Thursday, July 31, 2008

Miley Cyrus' Breakout Debuts at # 1; Third Consecutive # 1 Debut for Hannah Montana Star!


Miley Cyrus

31 Jul 2008 02:07 Africa/Lagos

Miley Cyrus' Breakout Debuts at # 1; Third Consecutive # 1 Debut for Hannah Montana Star!

BURBANK, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Miley Cyrus, star of Disney's hit series Hannah Montana, makes her solo debut with the release of "Breakout" on Disney's Hollywood Records, with her biggest sales debut, scanning over 372,000 units. Cyrus co-wrote 8 of the songs of the smash album.


Hannah Montana

"Breakout" is the third debut at # 1 for the 15-year-old superstar. In fall of 2006, the first "Hannah Montana" soundtrack debuted at # 1 on the Billboard Top 200, the first ever soundtrack to do so, selling over 280,000 units. It is now triple platinum with over 3 million units sold worldwide. The highly anticipated follow-up, Hannah Montana 2/Meet Miley Cyrus, a two-disc set from Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records, debuted at # 1 less than a year later, scanning over 325,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Miley Cyrus is the youngest ever recording artist with three # 1 albums in less than 2 years.


The build up to the release of Breakout started with Miley's first single and video "7 Things." The single soared to # 1 at Radio Disney, and top 5 at iTunes. The video, directed by Brett Ratner, debuted on ABC's Wonderful World of Disney, rotates on Disney Channel and leapt into the top 5 at MTV's TRL.


Digitally, "7 Things" has sold over 700,000 units. Eleven songs from Breakout debuted in the Top 200 Digital Tracks chart, with 891,000 digital tracks sold over all.


This month, Miley was on the covers of Billboard and TV Guide magazines, and a special edition of People Magazine. Miley also performed to record crowds with early morning concerts on ABC-TV's Good Morning America and NBC-TV's Today Show. In addition, Miley hosted two episodes of MTV, and had a record setting Saturday night debut of "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, Best of Both Worlds" 3-D movie on the Disney Channel, defeated all cable and broadcast television shows that night.


Following her performance this week on MTV's Friday Night show, and hosting of Monday's Teen Choice Awards, Miley will return to the set of Hannah Montana to film seasons 3 and 4. Miley recently wrapped filming "Hannah Montana The Movie," and also stars as the voice of Penny in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated comedy adventure "Bolt," opening Nov. 26, 2008 (http://www.disney.com/\BOLT).


"Hannah Montana" is seen on Disney Channels all over the world and on DisneyChannel.com via streaming broadband video. It is also available at the iTunes Music Store. In 2006 and 2007-to-date, it is the #1 series on basic cable television with kids age 6 - 14. The series is also seen Saturday morning on the ABC Television Network's "ABC Kids" programming block.


More information on Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus can be found on DisneyRecords.com. Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records are part of the Disney Music Group, the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Company.


Source: Hollywood Records

CONTACT: Hollywood Records, +1-818-560-6197


Web site: BOLT



If Your Girlfriend is A Good Actress



If she is a good actress, then you should be a good director.

Many girls and women are very good in playing "girlfriends" and "lovers" to get what they want from men.

1. She can lie to you that she does not have a boyfriend in her ploy to lure you and seduce you into a relationship for her own agenda.

2. She can be cheating on you and still pretend to be faithful to you.

3. She could be sly while pretending to be shy.

You can handle her very well if you know how to play your cards very well like the game of Bullshit.

This kind of use your sex to get what you want romance is actually like the game of Bullshit, because it best describes what she is playing, BS, Cheat, and I Doubt It.

Going out with her is like a drama script and whatever role she is playing, you must be able to direct it without her knowledge. Simply play along.

It is like directing Two Can Play.

You should be ahead of her wits and skills.

Do not waste your quality time and resources on her.

Keep your trump cards to yourself.




Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Open Invitation To Enter The Miss Fashion TV 2008



Miss FASHION TV 2008

Have you got what it takes to be the Miss FASHION TV 2008?

Attach one of your best photographs to show your best physical features in swimsuit or beach wear with your resume to:
RECEPTION@FTV.COM

I wish you all the best.


Monday, July 28, 2008

Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Usher, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, T.I., Jordin Sparks and Flo Rida Nab MoonMan Nods for '2008 Video

28 Jul 2008 18:24 Africa/Lagos

Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Usher, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Katy Perry, T.I., Jordin Sparks and Flo Rida Nab MoonMan Nods for '2008 Video Music Awards' Best Female Video and Best Male Video Nominees

British Comedian Russell Brand Set To Host Star-Studded Award Show Airing Live On Sunday, September 7th, 2008

NEW YORK, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- "And the MoonMan goes to!!!" Well, we don't know that yet but on Sunday, September 7th a few names you may hear when envelopes are opened and winners revealed are Britney, Mariah, Rihanna, Usher, Chris or Katy. Beginning on Friday, July 18th, MTV (http://www.mtv.com/) viewers began their contribution to the 2008 Video Music Awards by helping to decide this year's nominees for "Best Female Video" and Best Male Video" guaranteed to create an award show with the music they want to hear and see. As previously announced, MTV's 25th annual Video Music Awards will be hosted by comedian/actor Russell Brand and will air live and only one time in its original incarnation, on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 9pm (Live ET/Tape Delayed PT). Host, presenters and additional performers will be announced at a later date.


Artists nominated for the coveted MoonMan in the "Best Female Video" category include Britney Spears (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/spears_britney/artist.jhtml) for her video "Piece of Me." Other talented ladies nominated in the "Best Female Video" category include the always fabulous diva Mariah Carey (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/carey_mariah/artist.jhtml), Rihanna (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/rihanna/artist.jhtml), Jordin Sparks (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/jordin_sparks/artist.jhtml) and talented "girl kissing" newcomer Katy Perry (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/katy_perry/artist.jhtml). And now for the men ... nominees for "Best Male Video" are Usher (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml), Chris Brown (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/brown__chris__18_/artist.jhtml), Flo Rida (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/flo_rida/artist.jhtml), T.I. (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/t_i_/artist.jhtml) and Lil Wayne (http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lil_wayne/artist.jhtml). Each Friday night at 8pm ET/PT on "FNMTV" (http://www.mtv.com/ontv/fn-mtv, two new categories will be announced and open for viewers to vote for their favorite artists and videos at vma.mtv.com or from their Verizon Wireless mobile phone by texting the name of the artist to 23882. Categories currently open for viewers voting are "Best Hip Hop Video and "Best Pop Video."


AND THE NOMINEES ARE ...

BEST FEMALE VIDEO:

Britney Spears -- "Piece of Me"
Britney Spears
"Piece of Me"
Blackout
Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Wayne Isham

Jordin Sparks -- "No Air"
Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown
"No Air"
Jordin Sparks
19/Jive/Zomba Label Group
Director: Chris Robinson

Katy Perry -- "I Kissed A Girl"
Katy Perry
"I Kissed A Girl"
One Of The Boys
Capitol
Director: Kinga Burza

Mariah Carey -- "Touch My Body"
Mariah Carey
"Touch My Body"
E=MC^2
Island Def Jam Music Group
Director: Brett Ratner

Rihanna -- "Take a Bow"
Rihanna
"Take A Bow"
A Good Girl Gone Bad
SRP/Def Jam
Director: Anthony Mandler


BEST MALE VIDEO:

Lil Wayne -- "Lollipop"
Lil Wayne featuring Static
"Lollipop"
Tha Carter III
Cash Money Records/Universal Motown
Director: Gil Green/D. Carter

Chris Brown -- "With You"
Chris Brown
"With You"
Exclusive
Jive Records/Zomba
Director: Erik White/Chris Brown

Usher -- "Love In This Club"
Usher featuring Young Jeezy
"Love In This Club"
Here I Stand
LaFace Records/Zomba Label Group
Director: The Brothers Strause

T.I. -- "No Matter What"
T.I.
"No Matter What"
Paper Trail
Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records
Director: Self/James Lopez

Flo Rida -- "Low"
Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
"Low"
Step Up 2 The Streets Original Soundtrack/ Mail On Sunday
Poe Boy Ent./Atlantic Records
Director: Bernard Gourley


Russell Brand has emerged as a genuine star of the silver screen. Making his feature film debut in 'Penelope' with Christina Ricci and James McAvoy, and then onto the contemporary Ealing caper 'St Trinian's', and this year won rave reviews for his scene-stealing performances in Judd Apatow's 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'. Apatow has cast him to play opposite Jonah Hill in his next feature 'Getting Him to the Greek,' filming in early 2009.


