Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2010-09/30/content_11369398.htm Read more...
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Catherine Zeta-Jones at 'Welcome to Wales' at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff
Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2010-09/30/content_11369398.htm Read more...
Dolce&Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection
Entertainment> Celebrities Lindsay Lohan wants long rehab stay
The troubled actress - who voluntarily began a substance abuse programme at a facility in Southern California on Monday night (27.09.10) - is required to attend a probation violation hearing on October 22, but her legal team are planning to ask for any jail term to be deferred until she completes a full course of treatment.
A source said: "Lindsay is required to be at the hearing. She will be there. She will be escorted by at least one person from the rehab facility to make sure she doesn't stray. It's likely that a member of Lindsay's treatment team will also be called to testify. At that point, if Lindsay is making improvements, Lindsay's team would ask Judge Fox to not put her in jail at all, or defer her sentence until she is finished with her in-patient treatment.
"Lindsay is still being assessed by her treatment team but the team is saying that she should spend at least 45 days getting in-patient treatment. It's going to take her body at least 30 days to get the substances out of her system."
The 24-year-old star - who spent just 23 days of a court-ordered 90-day rehab stint at the UCLA Medical Center last month - is said to be serious about overcoming her problems and doctors think a lengthy in-patient stay will be the best course of action.
The source added to RadarOnline.com: "Her body needs to do a lot of healing, and the doctors want to treat her after the remnants of the drug use have left her body. The real work begins after that has occurred, and that is when progress begins to happen."
The 'Machete' actress - who served 13 days of a 90-day jail term behind bars in July - returned to prison last Friday (24.09.10), but ended up spending just a matter of hours behind bars after posting $300,000 bail.
Though the next hearing could see her jailed again for violating the terms of her probation for a 2007 driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, Lindsay's friends don't believe the prospect of going back to prison worries the star.
One pal said: "The fact is jail doesn't scare Lindsay. Before she did her time earlier this summer, she was petrified. Having spent time behind bars, it doesn't have that effect on her. Jail isn't a deterrent for her, period."
Nicole Richie is no longer famous for being famous
NEW YORK – Nicole Richie first became a tabloid regular when she co-starred with childhood pal Paris Hilton in the reality show "The Simple Life."
Several years later, the 29-year-old is still a paparazzi target, but she has broadened her resume.
The daughter of singer Lionel Richie has transformed her image from red carpet regular and party girl to a hip, young mom (she has two children with musician Joel Madden of the band Good Charlotte), fashion designer, occasional actress and author.
Her new book, "Priceless," is now in stores.
It's about a wealthy young woman named Charlotte whose stockbroker father is busted for embezzling millions from his clients. Charlotte ends up escaping the barrage of media attention surrounding the scandal in New York City and relocating to New Orleans where she builds a life for herself.
"I don't think anyone is just a one-dimensional person. There are a few different people inside of every person," Richie said in an interview with The Associated Press to promote the book.
This isn't Richie's first foray into writing. Her first novel, "The Truth About Diamonds," was about a girl who is the adopted daughter of a famous male singer and part of Hollywood's in-crowd. Richie denies reports the book, a New York Times best-seller, was "semi-autobiographical," saying her writing is influenced by personal experience, but the book wasn't about her own life.
For "Priceless," Richie wanted to take a different direction.
"I wanted to write a story about the journey of a girl's life and about the steps that she takes to find her place her in the world and find her own voice."
Richie also has capitalized on her status as a fashion "it girl" with an accessories line, House of Harlow 1960, and a clothing line called Winter Kate. She serves as creative director for both.
Richie calls the acceptance by the fashion industry a blessing.
"It's very exciting. I'm learning a lot, I'm learning as I go."
She will also return to NBC's "Chuck" next month where she has a recurring role as Heather Chandler, a former high school mean girl-turned-spy with a talent for kung fu.
Despite her various hats, Richie wants to add yet another career to her resume: Singing.
"Music is something that I love so much and it's very close to my heart," she said. "I would never want to do something that I can't put all of my time and heart and soul into ... but ... I'm only 29! I have time!"
Read more...
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Night after Omotola’s album launch
The musical talent that Nollywood star, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, is currently exploring received a boost last week when her album, Feel Alright, was launched in Lagos amidst fanfare.
With leading comedian, Ali Baba, as the master of ceremonies, humour, music and tributes ruled the air, with Jalade-Ekeinde mounting the stage to perform songs from the album.
A former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, led many other dignitaries to the event held at Eko Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos.
Among them were representatives of the Delta and Ondo state governments; celebrity matriarchs, Abba Folawiyo and Florence Ita-Giwa; Publisher of Ovation magazine and presidential hopeful, Dele Momodu; Silverbird boss, Mr. Ben Bruce and businessman/politician, Prof. Pat Utomi.
From the entertainment industry were Tuface Idibia, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Sasha, Ay, Ali Baba, Chidi Mokeme, Stella Damasus, Matse and Omawunmi.
While Ali Baba opened the show with jokes, a rain of tributes poured on the celebrant, via a video presentation of her life and career. Titled The Journey, the documentary featured eminent personalities giving their views on the essence of the beautiful artiste. Among such are Sound Sultan; publisher of TW Magazine, Adesuwa Onyenekwe; seasoned actress, Joke Silva and celebrated actor, Segun Arinze.
Coming after was the unveiling of the video Stop The War, Stop The War, a song that centres on the effects of war on humanity, featuring award winning rapper, Mode 9. Other artistes such as Ayo Makun and Franlking Speaking, also entertained the guests.
In a show of solidarity, Tuface Idibia and Makun’s wife, Mabel, donated N100,000 to Ekehinde, who also launched her charity organisation, Give and Let Give on Sunday.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100929242678 Read more...
