Guerilla attack from Lebanese soil into Israel
January 14, 2009
Lebanese troops found and dismantled several rockets positioned to hit Israel after militants fired three earlier Wednesday. It may be a sign that Lebanon's government is determined to avoid being drawn into war with the Israelis. (Jan. 14)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Nigeria: Mystical White Priestess of Black Goddess Buried in Sacred Shrine in Nigeria
Suzanne Wenger
Suzanne Wenger, 94, the legendary Austrian artist popularly known as "Adunni Olorisa", the White Priestess of the Ọsùn deity in the Osogbo, south-western Nigeria has been buried in her sacred shrine in Ọsùn Sacred Grove. She passed away at about 2.00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2009.
Ms. Wenger spent over half a century of her life to preserve the cultural heritage of the Yoruba goddess Ọsùn of the sacred Ọsùn river in Ọsùn state. She and her ex-husband Uli Bier inspired the Osogbo Art School, famous for the discovery of such successful artists as Twins SEVEN-SEVEN, Jimoh BURAIMOH, Nike OLANIYI DAVIES and other in the late 1950s. She would be remembered for making Ọsùn Sacred Grove Unesco World Heritage Centre.
A part of the Ọsùn Sacred Grove
She has been immortalized in many writings such as the poem Who Will Dare To Love A Witch published in Scarlet Tears of London and in the short story Boy Adam Floats Headless in The Thames and other publications.
Here is an extract from one of the publications with references on the legendary White Priestess of Osun Oshobgo in Nigeria.
Baba Orogbo was waiting for her as she descended from the wings of Agbe.
Susan Wenger was sitting in her lotus pose before the kérégbe calabash bowl of salt water. Baba Orogbo gazed at the white witch as she sat with her eyes closed. But he knew she was seeing everything before her.
“Kabo Òmó mi, my enchanted child,” Susan Wenger said as the toes of Òmó Iya Osùn touched the earth.
Òmó Iya Osùn bowed to salute her mother.
“Kabo, Òmó Iya Osùn Òrìsà.,” Baba Orogbo welcomed her.
“Baba mi, peace be with you my father,” Òmó Iya Osùn said.
“Gba, here is your èko tutu,”Iya Osùn said, giving her a calabash of cooked pap.
Then Baba Orogbo brought out some Ibùje leaves , ìjòkùn leaves, èlú leaves and osùn- cam wood. “Òmó dúdú, Òmó Iya Osùn, Aláse igbá kejì òrìsà, listen. I have a message for you,” Baba Orogbo said as he put the different leaves and camwood before the feet of Òmó Iya Osùn. Then he started chanting.
Eni sojú se mú
òrìsà ni máa sìn
Adá ni bó ti rí
Òrìsà ni maa sin”
Ó-s-enìkan-soso digba ènìyàn
So mí di rún
So mí digba
So mí di òtà-lé-légbèje ènìyàn
Òrìsà ni maa sin”
Olójú kára bíi ajere
Òrìsà ni maa sin”
Òjó kúrè, Alágada ogun
Òjó ò sí nílé, omo adìe dàgbà
Òjó wà nílé omo adìe kò kù kan
Òjó ún wè lódò
Gbogbo omoge yo wóse
Baba Orogbo swallowed two lumps of saliva and continued.
Ó mú’lé t’ará ojà
Ó so àgàn di alábiyamo,
àgàn tí ò rí’bí, ti ró sòó leyìn olúwa wà
Nigeria: Nigerian Banks in Trouble!
Can Nigerians trust Nigerian Banks when most of the banks belong to those who have links to money laundering schemes and corrupt practices?
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation(NDIC)should investigate the activities and accounts of the following Nigerian banks:
1. Bank PHB Plc
2. Zenith Bank Plc
3. Spring Bank Plc and
4. Skye Bank Plc.
Bank PHB Plc is about to acquire the majority shareholdings in Spring Bank Plc, but there is large scale sharp practices reported at the popular Bank PHB and the financial interests of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua in this bank should be open to the public. The NDIC should investigate the bank for large scale fraud. The source of income of every member of the Board of Directors of Bank PHB should be queried.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may have dropped the charges against Mr. Jim Ovia, the MD of Zenith Bank Plc, but there are still many unresolved issues that the NDIC must address if Mr. Ovia deserves the 'administrative bail,' while his managers are still being held over the N3.2 billion deposits by the Rivers State Government.
The NDIC should also investigate Skye Bank Plc and Spring Bank Plc, because they are not healthy.
RECOMMENDED READING:
REQUEST: PROPOSAL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY.
