The Ebola outbreak has affected the African countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia.  The sum total area of those three countries is 428,968 square kilometers (roughly the same area as California), representing only 1.42% of the total land area of Africa.  Africa, at 30,221,532 square kilometers, is the second largest continent in the world after Asia.

Yet, despite how large Africa is, hysteria about associating anyone traveling from the continent of Africa has made headlines.  A plane traveling from JFK airport in New York to Los Angeles was diverted on the tarmac and a woman suffering from  flu symptoms was removed by firefighters wearing hazardous materials after she had responded positive to a question by the flight crew asking if she had been in Africa recently.  The problem with that question was that she had been in South Africa which is roughly 5,400 kilometers from Liberia, the closest country affected by Ebola.  In contrast, the distance between NYC and LA is less than 4,000 kilometers.

Somewhere along the way, some tourists have forgotten that Africa is a continent.  Nervous tourists are canceling travel plans to countries across Africa, regardless of the incredible distances separating affected countries form the rest of the continent.  Unfortunately, the stance that ‘Ebola is in Africa‘ is harming an important source of revenue for many African countries, with tourism accounting for 8.5 percent to Africa’s gross domestic product.

Ebola outbreak distribution map for West Africa. Source: CDC/WHO, October 10, 2014.

The gross ignorance about how large Africa is can be blamed, in part, by the cartographic misrepresentation of the size of Africa by certain map projections.  The overwhelming popularity of Mercator as the preferred map projection used by many atlases and online mapping applications such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, and Esri’s ArcGIS Online has perpetuated the idea that Africa is far smaller that it truly is.  While Mercator is great for marine navigation, it greatly skews geographic proportions near the poles.  On Mercator maps, Greenland, which is actually 2.16 million square kilometers in size, looks to be about the same size of Africa.

This year has been a bit rough for musicians in Ghana, the Ebola outbreak being one of the reasons. A lot of shows have been cancelled because of low patronage. The industry is also becoming more intense with new artists and more songs. All this makes it difficult to predict which new song will make the hit because there is a lot of competition now.

Thanks to www.bigxgh.com with it’s new interface, most industry players can predict which songs will make the hit depending on downloads and most Ghanaians are surprising us this year.

Radio stations also give a vivid picture based on airplay which contributes a lot. Night clubs also make their quota on this one. Based on our statistics, here is a list of songs likely to become hits by the end of the year. There’s been a lot of surprises though.

It’s been months and still no sign of Castro, it is making us wonder where exactly he could be. All attempts to know where Castro is has proved futile.

There have been several reports concerning his whereabouts but still nothing to speak of. We pounced on this picture which reminds us of his humble beginnings. Don’t you just miss Castro?

As they say, “behind every great man is a woman”, Nana Akuffo Addo, the flagbearer of the NPP earlier today chose Bawumia as his running mate for the second time for the 2016 presidential elections. It was a big ceremony packed with great politicians.

The photo below is of the wives of Akuffo Addo and his running mate, Bawumia. Aren’t they beautiful? They indeed “know market inside”. We have another photo when you click next.

Don’t expect to hear what you want on radio when panelists are discussing your issue. Ever since we reported that lawyer Maurice Ampaw is dragging musician A-Plus to court, entertainment critics and followers have been deliberating over the issue.

Ghanaian musician and comedian A-Plus and Shatta Wale’s former manager, Mr. Logic got into a verbal argument on Thursday morning when Sammy Flex hosted both of them on Pluzz FM in Accra.

After A-Plus explained on phone why private legal practitioner lawyer Maurice Ampaw has sued him for GHc1m, Mr. Logic who was in the studio spoke against A-Plus’ publication on Facebook which obviously angered the lawyer  and led to the suit against A-Plus.

A-Plus who wasn’t happy with the comments of Mr. Logic, called again to reply the ex manager of Shatta Wale. Not only did it end there, Mr. Logic who kept quiet for A-Plus to rain insults on him, also took time to put A-Plus in his place.

