FIVE HIGH-PAYING JOBS THAT ARE FUN AND WHY THEY PAY

Are you one of those people who think that earning a hefty paycheck means working a boring job and long hours?  If so, I am  here to tell you that it's quite possible to have an exciting job that doesn't make you groan each morning and pays you a great wage. 

Keep reading to find out five careers that offer elements of excitement, flexible schedules, creativity and spontaneity to your daily grind.

(1)  PR Specialist

Have you always wanted a career where you get to story tell, connect with people, and take the stage as the center of attention? If that sounds like a fun way to earn your paycheck, perhaps you should take a look at a career as a public relations specialist.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, PR specialists write press releases and prepare information for the media in order to create and maintain a favorable public image for their clients.

Why It Pays: "This position pays well, because you need a number of skills: media savvy, speaking skills, and articulation on paper. More often than not, an understanding of various software suites like the Adobe suite [Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign] and Corel is also needed," says Eddie LaMeire, CEO of LaMeire College Consulting, a higher education consulting agency.

Additionally, Hurwitz says that PR specialists command a good salary, because they have the ability to make their clients look good while saving them money through excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and crisis management techniques.

Education Options: PR specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in a field like public relations, journalism, communications, business, or English, notes the Department of Labor.

(2)  Graphic Designer

Pretty websites and marketing materials don't just make themselves! They're produced by the creative minds of graphic designers. In this career, Bob Hankin, program director of graphic design at Bellevue University, says the atmosphere, the collaborative nature of design, and the ability to be ultra-creative at work contribute to the fun factor.

But what do graphic designers actually do on the job?

They meet with clients to determine project scope, create images to convey brand identity or a message, and present designs to clients or an art director, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Why It Pays: Hankin says a graphic designer's ability to combine type and image within a given space to deliver a specific message requires an experienced skill set that companies are willing to pay for. 

LaMeire adds that graphic designers are often coveted in the labor market for the simple reason that every business needs one.

Education Options: A bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required, says the Department of Labor. However, those with a bachelor's degree in another field can pursue technical training to meet employer qualifications.

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EX-HEADS OF STATE, SENATE PRESIDENT SHUN CENTENARY EVENT

THREE of President Goodluck Jonathan’s successors-ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-Heads of State, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida – as well as President of the Senate, David Mark, were on Thursday absent from the country’s centenary being held in Abuja.

They did not attend the international conference held as part of activities marking the centenary, which was attended by about 30 heads of governments and international organisations.

But another three former leaders, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan, as well as ex-Vice President Alex Ekwueme and a former Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd.) attended the event.

The conference tagged, “Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for 21st Century Africa” was held under tight security at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha; state governors; security chiefs; former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih; members of the diplomatic corps, members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council and other top government officials.

The heads of governments in their goodwill messages commiserated with the Federal Government and Nigerians on the Tuesday killing of schoolchildren in the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.  They urged Nigerians to unite against terrorists, saying no nation could develop in an atmosphere of violence.

Meanwhile, civil servants and other workers with offices located on Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District Abuja, the same neighbourhood with the venue of the event  had difficulties accessing their offices on Thursday because of the tight security.

Many of them were forced to park away and trek to their offices as traffic was diverted.  Armed security operatives were deployed at strategic points in the area.

More HERE

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TOOLZ WANTS YOU TO SEE HER SURULERE (BABY PHOTO) STATUS

She shared above and captioned it:

 '#SurulereThursday #GetTheJuice #IfNotForGod #BetYallDidntKnowIHadTribalMarks #JustLikeSwayIDontHaveTheAnswersAboutMyHairInTheFirstPic”*

What do you think?

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BIOLA ALABI, CEO M-NET COVERS HELLO MAGAZINE (FEBRUARY ISSUE)

She talked about her life and career in the February issue of Hello! Nigeria. Beautiful cover!

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MORE PHOTOS FROM OMOSEXY'S SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY IN GHANA

Another surprise birthday party was organised for Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde in Ghana on Wednesday, February 26. Her husband Capt. Mathew Ekeinde was secretly flown into the country to surprise her and also helped organise the  party. See more photos after the cut...

