So, the weekend wasn't a total bust afterall. I discovered in the last few weeks that a friend of mine is a published author. And no, he's not just a one-time author, but had 3 books to his credit, with the first published when he was still in university. We met during our NYSC year and served on the editorial board together. I mistakenly thought at the time that he was merely a good writer. The error was all mine. He turned out to be pretty damn good. He launched his fourth book on Sunday and I attended the book launch, which was a celebration of the book and the author. It's so good to see people living out their passions.
After the book launch, I went to see the much heralded Sex and the City. And much like I imagined it would be, going to see the movie was as much of an event as seeing the movie.
My friend planned on getting there early just to secure the tickets. When I arrived at the Galleria, I could see why. The cinema floor, ordinarily wall-to-wall with people, was even more so. I could also perceive an excited buzz in the air emanating mostly from the women (or maybe that was just me).
We posed for photographs by a Sex and the City poster, with the photographer taking additional shots just to make sure that he got my shoes (any SATC fan knows the import of the shoes).
Getting to watch the film was perhaps almost as much drama as the film promised. I went out of the cinema hall to get popcorn during a lull caused by an unceremonious halting of the previews. After I waited in that long line, I got back to the hall only to be asked to wait outside while some 'issue' was being sorted out. In the true nature of most things Naija, you are never really told directly what the issue is. Rather you are forced to piece it together bit-by-bit from hearsay and plain gossip. While we waited, a few people who declared that they were friends of the people at the heart of 'the issue' bogarded their way into the hall. On getting back into the hall, it seemed that seats had been reserved and cordoned off with ropes. Of-course, in typical fashion, with no one to watch over these reserved seats, they had been quickly filled up with people other than the intended. And, to cut a very tiresome story short (Believe me! I was there!), we were finally able to start watching the film about an hour after the scheduled time. This was African time to the nth degree!!! It also demonstrates the power of a few to throw a spanner in the works of many.
Maybe I was restless by this time, but the start of the film felt slightly anti-climaxic. The film was obviously intended for devotees of the show firstly, and then everybody else. So, I was left feeling that if I wasn't such a big fan of the show, I would not be overly impressed by it. In true rom-com style, everyone gets a nice, happy ending tied-up in a huge bow. I felt this way at the end of the TV series, particularly with the Carrie and Mr. Big storyline. With the film, I was even more like "Yeah, yeah! Whateva!". While I love a happy ending as much as the next person, I think I might be a little too cynical to really buy it, even when it's presented in the safe world of movies.
I was inclined to think that many among the audience instinctively felt the same way too. As the end credits started to roll, I just knew that if this was a cinema in some other part of the world, the hall would erupt in spontaneous and deafening applause. This was not to be in the Lagos hall in which I saw the film. I think we, as a people, might be inured against that kind of fairy-tale thinking (now, I don't know if that's a crying shame or perhaps the way things should be given the frequent harshness of life in Nigeria).
The clothes and shoes were fun of course, but even the way those were rolled out mercilessly, felt like they were pandering to an already love-struck audience. In fact the entire film appeared to be one long - much too long - loveletter to itself.
More balanced reviews of the film?
- MSN
- Boston Times
- New York Times
- Guardian
Monday, June 02, 2008
Sunday, June 01, 2008
The Failed Night Out
It's been a really long time since I've been out at night and by that I don't mean dinner; I mean out to a bar or lounge. Returning home with hair extensions infused with cigarette smoke is just not the kick it was at 24 (and even then, come to think of it, it wasn't). Now, I tend to do movies and maybe dinner and be back home by 11 WHEN I go out.
Determined not to settle into early retirement before I even hit my forties, I try to shake things up a little and get out every now and again. Tonight was one such night. The first problem upon deciding that I wanted to go out was where to go to. The first option to go to a karaoke bar was suggested by my sister.
I was very doubtful.
She maintained that it would be fun.
- But I can't sing, I countered (a very important and lucid argument for not going, in my mind).
- Well, neither can I!
So, that kind of settled it. Karaoking singing we would go.
That is until she and her friend got there and called me to saying that the place "Was not happening."
Okay, so where was then?
She promised to call me back after a quick consultation with her friends. She called back 4 minutes later with no clearer suggestion than to see where the mood would take them.
That really didn't work for me, so I decided to meet up with my friend at Newscafe. I hadn't been there in a while, but figured that it was a safe enough bet.
Ahem. Was I wrong! The place was a far cry from the hot spot I remembered. Then I realised that I hadn't been there at night in about a year! OMG! Well, in Lagos a place that was the place to be a year ago is not guaranteed to maintain that record a year later (unless, of course, it's Bacchus).
The Newscafe I remember was abuzz with people, cars, music and energy; all of which were glaringly lacking tonight. Within minutes we decided to leave for Posh Cafe.
On getting there, my sister stopped and pronounced that the place "Looked dead."
The sign outside the Mega Plaza car park had declared a fee of "N200 per park." Determined that "my park" would be optimised as much as possible, I firmly marched in ignoring the virtually empty space. Comfortably ensconced in the chairs, we ordered our drinks and waited for the enjoyment to begin. And we waited. And waited...
My sister and her friend decided to throw in the towel and go home. I decided to stay and enjoy my, ahem, hot chocolate. As more patrons left and others stood outside, survey the joint and decide against coming in, my friend D and I confessed how out of the loop we felt.
Where WAS everyone? There was some memo that I obviously didn't get.
Determined that the next evening out would be much more fun, we vowed that next time we would "do our homework, ask around, know the place du jour, etc.
We ended up in the open-air food court on the ground level for a late-night meal of suya, which was probably the most fun part of the evening. There's nothing like the night that never was to make you feel like you just need to give it all up now. But perhaps, I also need to realise that my ideas about fun have really changed over time and embrace this realisation with wild abandon.
Determined not to settle into early retirement before I even hit my forties, I try to shake things up a little and get out every now and again. Tonight was one such night. The first problem upon deciding that I wanted to go out was where to go to. The first option to go to a karaoke bar was suggested by my sister.
I was very doubtful.
She maintained that it would be fun.
- But I can't sing, I countered (a very important and lucid argument for not going, in my mind).
- Well, neither can I!
So, that kind of settled it. Karaoking singing we would go.
That is until she and her friend got there and called me to saying that the place "Was not happening."
Okay, so where was then?
She promised to call me back after a quick consultation with her friends. She called back 4 minutes later with no clearer suggestion than to see where the mood would take them.
That really didn't work for me, so I decided to meet up with my friend at Newscafe. I hadn't been there in a while, but figured that it was a safe enough bet.
Ahem. Was I wrong! The place was a far cry from the hot spot I remembered. Then I realised that I hadn't been there at night in about a year! OMG! Well, in Lagos a place that was the place to be a year ago is not guaranteed to maintain that record a year later (unless, of course, it's Bacchus).
The Newscafe I remember was abuzz with people, cars, music and energy; all of which were glaringly lacking tonight. Within minutes we decided to leave for Posh Cafe.
On getting there, my sister stopped and pronounced that the place "Looked dead."
The sign outside the Mega Plaza car park had declared a fee of "N200 per park." Determined that "my park" would be optimised as much as possible, I firmly marched in ignoring the virtually empty space. Comfortably ensconced in the chairs, we ordered our drinks and waited for the enjoyment to begin. And we waited. And waited...
My sister and her friend decided to throw in the towel and go home. I decided to stay and enjoy my, ahem, hot chocolate. As more patrons left and others stood outside, survey the joint and decide against coming in, my friend D and I confessed how out of the loop we felt.
Where WAS everyone? There was some memo that I obviously didn't get.
Determined that the next evening out would be much more fun, we vowed that next time we would "do our homework, ask around, know the place du jour, etc.
We ended up in the open-air food court on the ground level for a late-night meal of suya, which was probably the most fun part of the evening. There's nothing like the night that never was to make you feel like you just need to give it all up now. But perhaps, I also need to realise that my ideas about fun have really changed over time and embrace this realisation with wild abandon.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Creative Writing Workshop with Chimamanda Adichie, Binyavanga Wainaina, Dave Eggers and Marie Elena John
I was recently telling a budding writer about this program and now can't remember who.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be organizing a creative writing workshop in Lagos from August 19 to August 29 2008. The workshop is sponsored by Fidelity Bank.
Guest writers who will co-teach the workshop alongside Adichie are the Caine Prize Winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina (author of Discovering Home), the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award nominated Caribbean writer Marie-Elena John (author of Unburnable) and the Pulitzer Prize nominated American writer Dave Eggers (author of A Hearbreaking Work of Staggering Genius).
Workshop participants will be expected to read and discuss a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, as well as complete short writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to encourage published and unpublished Nigerian writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling.
Participation is limited to those who apply and are accepted. A symposium open to the public will be held at the end of the workshop.
Application
To apply, send an e-mail to Udonandu2008@gmail.com
Your e-mail subject should read ‘Workshop Application.’
The body of the e-mail should contain the following:
1. Your Name
2. Your address
3. A few sentences about yourself
4. A writing sample of between 200 and 800 words. Please indicate whether your sample is fiction or nonfiction. Acceptances will be based on the quality of the writing sample.
All writing material must be pasted or written in the body of the e-mail. Do NOT send any attachments. Applications with attachments will be automatically disqualified. Deadline for submissions is July 12 2008. If accepted, you will be notified by August 5, 2008.
Thanks Musing Naijaman for the link.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be organizing a creative writing workshop in Lagos from August 19 to August 29 2008. The workshop is sponsored by Fidelity Bank.
Guest writers who will co-teach the workshop alongside Adichie are the Caine Prize Winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina (author of Discovering Home), the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award nominated Caribbean writer Marie-Elena John (author of Unburnable) and the Pulitzer Prize nominated American writer Dave Eggers (author of A Hearbreaking Work of Staggering Genius).
Workshop participants will be expected to read and discuss a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, as well as complete short writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to encourage published and unpublished Nigerian writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling.
Participation is limited to those who apply and are accepted. A symposium open to the public will be held at the end of the workshop.
Application
To apply, send an e-mail to Udonandu2008@gmail.com
Your e-mail subject should read ‘Workshop Application.’
The body of the e-mail should contain the following:
1. Your Name
2. Your address
3. A few sentences about yourself
4. A writing sample of between 200 and 800 words. Please indicate whether your sample is fiction or nonfiction. Acceptances will be based on the quality of the writing sample.
All writing material must be pasted or written in the body of the e-mail. Do NOT send any attachments. Applications with attachments will be automatically disqualified. Deadline for submissions is July 12 2008. If accepted, you will be notified by August 5, 2008.
Thanks Musing Naijaman for the link.
Girlfriends
Up late watching Girlfriends. I didn't always like the show, though over time it grew on me. The characters became more three-dimensional and it (the characters and stortylines) gradually all came together.
I've been watching the first 3 seasons on DVD and am noticing how polished and sophisticated it is, especially compared to some other African-American sitcoms. It has this sheen. My guilty secret is that I mostly like watching it to look at Tracee Ellis Ross's characters hair and clothes. That's my style star.
I've been watching the first 3 seasons on DVD and am noticing how polished and sophisticated it is, especially compared to some other African-American sitcoms. It has this sheen. My guilty secret is that I mostly like watching it to look at Tracee Ellis Ross's characters hair and clothes. That's my style star.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Apprentice Africa
I just caught the ending of Apprentice Africa. I really enjoy the show, however the editing leaves a lot to be desired. I know that a lof of reality shows edit creatively, so sometimes you get the story they want you to get - as opposed to what actually happened. However, very often in AA, you are left feeling like you've missed some important chunk of the story, but not quite sure what it was. It just felt incomplete.
This is particularly so when watching the team enjoying their 'prize.' Some of these prizes have shown almost total unimagination, although the editing and presentation of the prize segment is even more lacking.
Today's prize actually seemed cool (a meeting with image consultant Ifeoma Williams of Fruition, a meeting with designer Lanre Da Silva and a photo shoot in one of her designs, which the contestants would get to keep). However, did we get to really share the experience of the prize with the winners? Nope! We got some visuals alright, but layered with an incredibly annoying soundtrack looping what I take to be exclamations from the contestants during their day of "Are you serious?", "I LOVE it", "This is great" and ..... I can't even remember now. We didn't get to hear anything of the conversation that went on during the day, e.g. tips shared by the image consultant, designer, reactions from the contestants.