Official sponsors of "2008 VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS" are GM, Pepsi, TAG Body Spray, Taco Bell, Rhapsody and Verizon Wireless.


This year one lucky viewer will get the chance of a lifetime trip by joining "Do Good. Go to the VMAs." Think.MTV.com, MTV's online community for youth activism, is hooking up one young activist and shipping them off to Los Angeles to attend the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards alongside the biggest stars in the industry. From July 24th through August 22nd, all Think.MTV.com members who join the "Do Good. Go to the VMAs" group, at http://think.mtv.com/Groups/DoGoodGoToTheVMAs/, can enter to win two tickets to the VMAS on September 7, 2008 along with travel and hotel accommodations when MTV takes over Los Angeles for this year's show.


Jesse Ignjatovic/Den of Thieves is the Executive Producer, for the "2008 MTV Video Music Awards." Dave Sirulnick is Executive Producer. Chris Choun/Ish Entertainment is Co-Executive Producer. Jane Mun is Producer. Amy Doyle, Joanna Bomberg and Robin Katz are Music Talent Executives. Robin Reinhardt-Locke is Celebrity Talent Executive. Garrett English is Executive in Charge of Production.


Telescope is the Official Business Advisor of the "2008 MTV Video Music Awards" Nominee Voting period.


Related Links:
FNMTV VMA's Nominees Voting Page: vma.mtv.com
MTV Press Center: www.mtvpress.com

Pete Wentz and Pink Annouce Nominees: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1591550&vid=260868


Pete Wentz Announces "Best Male Video" Nominees: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1591550&vid=260859


Pink Announces "Best Female Video" Nominees: http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1591550&vid=260868


2008 VMA Logo: mtvpress.com/img/releases_downloadable_art/VMA08_logo_horizontal_ver2.jpg


About Telescope Inc.


Telescope is a participation media and mobile marketing pioneer. The company provides mobile, phone, and internet interactivity services. This includes mass-scale participation television with the world's largest phone voting solution; and mobile marketing and content programs, such as user-generated content, social networking; and CRM for media and advertiser clients. Telescope is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with offices in New York and London. Visit us at www.telescope.tv.


About MTV


MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 26 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries -- giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV has been the number one rated 24 hour ad-supported cable network P12-24 for 16 straight years. Online, MTV.com scored double-digit growth in 2007 and MTV launched ten dynamic online communities and six new virtual worlds. On the go, MTV Mobile is the #1 music brand in the wireless space -- delivering 90% more streams than in 2006. And MTV's successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in ... www.mtvpress.com.


Source: MTV

CONTACT: Jennifer DeGuzman, +1-212-846-7175,
jennifer.deguzman@mtvstaff.com, or Melissa Barreto, +1-212-846-7226,
melissa.barreto@mtvstaff.com, or Emily Yeomans, +1-310-752-8074,
emily.yeomans@mtvstaff.com


Web site: http://www.mtv.com/
http://www.vma.mtv.com/
http://www.mtvpress.com/
http://www.telescope.tv/
http://think.mtv.com/Groups/DoGoodGoToTheVMAs


Thursday, July 24, 2008

Reader Digital Book By Sony Opens a New Chapter on eBook Formats

24 Jul 2008 13:00 Africa/Lagos

Reader Digital Book By Sony Opens a New Chapter on eBook Formats

New Format Support Paves the Way for Vast Amounts of New Content

SAN DIEGO, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony today announced that its Reader Digital Book will be the first eBook reading device to support the EPUB format, the International Digital Publishing Forum's XML-based standard format for reflowable digital books and publications.


Starting next month, new Readers model PRS-505, will be able to access and accept secure and non-secure eBooks in the EPUB format. EPUB has gained acceptance among major trade book publishers, many of whom have committed to begin publishing forthcoming eBooks in the format.


Additionally, the device will support Adobe eBooks with digital rights management and have the capability to reflow standard text-based Portable Document Format (PDF) eBooks for improved flexibility and readability. These enhancements are now made possible with the support of Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software, which is available as a free download at www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions.


"The Reader is an open device and we will continue to explore formats that will provide the widest variety of content for Reader users," said Steve Haber, senior vice president of consumer product marketing for Sony Electronics. "This upgrade opens the door to a whole host of paid and free content from third-party eBook stores, web sites and even public libraries."


Reader users can transfer these documents to their devices using Adobe Digital Editions software, or via the updated Sony eBook Library software that comes packaged with new Readers. Current owners of the PRS-505 model can upgrade their units now from the Sony support site: http://esupport.sony.com/.


"We are excited about the support of the EPUB format, PDF reflow and Adobe Digital Editions in one of the most popular and advanced eBook reading devices," said Dan Baum, vice president, New Business Initiatives at Adobe. "Adobe Digital Editions is transforming the digital reading experience through its support of open standards and broad content availability from retailers and libraries."


PRS-505 model Readers will continue to support BBeB formatted eBooks offered at the Sony eBook Store. Therefore, users can retain and grow their current collections of eBooks without having to reformat or repurchase them. All files are conveniently managed by the eBook Library software.


In celebration, Sony will introduce a limited edition red PRS-505 model. It will ship with EPUB and enhanced PDF support right out of the box. The red Reader will be available next month at SonyStyle stores and online at SonyStyle.com.


About the Reader


The Reader Digital Book by Sony is a portable reading device for eBooks. Its high-resolution electronic paper display delivers a realistic print look that rivals traditional paper and uses minimal power. A single battery charge provides up to 7,500 pages of continuous reading.


The Reader retails for about $300 and comes complete with a USB cable; eBook Library software; and a color-coordinated, protective soft cover. Users can download the upgrade for current PRS-505 models, starting on today from the Sony support site: http://esupport.sony.com/ and Adobe Digital Editions 1.5 software from: www.adobe.com/products/digitaleditions. More information about the Reader Digital Book is available online at www.sony.com/reader.


Editor's Note: For additional information about the Reader digital book, your readers can call (888) 315-SONY, or visit Sony's web site at: www.sony.com/reader. For complete specifications and digital images, members of the news media are invited to visit Sony Electronics' news and information web site at www.sony.com/news.


READER DIGITAL BOOK BY SONY
OPENS A NEW CHAPTER ON EBOOK FORMATS

Publisher Support


"When we became the first major publisher to embrace EPUB as our sole production file we made a commitment to our partners to ramp up our title output to meet growing consumer demand. We've done that and are thrilled that Sony is embracing device interoperability. This is terrific news for the eBook industry and consumers alike."


- Neil De Young, director of Digital Media at Hachette Book Group


"Sony's support of EPUB is an important step forward in the cooperation of publishers and portable digital book manufacturers to create better experiences for readers. We're thrilled with the upgrade; it provides readers with more opportunities to enjoy Harlequin stories on their Sony Reader."


- Brent Lewis, vice president Digital & Internet, Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.


"This is great news for consumers because it broadens and simplifies the eBook experience. Readers can now get copyright protected eBooks from retailers or libraries and conveniently move them between devices and desktops."


- Ana Maria Allessi, vice president, Publisher of HarperMedia


"We have invested a substantial amount of time and money in delivering our author's works in electronic formats with our partners at Sony and through other eBook delivery formats and retail channels. We expect EPub will expedite that process, connecting readers with the works they want to read, in the way they want to read, faster than ever before."