2010/2011 Admissions Exercise SCREENING OF 2010/2011 UTME CANDIDATES FOR SECOND CHOICE ADMISSION
1. The University of Ibadan, Ibadan, hereby requests all candidates who made the University their Second Choice Most Preferred Institution in the 2010/2011 UTME and scored 200 and above, to submit the results of their SSCE WASC/NECO or equivalent certificate ONLINE directly through http://www.admissions.ui.edu.
ALL candidates who chose U.I. as their 1st & 2nd Choice institution are eligible to submit
their biodata and results for consideration and likely invitation for the 2nd choice post-UTME interview, using the username & password obtained earlier, provided they were not interviewed during the July 29 2010 post-UTME.
PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO 1ST CHOICE COURSE OF STUDY OVER THE 2ND CHOICE COURSE, for candidates with freshly released “O” level results.
2. Instructions:-
A
(i) Candidates are to pay N
UI Students Fee Account Details:
Afribank Nigeria Plc, U.I. branch, Ibadan (Ac. No
– 0412848246618)
Wema Bank Plc, Bodija branch, Ibadan (Ac. No
– 0681083183613)
First Bank of Nigeria Plc, U.I branch, Ibadan (Ac. No
– 1232040000170)
The teller should have SURNAME and initials of the candidate as in the UTME result slip preceeded by the JAMB Registration number, as the payee.
(ii) Consequent upon payment of the Processing fee of N
(iii) Candidates will receive username and password through their e-mail addresses within 24 hours of submission.
(iv) Candidates are then expected to log-in onto http://www.admissions.ui.edu.
(v) Candidates should ensure that the on-line forms are carefully filled, following ALL necessary instructions, as “mistake(s)” may lead to disqualification.
B
(i) Please fill the on-line forms in CAPITAL letters only.
(ii) Multiple submissions may lead to disqualification.
(iii) Bona fide applicants can return to the portal, as long as the submission window is still open, to edit/complete their previous entries or otherwise review and print their submissions.
Please ensure that you click “FINAL SUBMISSION” before printing.
(iv) Kindly use functional E-mail addresses and Telephone numbers to enable the University to reach you in the course of the Admission exercise, whenever the need arises.
(v) All genuine enquiries should be directed to: uiadmin2010@mail.ui.edu.ng
(vi) Schedule:
Names of short listed candidates for the Interactive/Screening Sessions will be displayed on the University’s Website at a date to be announced later.
3. Candidates should please note that it is only when an ‘O’ level result is deficient for a course of choice, that another result may be presented to compliment the deficient one. Candidates presenting two ‘O’ level results (2 Sittings) should ensure that, the comprehensive details of both results are submitted.
4. The deadline for submission of ‘O’ level results may not be extended. Any candidate whose results are not submitted at the stipulated time may not be considered for admission.
5. Misrepresentation of documents is a serious offence. Candidates are therefore advised to submit genuine documents only. Any one found guilty of this offence will be disqualified automatically and may be handed over to the Law Enforcement Agents.
Signed
Omotayo
O. Ikotun (Mrs.)
Registrar
2010
Source: http://www.ui.edu.ng/secondchoice Read more...
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Yinka Davies, Audu Maikori land big jobs
The lady with the silky voice, Yinka Davies, and the CEO of record label, Chocolate City, Audu Maikori, alongside American dancer, Jeffery Daniel, have got a big task ahead of them as they have been declared the Nigerian Idol judges.
At a media launch held in Lagos early this week, the CEO, Optima Media Group, Rotimi Pedro, stated, “Judging is a critical part of Idols, and like the format states, a record producer, music director, music company executive, vocal coach, casting director, radio DJ, songwriter, music journalist or artiste manager can be saddled with these duties, and that‘s what we have done.”
Since inception, Idol judges have been known to give accurate and sometimes stinging appraisals on the performances of the contestants; creating intrigues and drama for home entertainment, while helping the talents be the best they can be. In most cases, their evaluation of these performances has tilted public opinion.
The show will hosted by Yemisi Fajimolu (aka Misi), an on air personality with a Lagos-based radio station.
The Nigerian Idol will kick off with auditions in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Calabar with Misi taking TV audiences through the show episode by episode. “I’m so excited about this. It is a dream come true for me, and I can‘t wait to start on this project,” she said.
The lead sponsor of the Nigerian Idol is telecoms company, Etisalat.
Confirming Etisalat‘s partnership with Idols, the Chief Commercial Officer, Wael Ammar says, “From the outset we have assured our consumers that we intend not only to be their preferred telecoms operator, but also their partners for life.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100925155931 Read more...
Gulder Ultimate Search 7: The search begins
In an exciting ceremony held in Lagos last weekend, the 12 contestants who would be part of this year‘s GUS were unveiled.
Though it was a night of fun, it was also one of tears for some of the contestants who couldn‘t make it to the final 12. All their hopes of becoming millionaires were dashed when the eventual 12 were called upon.
Holding in Ogun State, this year‘s GUS will see the contestants searching for a personality, instead of an object.
Not only would the eventual winner become a millionaire, he would also go home with a brand new SUV.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009250281750 Read more...
MTN Project Fame: And the winner is…
The contestants thrilled viewers last weeked with their performances alongside some Nigerian artistes. At the end of it all, many people may find it difficult to settle for one winner.
But then, the crown is only meant for one person. As such, the king/queen of the academy will emerge before the end of today as the talent hunt show closes.
Who will it be? Will it by Fineboy Eyo, whose baritone and good looks have got him more fans, or will it be Ochuko, whose dexterity on the dance floor and his energy have given him more than enough kudos?
Great things, at times, come in small packages. Chidinma is a living testimony of that saying as the petite contestant has been a great contender in the show. Same goes for Kesse, the Ghanaian singer, who has shown he has got the talent and the voice.