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INTERESTING - ABUJA BASED CHURCH GIVES $100 TO MEMBERS FOR ATTENDING CHURCH + NOBLE IGWE'S TWEETS

 

It was reported that a church in Abuja gave out $100 each to her members for attending the church’s Sunday service two weeks ago. The envelopes were shared while members were saying their closing prayers/grace.  Read what Noble Igwe wrote on this below:

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HOT PHOTOS OF ACTRESS JOSELYN DUMAS

Hot!!!

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INSPIRATIONAL!!! CHECK OUT THE LATEST 3D TATTOOS

These photos depict the latest 3D tattooing.  The creativity and artistic talent behind each one is truly inspirational.  Which of them is your favourite?

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DANCE QUEEN 'KAFFY' SHARES ADORABLE PHOTOS OF HER CHILDREN

She shared photos of her cute kids - Sean and Eliana.  See more below:

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RARE IDENTICAL TRIPLETS HAVE MOM THRILLED AND NERVOUS

The triplets - Ava Grace, Avery Hope and Alyssa Faith were born on Feb. 5 at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pa., just 33 weeks into Rhoa's pregnancy. Although they can breathe on their own, they require a feeding tube.

Naturally born triplets happen only in about 1 in 100,000 births, a number so small that it not only shocked Allison and Wesley Rhoa at their first ultra sound, but also the doctors and technicians who gave them the news.

Their mother said:

"Of course I feel very happy, but at the same time I am scared. I have never even had one kid before," Allison Rhoa said of her nearly 3-week-old identical triplet daughters. "It's (taking care of them) basically non-stop. You know, by the time I am done feeding the third baby, 15 minutes later it's times to feed the first one."
 "I went into my first ultra sounds and I just expected to see one. Then the technician said to my husband that he better sit down," Rhoa said. "I was just in total shock I just kept smiling and my husband just looked worried. I think the technician was more excited than we were (at the time), just because it is so rare."

Dr. Frank Craparo, the Chief Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital, is one of the doctors taking care of Rhoa.

"We have had at least two sets (of identical triplets) that come to mind over a 20 year period," Craparo told ABC News. "Most triplets that happen [these] days are because of fertility treatments, but they did this all on their own."

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5 MISTAKES TO AVOID AT WORK IF YOU ARE SMART

You might be the smartest and most capable person on your team at work, but that doesn’t always mean that your career will go well. Smart people make serious workplace mistakes too – ones that can have lasting implications for their careers.

Here are five mistakes smart people can be in danger of making at work.

1. Not understanding what your boss values most. It doesn’t matter how great you are at doing any particular thing if your boss’s priorities lie elsewhere. You might be great at, say, building relationships with customers and might pour loads of time into doing it well, but if your boss is judging the success of your role exclusively by how quickly you process sales orders, you could end up falling short of that mark. Too often, people are out of sync with their boss about which pieces of their performance matter most, and are frustrated when they don’t get recognition for doing a good job on X when their boss wants Y.

2. Shutting down the first time you fail. If you’re going to advance in your career, you’re going to have to take on new challenges, and some of them will be tough. But if you’re used to being “the smart one” and things have always come easily to you, you might not have built up the skills you need for when things are hard, like persevering in the face of obstacles and working hard to master something. You might take failure at a new type of project or responsibility as a sign that you’re not cut out to do it, instead of putting the energy and time in working to get better at it. Someone who has always had to work hard at doing well and who therefore has developed more “perseverance muscle" than you will often be inclined to simply practice and practice until they eventually master the new skill.

3. Taking feedback badly. If you’re accustomed to doing high-quality work and having it well-received, it can rattle you to receive criticism – after all, you don’t have much practice at it. But getting upset or defensive when you’re told that your work could use improvement will make you appear less than professional, and it can prevent people from wanting to give you useful feedback in the future. Remember, even people who are the best in their fields don’t get it right every time … and they’re probably where they are in part because they welcomed input, rather than letting it bother them.

