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Big catch – Part

A big catch

 I was very confident that I was about to hit the big time financial­ly. I resigned my job with Lever Brothers, and was well rewarded for my ten years loyal service. In addi­tion to starting my own publishing firm, I had also invested my earnings in a fishing venture, after my friend Pa John had advised that it was very profitable.

Knowing that the publishing busi­ness would start providing returns after three years, I was prepared to work hard to succeed, with the as­surance that the fishing investment would take care of my needs. Pa John, in addition to being a Project Manager at the Agricultural Bank, had also invested in the business, and assured my that I would receive decent earnings very regularly.

His boat was as big as mine, but he chose the long voyage type of fishing, his crew going out for three weeks at a time, while I chose the short, one-day type.

He assured me that my nets were better than his, because they caught both medium sized fish like tuna and cassava fish, as well as sharks. He introduced me to Kofi Prakor, the Chief Fisherman at Tema New Town, who helped me recruit a crew of eight. With everything se­cured, I started out with such great hopes that I asked my fiancee, Sa­bina, who had just finished National Service, to manage the business for some time, and apply for a job if she wanted. I was so sure that with money about to roll in, she would prefer to take care of the business that spend time in an eight-to-five job that would pay very little at the end of the month. Moreover, she did not need to do much. She only went early in the morning to ensure that all their supplies were set, and returned home when they set off. She returned about four in the evening to supervise the sales, give them their due and go home with the money.

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But one year on, we had very little to show for the investment. Apart from Sabina’s monthly salary and the fish which she took home, there was virtually nothing by way of profit, and I had started digging into my savings. I discussed this with Pa John, and he suggested that i meet with the crew and talk things over, and let them know that I would have to take some drastic action if things did not change.

If, Pa John said, there was no im­provement, then he would assist me to recruit a new crew. It was certain that the current crew were up to some tricks. But before I could even have the meeting, Sabina came home and dropped the bombshell.

‘Yooku, we’ve been together for two years, but things don’t seem to be going well. Your publishing business will not bring any earnings until after two years, at the very least, and the fishing investment appears to be a waste of time. I go there twice a day, and come home with virtually nothhing. I have been trying to help, but frankly I don’t like the environment at the fishing harbour. And my parents are worried that one year after my National Ser­vice, I don’t have a job, and my in­volvement with you doesn’t seem to show any good prospects. So Yooku, even though I am very fond of you, I want us to end the relationship. I am really sorry. If it will help you, I will ask my friend Tamara if she is willing to come in temporarily until you find someone. She is not work­ing, so she will appreciate the little you can give her’. As I sat dumb­founded, she got up and left.

The following morning Tamara called, and I went over and dis­cussed the business. She was inter­ested in the job, which surprised me because she was quite an elegant girl. I said I would try to offer her a better salary as soon as things improved, but she shook her head. ‘Yooku, I know the situation on the ground, but I also like a good challenge. Let’s go to the fishing harbour, meet the crew and talk to other boat owners, and see how we can change things’. ‘I am very grateful, Tamara’.

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A week after she started, Tamara called one afternoon, very excited. ‘Yooku, are you in the office? I will be there in an hour. I have something interesting to report’. She came, and over the next thirty minutes I sat with my mouth open as she spoke. ‘Yooku, your boat is very popular among the fisherfolk, because your net is unique, as it catches both medium and large size fish. Your crew have been playing a wicked trick on you. Everyday, they stop some distance from the landing bay, sell the bulk of the fish and bring only a small amount to the docking bay. I be­lieve that if Sabina was just a little watchful she could have detected it. Now, it will soon be time for them to dock. Let’s take a taxi. We should be there in another hour. I want us to catch them in the act’. We hailed a taxi, and headed to the fishing harbour.

By Ekow de Heer

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 The sleep divorce phenomenon

 sleep divorce, also known as sleep separation, is a growing trend where couples choose to sleep apart from each other, either per­manently or temporarily. This decision can be driven by various factors, ranging from sleep disorders to relation­ship issues. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons, benefits, and challenges of sleep divorce, providing insights and guidance for cou­ples considering this arrange­ment.

Reasons for Sleep Divorce

1. Sleep Disorders: Snor­ing, insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome can disrupt a partner’s sleep, leading to fatigue, irritabili­ty, and resentment.