I suppose one way of looking at it was that perhaps none of the conversation amounted to much in the first place and that we were kindly spared by the editors. However, because this is par for the course with regards this show, I think otherwise. I remember one episode in which the winning team (Zulu) won a lunch with Oba Otudeko (successful entrepreneur and chairman of Honeywell Group), did we get to hear what pearls of wisdom he shared with the team? No! Instead, we got to observe the tush restaurant in which they had their lunch, how nicely set the table was, what they ate, drank, etc. We saw the hand-shaking, bowing, curtesying that went on and the lovely picture they took at the end of the meal. Wow! I learnt so much from that. Nigeria! Too much emphasis on the superficial and not enough on what lies beneath.
This is particularly so when watching the team enjoying their 'prize.' Some of these prizes have shown almost total unimagination, although the editing and presentation of the prize segment is even more lacking.
Today's prize actually seemed cool (a meeting with image consultant Ifeoma Williams of Fruition, a meeting with designer Lanre Da Silva and a photo shoot in one of her designs, which the contestants would get to keep). However, did we get to really share the experience of the prize with the winners? Nope! We got some visuals alright, but layered with an incredibly annoying soundtrack looping what I take to be exclamations from the contestants during their day of "Are you serious?", "I LOVE it", "This is great" and ..... I can't even remember now. We didn't get to hear anything of the conversation that went on during the day, e.g. tips shared by the image consultant, designer, reactions from the contestants.
I suppose one way of looking at it was that perhaps none of the conversation amounted to much in the first place and that we were kindly spared by the editors. However, because this is par for the course with regards this show, I think otherwise. I remember one episode in which the winning team (Zulu) won a lunch with Oba Otudeko (successful entrepreneur and chairman of Honeywell Group), did we get to hear what pearls of wisdom he shared with the team? No! Instead, we got to observe the tush restaurant in which they had their lunch, how nicely set the table was, what they ate, drank, etc. We saw the hand-shaking, bowing, curtesying that went on and the lovely picture they took at the end of the meal. Wow! I learnt so much from that. Nigeria! Too much emphasis on the superficial and not enough on what lies beneath.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
W.TEC’s Girls’ Technology Camp
The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is now accepting nominations for its upcoming W.TEC Girls’ Technology Camp.
The 1-week residential camp, which will take place in Lagos in August 2008, is aimed at bridging the technology gap between boys and girls earlier in their career path. The camp is designed to encourage young women to choose a career path in information and communication technology (ICT) or to develop more interest in using and/or managing ICTs.
Objectives:
The primary aims of this camp are to:
The programme is targeted at female students who are:
Application:
Nominations should be sent to info@w-teconline.org, with the following information: First and Last Names; Class; Age; School; Contact Address; Phone Number; and Email Address.
Alternatively, visit the W.TEC website to read more and apply.
The 1-week residential camp, which will take place in Lagos in August 2008, is aimed at bridging the technology gap between boys and girls earlier in their career path. The camp is designed to encourage young women to choose a career path in information and communication technology (ICT) or to develop more interest in using and/or managing ICTs.
Objectives:
The primary aims of this camp are to:
- Introduce young Nigerian women to a variety of computer applications and other ICTs, which they can use productively for leisure, school and work, and help develop their skills in using them
- Encourage the young women to consider a technology career, by giving a realistic and positive idea of computing-related careers through career talks and career-themed films
- Help the young women plan their future careers with the assistance of mentors and women currently working in these fields
The programme is targeted at female students who are:
- Currently in JSS 2 to SSS 2 and no younger than 11 years of age
- Interested in computers and other ICTs
- Considering a career in a computing-related field or one in which computers will be used frequently
Application:
Nominations should be sent to info@w-teconline.org, with the following information: First and Last Names; Class; Age; School; Contact Address; Phone Number; and Email Address.
Alternatively, visit the W.TEC website to read more and apply.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Dr. Love
I'm up when I should be asleep and listening to Dr. Love on Silverbird TV. He's hilarious! Between his fake Americana accent and goro-sheened hair, the show is a laugh-a-minute.
Tonight he was talking about (amongst other things, I'm guessing since I only caught the last 10 minutes) how to turn a woman on. He is spot-on in some ways though. According to Dr. Love, it only takes a second for men to be "Ready-Freddy-Steady" (ROFL), while a woman is like the volume dial on your hi-fi set. He ends the show with a list of 10 Ways 2 Get a Woman to Fall in Love With You, including making her laugh, not being possesive (not being "all sticky-sticky to her"), paying compliments and remembering little details she'd told you in the past. I don't know if those will make a woman fall in love with a guy, but I suppose it can help.
Okay, the show is over now and I should get offline now!
Tonight he was talking about (amongst other things, I'm guessing since I only caught the last 10 minutes) how to turn a woman on. He is spot-on in some ways though. According to Dr. Love, it only takes a second for men to be "Ready-Freddy-Steady" (ROFL), while a woman is like the volume dial on your hi-fi set. He ends the show with a list of 10 Ways 2 Get a Woman to Fall in Love With You, including making her laugh, not being possesive (not being "all sticky-sticky to her"), paying compliments and remembering little details she'd told you in the past. I don't know if those will make a woman fall in love with a guy, but I suppose it can help.
Okay, the show is over now and I should get offline now!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants
I attended a talk today at the ongoing CTO2008, a yearly technology forum organised by the United States Commercial Services.
First off, Shina Badaru editor of Technology Times presented the top 100 websites visited by Nigerians. Topping the list was Yahoo (perhaps no surprise there), closely followed by Google.com.ng, Google and Facebook. The highest ranking Nigerian-owned website was Nairaland, which came in at number 13, showing perhaps how much Nigerian love to talk.
Then, Ayo Atobatele, founder of Nigeria.Com, spoke about how the Internet is influencing how we do business in a presentation entitled Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants. Hmmm, interesting ideas on how the Internet has changed so much about how we get information, communicate, do business, etc and how most people are either drigital natives or immigrants. Digital natives are born into the technology of now and grew up integrating it into all facets of their lives. Digital immigrants are forced to learn how to use these tools later in life as a result of professional needs or personal interest. Most of us (I should say, most of us in the late 20s and over) are digital immigrants, while anyone younger could be a digital native.
There must be a 3rd group not identified in his presentation at all; the group of people for whom these Internet-based technologies have no impact at all, the digital aliens?
Anyway, he goes on to say that most tools we use now were developed by digital natives; usually to meet a personal need or just for fun. However, the profit-making or impact-generating angle was spotted and developed by digital immigrants, who tend to have more business experience.
The bottom-line is:
- If you want to reach out to this younger, tech-savvy group, you need to be sending out your message through channels where it will get to them e.g. blogs, social networks, discussion groups, SMS, etc.
- Don't forget about the digital immigrants while you're at it
- This also means providing services that both groups will appreciate. How about online banking that actually is, and not just limited to checking balances, for example?
- You will most likely need the digital natives to develop the tools, but have digital immigrants use them to create competitive advantage and address business needs
To this, particularly the last point, it's important to:
- Create a process that encourages the creativity of digital natives (apparently, most Google products were initially employees' personal project and Google allows employees time to work on these projects). Okay, I laughed at this, sure that NO Nigerian company would do this, until he said that GTB's GENS SMS service is based on an application created by a GT employee.
- Create digital native mentoring programs with digital immigrants as the mentors
- Since most of us listening to his presentation were at best digital immigrants, we would need access to some digital natives to give insight on proposed products, services, and information delivery channels
It was good to see some interesting ideas, as well as some things that we intuitively know pulled together so cohesively. Download the presentation.
The Internet is definitely having a big impact in our lives, however limited access (availability and low bandwidth) continues to curb what we could be achieving with it.
First off, Shina Badaru editor of Technology Times presented the top 100 websites visited by Nigerians. Topping the list was Yahoo (perhaps no surprise there), closely followed by Google.com.ng, Google and Facebook. The highest ranking Nigerian-owned website was Nairaland, which came in at number 13, showing perhaps how much Nigerian love to talk.
Then, Ayo Atobatele, founder of Nigeria.Com, spoke about how the Internet is influencing how we do business in a presentation entitled Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants. Hmmm, interesting ideas on how the Internet has changed so much about how we get information, communicate, do business, etc and how most people are either drigital natives or immigrants. Digital natives are born into the technology of now and grew up integrating it into all facets of their lives. Digital immigrants are forced to learn how to use these tools later in life as a result of professional needs or personal interest. Most of us (I should say, most of us in the late 20s and over) are digital immigrants, while anyone younger could be a digital native.
There must be a 3rd group not identified in his presentation at all; the group of people for whom these Internet-based technologies have no impact at all, the digital aliens?
Anyway, he goes on to say that most tools we use now were developed by digital natives; usually to meet a personal need or just for fun. However, the profit-making or impact-generating angle was spotted and developed by digital immigrants, who tend to have more business experience.
The bottom-line is:
- If you want to reach out to this younger, tech-savvy group, you need to be sending out your message through channels where it will get to them e.g. blogs, social networks, discussion groups, SMS, etc.
- Don't forget about the digital immigrants while you're at it
- This also means providing services that both groups will appreciate. How about online banking that actually is, and not just limited to checking balances, for example?
- You will most likely need the digital natives to develop the tools, but have digital immigrants use them to create competitive advantage and address business needs
To this, particularly the last point, it's important to:
- Create a process that encourages the creativity of digital natives (apparently, most Google products were initially employees' personal project and Google allows employees time to work on these projects). Okay, I laughed at this, sure that NO Nigerian company would do this, until he said that GTB's GENS SMS service is based on an application created by a GT employee.
- Create digital native mentoring programs with digital immigrants as the mentors
- Since most of us listening to his presentation were at best digital immigrants, we would need access to some digital natives to give insight on proposed products, services, and information delivery channels
It was good to see some interesting ideas, as well as some things that we intuitively know pulled together so cohesively. Download the presentation.
The Internet is definitely having a big impact in our lives, however limited access (availability and low bandwidth) continues to curb what we could be achieving with it.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Watching Films ...
One of things I have to do everyday is go online (to check email, blogs, read articles, visit websites, anything, etc). One thing I LOVE to do while surfing is to watch or, more accurately listen to films.
I recently The Namesake, seasons 1 to 3 of Absolutely Fabulous, Daddy's Little Girls that way (I can't watch The Wire that way though). Now, I'm about to start the Three Colours trilogy and since I don't speak French I will actually have to pay attention.
I recently The Namesake, seasons 1 to 3 of Absolutely Fabulous, Daddy's Little Girls that way (I can't watch The Wire that way though). Now, I'm about to start the Three Colours trilogy and since I don't speak French I will actually have to pay attention.
The Namesake Re-watched
I watched The Namesake last year when it was shown at Nu Metro. I loved the book and liked Mira Nair's films, so I hoped that I would like the film. Thankfully, I loved it. I think my friend and I were the only non-Indians in the cinema hall. I said I would get the film on DVD.
I did a few weeks ago and re-watched it several times (I'm currently listening to the director's commentary). It still strikes me as such a beautiful poignant film. I would have added "one that so astutely depicts the immigrant experience in the US, or anywhere for that matter", but I fear that would be so nauseatingly cliched. LOL! Okay, so I just said it.
However, it still does bring back those feelings of loneliness, being the outsider, having to explain your country and culture to people over and over again when they ask you the maddeningly vague "So tell me ALL about Nigeria", and listen to them patronise you with their 'deep insight' on what the problem with Nigeria is.
However, the Namesake is so much more than that. It's such a gorgeously told story about family: you love them sometimes; you can't stand them sometimes; but somehow they always seem to be the ones at the start of the story and with you at the end.
I did a few weeks ago and re-watched it several times (I'm currently listening to the director's commentary). It still strikes me as such a beautiful poignant film. I would have added "one that so astutely depicts the immigrant experience in the US, or anywhere for that matter", but I fear that would be so nauseatingly cliched. LOL! Okay, so I just said it.