Listen to what happened between the two on Pluzz Fm in Accra below.

He is alleged to have told doctors that he had a small appendage and cited that as the reason why his girlfriend was no use to him. Ilic contacted emergency services when he could not stop the bleeding and was taken to hospital in the east Macedonian town town of Kocani.

Police searched his house and discovered the severed organ in a bin after it had been cut off with a single swipe from a razor blade which was also lying in the bin.

Doctors were initially unable to re-attach his penis but he was then transferred to the capital, Skopje, where it was reunited with his body following five hours of surgery.

However they said it was still too early to know if the operation would be a success and if it would ever function properly again.

Recently a 40-year-old Macedonian man chopped off his own penis then flushed it down the toilet.

Many women consider blow jobs to be a chore or, well, a job.  If you’re a beginner, they can be intimidating at best and painful at worst. Yet blow jobs can also be enjoyable, even for the giver.

Here’s 10 tips for giving incredible head.

1. Wash up and stay safe

If you’re concerned about funky scents or tastes, simply hop in the shower. While you’re at it, give him a trim to prevent any stray hairs.

Consider using a condom, especially if you and your partner have not been recently screened for STIs.

Gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis are just a few of the STIs commonly passed on via unprotected oral sex, and there is also a risk of contracting HIV. Flavoured condoms are there to protect you.

2. Assume the position

Do you really want to be on your knees on a hardwood floor for 20 minutes? No way. Take a moment to get comfortable, because you’re going to be here for a while.

Whether you’re kneeling on a carpet, laying on the bed, or laying down with your head hanging over, start with comfort first.

3. Learn your partner’s pleasure spots

Every guy is different. Find out in advance what your partner likes and change up your routine to fit his preferences.

While you’re down there, ask, ‘do you like that? Should I go faster or slower? Would you like more or less hands?’ You can also get feedback through his moans and movements.

4. Learn the basics

Start with your hands on him, licking from base to tip, then put the whole thing in your mouth.

Keep him angled toward the roof of your mouth to avoid your gag reflex.

Close your lips around his shaft, being careful to avoid your teeth.

5. Get creative with your hands

Use your hand as if it is an extension of your lips. You can move up and down alongside your mouth, or gently twist your hand for additional sensation.

Alternate between gentle strokes, harder pulls, and slightly pumping fingers.

6. Switch it up

Alternate your strokes, licks, and sucks around his most pleasurable spots.

Run your tongue along the underside of his shaft, flick it along the ribbed edge, and swirl it around the tip of the head.

7. Don’t neglect the balls

Gently massage them in one hand, and move your fingers to alternate between the two.

If you’re adventurous and your man is well groomed, consider putting your mouth on them.

8. Explore your deep throat

This isn’t for everyone but some people like it. Suppress your gag reflex by pushing your tongue down and opening your jaw wide.

Slowly work the penis toward the back of your throat, moving your hands out of the way. Keep him there for a second to enjoy the sensation.

9. Where should he finish?

This is a question every girl/ gay guy has asked when coming to the grand finale, if you’ve chosen not to use condoms.

If you are comfortable with your partner and don’t mind the brief taste, give swallowing a try.

If you’re grossed out, just spit or tell him to finish somewhere else, like on your body. Be sure to have tissues handy.

10. Make it enthusiastic

If you want to please your partner and show them a good time, act like it!

If you’re not in the mood, skip the BJ all together and settle for ‘movie night’ in your PJ’s instead.

Never give head just because you think you ‘should’ – sex is supposed to be fun for you both.

You know Kumawood is a smart venture where they bank on everything, Samuel Ofori, the producer who did the EBOLA movie has released another one, this time, based on Sarkodie’s “Chingam” song with Bisa Kdei.

We have the cover of the movie and we really don’t know but expect it soon. What do you have to say about it?

It has been a busy day for the monarch as she and Prince Philip first bid farewell to Singapore’s President at the end of his state visit before welcoming the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama.

