Our editorial was aghast over a UK tweet that went viral in which according to a twitter vote poll a great percentage of young people seem willing to be flown out to Dubai to receive peoples’ faeces on their bodies in exchange for £50k, while in Ivory Coast, the population wanted a Cameroonian TV personality dead forallowing a real life former sex offender to re-enact a scene of rape on a mannequin  dummy during prime-time show.  Not to mention filthy, sexually explicit, uncensored and uncut Cameroonian sex tapes, shared on social media on a regular basis.

As we are heading towards the beginning of the academic year 2021-22, depressing social media sexually related trends and unethical world news content is all- pervasive.

As a reminder to youth around the world, and to those who are lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend nursery, primary school, high school, university or any other career /professional pathway, our editorial always metaphorically compares education to The Key that unlocks  freedom and enables  permanent happiness.

 

 

 

 

On September 9^th 2021, a UK Twitter vote found 53% of young people would be willing to follow the trend of those would had

 

accepted gifts of a flight ticket to Dubaï and payment of £50k in order to satisfy the desire of those who gain sexual gratification and arousal from defecating on other people.

 

On September  1^st 2021 In Abidjan,   Yves de M’Bella  was allegedly sentenced for glamorising and promoting rape on TV. It is believed M’bella appeared to laugh and joke  as he helped Traoré lay the mannequin on the floor, provoking widespread outrage. An online petition urging  that M’Bella be punished had got more than  50,000 signatures today.

 

On September the 2^nd in,   Jeune Afrique Journalist Aïssatou Diallo publisged  in her Online article entitled Côte d’Ivoire : Yves de M’bella, l’animateur par qui le scandale est arrivé in English Ivory Coast, : Yves de  Mbella, the TV host by whom the scandal occurred .

 

“On Wednesday, September 1^st, the Cameroonian TV personality host Yves de M’ Bella was sentenced to twelve months on bail (with a fine of two million CFA francs (around 3,000 euros) and a ban on leaving Abidjan) for apologizing after allowing a real life former sex offender to re-enact a scene of rape on TV with provocative details on how to rape a woman who is either drunk or walking on her own late in the night.”

 

 

On September 11^th, the vulgarisation of  Cameroonian sex tapes  and sex videos,  featuring children as young as 16  performing either homosexual or heterosexual sex acts under the influence of drugs  has prompted  our editorial this September  to raise awareness on the downfalls of the ‘get rich quick  at any cost lifestyle’ and to provide useful advise to youth, parent and tutors  over the importance of education.

 

 

Our editorial is  fully aware  the COVID 19 pandemic hasn’t helped either. Parents  may have  been financially broken,  with businesses  falling apart, others losing their jobs and even their houses, making youth more vulnerable than ever, trapped in the vicious circle of boredom and poverty resulting in serious precarious situations.  However, making filthy shortcuts as options and going to the length of willingly  humiliating oneself and exposing oneself to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by featuring in cheap amateur sex tapes and porn videos or live porn shows is going too far.

 

It is believed most of those with the fetishism of coprophilia may have been infected by AIDS and are willing to lure and contaminate naïve youths with their infected and contaminated faeces.

On HIV and diarrhoea, The Medical Affairs Team in their medically reviewed article entitled Does HIV Cause Diarrhoea? Published on April 24^th 2020 wrote:

“ Diarrhoea is one of the most common complications of HIV. It can be severe or mild, causing occasional loose stools. It can also be ongoing (chronic). For those living with HIV, identifying the cause of diarrhoea can help determine the right treatments for long-term management and better quality of life. Diarrhoea in HIV can be an early symptom of HIV also known as acute HIV infection.”  

 

 

From having full facial surgery reconstruction to appear attractive on a TV show and win money and win fashion contracts for companies and brands, to subscribing to porn websites where they can exchange a pair of fake or real lips, boobs, bums … to satisfy others’ voyeurisms, fetishisms, paraphilia in a bid to afford a seemingly lavish lifestyle, youth has done it all.