However, it still does bring back those feelings of loneliness, being the outsider, having to explain your country and culture to people over and over again when they ask you the maddeningly vague "So tell me ALL about Nigeria", and listen to them patronise you with their 'deep insight' on what the problem with Nigeria is.
However, the Namesake is so much more than that. It's such a gorgeously told story about family: you love them sometimes; you can't stand them sometimes; but somehow they always seem to be the ones at the start of the story and with you at the end.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
ICT and Democratic Empowerment
This is an interesting article I read on African Path on how two Kenyan women are making a difference to peoples' lives in Kenya using ICTs.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
On to another book
Yeah! I FINALLY finished Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood (will update my sidebar soon). It was good, but I was reminded why short stories are really not my thing. With each new story, you need to get acquainted with a fresh set of characters and just when you're getting into their story, it ends; often abruptly and I'm left feeling shortchanged.
Now, I'm on The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver. It's my first book by the author and I'm excited to start it. The premise sounds *very* interesting.
Now, I'm on The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver. It's my first book by the author and I'm excited to start it. The premise sounds *very* interesting.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Scholarships for ICTs for Development Masters Study in Manchester
I seriously hope that I am not getting to be such a slack blogger that I'm recycling old posts. This one, in particular, looked kind of familiar...... Ah well.
The University of Manchester is offering scholarships to succesful candidates for the one-year MSc ICTs for Development degree, which aims to create "ICT4D champions" who combine technical competencies in information systems and project management with an understanding of development context and practice:
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/06237/index.asp
Applicants who have applied, received and accepted a formal offer by 30 June 2008 will be considered for two fee-waiver scholarship opportunities. The IDPM Golden Jubilee Scholarship, worth £11,000, is available on a competitive basis for applicants from developing countries to any of IDPM's Masters degrees. The IDPM ICT4D Scholarship, worth £5,500, is available exclusively for developing country applicants to the MSc ICT4D programme. There is no specific application process for the scholarships but candidates are welcome to include a scholarship statement when applying for the MSc programme.
Details on other funding sources and on part-time employment opportunities while studying in Manchester can be found at:
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/postgraduate/taught/funding/
The University of Manchester is offering scholarships to succesful candidates for the one-year MSc ICTs for Development degree, which aims to create "ICT4D champions" who combine technical competencies in information systems and project management with an understanding of development context and practice:
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/06237/index.asp
Applicants who have applied, received and accepted a formal offer by 30 June 2008 will be considered for two fee-waiver scholarship opportunities. The IDPM Golden Jubilee Scholarship, worth £11,000, is available on a competitive basis for applicants from developing countries to any of IDPM's Masters degrees. The IDPM ICT4D Scholarship, worth £5,500, is available exclusively for developing country applicants to the MSc ICT4D programme. There is no specific application process for the scholarships but candidates are welcome to include a scholarship statement when applying for the MSc programme.
Details on other funding sources and on part-time employment opportunities while studying in Manchester can be found at:
http://www.sed.manchester.ac.uk/idpm/postgraduate/taught/funding/
Monday, April 07, 2008
Biyi Bandele Book Reading
I attended the Biyi Bandele book reading over the weekend at the British Council. I'd have loved to do a proper post about it, but seeing as I missed most of it, I'm really not in a position to. I was running late, having had an earlier appointment, and I hoped that this would be one of those events that observed African time, but I guess even if they did, it still started early enough that I missed the actual readings.
I am not a fan of stories about war, so while I'd seen the book Burma Boy around, I'd not considered buying it. Plus, I already have too many unread books sitting on my bookshelf. However, I like attending book readings still, whether I've read the book or not; or intending to read the book or not.
Biyi Bandele, the author, appeared to be a very laid-back and chilled individual. He had an accomodating manner, as he responded to most of the questions pleasantly. There had been a fair amount of publicity for the event, as evidenced by the huge turn-out (standing room only); or perhaps this was a testament to the author's popularity. This might have been one of the most relaxed readings that I've been to in a while too; with the audience laughing easily at both intended and accidental humour; sniggering wickedly at sarcastic comments by the commentator; and sighing with impatience at questions that meandered just a bit too long.
I am not a fan of stories about war, so while I'd seen the book Burma Boy around, I'd not considered buying it. Plus, I already have too many unread books sitting on my bookshelf. However, I like attending book readings still, whether I've read the book or not; or intending to read the book or not.
Biyi Bandele, the author, appeared to be a very laid-back and chilled individual. He had an accomodating manner, as he responded to most of the questions pleasantly. There had been a fair amount of publicity for the event, as evidenced by the huge turn-out (standing room only); or perhaps this was a testament to the author's popularity. This might have been one of the most relaxed readings that I've been to in a while too; with the audience laughing easily at both intended and accidental humour; sniggering wickedly at sarcastic comments by the commentator; and sighing with impatience at questions that meandered just a bit too long.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Today
I attended the Titans of Tech's Women in ICT forum today at the MUSON Centre. It was interesting and, as it is with these things, I finally met someone who I've corresponded with many times by email and have spoken to on the phone. I was really tripped that she gave me a shout out after I asked a question and introduced myself. Woohoo! I'll have to blog about the event later; including the 'well-meaning' but sometimes off-the-mark comments on women working in technology.
Anyway, I've spent what looked like it would be a promising evening in front of my computer trying to figure out how to convert a TIF file to a PDF document. I mean, really, how hard can it be? Well, VERY trying as I was to find out. After several hours spent cruising the web for software that could do such conversions, downloading different applications and trying them out, I finally ended up with 3 that were able to do the job - albeit it with ugly watermarks across them. Ah well, they were trial versions, so I took what I could get. So, that was my 'relaxing' evening. Technology helps and yet it can really stress you out sometimes. Now, I'm going to really relax with a very, very late dinner, Top Chef and Project Runway.
Anyway, I've spent what looked like it would be a promising evening in front of my computer trying to figure out how to convert a TIF file to a PDF document. I mean, really, how hard can it be? Well, VERY trying as I was to find out. After several hours spent cruising the web for software that could do such conversions, downloading different applications and trying them out, I finally ended up with 3 that were able to do the job - albeit it with ugly watermarks across them. Ah well, they were trial versions, so I took what I could get. So, that was my 'relaxing' evening. Technology helps and yet it can really stress you out sometimes. Now, I'm going to really relax with a very, very late dinner, Top Chef and Project Runway.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Open Society Fellowship Launched
Still at the linking thing, but this one for a good cause.
See for more info.
The Open Society Institute has launched a fellowship program to enable outstanding individuals from around the world to pursue projects that will inspire meaningful debate and shape public policy.
The Open Society Fellowship will award $2 million in 2008 to scholars, journalists, activists and others working on national security; citizenship, membership and marginalization; authoritarianism; and new strategies and tools for advocacy.
Fellows' projects may include books, articles, documentary films, online media, and efforts to seed new campaigns and organizations. OSI seeks fellows who will engage with its staff and inform its thinking.
See for more info.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Innocence of Youth
Indeed it seems like all I do these days is link to other bloggers' post. Perhaps not quite, but getting there.....
Anyway, I loved reading this post. Writer Tayari Jones wrote about finding a memento from her youth and how she was reminded about how fearless she was in her youth: she applied for every grant she heard about; sent out her manuscripts with wild abandon (I might be paraphrasing rather too exuberantly myself); and generally had loads of confidence to spare.
Aaah, the innocence and joy of youth. It's a time when you still believe that everything is possible and just because you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want something and because you deserve it, then you *should* get it. In due course we find out that life doesn't exactly work that way, but at that stage our almost blind belief that everything will work out well strangely enough ensures that it frequently does.
Anyway, I loved reading this post. Writer Tayari Jones wrote about finding a memento from her youth and how she was reminded about how fearless she was in her youth: she applied for every grant she heard about; sent out her manuscripts with wild abandon (I might be paraphrasing rather too exuberantly myself); and generally had loads of confidence to spare.
Aaah, the innocence and joy of youth. It's a time when you still believe that everything is possible and just because you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want something and because you deserve it, then you *should* get it. In due course we find out that life doesn't exactly work that way, but at that stage our almost blind belief that everything will work out well strangely enough ensures that it frequently does.
Blogging in Africa From the Early Days
Read this, via African Path: Sokari (of Black Looks) traces the development of the African blogosphere. Read it here.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
V-Monologues - Last Show
The last V-Monologues show is tomorrow (Thursday) 6PM at TerraKulture (Tiamiyu Savage Street, V/I). So if you haven't seen it, this is your last chance.
Biyi Bandele Book Readings
Ooooh, it's that thing I love so much - a book reading! I read about this Biyi Bandele book tour in the papers and meant to blog about it. And then promptly forgot until I saw it on Naijablog.
Here are the details:
Lagos
April 5 2008
British Council, 20 Thompson Road, Ikoyi
5 PM
Kano
April 8 2008
British Council, 10 Emir's Palace Road
6 PM
Abuja
April 9 2008
British Council, Plot 3645 IBB Way, Maitama
6 PM
Port Harcourt
April 11
British Council Information Centre, Plot 127 Olu Obsanjo Way, GRA II
6 PM
Here are the details:
Lagos
April 5 2008
British Council, 20 Thompson Road, Ikoyi
5 PM
Kano
April 8 2008
British Council, 10 Emir's Palace Road
6 PM
Abuja
April 9 2008
British Council, Plot 3645 IBB Way, Maitama
6 PM
Port Harcourt
April 11
British Council Information Centre, Plot 127 Olu Obsanjo Way, GRA II
6 PM
Monday, March 17, 2008
An Overview: Local Participation in Nigerian ICT Sector
This Technology Times article gives a good overview of indigenous participation in the Nigerian ICT sector.
It highlights the lack of skilled manpower and the need to address this in order to keep the industry growing and developing as it should.
It highlights the lack of skilled manpower and the need to address this in order to keep the industry growing and developing as it should.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A Blogger on Blogging
Read this interview, via Loomie's blog (Thanks, Loomie! Looking forward to exploring your blog.)
A blogger Steve Clemmons was interviewed by the Pakistani Spectator about blogging among other things. As you know I like to blog; I also like to blog about blogging so enjoy......
A blogger Steve Clemmons was interviewed by the Pakistani Spectator about blogging among other things. As you know I like to blog; I also like to blog about blogging so enjoy......
Friday, March 14, 2008
So, the V-Monologues ....
So, the famed/notorious (depending on your p.o.v) V-Monologues FINALLY arrived in Lagos yesterday. For a few months, I had read posts about the writing process and also seen photos from the rehearsals. After reading and hearing a lot of differing opinions about it, I was curious to see it and make-up my own mind.
I was looking forward to it, because after seeing the production of the Vagina Monologues two years ago, while I enjoyed it immensely, I felt that it would have so much more significance to Nigerian women if it were rooted in a more familiar cultural context. Besides, we have so many of our own issues that women in Nigeria are dealing with that I felt that would offer such a rich palette of experiences to draw from.
The first thing I noticed was how the title of the show had been modified from the Vagina Monologues to the V-Monologues. Hmmmm, was this some form of prudery and trying to avoid using the word “vagina”? I sincerely hoped not. Maybe it had its reasons in something legal? Or an attempt to indicate that this was an adaptation? Anyway, let’s move on.
Overall, I enjoyed many of the monologues. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the experiences appeared to be drawn largely from the experiences of women in the southern part of Nigeria. The realities of women from the north were not really present (aside from one monologue centered on a child bride and VVF; and another on wife-sharing in the middle-belt).
Many of the monologues were sad. This was necessary to portray the reality of many women’s lives. Many of them were poignant and kept you thinking back and reflecting on them hours after the show had ended. Not a lot were celebratory (I can only think of three or maybe four that were intended to be); however even in some of the more painful ones, there were flashes of biting humour, reminding you that life can be like that sometimes.
In some of the monologues, women were identified as the main culprits in causing or aggravating another woman’s pain, in selling her out and letting her down at the worst possible time (The Black Widow, Women Trafficking). Women were shown sometimes to be pawns of men in perpetuating hurtful cultural traditions (the monologue on FGM). In some cases, women were portrayed as being too helpless to take a stand. All of which can imply that women are weak, spineless, witless or cruel. “Yes, you see! You women are your own worst enemies.”
