Exercise the smart way!

Many of us know the medical benefits that come with exercising; improved blood circulation; a more alert mind; a healthier set of lungs. The obvious is also true; for guys, having a tapered hunky body greatly aids you in your quest to hook up gorgeous girls. Nobody wants to see a guy with his shirt off and his gut is screaming to get out. A nice flat stomach allows any lady to slip into a dress without having to worry about paunch-spilling.

Exercising boosts your self esteem and confidence level, because when you look good, you naturally feel good about yourself. You reap innumerable benefits when you get your heart pumping and sweat your derriere off. However, as we all know it, motivation is a bitch. It comes and goes and it is easy to fall off the wagon. All it takes is one off day and we fall prey to laziness. “It’s okay! I will work out again … on Thursday” Before we know it, it’s Sunday a.k.a. Barbeque and Beer Day.

Most exercises are nothing more than repetitions and so they become mundane chores to us. An arduous hour-long run in the trail of the park? Who wants to see trees and run round in circles? As if life doesn’t already move in circles. You want me to do crunches? I don’t want to get a migraine while working out. We don’t really see how signing a gym membership is going to help when we are going to rest on the bench and feast our eyes on the eye candies dripping with sweat.

Indeed, in order to sustain your interest in exercising, you need to jazz up your workouts. Men and women of swagger work smart and enjoy what they are doing. The same goes to your exercise regimen; spice up your routine, spend half the time less and get results twice as better! Swagger Essentials tells you how.

1) High Intensity Interval Training - Running

HIIT has become a hit with fitness instructors; it’s all they adulate. And it is rightfully so. Expunge what you remember about running 10 laps round a stadium for 40minutes. HIIT will halve your training time and have you yelping for mercy – that is if you can even catch your breath – in that short period. The reason why HIIT works so well is because when you alternate between sprinting and jogging, you target all of your muscle groups, whereas with the usual running-relentlessly routine, you are only working one core muscle.

Did we mention the routine comprises of slowing your pace to walking and taking a breather? Don’t tell others, but that’s the part we love most.

How: Warm up/run at a comfortable pace for 5 minutes.

Sprint 60 seconds

Recovery 2 minutes

Repeat 6 sets.

2) Jump

Not a fan of running? Do you feel inhibited when you arrive at the track where dozens of shirtless 6abs hunks and midriff-baring babes await you? Now you can enjoy a workout in the privacy of your own home. Jumping, or skipping if you will, is an intense exercise that will jolt your muscles BIG TIME in your first tryout.

Another fact that will be pleasing to your ears: Skipping yields results that are thrice as effective as jogging; 10 minutes of skipping equate to 30minutes of a regular run! So it is time to start jumping away! Blast your favorite music on your stereo speakers and start your workout! Imagine you are partying away in a club and be your own DJ! You can even play concert DVDs and watch the enthralling performances of your idols!

The reason why we use “jumping” is because we prefer to keep our hands free. A skipping/jumping rope will only hinder our movement and when our feet get entangled with the rope, we lose our momentum. We don’t want to risk breaking any precious memorabilia. Also, we do not have an S&M fetish, so we do not enjoy having the rope painfully slap our limbs.

3) Exercise ball

This inexpensive equipment is a gem if you hate weights, machines and the smell of sweat soaked in leather. It is easily accessible; you can perform your gravity-defying stunts in the comfort of your own house or if you are unabashed about it, you can even bring to your office and replace it as your desk chair! Just pumping the exercise ball to its full size is enough working out. Trust us. But if you’re exhilarated about your newest acquisition and disciplined by nature, you can proceed. What’s so fascinating about the exercise ball is that there is almost no limit as to what you can do with it. You can vary your workouts to target a different muscle group with each set; your glutei - for the uninitiated, it’s that perky ass you have always wanted -, biceps, abs, chest, anything!

Working out on an exercise ball also helps increase stability and balance and improves your overall coordination; we are sure you already know this, because many fear to get on the ball lest they roll and fall on their ass. If you are a naturally clumsy person, perhaps it is time to invest in an exercise ball.

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4) Sports

Put the fun in your exercises! It is of paramount importance that you relish in your exercises and what better way than a great game of sports? When you indulge in your favorite sport, your mind escapes and you don’t feel like you’re exercising. Sports usually require both body and mental concentration, and you are exercising your mind at the same time, killing two birds with one stone. Couple that with laughter and bonding time with your kakis, friends and colleague, you will find yourself leading an active and healthy lifestyle in all aspects!

Actor watch: Will Smith

Will Smith. The versatile celebrity is a triple threat, having dabbled in music, television and film. To date, he has been nominated for four Golden Globes, two Academy Awards and has a bag of Grammys to his name. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Smith developed his knack for rapping. In spite of his high SAT scores, he followed his dreams; a decision he won’t be regretting anytime soon.

Smith began his music career as part of a trio with childhood friend Jeffrey and Clarence Holmes. In 1988, they won their first ever Grammy in the Rap category. Then, a young Will Smith squandered his money and underpaid his due taxes. The IRS filed a tax debt against him, and Smith was nearly declared bankrupt in 1990.

It was around this time that NBC signed Smith and centered the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom on him. Extricating himself from his money predicament, the sitcom kick-started his acting career and propelled him to fame. Smith publicly set out to achieve the goal of becoming the biggest movie star of the world. We can all take a page from Smith; in order to be successful, we need to have ambitions.

After more than a lifelong decade of acting career, he has. His most notable films include both the M.I.B. films, Independence Day, Hancock, Robot, Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness and most recently, Seven Pounds. Displaying his flair and acting chops, Smith avoids being typecast by taking on a diversified character each time he makes a film.

Named Newsweek’s most powerful actor of our time, Smith is the only actor to have eight consecutive films gross over $100 million in the box office. This unmatched feat is all the sweeter as Smith remains the only Lead Actor who has eight consecutive films open at the top spot in the box office. Popularizing the movie franchise, Smith has now become synonymous with the term, Men in Black, bringing with him an air of swagger.

The proverbial term “behind every successful man is a woman” rings true in the case of Will Smith. If not for the urging of his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, he would have turned down the role of Agent J of Men In Black; the role that catapulted him to stardom.

Proving himself to be a very talented person, Smith returned to his musician roots and released a string of singles that later became smash hits. He recorded the theme songs to his Men In Black films and just like the movies, the songs topped the charts at the time of the release. His first two solo albums sold more than 2 million copies, and were certified multi-platinum. His fourth album, Lost and Found, cemented his status as a hip hop artist.

In 2005, his dedication as a movie star was recognized when he entered in the Guinness Book of World Records for attending a record-breaking of three premieres in just a day. Instead of having relishing his fame and be contented with what he has, Smith works hard at his job - a quality all of us swaggerlites should emulate. We should never take our successes for granted.