 

 

 

The importance of education

 

Education is one of the most powerful tools: it goes so much beyond just getting a job and narrowing the gap of identity and social etiquette. Education allows us to make a difference between a  compliment and a subtle mockery  or sarcasm. Education allows us to respect others even if we do not like them necessarily, to say please, sorry if you hurt someone, thank you or no thanks…

 

Education allows us to tell the difference between rat poison and a spice or condiment.  Education allows us to get rid of invisible chains and the list goes on…   

 

Below is some useful advise  

 

IQ is not set in stone. Evidence shows that, rather than ending at age 5, or 12, the teenager brain is still under construction according to researchers.  Parents must invest in their children’s food, nutrition and living standards until they reach 25 years old.

 

 

Medical breakthroughs are yet to discover plastic surgery on the alteration of the human brain. There are no brain surgeons able to perform surgery on the human brain to increase IQ performance YET. It is something everyone may achieve individually due to hard work, consistency and a good study environment.

 

Only a few weeks before the start of the academic year, pressure is on children to achieve outstanding results against the challenges of the new Schools White Paper.

 

 

I- Advice to Parent

 

We understand flashy sports cars and other explicit and visual signs of wealth may bring gratification to some parents in order to prove to friends and family their social status or etiquette. However, what is the point of driving the latest sports car when you cannot afford food or text books or a decent flat in a decent borough to your offspring?

As a parent you have the duty to provide the latest technological devices, while also meeting the costs of school tuition fees, foreign exchange trips, extra curriculum activities, and holidays, to list a few.

 

 

IQ is not set in stone: it is the aggregate gauge of a combination of circumstances and habits.

 

The competition is getting tougher. It is believed that only the fittest will survive and thrive in the harsh industry of the employment market and in life in general.

Additional aspects of the type of parenting that works best on children’s performance are as follows:

 

• Music Lessons

It is believed that children who attend music groups exhibit greater increases in full-scale IQ.

 

• Exercising

According to John J. Ratey in his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain: ‘Being in good shape increases your ability to learn. After exercise people pick up new vocabulary words 20% faster.’

 

Ratey explains how a three month exercise regimen increased blood flow to the parts of the brain focused on memory and learning by 30%.

 

• Nurture their love for reading

 

To the question as to whether or not reading makes us cleverer, an attempt to provide a comprehensible answer has recently been provided by Dan Hurley for The Guardian in his article entitled ‘Can reading make you smarter?’ It reads:

 

‘There is evidence that reading can increase levels of all three major categories of intelligence. I believe my discovery of Spider-Man and other comic books turned me into a straight-A student.’

Mr Hurley is an award-winning science journalist whose 2012 feature in The New York Times Magazine on the subject of reading and intelligence was hugely influential.

 

• A lack of sleep impacts on children’s memory, learning abilities and emotions,

making them less smart  

 

It is believed that there is a strong correlation between academic grades and the average amount of sleep.

 

Matt Walker,  an Associate Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley, and principal investigator at the Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory, argued that scientists can now peer inside our heads to see how a good night’s sleep affects neural activity.

 

II- Advice to school, high school and university students

‘Self-discipline predicted academic performance more robustly than did IQ.’  Duhigg

 

IQ is meaningless without self-discipline and consistency.

Academic grades have more to do with conscientiousness, hard work and consistency than with natural talent or acumen. On self-discipline, Keller Williams wrote in his book entitled: The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results: ‘Success is actually a short race—a sprint fuelled by discipline just long enough for habit to kick in and take over.’

 

On top of discipline, consistency and relentlessness, below are arguably some scientifically proven tips to follow to become  smarter and have a successful academic year :

 

 

 

III- Advice to high school students:

 

The beginning of the academic year is usually the best time for making changes and exploring interests.

 

Re- assesses your courses and switch teachers if needed.