In all this, patriarchy continues to rear its ugly, multi-hydra’ed head, although that might not be the message that many would take away from this.
The last monologue recounts many great women from times gone past and is, I imagine, intended to be a rousing call to arms. It states how patriarchy came with the white man and how the existence of the ‘great women of yore’ (e.g. Queen Amina, Moremi, Emotan, Efunsetan Aniwura) proved that historically there existed no form of discrimination based on gender. Now, I don’t believe that is correct at all! I believe that these women were the exception rather than the rule. Yes, we have had, and still have, families with strong mother figures, but they have tended to ‘know their place’ within the power structure of the family.
Women were reminded that “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” While this is true on some levels, it does not account for the women who are not sufficiently knowledgeable about their rights (this is not just in a legal context) or empowered enough to fight their way out of the box that culture, society, tradition, religion, etc has put them in. So that statement, to me, was akin to belittling their pain and suffering.
Like I mentioned though, I enjoyed many of the monologues. I appreciate the phenomenal amount of work that went into writing and producing them. I was in awe of the actresses, particularly Omonor Imobhio and Bimbo Akintola. I also enjoyed Kemi Akindoju from Theatre @ Terra (Wow! She can SING!).
I think this was a good start in telling Nigerian women’s stories, but I would love to see a wider range of experiences represented; perhaps more monologues offering some hope or glimmer at the end of a very dark tunnel (or is there none?). Yes, we know that women can be cruel to other women, but let’s also not kid ourselves in believing that Nigeria is not patriarchal society. It is very much so and that needs to be re-enforced. Also, next year, let’s do without the male narrator and drummers.
Other Reviews:
- Funmi Iyanda
- Uzo
- When I moved back to Naija
- Naijablog
I was looking forward to it, because after seeing the production of the Vagina Monologues two years ago, while I enjoyed it immensely, I felt that it would have so much more significance to Nigerian women if it were rooted in a more familiar cultural context. Besides, we have so many of our own issues that women in Nigeria are dealing with that I felt that would offer such a rich palette of experiences to draw from.
The first thing I noticed was how the title of the show had been modified from the Vagina Monologues to the V-Monologues. Hmmmm, was this some form of prudery and trying to avoid using the word “vagina”? I sincerely hoped not. Maybe it had its reasons in something legal? Or an attempt to indicate that this was an adaptation? Anyway, let’s move on.
Overall, I enjoyed many of the monologues. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the experiences appeared to be drawn largely from the experiences of women in the southern part of Nigeria. The realities of women from the north were not really present (aside from one monologue centered on a child bride and VVF; and another on wife-sharing in the middle-belt).
Many of the monologues were sad. This was necessary to portray the reality of many women’s lives. Many of them were poignant and kept you thinking back and reflecting on them hours after the show had ended. Not a lot were celebratory (I can only think of three or maybe four that were intended to be); however even in some of the more painful ones, there were flashes of biting humour, reminding you that life can be like that sometimes.
In some of the monologues, women were identified as the main culprits in causing or aggravating another woman’s pain, in selling her out and letting her down at the worst possible time (The Black Widow, Women Trafficking). Women were shown sometimes to be pawns of men in perpetuating hurtful cultural traditions (the monologue on FGM). In some cases, women were portrayed as being too helpless to take a stand. All of which can imply that women are weak, spineless, witless or cruel. “Yes, you see! You women are your own worst enemies.”
In all this, patriarchy continues to rear its ugly, multi-hydra’ed head, although that might not be the message that many would take away from this.
The last monologue recounts many great women from times gone past and is, I imagine, intended to be a rousing call to arms. It states how patriarchy came with the white man and how the existence of the ‘great women of yore’ (e.g. Queen Amina, Moremi, Emotan, Efunsetan Aniwura) proved that historically there existed no form of discrimination based on gender. Now, I don’t believe that is correct at all! I believe that these women were the exception rather than the rule. Yes, we have had, and still have, families with strong mother figures, but they have tended to ‘know their place’ within the power structure of the family.
Women were reminded that “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” While this is true on some levels, it does not account for the women who are not sufficiently knowledgeable about their rights (this is not just in a legal context) or empowered enough to fight their way out of the box that culture, society, tradition, religion, etc has put them in. So that statement, to me, was akin to belittling their pain and suffering.
Like I mentioned though, I enjoyed many of the monologues. I appreciate the phenomenal amount of work that went into writing and producing them. I was in awe of the actresses, particularly Omonor Imobhio and Bimbo Akintola. I also enjoyed Kemi Akindoju from Theatre @ Terra (Wow! She can SING!).
I think this was a good start in telling Nigerian women’s stories, but I would love to see a wider range of experiences represented; perhaps more monologues offering some hope or glimmer at the end of a very dark tunnel (or is there none?). Yes, we know that women can be cruel to other women, but let’s also not kid ourselves in believing that Nigeria is not patriarchal society. It is very much so and that needs to be re-enforced. Also, next year, let’s do without the male narrator and drummers.
Other Reviews:
- Funmi Iyanda
- Uzo
- When I moved back to Naija
- Naijablog
Monday, March 10, 2008
IWD
Saturday was International Women's Day and also the start of International Women's Week. There have been a number of events around Lagos and the country. I attended one; a forum organised by the Nigerian Association for Women Journalists (NAWOJ) last week, the theme of which was "Financing for Gender Equality, Empowering the Nigerian Widow."
The V-Monologues play is one of the events we have to look forward to. Already, some reviews are trickling in via Naijablog. We in Lagos get to see it from Wednesday.
I was watching AM Express as I was getting ready to go to work this morning. This particular segment featured a doctor talking about how children could be protected against illnesses synonymous with the rainy season e.g. malaria, measles, etc. As she wrapped up the discussion, the presenter mentioned that Saturday was International Women's Day and asked the doctor how far she felt Nigerian women had come in recent years.
What felt like an interminable silence followed. Eventually the doctor sighed and said wearily, "Well, we have a long way to go; a long way ......"
That said it all methinks.
The V-Monologues play is one of the events we have to look forward to. Already, some reviews are trickling in via Naijablog. We in Lagos get to see it from Wednesday.
I was watching AM Express as I was getting ready to go to work this morning. This particular segment featured a doctor talking about how children could be protected against illnesses synonymous with the rainy season e.g. malaria, measles, etc. As she wrapped up the discussion, the presenter mentioned that Saturday was International Women's Day and asked the doctor how far she felt Nigerian women had come in recent years.
What felt like an interminable silence followed. Eventually the doctor sighed and said wearily, "Well, we have a long way to go; a long way ......"
That said it all methinks.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
V-Monologues: The Nigerian Story
It's that time of the year once again: time for the Nigerian adaptation of the Vagina Monologues. However, this year there is a welcome change - the monologues, re-titled as V-Monologues: The Nigerian Story have been adapted to our Nigerian society. Sifting through over 150 stories of various acts of violence against women, some were selected for this year's show.
The dates are venue are:
For more info
The dates are venue are:
- Thursday, March 6 2008: Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Hall, Abuja
- Friday, March 7 2008: National Centre for Women Development, Abuja
- Wednesday, March 12 2008: MUSON Centre, Lagos
- Thursday, March 13 2008: MUSON Centre, Lagos
- Wednesday, March 19 2008: Terra Kulture, Lagos
For more info
Friday, February 22, 2008
Hair We Go Again: To Wash or Not to Wash
I feel a hair post coming on. It's been a while after all. I read this article yesterday about how there is a rising trend among some young American women of foregoing the benefits of shampoo. I first heard about this several years when I used to cruise natural hair websites and boards like they were closing shop the very next day. I was in a phase where a lot of my personal identity was caught-up in my hair. I was also growing out my hair from its former low-cut and needed guidance on how to manage it.
So then I came across the "no poo" strategy i.e. severely limiting or eliminating your use of shampoo altogether.
YUCK!! was all I could think. I'd heard all the stories before about how washing your hair less could make it grow faster. But, erm, HELLO, your hair and nails grow at the same rate and I can't see how letting dirt accumulate on your scalp could change that. Of course, there is the truth that washing your hair probably means less stress on your hair - especially that which will come from the blow-drying and combing that follows. This tactic is supposed to be especially suited to curly and kinky hair, which tend to be more fragile than Caucasian and Asian types of hair.
However, as I thought about it I realised that so many young women barely wash their hair anyway. Let's say you put in braids or a weave that have cost a fortune and you really want them to look good for as long as possible to maximise the amount of money you have spent on them. So, you don't wash your hair for fear that your newly acquired tresses will start to go fuzzy and look rough. Weeks eventually go by with nary a whiff even of shampoo coming anywhere near your hair. Hmmm, this trend towards uncleanliness should really give us reason to pause and contemplate our hair habits. (Hasty Disclaimer: Writing about this does not mean that I also am one of those who perpetrate such heinous crimes against hair.)
Anyway, the article does talk about how some young women are farming out the washing of their hair and returning to what their mothers and grandmothers used to do i.e. going into the salon once a week for a wash and set, or wash and style. It's funny, because about a week ago, my aunt and I were talking about the decline of this very same habit. She reminisced about the days when she used to go to the salon every weekend to get her hair done. I also remembered accompanying my mother to her salon every Sunday for her wash and set (in time, I too would visit the salon for my wash and set - although my visits were less regular than my mother's). There was a feeling of camaraderie, which is lacking in many of today's braiding shops. My aunt and I pondered on the reasons for the decline of the weekly wash and set and, in the end, we took the easy route and blamed it on a lack of time.
Anyway, like I know I have said countless times before, I would like to wean myself over what has turned into an over-dependence on braids. It's a convenient crutch for me. Let's just hope that it won't be all talk this time....
So then I came across the "no poo" strategy i.e. severely limiting or eliminating your use of shampoo altogether.
YUCK!! was all I could think. I'd heard all the stories before about how washing your hair less could make it grow faster. But, erm, HELLO, your hair and nails grow at the same rate and I can't see how letting dirt accumulate on your scalp could change that. Of course, there is the truth that washing your hair probably means less stress on your hair - especially that which will come from the blow-drying and combing that follows. This tactic is supposed to be especially suited to curly and kinky hair, which tend to be more fragile than Caucasian and Asian types of hair.
However, as I thought about it I realised that so many young women barely wash their hair anyway. Let's say you put in braids or a weave that have cost a fortune and you really want them to look good for as long as possible to maximise the amount of money you have spent on them. So, you don't wash your hair for fear that your newly acquired tresses will start to go fuzzy and look rough. Weeks eventually go by with nary a whiff even of shampoo coming anywhere near your hair. Hmmm, this trend towards uncleanliness should really give us reason to pause and contemplate our hair habits. (Hasty Disclaimer: Writing about this does not mean that I also am one of those who perpetrate such heinous crimes against hair.)
Anyway, the article does talk about how some young women are farming out the washing of their hair and returning to what their mothers and grandmothers used to do i.e. going into the salon once a week for a wash and set, or wash and style. It's funny, because about a week ago, my aunt and I were talking about the decline of this very same habit. She reminisced about the days when she used to go to the salon every weekend to get her hair done. I also remembered accompanying my mother to her salon every Sunday for her wash and set (in time, I too would visit the salon for my wash and set - although my visits were less regular than my mother's). There was a feeling of camaraderie, which is lacking in many of today's braiding shops. My aunt and I pondered on the reasons for the decline of the weekly wash and set and, in the end, we took the easy route and blamed it on a lack of time.
Anyway, like I know I have said countless times before, I would like to wean myself over what has turned into an over-dependence on braids. It's a convenient crutch for me. Let's just hope that it won't be all talk this time....
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Why Girls Blog
I just read this New York Times article based on some recent research conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, which found that among Web users (in the U.S.) ages 12 to 17, significantly more girls than boys blog (35% of girls compared with 20% of boys) and create or work on their own Web pages (32% of girls compared with 22% of boys).
Some of the guesses floated for this in the article is that girls are socialised more to tell stories about themselves and others (or have a tendency to be more "confessional" than boys). Where guys do dominate is in posting videos and, according to one of the academics featured in the article, not because they are more skilled at it than girls but because "videos are often less about personal expression and more about impressing others. It’s an ideal way for members of a subculture — skateboarders, snowboarders — to demonstrate their athleticism."