That same year, he played host at the Live 8 concert in his hometown Philadelphia, using his fame for a good cause to do his part for the environment. He was also active in the aid of Katrina victims, donating a generous sum of money to assist them. In 2008, he voiced his political opinions by donating to the presidential campaign to elect President Obama.

Perhaps the single best comment anyone can ever give him, President Obama has given Smith the nod to play him in a movie. The possibility of a film depicting the 2008 election was not ruled out, and we might get to see Smith play the President on the big screen in time to come.

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How to improve your mental health

They say that humans only use 10% of our brain power. Whether it is a myth concocted by jealous aliens, there is no haste in debunking this ‘fabrication’ just yet. If indeed we are only engaging our brains in such a miniscule percent, we should then strive to find ways to invigorate our minds on a daily basis.

It is amazing how our productivity level improves when we take the time to exercise our minds. Lethargy can greatly impede our work performance, our sex drive and it affects our behavior. If you perpetually find yourself to be tired, perhaps you should take this cue to perk up your mental health! Do not allow your brain to atrophy.

As men of swagger, it is imperative that we wield minds over bodies. With an active mind, we perform up to speed and we can surpass any work expectations. A healthy mind also equates to a happy and highly esteemed self.

1) Exercising

To empower the mind, we first need to work the physical body. Sure, exercise may just be listed on to-do chore list. It’s probably better if we stay at home and lay reclined in our couch while watching TV. We’re “resting our brains”, right? Ostensibly, we also do not have the time to run or hit the gym after a 14 hour work day. We sit at our desk and we feel lousy about our protruding stomach.

Get off your ass and put on those running shoes! Always make time (20 minutes per day) for some cardiovascular exercises or iron-pumping repetitions. Though arduous during the process, a good workout has its many benefits. Exercising sharpens your mental abilities. It kick starts your brain functions. Feeling energetic and in the zone? Go for a run during your lunch break! Your brain will thank you for it.

2) Laugh

They say laughter is the best medicine and it is not without reason. The act of laughing releases endorphins in the brain. These chemicals help to reduce pain. That is why after a good laugh, you always feel good and relieved thereafter. Laughing also takes away the stress in your life. So be sure to watch your Emmy-winning comedies and LMAO! We recommend Family Guy, 30 Rock and The Office. You’re a natural? Crack some jokes and amuse your colleagues and family members! While you’re putting your brains to good use, you are sweeping someone off his/her feet with your witty jokes too!

3) Sleep




Machines need some timeout lest they get overworked and break down and the same goes to humans. It is common knowledge that one needs to take a break in between his hectic lifestyle. We have been taught since young to adhere to a lavish, uninterrupted 8 hour sleeping pattern.

For a successful man, however, sleep is a form of elusive luxury. Some people have to work 14 hour work shifts periodically. This can be mentally taxing on you as your brain cells begin to waste away. Looking at the computer screen for many hours straight can take a toll on you. It can also strain your eyes. The best way to get around it is to have power naps. Take a 20min nap in intervals of 4 hours. When you wake up from your naps, you will find that you feel rejuvenated. That’s because your brain is well rested.

4) Eat well

Nourishment is of paramount importance if you want to keep an active and healthy mind. While junk foods are the best to indulge in, it is best to moderate the amount of intake. Research has shown that regular intake of these items helps you reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: oily fish, fortified cereals, green vegetables. Fruit juices also contain much of the antioxidants that protect our body cells. So it’s time to slap on these foods onto your platter! You don’t want to achieve all the success in the world and then forget all about it when you’re in your golden years!

5) Play mind games

Of course, we’re not asking you to give false hopes to your secret admirer. There are many brain games in the market right now; some are even available free on Facebook. Need a break from Microsoft Word? Play Scrabble! For a more holistic experience, games like Brain Age and What is the size of your brain can be easily accessed on iPhone and DS Nintendo. Consisting of fairly simple brain-training activities such as 2^nd grade mental sums, pictorials match and swap games, many adults think of these games as “no brainers”, ironically enough. However, these games help to train your mind in the simplest ways and the beneficial results should not be undermined.

Perhaps, it is a little gratifying knowing your size of your brain is bigger than your colleague!

How to satisfy your man in bed!

To all the women reading, get this: you are getting increasingly powerful by the day. Sisters of all generations in all parts of the world have been fighting for your liberation. In the workplace, you have earned your right to recognition and credit. Your existence is no longer decimated to that of a domestic housekeeper; running after your children and cleaning up their spit is no longer what you do all day.

Take a page from Madonna, the female sex icon of our time. Constantly pushing the envelope on the idealism of female wholesomeness, she has defied all traditional stereotypes. She released a Sex book in her prime, and she is now shacking up with someone she can be a mother to. Or Cleopatra in ancient times; her unparalleled beauty made her the luscious desire of many men. These women dare to play up their sex appeal because they are so mightily confident of themselves and well, they have SWAGGER!

So women, take the lead. Do not be a sexually deficient prude. Follow your instincts. Let go of your inner inhibitions. Forget any reservations about being called a slut. The circumstances have changed: you satisfy a man because you CAN, not because you need to.

Ready to blow your man’s mind? Follow these tips and we can assure you, your men will be begging for you to STOP!

1) Prostate massage

While this is unconventional to all the heterosexual males, it is all the craze and glory for the gay men. There is a good reason for it. Think of the prostate as the clitoris equivalent. Stimulation of the prostate can be pleasing and can lead to ejaculation of seminal fluid. Many heterosexual men shy away from this because they see it as a form of emasculation and an act of homoeroticism. Talk your man into it; tell him he would not regret letting your fingers in.

Wet your fingers and gently insert them into his toosh. Treat his hole as you would treat your vagina. Massage his anus in a slow, circular motion. Slowly thrust your fingers in and out. Don’t be surprised if he begins to gravitate and hump your fingers.

2) Get on top

One of the faux pas a woman can make is to assume the passive role throughout the entire intercourse session. Men congregate in their little beer groups and makes gibes about the girl who “just lies there”. Don’t let men do all the work! Show your interest in your man; ride on his stick to your orgasm! When you’re on top, you can optimize your sexual pleasure because you are in control.

Do not worry about men and their “ego”. Nothing turns them on more than a girl who just wants to get off.

3) You huff and you puff!

There is another lesson to learn from the story of three little pigs. Blow your guts out. Samantha Jones, the sexually promiscuous one in the Sex and the City gang once quipped, “If we could perpetually do blowjobs to every guy on earth, we would own the world.” Indeed. Men are a sucker for blowjobs; pun not intended. It is all the pleasure with none of the work. They also love the fact that they do not need to put on a condom. Savour and indulge in the sweet taste of his dick!

4) Nipples play

Often touted as white elephants, men have no use for their nipples. Unlike you, they do not produce milk. But few men have ventured into the realm of their sensitive nipples; again, we have the common warped thinking that nipple play is only for women to thank. It is up to you to change their beliefs. It’s time to give your man’s nipples its due attention. Be careful not to play with it too vigorously; you don’t want to chaff them.