- John Schline, senior vice president, corporate director of Business Affairs, Penguin Group


"We are pleased that Sony's Reader will now support the EPUB open format. This new open standard will make eBooks and other documents more accessible and user friendly, and will ultimately be an important factor in the long-term growth of the eBook marketplace."


- Doug Stambaugh, executive director, Business Development & Operations, Simon & Schuster Digital


Contact: Valerie Motis
Sony Electronics Inc.
(858) 942-8016
valerie.motis@am.sony.com

Tania Scheer
Paine PR
(949) 809-6782
tscheer@painepr.com


Source: Sony

CONTACT: Valerie Motis of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-8016,
valerie.motis@am.sony.com; or Tania Scheer of Paine PR, +1-949-809-6782,
tscheer@painepr.com, for Sony


Web site: Sony Reader



I Am Happy




I am very much around and quite busy on my projects.

I have challenges, but I thank God for increasing my faith and my strength to overcome the challenges.

I am happy and I hope you are happy too.

Cheers and God bless.


Friday, July 18, 2008

Are You Famous or Infamous Online?


Julia Allison
Are you famous or infamous online?
Have you had your 15 minutes on Digg or Twitter?
Would you do it the Julia Allison way?
Gatecrash your way to fame!


Two Black Beauties: Queen Ebony and Rihanna



Queen Ebony is black and beautiful and she has poise.



Of course, Rihanna is black and beautiful and would you dare to disagree?


Freedom Writer Teachers to Write Follow-Up to New York Times' Best Seller The Freedom Writers Diary

Freedom Writer Teachers to Write Follow-Up to New York Times' Best Seller The Freedom Writers Diary


Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela!


Pa Nelson Mandela

Nigerian Times International wishes Nelson Mandela a happy birthday as he marks his 90th year on earth today.

Madiba Nelson Mandela was born on 18 July 1918).

The former President of South Africa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.




Lionsgate Roars With 19 Emmy(R) Award Nominations



17 Jul 2008 22:22 Africa/Lagos


Lionsgate Roars With 19 Emmy(R) Award Nominations

Studio's Acclaimed AMC Drama MAD MEN Tops Drama Series Category With 16 Nominations, Including Nods for Best Series, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Guest Actor, Writing, Directing and Cinematography

Lionsgate's Hit Showtime Comedy WEEDS Scores Three Nominations, Led by Mary-Louise Parker's Second Consecutive Emmy Nod for Outstanding Lead Actress

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lionsgate's (NYSE:LGF) acclaimed AMC drama MAD MEN earned 16 Emmy(R) nominations today -- the most among all drama series -- marking the first time a basic cable program has topped that list. Nominations include nods for Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor (Jon Hamm), Supporting Actor (John Slattery), Guest Actor (Robert Morse), Writing, Directing and Cinematography.


The Company's hit comedy WEEDS scored three nominations, led by Mary-Louise Parker's second consecutive Emmy(R) nod for Outstanding Lead Actress for her work in the much buzzed-about Showtime series.


"This kind of recognition by the industry in our first season of MAD MEN and our fourth season of WEEDS is enormously gratifying," said Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate's president of programming and production. "We're extremely proud of both series and congratulate all of our Emmy nominees. These nominations underscore our commitment to generate programming that stands apart from the competition, speaks to audiences with a unique and distinctive voice and embodies the Lionsgate brand for original and cutting edge filmed entertainment."


Lionsgate noted that its July 1st DVD release of the first season of MAD MEN is selling very strongly and its June DVD release of the third season of WEEDS continues to strongly outperform first and second season sales on both DVD and in digital downloads.


MAD MEN received the following nominations:

-- Outstanding Drama Series -- Producers
-- Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series -- Jon Hamm
-- Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series -- John Slattery
-- Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series -- Robert Morse
-- Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series -- "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
(Pilot) -- Alan Taylor
-- Two nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series:
-- "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" (Pilot) -- Matthew Weiner
-- "The Wheel" - Matthew Weiner, Robin Veith
-- Two nominations for Outstanding Art Direction for a Single-Camera
Series:
-- "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" (Pilot) -- Bob Shaw, Production
Designer; Henry Dunn, Art Director; Rena DeAngelo, Set Decorator
-- "Shoot" -- Dan Bishop, Production Designer; Christopher Brown, Art
Director; Amy Wells, Set Decorator
-- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series -- Kim Miscia, Casting Director
(Pilot); Beth Bowling, Casting Director (Pilot); Laura Schiff, Casting
Director (Series); Carrie Audino, Casting Director (Series)
-- Outstanding Cinematography for a One-Hour Series -- "Smoke Gets in
Your Eyes" - Phil Abraham, Director of Photography
-- Outstanding Costumes for a Series -- "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" --
John A. Dunn, Costume Designer; Lisa Padovani, Assistant Costume
Designer
-- Outstanding Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series -- "Shoot" --
Gloria Pasqua Casny, Department Head Hairstylist; Lucia Mace, Key
Hairstylist; Anthony Wilson, Additional Hairstylist; Barbara Cantu,
Additional Hairstylist
-- Outstanding Main Title Design -- Mark Gardner, Designer/Director;
Steve Fuller, Designer/Director; Cara McKenney, Main Title Producer
-- Outstanding Makeup for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic) -- "The
Hobo Code" -- Debbie Zoller, Department Head Makeup Artist; Ron Pipes,
Key Makeup Artist; Suzanne Diaz, Additional Makeup Artist
-- Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup for a Series, Miniseries, Movie or a
Special -- "Nixon Vs. Kennedy" -- Debbie Zoller, Department Head
Makeup Artist; Joel Harlow, Special Makeup Effects Artist; Brian
Penikas, Additional Special Makeup Effects Artist; Jake Garber,
Additional Special Makeup Effects Artist


WEEDS received the following nominations:

-- Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series -- Mary-Louise Parker
-- Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-Hour) and
Animation -- "Go" -- Susan Moore-Chong, Production Mixer; Fred Tator,
Re-Recording Mixer; Chris Philp, Re-Recording Mixer
-- Outstanding Picture Editing for a Comedy Series
(Single Or Multi-Camera) -- "A Pool And His Money" -- William Turro,
Editor



Set to launch its second season on AMC July 27, MAD MEN has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim since its premiere and has garnered a long list of honors, including Golden Globe(R) Awards for Best Television Series -- Drama, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series -- Drama (Jon Hamm); an AFI Award as One of the Top 10 Outstanding Television Programs of 2007 and a Peabody Award among many others. Created and executive produced by Matthew Weiner in association with Weiner Bros., the series depicts the professional lives, social mores and sexual exploits of advertising executives on Madison Avenue circa 1960, when the industry was at its height of glamour, power and prestige. The setting is the Sterling Cooper agency, which sells everything from cigarettes to political candidates, and its protagonist, Don Draper (Jon Hamm), is a fast-rising creative director whose smooth exterior conceals any number of secrets. The ensemble cast also includes Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Rosemarie DeWitt, Talia Balsam, Robert Morse, Michael Gladis, Aaron Staton, Rich Sommer, Maggie Siff and Bryan Batt.


Currently in its fourth season, WEEDS continues to push the creative envelope with its daring portrayal of the complicated life of a suburban pot-dealing mom, played by Mary-Louise Parker. Produced by Lionsgate in association with Tilted Productions, the series was created and is executive produced by Jenji Kohan and also stars Elizabeth Perkins, Hunter Parrish, Alexander Gould, Allie Grant, Kevin Nealon and Justin Kirk, with special guest star Albert Brooks.


ABOUT LIONSGATE


Lionsgate is the leading next generation filmed entertainment studio with a major presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company is leveraging its content leadership and marketing expertise through a series of partnerships that include the highly successful FEARNet branded VOD and Internet horror channel with Sony and Comcast, the recent announcement of the fall 2009 launch of a new premium entertainment channel with partners Viacom, Paramount Pictures and MGM, investment in the leading young men's digital distribution platform Break.com, ownership of the premier independent television syndication company Debmar-Mercury LLC and an alliance with independent filmed entertainment production and distribution company Roadside Attractions. Lionsgate also has forged partnerships with leading content creators, owners and distributors in key territories around the world, including Televisa in the U.S. and Latin America, StudioCanal in the UK, Hoyts and Sony in Australia and Eros International in India.