According to another one of the academics interviewed, girls "from a young age ... learn that they are objects ... so they learn how to describe themselves. Historically, girls and women have been expected to be social, communal and skilled in decorative arts."
She continued, that this dominance by girls in creating web content, as a result of their communication skills would be called "the feminization of the Internet." Hmmm well, that certainly makes a change from the perceived masculinity of most other forms of technology.
It's always interesting to read the deductions made from research such as this. Of course, there are always a fair amount of generalisations made - and I guess that have to be made. I loved to write when I was much younger, but I think that my tastes always gravitated more towards the literary. It was less to do with my being a girl and expectations to be able to describe myself (and perhaps more influenced by upbringing). But then, I am one person and so it's difficult to say why other women blog, write or maintain websites.
In our society where oral story-telling is very much a part of the culture, such results perhaps might have been expected. But to really know, someone would have to do some research on online usage trends in Nigeria for us to know for sure.
Some of the guesses floated for this in the article is that girls are socialised more to tell stories about themselves and others (or have a tendency to be more "confessional" than boys). Where guys do dominate is in posting videos and, according to one of the academics featured in the article, not because they are more skilled at it than girls but because "videos are often less about personal expression and more about impressing others. It’s an ideal way for members of a subculture — skateboarders, snowboarders — to demonstrate their athleticism."
According to another one of the academics interviewed, girls "from a young age ... learn that they are objects ... so they learn how to describe themselves. Historically, girls and women have been expected to be social, communal and skilled in decorative arts."
She continued, that this dominance by girls in creating web content, as a result of their communication skills would be called "the feminization of the Internet." Hmmm well, that certainly makes a change from the perceived masculinity of most other forms of technology.
It's always interesting to read the deductions made from research such as this. Of course, there are always a fair amount of generalisations made - and I guess that have to be made. I loved to write when I was much younger, but I think that my tastes always gravitated more towards the literary. It was less to do with my being a girl and expectations to be able to describe myself (and perhaps more influenced by upbringing). But then, I am one person and so it's difficult to say why other women blog, write or maintain websites.
In our society where oral story-telling is very much a part of the culture, such results perhaps might have been expected. But to really know, someone would have to do some research on online usage trends in Nigeria for us to know for sure.
AfricaNews Seeks Reporters
This is so bad! I feel like all I've been doing here lately is making announcements (sans my last post that really only fans of The Wire would care about). Ah well!
If there are journalists out there or budding journalists, you might be interested in writing for AfricaNews. Check out their site for more info on signing-up as a reporter.
If there are journalists out there or budding journalists, you might be interested in writing for AfricaNews. Check out their site for more info on signing-up as a reporter.
Monday, February 04, 2008
The Wire Season 4
Post for fans of The Wire:
Ah, the power of blogging. I asked and I received. I finished watching season 4 of The Wire. Amazing is all I can say. I watched and re-watched the first 2 seasons. I also watched all the commentaries, so I knew those 2 seasons backwards and forwards. With season 3, I watched that just once and didn't watch a single commentary. Plus this was about a year ago, so by the time I got season 4, my re-collection of the third season was very hazy. I debated re-watching the 3rd season before starting on the 4th season, but I too excited to start on the new episodes.
The story has developed a lot since the days when Avon Barksdale ran the drug trade in west Baltimore. Now a few years on, Avon is locked up for a long time, but a new kingpin, Marlo Stanfield, has emerged and taken his place. Life goes on whatever else happens.
The characters have progressed and grown in many ways (well, not everyone: Bunk still drinks himself sick). Each season highlights a different aspect of life in Baltimore. The first established the characters and laid a good understanding of Baltimore's drug trade; the second showed life on the docks; the third shows city politics; and the fourth on the school system. In the fourth season, you get an understanding of how such young children end up working in drugs. Although set in Baltimore, much of what occurs (if not all) takes place in other cities all over the world.
Non-Wire fans will wonder why I'm always raving about this show. You have to watch to understand. Anyway, I'm watching the commentaries of season 4 now. After that I'll re-watch season 3.
Here's a link to a sit-down with some of the cast members that my friend Funke sent me: http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/features/story/0,,2246952,00.html.
Enjoy.
Ah, the power of blogging. I asked and I received. I finished watching season 4 of The Wire. Amazing is all I can say. I watched and re-watched the first 2 seasons. I also watched all the commentaries, so I knew those 2 seasons backwards and forwards. With season 3, I watched that just once and didn't watch a single commentary. Plus this was about a year ago, so by the time I got season 4, my re-collection of the third season was very hazy. I debated re-watching the 3rd season before starting on the 4th season, but I too excited to start on the new episodes.
The story has developed a lot since the days when Avon Barksdale ran the drug trade in west Baltimore. Now a few years on, Avon is locked up for a long time, but a new kingpin, Marlo Stanfield, has emerged and taken his place. Life goes on whatever else happens.
The characters have progressed and grown in many ways (well, not everyone: Bunk still drinks himself sick). Each season highlights a different aspect of life in Baltimore. The first established the characters and laid a good understanding of Baltimore's drug trade; the second showed life on the docks; the third shows city politics; and the fourth on the school system. In the fourth season, you get an understanding of how such young children end up working in drugs. Although set in Baltimore, much of what occurs (if not all) takes place in other cities all over the world.
Non-Wire fans will wonder why I'm always raving about this show. You have to watch to understand. Anyway, I'm watching the commentaries of season 4 now. After that I'll re-watch season 3.
Here's a link to a sit-down with some of the cast members that my friend Funke sent me: http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/features/story/0,,2246952,00.html.
Enjoy.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Domestic Violence
What do you do when you hear your next door neighbours fighting constantly? I have heard the fights between (I assume) the husband and wife for a very long time now. Typically the man is shouting angrily and the woman is returning his verbal assault with equal measure. Sometimes what you hear is sounds of beating and the woman screaming. Sometimes, it's the man thundering in pain and anger after (I assume again) the woman has flung a breakable object at him. A lot of times, you hear things been thrown about and a torrent of curse words. This is what is going on right now. This morning, it was the plaintive wails of a child being beaten.
The thing about violence within a family is that it is frequently endless. The father physically or verbally assaults the woman and in some cases she retaliates, in many cases she does not. Often, she feels that she is powerless. Always, the children are caught up in this spiral of violence as they suffer from a parent or parents who can only resolve disputes in anger. They also learn from their parents' relationship how to behave in their own social interactions.
The thing about violence within a family is that it is frequently endless. The father physically or verbally assaults the woman and in some cases she retaliates, in many cases she does not. Often, she feels that she is powerless. Always, the children are caught up in this spiral of violence as they suffer from a parent or parents who can only resolve disputes in anger. They also learn from their parents' relationship how to behave in their own social interactions.
Traffic, Traffic, Traffic
I know a lot of bloggers have written about the horrible traffic situation in Lagos, but this is one thing that Lagosians cannot complain about enough. Newline did a story on this night, tracing the gridlock from CMS to the Lekki-Ajah Expressway on a typical work morning. We all agree that the current situation is terrible.
On the island, the road expansion is the major source of the chaos. For a long time no one could actually tell what they were doing - it looked like they were dusting and cleaning up. Now, what feels like decades later (in truth, about a year and 3 months), we can see determined signs of progress. It looks like it will get a bit worse before it gets better. Okay, my little rant is over now.
On the island, the road expansion is the major source of the chaos. For a long time no one could actually tell what they were doing - it looked like they were dusting and cleaning up. Now, what feels like decades later (in truth, about a year and 3 months), we can see determined signs of progress. It looks like it will get a bit worse before it gets better. Okay, my little rant is over now.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Call for Articles - Gender & Development Journal
Oxfam's Gender & Development journal is accepting proposals for its November 2008 issue. The issue will focus on Gender, Development and Leadership:
· What concrete strategies are being tried in different contexts worldwide, to promote and support women leaders in economic, political and social institutions - including states, financial institutions, community institutions, and the household?
· Do women leaders make a difference in terms of gender equality outcomes, and pro-poor outcomes? How can women leaders with progressive agendas be supported? What attracts women to conservative or fundamentalist political groupings?
· What else needs to change to ensure the specific interests of women living in poverty are reflected and met?
· What should the role of development organisations be in supporting women's leadership? What are the challenges?
Gender & Development provides an opportunity for all involved in development (researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, activists, etc) who uphold gender equality and women's rights to reflect on their work and share learning. The journal is published three times each year and each issue focuses on a particular in gender and development.
If you are interested in writing for this issue exploring any of the above or related themes, please send a paragraph outlining your proposed idea to gadeditor@oxfam.org.uk by February 7, 2008. Visit www.genderanddevelopment.org for more information.
· What concrete strategies are being tried in different contexts worldwide, to promote and support women leaders in economic, political and social institutions - including states, financial institutions, community institutions, and the household?
· Do women leaders make a difference in terms of gender equality outcomes, and pro-poor outcomes? How can women leaders with progressive agendas be supported? What attracts women to conservative or fundamentalist political groupings?
· What else needs to change to ensure the specific interests of women living in poverty are reflected and met?
· What should the role of development organisations be in supporting women's leadership? What are the challenges?
Gender & Development provides an opportunity for all involved in development (researchers, practitioners, policy-makers, activists, etc) who uphold gender equality and women's rights to reflect on their work and share learning. The journal is published three times each year and each issue focuses on a particular in gender and development.
If you are interested in writing for this issue exploring any of the above or related themes, please send a paragraph outlining your proposed idea to gadeditor@oxfam.org.uk by February 7, 2008. Visit www.genderanddevelopment.org for more information.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tech Museum Awards
Nominations are being accepted for this year's Tech Museum Awards.
From the site: "The Tech Museum Awards is a programme that aims to honour and award innovators from around the world who use technology to benefit humanity. Five Laureates in each category are honoured, and one Laureate per category receives US$50,000.
Indiviudals and organisations who apply should show how their technology application significantly improves the human condition in one of the five award areas: economic development, education, environment, equality, or health.
Deadline for application is March 24, 2008.
Check the site for more info: http://techawards.thetech.org/.
From the site: "The Tech Museum Awards is a programme that aims to honour and award innovators from around the world who use technology to benefit humanity. Five Laureates in each category are honoured, and one Laureate per category receives US$50,000.
Indiviudals and organisations who apply should show how their technology application significantly improves the human condition in one of the five award areas: economic development, education, environment, equality, or health.
Deadline for application is March 24, 2008.
Check the site for more info: http://techawards.thetech.org/.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Slave Chamber
This was the final stop on our Spice Tour. We were taken to a beach in Mangapwani to work off our lunch. As the bus makes its way back to Stone Town, we were driven to this former slave cave and given the option to get out and see it quickly. Most in our party declined (it had been a long day, so I couldn't blame them), but I was curious so along with a handful of others, we paid our 1,000 Tsh (roughly equivalent to 1 USD) and descended into the dungeon.
Slaves were hidden in here after trade in slaves was abolished. The cave is a dank pit, which appeared to spiral into the ground. After taking about 20 steps down, the daylight was already being subsumed by the underground darkness. I climbed down as far as my slippers would allow me to on the slippery and damp ground. Our lone torch gave out and my camera battery, which I had been carefully nursing all through the trip (not having a battery charger with me) eventually failed. It was time to call it a day and head back.
The Nutmeg
Everyone who visits Zanzibar MUST go on the Spice Tour. It's like you didn't even visit Zanazibar if you didn't go on the Spice Tour. So, we went on the Spice Tour. I also happen to like spices and the mental pictures of tasty food that the word 'spice' conjures up for me. Plus, at the end of the tour, participants are treated to a meal featuring many of the island's famous spices.
This photograph is of the nutmeg, which is one of my favourite spices. I had never seen it in its raw form, so it was with utter fascination I watched as the tour guide pointed to a yellow, soft looking fruit and declared it to be "nutmeg". We all looked at him rather disbelievingly until he pulled one off the tree and split it open to reveal the familiar-looking brown nut.
Zanzibar Sunset
So we went to the first floor of the Africa House Hotel to see the famed view of the sunset, along with what seemed like just about every other tourist on the island (oh, I hate to be such a 'touristy' tourist and be seen doing what everyone else is doing). We ordered a couple of their rather over-priced drinks and settled down to watch the sun set. It all happened so fast and then I guess I got slightly distracted with my people watching and so this is the photograph I ended up with.