Always remember the rule of friction in sex; lubricant, lubricant, lubricant. In this case, your saliva will suffice, and it’s probably kinkier to engage your wet fingers (or use your tongue to caress his nipples). As he begins to thrust you, stimulate his erected nipples, or even rub them against your own.

Trust us, he won’t last a minute longer than James Brown’s Sex Machine.

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How to get your partner in the mood?

Sex Tips For Women: How To Get Your Partner In The Mood

Places of (sex) interest

Tired of the bedroom when it comes to consummating your relationship? Looking for a little excitement and sense of danger to spruce up your sex life? We at Swagger Essentials did a little detective work to present you with a list of Places to Shack Up and Orgasm! Take the triteness right out of your sex endeavors and let the unfamiliarity of these territories heighten your senses!

Cum to these places!

1) The showers

Turn up the heater. Let the vapor and the steam congeal on your body. Your body will naturally react to the heat as it charges your testosterone and libido. Feel the pleasurable sensation as the beads of water trickle down your nipple and your partner’s. Lubricant? No need for that! You are already dripping wet; both body and privates.

Another perk of sex in the showers? Cleaning up is no fuss, no muss.

2) Into the wild

Long before we had high rise buildings and lived in houses made out of bricks, we survived the wild. Equipped with keen animal instincts, we were a beast when it came to fornication. It’s time we returned to our roots. There’s something about nature that draw our senses to it. The sight of the canopies and exotic flowers beat looking at your ceiling any day.

Howl like a wolf or roar like a lion. Your neighbors can’t hear you! Feel the sunlight beat gently on your naked derriere. Breathe in the smell of fresh flowers! Just remember to bring a mat with you; the possibility of creeping insects can hurt your cause. Like, really hurt it.

3) The office

Many people associate the office with stress. What's little known is that the same adrenaline rush, when channelled properly, can charge your sex drive. By nightfall, when everyone has left and the quietude takes over, the office is a great place for kinky sex. So invite your boyfriend or girlfriend over for some feel good time!

Think about it. There’s furniture everywhere! Want to have chair sex? Take your pick; the office is lavish with all sorts of chair. You can even be experimental and do a full swing with the roll-able ones. Want to do it up in the pantry room? It’s all yours. Hate your boss? Do it up her desk and have your partner ejaculate in her favorite mug!

The next day, while sitting at your desk, you will reminisce the good sex you had the night before. It takes away all the stress of the work. Instant stress relaxant.

P/s: You also save on hotel expenses.

4) The beach

Experience the tingly sensation of sand rubbing against your back. Enjoy the cold sea breeze as it gently blows in your face (and penis/ vagina). What a perfect romantic night it is; you and your lover are both stark naked, enjoy the warmth of each other bodies. The moonlight shines and the stars twinkle high up in the star. Passionate sex is always the best.

The danger of being caught lurks and your primal and sexual instincts go into overdrive. Put on your best show if someone else is watching.

Who says sex has to be confined to the four walls?

Put some Swag in your Shag!!! - Sex Essentials

Men all around the world echo the term with a sense of intimidation. Some chooses to eschew the topic entirely, because they have never known how to please a woman that way. Indeed, female orgasms are elusive and aren’t as straight-forward as the male’s. You cannot be sure until and unless your partner ejaculates; yes, females ejaculate - or squirt - too when in their body is in a heightened state of arousal.

Admit it. Thanks to magnanimousness on your girlfriends’ part; faking orgasms to boast your ego, you do not really know if you are doing the right thing. You can’t consult your Casanova of a buddy, who has been making his rounds as a Sex God because pride gets in your way. All of the girls are begging to “If you see-k him” while you wallow in self pity. Don’t fret we will help you put some swag in your shag.

The truth of the matter is that a man of swagger knows how to arouse his woman. We know it is tough work; juggling between developing confidence, speaking well, being well mannered and now, performing exceptionally well in the sack. But hey, if you want the ladies to keep you, you have got to up your game and swagger. And that means putting effort in your bedroom skills!

Luckily for you, all the tips that you have previously picked up with Swagger Essentials will come in handy. Chivalry, confidence and swagger. To a woman, sex starts way before the lights dim. It begins right at the moment you pick her up at her house. A romantic night of dinner drives her libido to full gear. Be attentive to her needs and listen to what she says. Shower her with compliments and flirt with her gently.

Bite her ear when you two get in the car. Give her a hickey or two. Tell her how much you desire her and we guarantee she’ll be more than ready at night. Stimulate her mind and stroke her sensuality & ego. Let her know she’s beautiful.

Soon, you two lovebirds will arrive at the bedroom. The clothes come flying off. Now, remember, it is not the measure of your girth that matters; it’s what you do with it!

1) Foreplay

Men are dogs. When you think of sex, you immediately want to pull down your pants, stick it in and be done with it. This could work if you were pleasuring yourself with a flesh light or a sex toy. A prostitute would probably commend you for your skills, or lack of, only because you’re paying her for it. It wouldn’t with a dignified lady. Think of foreplay as basic courtesy and manners. When approaching a woman for the first time, you don’t immediately stick your tongue down her throat, do you?

Skipping the foreplay is a faux pas that many men make. Cuddling, kissing or even biting her nipples are little gestures that make her warm up to you. Even a nymphomaniac has her own set of inhibitions. Chances are, when your lady is shy, she cannot get into a state of arousal. Her mind is bombarded with thoughts such as, “how much longer?” “This is torture”. An orgasm isn’t going to look her way when she wants to scurry to the finishing line.

Slowly explore her body parts with your mouth; kissing her clitoris (if that is your thing--- we know it’s hers!) with your tongue or licking her pubic area awaken her senses, letting her know that you love every inch of her body.

2) Fingers

It is no secret that women turn to the use of their fingers when it comes to sexual pleasure. What men lack in, women make it up with their fingers. Take this as a tip. Employ your fingers to good use. God gave us two ears and a mouth because He wanted us to listen more. Using the same logic, it is likely that He gave us 10 fingers and 1 penis because we are meant to excite our women with our fingers!

There are many ways to increase intimacy with your fingers. Gently caress her hair. Naughtily rub her erected nipples with your fingers. Prepare her for sexual penetration by sliding your fingers into her genital. React to the rhythm of her body. One … two … three fingers.

3) Communication

Communication is instrumental in helping her attain that orgasm. Nothing kills passionate sex like silence. A little soft moaning doesn’t take away your manliness; in fact, it helps her get over her inhibitions. Of course, when you are done growling like a dog, it is time to focus your attention on her. In between your heavy panting, tell her how good it feels to be locked in this position with her. Compliment her beautiful body and her natural scent.

Take it up a notch and ask her what she would like to do. If she wants you to kiss her neck, do so. Her wish is your command. Putting her needs before yours lets her know you’re working hard to please her.