Bill Clinton: Promise
Mr. Bill Clinton
Thanks to you, 2009 is going to be an amazing year of progress for America. I know we will all feel a sense of pride and achievement as we watch the new Congress get sworn in and get to work with President Obama.
I'm so proud of the way Hillary, poured herself heart and soul into helping Barack Obama and so many other Democratic candidates last year.
And, like you, I'm looking forward to all the change and progress that those victories will lead to in the weeks and months ahead.
As historic as 2008 may have been, there is no time to rest. Now is the time to keep our momentum going by showing the new Congress that we're here to support them in 2009 right from the very beginning.
Contribute $5, $10, or more today to provide essential early support to translate the promise of 2008 into progress in 2009.
The reason we won so big last year is because House Democrats had the early support from people like you. That early strength we built together put our party on a trajectory for success, and we kept going!
With Barack Obama's inauguration fast approaching, we need to make the same powerful show of strength as the new Democratic Congress gets to work with the new Administration to solve the greatest challenges of our time.
Contribute $5, $10, or more today to provide essential early support to translate the promise of 2008 into progress in 2009.
All of us are anticipating what an emotionally powerful day January 20th is going to be. So many dreams will be fulfilled, so many barriers overcome, and so much history will be made. A bold new era of American leadership is about to begin. However, we shouldn't wait until Inauguration Day to get to work.
All the best,
Bill Clinton
P.S. January 20th is going to be a day like few others in the entire history of our nation. But it's going to take a strong show of early support to meet the deep and serious challenges that await in 2009. Contribute $5, $10, or more today to provide that essential early support and ensure fulfilling the promise of this moment.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
150 Years After 'Origin of the Species', Science and Religion Remain as Conflicted as Ever
9 Jan 2009 11:20 Africa/Lagos
150 Years After 'Origin of the Species', Science and Religion Remain as Conflicted as Ever
GEORGETOWN, Texas, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When Charles Darwin published his landmark book On the Evolution of Species in 1859, his theories on evolution were quickly accepted by the vast majority of scientists. The general public, however, was not as eager to accept Darwin's ideas, due largely to the fact that they challenged established religious beliefs.
Today, 150 years after the publication of Darwin's book, science and religion remain as conflicted as ever when it comes to the subject of evolution.
"There is a real disconnect between what science says and what the public believes, at least in the United States," says Ben Pierce, holder of the Lillian Nelson Pratt Chair in Biology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.
Pierce is organizing one of the first events in 2009 that will mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Darwin book. The symposium, titled "Science and Religion: Conflict or Convergence," will be held at Southwestern University Feb. 5-6 as part of the university's annual Brown Symposium series.
Pierce points to Gallop Polls conducted between 1982-2004, which consistently found that 44 to 47 percent of Americans do not believe in evolution. Instead, they believe that humans were "created by God pretty much in their present form less than 10,000 years ago."
Meanwhile, a recent survey of more than 400 university professors in Texas, a largely conservative state, found that nearly 90 percent believe modern evolutionary biology is largely correct.
Pierce says there are four approaches to the conflict between science and religion. The "Warfare Model" presumes that one side is right, the other side is wrong, and the two are permanently conflicted. The "Separate Realms" approach -- which is taken by many scientists -- says there is no conflict between the two because they address very different questions. In the "Accommodation Model," science and religion each adjust their world views to accommodate findings from the other field. For example, some Biblical scholars reinterpreted the Genesis account of creation when science showed that the world is much older than previously thought.
The model Pierce plans to focus on at the February symposium is the "Engagement Model," which says that both fields can profit by understanding what is happening in the other fields.
For example, one of the conference speakers will be Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. Newburg has developed brain imaging techniques to determine what happens when people have a religious experience, and is co-author of the best-selling 2001 book Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief.
Pierce says students today are very interested in the subject of science vs. religion and are seeking ways to find a middle ground between the two fields. In his evolution course at Southwestern University last fall, four students wrote papers for their Biology Capstone project on ways science could be used to better understand religion. For example, one student wrote a paper on the health effects of prayer and meditation and another student wrote a paper on the genetics of spirituality.
"These students put into practice the notion that science and religion can indeed have something useful to say to each other," Pierce says.
Source: Southwestern University
CONTACT: Ellen Davis of Southwestern University, +1-512-863-1570
150 Years After 'Origin of the Species', Science and Religion Remain as Conflicted as Ever
GEORGETOWN, Texas, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When Charles Darwin published his landmark book On the Evolution of Species in 1859, his theories on evolution were quickly accepted by the vast majority of scientists. The general public, however, was not as eager to accept Darwin's ideas, due largely to the fact that they challenged established religious beliefs.
Today, 150 years after the publication of Darwin's book, science and religion remain as conflicted as ever when it comes to the subject of evolution.