 

• Get involved in sports, clubs and extracurricular activities gym for instance.

 

 

• Apply for annual scholarships and make sure you don’t miss the deadline.

 

• Commit to respecting your classmates, your teachers, doing your homework and working hard to follow the school ethos. Remember not only do universities rely on teachers’ recommendations to offer you a place but most importantly, this will enable you to get along with people of all types in a future career too.

 

• If your parents can afford tuition lessons for you, make the most out of it. Don’t use study time to get popular on social media, to flirt, to visit dodgy websites or to talk about your teacher’s haircut, shoes or dress sense.

 

• Good grades, discipline and ethics are one of the most important factors in the university admissions process.

 

• Build a great vocabulary and literacy skills; read; practice for your spelling tests, know your timetable off by heart, practice your hand writing in a double line exercise books.

 

• Stay organised and focused and work on a unique skill or develop a unique mind set.

 

• Don’t publish embarrassing or potentially hurtful pictures, videos or anything disrespectful of you or others on social media. University admissions officers and employers have been known to reject and resend admissions offers based on controversial posts.

 

• Make smart decisions on alcohol, sex, and drugs.

 

• Don’t drink and drive, don’t text and drive, or drive under the influence of drugs.

• Be nice to yourself, your class mates and to your parents/guardians throughout the academic year.

 

For University students:

 

Get involved, network with future colleagues.

 

If you are a Law student get involved in pro bono cases with real companies or clients or watch TV series such as Suits or The People Versus O.J. Simpson.

 

If you’re in journalism, write for the school paper or watch movies such as All the President’s Men, The Pelican Brief, Stephen: The Murder that Changed a Nation or Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes…

 

• Time management is key

Most of your assignments take longer than anything you’ve done before. Start early to meet all your deadlines. If all of them are due the last week of the semester, you won’t achieve a First for all of them unless you start early.

 

• Finance management

If you use your maintenance loan to afford fake eyelashes, designer shoes and bags, eating out, traveling, drinking alcohol frequently, you will achieve failing grades and end in serious debt.

 

• Don’t bring your laptop to class

Use a pen to write down the key facts in order to take the most thoughtful notes. This is easier to achieve on paper.

 

• Get involved, network with future colleagues.

If you’re in journalism, write for the school paper or watch movies such as All the President’s Men, The Pelican Brief, Stephen: The Murder that Changed a Nation, or Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes…

 

If you are a Law student get involved in pro bono cases with real companies or clients or watch TV series such as Suits or The People Versus O.J. Simpson.

 

 If you are an aspiring brain surgeon have a placement  in acute medicine and watch TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy  or  Botched  with Dr Terry Dubrowd &  Dr Paul Nassif…

 

• Choose your roommates wisely

We know roommates in the first year are imposed on you. However, in the second year try to make an informed choice for roommates as people have different sleeping patterns or different standards of cleanliness or noise.

 

 

• Take care of your mental health

Attend your university’s mental health talks. Seek advice from your GP, friends or relatives if you feel anxious or sad.

 

• Food and exercise

Try to have a balanced diet and avoid products containing high caffeine such as energy drinks e.g. Red Bull.

 

 

• Professorial rapport

Develop a professional and studious relationship with your professors. Ask questions, contribute to debates, stay after lectures for additional advice or help.

 

• Sources and References

University librarians will help you on how to adapt your citations or find articles in academic journals. If you’re ever accused of cheating, your student union can help explain your rights.

 

• Extensions

If you’re going to need an extension, ask early. If you ask early enough, many professors will grant extensions. But don’t annoy your professor by emailing and asking the night before it’s due.

 

• According to experts, below are a few foods that can help young people stay sharp and which affect how their brains develop well into the future…

 

 

Feed their brain. The foods they eat are key. Childhood and teenage-hood are critical for brain development.