Talk confidently dirty to her, and never, ever ask cliché questions like “whose pussy is this?” or ” who’s your daddy?”…..ok maybe” who you daddy ?”. Bottom line, don’t be corny.

4) Take it out, wait and put it back in

In order to prolong the session, your little brother needs to catch a break. There are many things you can do to sustain her interest interim. Give her a well deserved blowjob or finger her. Ask her the positions she would like to try and prep her up for her new position. When your little brother has rested enough, it’s time to go back to work.

Be a man, be confident, take control, unless she wants to handle the stick for a while, and then break her ass off (figuratively). Once you know what she likes, deliver it in a way that she has never gotten it before. If you talk big, back that shit up.

5) Keep your eyes open

Unless of course, you’re trying to imagine it is the porn star of your dreams you’re shacking up with, then, by all means, close your eyes. If not, make eye contact with her. Lock your eyes in with hers. Examine her body; they indicate whether she is in a state of arousal; there’s no way you can fake erected nipples, unless you have set the thermostat to below 10 degrees.

Besides, making love with your eyes closed – nothing screams more pubescent than that!

6) Take it slow, then vrrrooom!

Amateurs have a tendency of jamming their penis straight into the vagina. They pound away like a sledgehammer, thinking the faster they hit, the higher the chance of her orgasm. Wrong. It is an utter mistake. Not only is it uncomfortable, it is painful. All that jabbing makes a sore vagina and you can be sure she will make all sort of excuses the next time.

Instead, teasingly slid your penis against her privates before making your entrance. When thrusting, do it a circular motion; that will please her to no end. Remember the hare and the tortoise story; there is no rush at all. Chances are, if you pound away too early, you are only digging your own grave with a premature ejaculation.

Savor this romantic moment and do not be quick to end it. When you are about to reach the point of no return, be sure to take flight and give it all your might. Start slow and end violently. Have earth shattering sex towards the end. Break your bed! Moan as loud as you wish!

There’s nothing more anticlimactic than a quiet orgasm affair.

Let's take about sex

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Sports Essentials: Lebron James

Name: Lebron James

Born: December 30, 1984

Occupation: Basketball player

It’s hard to miss Lebron James. Standing at 6'8", the freakishly tall 24 year old basketball player towers over just about anybody, drawing attention to him even if he wasn’t already a celebrity sportsman. Born in Akron, Ohio, the American professional player began honing his skills as a starter at the age of 14.

A bona fide national treasure, James was tipped and promoted to be an eminent NBA superstar while still in high school. In 2003, his status as a talented basketball player was cemented when he was selected as the number one pick amongst the other NBA draftees. Long before his professional career even took off, he already signed a multi-million dollar shoe contract with Nike.

Since being drafted into the league, the Cleveland 23 jersey-spotting sportsman has made his mark and presence known in the industry. At only 24, James has set several NBA “youngest records”, including being bestowed with the title of “Rookie of the Year” and the coveted title of “2009 NBA Most Valuable Player”.

Whenever James enters the playing field, he strikes. Whether he is gifted with a superhuman talent, we do not know. What we do know is his professional slate shows no intentions of slowing down. To date, he is the youngest player to reach 12,000 points in the scoring system. His statistics show that he averages 30 points per game in any season.

His stunning records did not go unnoticed as he became a member of the United States’ National Basketball team. In the 2008 Olympics qualifier round, James scored an amazing 31 points, the most recorded by any American player. The basketball team later proved to be the country’s priding joy when they brought home the Gold medal.

With such remarkable achievements, it is little wonder that James has received national attention. He has secured a string of endorsement deals, spanning from Sprite to Upper Deck and most notably, Nike. With Nike, he even dabbled in the production of 6 uniquely-Lebron shoe styles.

In 2007, he was named #1 in Forbes’ Top 20 earners under 25, coming in with annual earnings of $27million. True to his nickname, “King James”, his generosity and kindness qualities are befitting of a king. In the spirit of charity, he donated his prized possession, a Kia to the Akron Urban League when he won the NBA MVP this year.

While his professional stats are laudable, many who have met him say that it was his personality that made an impression. Often described as hardworking and humble, he chose his alma mater as the premise to receive the special NBA MVP award.

Dedicating the award to his mother and teammates, James is an exemplary example to all of us. We should never stick our noses up in the air when we achieve success; every ounce of it, we owe it to the people surrounding us.

Using his success for a good cause, he publicly expressed his support for the President by donating $20,000 to a committee that elected Barack Obama. In October that same year, he exerted his influence by gathering some 20,000 people for a 30-minute Barack Obama TV advertisement viewing. His antics have encouraged the younger generation to become aware and active in important political affairs.

Proving himself to be a versatile personality, he took centre stage at the 2007 ESPY Awards, sharing hosting duties with comedian Jimmy Kimmel. In other forays, he reprised his role as a host at the 33rd season premiere of comedy show Saturday Night Live. Be it the arena or the stage, James excels in his endeavors.

Perhaps to give recognition to his expanding stardom, Vogue featured James on their cover, making him the first black man to grace the front page, and the third male celebrity to do so.

He also appeared on the GQ February 2009 cover. Taking the time to participate in a friendly basketball faceoff with GQ editors, he displayed true sportsmanship and humility. How many celebrity professional players out there are willing to take even an hour off their schedule to play with our neighbourly faces? Not many.

Needless to say, his team won by a landslide.

While many 24 year olds are busy squandering whatever money they earn, James has always been a financially savvy person. As if his field domination wasn’t enough, he has made building a billion-dollar empire his ambition. And while we can only consult our financial analysts next door, James, being the megastar that he is, takes his advice from one person.

The person is Warren Buffet; second richest man in the world. Long before he even came to eminence in the NBA, James looked to Buffet for some financial tips. He later remarked how the latter had advised him to trust in his own instincts and to never regret a setback.

Buffet has even admitted to being an avid fan of the sportsman, one time even wearing a “Witness” shirt to a Cleveland game. When a multi billionaire and investment mogul who is almost thrice your age adulates you, you know you’re a man of swagger.

It is truly baffling to imagine the magnitude of James’ success, especially when he has yet to transit into his quarter-life crisis. We draw inspiration from this rising young star; when pursuing our dreams, we should always give it our best shots!

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Ace that job interview! - Swagger Essentials

The moment of truth has come. Seated alone in a chillingly quiet room, your heart rate accelerates with every waking minute. You peer from the corner of your eyes to check out the competition; there’s no competition. Decked out in your suit, you look to be the most qualified candidate for the job. The door of the judgment room opens and someone steps out, barely and clumsily managing between her portfolios and her final handshake.

“Pfft. I can do better”

We admire your confidence and true enough, you need that extra dosage to excel. In between waiting and ridiculing your competitors, here are some pre-requisites that you can do to take your mind off the pressure. You should be doing these exercises while preparing for your interview

1) Turn off your cell phone. We are not even going to tell you what to do in the case where your cell phone goes off; it shouldn’t go off in the first place!

