Oscarmania and Hollywood Buzz

Yeah, it's the final countdown to the 82nd Annual Academy Awards and Hollywood is already buzzing, and I can feel it due to the road closures which had motorists look for other options in their shortcuts. I for one have changed my schedules save for a few parties I will be attending tonight in Hollywood and thinking about other options on how to get there even though it's about a couple of miles away from me. It's all good and the party begins.

I have no particular pick in any category for the Oscar night moments but methink some of the picks might be coming through. We'll see when Alec Baldwin and cohost Steve Martin mounts the stage to announce the presenters of the award in each category. In Best Picture category, "Avatar" seems to be the favorite but do not understimate the other nominees - "The Blind Side," "District 9," "Up," "An Education," "The Hurt Locker," "Inglorious Bastards," "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Saphire," "A Serious Man," and "Up in the Air" - they are all good, and it's anybody's game. I like Lee Daniels directed "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Saphire. We'll see, though.

On the actor in a leading role, there's Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart," George Clooney in "Up in the Air," Colin Firth in "A Single Man," Morgan Freeman in "Invictus," and Jeremy Renner in "The Hurt Locker," and the Oscar should be going to Morgan Freeman in "Invictus." Now, I am not a soothsayer but we'll see; just hang on, it's a blast and Hollywood is buzzing, people.

On the actress in a leading role, there's Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," Helen Mirren in "The Last Station," Crey Mulligan in "An Education," Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Saphire," and Meryl Streep in "Julia and Julia," and the Oscar should be going to Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe in "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Saphire. Now is there a question about that for this amazing Brookly-born wiz of a Senegalese father? Not at all but we'll see as Hollywood keeps buzzing with pre-Oscar parties all around town.

And the list goes on and on from director, original screenplay, supporting actor, supporting actress and so on and so forth - and I would like to see which documentary feature wins among the list of nominees in "Burma VJ," "The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers," "The Cove," "Food Inc," and "Which Way Home." Watch out for "The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers."

But anyways, methink the idea of "30 Rock" cast Baldwin and Martin hosting the Oscars this year is a little bit wacky - complicated charcters - and Baldwin tells us how he ended up as an Oscar co-host when he spoke to The Envelope:

"I had hosted the Women in Hollywood dinner, and Carol Burnett jokingly said when she got up to present an award to Julie Andrews, "don't you think Alec should host the Oscars?" And Adam Shankman, one of the producers of the Oscars, was in the audience to hear that - and a couple of weeks later they called."

You see how the connection works? That's Hollywood folks, and for sure, I will be having a blast.

Nigerian Jungle Blues and Saturday Cartoons

Man Gunned Down In His Prime •Parents Demand Justice •His Dreams Have Been Shattered - Wife
Last Monday, the life of a 25-year-old electronics trader, Sunday Onuorah, was cut short by a trigger-happy policeman attached to the Mapo Divisional Police Station in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State. The deceased, who was described as the bread-winner of the family, was said to have gone to the popular Ogunpa market to purchase some electronics gadgets with a view to replenishing the stock in his shop located along Gate-Molete road when he met his untimely death. After buying all the goods he had intended to buy, the father of one decided to board a commercial motorcycle to make his journey back home faster, so that he would be able to meet his wife, Augustina, whom he had earlier called to tell her of his return. MORE @ NIGERIAN TRIBUNE


SOURCE: GUARDIAN


SOURCE: SUN NEWS ONLINE


SOURCE: SATURDAY TRUST

What's Happening

Whoo boy, everything basically is just happening and since we all love the nightlife, it is a "changing" as we begin the new decade, which, to me, is now a reflection of the 1970s disco era and the juxtaposed days when afro and jingling outfits were the calling. Yes, it all came back and it's now called grafitti rock, in a way, to patronize what was supposed to have exploded in the 1980s.

Remember Grafitti Rock? Culled from the hip-hop based television program, originally screened in 1984 which was intended as an on-going series but never was continued after the pilot, though the days of the calling brought along with it a fierce competition. Run DMC, Special K., Kool Moe Dee - it's all back now and just take a walk down the streets in Downtown Los Angeles and you'll see for yourself what the hell is going on there. Breakdancing on 7th Street and Main Street with deejays and rappers puffing and thrilling the audience, and the party animals following accordingly. Absolutely no color lines which symbolizes a new era, and just like all of a sudden the Blue Dog Democrats and the Tea Parties erupted and sarah Palin is promoting all that which did lead to her commercial success.

