Best Blogs for African Studies Students

If you are an African enthusiast who enjoys reading about the Continent, check out these links here.

Woe is Me

Today my Uterus is not cooperating with me.

self-explanatory.

full-stop.

Winter Boots

...because winter fashion is hard and that eskimo look is not sexy.

It can be hard to stay sexy in this Canadian winter with all that much need layering and padding. And don't forget the icy-roads and sidewalks and slush (oh my!).  But my Fashionistas, we have to remind ourselves that winter fashion is possible, winter fashion can be practical and winter fashion is fun!

I've been searching for boots for a while now and since Winter is almost over (only 3 more months to go!) winter styles at the mall have started going on sale. So y'know your girl is looking to get something cute. I found these boots from Aldo and Nordstrom. As usual, the nordstrom bootie is a bit pricey but they're all très cute! As you will see, I'm a big fan of the brown, because I feel black shoes look too serious and formal. I like to keep it casual-chic. Check out the boots and share your thoughts!

Michael Kors 'Carlie' Faux Fur Bootie - $194

Aldo Buzzelli Mid-calf boot - $104.99

Aldo Wootan Ankle Boot - $140

Aldo Rubio Ankle Boot - $90.99

..for the colorful fashionista. Heck, I would rock it!



Aldo Horio (black suede) - $62.99

Back to Africa

­­We live in a society where no matter how bright you are, the circumstances of your birth determine how well you do, except of course if by some miracle you find yourself in government where plunder is the only option. This has got to be the only place on earth where honesty is derided as foolishness and theft and plunder are celebrated. This is a place where we don’t, as a matter of course, groom thinkers and philosophers or scientists and inventors; a place where patriotism is the last word on anyone’s lips, not surprisingly because it is difficult to feel fervour and passion for a place, which kills dreams and hopes.

 -Kadaria Ahmed  in Observations: The lesson from the North (10/01/11)

Culled from 234next, Opinion Editorial 

These are the kinds of stories I find in the news at a time when I`m thinking of my Exodus-cum-Exit Strategy to Nigeria. There are so many factors to consider in this exodus... 

Will I find work

Will I find pay

Will I find play

Will I find convenience

Will I find happiness

Where is my future heading?

After living in the West for almost a decade, I have become accustomed to this culture, norms, values and general way of life. So a few days ago when my folks said to me  ­­­ 'start thinking about coming back home', ask me why I experienced shock, panic, anger...? But believe me, I consider myself very patriotic, I love my Country. But I don`t like what it does to dreams, hopes, and aspirations.

You know how people say, `hard work pays` - well, that is not necessarily the case in my Country. Hard work does not always pay. The system is not in equilibrium. You can work for 35 years as a Public Servant and end up with no pension.  Your altitude in life is dependent on luck and chance, if anything. My Country is not a welfare state. I have seen homeless former veterans, who became amputated during my Country`s civil war and  various heroic `save-them` missions in West Africa. These individuals have nothing to show for it...unless you`re a top general living in the Hills. The average low-rank former veteran is broke, lining up monthly at a window scrapping to collect any semblance of a pension package. 

My people, with this kind of treatment, why should I surrender and run back to the unopen arms of my Country. Think: a lover forsaking all and running back to unrequited love, please why bother?  

Let me know your thoughts. 

P.S: I am not a fashion designer or any of those entertainment/celebrity-like things that many Western graduates have gone back to do in my country. Don`t get me wrong; I believe everyone has their part to play. But I am a glasses-doning, Political Economist yuppie, living and working in a capital city.  How can I surrender all of this for a high dose of uncertainty?

Welcome 2011

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I'm ready for you 2011...bring it on.

I encourage you to envision the best for your life this year. Dream big, act on it, and see where it takes you.

Here's to new beginnings and a fresh lease on life.

Happy New Year!