2) Check that you have brought your résumé. Reading through your résumé helps to keep your thoughts coherent and organized.

3) Gently flip through your portfolio; make sure your articles are in order of presentation.

4) Tidy yourself up. Make sure that no strand of hair is sticking out or no zipper has come undone

5) If the company has a newsletter, quickly skim through the material to refresh your understanding of the company. Be sure that the copy is updated, of course. You don’t want to be talking about their 2004 economic review.

Your name is called and you’re up. You steal a quick moment to inhale little gasps of air. You think about how important it is for you to clinch this job and how happy you will be when you do. Your financial independence relies on this one shot. Go show them what you’re made of!

An interview process is very much like a beauty pageant. Expect scrutiny the moment you walk in.

1) Do not trigger the panic button if you see a panel of interviewers

Just remember the familiar faces on your friendly reality TV show, American Idol. In every panel, there will always be a Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara. Simon is the one who will have you writhing in mental torment while Paula is there to soothe your mind. You do wonder if she has a vote. Randy is the cool guy who appears intimidating at first, but slowly warms up to you. Kara… Kara is a gem. She is the one who will laugh at your jokes and be excited just about anything you say. But make no mistake; she has a mind of her own.

Within the first three minutes of your interview, you should be able to classify the panel of interviewers. During the interview, make eye contact with ALL the interviewers. You don’t want to focus all of your attention on Paula, however ravishing she may look, when her vote doesn’t count.

It is imperative that you make a mental note of your interviewers’ personality. Why? Because cracking a joke is probably like pissing on his pants to Simon. When the joke goes unimpressed and Simon stares you down, you get apprehensive and you begin to stutter. You then try to explain your unfunny joke, which in a parallel world, was really funny.

Conversely, when the joke is appreciated, you feel a surge of confidence.

For Simon and Randy type, you do want to talk at length about your accolades and skills and what you can bring to the table etc. For Paula and Kara, look at them when you are talking about your personality and work experiences.

If you think about it, it’s better when a panel of interviewers is deciding your sentence (we do think of job interviews as excruciating). A good mix of interviewers allows you to play around with your personality. Show that you can be an asset to the company but still remain a good fun.

Of course, the same logic can be applied to one-on-one interview. Obviously we are putting our lucky charms on getting either Paula or Kara-type interviewers.

And don’t stereotype. We have met female Simons who throw scathing remarks at you and male Karas who just can’t stop gushing.



2) Extend that handshake



Handshakes are the best way to break the ice. If your palm is sweaty thanks to nervousness, wipe it off before you gruesomely wedge your palm

into your interviewer’s. Exchange body fluid in the first 5 seconds of meeting a stranger is frowned upon.

You know the drill. Smile and give a firm handshake. Chances are, unless your interview is scheduled in the early morning, your interviewer will be less than enthusiastic about a handshake. A good handshake should last no longer than 2 seconds and requires no exertion of strength.

3) Answer in a succinct manner

Of course, your answers should go further than a dichotomous yes or no but interviewers need not hear about the time you spent three hours at a grocery store because you couldn’t decide whether or not to buy cottage cheese or mozzarella cheese and the reason why you couldn’t make a decision is because since you were little your parents had been ruling your life and you depended on them to plan your day and even now you strongly oppose gay marriages because your parents are Christian extremists who believe that marriages should be between a man and a woman and even though you believe in equal rights you decide that your parents should be right because they have been right your whole life, except the time they took you to the doctor to have a circumcision when you were ten, that was just plain awful but you forgave them because parents are parents and they have your best interests at heart.

You get our gist? Even if they start off on a fresh day, interviewers lose interest after two sentences. Do not try to impress by overwhelming them with life stories. Test the waters by piquing their interests. Drop a few hints here and there; “oh, my brother fought in the Iraq war” and then see how it goes. If they follow up with a question, it means they are interested. If not, move on to the next topic quickly, because they are probably wondering what an Iraq war is.

4) Make your weaknesses a strength

Do not fall into the pitfalls of citing your weaknesses as weaknesses. Would you hire someone who blatantly advertises himself as lazy, greedy and has a habit of flashing himself? NO! This is one trick question that many interviewees have been fooled into answering.

Don’t even try to justify your weaknesses by peppering it with false claims. “I’m a procrastinator, but I will change once you hire me” Unless it is a rehabilitation centre you’re checking into, we seriously doubt that.

We are not asking you to lie, but a man of swagger knows how to present himself in an apt manner.

“I just can’t say no to clients who need help, because I believe in being a problem –solver, but sometimes I ought to really just let things be”

We’re hooked.

5) Be a tad conceited

Hey, you worked hard and you have earned the right to flaunt your achievements, so why not? But be careful about treading precariously on the fine line of being prideful and just being annoyingly boastful.

The former; taking pride in your work, is about being confident of your work, knowing that you have been there every step of the way since conception. You’re proud of the outcome and credit is rightfully due. You assure your future employers that you are capable of quality work and you can add spice to their company.

The latter; being boastful, is going into that room of judgment and telling your potential bosses that they need to revamp their company, rethink a mission statement and fire all their ground level staff. To be boastful is to act like you’re already the CEO of the company, even if you’re not interviewing for that position.

Be mindful of the tone of your voice and the things that you say. While it is good to show initiative, being overly eager can hurt your cause.

Check this space for even more tips on how to ace that interview!

Useful links

BBC News How to write a CV

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Celebrity Watch: Lil Wayne

In an industry where hip hop artistes propagate faster than the swine flu virus, it is not easier carving your name and making your presence known. The music industry is as fickle as the weather these days; one day you’re hot stuff, topping Swagger Essentials’ lists, the next you find yourself desperately releasing a sex tape that fans no longer care.

Let’s face it; hip hop musicians are as dispensable as a condom. The reason is because the industry is currently saturated with too many aspiring acts with little to no talent. Some think that mainstream hip hop music is just about rattling off a couple of rhyming words. It is not. At the end of the day, talent is still a requisite in this business. True talent always shines through and for one to generate staying power, you need that.

Meet 26 year old American rapper, Lil’ Wayne. Unlike some forgettable one hit wonders, the 4 time Grammy award winning artiste has had a career in hip hop music since he was 11. He wrote his first rap song when he was only 8 years old, displaying a knack for freestyle rapping. When he turned 15, he was part of a 4 piece rap group called Hot Boys. The group went on to make some modest achievements, but soon disbanded in 2003.



It was Wayne’s solo career that catapulted him to fame. At 17, while still part of Hot Boys, he released his debut solo album to great success. The album climbed to the #3 spot on Billboards. His next two albums, Lights out and 500 Degreez, however, failed to surpass the expectations of his predecessor.