The Queen, showing no sign of fatigue at her back-to-back schedule, greeted Mr Dramani and his wife Lordina Mahama in her study at the Buckingham Place having just waved off President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife Mary with Prince Philip.

While the 88-year-old wore an elegant cream boucle dress to greet the Ghanaian president, accessorized with a statement gold broach and string of pearls, Lordina wore an eye catching floor length mulch-coloured gown.

Over the weekend, we told you about an Italian couple who reportedly started having sex in the Mediterranean Sea and finished in the ER, because their genitals wouldn’t disunite. It sounds outlandish — hell, we can barely figure out the physics of intercourse in the bathtub — but there’s an actual medical explanation for it. And the basic concept is pretty much this:

It’s caused by a vaginal spasm, and apparently in the Italian couple’s case, the water added a significant suction increase. We asked Dr. Yvonne Fulbright — formerly Astroglide’s go-to sexologist, who now has her own line of products to pull us in and grip us with her knowledge…

Penis captivus started as an urban legend a long, long time ago

“Just hearing the term ‘penis captivus’ can have one shuttering. Penis capitvus is an idea that started in medieval times. People feared that the penis could get ‘sucked into’ the vagina during the missionary position, possibly forever,” says Dr. Fulbright.

Legit medical studies have found evidence to support the theory

“While largely hearsay and chalked up mostly as mythical, an article published in a 1979 issue of the British Medical Journal claims that penis captivus has occurred very rarely to humans throughout history. Apparently, a handful of couples have gotten locked inseparably during sexual intercourse. This is actually pretty common with dogs.”

Unless you’re a dog, it’s unlikely you’ll ever experience this — you have a better chance of winning the lottery — but just in case, here’s some advice…

“Should you ever find this actually happening, then both you and your lover need to relax and take the focus off of intercourse and anything sexy. This allows blood to leave the penis, so that he can withdraw more easily. And her pelvic floor muscles will also relax, as not to clench the shaft.”

In other words, guys, for once in your life, you should think about baseball to make intercourse last shorter.

Credit: Marty Beckerman (MTV)

Gospel musician Rev. Kusi Berko who passed away on August 1 at the Pramso Roman Catholic Hospital in the Ashanti Region will be laid to rest tomorrow, October 25 at Asisisriwa near Lake Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region.

The late according to his brother Rev Fosu Kusi Berko suffered from Stroke, Pneumonia and died of diabetes.

He said his late brother came to Ghana from Italy with Pneumonia which developed into Stroke.

According to Rev. Fosu Kusi Berko, the deceased was restored to health from the stroke but later suffered from diabetes which generated into other sicknesses that took his life last Friday at Pramso Roman Catholic Hospital.

Rev. Kusi Berko is known for songs like ‘Ofata’, Eden Ben Ni, Mrane and others. Listen to the full tracks on the Rev. Kusi Berko’s ‘EDIN BEN NI’ album below.

Dancehall artiste Samini has put something together for his new pub and club, Dancestardam. Samini known for his versatility jumped on this beat to give us Dancestardam, a song to promote his newly established night club.

Enjoy the song below

TeePhlow for sometime now has been releasing hit tracks since Hammer started training him after The Next big Thing in Ghana reality show. Not only is he getting good training from the legendary beatmaker, he has also had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest musicians in Ghana.

TeePhlow has collaborated with Kwaw Kese, Kwabena Kwabena, Sarkodie and others. This time around, TeePhlow teams with Obrafour on his latest single  “Dues”  produced by his God father Hammer. Enjoy it.

Sidney Ofori popularly known as Barima Sidney has opined that Ghana should host the 2015 African Cup of Nations if it is given the opportunity.

The controversial musician indicated that even though there is an outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, that should not prevent Ghana from hosting the 16 countries who will qualify for the tournament.