Yetunde and Tolu escaped the eviction hammer a few times and they happen to be among the finalists. Who knows, one of them might be the winner tonight.
The contestants have been full of praises for MTN Nigeria for giving them the opportunity to actualise their dreams.
Eyo said, “I want to thank MTN, the best network in Africa for providing this life changing opportunity. Without MTN, I would not have been here today performing before this large cheering crowd.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009250581759 Read more...
Ruggedman, 9ice still at war
Following up on blasting his estranged wife, Toni Payne, via Twitter, a social networking site, last week, 9ice decided it was the turn of Ruggedman this week. Using another social networking site, Facebook, 9ice ‘congratulated’ Ruggedman on his birthday.
In his Facebook status update on Sept. 20, which was Ruggedman‘s birthday, 9ice commented, “Happy birthday Log Headman. Enjoy your send off.”
This update attracted a lot of critics, who commented on it. Some people felt 9ice was hitting at somebody that made him who he is today.
Anyway, Life and Beat emailed Ruggedman to get his reaction about 9ice‘s ‘congratulatory‘ message and he replied, saying he didn‘t care about what 9ice said.
In his mail, Ruggedman said, “I’m off the 9ice issue. I was only troubled about the rumour that I crashed his marriage. That‘s why I went all out to get it cleared up. Some people might not have liked the way I did it, but it was a last resort and I was left with no choice. Nigeria is a place where such a thing is taken seriously and frowned upon. I did not want such a false rumour to get me tagged a home breaker. God forbid.”
Ruggedman said he had moved on. And no matter the message 9ice sent, ”I had a swell Sept. 20 birthday in Calabar with Klever J and a host of my friends. I was hosted in the hottest club in Calabar ‘Pinaccle Club’ by Tarek, my Egyptian friend who runs it. I got loads of goodwill messages. I hear artistes have been dissing me. It‘s not new to me. I just wish them luck with everything.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009250423196
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Holiday brings 480,000 to Shanghai Expo
Source: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90783/91321/7148355.html Read more...
Luxury boats seen at Monaco Yacht Show
Source: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90783/91321/7148355.html Read more...
Metering Europe 2010: energy saving &smart
A visitor consults about the temperature controling device during the Metering Europe 2010, a metering exhibition held in Vienna, capital of Austria, Sept. 22, 2010. The 3-day exhibition under the theme of "energy saving" and "smart", opened on Wednesday with the attendance of some 150 enterprises from Germany, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, China and other countries.
Source: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90783/91322/7148359.html Read more...
China launches new satellite
Source: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90783/91322/7148358.html Read more...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
2011: Jonathan, Sambo list key challenges for next president
This is just as they thanked Nigerians for the massive turnout at their declaration last Saturday in Abuja.
In a posting on their Twitter blog titled, “It’s time for transformation,” on Tuesday, Jonathan and Sambo said, “The incoming leadership in 2011 must be prepared to deliver on key promises, such as providing stable power supply; ending ethno-religious crises and regional agitation in the country, ensuring that the 2015 deadline for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals is achieved; and diversifying our country’s energy portfolio.”
Jonathan and Sambo, who declared their intention to contest the election on Saturday in Abuja, said Nigerians had ‘palpable’ expectations ahead of the 2011 elections.
“The anticipation of the Nigerian people is palpable as the country prepares for the elections. No one knows the future but one thing is certain; there must be a change; a veritable transformation of the nation’s state of affairs.
“The people are eager for a change and there is a need for a restoration of trust and hope. In spite of the collective progress we have made as a nation, there still remains a great deal of work to be done.
“While previous achievements are somewhat laudable, a hard look at the future shows that there is so much to be accomplished. Nigeria needs inspired leadership for the challenge ahead.
“Nigeria needs leaders that can inspire the people for the journey of national transformation because it will be arduous. All this points to a man who, despite his humility, possesses a quiet drive and determination to steer Nigeria to a bright sustainable future where the fruits of transformation will blossom.
“Would you not rather stand behind this man and support him in this quest for the restoration and transformation our country?” they said.
Meanwhile, Jonathan on Tuesday thanked Nigerians for the large turnout at the Eagle Square, Abuja, during the public declaration of his intention to run for president in the 2011 elections.
In a statement titled, “We thank you all,” which he personally signed, the President said the “record attendance by Nigerians of all walks of life and the joy and gaiety of the occasion”, made the event a ‘huge success.’
Jonathan, who also expressed appreciation to Nigerians on behalf of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, his running mate, also noted that the large turnout of Nigerians at the Eagle Square was an indication that his campaign’s “message of hope and commitment is resonating exceedingly across the land.”
He added that he was “grateful to the millions of Nigerians who witnessed the event at home and abroad via the electronic media and the internet.”
The President restated his determination to effectively address problems in the country, especially power, security, infrastructure and economic challenges.
He also pledged his commitment to the ongoing war on corruption, which he said has “revved into top gear with the high profile trials going on today.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009224492715 Read more...
INEC seeks postponement of elections to April
The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Tuesday called for the postponement of the 2011 general elections from January to April to enable it to “do a grade A job.”
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, made the request while fielding questions from the 63 political party leaders in Abuja.
He said that the reality on the ground was that the commission had missed several of its timelines that were crucial to the registration of voters as well as the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff for the elections.
The commission is also yet to award contracts for the purchase of Direct Data Capture Machines to be used in the registration of voters.
Jega added that from his interaction with the party leaders, it was evident that the consensus was that time was a major constraint.
The commission’s desire for an extension of time first came to the fore after its retreat in Calabar, Cross River State, on Sunday. It had in a statement after the retreat, called for an extension of time.
Jega said, “If you take into consideration the timelines that we have missed, we will not require less than at least an additional two months which will take us to March but we will prefer an extension up to April.