Undeterred by the lack luster sales and dissipated interest, Lil Wayne made a comeback in 2004 with his fourth album, Tha Carter. The album went on to sell over 1 million albums, earning him the recognition he deserved. That following year, he was named President of Cash Money, his recording company, and he founded his own sister label, Young Money Entertainment.

He took the next 2 years slow; preferring instead to focus on collaborations with fellow hip hop artistes. He worked with other notable celebrities such as Kanye West, Jay Z, Busta Rhymes and Chris Brown on a few projects. In 2007, he was named ‘Rapper of the Year’ by New Yorker magazine and ‘Workaholic of the Year’ by GQ magazine.

Indeed, there isn’t an easy way to success, and Lil Wayne’s unwavering efforts should be an inspiration to us. Many people think it’s easy to strike out as a hip hop artiste, but it isn’t. It takes years of hard work to come close to eminence.

Lil Wayne’s efforts paid off hugely in 2008. Tha Carter III, his latest offering, was released to huge fanfare. The album was originally slated for a 2007 release, but was delayed due to unfortunate widespread leaks. The album was released in the second quarter of 2008 and sold more than a million copies in its first week of release; the success of which was unprecedented in 3 years. It was also a surprise because the music industry was at the time in a sales slump. Lil Wayne had created a new benchmark.

What quickly ensued with the success of the album were of course Wayne’s first accomplishments. His first single, Lollipop, became his first Billboard topper. Soon after, his album was certified 2 times platinum, a feat that was hard to achieve these days. Perhaps as a form of salutation to his work, he went on to garner 8 Grammy and 12 BET nominations; both of which he bagged many of the prestigious awards.

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Not one to relent in his works, he once again collaborated with many top notch artistes such as Usher, Akon, Keri Hilson and of course, T.I. on the song Swagger Like Us, which we love. His dedication and hardworking attitude are two traits we should all seek to emulate.

Perhaps what is little known about Lil’ Wayne is that he is quite smart a person as he is as good a rapper. In 2005, he enrolled at the University of Houston, taking up political science. With a fervent passion for sports, he has published writing efforts at ESPN, having dabbled in journalism at the ESPN Super Bowl party. He appeared as a guest debater on a segment of ESPN First Take.

We have to admit; brains and hip hop music? That’s the ultimate recipe for swagger.

How to land a job in a recession - Swagger Essentials

So you have been waiting with baited breath for the phone call of your life. You have sent out your résumés and CVs to potential companies, hoping to land your dream job. Your cell phone goes off, and the words on your receiving end ring like a Christmas jingle.

“You have been shortlisted for an interview.”

You gasp for air, trying to contain your exhilaration yet appear nonchalant over the phone. You ended the call with a very pleasant thank you. Even for a casual conversation, you did great. You hang up and you sift through your work diary, trying to recall which company it is you tried out for. Yes, in all of that excitement you missed the introduction.

It is true what they say; just being shortlisted is half the battle won. As we all know it, the interview process is pivotal to victory. We have yet to meet a person who landed a high salary job through presentation of his résumé alone. You can have the most impressive résumé, consummated with years of education at Harvard, Stanford and still find yourself stranded. Book smart is a thing of the past.

While education history is still relevant, employers are on the prowl for candidates who are confident, street smart, interesting and enthusiastic. Even a dash of humor can’t hurt you. And as a man of swagger, these traits may come naturally to you, but sometimes we crack under severe scrutiny and intense pressure. We lose that personality of ours in the short 20 minutes.

Remember this is not your high school part time retail job. You cannot just “wing it” for an interview and expect to land the job. Employers are not just interviewing you; they have seen their fair share of candidates and they can see right through you if you are ill-prepared.

What do you do when your future employer is staring you down because your joke went unimpressed? Fret not. Swagger Essentials is here to tide you over the battle of your life. The preparation for your interview starts right at the moment you disconnect the call. Here are pre-interview tips that would gear you up for the moment of truth!

1) Research the company

Do your homework. Whether you want to check up on the company’s portfolio or check out the eye candies of your company, do your homework. All thanks to technology, information is widely available these days. You will definitely be quizzed on what you know of the company and what you can bring to the table. Keep your eyes open on areas of interest and expertise. Look at their clientele relations; your vast knowledge of the financial world will come in handy if they deal with local banks.

We’re not sure if this would constitute as stalking, but we do believe it helps to calm your mind when you know a little bit more about the person who’s interviewing you. Look him up in social network sites such as Facebook or Myspace. After all, these sites are there at your disposal, why not use it? It’s fairly simple; just enter the name of the company in the search engines and a couple of results should return. If you’re lucky, your interviewer has an account.

Just be sure to turn on the privacy setting so that they do not know you have viewed their profiles. Also, do not weave in any personal information into your conversation, like “Hey! I saw on your Facebook that you like Grey’s Anatomy. I’m a big fan too!”

S.T.A.L.K.E.R!

2) Portfolio

Think of your portfolio as your lucky charm. The feeling of consternation arises with every interview and you can find yourself fumbling over the topic of discussions. You might feel that the interview is beginning to be a drag of dichotomous answers. During the course of the interview, when you feel that things aren’t looking up for you, fish out your portfolio.

A well prepared portfolio can turn things into your favor. Immediately, you spruce up the interview with visuals and exciting ideas and actual presentation of your capabilities. You now have the attention of your employers on you.

A common question with portfolios is “what to include?” Here is where your research comes in handy. Select the few articles from your previous projects that you think would interest your interviewers the most. Throw in a few others that have little pertinence just to display your all rounded versatility. Only include articles that show your flair and talent and have both artistic and commercial values.

The next question at hand is, “should I really be showing my portfolio?” If you’re asking this question, then chances are, the answer is no.

3) Dress the part

Unless you’re auditioning for a Broadway musical, lose the Charlie Chaplin get-up. Unless you’re looking to supplant the person who is interviewing you AKA CEO of the company, lose the blazer. Let’s face it. Interview is just a fancy euphemism for first impression. Whether it is your ‘style’ or not, don’t even consider wearing a wife beater to an interview.

For the fellas, choosing an outfit is very straightforward. Just throw on a shirt and a pants and put on a tie and you’re ready to go. You look dapper for your corporate job interview with minimal preparation. Just be sure not to wear overtly bold colors or over accessorize with your cuff links.

For the ladies, dressing up is a little bit more complicated. There is no need to slip into your gowns just yet. A simple power suit would suffice. While old dogs would appreciate the gesture, conservative hags would not take too kindly to cleavages and skin. Your safest option is still your power suit, which immediately steals attention while sending a message, “I’m serious business.”

If you’re interviewing for the job of a creative person; the kind of culture where most people go to work in their berms and slippers (we envy you!), your personality is reflected in your choice of dressing. Ditch the usual shirt and pants routine; take it up a notch and pull out your most exciting outfit! Just remember, it is not Halloween.