It seems to be the norm for tourists now to wield heavy-duty, professional-looking cameras. What happened to the simple point-and-shoots of yore? As I sat there, I could actually see some people nervously bringing out their point-and-shoots, apparently intimidated by the preponderance of the DC4S/PP (Digital Cameras for Serious/Professional Photographers). LOL!!
We were at the Africa House Hotel for maybe about 30 minutes. The sun doesn't take that long to set, and before we knew it the mosquitoes were out in full effect, chomping at our ankles and anywhere else they could reach (which, it seemed was EVERYWHERE, including fully-clothed parts). Not wanting to be reduced to insect meal, Funke and I hastily paid and beat a hurried retreat (along with all the other tourists) to the door.
View from the Archipelago Restaurant
You can see (or perhaps not, for all the foliage) the Monsoon Restaurant. According to my guide book, if one restaurant on this island is hard to get a table at, it is this one. Or could be, on Thursday nights when they have live music. We ate there one night (obviously we got a table). The food was not bad, though again it didn't live up the expectation that the guide book had built-up. Or then again, perhaps I'm a philistine when it comes to fine dining.
BTW, I think the best meals I had were at ETC Plaza and Les Spices Rendez-Vous (the New Maharaja Restaurant). It took us FOREVER to find ETC PLaza, but the food was so worth it when we got there. The night we went to Les Spices, we were actually looking for another restaurant, which must have closed down and which must also have been so bad that no one missed it either, as no one seemed to know it.
This picture was taken from Archipelago Restaurant, another place with excellent food.
Another ocean view from Prison Island
Yes, yes, I know. Yet ANOTHER shot of the ocean. Can you blame me? It's so beautiful.
Speedy Gonzales
I LOVE this picture; it's easily my favourite of all the pictures I took (What? This blurry thing?). Mr. T looks likes he's dashing off for a very important appointment. Infact, someone who saw this picture asked me where the tortoise was running to. Then she caught herself and laughed. This 'masterpiece' was no doubt the result of a shaky hand, or perhaps I sneezed as I snapped.
This was taken on the tortoise farm on Prison Island.
It's funny; Funke and I were chattering away as we walked into the tortoise farm. The guide asked us if we were from Nigeria.
We were very surprised at his dead-on accuracy, especially since of all the tourists we had met on the island, we were the only Nigerians and, from what I gathered, there are not many Nigerians visiting Zanzibar in general.
- "How did you know we were Nigerians?" we asked the guide.
- "Oh", he responded off-handedly, "Nigerians are always SO loud."
Hmmm, well, excuse me!
Prison Island Beach
I ended up with a lot of beach shots. Well, I couldn't help it. There was a Kodak moment everywhere I looked. The beaches were so clean and beautiful that although I feared that the pictures would all look the same, at the time I wanted to capture as much of the natural beauty as I could. Cameras of course don't do justice, but you get the idea.
Sailor
I was a bit worried about being sea-sick on this trip, especially since I had just wolfed down a sizeable breakfast minutes before we clambered on the small boat. However, I discovered that I must have some solid sea legs (well, perhaps, the gently lapping waves were not the most rigorous test for how prone to sea-sickness I am).
Our sailor (or 'driver' as the owner of the fleet of boats referred to him) was a man of few words (I'm sure it didn't help that we didn't speak a lick of Swahili other than "Jambo" and "Mambo" and his English was pretty limited). That suited me fine, talkative drivers, when you're not in the mood, don't make for a very relaxing journey.
Tembo Hotel from the water
On our second day, we took a boat trip to Prison Island, also known as Changuu Island. A huge prison was built on the island, but never used for that purpose. Instead, it was used by the British as a yellow fever quarantine camp. Now, it is a tourist spot, attracting people to its serenity (there are chalets for people who wish to stay on the island).
This is the view of our hotel from the boat.
Mosquito Nets
Now, this took me back to my childhood. Mosquitoes are plentiful on the island, so the hotel staff sprayed the rooms every evening. By the time you returned to your room, you'd find the windows firmly shut, with the mosquito nets now draped over the beds, and the lingering scent of the insecticide in the air. On our first evening, when Funke and I saw the made beds, we shrieked with glee and nostalgia.
View of the Tembo Hotel
I think I was sitting by the poolside or the patio of our hotel when I took this picture. I loved our hotel. The Rough Guide mentioned something about rude staff, but the hotel manager was very friendly and talked to Funke and I at great lengths about Zanzibar's history. He also recommended quite a few places for us to see and things to do. The rest of the staff was also very approachable. The food wasn't bad, though the dinner, as we later found out, was relatively expensive.
The Tembo Hotel sits by the water and apparently used to be the US Consulate building. I am guessing that being by the water constituted something of a security risk. The hotel decor reflected the strong Arab influences on the island, from the ottomans, to the rugs and the tiles. I would definitely recommend this hotel.
View of Stone Town by the Africa House Hotel
I realised that I didn't take many/any photographs of the narrow, winding streets that the mention of Zanzibar conjures. Shame on me, but it's always like that, I find. I get home and look at my selection of photos and wonder where my head was at the time.
Anyway, this photo, taken in front of the Africa House Hotel, but of the buildings next to it (I think this was actually a test shot or something) is probably the closest thing I have that shows the tall, narrow, white-washed buildings that are so common in Stone Town. You will notice the cars parked in front of the buildings. I was surprised at the large number of cars, for such a tiny island with such (in some places) incredibly narrow streets.
Forodhani Gardens
Forodhani Gardens is one of the biggest tourist attractions on Stone Island (Stone Island is the capital of Unguja - the biggest island in the archipelago that is Zanzibar. Unguja is also referred to as Zanzibar Island.)
People (both tourist and local Zanzibaris alike) gather at Forodhani Gardens at night to feast on a dizzying array of meat and seafood. You pick what you want and the vendor roasts its for you. Eating at FG is a strictly no-frills affair, with food served in disposable paper plates. You sit at any one of the wooden tables and benches, with cats scurrying around your feet waiting for scraps. I used to hate cats. I've gotten over that now - albeit firmly in the 'dog person' camp - but it was still slightly disconcerting for me to have so many cats in such close proximity.
The food was good though a bit of a let-down. I suppose that can happen when your expectations have been built sky-high by many excellent reviews of the food. For an island so famous for its spices, I thought more should have been used in the food.
Forodhani is great for people watching, especially seeing young Zanzibari men practice English with young female tourists.
Beach by Africa House Hotel
On our first day we strolled near the hotel and passed the Serena Inn (very expensive hotel - about 300 USD for their cheapest room, but gorgeous lobby) and ended up in fornt of the Africa House Hotel. The Africa House Hotel, formerly the English Club and now famous for its prime view of the sun setting into the Indian Ocean.
Tembo Hotel dining patio
This was the sunny patio, where my friend Funke and I had breakfast every morning (we only ate dinner at the hotel once, preferring to try other places). It's such a wonderful thing to be able to eat in such a beautiful space, looking out at a gorgeous view. I totally loved loved this hotel and was glad that we chose to stay at a beach-front hotel, as opposed to one more in the centre of town.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
In The New Year
Oh, it's been a long while since my last post, I know. Obviously I have been resting after what was a very, very busy year for me. This was one of the best Christmases (and birthdays) I have had in a long time. I'm too tired to write about it all properly now so that will have to wait until later.
One thing I have to mention is that you never know who reads your blog. You have a fair idea about some of the people who stop by (they comment, or they lurk but you know they lurk). So many others lurk and you never know until they tell you. So that is how I found out that many of my co-workers read my blog regularly and I never knew. Not only are some of them regular readers, but some of them have been reading it for at least a year. Interesting. It made me frantically think back to all my posts for anything with potential incriminating information. Luckily, I don't think there is any, or if there is, I have happily forgotten about it (let it stay that way too).
I have a lot to catch-up on and pics of Zanzibar to post and will try and do that by and by.
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!
One thing I have to mention is that you never know who reads your blog. You have a fair idea about some of the people who stop by (they comment, or they lurk but you know they lurk). So many others lurk and you never know until they tell you. So that is how I found out that many of my co-workers read my blog regularly and I never knew. Not only are some of them regular readers, but some of them have been reading it for at least a year. Interesting. It made me frantically think back to all my posts for anything with potential incriminating information. Luckily, I don't think there is any, or if there is, I have happily forgotten about it (let it stay that way too).
I have a lot to catch-up on and pics of Zanzibar to post and will try and do that by and by.
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
In Zanzibar
Finally! I have been wanting to visit this island for years and finally I made it. There's so much to share that I don't know where to start from. I also don't have the time to do it, especially since I am blogging from a cyber cafe located in the post office. Internet access here is cheaper than Lagos (1US for an hour). It's also kind of fast.
Although Zanzibar is really an archipelago (group of islands), the main island where I am, Unguja, also called Zanzibar. It's a predominantly islamic island. And for such a small place, there's a surprising amount to do. However, because it has such a ladi-back and olde worlde ambience, you don't feel guilty if you decide to do nothing and laze around all day.
Yesterday my friend, Funke, and I went on the spice tour, which is almost obligatory to do when you get here, seeing that Zanzibar's spices are some of their biggest exports (if not the biggest). Today I went snorkelling for the first time ever!!! I'll write more abou that later. It was also my first time swimming in open waters and I was taken aback by how salty the ocean water was. It's one of those things that I know, but was still very surprised by just how salty it tasted. The plan was to swim with the dolphins resident in the waters off the Zanzibar coast, but they were apparently not feeling very friendly today. I was still able to see a family of about 8 dolphins swimming some yards away from me. The guide said that we were out farther than we should be, as people don't normally have to go that far out to see the dolphins. Anyway, I was happy enough.
My time is up now, so I'll write more when I can.
Although Zanzibar is really an archipelago (group of islands), the main island where I am, Unguja, also called Zanzibar. It's a predominantly islamic island. And for such a small place, there's a surprising amount to do. However, because it has such a ladi-back and olde worlde ambience, you don't feel guilty if you decide to do nothing and laze around all day.
Yesterday my friend, Funke, and I went on the spice tour, which is almost obligatory to do when you get here, seeing that Zanzibar's spices are some of their biggest exports (if not the biggest). Today I went snorkelling for the first time ever!!! I'll write more abou that later. It was also my first time swimming in open waters and I was taken aback by how salty the ocean water was. It's one of those things that I know, but was still very surprised by just how salty it tasted. The plan was to swim with the dolphins resident in the waters off the Zanzibar coast, but they were apparently not feeling very friendly today. I was still able to see a family of about 8 dolphins swimming some yards away from me. The guide said that we were out farther than we should be, as people don't normally have to go that far out to see the dolphins. Anyway, I was happy enough.
My time is up now, so I'll write more when I can.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
nGOmobile Competition: 8 More Days!!
nGOmobile is a text message-based competition aimed exclusively and unashamedly at grassroots non-profit organisations working for positive social and environmental change throughout the developing world. NGOs from developing countries are invited to submit a short proposal outlining how text messaging could make their job easier.
Deadline is December 14, so get those proposals in if you're interested. Check the website for more info.
Deadline is December 14, so get those proposals in if you're interested. Check the website for more info.
Monday, December 03, 2007
7 Wierd Things About Me
Tagged by Tayo and accused of being too serious.
I don't know what wierd things I can list here. Growing up I was considered wierd anyway, but here goes .....
1. I love to drive (though Lagos traffic makes me insane with impatience). When I was younger I envied my parents' drivers for their good fortune of spending the entire day gallivanting all over Lagos. As I was being dropped off at school for my daily 6-hour 'imprisonment', I thought how much I would rather be a driver instead.
2. I can be quite chatty when I feel like it.
3. While I love to travel, sometimes the thrill of getting away can be far more enjoyable than actually arriving at my destination.
4. Although I tend to have strong opinions about quite a number of things, I am also able to see both sides of an argument. It can be fun but also maddening (to me and the person I'm arguing with).
5. I love, love, LOVE my birthday. I get very excited when it's approaching (cough, cough, it's coming soon - on the 18th of this month) and I am on a high for the entire month. I feel that people should not have to work on their birthdays.