“This will give us enough time to do an excellent job. If you want us to do a grade A job, give us up till April.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Jega said that INEC was in a dilemma over the timelines for the voter registration and the 2011 general elections.
The INEC chairman said, “We fully understand the position within the relevant arms of government that INEC is in the best position to indicate if it needs more time to carry out its constitutional roles effectively.
“Certainly, he who wears the shoe should know exactly where it pinches and what is worth doing is, indeed, worth doing well.
“The foregoing aptly captures the dilemma that the commission has been grappling with in the past few weeks namely, that while it is true that we require more time, we must consistently act within the law and also insulate the commission from the partisan politics that is bound to trail any demand for time extension.”
He assured Nigerians that the postponement of the voter registration and the general elections, would not affect the May 29, 2011 inauguration of a new President.
Based on the timetable released by INEC, political parties are to conduct their primaries from September 11 to October 30, 2010.
The registration of voters will take place between November 1 and 14 while the first set of elections will take place on January 14, 2011.
Jega said that INEC was on the verge of signing contracts for the procurement of the DDC machines for the registration exercise.
He said, “The fact that we have time constraints does not mean that the tasks at hand are impossible to accomplish within the existing timeframe. Instead, what it means is that there is a very limited margin to make modifications to the timelines, particularly for critical deliverable.
“For instance, if for any reason it would take five weeks instead of the estimated four to deliver all the DDC machines needed, that would totally put the registration exercise in jeopardy. And the more we miss the timelines, the more difficult it becomes to adjust.
“Still, as a commission, we have repeatedly insisted that we shall work within the existing legal framework as contained in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and the Electoral Act 2010. We have also consistently said that the more time we have, the better the outcome of both the registration of voters and the 2011 elections.
“It is not the constitutional responsibility of INEC to establish or change the legal framework, including timelines, for electoral activities.
“Consequently, to canvass the change in the legal framework or Constitutional provisions on election dates would not only be inappropriate, but could open the commission to public suspicion, given the well known recent electoral history of Nigeria.
“The question of fixing and changing election dates has been one of the major sore points of our electoral experience in Nigeria. The degree of partisanship that usually informs discussions of these issues is legendary.
“Consequently, we decided as a commission that direct involvement in such debates could undermine the independence of INEC in the public eyes, and we deliberately chose to keep away from it.”
Jega recalled that at the just concluded retreat of INEC national commissioners and resident electoral commissioners in Calabar, Cross River State, the commission had noted that while “the constitution and electoral Act must remain sacrosanct, there is no point in delivering an electoral process the outcome of which will again be controversial and incredible.”
He said, “I alerted Nigerians that our ability to deliver a new voter register, which is the bedrock of free, fair and credible elections, depended largely on meeting certain timelines. Among these were award of contract for the acquisition of the Direct Data Capture machines early in August, delivery of the first 15,000 units of the machines early in September and training of registration officers by early to middle of September.”
According to him, INEC has decided to “explain the Herculean it challenges confronting to ensure transparency and Nigerians’ ownership of “whatever the commission is doing.
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Okwesilise Nwodo, said the party had difficulty complying with the tight schedule imposed on it by the INEC timetable.
His counterpart in the All Nigeria Peoples Party, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, said the party was more concerned about credible elections because it had been at the receiving end of most of Nigeria’s flawed elections.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomole, described the request by INEC as a part of PDP’s plan to rig the poll.
“That INEC is calling for postponement now is an attempt by the PDP to rig the election but we are all vigilant,” he said in Abuja.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009225121675 Read more...
Only voters can stop IBB —Gani’s son
Mohammed, first son of the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), on Tuesday said only voters could stop former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), from realising his presidential ambition.
Babangida had signified his intention to contest the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
But Fawehinmi noted that the job of stopping Babangida from realising his ambition rested with the voters.The son of the legal icon added that the voters must ensure that their votes were not tampered or rigged by greedy politicians associated with the retired general.
He said, “The same Babangida, who ruled the country between 1985 and 1993, when Nigeria’s economy nosedived, the suffering of the masses was on the up rise and there was total insecurity in the country during his tenure now wants to return to power.
“Late Gani Fawehinmi, Dele Giwa and Chief Moshood Abiola all have one thing in common-They all encountered the military dictator, General Babangida, and they all died uncomfortable and painful deaths.”
“As the constitution ably states: ‘Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria’, who constitute the electorate who have the power to vote and the power not to allow Babangida to return.”
In another development, the Yoruba Council of Elders on Tuesday said it was not represented at Babangida’s declaration of intention to contest the 2011 presidential election.
The group said it remained non-partisan, saying it would be contrary to its values for it to be seen to identify with a particular candidate.
Secretary-General of the YCE, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent.
He said the organisation was disturbed by the report of a national daily (not The PUNCH) that it was duly represented at Babangida’s declaration.
The organisation said the report was ‘disturbing and embarrassing.’
The statement reads in part, “We wish to state categorically that the report is totally false and misleading. We the Yoruba Council of Elders will not allow our august body to be mired in thick politicking because we are well aware of the backlash of such an ill-advised move.”
“A time such as this needs hoary heads. Hoary heads as of necessity must be able to speak the truth and tear the web of deceit. Identifying with a particular candidate would rob us of that privilege. Sentimental churnings will reign supreme instead of principled statements.”
Wishing all presidential aspirants well in their quest, the YCE added, “We would also like to use this medium to advise them that they should play according to the rules of the game. Ambition is good and could be a ladder to greater things but overweening ambition destroys much good.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2010092243220
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Forum mobilises PDP delegates for Jonathan
The Director of Organisation, Mobilisation, Strategies and Legal Services, at the Forum’s conference in Lagos, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, said the forum has started meeting with stakeholders in the PDP, including delegates to ensure that Jonathan clinched the party’s ticket.