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'BREAST MILK' IS NOT BETTER THAN 'BOTTLED MILK', INCREASES THE RISK OF ASTHMA CLAIMS EXPERT

A study by Dr Cynthia Colen, from Ohio State University has shown that a comparison of siblings fed differently during infancy suggests breast milk is no better than bottled milk at improving long-term health.

She said her findings are not meant to challenge established ideas, but could prevent women who cannot breastfeed from feeling stigmatised.

Those promoting the 'breast is best' message, including the Department of Health, say a mother's milk wards off a host of ills.  NHS leaflets given to pregnant women and new mothers claim breastfeeding protects against obesity, allergies, asthma and diabetes.

But Dr Colen’s research suggests breastfed children perform no better than their siblings who are bottle-fed. It showed they are no more likely to be obese and that they do not perform better academically.

Dr Colen also claims that children who are breastfed are more likely to develop asthma than those who are bottle-fed.   

She said: ‘Many previous studies suffer from selection bias. They either do not or cannot statistically control for factors such as race, age, family income, mother's employment - things we know that can affect both breast-feeding and health outcomes.

‘Mums with more resources - with higher levels of education and higher levels of income - and more flexibility in their daily schedules are more likely to breastfeed their children and do so for longer periods of time.’

The NHS recommends that mothers breastfeed for about six months.

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BEYONCE SHARES BEAUTIFUL SWIMSUIT PHOTOS

Pop Singer Beyonce shared steamy swimsuit photos on her Tumblr account yesterday, February 26.  Which of them do you like?  See more photos below:

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CHECK OUT 32-YEAR OLD JENNIFER HUDSON'S PHOTO SHOOT FOR V MAGAZINE

Do you like her wet hair?  More photos below:

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NO MORE WOOF - TALKING DOG DEVICE READY TO HIT MARKET SOON

Would you like your dog to greet you with more than a growl, or announce the reason he's scratching at the door?  If yes, read on:

Scandinavian scientists are working to develop a headset that could soon allow your furry best friend to speak his mind.

The Nordic Society for Invention and Discovery is the brains behind “No More Woof” -- technology that aims to distinguish canine thought patterns and then issue them as short sentences via a microphone.

“The brainwaves differ quite a lot from different races as well as individual dogs,” NSID writes on their website. “However it is possible to detect some common patterns and we have no doubt that in the future this technology will open up a vast new era of communication between dogs and humans, or animals in general and humans.”

“No More Woof is the result of combining the latest technologies in three different tech-areas - EEG (electroencephalography) sensoring, micro computing and special [brain-computer interface] software,” the researchers wrote.  The operating system relies on sensors in the headset which detect electric signals in the dog's brainwaves. Technology from an in-built processing device then analyses the signal patterns and deciphers them into distinct feelings like anger, curiosity or tiredness.

Sample sentences such as “I’m hungry – but I don’t like this!” or "I'm curious who that is?" will be programmed into the device and emitted through a loudspeaker.

English translations will be available, but Putonghua, French and Spanish language headsets will come later, the researchers say.

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TOOLZ RELEASES NEW PHOTOS FOR THE FORTHCOMING NDANI TV'S SHOW 'THE JUICE'

OAP Tools has released some stunning photos to promote the forthcoming Season 2 of Ndani TV's celebrity show 'The Juice'.  The premiere of the show comes up in March, 2014.  Enjoy more photos after the cut...

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SLAIN BANKER'S HUSBAND: EVIDENCE THAT SENT AROWOLO TO HANGMAN'S NOOSE

More facts have emerged on how 31-year-old Akolade Arowolo who was last Friday convicted for killing his banker wife, Titilayo Omozoje at their residence, 8, Akindeinde Street, Isolo, Lagos committed the gruesome murder.

Akolade was initially  arraigned on July 8, 2011 before  a  Yaba magistrate court on one-count charge of murder. However, the DPP’s advice which indicated that there was a prima facie case against him led to his fresh arraignment before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the state High Court on December 21, 2011.