"There is a real disconnect between what science says and what the public believes, at least in the United States," says Ben Pierce, holder of the Lillian Nelson Pratt Chair in Biology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.
Pierce is organizing one of the first events in 2009 that will mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Darwin book. The symposium, titled "Science and Religion: Conflict or Convergence," will be held at Southwestern University Feb. 5-6 as part of the university's annual Brown Symposium series.
Pierce points to Gallop Polls conducted between 1982-2004, which consistently found that 44 to 47 percent of Americans do not believe in evolution. Instead, they believe that humans were "created by God pretty much in their present form less than 10,000 years ago."
Meanwhile, a recent survey of more than 400 university professors in Texas, a largely conservative state, found that nearly 90 percent believe modern evolutionary biology is largely correct.
Pierce says there are four approaches to the conflict between science and religion. The "Warfare Model" presumes that one side is right, the other side is wrong, and the two are permanently conflicted. The "Separate Realms" approach -- which is taken by many scientists -- says there is no conflict between the two because they address very different questions. In the "Accommodation Model," science and religion each adjust their world views to accommodate findings from the other field. For example, some Biblical scholars reinterpreted the Genesis account of creation when science showed that the world is much older than previously thought.
The model Pierce plans to focus on at the February symposium is the "Engagement Model," which says that both fields can profit by understanding what is happening in the other fields.
For example, one of the conference speakers will be Dr. Andrew Newberg, director of the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. Newburg has developed brain imaging techniques to determine what happens when people have a religious experience, and is co-author of the best-selling 2001 book Why God Won't Go Away: Brain Science and the Biology of Belief.
Pierce says students today are very interested in the subject of science vs. religion and are seeking ways to find a middle ground between the two fields. In his evolution course at Southwestern University last fall, four students wrote papers for their Biology Capstone project on ways science could be used to better understand religion. For example, one student wrote a paper on the health effects of prayer and meditation and another student wrote a paper on the genetics of spirituality.
"These students put into practice the notion that science and religion can indeed have something useful to say to each other," Pierce says.
Source: Southwestern University
CONTACT: Ellen Davis of Southwestern University, +1-512-863-1570
"Conspiracy of Lagos" Chronicles the Vicious Circle of Lagos Life
Bisi Daniels, the Author
Conspiracy of Lagos Chronicles the Vicious Circle of Lagos Life
“You don’t want the Hitler effect, do you?”
“No! The Bill Clinton effect,” she said, and shot him a knowing wink.
What is the Hitler effect in contrast to the Bill Clinton effect?
You have to read the Conspiracy of Lagos to find out.The latest novel of Bisi Ojediran (who is now writing as Bisi Daniels) is a clear departure from his thrilling novels on Peter Abel, the daring investigative journalist whose adventures have been chronicled in his previous novels. Conspiracy of Lagos is a romantic thriller, a political thriller and social documentary of Lagos rolled into one narrative novel.
Bisi Daniels’ novel, Conspiracy of Lagos is perhaps the first truly picaresque novel on the adventurous, dangerous and mysterious lives of those living in the mega city of Lagos, the New York of Nigeria. It is a socio-political romantic thriller that keeps you reading until the last word.Reading Conspiracy of Lagos is like watching a movie of the agonies and ironies of Lagos as experienced by Thomas Katta, the brilliant graduate of Sociology from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), who left his humble life as a teacher in his hometown of Moso in search of better financial prospects in Lagos. But Lagos would change the life of the Johnny Just Come (JJC) as we call every newcomer in this awesome city.
Thomas Katta’s 350 mile ride from the idyllic hinterland of his hometown Moso to the boisterous city of Lagos was not a smooth one as the bus he had taken broke down thrice on the way until he finally arrived Oshodi, the most dreaded motor park in Lagos at nightfall and thus began the nightmarish journey of his worst fears of the city that never sleeps. He was nearly lynched by a ferocious mob as he was mistakenly accused of stealing his own bag as he attempted to retrieve it from the thief. He ended up in a police cell that was like being cast in hell on earth as he was left at the mercy of the huge and terrifying thug, Kenny, a ruthless criminal with an existentialist philosophy of life. Kenny who was his terror later became his boss and mentor in political thuggery and robbery.