The Company has generated more than $450 million at the North American theatrical box office in the past year and has released a string of hits including THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, TYLER PERRY'S MEET THE BROWNS, THE BANK JOB, RAMBO, THE EYE, SAW IV, TYLER PERRY'S WHY DID I GET MARRIED?, GOOD LUCK CHUCK, 3:10 TO YUMA and WAR, most of which have opened at #1 or #2 at the box office. The Company has also forged leadership positions in television and home entertainment with the production of such critically-acclaimed television series as WEEDS and MAD MEN, the distribution of TYLER PERRY'S HOUSE OF PAYNE, FAMILY FEUD, SOUTH PARK, TRIVIAL PURSUIT and THE DEAD ZONE, among others, and approximately 8% market share and the industry's leading box office-to-DVD conversion rate in home entertainment. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with entrepreneurial innovation and original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe.


For further information, please contact:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Leah Krantzler
The Lippin Group for Lionsgate
323-965-1990
lkrantzler@lippingroup.com

Sarah Greenberg
LIONSGATE
310-255-3856
sgreenberg@lionsgate.com

For corporate inquiries, please contact:
Peter D. Wilkes
LIONSGATE
310-255-3726
pwilkes@lionsgate.com


Source: Lionsgate

CONTACT: Media, Leah Krantzler of The Lippin Group, +1-323-965-1990,
lkrantzler@lippingroup.com, for Lionsgate; or Sarah Greenberg,
+1-310-255-3856, sgreenberg@lionsgate.com; or corporate inquiries, Peter D.
Wilkes, +1-310-255-3726, pwilkes@lionsgate.com, both of LIONSGATE


Web site: http://www.lionsgate.com/




Thursday, July 17, 2008

Only True Love Can Save Your Life and Not Orgasms


If only Ruslana Korshunova found true love.

This post is very important to all young women who are in love and hate mood swings and are not really happy even though they look and pretend to be.

Depression drove supermodel Ruslana Korshunova to suicide at the tender age of 20.

If only she had found true love...she would not have plunged to her death.

Do not keep your fears and anxieties to yourself.

Love is not having a good time and then be depressed when the party is over.
Love is not having sex and later regret it.
Love is not love if it cannot save your life.

Only true love can save your life and not the spasms of momentary orgasms.

Seek for the love that will last the test of time even when you are all alone and you can still feel the glow and feel the joys of the bliss of true love in your heart and soul.

First, free your mind and fling open the doors of your heart and let love come in and lift your spirit higher.

I want you to have long life filled with love and peace.
If I a former refugee child can be happy today, then you too can be happy.

If you need to talk, call the hotline 234-8073983732.


Picking the Perfect Name for Your Baby

The naming of Jesus came before the presentation in the temple and most Christians declare the names they have chosen for their babies when presenting them to God. The following report is on how to pick the perfect names for babies.

17 Jul 2008 13:15 Africa/Lagos

Picking the Perfect Name for Your Baby

LOS ANGELES, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Choosing your new baby's name is a task fraught with tension for most expectant parents. Will the name be too common in popularity, or too rare? Will it tie negative associations to the child? (There's a reason the name "Adolph" has fallen out of favor the last half-century.) Will the name grow with the child, or sound frivolous during adulthood?


Jennifer Moss, a Los Angeles-based baby-name consultant who advises new parents on naming their children through her website BabyNames.com and by a personalized naming service, offers these tips in her new book, "The One-in-a- Million Baby Name Book" (Perigee Press, ISBN 978-0-399-53430-0), in bookstores this month.


Moss, who is a baby-name consultant and founder of BabyNames.com, offers the following guidelines for expectant parents in choosing their own child's one-in-a-million name:


1. Family histories and traditions: Does the name mean something special to you and/or your family members? Have you considered family names for first and middle names?


2. Spelling and ease of use: Is this name easy to spell? Is it easy to pronounce? A girl named Melyssah will be destined to spend a lot of time spelling out her name the rest of her life.


3. Popularity and saturation: Are you choosing a truly unique name or simply following the trends? Where is the name ranked on popularity lists like the one on BabyNames.com or the U.S. Social Security Administration's baby names database? Take into consideration that names that are popular today may seem dated 30 years from now, just as the name "Nancy" harkens to the 1950s and "Tiffany" summons images of the 1980s pop singer and her peers.


4. Jokes, puns, and teasing potential: Will your child be teased because of the name, or due to his or her initials? Is it funny to you? Does the name rhyme with something teasable? "Crystal Chandel Lear" belongs above the dining room table, not on a birth certificate.


5. Pronunciation, rhythm and flow: How does the first name sound when combined with your last name? Is it too choppy, or too long? Names have a natural sound and rhythm - a way that people hear the syllables in natural musical beats. Show friends and family the written name and ask them to pronounce it for you; if it doesn't sound right, or they mispronounce the name, you may want to reconsider.


6. Gender identification: Is the name too frilly? Is it a primarily male or female name? Remember that male-identified names often work for baby girls, but female-identified names can be awkward for baby boys.


7. The introduction test: Introduce yourself out loud using the planned first name and last name together. Does it sound "right" to you? Sometimes a name will look good on paper, but just doesn't sound right when written.


"The One-in-a-Million Baby Name" book includes chapters dedicated to traditional names, celebrity names, names of royalty through the ages, character names found in popular culture, nature names, and names from the world of sports, along with firsthand stories from parents on how they chose their children's names. It also includes thousands of name suggestions, along with their meanings, origins and ratings of the names from visitors to BabyNames.com.


BabyNames.com, which debuted on the Web in 1996, is one of the top destinations for expectant parents. In addition to its naming service and comprehensive names database, BabyNames.com offers parenting advice, parenting and naming forums, and celebrity-baby news, among other features. The site is owned and operated by Moss, her sisters Mallory Rustin, Kate Glinsmann and Sue Moss, and their mother, Peg Moss.


CONTACT:

Jennifer Moss
877-211-BABY (2229)
jennifer@babynames.com
http://www.babynames.com/



This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.


Source: BabyNames.com

CONTACT: Jennifer Moss of BabyNames.com, +1-877-211-BABY (2229),
jennifer@babynames.com


Web site: BabyNames


She Gave Him All Her Love, But He Tore it To Shreds

Chioma was well educated and from a rich family, but he was not well educated and was a poor driver from a poor family, yet she gave him her heart and soul. He was not God fearing and had loose morals. They have been dating since 2005, but his infidelity hurt her badlly. He was seeing and sleeping with another woman and even moved his things into the woman's residence. She was disappointed and left Nigeria for the UK. She wanted to break up with him, but he came back begging for her forgiveness when she returned and she gave in to him. She was very good in bed and was willing to satisfy him anytime he wanted sex. She gave him whatever would make him comfortable, because she truly loved him and wanted to be his wife for life.

He was very possessive and jealous. He felt uncomfortable anytime he saw her in the company of her male colleagues and beat her up after he saw her male colleague in her flat. She was pissed and took back the key she gave him to have access to her flat. He later pleaded for mercy and she was willing to forgive him. He seemed to be ready to make amends and he was even going to a popular pentecostal church with his aunt and they got engaged to wed last April. Then he did the worst when he was caught sleeping with the wife of a senior official in the LNG company where both of them were working. He had been seducing the wives of his bosses whilst on official duty as their chauffeur and nemesis had caught up with him. She was heart broken. The husband of the woman he slept with was so ashamed that he asked for transfer and left without the adulterous wife. The sex scandal shook the whole management and Chioma was too ashamed to hold her head high in office. This heartless driver fooled her. This was the last straw. Chioma resigned and left Nigeria for the UK without even telling us.