The one count charge signed by the Directorate of Prosecution, Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, read: “Arowolo Akolade (M) on or about 24th day of June 2011 at 8, Akindele Street, Isolo, Lagos, in Ikeja division, murdered one Titilayo Omozoje Arowolo,” and that the offence contravenes Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law Cap 17 Vol 2 Laws of Lagos State.

After the preliminaries, trial began with 15 prosecution witnesses testified, including the father of the deceased, sisters, step-mother, the couple’s neighbour, security guard and  their landlord. In his testimony, George Oyakhire, the deceased’s father,  who was the first prosecution witness told the court that his daughter sounded tensed when he spoke with her on the day of the  incident.

The witnesses  also said that on a number of occasions, the deceased  had moved back home after quarrels with the husband, but he had constantly told his daughter to report to the police.
“She came back more than 10 times after quarrels with my daughter.” He also said he had witnessed the aggressiveness of the defendant, because he (Akolade) always beat her and threatened to throw her down from the top floor of their one-storey apartment someday.

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SINGER BEYONCE DEBUTS NEW COSTUMES FOR HER MRS CARTER EUROPEAN TOUR

Pop queen Beyoncé debuted a range of brand-new costumes for her European Mrs. Carter Tour trek.  See more photos below:

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BOKO HARAM - SURVIVING VICTIMS OF COLLEGE MASSACRE RECOUNT THEIR ORDEAL

 

The United Nations on Wednesday joined prominent Nigerians and groups in condemning the gruesome killing  of schoolchildren in the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi in Yobe State by Boko Haram insurgents.  Also, some surviving victims of the attack recounted their ordeal on Wednesday.

According to  a  report by Nigerianonpoint.com, Aliyu Ayuba, a JSS 3 student, fled the scene with a bullet in his back. He said  the assailants; young men and boys in military uniforms and plain clothes, ordered the students to gather in one place and started shooting sporadically.  Aliyu added that  all his roommates were killed and burnt inside the hostel.

Another survivor said,  “I was shot in my left leg, while I was sleeping.  When I woke up, I could not walk and was later taken to the girls’ hostel where the insurgents gathered us with the female students. They selected some of the female students and went away with them, while they left some of us groaning in pain from gunshots.”

A teacher, Mallam Samaila Idris,  narrated how the attackers drove into the school premises in nine Hilux vans at around midnight on Monday; their bloody operation lasted for over five hours.

 He said that those who stayed at the  school thought the assailants were military personnel, until the shooting started. Idris added that those in the staff quarters fled before the terrorists started the  fire.

Before the  National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association,  the Arewa Consultative Forum,  the Jama’atu Nasril Islam,  the Northern Elders Forum, the  President of the Senate, David Mark, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal,  and the Prelate,  Methodist Church of  Nigeria, Dr.  Chukwuemeka Uche,  reacted,  a state hospital official said the death toll had risen from 43 to 59.

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RUKKY SANDA'S OUTFIT TO AFRICA MAGIC VIEWERS' CHOICE AWARDS

 

Great!

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FG RAISES PASSPORT FEE BY 50 PERCENT

THE Federal Government has increased passport fee by 50 per cent, while applicants for change of data will pay N30,000.  The information on the increase was contained in the circular titled "Passport Reforms", which has been sent to ACG Passports, Nigerian Missions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant local and foreign government agencies.

It was gathered that the circular was issued on February 17, 2014, and signed by the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Operations/Passport Mr. Muhammad Babandede.
The circular also stated that the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, has approved the passport reforms.
The federal government has also announced that a 64-page passport for frequent travellers, will cost N20,000.




Passport for applicants whose ages fall below 18 years is N8,750, while those between 18-60 years will pay N15,000, an increase of N5,000. Applicants above 60 years will pay N8,500.
Female applicants, who apply for change of name as a result of marriage/divorce or deceased spouse, will pay N8,750, while processing fee for for request for change of data will cost N30,000.

According to the Circular, all payments will be made online henceforth. What is your opinion on this?

