What's been around Town

The Summer is gone and not much of the heatwave as predicted. I had fun and it was a real blast, from hanging around my neck of the wood and doing my own little thing, I mean the Hollywood hype kind of stuff to all that Summer jams and live concerts coupled with all that politicking, aggressive campaign stuff, Barack Obama and John McCain.

I have stayed away from the politics of the day, really focussing on the Summer jams which spiced me keeping my body and soul together. The reason is not far fetched. There are many other issues of the day that takes up my time especially when one has to be responsible one way or the other putting things into perspective that way the body and soul stays intact without being apart. And when the soul leaves the body it surely becomes a long story.

Anyways, it's all good. I enjoyed all the concerts so far including the comedy clubs. I did visit the Downtown Comedy Club a couple of times this Summer and it was a good company. The club is owned by OG of Saturday Night Live, Mr. Garrett Morris. It's a place to hang out on Fridays and Saturdays if you really want to crack up your ribs. Good place and great comedy.

The African Marketplace Festival which is currently vibrating on the playgrounds of Dorsey High School is another carnival of interest. I will write in detail soon. It has embraced people from all walks of life and Reggae OG Gregory Issaacs will be playing live on Labor Day to bid farewell to the festival. I will be there live and I'm quite sure it's going to be another hell of a show.

Oh, by the way, I'm still a political junkie and do not know, neither do I have a comment on the McCain Veepee pick. Without a doubt Obama made the right choice as the long hurdle to the White House begins. It's all about change and the American people can't wait anymore longer.

Sounds like a political junkie? You bet!

Hells Yes We Can

"With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States."

"Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story-of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to. It is that promise that has always set this country apart-that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well."

"Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach."

"I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans. I just think he doesn't know. Why else would he define middle-class as someone making under five million dollars a year? It's not because John McCain doesn't care. It's because John McCain doesn't get it."

"We must also admit that fulfilling America's promise will require more than just money. It will require a renewed sense of responsibility from each of us to recover what John F Kennedy called our 'intellectual and moral strength.'"

"In the faces of those young veterans who come back from Iraq and Afghanistan, I see my grandfather, who signed up after Pearl Harbour, marched in Patton's Army, and was rewarded by a grateful nation with the chance to go to college on the GI bill. "In the face of that young student who sleeps just three hours before working the night shift, I think about my mom, who raised my sister and me on her own while she worked and earned her degree; who once turned to food stamps but was still able to send us to the best schools in the country with the help of student loans and scholarships."

"For over two decades, [McCain]'s subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy: Give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the 'ownership society,' but what it really means is 'You're on your own.'"

"Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity, not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work. That's the promise of America — the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise and fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper, I am my sister's keeper. That's the promise we need to keep. That's the change we need right now."

"We meet at one of those defining moments-a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more. These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed presidency of George W. Bush."

"You don't defeat a terrorist network that operates in eighty countries by occupying Iraq. You don't protect Israel and deter Iran just by talking tough in Washington. You can't truly stand up for Georgia when you've strained our oldest alliances. If John McCain wants to follow George Bush with more tough talk and bad strategy, that is his choice - but it is not the change we need. We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country. Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe."

"I don't fit the typical pedigree, and I haven't spent my career in the halls of Washington. But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the naysayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you."

"America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this. Eight is enough!"

"Change happens because the American people demand it — because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time. America, this is one of those moments. I believe that as hard as it will be, the change we need is coming."

WORLD CUP: Super Eagles Meets Bafana Bafana

Much has been talked about the elite squad of Bafana Bafana as South African national coach Joel Natalino Santana predicts the Nigerian squad are "beatable" when both teams meet on September 6 to slug it out in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native needs to work harder to avoid a Bafana Bafana drop out from the Nations Cup in 2010 which would be held in Angola. South Africa is behind and if they should lose to Nigeria, their chances for a 2010 Nations Cup may slip away.

South Africa has not beaten Nigeria in any major tournament but Coach Santana is assuring South Africans that he can make it happen.

On the other hand, replacements has been made on the Nigerian squad by Coach Shuaibu Amodu due to injuries. Christian Obodo replaces John Mikel Obi while Joseph Akpala replaces Obafemi Martins.