I felt sorry for Chioma as Jennifer and I discussed the romantic predicament of having a relationship with a man who is like a reed in a quicksand. He was unfaithful and unworthy of being trusted with such a precious heart.
"I hope she finds her true love in the UK," I said.
"No man tramples on the heart of a woman and escapes the grave consequences," Jennifer said.
She was missing Chioma who was very close to her and she had wished that Chioma would wed after her own wedding last year.
"That is why it is always good to look before you plunge into the swimming pool of romance, lest you end up swimming in the murky waters of shame and slime," I said.

N.B:
This is a true story and the events happened in Rivers state, Nigeria. I have changed the real names of the people mentioned in the details.


Photos of Top 10 Japanese Models and Top 10 Japanese Bikini Models


Reon Kadena

Japanese models are erotic and exotic to behold and Reon Kadena leads the bevy of Japanese beauties who are the top models from Japan and you can see the top Japanese Bikini Models .

I am planning something exclusive for the hottest Nigerian female models as never seen before online and offline, including my own hottie who is a knockout in bikini and she loves to swim.

Nigerian models are not well appreciated and not well paid in Nigeria. The most attractive Nigerian models are still inside Nigeria and not the few outside the country.

Kisses & Roses will celebrate Nigerian models and appreciate them as the top models are celebrated and appreciated in developed countries.


Keyshia Cole is Hotter Than July As She Releases Steady Flow of #1 Hits


"Heaven Sent" Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter, and record producer Keyshia Cole is hotter than July as she continues to top the Billboard 200 charts!

16 Jul 2008 19:39 Africa/Lagos

Keyshia Cole Releases Steady Flow of #1 Hits

KEYSHIA COLE REGAINS THE #1 SPOT ON BILLBOARD'S 'HOT R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS' AND 'HOT R&B/HIP-HOP AIRPLAY' CHARTS WITH HER 3rd SINGLE 'HEAVEN SENT' FROM THE PLATINUM-PLUS DISC 'JUST LIKE YOU'

'Heaven Sent' Makes Keyshia's 7th #1 Song At Radio

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 16 /PRNewswire/ --

Definitely avoiding the sophomore jinx, Grammy-nominated and award-winning Geffen Records superstar singer/songwriter, Keyshia Cole, continues to deliver the hits with her third (3rd) #1 single, "Heaven Sent," from her near-double-platinum-selling sophomore album, Just Like You. "Heaven Sent" currently sits atop Billboard's "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" and "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay" charts.


The coveted #1 spot is nothing new to the chart-topping Oakland native as "Heaven Sent" follows two (2) #1 singles from Just Like You: "Let It Go," and "I Remember." The single is the 7th #1 hit song at radio from Keyshia Cole over the past two years. Other #1s include "Love" and "I Should Have Cheated" from her platinum-selling debut The Way It Is, and the collaborations, "Last Night" and "Give It Up To Me," with Diddy and Sean Paul respectively.


Keyshia Cole is currently in the studio recording her third (3rd) yet-untitled CD to be released late 2008 and is gearing up for a soon-to-be announced tour. While she will soon start taping the 3rd season of her hit BET reality show, "The Way It Is," the second (2nd) season is the highest rated program in the network's history. The straight-from-the-soul singer is also gearing up to shoot a film based on her life and while recording her third (3rd) disc, a tenacious Keyshia Cole, takes time out to crisscross the globe with shows from Jamaica to Kansas City.


Source: Geffen Records

CONTACT: Tresa L. Sanders, Interscope Geffen A&M, +1-212-841-8272,
tresa.sanders@umusic.com


NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, press kits, or interview requests on Keyshia Cole, please contact Interscope Geffen A&M: Tresa L. Sanders at 212 841 8272 or via email at tresa.sanders@umusic.com.


Emeka Enyiocha and Chidi Chidi Nwokeabia Produce The Patriot and Open New Office


Emeka Enyiocha

Emeka Enyiocha and Chidi Nwokeabia Produce The Patriot and Open New Office

I was in Lagos two weeks ago and went to Surulere, the heartbeat of Nollywood.
I had to see Emeka Enyiocha on the new TV series "The Patriot" he has produced with his partner Chidi Nwokeabia.

Emeka and Chidi have opened their own production office and studios off the popular Adeniran Ogunsanya Street in Surulere, Lagos. It was a big place painted in green.
The publisher of the new Supple magazine and his Managing Editor were with me as I met with the young Nollywood star and his resourceful business partner. Emeka's dog was barking from the garage. He said he brought the dog to the office for security.

We discussed the past, the present and the future of the Nigerian film industry.
Then they told me that they have already produced over 13 episodes of "The Patriot" and how the series will be of immense benefit to nation building, because they will celebrate the courage of worthy Nigerian patriots as role models in the TV drama .
They did not want to rush to offer the TV series to Mnet for the Africa Magic channel, because Mnet is not paying Nigerian producers what they deserve. In fact, Mnet is cheating Nigerian producers on the Africa Magic Channel.

I wanted to invite Kanayo O. Kanayo to be the special guest at the press launch of my new book, but I postponed it, because the book was not well produced by the Nigerian publisher. I gave copies of the book to Emeka and Chidi and left another copy for Kanayo O. Kanayo. I wanted them to read the selected stories, because I am going to produce one of them before the next St. Valentine's Day. The movie will remember the late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya of the Life Foundation Church and I hope to cast Bimbo Akintola in the role of Pastor Bimbo. It would be a Nollywood movie.

Emeka and Chidi have sent "The Patriot" to the UK for international distribution and I know they will be celebrating the success soon.


Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Behind Every Successful Man, There Are Women Lurking in the Wings To Feast Where They Never Sowed


A Real Woman Will Be There With You Come Rain or Shine.

The one and only woman who was behind me was my mother. But since she died on May 26, 1993, there has been no other woman or women behind me, except the fair weather women who have not contributed to my progress or success. Only God has been and is still the only one behind my success.

I have had several women in my life and I often humbled myself to humour them to bring out the best in them, but their greatest achievement is to marry and raise a family to increase the population of the most populous country in Africa without any plan to secure their future.
They have no legacy.

I was in Lagos two weeks ago, and I was surrounded by many younger and older women with all their airs and graces, yet they were still promiscuous and vacuous.
They were chatty, but empty.
They were happier to be seen more as sex objects than anything else. They were quite amusing!
I could not even have any intellectual discussion with anyone of them and one of them has LL.B and LL.M and was all lovey-dovey, but my human capital development project was like rocket science to her. She would rather see us date and mate. Finis. I had to consult another attorney who was a total stranger and he was more rational in our discussions. Imagine a man who was meeting me for the first time making more reasonable intellectual contribution to my professional interests than a girlfriend I have known for over 17 years! We sat down to discuss business plans and books and it was very beneficial. We discussed the content of my new book and his own books. But all the Princess of the Nigerian Bar could say on my book was if there would be a book launching event so that she could use the occasion to dress to impress the society. I did not go back to see her and I have not even bothered to call her since I left Lagos. I changed my mind about taking her to the Ocean View on Victoria Island and gave the N20, 000 (twenty-thousand naira) to a good friend in need and sent another N20, 000 to a young female blogger who needed the money urgently.

I was very busy at work and making great progress, but I had more understanding with the Nigerian men who sat with me to discuss the future of the Nigerian news media online, the incorporation of my Nigerian Times International, my next books on Barack Obama and Nigeria, the publication of Hope Opara's Supple magazine and the political challenges of nation building.

The female editor I paid well to edit my book failed to even correct ordinary typos and ended up weeping and lamenting that she had no man to provide for her and that I had no right to order her to sit down and edit my book!

The others would rather get laid than read!

They want to have fun and good time, but they do not want to work hard with you to achieve success.



Most women want to reap where they never sowed
.

Is it not pathetic or even tragic to have a woman who has no intellectual capacity to comprehend the importance and significance of the nation building of a New Nigeria and she only cares about sharing your money and having sex for her selfish gratification?

They think relationship is a game of wits on how to eat your cake and have it back.
Do they amaze me?
No.
They amuse me as very funny creatures.