2. Different Sleep Sched­ules: Shift work, irregular hours, or differing sleep preferences can make sharing a bed challenging.

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3. Personal Space and Comfort: Some individuals require solitude, silence, or specific sleeping conditions to recharge.

4. Relationship Issues: Conflict, intimacy problems, or emotional disconnection can lead couples to seek sep­arate sleeping arrangements.

5. Health Concerns: Cer­tain medical conditions, such as chronic pain or sleepwalk­ing, may necessitate separate sleeping quarters.

Benefits of Sleep Divorce

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1. Improved Sleep Quality: Sleeping apart can lead to better rest, increased energy, and enhanced mental clarity.

2. Increased Productivi­ty: A good night’s sleep can boost productivity, focus, and overall well-being.

3. *Better Mood*: Ad­equate sleep can reduce irritability, anxiety, and depression.

4. Personal Autonomy: Separate sleeping arrange­ments can provide individuals with much-needed alone time.

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5. Relationship Rejuvena­tion: Sleep divorce can help couples rekindle intimacy and connection outside of sleep.

Challenges of Sleep Di­vorce

1. Emotional Distance: Sleeping apart can lead to feelings of disconnection and isolation.

2. Impact on Intimacy: Re­duced physical closeness can affect emotional intimacy and relationship quality.

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3. Logistical Challenges: Separate bedrooms or sleep­ing arrangements can require adjustments.

4. Social Stigma: Some may view sleep divorce as uncon­ventional or problematic.

5. Communication Break­down: Failure to discuss sleep needs and boundaries can exacerbate relationship issues.

Navigating Sleep Divorce

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1. Open Communication: Discuss sleep needs, con­cerns, and boundaries.

2. Set Boundaries: Estab­lish a sleep plan and respect each other’s space.

3. Prioritise Intimacy: Schedule regular date nights or intimate activities.

4. Re-Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly assess the arrange­ment’s effectiveness.

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5. Seek Professional Help: Consult therapists, sleep specialists, or counsellors for guidance.

Conclusion:

Sleep divorce is not a sign of relationship failure but rather a proactive approach to addressing sleep-related challenges. By understanding the reasons, benefits, and challenges, couples can make informed decisions about their sleep arrangements. Effective communication, mutual respect, and flexibili­ty are key to navigating sleep divorce successfully.

Question: Is sleep divorce a sign of relationship prob­lems?

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Answer: Not necessarily. Sleep divorce can address specific sleep-related issues.

Question: How do we main­tain intimacy while sleeping apart?

Answer: Schedule regular date nights, intimate activi­ties, or meaningful interac­tions.

Question: Will sleep di­vorce affect our social life?

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Answer: Openly commu­nicate your arrangement to friends and family.

Question: Can sleep di­vorce improve our relation­ship?

Answer: Yes, by address­ing sleep-related issues and prioritising intimacy.

By embracing sleep divorce as a viable solution, couples can prioritise their individual sleep needs while nurturing their relationship.

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By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson

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Lotto Palaver

Sikaman Palava

My former classmate, Kwame Korkorti, told me recently that the symptoms of modern day diseases like unemployment and rede­ployment can effectively be stopped using herbal treatment. He also con­fided in me that if herbal treatment does not prove effective, then one needs to go the lotto way, to avoid weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Korkorti indeed has eleven and a half years practical experience in how to make ends meet. Although he was famous in the 70s as the best kpan­logo dancer of the decade, he was redeployed as a civil servant not too far back.

Faced with the dilemma of where to invest his redeployment benefits, he took the biggest risk in life. He used half the amount on lotto for four consecutive weeks and lost. He then approached a man called the ‘Lot­to-Crocodile’ who gave him three sure tips, which were arrived at by the dictates of a ‘timing’ plan.

The calculations could not be doubted and the ‘crocodile’ was indeed revered, even feared, for his lotto prowess. Should Korkorti invest the other half of his benefits into the “3-sure” and damn the consequences?

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If he lost, it would be a disaster for him. His wife would leave him, and the landlord would serve him with a ‘quit’ notice, and he would become a ‘Son of Man.’ Moreover, his friends would call him the biggest fool in contemporary times.

Investment

To be on the safer side, he told his wife about his investment plans. She flared up and called him an idiot and a fat-head John-Bull. Korkorti, therefore, recoiled into his shell but decided to stake just ¢1,000.