The game would probably be quite close but I think Nigeria has a better chance and would take it at the games crucial stage.

The Line: Nigeria by 2

News Desk Thursday, August 28, 2008

FG douses anxiety over Yar'Adua's health

THE Federal Government moved, yesterday, to douse public anxiety over the state of health of President Umaru Yar’Adua following his failure to return home from Saudi Arabia where he is performing the lesser hajj, and said there was nothing unusual about the delay in his return. MORE>>>



How to end Niger Delta crisis, by Anyaoku, Uduaghan, others

AN overhaul of the nation's security system, election of credible leadership, a better anti-corruption crusade, dialogue with militants and sincerity on the part of the Federal Government in addressing the problems affecting the Niger Delta MORE>>>

Clampdown on MAssob members

Leader of the Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has raised alarm over an alleged harassment and intimidation by state security operatives in the South East zone ahead of August 28 sit-at-home order. MORE>>>

Gunmen kill UNIBEN deputy registrar

The deputy registrar, killed late on Monday, was the husband of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State and former member of the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Elizabeth Ighodalo. MORE>>>


Militants kidnap Isreali

An Isreali construction worker has been kidnapped in Port Harcourt Rivers State, but no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction. Identified as Mr. Ehub Arny, the Israeli was kidnapped in his residence in Port Harcourt by four unknown gunmen. MORE>>>

Lollapalooza: The ultimate let's get funky festival!

Annual music fest, Lollapalooza, is like a light for celeb moths and music heads but it's also a perfect opportunity for people to get real funky with fashion. Personally, I would throw on something FAB with sparkles and color; the kind of thing that would get me photographed. But many chose to be lowkey cute, casual and comfortable. So for those of us who don't have that jetting-to-Chicago-for-the-weekend kind of money or time, let's travel via world wide web to laugh at the people who thought they looked cute and give kudos to those who actually did…

Poor thing. As if the ill-fitting lamé bikini top and non-matching tube socks with high top nurse shoes weren't enough to destroy her life…she had to go and destroy mine. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I COULD HAVE DONE WITH THOSE SHORTS??? If she's not going to treat them right... GIVE THEM TO ME!

Yes, high-waist is in! NO, not like this! Her capris look like they belong to an old woman living in a Florida retirement home and as much as I adore Converse (as they're the only sneakers I really wear), these don't do it for me. Maybe I'm distracted by the hideous capris.

I'm not going to be rough on the red skirt, maybe it just needed a belt to cinch her waist and a slight pressing. The problem is I can't really see where the shoes fit in.

Yes, I said Lollapalooza was perfect for getting funky. I didn't mean THIS FUNKY! Just, why?

Not quite sure where to start: I mean for one, red and yellow together is already screaming McDonald's, but then you go and make them striped? Thick stripes at that! Lesson for the day: refrain from wearing yellow and red stripes! Dude in the middle has some dope aviators though.

White is a perfectly classic color for summer but you have to do it right! I love that she wears a drop waist since it flaunts her boxy shape and channels the 30's flapper. But (and this is a big BUT) the sleeves have to go and I know they say that nude shoes make your legs look longer but not when paired with self made knee highs. And again, the sleeves, really?

I can't tell whether I love Lupe's look or hate it...there's a fine line, you know! Like I've mentioned a million times before, I'm all about the "Year of the Gentlemen" trend Ne-Yo has brought on. Lupe's sneakers paired with the suit are kind of like a futuristic Usher in the video for "Yeah!" The long-sleeved shirt, tie and vest (even in all that heat) looks so dope and put together! I guess it is about uniqueness…okay okay, I give in…I love it! Speaking of loving it…

This is a perfect outfit for an outdoor music fest! THIS is how you do a drop waist! The crochet pattern is too cute and her belt and aviator shades are dope. She knows her trends too because those were the perfect sandals to take this look from regular to fashionable!

This is a simple outfit… nothing special. But her old-school purse is just the interesting accessory to add a perfectly girlie touch!