4) Smile

And not just to the panel of interviewers seated right across you in that stark cold room. From the moment you come striding in through that front door, smile. Many people neglect this because they think that they need not impress their future colleagues. They couldn’t be any farther from the truth.

Flaunting that engaging smile of yours shows that you are at ease and not in the least bit apprehensive. You exude confidence when you smile. Perception is reality; when you think that you are not nervous, you aren’t.

It is important to greet everyone you meet with a smile. See someone in the pantry room making coffee? Don’t automatically assume it’s an intern. Make sure you acknowledge her presence. Who knows, she might be on the Board of Directors waiting to interview you. Be sure to also chat heartily with the receptionist, because she has the most dealings in the company. You never know if she’s the one hitting the sack with your CEO; a receptionist works directly under the boss. A few brownie points can help you gain a foot in the company.

So, unless you’re missing a tooth from a street fight the day before, smile.

Some useful links:

Should I wear something revealing?

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Writing your resume

Woman of color, woman of quality: Beyonce

In this week’s edition of ‘Women of color, women of quality’, we bring you Beyonce.

Beyonce Knowles

Born: September 4, 1981

Occupation: Actress, singer-song writer

Almost everything Beyonce touches turns to gold. A former member of the extremely successful trio, Destiny Child, Beyonce is one of the few artistes who managed to carve a name for her even after disbandment. With 5 Billboard number 1 songs, 12 top ten hits, countless endorsement deals, 5 Grammy awards scooped up in a year, Beyonce is looking to be in for the long haul.

A highly versatile performer; she is a mezzo-soprano who has been known to pull off long notes while dancing her bootylicious derrière off, she is one of the very few talented artistes who rarely has an off performance.

Her success isn’t limited to just the boundaries of the music industry. She is often lauded for her performances on the silver screen. Showing off her acting chops, she has starred in the critically acclaimed movie, Dream girl, where she was nominated for a Golden Globe. This year, in between rehearsing for her tour and releasing an album, she found time to act in a thriller-form movie titled Obsessed. Again, her performance was critically well-received, and even more notably this time, because it was her first venture at not playing the role of a singer.

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Beyonce Knowles is the epitome of glamour. She always appears at the red carpets looking like a million dollars. There is always this sparkle in her. She speaks in a low and calm voice but make no mistake. Once she takes center stage, she transforms into a hard, ferocious and in her own words, a fierce entertainer.

One of the most hardworking entertainers, it is a surprise that fame has yet to get to her. While her female coworkers are busy working the tabloids; flashing their crotches, getting pulled over for DUI, she has always maintained a clean tabloid slate. A woman of quality, she doesn’t get involved in the dark side of the business; eschewing the use of drugs and even smoking. We don’t think we have even heard her use any four-letter word before!

She has dedicated her cause to helping children and youths. Using her innate talents for a good cause, she co wrote the song, Stand Up for Love, which was the anthem of World Children’s Day in 2005. In 2008, she generously donated $100,000 to relief efforts, benefitting victims of Hurricane Ike.

Beyonce has always appeared to be calm and collected. She always has a genuine smile and she keeps her private life to herself, preferring instead to discuss more about her career. Industry watchers have deemed her antics ‘mild’ and ‘boring’ but hey, that is a woman of swagger. She doesn’t need to play up her wild side to get attention.

Rihanna, the next victim

True to the title of her highly successful album, Rihanna is a good girl gone bad. Recent explicit pictures of her posing stark naked have surfaced. One of the pictures has her placing her hand suggestively on her privates. The pictures are currently circulated on entertainment websites such as Perez and ATRL.

While celebrity sex tapes and racy pictures should come as no shock to anyone; to name a few, Miley Cyrus, Colin Farell, Paris Hilton (albeit one can argue Paris has her sex tapes to thank for her socialite career) are all 'victims' of leaked footages, Rihanna's picture controversy comes hot on the tails of a disturbing abuse fiasco.

Chris Brown, her ex boyfriend, also the antagonist in her recent domestic violence case, appeared in the batch of photos; begging the question: Was he responsible for the leak? Brown’s representatives have denounced any connections on Brown’s part in this fiasco, while spokespersons for Rihanna have clamped down on websites and urging them to remove these pictures.

But, as we all know it, graphical celebrity photos will never be fully eradicated on the Internet. Next up on the calendar of Rihanna/Chris Brown watchers? A sex tape slated to hit the web very soon.

It is a pity that these private pictures (no pun intended) have been fed to us. Rihanna, having re-emerged from her February incident when she attended the Met life gala this week, is poised for a very successful comeback. She appeared ferocious and in charge, earning the respect of ours for overcoming her problems.

We do not know if this would negate the great publicity she has had earlier this week; after all, we live in a time where you might see a web video of your parents engaging in a sexual romp.

And while we encourage artistic expression and being comfortable in your own skin, we have but one advice for the ladies: Stop taking pictures of you in a sexual position! They take the classiness right out of you. You will be nothing more than masturbatory material! Do not allow your boyfriends to manipulate you!

And yes, there is no wrath like the vengeance of an abusive and jealous ex boyfriend. You can find yourself the next victim of a sex tape scandal.

Chivalry

Imagine a bright knight in shining armor, galloping on a white pony and coming to a mighty halt to help his fair lass back up on her feet. Now, imagine death. The white pony trips over a rock, throwing the bright knight forward. His armor breaks off at the sheer impact of the fall and the million pieces cut the fair lass.

As legend has it, that is how chivalry died. In more recent times, chivalry died when the social paradigm of women shifted. There is a general misconception that since women these days are getting increasingly independent, there is no need to shower them with kind gestures.

You cannot be any farther from the truth if you think that. Women these days DON’T need to be at a man’s beckoning call, but they deserve to be treated like a queen.

So gentlemen, it is time to pull up those socks. Chivalry can be your strongest point to impress a lady. Chivalrous acts tell your woman that you respect her and that you put her needs before yours. And that includes her orgasm before yours.

Well, getting her to reach her elusive orgasm can be a daunting task, and some guys can never fulfill that aspect, so we have put together a list of chivalrous acts that are simpler and easier to achieve. Keep these in minds and you will sweep your date off the ground.

1) Hold the door and hold the lift

One of the most basic chivalrous acts that, heck, we expect even our neighbors to do. Holding the door and letting her enter before you tell her that she cum, we mean, comes, before you. It tells her that you put her needs before your own and that you will always be her backing.

2) Help share her burden

And by burden, we don’t mean her swag. We cannot even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to us to see guys holding their girlfriends’ handbag. It makes us chuckle though; we think the boyfriend is actually a closeted gay man who gets together with his girlfriend just so he can parade around town holding that Prada purse.

So, by burden, we really mean all the other stuff that she has her hands full with. This can be her company laptop, her shopping bags, her piles of work etc. Flaunt your hard muscles and put them to good use by helping her share the load. Just leave the bag out of it.