You see how the world is changing?

The jams, a collection from the 1970s to the new millennium is unimmaginable when a ballroom becomes waxed with vibes like Deep Purple, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, and all kinds of "acid" and garage rock coupled with the blending of hip-hop.

Whew, I have no idea where to begin with the overwhelming questionaire I know not of how it all began, and of course, based on the goings on and, one trying the ultimate best not to be dragged into some kind of mudslinging which has been a commonplace thing these days especially with our engagements in nasty political tactics which did puzzle the internet brigades, the Yahooligans who are now caught up in starting something they could not finish as they run for their lives with all their handles. I'm talking to non other than the tyrant Martin Akindana who has no clue what he's doing to himself in this free world of ours. But like the ordinary street guy would say, "nothing spoil" and life goes on.

The brouhaha is the temporary closure of comments, doesn't really mean censorship but the caution to avoid the Black Hats who can cause damage the moment the opportunity knocks. A whole lot has been going on and with myself not showing any sign of slowing down, the party begins with fascinating lines of casts.

I have been told the 2010 African Goodwill Awards scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Veterans Memorial Complex has learned with caution on how to go about its programs since the critics have complained on a wide range of problems - from the organizing committees to the sponsors. This year's awards will be hosted by Monie Mon and co-hosted by Hakeem Kae-Kazim ("My American Nurse 2," "Hotel Rwanda" and the innovating, addictive and acclaimed television drama "24"), with the following inductees: Councilman Daniel Tabor, Monique Brown, Ynez Gilmer, Prof. Gwen Marie Thomas, Columnist Anthony A. Samad, Jim Brown and Blair Underwood.

Kimberly Anyadike, among others will be celebrating their dedication, commitment and achievement in life. I'm happy for Charles and Pamela Anyadike (Kimberly's parents) who have used the amazing power of parental guidance to raise a brilliant child, flying an aircraft at that tender age. Charles, my friend for many years now, is just a good man.

Oh, before I drop my pen, another thing seems to be happening around my neck of the woods. The complaint that I haven't been writing much. Just stay tuned, there's more to come, particularly on culture and politicking in a fast changing world.

Maybe it's time to break the ice!

Nigerian Jungle Blues and Wed. Cartoons

ABUJA—Vanguard can now confirm that ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua has been moved from the ambulance from where he was clinically isolated since his sudden arrival last Wednesday, into the Presidential Wing of Aso Villa. Also, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan is set to see Yar’Adua this week, for the first time since he left for treatment in Saudi Arabia last November 23, Vanguard can reveal, authoritatively...MORE @ VANGUARD

SOURCE: GUARDIAN


SOURCE: SUN NEWS ONLINE


SOURCE: BLACK NEWS


SOURCE DAILY TRUST


SOURCE: PUNCH

Hoha! (Pointblank): On Yar'Adua's Return and the Affairs of State

“He (Jonathan) cannot go back to Vice President until the National Assembly reverses their resolution that made him Acting President, which was even supported by the Federal Executive Council and more importantly by most Nigerians.”

-------Information Minister Dora Akunyili on Goodluck Jonathan continuing to be Acting President until resolved by a National Assembly resolution.


"The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Vincent Eze Ogbulafor, OFR, on behalf of the National Working Committee warmly welcomes the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, back to Nigeria from his medical leave. The safe arrival of Mr. President from his sojourn in Saudi Arabia is a testimony to the fact that the prayers of all Nigerians for his quick recovery have been answered. We, therefore, rejoice with our fellow citizens for this unique favour done to us by the Almighty God."

-------PDP's statement on Yar'Adua's return.


“Personnaly, l don’t belief Yar Adua has come back to Nigeria, if he has returned, he would have talked to the nation via aTV. lf you want to convince us that Yar Adua is in Nigeria, let him talk to the the press."

-------Ekiti State former governor Ayodele Fayose speaking to the press, doubting the arrival of Yar'Adua after declaring for the Labour Party.

Long Beach's Ragga Muffins: A Carnival Of Its Own Class

I have not paid much attention over the years due to my diversion in doing something else in terms of where I go and what I do, especially the outdoors, and I had to leave the saxy jazzy jam sessions for a minute.