6. I love rice (well, people who know me are aware of this already). I can eat rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday of the week and not get tired of it.
7. I really don't what else to mention here ..... I've never been drunk. Is that wierd? Hmmm, probably not, if you know me. I like reading and learning new things, but I HATE it when people recount every minute detail when relating a story to me. It's like I ask them what a film was about. Thirty minutes LATER the have only covered a quarter of the film. I'll keep my advice brief: "Stay sharp and straight to the point."
Thank God, I made it through. Now, it's your turn. I'm tagging Ayoola (but of course), Nneoma, Adefunke, Mysterious Meander, Pilgrimage to Self, Tuckergurl, and Gbenga Sesan.
If you've been tagged with this already. Ah well, what can I say? Practise makes perfect.
Here are the rules
1) Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2) Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself
3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
4) Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog
I don't know what wierd things I can list here. Growing up I was considered wierd anyway, but here goes .....
1. I love to drive (though Lagos traffic makes me insane with impatience). When I was younger I envied my parents' drivers for their good fortune of spending the entire day gallivanting all over Lagos. As I was being dropped off at school for my daily 6-hour 'imprisonment', I thought how much I would rather be a driver instead.
2. I can be quite chatty when I feel like it.
3. While I love to travel, sometimes the thrill of getting away can be far more enjoyable than actually arriving at my destination.
4. Although I tend to have strong opinions about quite a number of things, I am also able to see both sides of an argument. It can be fun but also maddening (to me and the person I'm arguing with).
5. I love, love, LOVE my birthday. I get very excited when it's approaching (cough, cough, it's coming soon - on the 18th of this month) and I am on a high for the entire month. I feel that people should not have to work on their birthdays.
6. I love rice (well, people who know me are aware of this already). I can eat rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday of the week and not get tired of it.
7. I really don't what else to mention here ..... I've never been drunk. Is that wierd? Hmmm, probably not, if you know me. I like reading and learning new things, but I HATE it when people recount every minute detail when relating a story to me. It's like I ask them what a film was about. Thirty minutes LATER the have only covered a quarter of the film. I'll keep my advice brief: "Stay sharp and straight to the point."
Thank God, I made it through. Now, it's your turn. I'm tagging Ayoola (but of course), Nneoma, Adefunke, Mysterious Meander, Pilgrimage to Self, Tuckergurl, and Gbenga Sesan.
If you've been tagged with this already. Ah well, what can I say? Practise makes perfect.
Here are the rules
1) Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog
2) Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself
3) Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs
4) Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog
Chika Unigwe Book Reading
'Tis officially the season to be jolly (what with it being December now and all .....). Here's news of an upcoming book reading, courtesy of Wordsbody.
Chika Unigwe reads from her debut novel, The Phoenix (published in Dutch in 2005 as 'De Feniks'). The West African edition of the book is published by Kachifo and the book readings will be held on:
Chika Unigwe reads from her debut novel, The Phoenix (published in Dutch in 2005 as 'De Feniks'). The West African edition of the book is published by Kachifo and the book readings will be held on:
- Saturday December 8 - The Jazzhole, 168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos @ 4pm
- Friday December 14 - Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Centre, Ikoyi @ 5pm
- Saturday December 15 - Bookworm, Eko Hotel Shopping Complex, Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos @ 2pm
Thursday, November 29, 2007
South African Airport Crime Syndicates
My friend sent me this news story about the so-called 'airport syndicate' operating in Johannesburg. The deal is that visitors to the city are trailed from the airport and attacked usually at the entrance to their hotel or place of residence. The immigration and customs staff at the aiport are believed to work hand-in-hand with the robbers, who later way-lay the unsuspecting victims.
These robbers target certain nationalities - Nigerians included - who they know will be carrying huge sums of money on them.
So if the authorities know so much about this crime syndicate, why are these robberies still happening?
These robbers target certain nationalities - Nigerians included - who they know will be carrying huge sums of money on them.
So if the authorities know so much about this crime syndicate, why are these robberies still happening?
CMPC vs. OLPC
Intel has supplied its Classmate PC (CMPC) to students in an Abuja secondary, as part of its World Ahead programme, an initiative designed to "bring technology to people around the world."
According to the school's technical manager, Mr. Dennis Etsuke, "The pilot project consists of 280 computers, 8 teacher laptops, digital content, Wimax for internet access, and a repository where we can view content offline." Impressive, given that a generator was also installed so that the school could actually power the laptops.
Check out the photos.
In March this year, another Abuja area school was signed-up to participate in the One Laptop Per Child initiative, the brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte, MIT's Media Lab co-founder.
Although both iniatives have roughly similar objectives of helping to bridge the digital divide, there of course has been a less than harmonious working relationship. Negroponte accused Intel of developing the CMPC because the OLPC computer uses an AMD processor, which is the rival technology to the Intel chip.
According to the school's technical manager, Mr. Dennis Etsuke, "The pilot project consists of 280 computers, 8 teacher laptops, digital content, Wimax for internet access, and a repository where we can view content offline." Impressive, given that a generator was also installed so that the school could actually power the laptops.
Check out the photos.
In March this year, another Abuja area school was signed-up to participate in the One Laptop Per Child initiative, the brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte, MIT's Media Lab co-founder.
Although both iniatives have roughly similar objectives of helping to bridge the digital divide, there of course has been a less than harmonious working relationship. Negroponte accused Intel of developing the CMPC because the OLPC computer uses an AMD processor, which is the rival technology to the Intel chip.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Anti-Virus Software Choices
I'm in the market for a new anti-virus software. Any recommendations? Saw this interesting post by Chxta outlining pros and cons from his pov of some popular anti-virus packages. I'm looking to move away from Nortons.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Black Looks' Carnival Against Violence Against Women
Sokari of Black Looks is organising a Carnival Against Violence Against Women. To participate, write a post on anything from "a personal story, images, thoughts, a link anything that highlights and informs violence against women." Complete a form from her blog or email her to notify her of your post. That's it! It's as easy as 1-2-3. It's so easy that I must remember to do it.
She also reminds us that the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which will run from November 25th to December 10th will incorporate the following:
November 25th: The International Day Against Violence Against Women
November 29th: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
December 1st: World Aids Day
December 10th: International Human Rights Day
She also reminds us that the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which will run from November 25th to December 10th will incorporate the following:
November 25th: The International Day Against Violence Against Women
November 29th: International Women Human Rights Defenders Day
December 1st: World Aids Day
December 10th: International Human Rights Day
The Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF 2007)
I forgot to write about the 2007 edition of the Lagos Book & Art Festival. It ran from a Friday through to Sunday (Nov 9-11), but I was only able to go on Saturday.
It was held at the National Theatre, I suppose in part to showcase a national treasure that has been at the centre of much hoopla this year, stemming from the government's intention to sell it.
I haven't been to the National Theatre since secondary school and although I hear about events being held there once in a blue moon, I didn't seriously think that it was somewhere that people still used. I suppose my decision to attend the festival was partly out of curiousity to see this great landmark of old (well, aside from the fact that I attended last year and was looking forward to it anyway).
I'm quite ashamed to say that I got lost both getting there AND leaving (well, at least when I was leaving it was dark and so I had somewhat of a valid excuse). The time actually spent there was quite enjoyable. I easily located the part of the theatre being used for the festival from the crowd of cars parked outside and people milling around.
I got there during the final session of the day - a panel discussion entitled Writing in - Tales from the Diaspora, which (according to the program) featured Ayo Arigbabu, Henry Akubuiro, Toni Kan, Chuks Ohai, Tolu Ogunlesi. Also participating were Wole Oguntokun and Chude Jideonwo, who moderated.
The discussion flowed from musings on what defines writing as Nigerian; who was a Nigerian writer; which writers of Nigerian heritage could be said to be 'writing in' and who were writing 'authentically Nigerian'; what the hell made for 'authentic' Nigerian writing anway; and at the end of the day did all this matter? In response to the last question, which was posed by a member of the audience, the writer Toni Kan quipped that afterall that was what they had been brought together to debate.
I visited the few stalls that had not yet packed their wares up and bought two books that I know that I will not read for at least a year. After the day's proceedings wrapped-up, I spent some time chit-chatting with participants and guests alike outside and met two bloggers. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by me.
It was held at the National Theatre, I suppose in part to showcase a national treasure that has been at the centre of much hoopla this year, stemming from the government's intention to sell it.
I haven't been to the National Theatre since secondary school and although I hear about events being held there once in a blue moon, I didn't seriously think that it was somewhere that people still used. I suppose my decision to attend the festival was partly out of curiousity to see this great landmark of old (well, aside from the fact that I attended last year and was looking forward to it anyway).
I'm quite ashamed to say that I got lost both getting there AND leaving (well, at least when I was leaving it was dark and so I had somewhat of a valid excuse). The time actually spent there was quite enjoyable. I easily located the part of the theatre being used for the festival from the crowd of cars parked outside and people milling around.
I got there during the final session of the day - a panel discussion entitled Writing in - Tales from the Diaspora, which (according to the program) featured Ayo Arigbabu, Henry Akubuiro, Toni Kan, Chuks Ohai, Tolu Ogunlesi. Also participating were Wole Oguntokun and Chude Jideonwo, who moderated.
The discussion flowed from musings on what defines writing as Nigerian; who was a Nigerian writer; which writers of Nigerian heritage could be said to be 'writing in' and who were writing 'authentically Nigerian'; what the hell made for 'authentic' Nigerian writing anway; and at the end of the day did all this matter? In response to the last question, which was posed by a member of the audience, the writer Toni Kan quipped that afterall that was what they had been brought together to debate.
I visited the few stalls that had not yet packed their wares up and bought two books that I know that I will not read for at least a year. After the day's proceedings wrapped-up, I spent some time chit-chatting with participants and guests alike outside and met two bloggers. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by me.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Taking Back the Tech
Alright, the 16-day VAW (violence against women) campaign starts tomorrow (Nov 25) and ends on Dec 10.
The Take Back the Tech website has many ideas of things to do protest VAW and could be as simple as blogging about it, sharing a story, sending SMS's or including a tagline in your emails.
The Take Back the Tech website has many ideas of things to do protest VAW and could be as simple as blogging about it, sharing a story, sending SMS's or including a tagline in your emails.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Learning About Living - For Youths
I'm always interests in ways that ICTs (information and communication technologies) can impact people's every day lives. So, it was some fascination that I read about the Living project, two informational services for young people launched yesterday in Abuja (nevermind the slightly sensational headline).
One of the services is MyQuestion, which will enable young people to ask questions about reproductive health through text messages, online or using a telephone hotline. The second service is the competition, MyAnswer, where young people have the opportunity of winning prizes by answering a monthly question.
The initiative aims to provide a comfortable and safe forum where Nigerian youths can learn about sexual health and related issues affecting adolescents. Check www.learningaboutliving.com for more information.
One of the services is MyQuestion, which will enable young people to ask questions about reproductive health through text messages, online or using a telephone hotline. The second service is the competition, MyAnswer, where young people have the opportunity of winning prizes by answering a monthly question.
The initiative aims to provide a comfortable and safe forum where Nigerian youths can learn about sexual health and related issues affecting adolescents. Check www.learningaboutliving.com for more information.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Cell Phones & E-advocacy
I spoke with Mary Joyce earlier this year. She was in Lagos for a few days looking into electronic means of participating in the democratic process. She was particularly interested in the use of mobile phones for elecronic or e-advocacy i.e. participating in the political process through electronic/technology tools e.g. to share information, lobby the government, protest. She talks about this in her interview on CafeBabel.com. You can download a copy of her report on mobile phone use for e-advocacy here.
The Helon Habila Book Reading
I attended the Helon Habila book reading this evening at Silverbird's Nu Metro bookstore. Or rather, I caught the tail-end of the Q and A. I sat the very back next to a crowd of people poring over the books on the shelf, deciding which ones to buy. Since I missed so much, of course I cannot do a blow-by-blow of the event. I haven't read either of Mr. Habila's books either, so I cannot write about them. However I purchased Waiting for an Angel, which the author signed and I look forward to the day when I will read it.