I am in love with graphic tees on guys. Not "message tees" per se but the H&M-esque colorfully patterned tees that look like art. I also think it's awesome that he has on skinny jeans that aren't fitting like leggings! I think he looks great! And her whole outfit is awesome. It's trendy and definitely says summer! I love her shades but my fave piece is definitely the white washed vest. It's uber-cute and gives the outfit that something special!

Cat Powers looks like she didn't even think twice about her outfit but she looks effortlessly cool. Her stacked bracelets are the dopest part but tees that share a message of peace never go out of style!

You know you love him: Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick gives us Beatles 2008! So simple, yes, but I think he looks great in his plain white tee and black pants! The loafers make it unique.

Yellow is oh so in for summer! I love it in this maxi dress…especially against her skin tone. It looks fabulously free and fun!

But her yellow pants are an original twist to the trend and I found it refreshing to see! The sandals and designed beater are both simple enough to let the pants take the spotlight but cute enough to be noticed!

-Nastasia

Sources: *style.com *metro mix Chicago *lupEND Blog *Stereogum

Designer Spotlight: Real Men Wear Bonobos

Wool Pluperfects $350.00

In fashion, us girls know that it's all about the fit. Now our male counterparts are getting the picture. In the constant effort to stop what they call "khaki diaper butt," Brian Spaly and Andy Dunn of Bonobos expertly manufacture well-cut men's pants, including corduroys ($110–$130), wool trousers ($190–$350), twill pants ($110-$120) and colorful shorts ($75-$95), all accented by printed linings.

Seersucker Super Soakers $150.00

Just what is it that makes these pants so fab? Sportsmen appreciate the flattering cut meant for larger posterior muscles. And everyman can appreciate intelligent details including a curved waistband to prevent bunching around the beltline and a slight flare in the silhouette which makes legs appear longer.

Jungle Kings $95.00

Want to see for yourself why the line has developed a cult following? All styles can be found exclusively at bonobospants.com.

Source

Hanging out with Filmmaker Pascal Atuma on the set of 'My American Nurse II'

About a month ago I had sat over lunch with Pascal Atuma and his attorney at Veronica's Kitchen, in Inglewood, California. We had met to discuss on a series that would probably run about five parts within the next couple of years.

The first part of the series has just been released on DVD and Pascal had brought along with him a copy for me, and talks on part II had commenced as we sat on the corner doing justice to the orishirishi soup and pounded yam at Veronica. I first watched the movie at its premiere on the Crenshaw thoroughfare at Magic Theaters.

Though the movie started shooting about a week ago, Pascal called me to visit the set at Calabar Finger-Licks Restaurant in Gardena last Sunday. Quite busy with the Sunday activities, the African Marketplace Festival and the carnivals of African drums at Leimert Park's "Black Township," I still gave it a shot and popped up at Calabar Finger-Licks Restaurant where the actors, crews and extras milled around the set.

Pascal had told me the second part will be coming up much better when it's released sometime next year. The stars on the set included Hakeem Kae-Kazim and Aloma Wright.

More jabs to come on the set as Shehu's (Pascal Atuma) wife tries to gain ground in the US with all sorts of uncertainties coupled with domestic violence calls.

News Desk (Late Edition) Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Nigeria, Iran negotiate MoU on nuclear power, BASA

The Nigerian-Iran Joint Commission has listed for discussion nuclear power for peaceful purposes, oil and transportation, as the third session of the commission opened in Abuja on Tuesday. MORE>>>

Nigeria sets ambitious renewable energy target

Renewable energy presently contributes less that one per cent of the country’s energy mix profile. Victor Fodeke, Head of the Nigeria Special Climate Change Unit said Tuesday in Accra that the move was aimed at addressing Nigeria’s "awful" energy situation. MORE>>>

Cybersecurity forum: A wake up call to fight online fraudulent activities

At the end of the just concluded 1st National Conference on Cybercrime & Cybersecurity held in Abuja last week, stakeholders in the Nigerian Information Communications Technology Industry were worried over the rising online fraud in the nation’s economy MORE>>>

The Ndidi stock exchange (NSE)

The on-going investigation on her is in connection with her leadership of a group that is suspected of trying to fleece Nigerians in the name of American Democratic Party Presidential Candidate, Barrack Obama. MORE>>>