Most women are more like hawks lurking in the wings waiting for you to bring the bacon home for them to feast without even knowing how much you have laboured to bring the bacon home.

They seem to be ignorant of the fact that there is a season for sowing and if you do not join hands in sowing, you cannot join in reaping the harvest or join in the feast.

Behind every successful man, there is the will to succeed.
To God be all the glory for my success.



Oluwakemi in Action

May I invite you to preview Oluwakemi and you can subscribe less than $20 to watch the full length movie on your PC.


Calling All Fashionistas: Sony and Microsoft Launch 'My Graphic Splash' PC Contest

Calling All Fashionistas: Sony and Microsoft Launch 'My Graphic Splash' PC Contest


Nadia Buari and Veronique Pierre In Supple Magazine


Nadia Buari

The pretty and sexy Ghanaian-Lebanese actress Nadia Buari is the cover story and the beautiful and multi-talented French Canadian born actress and singer, Veronique Pierre is writing a column called Hollywood Insider for the new Supple magazine published by one of my highly recommended publishers, Hope Obioma Opara in Lagos, Nigeria.


Veronique Pierre

The production of Supple magazine was part of my working visit to Lagos and I stayed with the publisher and worked in his office. He is like a brother to me than being my publisher and business partner. We are partners in progress. The Language of True Love published by Hope Opara's Flonnal Limited is still the best selling book of romance in Bonny Kingdom and a collectors item.

I had a great time doing my best for the editorial board of Supple magazine in Lagos.
I contacted my beautiful friend Veronique and we spoke on phone whilst she was in Canada. She is someone I truly admire, appreciate and I love, for the hallmarks of her unique personality. Her natural beauty, dignity, humility and integrity. I want to bring her to our Nollywood and she wants me to come to Hollywood where she believes I would be more appreciated. She has already written and sent the first article for her column.

I am glad and grateful to God for knowing someone as special as Veronique Pierre.
She is Wow!

Supple magazine will be the first Nigerian magazine to be distributed by Amazon and you can order for copies right here on Kisses & Roses.


For Bisi Ojediran, big literary break offshore


Bisi Daniels

For Bisi Ojediran, big literary break offshore

The prolific writer Bisi Ojediran (now Bisi Daniels) has built a record in the literary world that is peculiar to him. Years ago, he came up with a mission of 'One-Novel-Per-Year. With several novels - eight in all, a variety of other books and eight plays in his kitty, he has kept that mission alive along with his busy schedule. Surprisingly, Ojediran is hitting the literary market in a big way with four books to be published in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria. In this interview with KABIR ALABI GARBA, he speaks on the literary deliveries, why he has to adopt a pen name, what he intends to do after his departure from Shell Nigeria and other issues of literary concerns. Excerpts:

FOUR books at a time, what are you gunning at?

Yes, four books in a year, but I will rather put it this way: A harvest of book contracts. God has blessed me with three overseas book contracts in a year, and if you imagine how difficult it is to get a publisher overseas, you will understand that this is a big break.

Let me share the piece of advice one of my editors in UK gave me last year. He said, I will read it to you because it will be very useful to other writers: "This is how the mainstream, corporate publishing worked in 2007: the entry level for a new novelist in the UK now (in any area of the market) is 'special', not 'good'. This is partially because sales and marketing directors have so much more power than they did ten years ago. If they don't believe they will be able to sell a first novel into W H Smiths and the rest of the bookselling trade in numbers, they'll block the editor from acquiring it in many companies. A senior editor told me a few weeks ago that even if he loved an author's writing, he wouldn't make an offer until the book that was submitted to him was 100 per cent right for the market - he has just acquired an author whose previous four novels he (and everyone else in London) had turned down despite liking them a great deal. Most editors see thirty books every week, and only take on one or two debut novels over an entire year. That's how special a new writer has to be.

"Once the editor does think they have something that special, they take it to the editorial meeting. Before that meeting, every other editor in the company has to read the book, and they will make their comments, positive and negative, at the meeting. If the book gets over that hurdle - and many don't - it will then be taken to the full publishing meeting. Before that meeting, the sales director, marketing director, publicity director, managing director and other senior, non-editorial staff members have to read it, and agree that it is both wonderfully written and intensely commercial. At this point, the sales director will say 'Who will buy this?', and the editor has to supply the names of two or three recently successful writers (and not long-term bestsellers) in the same area that the sales director can mention to the head office buyers at W H Smiths, Waterstones and the other book chains, should the author be taken on - these comparisons are very important. Who do you feel your work can be compared with? Again, many new books fall at this hurdle.

"However, if this is all agreed, the sales director and editor will agree on expected sales figures for the first print-run, and a costing will be produced. From that, the editor will come up with a sum that the book is worth to the publisher and, once he or she has the agreement of their managing director, they will make an offer. Easy! Fewer than 10 per cent of the books that enter this process at the editorial meeting actually have offers made. And they themselves are far less than 1 per cent of the books that are originally submitted by authors and agents".

And what is the fourth book?

The fourth book from me this year is a novel on Lagos I am publishing in Nigeria. So those are the four.

Can we have some more details about these books?

Well, with the situation in the industry as explained by my editor, a writer is likely to write faster than he gets published. The False Truth is really my 2007 project, but the assessment took about a year, and I got the acceptance letter about two months ago. It came about the same time I got the acceptance letter for The Girl From Nigeria. Both will be published in Europe. God Sent Me Back, an inspirational book, will be published in the US. The fourth, Conspiracy Of Lagos my 2008 offering will be published in two months from now here in Nigeria. As I said earlier, I had been writing faster than the rate I have been publishing, so at any point in time, I had one or two manuscripts to send around to publishers. However with this development, I have to play the catch up.

When are they going to hit the market?

Conspiracy of Lagos should be out by August. It is currently been proofread in the UK. I have been told that the three will be published in the fourth quarter. They have all been listed on the websites of the publishers. I will show you after the interview.

What does this mean to you and your career?

It feels good to be on the world stage in this way. My first attempt was not successful because the UK publisher who had just started the business, experienced some setbacks. We had to cancel the contract.

You said shortly before the interview that you are now going to use a pen name.

Yes. The Bisi is still there, but I am using Daniels, which is my father's first name.

So you are now Bisi Daniels?

Yes, sir. I also intend to make Bisi Daniels and my continuing character Peter Abel notable brands. The world stage is big. I have researched the use of pen names. People use them for many reasons. Mine is to use a name that my publishers advised would be reader-friendly in the overseas market. Let me tell you some of the surprises I discovered in my research. George Orwell was the pen name of Eric Arthur Blair, and George Eliot was in fact a woman - Mary Ann Evans. You know the behavioural traits of creative writers. They like to be as free as air. I have tried to tone some things down because of my recent environment.

Like what?

If you saw me as journalist, you never saw me in a suit. And lately, I found it difficult to wear a tie. I have over 50, but there are there, some still brand new. You never know.

What has been the impact of your last novel published in the UK?

That is the one I just spoke about. We had to cancel the contract. I updated it and re-offered it as The Girl From Nigeria. I thank God that it was accepted by a bigger UK publisher almost immediately. It is a very good story and it is not surprising that a film producer in Nigeria is interested in it.

Really? Can we have some more details about this?

No, sir. I can't say more at this point. He came at a time I had already signed the contract, so I am trying to connect him with the publisher. It is for them to sell the rights, not me.

Publishing market in Nigeria and UK, what are the similarities, challenges, prospects...?

I will say in both cases, it is tough for both the publishers and the writers. In Nigeria, there are not many publishers because of the business climate and the reading culture. Most of the few publishers prefer to publish educational books for which markets are assured. Although there is a larger number of publishers in the UK, there are very many writers competing for them. So, in both Nigeria and the UK, the supply and demand curves look similar - more manuscripts than publishers.