 

 

Contrary to the common-held view, evidence shows that, rather than ending at age 5, or 12, brain development actually continues into one’s twenties. According to researchers, the teenager brain is still under construction.

As striking brain changes take place during the teen years, what growing young people eat affects their focus and cognitive skills.  

 

Awareness of the importance of optimum nutrition in mental health has already been raised by the British-born Patrick Holford and his team at Food for the Brain (FftB), a non-profit educational charity, created by a group of nutritionists, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers and scientists to promote the link between nutrition and mental health. Feed their brain. The foods they eat are key. Childhood and teenage-hood are critical for brain development.

 

Holford is the Chief Executive Officer of FftB, and a leading spokesman on nutrition in the media, specialising in the field of mental health. The author of 36 books, translated into over 30 languages, he is selling millions of copies worldwide, including The Optimum Nutrition Bible.

 

According to experts, below are a few foods that can help young people stay sharp and which affect how their brains develop well into the future.

 

 

• Eggs

The protein and nutrients in eggs (especially organic eggs) help children concentrate.

 

• Greek Yogurt

Fat is vital for brain health, a full fat Greek yogurt (which has more protein than other yogurts) can help keep brain cells healthy and functional for sending and receiving information.

 

• Greens

Rich in folate and vitamins, it is believed that spinach and kale have the ability to lower the risk of getting dementia later in life. The high level of antioxidants in kale helps new brain cells grow.

 

• Fish

Fish is a great source of vitamin D and omega-3s, which protect the brain from declining mental skills and memory loss. Salmon, tuna and sardines are rich in omega-3s.  “The more omega-3s we can get to the brain, the better it will function and the better kids will be able to focus,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, author of Read It Before You Eat It.

 

• Nuts and Seeds

High in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, nuts and seeds may boost mood and control your nervous system.

 

• Nutrients in foods

Proteins in lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, milk and milk products, grains, seeds and nuts provide energy, and build and repair body cells.

 

• Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates such as bread, cereal grains, pasta, rice, fruit, starchy vegetables, milk and sugar provide energy needed by the brain, nervous system, and red blood cells.

 

Meat and poultry, some fish, milk and milk products that are not fat-free (for people who tolerate dairy), nuts and seeds, oils, butter, margarine, salad dressing, some candy, and some desserts are also beneficial to the brain.

 

 

As a follow up and update  of The Bridge Magazine’s 10^th Anniversary celebration announcement, Rachel Tcheungna has published 23 educational books in both English and French which are now ready for global distribution.

 

 

 

Follow the links below to purchase one  or various  of  The Bridge Books. 

 

 

 

1)  Global News That Never Fades: From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/global-news-that-never-fades-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-ennmdm.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

2) Beauty, Health and Wellbeing Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/beauty-health-and-wellbeing-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-znpgek.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

3) Education Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/education-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-8mve4p.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

  4)  Love and Relationship Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/love-and-relationship-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-zn269w.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

5)    True Crimes and Prevention Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/true-crimes-and-prevention-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-vnr49d.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

6) Economy and Investment Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/economy-and-investment-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-4evpye.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

7) Soft & Hard News Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/soft-hard-news-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-r2dywj.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

8) Urban Legend Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/urban-legend-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-k4ne79.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

9) High-Profile People Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/high-profile-people-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-9v5vnj.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

10) Arts and Culture Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/arts-and-culture-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-q764zz.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

11) Travel & Tourism Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/travel-tourism-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-w8kj6v.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

12) Politics Global News That Never Fades: The Bridge Magazine Book – From Britain’s News to World Exclusives.

 

https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/rachel-tcheungna/politics-global-news-that-never-fades-the-bridge-magazine-book-from-britains-news-to-world-exclusives/paperback/product-n5954v.html?page=1&pageSize=4

 

 

 

The Bridge Magazine wishes a good start and good luck for the academic year  to nursery, primary,  high school and university students all over the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Tcheungna, Author, Writer of 

The Bridge Books and 

The Bridge Magazine Editor.