N'Delta youth activist arrested, jailed in US, deported

NIGER-Delta youth activist and president of the Federated Niger-Delta Ijaw Communiites (FNDIC), Chief Bello Oboko was arrested and thrown into the Atlanta Central jail, in the United States for 10 hours and later deported back to Nigeria on August 23 by American security agents MORE>>>

Dariye loot: British lawyers collect £500 per hour

EACH hour spent by the British lawyers of the Federal Government in processing the repatriation of the loot recovered from former Governor of Plateau Sate, Chief Joshua Dariye, cost Nigerian tax payers £500 (N117,500), Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission MORE>>>

The Perfect $40 Dress

Cotton Bandeau Dress- $43

I don't usually give up my secrets, but since I love you guys so much, (not to mention I've been able to take advantage of this find all summer) I've decided to let you in on my favorite dress of the moment, "The $40 Dress." At least, that's the name my friends and I have given it, and it's perfect! From the good people at American Apparel, the $40 Dress can be worn at least 15 different ways, including as a shirt!

The instructional video on the website demonstrates all 15 versions, and I've seen it tricked out in a couple of other ways in the window displays. I've tried it 4 different ways so far and plan on continuing to experiment.

Cotton Bandeau Pencil Dress- $41

Like the fashion fiend I am, I went out and bought the pencil version too...it's that amazing!




It's like buying 20 different outfits for $40. And in true American Apparel tradition, there are tons of colors to choose from!

-Nastasia

P.S. – When I bought them, they were $37! So go out and get it now before the price goes up AGAIN!

Source

News Desk (Late Edition) Monday, August 25, 2008

Blackhawks Sign Aliu to 3-year contract

After being signed to an amateur tryout contract on April 4th, he made his professional debut with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs. Aliu posted two penalty minutes in two contests. MORE>>>


Nigeria’s football as metaphor of promise

No, Nigeria’s football team did not win the gold at the just-concluded Beijing Olympic Games, but they gave an undeniably golden account of themselves. At the end of their riveting decisive match with repeating champions Argentina, the Nigerians could lay a claim only to the silver... MORE>>>

ICAN rejects increase in VAT rate

Uche, who gave the advice at a lecture he delivered to participants of the Senior Executive Course 30 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, near Jos, on Monday, said that any increase from the current five per cent to the propsed 10 per cent would further impoverish Nigerians. MORE>>>

N1.5 trillion missing in NNPC account –Speaker

The annual conference of the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] opened in Abuja on Monday with a startling revelation by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, that a whooping N1.5 trillion generated as revenue from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation [NNPC] in the last 10 years has not been remitted into the Federal Account Allocation Committee [FAC]. MORE>>>

Oil firms funded NDDC with N30bn in 2007 —Omiyi

OIL companies in Nigeria under the auspices of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) say they funded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the tune of N30 billion as part of its Sustainable Development (SD) programme in the Niger Delta last year... MORE>>>

Elizabeth and James Plume Feather Vest

First seen on Rihanna, the Plume Feather Vest from MK and Ashley Olsen's Elizabeth and James line has been making fashionable appearances on starlets everywhere this month. The front of the popular silk twill tuxedo vest is scattered, smothered and covered with delicate ostrich feathers from shoulder to hem. Rihanna smartly paired hers with black skinny jeans, a white beater and Louboutins.

Cassie wore hers shirtless with pointy pumps and leggings and kept it simple in head to toe black.

Amerie went way OTT, combining her vest with a pink tank, fringed over-the-knee boots, a printed bag and too much makeup.

My girl Aubrey stood out from the crowd in the white version, but lost me with those python boots.

The feathery vest is flying out of stores but can still be found at Intermix for $595.00. Would you wear it?

Source/Source/Source

Out About Town: Dawnie's DK B-day

Hi again pickled pudding pops! Do tell: is your summer flying by as fast as mine? My August '08 will soon disappear in a fabulous fog of work, business travel, parties, writing and more work. Life is good. But unfortch, a life lived thoroughly zshujshed means that my Out About Town posts remain famously and fashionably late. Dear readers, forgive me. In return for your patience, how about some pics from Dawn Richard of Danity Kane's birthday party at Club Cain? Yes, honey, the same party that landed me on Bossip with Andre J! Well, actually Andre J. landed on Bossip and my gold leggings made an appearance. I'll take it! And away we go...