“Fellow Ghanaians, let’s treat this topic as a simple intellectual intercourse, no politics…Should the opportunity fall on Ghana to host the AFCON 2015 amidst the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, should Ghana consider it? I Barima Sidney supports the idea of Ghana hosting it ….what do you think? Let’s vote…YES or NO” Sidney wrote on Facebook

This comes after people have started debating in the country on whether Ghana should accept the nod to host the tournament next year after Morocco rescinded their decision to host the tournament as a result of the Ebola outbreak.

Gospel musician Rev. Kusi Berko who passed away months ago’s funeral was held today, October 25 at the Cultural Center in Kumasi. The funeral was attended by his colleague gospel musicians like Edward Akwasi Boateng, Mama Esther, YABS, Willie and Mike, Rev. Yawson, Mary Ghansah, Dan Bassey and others.

MUSIGA, radio presenters and other celebrities were also at the funeral to pay their last respect to the deceased.

This is the casket a man in the hometown of Kusi Berko manufactured for the late musician to take home.

Click next to see the casket.

A new study has found that your taste in music can reveal how intelligent you are.

American software writer Virgil Griffith charts the musical tastes of various US college students, with their intelligence levels measured by their average SAT scores. He claims that the study unearths a ‘correlation between musical tastes and dumbitude (smartitude too)!’

He used Facebook to find the most ‘liked’ artists by students at particular colleges and matched it up with the average SAT scores for that college.

As a result of this ‘scientific’ study, he found that students who listen to Radiohead and Beethoven are smarter than students who listen to Beyonce and Bon Jovi are, Virgil reckons, less intelligent.

Counting Crows, U2 and Coldplay are also supposedly popular among cleverer students.

You can view Virgil’s work in full on his website here.

Astrologers and other spiritual types are typically the only people to believe in a connection between a person’s birthday and their personality. But according to a recent study, there’s scientific evidence that indeed, the season of your birth may have some impact on who you are.

Researchers from Semmelweis University in Budapest studied a sample of 366 Hungarian university students, finding that people born in the summer were more likely to experience frequent mood swings as adults. People born in the winter, however, were less likely to develop irritable personalities. Spring birthdays were more likely to yield “excessively positive” temperaments, while people born in autumn were less likely to be depressive.

“Biochemical studies have shown that the season in which you are born has an influence on certain monoamine neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which is detectable even in adult life,” lead researcher Xenia Gonda, an assistant professor at the university said in a written statement. “This led us to believe that birth season may have a longer-lasting effect.”

Here’s how the findings break down by season:

• Summer: Higher instances of “cyclothymic temperament,” characterized by quick, frequent swings between sad and cheerful moods.
• Spring & Summer: Higher instances of “hyperthymic temperament,” a personality tendency to be overly positive.
• Winter: Decreased likelihood of developing irritable temperament, as compared with those born at other times of the year.
• Autumn: Significantly lower tendency towards depressive temperament than those born in winter.

It’s important to note that the study was conducted in Hungary — which has a climate of warm, dry summers and cold winters — and that seasonal differences in environmental factors may not be as important in areas closer to the equator.

At this stage, the findings shouldn’t be taken as conclusive, and further research is needed to distinguish between correlation and causality. The findings were recently presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress in Berlin.

Based on the most recent release of the Human Development Index by the United Nations Development Programme, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the most and least livable countries. Data from the Human Development Index is based on three dimensions of human progress — having a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and having a good standard of living. According to the index, Norway is the most livable country in the world, while Niger is the least livable.

The most and least developed nations also tend to be clustered geographically. Five of the 10 most developed countries are located in Europe. All of the least developed nations, on the other hand, are located in Africa, where political turmoil, health crises, and lack of infrastructure are far more common.

Despite their low scores, however, several of the world’s least developed nations have worked towards improving their economies in recent years, and their Human Development Index scores have improved as well. Mozambique is perhaps the best example. While it is still the 10th lowest rated nation, its score had risen by 2.5% per year between 2000 and 2013, faster than almost all other countries globally. Burundi’s score also rose substantially, by 2.3% per year in that time.

Click here to see the 10 least livable countries