3) Help her take that leap

One of the things men should be thankful is never ever having to wear heels. Heels do to a woman what masturbation does to a man; it hurts, after a while. Hence, when approaching a step or even a drain, take her hand and help her cross over. Give her a little support. Through small acts like these, you’re letting her know that you will be there through every hurdle and obstacle too.

4) Give her some warmth

We know the kind of magic the cold weather is capable of. Nipples. Really hard nipples. We also understand your refusal to give up your coat; you don’t want to miss a free show. Yet, when you relinquish your outerwear and give it her, you’re being generous. Besides, why settle for a feast of the eyes when you can earn the right to snuggle up?

5) Bring her home

Her home, of course! Always offer to drive her home. If for some reason you’re not able to fetch her (like you’re only 15), see her home. Take the longer ride home and enjoy her company. Your initiative to send her home gives her a sense of security. And women love men who make them feel safe. If you can’t accompany her, at the very least, see her to the train station or hail a cab for her.

6) Introduce her to every familiar face you meet

Have you ever gone out with your friends when they bump into their own friends and they never bother to introduce you? You feel snubbed, like you’re invisible or something. Now, imagine what that can do to your lady friend. If you’re serious about this woman, be sure to introduce her to your friends as you see them. It lets her know that she has a place in your heart and that she isn’t just “anybody” to you.

You can even test the waters by making a joke that she’s your steady girlfriend. If she smiles and responds well to it, that means you’re in for the next step!

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Increase your financial IQ !

So the economic crisis has gotten to you like a bout of rash. You begin to examine every aspect of your finances in order to minimize any loss. The perceptive you know the importance of being financially savvy, but you don’t know where to start. Fret not; Swagger Essentials is here to increase your financial IQ!

1) Being paid what you’re worth

This is a tough one. With the economic downturn, the common catchphrase heard all around is, “be glad you still have a job”. Indeed, in this hour of uncertainty, it is nice to know you can still afford your 3 meals. Many people are settling for the next job they see on Classifieds and they are willing to cut their own pay by half.

While we salute their humility, it is not something we would advise. Taking a huge pay cut and still doing the same amount of work can be detrimental to your self esteem. Evaluate your own skills, know your strengths, and strike at the next golden job opportunity. We’re not raising your hopes that you will definitely find a high-paying job. We’re saying at least find one that more or less matches your pay.

Besides, we all know of a boss who is paid what he doesn’t deserve, no?

2) Clear all your credit card debts!

So you took our advice and cashed your credit card whenever you made a transaction. You earned all your reward points, and you even got a few good bargains thanks to tied in promotions with your bank credit card. Now the time of the month has come (no, not your menses) and you need to pay off your debt. You clear only half of your debt and you leave the rest till next month.

That is not a wise call. As you should know by now, credit card interests are almost exorbitant. While swiping that card gives you a taste of your status and can be very satisfying, you need to know when to stop. There is nothing wrong with spending your own money, just make sure to spend what you can.

Which brings us to our next point.

3) Live within your budget

Do you often find yourself having to scrimp and save by mid month? Do you find yourself having to borrow money; however much, from your peers? These are tell-tale signs that you are NOT living within your budget. You blow your expenses the week you get your pay check, because you fail to plan.

Budget might be a turn off word to many, but at least it saves you pride when you need not steal from your friends. Many people fail to factor in their daily expenses when it comes to apportioning their money.

Spending $20 on food per day might seem like a negligible amount that needs not be factored in our budget, but that is if you’re only planning to eat for the one day. Multiply that amount and a quarter of your income is lost. That is the pitfall for most people; they do not consider their daily expenses when it comes to spending.

They have this mindset: “if I spend less on food this month, I will be able to afford that Rolex watch!” And then they realized they made a miscalculation and it’s too late.

4) Invest, invest, invest

Expunge the thinking that stock investments are like gambling. Stock investing requires knowledge, strategies and proper execution; it is not grasping at straws, a nature typically of gambling. Read up on your alternatives to make even more money! The platform is already available for you; it is your choice if you want to take the plunge.

Even for the most conservative persons, you can still invest in mutual funds, which are relatively safer. Take up an investment plan with a reputable bank! Don’t just be mother goose and sit on your money; savour the sweet taste of high interest rates!

A man of intelligence knows an opportunity when he sees one!

Where are your manners?

When we were little, our parents taught us the importance of basic courtesy and manners. We learn quickly to say “thank you” when we receive something from others and we greet our elders respectfully. We knock before we enter a room and we ask for permission to change the channel.

Yet somewhere in between puberty and hormonal changes, we’ve forgotten our manners. We no longer regard the feelings of others and we lash out and swear at them. Our apologies come with double meanings.

“I’m sorry, but I’m NOT sorry”

There is a reason why manners, like basic survival skills have been imparted from our ancestors to us. When a child runs around spewing profanities, it is not him who gets faulted. The parents get the blame for allowing such incivility. Appalled onlookers point their fingers at the parents and their good names are tarnished.

Sometimes, when we’re in the company of close friends, we forget the need for manners. We choose instead to use street talk and lingos to communicate with each other. “Stop being an ass!!!” “You’re a faggot!”

Not only is this kind of talk rude; when exacted improperly, it can land you a potential law suit.

We live in an era where manners are chief to surviving in the world. First impressions are formed right from the moment you exchange your handshake. If you snub someone who extends her hand to shake yours, you can be sure you’re in for a long evening. If you have a habit of unabashedly sneezing or coughing without covering your mouth, do yourself a favor; kick it.

For you to develop swagger (the successful, winning attitude; not the ghetto, smack talk kind), you must first understand the importance of manners. A man with manners thinks before he acts. He is conscious of what he says and what he does.

Many of us take for granted our “thank you” and “please” and “welcome”. We think it is okay for us to omit these words of appreciation, because we think that the other party knows it anyway. Yet, unspoken words remain as such. If you don’t communicate your appreciations, she doesn’t know you feel that way.

It comes as no surprise to us that popular culture has referred these words as “the magic words”. Indeed, it can do wonders for you if you know better than to isolate them in your everyday conversations.

Think back to the time a senior colleague of yours thanked you for your efforts. Or the time your boss asked for a favor politely and he said “please”. Immediately, you gain respect for these people, because they are well mannered. You spring into action and you try to meet his request, before you can’t wait for your boss’ thank you.

Now, imagine the kind of respect YOU can garner from your fellow colleagues.

Simple gestures such as holding the door and passing a pair of scissors by holding the blade in your hands can go a long way. Indeed, these are trivial acts that can often go unnoticed. But once someone fails to adhere to it, an outrage ensues.

“Are you FREAKING trying to stab me with the scissors?”

Whether it is at a workplace or in school, everyone likes a cultivated colleague or friend. A man with swagger uses the magic words lavishly, and he strikes others with a good impression. People are more likely to take notice of you when you appear to be well-mannered.

We thank you for the time in reading this piece.