The PDP’s presidential candidate will be picked during the party’s congress in October.
Enikuomehin acknowledged that the various state governors in the PDP-led states were the major targets of the Forum’s sensitisation drive. He, however, added that the move would not be restricted to the southern part of the country.
“We are not only getting in touch with stakeholders in the southern part of the country, but also talking with those people who will cast their votes during the PDP congresses,” he stressed.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100922455565 Read more...
Entertainment> Celebrities Celebs at a party to mark 25th anniversary of model Naomi Campbell's career
Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2010-09/22/content_11337958.htm Read more...
Govs negotiating presidential ticket –Uduaghan
Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Tuesday said governors from the South had started negotiating with their colleagues from the North concerning the 2011 presidency.
The governor, who spoke with newsmen after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms for re-election in Abuja, said since politics was about negotiation, there was nothing wrong in negotiation with the northern governors and other political leaders from the zone.
The governor said, “Is about negotiation and we are negotiating with our colleagues in the North.”
Asked about the call for the dissolution of the state executive committee of the party, the governor said those making such calls were not known members of the party in the state.
A group of people had called for the dissolution of the state executive committee, claiming that if that was not done, the party could lose the election.
But the governor said, “I came to submit my form expression and nomination forms for the governorship race for Delta State.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009222435531 Read more...
Celebs at Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show at the London Fashion Week
Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2010-09/22/content_11337923.htmhttp: Read more...
MDGs: Nigeria on course – Jonathan
President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigeria is set to meet some of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
He said the goal on reduction of child mortality in particular would be achieved, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
In an address delivered at the UN high-level summit on MDGs on Monday in New York, United States, Jonathan said the country still faced significant challenges in the area of environment, global partnership for development and maternal mortality.
NAN reports that the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, delivered the President’s address.
Jonathan said in spite of the strong determination by the country to implement the eight MDGs created in 2000, progress to date had been mixed.
“Nigeria is reasonably on course to achieve the target of MDGs on reducing child mortality, with a fall from 100 per 1,000 live births between 2003 and 2008.
“However, the issue of maternal health has been most intractable and challenging, given that for most of the early years of the MDGs, Nigeria had one of the biggest maternal mortality ratios in the world, hovering at 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births,” he said.
Jonathan said recent data from the country suggested that investments had recorded appreciable progress, with a drop in the maternal mortality ratio of 545 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009224484832 Read more...
Lady Gaga wants equality for soldiers
The 24-year-old singer proposed her own alternative to the US military's policy of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' - which requires homosexual service members to keep quiet about their sexuality on the proviso they won't be asked about it
Speaking at a gathering of over 2,000 people in Maine before the US Senate vote on the legislation today (21.09.10), she said: "Doesn't it seem to you that we should send home the prejudiced straight soldier who hates the gay soldier?
"I am here today because I want to propose a law called 'If you don't like it, you can go home'. A law that sends home the homophobes, that sends home the prejudiced. If you are not committed to perform with excellence as a United States soldier because you don't believe in full equality, go home. If you are not honourable enough to fight without prejudice, go home."
The eccentric pop star wore a long white wig, black suit and a patriotic stars and stripes tie to deliver her message where she likened equality to "prime rib".
She said: "Equality is the prime rib of what we stand for as a nation. And I don't get to enjoy the greatest cut of meat that my country has to offer. Are you listening? Shouldn't everyone deserve the right to wear the same meat dress that I did? Repeal 'Don't ask, Don't tell'."
Gaga - who recently revealed in a video blog that she wants to be the voice of her generation, addressing the big issues of the world - also laid down an ultimatum to the Senate and President Barack Obama.
She said: "I'm here today in this park, in Maine, to say that, if the Senate and the president are not going to repeal this 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, perhaps they should be more clear with us about who the military is fighting for, who our tax dollars are supporting and, ultimately, how much does the prime rib cost?"
Jennifer Lopez to face ex on Idol
Ojani Noa, a former waiter from Cuba who became Jennifer's first husband when they married in 1997, is planning to sing on the show in Los Angeles tomorrow (22.09.10), and will even serenade the rumoured judge her with one of her own songs.
The pop hopeful's manager, Ed Meyer, said: "Ojani Noa will be in line at the Forum on September 22 to try out for 'American Idol' in front of his ex-wife.
"He escaped Cuba and married Jennifer Lopez, now he wants to be the American Idol. Of course he will sing a Jennifer Lopez song."
Ojani's stunt is set to take place on the same day as the new judging panel for the show is officially unveiled by host Ryan Seacrest, which is said to feature Jennifer - who has reportedly signed a $12 million contract to join the series - alongside original judge Randy Jackson and two other new panel members.
Ojani - whose marriage to Jennifer lasted less than a year - initially remained on good terms with the singer-and-actress after they split, but the former couple have fallen out in recent years, after Jennifer hired and subsequently fired Ojani as head chef of her now closed Latin restaurant, Madre's, in 2002.
He has since been banned from publishing a tell-all book he wrote about the 41-year-old star by one court, and last year a judge ruled he was also not allowed to commercially release footage from the couple's honeymoon.
Since divorcing Ojani, Jennifer dated rapper P. Diddy, married and divorced dancer Cris Judd, got engaged to actor Ben Affleck and finally settled down and married singer Marc Anthony, with whom she has two-year-old twins Max and Emme.
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Gisele Bundchen amazed by motherhood
Although the 30-year-old supermodel - who gave birth to son Benjamin, her first child with husband Tom Brady, in December 2009 - initially found it difficult to adjust to being a parent, she now can't imagine her life without her baby.
She gushed: "I love being a mother. It is challenging and it is different when everything is not about you and your life - now there is someone much more important. It takes some adjusting, but it is so, so wonderful."