On Saturday, the three numbers were there in black and white. He promptly divorced his wife for having deprived him of millions of cedis.

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Ever since this episode, Korkorti has become a lotto addict, a forecast­er, a lotto magician, editor-in-chief of a lotto paper and the chairman of the Sikaman Lotto Winners Association (SLWA).

I heard there is also an association called the Sikaman Lotto Losers Asso­ciation (SLLA).

Although it is the unemployed who are susceptible to the lotto syndrome, the business is also the pre-occupation of people from all walks of life-busi­ness executives, secretaries of state, assemblymen, fetish priests, pastors and evangelists, beggars and koose sellers.

In fact, lotto transcends all occu­pations and professions in such a way that both the rich and the poor are perpetually engaged in making money out of mechanised lotto, VAG-West or Lucky Scratch whose scarcity in the metropolis does not merit the numer­ous adverts on television.

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Some people are born lucky and can win lotto 20 times in a year. Others like myself have been born to lose.

The last time I came close to win­ning was in 1983 when hunger in Sika­man was quite normal to the natives. It was the era of famine when man, wife and children had only one hard coconut for supper and got ready to develop jaundice. It was at that time that I got a “2-sure” tip from a very reliable but clandestine source. The mathematical solution of the problem was arrived at by permutation and combinations, backed by calculus and lotto matrices. The two numbers were unfailing.

I told two close friends about it and they staked heavily like I did. After I had kept the tickets safely in a notebook which l locked away in a fortified drawer, I quickly began figuring out a budget based upon the amount l’d win at the week-end.

I planned to purchase one maxi bag of rice, I’ll order yams from Kasoa, beans from Kordiabe and palm-nuts from Larteh. I’ll purchase a table top fridge (since l enjoy iced water so much), a portable sound system and a diplomatic shoe. I apportioned the amounts I’ll remit to my mother, my old-man, brothers, sisters and two friends.

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I became so obsessed with this lot­to palaver that I could hardly sleep at night. As the week-end approached, the excitement grew so much that I began feeling quite uncomfortable.

Come 5.05 p.m. on Saturday. My heart started beating violently when the Club Beer advert came clear on the air. It was only seconds away and I would be richest man in a time of scarcity and acute hunger. I dashed for my pen and paper.

The numbers were being men­tioned by a deep-throated announcer: “And now, the numbers… “My heart beat like that of a marathon runner as I wrote them down, my fingers trem­bling. The first three numbers did not include my “2-sure” tips. But I was reassured when the fourth was one of mine.

I was ready to leap into air when the last number called was nowhere near my other number. I had lost, and immediately started thinking about where my supper would come from.

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That was the day I vowed not to stake lotto again in my life. Lotto can be a good servant and also a bad master. It has been the fertile ground for some people and the downfall of luckless others. It has made some rich and also impoverished others. It has solved problems in families and caused problems in families.

Anyhow, it is the surest way of getting rich without getting into trouble with revolutionary laws. This is because with lotto, you can become an instant millionaire without dipping long fingers into public funds.

Some people say lotto is a vice. Well I do not consider it as such, but of course, it depends on the angle from which one views the game. Although I no longer stake lotto, I’ll be the last to advise anybody against it. It may be somebody’s saviour, who knows. Moreover, it is a way of taxing people for national revenue without, realising they being taxed.

In fact they pay the tax without force, and some gain therefrom. It has also been a source of employment for many, like lotto receivers and agents.

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The only problem with lotto is that it is a time-wasting venture to which most workers concentrate all their at­tention instead of attending to official duties.

Productivity falls, because from the Managing Director to the cleaner, everybody is either busy calculating a certain mathematical progression or discussing the potency of a ‘machine’ number.

True to it, in an eight-hour working period per day, a typical lotto addict uses two hours to think about fam­ily problems, one hour for financial worries, and three hours to forecast winning numbers. The remaining two hours are shared between working on the job and relaxing. No country pro­gresses with such work schedule.

Perhaps, it would be better if workers rely more on dream-numbers, car numbers and

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house numbers instead of machine numbers, shadows, counterparts, addition 90, turning numbers and timing plans. We should not sacrifice productivity for personal gain. We are free to work lotto after closing hours, week-ends and public holidays. All the best in your lotto palaver.

This article was first published on Saturday, October 27, 1990.

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