But once in a while I delve into listening to some of the classics, the roots reggae I dust off from my music library. And what the master poet, Bob Marley, had done with revelations is what keeps body and soul one which did change all that and the origin of reggae - the revolution that produced casts like The Mighty Diamonds, Toots Hilbert (Maytals), Don Carlos (Gold), Gregory Isaacs, Prince Jazzbo, Michael Prophet, Michael Rose (Black Uhuru), The Gladiators, Junior Murvin, Nicodemus, Luciano, Sugar Minot and many others.

Many more had their vibes differently: Jimmy Cliff, Ken Lazarus, Desmond Dekker, Max Romeo, Perry Henzell, Rita Anderson (Marley's wife), and Lee "Scratch" Perry.

And then came U-Roy, I-Roy and Johnny Clark whose vibes changed the whole concept of prophesies and added a kind of flavor that took reggae to another level.

And the creative dubbers, the DJ's did not keep their cool with their theme, even at midnight. Mad Professor, Scientist, Augustus Pablo, Big Youth, Yellowman and the rest.

So as it happened, this past Sunday, February 21, while dread driving on 7th Street and just poking around to check out some of the newest arrivals on the bookshelves in one of the bookstores around the corner, it echoed the 29th Annual Ragga Muffins Festival was jamming in the hood and that some of the performers I had been in touch with in the past will be appearing.

It was a hell of a carnival. Bob Marley posters, Marley silhouettes as special tribute to the legend in what use to be Bob Marley Festival. Jamaican Flags was all over and people from all walks of life popped up. The crowd was amazing and the show remarkably was a success based on how it was handled by Long Beach Police Department.

The casts, also, was very engaging in a brilliant performance with Alborosie's first appearance in the Southland. The line-up: Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Cocoa Tea, Taurus Riley The Mighty Diamonds, The Aggrolites, The Lions and Detour Posse.

The vendors and the food courts
The smoky grilled chicken
The Jamaican cuisines
The outfits; some really outrageous
And the color riots
Reggae explodes in Long Beach Arena

A fun-filled evening and by the time I had walked back to my car on Ocean Blvd., it was like the magic of darkness and the night of happiness in a carnival of its own class.

Photo-Op: Worthy Causes

Miss Niger Delta 2009/2010, Miss Excellence Amadi flanked by other queens and Trustees during their visit to the Elderly in Port Harcourt. Photo courtesy of Niger Delta Standard

Nigerian Jungle Blues and Wed. Cartoons

Examining the U.S.-Nigeria Relationship in a Time of Transition: Mr. Chairman, Ranking member Isakson, and members of the Committee, thank you for this opportunity to testify before you today on Nigeria. Nigeria is one of the two most important countries in sub-Saharan Africa and a country of great significance to the United States. I have just returned from a five-day trip to Nigeria and I am pleased to share my insights on the evolving situation there as well as the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship. MORE @ US STATE DEPARTMENT


SOURCE: NIGER DELTA STANDARD


SOURCE: GUARDIAN


SOURCE: SUN NEWS ONLINE


SOURCE: PUNCH


SOURCE: DAILY TRUST

Hoha! (Pointblank): Hear the Talkingheads

"The theme of this meeting is a crucial one for our country. Nigeria is currently going through a series of trials but most urgent are the abject poverty facing the country's citizens and the weak state of our societal sector, particularly the education and health sectors...The Nigerian government no matter how noble its intentions cannot address these challenges on its own...in fact, in all developed countries, the implementation of social projects is never the sole responsibility of government...I retired from the service early at 41 years because I got to the top early. I started shipping business and became reasonably rich...Twelve years ago I was allocated an oil block by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha near Sao Tome and Nigeria. We discovered a lot of oil...It was at this junction I decided to establish a foundation which I have committed $100m to..."

-------Bloodthirsty cannibal Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on giving away his loot to charity.