Gisele - who married New England Patriots quarterback Tom in February 2009 - also revealed she is happy she waited to find the right man before having a baby.
Speaking about 33-year-old Tom - who also has a three-year-old son, John Edward Thomas with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan - Gisele told the New York Post newspaper: "My son is so beautiful, I love him so much. But before you have children, you have got to make sure you've got a great man. You can't settle for less - someone you love, and someone who has the same beliefs."
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Prison-bound Lindsay Lohan?
The troubled actress - who recently admitted to failing two court-ordered drug tests and has had a bench warrant issued for her arrest - will have her probation revoked on Friday by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden Foxbut but may have to spend 30 days in prison as she waits for a probation violation hearing to be held.
A source told website RadarOnline: "Lindsay could be remanded directly into custody on Friday, pending the probation violation hearing, and it's very likely that Judge Fox will do that. Lindsay was allowed to remain out on bail last time until her probation violation hearing, but Judge Fox probably won't give her that privilege because of her failed drug test, and this is her second probation violation hearing in less than three months.
"By remanding her directly to custody, Lindsay would stay behind bars until the probation violation hearing, she wouldn't allowed to get out early. The probation violation hearing could be set for the following week, or as much as 30 days from now. If it's set for 30 days from now, Lindsay will remain behind bars during that time if that is what Judge Fox decides."
The 'Mean Girls' star - who tested positive for having both cocaine and amphetamines in her system - recently spent time in jail and rehab for failing to comply with the terms of her probation for a 2007 driving under influence (DUI) conviction.
Confusion among aspirants as Oyo PDP crisis deepens
Indication to this emerged on Tuesday as our correspondent learnt that the party’s National Working Committee, ahead of the state ward congresses, may have opted for an implementation committee to organise the congresses.
It was learnt that nomination forms have already been given to the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, to carry out the exercise in accordance with the party’s guidelines.
Akintunde emerged as the committee’s boss based on the recommendation of the party by its National Peace and Reconciliation Committee headed by Senator Ike Nwachukwu.
The development came at a time when the party led by Chief Dejo Afolabi announced that it has postponed the congresses earlier scheduled for Tuesday (yesterday) till Saturday.
The faction had on Monday told journalists that the submission of nominations forms for aspirants by midnight on Monday.
Currently, the two sides are laying claim to what they called the authentic forms for aspirants.
But Akintunde had in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, called on all the 33 coordinators of the PDP across all the councils in the state to come forward for further briefing on Thursday on the guidelines to follow in electing delegates at ward levels as directed by the PDP NWC.
He asked all intending delegates to come forward to obtain their forms at Old-Ife road PDP secretariat of their faction.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009224343467 Read more...
Jodie Foster: I won't "abandon" Mel Gibson
LOS ANGELES - Jodie Foster has once again come to the defense of her close friend Mel Gibson.
Despite the release of angry voicemails Gibson allegedly left the mother of his 8-month-old daughter, Foster told More magazine that he's the "easiest, nicest person I've ever worked with... The second I met him, I said, 'I will love this man for the rest of my life.'"
Foster, co-starred with Gibson in the 1994 film "Maverick," and recently reunited with him for "The Beaver," which she also directed. The film does not have a release date.
"When you love a friend, you don't abandon them when they are struggling," Foster told the magazine. "Of course, Mel is an undeniably gifted actor and director, and 'The Beaver' is one of his most powerful and moving performances. But more importantly, he is and has been a true and loyal friend. I hope I can help him get through this dark moment."
On Tuesday, new emails surfaced between Gibson and his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. The two are cordial and supportive in the notes, which allegedly were exchanged two months after a January blowout fight that resulted in a photo being released of Grigorieva without her two front teeth. But law enforcement sources told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month that officials doubt the photo's authenticity.
In 2006, Foster stood up for Gibson after a police officer accused him of making anti-Semitic remarks while the actor was being arrested for driving under the influence.
"Mel is honest, loyal, kind, but alcoholism has been a lifelong struggle for him and his family," she said at the time. "I just wish I had been there, that I had been able to say, 'Don't do it, don't take that drink.'"
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"Social Network" a mesmerizing, must-see movie
LOS ANGELES - "The Social Network" has as its protagonist a character drawn in a Shakespearean mode, a high-achieving individual who carries within him the seeds of his own destruction. This would, of course, be young Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), the man behind the social-network phenomenon Facebook.
As the movie makes abundantly clear, the facts behind its founding are in dispute but, without a doubt, Zuckerberg did create Facebook. Yet far from celebrating this feat, the movie examines how a man who cares little about money became the world's youngest billionaire yet lost his one true friend. At least that's what the movie says happened.
The film, written by Aaron Sorkin, is based on Ben Mezrich's book "The Accidental Billionaires" and Sorkin's own research yet neither writer, predictably, was able to talk to Zuckerberg to get his point of view. So it is as a fictional construct -- based on ample public sources, however -- that "Mark Zuckerberg" achieves its Shakespearean dimension. He gains the whole world but loses his most meaningful asset because of a fatal flaw on view in the very first scene.
"Social" has the potential to be that rarity -- a film that gains critical laurels and award mentions yet also does killer box office. Certainly, Sorkin, the film's director, David Fincher, and its heavyweight producers have crafted a smart, insightful film that satisfies both camps. The hook is the film's of-the-moment topic but the payoff is its hero. Or antihero or villain or whatever.
The very first scene? Harvard undergrad Mark and his girlfriend, Erica (Rooney Mara), are trying to have a dinner date at a noisy Cambridge brew pub. Or at least she's trying. He's talking a mile a minute with every syllable screaming egocentricity and dripping with sarcasm and defensive insecurity. She can't even change the topic. Indeed, she can't even tell what the topic is. After one insult too many, it's easier for Erica to break up with Mark. So the flaw is most ironic -- the guy who will revolutionize the way people communicate can't communicate himself. He is virtually blind to anyone else's perspective.
