued to their screens better than Biggie. In a mock diary session the 'Starmates' made up of Nigerian movie star Tuvi James, Channel O star Nonhle Thema, Tanzanian actor Steven Kanumba and South Africa's Khanyi Mbau revealed to Biggie who they thought posed the greatest challenge. Two of the 'Starmates' Kanumba and James told Biggie that Itai stood a the best chance of winning the grand prize. In a show of his support for Itai, James had earlier presented a nice pink shirt to the Zimbabwean. It appears everything is going Itai's way. Remember he was the first to go into the house and most Zimbabweans would want him to come out last. Munyaradzi Chidzonga, who represented Zimbabwe in Big Brother Africa 3, also has high hopes that Itai will stand out and eventually clinch the grand prize. "He will do well," he said. "I know him personally. He is that type of guy who is calm and talks sense."
But with the impending eviction just a week after the housemates were shepherded into the revolutionalised house, it appears Biggie has a bag full of twists. Most viewers are beginning to think the idea behind the early eviction is to make way for the female housemates. Whatever the case might be the Revolution series is unpredictable and one can only guess what's in store. Itai, who is currently reading for a Master's Degree in Peace and Governance, has lived in the US for years. One of six children, he is a keen public speaker who says his worst habits include stealing glances at himself in the mirror and going round in circles before getting to the point. He relaxes by walking, listening to music and watching movies. Itai says that viewers should tune in to Big Brother Revolution to watch him because he is "a peculiar dude with a unique story to tell". Big Brother Revolution is broadcast live, 24/7 on DStv Channel 198 or 199.
Zimbabwe's housemate in Big Brother Africa Revolution Itai Makumbe is off to a good start after two "starmates" picked him as the strongest contender in the biggest ever reality TV series. The Revolution series has exciting twists, more housemates and the prize money has doubled to US$200 000. As some might have already noticed, no body knows how to keep viewers glued to their screens better than Biggie. In a mock diary session the 'Starmates' made up of Nigerian movie star Tuvi James, Channel O star Nonhle Thema, Tanzanian actor Steven Kanumba and South Africa's Khanyi Mbau revealed to Biggie who they thought posed the greatest challenge. Two of the 'Starmates' Kanumba and James told Biggie that Itai stood a the best chance of winning the grand prize. In a show of his support for Itai, James had earlier presented a nice pink shirt to the Zimbabwean. It appears everything is going Itai's way. Remember he was the first to go into the house and most Zimbabweans would want him to come out last. Munyaradzi Chidzonga, who represented Zimbabwe in Big Brother Africa 3, also has high hopes that Itai will stand out and eventually clinch the grand prize. "He will do well," he said. "I know him personally. He is that type of guy who is calm and talks sense."
But with the impending eviction just a week after the housemates were shepherded into the revolutionalised house, it appears Biggie has a bag full of twists. Most viewers are beginning to think the idea behind the early eviction is to make way for the female housemates. Whatever the case might be the Revolution series is unpredictable and one can only guess what's in store. Itai, who is currently reading for a Master's Degree in Peace and Governance, has lived in the US for years. One of six children, he is a keen public speaker who says his worst habits include stealing glances at himself in the mirror and going round in circles before getting to the point. He relaxes by walking, listening to music and watching movies. Itai says that viewers should tune in to Big Brother Revolution to watch him because he is "a peculiar dude with a unique story to tell". Big Brother Revolution is broadcast live, 24/7 on DStv Channel 198 or 199.
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