WHEN on February 9, 2010, precisely 78 days after President Umaru Yar'Adua effectively abdicated his office, the Senate of the National Assembly passed a resolution mandating Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to act as president pending the return of his principal, it pleaded necessity as justification for the action. The plea seemed so unimpeachable that the House of Representatives immediately reversed its earlier rejection of a similar motion to align itself with the upper chamber. Even the Federal Executive Council directly charged with the task of salvaging the situation under Section 144 of the constitution but which, to its eternal shame, chose at every turn to pronounce the president fit for office also did the somersault...But while the National Assembly has contrived a temporary and unsavoury reprieve from our determined march towards anarchy, its action remains questionable even by those who called loudly for that very outcome. Their position is best represented by the Action Congress party and ex-Representative Farouk Aliyu Adamu who has filed a suit. Speaking through its publicity secretary, AC declared the resolution "illegal," being outside the ambit of Section 145 of the Constitution which spells out the mode and manner the vice president can become the Acting President. According to AC, far from rescuing the nation from the brink of disaster, the National Assembly had instead brought us "closer to the abyss." The party urged Jonathan to see his elevation as "nothing but a Greek Gift designed to do him in."

-------Ogaga Ifowodo on The Necessity of a Sovereign National Conference



“I have no problem with the NFF. After the pressure and tension of the competition, it is obvious one needs rest. My contract is clear. The team B of the Eagles is my idea and so it is no big deal...I have not even seen any letter yet from the NFF and I no longer read newspapers because the criticisms have been too much from all angles...Section 10 sub-section 2.6 of the Amodu, NFF contract states, 'He (the head coach) must be irrevocably committed to work with the Technical Adviser, in the event the NFF decides to engage one.' Also, Article 1.5 of the contract reads, “The national team(s) shall mean the senior male national team (A), the Super Eagles or other national representatives which shall be under the supervision of the head coach...The chairman of the technical committee, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, said recently that I was in charge and my contract also says so...Let me also state that the NFF is still implementing my programmes till date. I have already prepared a programme for the March 3 friendly with Paraguay. I am just human and it is difficult to understand why people descended on me and the team heavily after the Nations Cup despite winning a broze medal at the event...My contract is my bible and so far I am still conscious of not going anyway out of the agreement I had with the NFF.”

-------Coach Shaibu Amodu on him still being in charge of the Super Eagles.



“All my life, I’ve been a very private person. This is a new ball game for me, I must be honest. But because of the office I hold, as a goldfish, you have no hiding place. But like I tell my colleagues, the responsibility we need to show our people is how we have made their lives better. Whenever something like this award happens, what we say is; ‘the reward for hard work is more work.’ So, it raises the bar of expectation on us, but we see that bar of expectation not as a burden, rather, it is a vote of confidence in our ability to do it...We’ve stopped seeing problems in this government, we’re looking for solutions. Every criticism that we get invites us to a realisation that there’s an urgent need to do more...Even in the most prosperous economy, there are education issues, security issues, even of more complex nature than we have to deal with. These problems, as long as the human race remains, will task the minds, the skills, the intellect of leaders across the world. It’s a problem of humanity. But the upside to the report is that 140 cities were ranked across the world. In Nigeria, Lagos was the only city mentioned. So we see that as an upside...I wish to leave behind a Lagos that will be able to actualise its huge potentials, a safe home for all those who choose to make it home, a city-state that will retain its pre-eminent position in the country, in the sub-region, in the continent, and even globally. A city that will also be able to provide for all those who served her, when we’re no longer able to fend for ourselves.”

-------Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on receiving Sun News' Man of the Year Award.


“Sergeant-at-Arms, shut that door; I say shut that door, shut that door...A Bill for an Act to Prescribe Investment in Petroleum Refineries as a Condition for Licensing and Operation of Oil Producing Companies in Nigeria and other Matters Connected thereto 2010.”

-------Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole shutting out lawmakers over lateness.

Nigerian Jungle Blues and Thursday Cartoons

FG Moves to Probe Yar'Adua's Health: The Federal Executive Council, FEC, at its weekly meeting, yesterday, resolved to commence the process that could lead to the invocation of Section 144 of the 1999 constitution... MORE @ VANGUARD


Defeat of the Power Cabal: Members of President Umaru Yar'Adua's infamous kitchen cabinet are forced to throw up their hands in defeat as sustained public pressure forces the National Assembly to compel the investment of full executive powers in Vice President Goodluck Jonathan... MORE @ THE NEWS


SOURCE: GUARDIAN


SOURCE: SUN NEWS ONLINE


SOURCE: DAILY TRUST


SOURCE: NIGER DELTA STANDARD

Nigerian Jungle Blues and Cartoons

The election to choose the nations's next President is to be held as early as November this year, under proposals separately articulated by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the constitution... MORE @ VANGUARD


SOURCE: SUN NEWS ONLINE


SOURCE: PUNCH


SOURCE: GUARDIAN