At the beginning of your literary endeavour, you came up with a promise of 'One Novel Per Year', which you kept faithfully until 2006 when the Product of Africa was released. But your readers waited patiently in 2007 for another rich and refreshing literary delivery, which didn't come anyway, expect a compilation on Men of God. What happened?_

Ah, Oga. Once I was very young. Now I am getting old. Work schedule has become tighter, and there is a family to bond with. It is not enough to take care of kids, you have to play with them, watch cartoons together, etc. Having explained that much, I want to disagree with you that Nigeria's Men of God is a mere compilation. Talk to your religious correspondents to know how difficult it is to get some of these pastors for interviews. And of course, you know that even the best interview does not flow smoothly. Some areas have to be rewritten or re-presented. In addition to the inspirational book, I wrote The False Truth. It is going to be published this year, but the writing was completed in 2007.

Is that the novel they say is about Third Term?

I don't know about Third Term o. It is about good governance in Africa. You would agree with me that the one reason Africa is poor lies in the quality of leadership. The novel was indeed set in East Africa, and in this case the President did not really want tenure elongation; an international cabal wanted him to stay on. As a journalist I think another thing that will interest you is the investigative journalist who became the Chief Press Secretary of the President. You know leaders like journalists to give them publicity, but in reality I am not sure they like nosy, professional journalists who never stop asking questions when things are not done rightly. My character (Peter Abel) was so hounded by the protagonists of tenure elongation that he had to fake his own death and escape to the US, where he eventually saved the President from being poisoned. In the novel I also try to answer the popular question, 'What is wrong with the black man?' That is the novel I dedicated to Dr. Mo Ibrahim. In 2006, Dr. Ibrahim, who sold Celtel, his pan-African mobile phone company to MTC of Kuwait for $3.4bn, launched the world's biggest prize to reward good governance by departing African statesmen, with a host of world leaders backing his landmark initiative. I did the dedication with his consent, and I can't wait to send him autographed copies of the novel.

And what is this Conspiracy of Lagos?

You will love it. You know in Lagos, they don't say "Welcome." They tell new arrivals, "This is Lagos." Life in Lagos is tough, but most of its residents don't want to leave town. Have you noticed how fast Lagos is expanding? But really, life here is so tough that the new comer has to be very careful they don't end in a hole. You know Lagos is also a city of opportunities. I picture the entrance to Lagos as one big gate at intersection of two roads: One to hell, which is the hole I talk about and one to a land of bliss. I don't want to use Heaven because it means far more than enjoying life. You could say the novel captures the good, the bad, and the funny of Lagos.

You use actors and actresses on the cover of your novels published in Nigeria to attract readership. Who is on the cover of this?

Yes, you know our reading culture. Some people have to be helped to read. So the cover attracts them, they go ahead to read the blurb or the first page, and then, "oh, I must read this interesting story." Desmond Elliot is on the cover of this one. You know the guy looks calm - just like my character. I decided to rest Peter Abel this time. I am taking him, Peter Abel, to Nollywood in his next outing.

Looks like you can't stop writing.

No. I feel like my blood is freezing when I don't have a book project on hand. Then also, all manner of stupid temptations crop up. You know the devil is a master of mind games. But more importantly, God's gift must be used to the fullest. That is what I am trying to do.

Writing for you is out of passion and a hobby. Can book authorship sustain man?

Sustenance is a relative term. But generally, returns on books are low in Nigeria because of the poor reading culture. Authors of some school textbooks, yes. Some novels and children books, may be. But the more books one has in the market the better. Little drops of water from my many books here and there are encouraging.

So it pays to have a more steady source of income?

Yes, at least for beginners. It even helps in the sense that one does not have to rush one's project to the market hoping for quick returns. I however must sound a word of caution here. Some bosses don't react kindly to such creative endeavours. I know an author who was given a reward by his company for doing them proud over one book he published; I know a young man who was advised by his immediate boss to 'slow down on this book thing,' because other bosses were complaining. And I know an author who was victimized for his books. When he presented a request for sponsorship from ANA, he was later accused of using the resources of the company to pay ANA to ghost write for him. Strangely some other top people in company believed this. I know Wale Okediran will be shocked to hear this. One has to be careful in the work environment, but it is important to ensure that one's God-given gift is not killed. I know some gifted media men like your own Martins Oloja, and Stanley Egbochukwu, who is trying to revive Daily Times, would feel uncomfortable elsewhere, no matter how well they are paid.

When is your next project?

Luckily, I had some more time to finish my 2008 project. And with four books going out, I think I should have some rest by reading and reading and reading.

It is said that 'you are leaving Shell!' True?

Yes, I am out of Shell.

Reminiscences on your years at Shell? Are we expecting a Peter Abel in the oil industry? You have worked in two oil companies now.

Interestingly, I am even coming under pressure from some people in the industry to write, but no. I try not to mention oil in my books - 8 novels now. They say 'never say never,' but for now, I am not sure I will. There is something Mr. Femi Kusa, the former editor of The Guardian taught me. He said, 'never write with the aim of bringing someone or an organisation down.' People already know so much about the oil industry, they know it is the cash cow of the economy, so obviously what they are telling me to write about are the grey areas. But all units of the economy - individuals, firms and governments - have their weaknesses.

After Shell, what next? Where are you basically heading? To the newsroom, as you predicted some years back? Or classroom, your 'natural calling'?

I have been getting offers, but I have not made a decision yet. The newsroom still attracts me. I made a lot of innovations, which are now widely used, and I have a lot more. For now, I need to rest my head before it catches fire.


From The Guardian

Link:
Desmond Eliott Prize 2008


WHAT A COUNTRY! : An Interactive Discussion On Nigeria

GLENDORA READINGS PRESENTS


Kunle Ajibade

WHAT A COUNTRY! : An Interactive Discussion featuring

Odia Ofeimun

Reuben Abati

Toyin Akinosho

Kunle Ajibade

Kunle Ajibade’s new book, ‘What a Country! goes beyond the narrative aesthetics of his prison memoir, Jailed for Life: A reporter’s Prison Notes, published in February 2003, to grapple with questions of justice, popular welfare, human rights and good governance. It is eloquent and poignant. Its vision is broad, both powerfully anchored in local knowledge and robustly cosmopolitan. Its passion for the betterment of Nigeria – indeed, what a country! – is evident and infectious. Kunle Ajibade, never lets go the respect for human value, the shared space that the creativity of writers, human rights activists and pro-democracy workers – especially the leading lights, avatars and exemplars of the cause – have defended across the world at great risks to their own lives.

Author’s Bio

Kunle Ajibade attended the University of Ife, where he earned a B.A. in English and an M.A in Literature-in-English. Before he became a co-founder/publisher of The News and P.M. News, he had worked in Grant advertising as a copy writer, in Chief Abiola’s African Concord as a senior correspondent and in African Guardian as an assistant editor. In 1995 he was jailed for life because of a story published in The News magazine and was only released in 1998 when his jailer, General Sani Abacha, died. Ajibade won the 1998/1999 Feuchtwanger Fellowship to write his prison memoir, Jailed for Life: A Reporter’s Prison Notes, which was published in February 2003 by Heinemann Educational Books. The book won the first Victor Nwankwo Book of the Year Award instituted by the Nigerian Book Fair Trust.


DATE: 17TH JULY
TIME: 4:00PM
VENUE: THE JAZZHOLE, 168 AWOLOWO ROAD,IKOYI, LAGOS


Tuesday, July 15, 2008

A Naked Tom Hanks Being Chased By Dogs On A Street in Nigeria and other Matters


Tom Hanks

Two nights ago, I had a strange dream where I was in the same hotel with Tom Hanks and later we had to jump from a balcony to the ground floor, but Tom Hanks who was stark naked landed on the grounds of another building and I heard the barks of dogs. Then I saw two dogs after him. The sight of a naked man being chased by dogs on the street in Lagos was dangerous, because he could be mistaken for an escaping thief. A street mob would soon be after him and he could be lynched and set ablaze before finding out if he was a thief or not. It was a strange dream. I will state the details later.