Thomas was later released from the police cell and he found his way to the ghetto of Ajegunle to stay with Mani Datatta, his buddy from university days. Mani was a promising guitarist who played at night clubs after his day job and he made Thomas comfortable and optimistic of the future until Mani was killed in a botched bus robbery. Thomas became homeless and had to become a bus conductor on the Ojota-Yaba route and slept in the motor park until the HomeCare Agency in Ikeja got him a job as a gardener in the palatial home of Chief Sola Adekunle in Victoria Island Extension. Chief Adekunle was a leading politician who later became the National Secretary of The True Nigeria Party (TNP). But Thomas did not stay long there, because he had to flee when the pretty and sexy Mrs. Moji Adekunle, the temptress became furious when he cleverly refused to sleep with her. He was later recruited by Kenny who had been hired by Chief Adekunle to kill him for lies Mrs Moji Adekunle framed against him. Thomas soon became a political asset to Chief Adekuinle’s party as the author of The New Lagos Manifesto that was instrumental in the election of Tunji Taylor as the new Governor of Lagos. Thomas Katta had to overcome the vicissitudes of the vicious circle of survival in Lagos in the midst of criminals and by unforeseen circumstances. He was a reluctant stooge of Kenny who was later killed during a bank robbery and later favoured by Mrs. Moji Adekunle who had become repentant and sober.
Thomas Katta’s most defining moment was when he returned the expensive wedding ring he had stolen to Mr. Ralph Mordy and broke down in repentance and then facing Mrs. Halle Mordy. He was now at the mercy of the couple he had joined Fanni to rob in Ikeja after the gruesome night of their botched heist in Ogba. Receiving the forgiveness of the Mordys marked the turning point for the redemption of Thomas Katta as they offered him a foreign scholarship to fulfill his academic ambition. And thank God for his rescue angel, Nancy Ojo whose commonsense and Christian faith reformed and transformed the life of Thomas Katta.
I have read Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel on sin and redemption, Resurrection and Bisi Daniels novel Conspiracy of Lagos has some precious moments of sublimity reminding me of the sober reflections invoked in Tolstoy’s last work.
The long testimonial sermon of the charismatic tall and handsome Pastor Peter Olutobi had echoes of the popular urbane and suave Lagos pastor, Paul Adefarasin.
I was wondering if a naturalistic depiction of Lagos would be realistic without the inclusion of the lingua franca of Pidgin English and the typical Yoruba lingo spoken by the Area Boys and fringe elements seen on the streets and motor parks in Lagos. It would be contradictory for them to speak good English as they were portrayed by the author of Conspiracy of Lagos. The author told me that he deliberately did not use Pidgin English and the typical Yoruba lingo, because most of his foreign readers do not understand Pidgin English or the Yoruba lingo.
Conspiracy of Lagos would be more appreciated when adapted for film production.
You can post your comments and reviews on Discuss "Conspiracy of Lagos".
The novel is available at the following bookshops:
1. Books4Everyone, Ikeja. Lagos.
2. CSS Bookshops
3. THIS DAY Media Centres
4. Glendora Bookshops and other major bookshops and hotels in Nigeria.
~ By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Nigerians Report.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Popular Nigerian Celebrity Blogger and Publisher Escapes From Armed Robbers in Lagos
Linda Ikeji, the popular Nigerian celebrity blogger and publisher escaped from being robbed Friday afternoon at the Finicky restaurant and bar at the Kilo Bus stop in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
She was having her meal with a close friend from Bonny Island when four armed robbers on motorbikes attacked customers at the fancy restaurant and bar and robbed them of their valuable possessions. She and her friend had to hide upstairs whilst the armed robbers robbed customers on the ground floor. The robbers later came upstairs and left when they did not see any customer or staff there. She and her friend thanked God for their narrow escape and vowed never to patronize the Finicky at the Kilo Bus stop again.
"It's an embarrassment to hide in the toilet," said one of the lucky customers who said he was among the customers who had to hide in the toilets upstairs.
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The Day Barack Obama Made Me Shed Tears
She was having her meal with a close friend from Bonny Island when four armed robbers on motorbikes attacked customers at the fancy restaurant and bar and robbed them of their valuable possessions. She and her friend had to hide upstairs whilst the armed robbers robbed customers on the ground floor. The robbers later came upstairs and left when they did not see any customer or staff there. She and her friend thanked God for their narrow escape and vowed never to patronize the Finicky at the Kilo Bus stop again.
"It's an embarrassment to hide in the toilet," said one of the lucky customers who said he was among the customers who had to hide in the toilets upstairs.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
The Day Barack Obama Made Me Shed Tears
Monday, January 5, 2009
Obama to meet congress leaders on economic plan
Obama to meet congress leaders on economic plan
January 05, 2009
Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill to push for quick action on a broad economic stimulus package congressional leaders are saying won't be ready until mid-February at the earliest. That's almost a month later than the president-elect wanted. (Jan. 5)
January 05, 2009
Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill to push for quick action on a broad economic stimulus package congressional leaders are saying won't be ready until mid-February at the earliest. That's almost a month later than the president-elect wanted. (Jan. 5)
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