Annoyed, Mark jogs home to get drunk, hit his computer and, to take his mind off Erica, accidentally invents Facebook. Okay, it's not Facebook; it's Facemash, a stupid idea that only a genius computer hacker/scientist would dream up in which he hacks into Harvard's computer system, downloads all photos from the "facebooks" of the university's houses and asks students to vote on which girls are the hottest.
The contest goes viral, crashes Harvard's computer system, earns Mark a reprimand from authorities but attracts the attention of Harvard twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer and Josh Pence). These are wealthy and privileged scholar-athletes trying to develop an inner-campus website to create a place for students to meet, greet and perhaps score dates. They approach the anarchist-hacker, who is intrigued by their idea but prefers to go to his best friend and fellow Jew, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), to finance a social network that contains elements of the Winklevosses' idea but transforms it into what we now know as Facebook.
Then the rest of the movie, in an inspired move by Sorkin, takes place at legal depositions. Because a few years later, Facebook is a billion-dollar miracle and lawsuits are flying everywhere: The twins and their Indian-American partner Divya Narendra (Max Minghella, who doesn't look or act Indian), and Eduardo, who has been frozen out of Facebook thanks to the Svengali-like efforts of Napster creator Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake), are all suing Mark.
As everyone recollects his version of events, the film flashes back to these developments. You understand no one's testimony is reliable but Sorkin tries to sort out the possible scenario that lands everyone in this legal soup. The story thus becomes a tale of power, fame, betrayal, revenge and responsibility.
Under Fincher's astute direction the characters fairly pop out at you. Even in a one-scene performance, famed Harvard president Larry Summers (Douglas Urbanski) startles the viewer with his abrupt impatience and sterling wit as he dismisses the twins' heavy-handed attempt to enlist the school in their cause. Fincher also places events in milieus that ring true. His portrait of campus life among America's elite is pitch-perfect, every bit as much as the drug-and-party excesses of Silicon Valley and the war rooms of corporate attorneys.
There have been complaints from early screenings that no one is very likable in this movie. You'll get no argument here but that's beside the point. "Mark Zuckerberg" is thoroughly unlikable but he is an original. Ask yourself: How many truly original characters show up in American movies? Mark exists in his own world. He dresses like he just rolled out of bed and doesn't relate to people half as well as he does to computers, algorithms and user databases. He finds people, at best, helpful to his creations or, at worst, annoying. He cannot speak civilly to anyone yet has the verbal skills to hone in on sore points with his acquaintances. His oral jousting with the deposing attorneys is brilliantly rendered in dialogue Sorkin presumably lifted from transcripts.
About the only character that comes off well is Garfield's Eduardo. The guy seems to care genuinely about his ex-friend and is bitterly unhappy about his treatment by Mark. Everyone else is borderline manic, such as Eduardo's sweet-and-sour girlfriend, played by a Brenda Song.
The production is the best studios can offer with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' hypnotically repetitive score, Jeff Cronenweth's fluid, sparkling cinematography and Donald Graham Burt's pinpoint-accurate production design all major pluses. There's no flaw here. So the film comes down to a mesmerizing portrait of a man who in any other age would perhaps be deemed nuts or useless, but in the Internet age has this mental agility to transform an idea into an empire. Yet he still cannot rule his own life to the point he doesn't lose what's important to him. At least that's what the movie says.
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TUNEDIK students urge gov to expedite merger with UNAD
The students said this in a statement distributed to journalists after protesting the delay in their education which was caused by the withdrawal of operation licence of the varsity by the National University Commission.
The students who were later addressed by the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Akin Ogunlade, lamented that they had wasted about one year and six months since they gained admission into the university which is the second of such in Nigeria.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009224335362 Read more...
Virgin Atlantic plane hits pole at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
This forced the airline to ground the plane.
Details of the incident could not be ascertained as at press-time but THE PUNCH learnt that an obstruction on the tarmac made the airport’s authorities to direct airplanes to take off through an alternative taxi way around the domestic terminal.
But the representative of Virgin Atlantic in Nigeria, Mr. John Adebanjo, said the airline decided to ground the flight for safety reasons. He said the taxi way the pilot was directed to was probably too narrow for the aircraft.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009224393226 Read more...
Nigeria@50: UK, China to send representatives
The British High Commission said in a statement by its Communication Manager, Mr. Adewale Adebajo, that the Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, would represent The Queen and the UK. The statement said he would be in Nigeria from September 28-October 3, adding that a warship would also take part in some activities with the Nigerian Navy.
Adebajo added that “as part of his visit to Nigeria, HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO will also undertake official engagements in both Lagos and Abuja.”
According to the statement, “As part of the United Kingdom’s contribution to Nigeria’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, HMS OCEAN will visit Lagos and take part in the Presidential Fleet Review and undertake other naval training activities.’
Xinhua news agency reports that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Jiang Yu, told newsmen in Beijing that the Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Yizhong, would attend the celebrations scheduled from September 30 to October 2.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201009224521234 Read more...
Colombian president supports Shakira at NYC show
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NEW YORK – The president of Colombia might be in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, but he also found time to attend a concert by Shakira.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, along with the former president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, Queen Rania of Jordan and actor Jim Carrey, came out to Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night to watch the hip-swiveling Shakira perform before an energetic crowd.
"It's really an honor for us," Shakira said, thanking the president of her homeland for attending.
The bilingual singer kicked off her show with a slow groove to "Pienso en Ti" — wearing a hot pink ensemble that covered most of her body, revealing only her face and some of her blond curls — while she sang and gave hugs to people in the crowd. She walked to the middle of the stage, tore off the ensemble to reveal a shiny gold top with black tights and knee-high boots and performed the thumping "Why Wait."