Many families are fleeing Bonny Island before tomorrow July 16, the deadline of the ultimatum militants gave foreigners and non-indigènes to leave before their attacks on the kingdom. The Nigerian soldiers are fully armed to confront them as I saw many soldiers guarding the Nigerian LNG Bonny Plant Complex and residential areas. I saw a tough looking soldier in combat mood with a machine gun behind a fortification of sandbags. They were frisking people on foot and searching vehicles.

I was at the Guaranty Trust Bank to deposit some dollars in a domiciliary account, but the bank could not receive such deposits, because it was not fully operational in fear of the looming hostilities and most banks have been shut on Bonny Island.

I heard the bad news that some people fleeing Bonny Island drowned when their boat capsized in the Bonny river. I was sad, but I could not stop those I knew were fleeing in fear. I can only pray for their safety.


Monday, July 14, 2008

To Love is All That Matters Most To Me



I love my sweetest
She is all that matters to me in the affairs of the heart.
I think of her daily and recall the precious moments we have spent together.

I am working harder to make sure that I can provide for her needs.

I am happy and merry, because I love to love and loving someone means the whole world to me.

Love is the heartbeat of my life.


Friday, July 11, 2008

Wedding Guests Catch Bridezilla Fever

11 Jul 2008 08:00 Africa/Lagos


Wedding Guests Catch Bridezilla Fever

LONDON, July 11/PRNewswire/ --

- One in Three Brits Spend Over GBP100 to Look Good as the Busiest Wedding Weekend of the Year Approaches

Looking their best is the biggest priority for today's web-savvy wedding guests, according to a survey conducted by social networking site Friends Reunited. A poll of its users demonstrated that as many as 38% of us have spent the last three months getting ready for a friend or family member's wedding - a whole quarter of a year!

More weddings will take place this weekend than any other weekend of the year* and with 69% of respondents expecting to see photos appearing online within days, it's no wonder that we're more interested in our appearance than ever before. 57% of respondents admitted that it's important to them to look good in their friends' wedding photos, so much so that one in three of us spend over GBP100 on preparing ourselves for the big day and one in ten spend a whopping GBP200 or more.

Upstaging the bride, such as Victoria Beckham's appearance at Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' wedding, is another big concern for wedding guests. 74% say they would find it mortifying if they ended up outshining the lady of the day.

According to the research, wedding guests flock to the web within days of an event to see photos that others have taken, compare tales and catch up with events they missed. An estimated 500 photos are shared online through social networks in the week after a wedding, meaning none of us dare look anything less than our best on the big day - even if we're not walking up the aisle ourselves.

Jon Clark, head of Friends Reunited, said: "Our members are sharing more and more photos online and it's the major events like weddings that create the most excitement. Members have always used the site to find out what old friends are up to but since we took the site free in April, new features like our Timeline are letting people swap stories and photos from event like weddings. This is the way the web is evolving and it's allowing British grown-ups to become more sociable online."

*(according to previous years' statistics)

About Friends Reunited

Friends Reunited was launched in July 2000 and swiftly turned into a media phenomenon. Since then it has grown from being one of Britain's most favourite websites into a national institution. What began as a back-bedroom hobby to put old school friends back in touch with each other has developed into the unofficial 'People's Who's Who' by including workplaces, teams/clubs, streets and armed forces. It currently has over 20 million members worldwide and operates in four countries. Each week, an average of 35,500 people join the site. Since 2005, Friends Reunited has been owned by the UK's biggest commercial broadcaster, ITV.

Source: Friends Reunited

For further information or survey details please contact Elle Orebi Gann on eleanor.orebigann@hotwirepr.com or +44(0)20-7608-2500
Related Links


Can I Trust You With My Heart?



Can I trust you with my heart?
Promise me you will not break it.

Can I trust you with my heart?
Promise me you will not crush it.

Can I trust you with my heart?
Promise me you will not dash it to pieces.

Can I trust you with my heart?


Wednesday, July 09, 2008

San Antonio Hooters Girl Crowned Miss Hooters International 2008


Vanessa Ferbeyre, Nesie Daglis, Sara Hoots, Heather Brady and Serina Snelling were selected as the top 5 Hooters Girls in the 12th Annual International Swimsuit Pageant. (PRNewsFoto/Hooters of America, Inc.) FORT LAUDERDALE, FL UNITED STATES 07/09/2008

9 Jul 2008 07:01 Africa/Lagos

San Antonio Hooters Girl Crowned Miss Hooters International 2008

Sara Hoots will represent Hooters for 1 year after taking home the $50,000 grand prize

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Sara Hoots, a Hooters Girl in Selma, TX a city right outside of San Antonio, will return to her hometown $50,000 richer after being crowned Miss Hooters International 2008 tonight at the 12th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant. She was selected from 128 Hooters Girl contestants that traveled from as far as Shanghai to represent the 446 Hooters restaurants around the world.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080709/CLW047 )


From evening gowns to swimsuits, the contestants was judged by a distinguished celebrity panel including Actor, D.B. Sweeney; Miami Heat Point Guard, Gary Payton; IndyCar racer, Helio Castroneves; E! Entertainment Host, Michael Yo; ESPN's "Stump the Schwab", Howie Schwab; Professional Golfer, John Daly; NBA Player and Best Damn Sports Show Period co-host, John Salley and Top Fuel Dragster, Brandon Bernstein. For the second year in a row Sports Announcer and host of Fox Sports Net Best Damn Sports Show Period, Chris Rose, hosted the pageant.


Along with the cash and crown Sara Hoots also brings home the responsibility to represent the concept as the quintessential Hooters Girl -- the cheerleader, girl next door. "The judges had a tough job this year, every contestant was gorgeous," stated Beth Taylor, Pageant Director for Hooters. "But we couldn't have picked a better winner. Given her name and genuine personality, Sara was destined to take home the crown," stated Beth Taylor, Pageant Director.


In addition to the winner, there were 4 top finalists, all of whom will take home prizes. Heather Brady, representing Killeen, TX was first runner up and received $15,000 in cash plus prizes; Nesie Daglis who represented Downtown Atlanta took home $10,000 was second runner up and in third place was Vanessa Ferbeyre, Miss Miami took home $8,000. Serina Snelling, representing Hampton, VA was the 4th place runner up and receives $7,000. Ms. Congeniality was voted for by the contestants themselves and was won by Emma Cam of Australia, and a Ms. Photogenic award which includes a professional photo shoot valued at $5,000 went to Sarah Barret of Lafayette, IN. In recognition of the chain's international expansion, a Miss Hooters World was given to Suzie Fu representing Beijing, China.


The pageant was held at the Broward Theatre for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, FL and was broadcast live to all Hooters restaurants across the country. During the show, Hooters Girl, Stormie Hawkins from Peoria, IL was awarded the Viewer's Choice Award by receiving the majority of over 130,000 text votes that were cast during the contest.


Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 440 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 27 foreign countries. The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida and is celebrating the 25th anniversary this year. Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls. For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.


Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080709/CLW047
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN7
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Hooters of America, Inc.

CONTACT: Alexis Aleshire, Public Relations Manager, Hooters of America,
Inc., +1-770-799-2256, aaleshire@hooters.com


Web site: http://www.hooters.com/



Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Love in the State of Emergency

I have not been online as I would love to since I arrived Bonny last Friday. The banks on Bonny Island have been shut since the kingdom has been under siege when the dreaded militants and gunmen attacked both their military and civilian targets on the Island. The combined forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Police are even using the Nigeria LNG Jetties and the helipad within the Nigeria LNG Residential Estate for their deployment to Bonny Island for the military mission against the militants and gunmen on rampage in the Niger Delta.

The PC I use for my online programs has been damaged and I have to buy a new one. But I am still composing new love poems and love songs.

The people on Bonny Island are living in fear of the next attack of the militants, and the safest place seems to be the Nigeria LNG RAs where the residents are still enjoying their Happy Hours at the West Bar where lovers meet for fun.
There is still time and space to love in the state of emergency.