This gentleman never fails to leave an impression. He is a master of mixing prints!

Uber-publicist Ra-Fael Blanco (left) totally lights up my life! (Look out for my interview with his client, Supermodelo Dominicano, Miguel Perdomo, coming soon!) Here he is with Richard Pelzer, Brand Director for Bleu Magazine.

These girls were holding court outside and looking great doing it. The sheer blouse is so on trend.

Singer C.Boyd was really sweet and looking quite dapper...make sure to check out his music!

We still weren't quite ready to head inside, so instead we ran into these two beauties. Like the makeup? Make-up artist, Lauren Knuckles (right), does her thing.


She was rocking a great mini dress and a great smile to go with it!

I was sooo happy to see Miss Martha Banks because the last time I took her pic, we were at a Remy party and let's just say I was a little to spirited to focus. Got her this time!

One look at her and I stopped in my tracks. Bratz doll beautiful, totally over the top and loving it.

Hello my loves! I love meeting up with my darling Matthew and his fab friend Troy. Fun times unlimited. Loving Troy's necklace and Matthew's shirt/tie/vest combo.

The next thing you know, someone yells, "In A Word Fab! In A Word Fab! Jersey represent!" And it is none other than the unmistakable Andre J! How sweet is it that he remembered us meeting at a fashion show a few months back?

It was a love fest! Miss Honey was working his Beyonce!

Sooo cute and nice and poured a mean cocktail. Luh you boo!

So after leaving Andre to his public, we mixed and mingled and came upon Laurieann "Boom Kack, For Your Life!" Gibson. Like the diva she is, she went straight into the couture pose for me. Work, b*tch. I am so damn happy she is back on Making the Band!


She took the Egyptian theme very very seriously. Cleopatra 3000! And she is serving you multiple looks honey, please take note.

I really liked his hat and oversized white jacket for summer. The toy gun is an interesting touch.



Her sparkly BCBG Max Azria backless dress was absolutely glam. Sophisticated and yet young and fun enough for a night out.


Drumbeats make everything sexier.

The camera came out and he was ready. The pose is effortless, darling.

I had to grab these ladies on their way out. Really beautiful and in great little party dresses.

It's David! One of my faves on the party scene, he knows now that I simply must snap his pic everytime. His wideleg jeans were wondrous.

Brazilian Lifestyle Consultant Paulo Pascoal is such a cutie...I ran into him again a few days later at a cute little rooftop party.

Okay so finally the honored guests begin to arrive. It's country-ass cutie Will from Day 26! Hey boo! And just so you guys know, I am way to delicate to try to fight with other photogs for prime positioning, so ready yourself for some guerrilla red carpet shots.

Um, Cheri Dennis, what da hell are you calling that hair color? And why did you ruin a perfectly nice decolletage with that horrible horrible tattoo? I need answers!

Dawn's boo, Q from Day 26 (left) was looking a sickly mess with that turban on. Why lord?

The birthday girl has arrived! Her hair, however, was left behind somewhere. In random news, her comic book hits stores September 29.

Is it me or did my regular schmegular folks look better than anyone on the red carpet? I'm just saying. Here are some more cute girls with great style (loving the fro).

If you're going to do a turban, THIS is how it's done.

Devon Christopher, CEO & Publisher of the premiere gay men's lifestyle mag, Bleu Magazine, was in the building and looking all kinds of cute.

Loooove this look! You cannot go wrong with a simple tank, a high waisted pencil skirt and lots of jewelry. Gorgeous, darling!

These girls are definitely not wallflowers! Gotta love that.

Fashion designer, Marco Hall, arrived in his signature booby-baring regalia. Fierce. His collections are so beautiful; full of flowy colorful prints that make you want to move!

Hey! It's Will.i.am! I wasn't sure how he'd react, but he was totally cool when we approached and even stopped to take a pic. Tell Fergie to tell Josh Duhamel to call me!

Thanks Ra-Fael and all who are pictured!