"I'm here to please you!" she yelled. "Remember tonight I'm all yours."
The 33-year-old continued with rock-filled versions of "Te Dejo" and "Whenever, Wherever," then sang lyrics from EMF's 1990s hit "You're Unbelievable."
The crowd got rowdy during the electric guitar-fused "Si Te Vas" and the explosive "She Wolf."
But the highlight was Shakira's cover of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters." Wearing a silver tank top, a flowing maroon skirt and no shoes, the singer belted the drum-filled jam, also highlighted by the violin. That was followed by a sensual Shakira dancing to the beat of the drum, then falling to the floor — and dancing again.
Shakira brought four fans onstage and gave them a dance lesson while others waved the Colombian flag throughout the show, which lasted for nearly two hours.
The Grammy-winning singer, whose new album "Sale el Sol (The Sun Comes Out)" is due out next month, performed songs from the CD, including the soft rock title track. She also grinded to her latest single "Loca."
"For a few months I've been different. I feel like the sun has been shining on me, brighter than ever!" she yelled.
She returned for an encore in a bright blue ruffled dress, performing the soft "Antes de las Seis." She then ripped off the dress to shake her hips — even imitating Beyonce's signature booty dance — to her largest U.S. hit, the uptempo "Hips Don't Lie."
Shakira closed the show with her international smash, the World Cup anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)." But before she began, a video of African children saying what they aspired to be played in the background. Green, red and yellow confetti began to fall as Shakira sang the song, saying loudly: "We're all Africa!"
Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2010-09/22/content_11338032.htm
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Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/entertainment/2010-09/22/content_11338032.htm
Zidane named Qatar's World Cup bid ambassador
CEO of the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee Hassan Al-Thawadi (R) presents new official ambassador Zinedine Zidane with a personalised shirt in Doha September 16, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]
Qatar's bid is one of nine for the finals but their main opposition is likely to come from Australia, Japan, South Korea and United States.
"Football is for everyone," Zidane said in a statement. "When I think of all the youth of the Middle East, what they're missing is an event like the World Cup.
"We had [the 2010 World Cup] in Africa and now it is time for the Middle East."
It is almost certain one of the four European bids from England, Russia, Spain/Portugal and Belgium/Netherlands will win the right to stage the 2018 World Cup, meaning a country from outside Europe will stage the 2022 finals.
Qatar would be the smallest host country since Uruguay held the inaugural tournament in 1930.
The head of a FIFA inspection team hinted on Thursday the Gulf Arab state's size, rather than its fierce summer heat or the fact it is an Islamic country, could rule it out of contention though.
FIFA will announce the venues for 2018 and 2022 in Zurich on Dec. 2.
In Yeepa! Solaarin, Idris returns as a rascal
In some of the recent plays in which gangling Kayode Idris acted, he either played the role of a false prophet (Wole Soyinka‘s The Trial of Brother Jero) or a militant (Arnold Udoka‘s Long Walk to a Dream). But when he mounts the stage on Friday at the Muson Centre, Lagos, he will be doing so as a Lagos rascal.
He will not only be the unwanted guest of a pastor with a questionable past, but will also be playing on the innocence of the daughter of the man of ‘God‘. In a swift intrigue, however, dramatic irony will assert itself. He will be mistaken for Tai Solarin, a dramatic cloning of the late social crusader, now appearing as a much dreaded, anti-corruption public complaint commissioner, who a gang of government (council) officials want to fete with whatever he may desire.
This is the nut that high-flying actors and actresses such as Ropo Ewenla (Council Chairman); Toyin Oshinaike (Councilor, Education) Bukola Ogunade (Adiyeloja); Lara Akinsola (Alafowosowopo); Yinka Ayelokun (Doctor); Dejo Adegboyega (Adajo); Bayo Ogundele (Baba Fawomi); and Akeem James (Pastor) are out to crack in the highly hilarious Yeepa, Solaarin n Bo, a Yoruba translation of Femi Osofisan‘s Who is Afraid of Solarin?
Directed by tested Niji Akanni, the play translated by Prof. Dotun Ogundeji, is an offering from the Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Theartre Arts Practitioners, in collaboration with Mainframe Productions, Lagos. It is being sponsored by the state government.
Our correspondent watched the rehearsal of the play at the hostel of the National Troupe of Nigeria, in the National Theatre Complex, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday. Apart from the inspiring performances that the actors and actresses were putting up, what is likely to surprise the audience is how most of the members of the cast, who had usually featured in plays rendered in English, are still able to perform comfortably in the stage adaptation, which is being rendered in Yoruba.
”That tells you that if they ask you to go and look for a bastard, you won‘t get any among the cast here,” Ewenla, who has been part of several major plays staged in the country in recent years, says jovially. ”But on a more serious note, I believe that any artiste who cannot conveniently perform in his Mother Tongue is not worth being called one. And don‘t forget that this is a play for our Independence anniversary.”
In their fight to eliminate the real and imaginary Solarin at the beginning of the play, the fraudulent council officials employ various tactics, including the engagement of a herbalist (Fawomi), who should ensure that the crusader never visits their community to look at the books. But a semi-moron in the house, (Polycap, played by Femi Tade), who is asked to bring a drink for the herbalist, becomes their undoing. He served the spiritualist a poisonous liquid. Yet, the corrupt goons are still hopeful that Solarin will never be with them, until two clownish spies arrive with the message that their ‘enemy’ has arrived the pastor‘s house.
But the person they are now ready to pacify at all costs is Isola Oriebora (Idris,the rascal) who is, however, ready to capitalise on their ignorance.
Source: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20100922353721 Read more...
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