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TEXAS BROTHERS DIAGNOSED WITH RARE, DEADLY DISEASE - ALPORT SYNDROME

Carol Naquin of Humble, Texas, says her 18-year-old son Jonathan is a quiet kid who loves computers and video games. Her 16-year-old son Christopher, the outgoing one, loves dirt bikes, hunting, jet skiing and snowboarding.As different as the two brothers are, Naquin said they share a rare, life-threatening disorder known as Alport Syndrome.

Naquin said their disease was discovered this past summer after years of missed chances. The first chance came even before the two brothers were born, Naquin recalled.

"When I was 2 the doctors found protein and blood in my urine. They did many tests over the years but they were never able to explain it," Naquin noted. 

Fast forward to when Jonathan entered third grade and Christopher entered first grade. Both experienced profound, unexplained hearing loss in both ears. The doctors were puzzled but simply fitted the boys with hearing aids and sent them on their way.

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OMOTOLA VISITS GHANA AS NEW FACE OF BO-16 FOR GHANDOUR COSMETICS

She was recently announced as the face of BO-16 - a hair relaxer and hair care products.  Omo sexy visited Ghandour Cosmetics Ltd, Ghana.  See more photos below:

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KHLOE KARDASHIAN COVERS COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE

In her latest interview with Cosmopolitan Magazine, Khloe revealed more about her relationship and her intention to have more kids despite having gotten recently divorced to her husband of two years, Lamar Odom.

She said: “I love kids. I hope and pray I have kids when the time is right.” 

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NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, DAYO AMUSA RELEASES NEW PHOTOS

 

Cute photos!  More after the cut...

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SANUSI SUES JONATHAN OVER SUSPENSION

Suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has sued President Goodluck Jonathan before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, challenging his suspension from office.

In a suit filed late Monday by some of his lawyers, including Kola Awodein (SAN), Sanusi is urging the court to, among others, restrain the President and two others from giving effect to his purported suspension, pending the determination of his suit.

Also to be restrained are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), sued with the President. 

Sanusi is pleading for an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from obstructing, disturbing, stopping or preventing him in any manner, from performing the functions of his office and enjoying in full, the statutory powers and privileges attached to the office of the governor of the CBN.

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LUPITA NYONG'O'S PHOTO SHOOT FOR ESSENCE MAGAZINE

Actress Lupita makes an appearance in the March issue of ESSENCE Magazine. She is photographed by Philippe Salomon and Styled by Nick Nelson.  Her makeup looks are courtesy of Matin hair by Bok-Hee.  Isn't she lovely!  Another photo below:

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ACTRESS IYABO OJO SHARES NEW PHOTOS

She shared these beautiful photos on her page.  Enjoy more after the cut...

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REVEALED - WHY YOU CAN'T SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT

 

There is this adage to the intent that rest is good after labour. Nothing could be truer, except that not everybody that hopes for a good night rest achieves it when they hit their bed.

Sleep is good for the body because it plays an important role in our physical health. Experts say sleep is involved in healing and repair of the heart and blood vessels; while chronic inability to sleep can contribute to health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and a decrease in the immune system’s power.

Researchers say sleep improves the memory and can even determine whether or not one lives to good old age!

Despite the innumerable benefits that come with good rest, though, not everybody can really sleep through the night without waking up long before day break, and subsequently finding it difficult to go back to steady sleep. 

Many of us are familiar with this trend, hence the need to know the cause and how to deal with it!

Causes of sleeplessness: Bright light

The lighting in your sleep space are very important. According to Family Physician, Dr. Morenike Orelaja, many people are so taken up with living in well-lit environment that they carry the fad right into the bedroom. She says bright lights in the bedroom are a sure path to sleeplessness as the night wears on.

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FASHION - CHECK OUT LUPITA NYONG'O'S OUTFIT TO THE PREMIERE OF THE MOVIE 'NON-STOP'

 
The Actress wore above outfit to the premiere of action movie 'Non-Stop' in Westwood, Califonia on Monday, February 24. Do you like her outfit?  More photos below:

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