It felt like a long time since I'd been to a reading (could the last one have been Chimamanda's in January?). It was fun to sit in the midst of books, with people who like to read books and listen to people talk about books. In the brief time I was there, Helon Habila responded to all the audience questions with a quiet confidence (I think that's my favourite type of confidence. Hmmm, but 'quiet' as opposed to what? Showy confidence? Loud confidence? Does that even make any sense?).
I like the fact that he admitted that he likes books based on how interesting they are. He does not pay too much attention to genres. When a lady in the audience mentioned that she loved Coetzee's Disgrace (I think. I couldn't catch the author or the title), while her friend hated it and asked for his thoughts on the book (it felt almost like she was asking him to settle a disagreement between she and her friend), he politely shared his belief that what people like boils down to individual taste and preference. In short, we like what we like.
It felt like a long time since I'd been to a reading (could the last one have been Chimamanda's in January?). It was fun to sit in the midst of books, with people who like to read books and listen to people talk about books. In the brief time I was there, Helon Habila responded to all the audience questions with a quiet confidence (I think that's my favourite type of confidence. Hmmm, but 'quiet' as opposed to what? Showy confidence? Loud confidence? Does that even make any sense?).
I like the fact that he admitted that he likes books based on how interesting they are. He does not pay too much attention to genres. When a lady in the audience mentioned that she loved Coetzee's Disgrace (I think. I couldn't catch the author or the title), while her friend hated it and asked for his thoughts on the book (it felt almost like she was asking him to settle a disagreement between she and her friend), he politely shared his belief that what people like boils down to individual taste and preference. In short, we like what we like.
How I Became Drunk with IT, By Whizzkid
I meant to catch you all up on what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks (okay, I'll tell you right now - work, work, work), but I'm too tired right now to write creatively, so I'll just post this Gbenga Sesan interview.
I met Gbenga F2F (that's "face-to-face" for you non-Internet heads aka "people who actually have a life") for the first time this January in Uganda. Since then, I've hit him for all sorts of ICT4D and NGO advice (it is a testament to his amiable character that he continues to share his knowledge and experience with me happily and without cost). I was telling him that I read a profile on him in the latest issue of Genevieve magazine. He was unaware of this. I complained that all the articles I read about him could pass for duplicates of each other. I certainly never learnt anything new about him in any of them. It was then he pointed me to this Sun article, which I just got around to reading. Interesting to learn something new about Mr. Sesan. Good to see that not all papers are photocopying each other's work.
I met Gbenga F2F (that's "face-to-face" for you non-Internet heads aka "people who actually have a life") for the first time this January in Uganda. Since then, I've hit him for all sorts of ICT4D and NGO advice (it is a testament to his amiable character that he continues to share his knowledge and experience with me happily and without cost). I was telling him that I read a profile on him in the latest issue of Genevieve magazine. He was unaware of this. I complained that all the articles I read about him could pass for duplicates of each other. I certainly never learnt anything new about him in any of them. It was then he pointed me to this Sun article, which I just got around to reading. Interesting to learn something new about Mr. Sesan. Good to see that not all papers are photocopying each other's work.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tech Repair
I remember when my iPods stopped working. It felt like my life was crashing down all around me. So dramatic I know. Luckily for me, Superior Technologies (they have store for Apple products at the Civic Centre and another one in Dolphin Estate) came to the rescue.
This New York Times article mentions some sites that can help you fix your broken down gadgets.
This New York Times article mentions some sites that can help you fix your broken down gadgets.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
C&H Quotes for the Day
My Calvin and Hobbes quotes for the day:
The only skills I have the patience to learn are those that have no real application in life.
I suppose if we couldn't laugh at things that don't make sense, we couldn't react to a lot of life.
The only skills I have the patience to learn are those that have no real application in life.
I suppose if we couldn't laugh at things that don't make sense, we couldn't react to a lot of life.
The Anti-Fashionista
Was reading today's This Day Style and found someone who has some of my attitudes towards fashion.
Yinka Osobu, who owns CMC Interriors (a furniture manufacturing company) bluntly proclaimed, in a magazine devoted to style and fasion, no less, that she does not look forward to dressing up. She doesn't own a single pair of high heel shows and her Timberland boots and sandals are the most expensive items of clothing that she owns. She hardly goes out to balls and formal events, because she worries too much about how she will look and in the end cannot be bothered to make the effort. (The main photograph at the start of the interview was totally gorgeous, btw).
Although I am not quite so utilitarian as Mrs. Osobu appears from her interview, I have a very practical outlook to my personal style. Yes, it must look good but it must be comfortable and totally fit the occasion. Not for the me all the endless primping and fussing. I can get ready in 10 minutes and I kid you not. It's good to know that in such an image-conscious society, there are a few of us who could care less (okay, who care a bit but not too, too much. LOL!).
Yinka Osobu, who owns CMC Interriors (a furniture manufacturing company) bluntly proclaimed, in a magazine devoted to style and fasion, no less, that she does not look forward to dressing up. She doesn't own a single pair of high heel shows and her Timberland boots and sandals are the most expensive items of clothing that she owns. She hardly goes out to balls and formal events, because she worries too much about how she will look and in the end cannot be bothered to make the effort. (The main photograph at the start of the interview was totally gorgeous, btw).
Although I am not quite so utilitarian as Mrs. Osobu appears from her interview, I have a very practical outlook to my personal style. Yes, it must look good but it must be comfortable and totally fit the occasion. Not for the me all the endless primping and fussing. I can get ready in 10 minutes and I kid you not. It's good to know that in such an image-conscious society, there are a few of us who could care less (okay, who care a bit but not too, too much. LOL!).
Timeless
I'm watching some videos of Sade's and I am struck by how timeless all the videos look. Even the clothes that Sade wears don't scream "Help! Stuck in the 1980s!" I want that look!
As it is, I look at some of my old pictures and wonder what the hell I thought I was wearing. Luckily, I never crested the fashion wave too much - I believed too much in trying to discover my own style. My hair always looked really good though (yes, I am saying so myself!).
The Evolution of a Blog
I met up with a friend yesterday and we spent an afternoon discussing many, many things. We are both bloggers and at some point, the conversation turned to our blogs. He commented on how I never discuss any personal things on my blog. I responded that was intentional. I had decided on starting the blog that I would not reveal too many details about my self on my blog. He also commented on how serious I come across in my blog. Hmmm, okay that was not intentional but maybe the fact that I try to steer clear of writing anything that I consider too personal is to blame for that.
Over time though, I have been blogging less. I also visit other blogs much less than I used to. As for commenting on my blog or on others, I definitely do that much, much less than ever. I've noticed that unless you write about controversial issues or things that a lot of people would find interesting, you would naturally get less comments. A blog also needs to be nurtured i.e. posting regularly (the ideal is daily; several times a day if you manage it), responding to peoples' comments on your blog and visiting and commenting on other peoples' blogs.
Alas, alas, life gets in the way sometimes, especially as the initial excitement dies down. This year has seen the demise of many blogs, as the authors move on to other interests. Naijablog is a rare example of a blog that has sustained a consistency of posts since its inception. I wonder how Jeremy manages it. Maybe I'll develop the discipline for that someday.
Over time though, I have been blogging less. I also visit other blogs much less than I used to. As for commenting on my blog or on others, I definitely do that much, much less than ever. I've noticed that unless you write about controversial issues or things that a lot of people would find interesting, you would naturally get less comments. A blog also needs to be nurtured i.e. posting regularly (the ideal is daily; several times a day if you manage it), responding to peoples' comments on your blog and visiting and commenting on other peoples' blogs.
Alas, alas, life gets in the way sometimes, especially as the initial excitement dies down. This year has seen the demise of many blogs, as the authors move on to other interests. Naijablog is a rare example of a blog that has sustained a consistency of posts since its inception. I wonder how Jeremy manages it. Maybe I'll develop the discipline for that someday.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
The Stockholm Challenge 2008
"The Stockholm Challenge 2008 programme features six category awards for ICT for development projects and a chance to win the prestigious Stockholm Challenge Trophies. The prize ceremony in the City Hall will take place during Challenge Week from May 18 - 22, 2008. An extended programme of workshops, conference, study visits and social gatherings will bring together the most inspiring ICT entrepreneurs, researchers and students from all over the world to share experiences and knowledge." Read more ...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Call for Proposals: 11th AWID International Forum on Women's Rights and Development
AWID (Association for Women's Rights and Development) is calling for proposals for its next international forum, which is to be held from November 14-17, 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The theme for next year's conference is the power of movements i.e. "what people without access to power cannot accomplish alone, they can accomplish together through collective action." At the conference women's right activists from around the world will gather to debate and strategize about how to build stronger women's movements globally.
I've been trying to go since they held the conference in 2002 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Maybe I will be able to attend next year.
To read about how you can submit a proposal, visit www.awid.org/forum08.
The theme for next year's conference is the power of movements i.e. "what people without access to power cannot accomplish alone, they can accomplish together through collective action." At the conference women's right activists from around the world will gather to debate and strategize about how to build stronger women's movements globally.
I've been trying to go since they held the conference in 2002 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Maybe I will be able to attend next year.
To read about how you can submit a proposal, visit www.awid.org/forum08.
Quote for the Day
My Calvin and Hobbes quote for the day on Facebook: "I'm learning real skills that I can apply throughout the rest of my life... Procrastinating and rationalizing."
Friday, October 26, 2007
Unleashing the '80s
I used to be a serious TV addict back in the day. I had my favourite shows – at least one a day – which ensured that for at least an hour a day (more likely for 3, 4, 5 hours) I would be found glued to the television. Over the last 2 years though, I have barely watched any TV. However one of my "must-catch" shows is Unleash the '80s, which comes up on Silverbird TV every Sunday night at 11.15 (I’m really showing my age here but whatever. It's also a great way to start a new week).
I don’t know how the show’s producers manage to find all those old videos, but each week promises for me a treasure trove of "oldies but goodies." Last week, they featured Anita Baker’s Same Ole’ Love and a song that I used to love called You’re my number 1, which turned out to be by a British singer called Princess. It is hilarious watching these videos, many of which now appear extremely cheesy and which comprise of little more than the artiste singing into the camera. It’s a rare '80s video that does not look dated in today’s era of sleek, highly polished and in some cases near pornographic visual displays. Maybe that’s a good thing though, because the earnestness of these artistes, with their belief in and love for their music really shines through.
I don’t know how the show’s producers manage to find all those old videos, but each week promises for me a treasure trove of "oldies but goodies." Last week, they featured Anita Baker’s Same Ole’ Love and a song that I used to love called You’re my number 1, which turned out to be by a British singer called Princess. It is hilarious watching these videos, many of which now appear extremely cheesy and which comprise of little more than the artiste singing into the camera. It’s a rare '80s video that does not look dated in today’s era of sleek, highly polished and in some cases near pornographic visual displays. Maybe that’s a good thing though, because the earnestness of these artistes, with their belief in and love for their music really shines through.
......
Saw that part of the stretch of Lekki Expressway (very close to the new Addax HQ) has been cleared of all the traders. Maybe it happened a while ago but I just noticed it yesterday. There’s a lot of land-filling going on there. I wonder if there is going to be yet another behemoth of a building is going to be erected there causing even more traffic on the road and cancelling out any benefits of the ongoing road expansion.
Maybe it’ll be a pleasant surprise instead – like a waterside park. Somehow I doubt it.
Maybe it’ll be a pleasant surprise instead – like a waterside park. Somehow I doubt it.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Take Back the Tech
Last year, APC WNSP (Association for Progressive Communications - Women's Networking Support Programme) started the Take Back the Tech initiative aimed at bringing light to the problem of online violence against women and helping people take a stand against it.
As this year's 16 Days of Activism - November 25 to December 10- against violence against women (VAW) approaches, the Take Back the Tech team is soliciting for ideas for the campaign. Last year's actions included sharing stories and experiences related to VAW, celebrating sheroes, making statements on radio, online (through avatars, icons and email signatures/taglines) and sharing bookmarked websites. Visit the site to learn more.
Also note that November 29th is the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day and December 10 is International Human Rights Day.
As this year's 16 Days of Activism - November 25 to December 10- against violence against women (VAW) approaches, the Take Back the Tech team is soliciting for ideas for the campaign. Last year's actions included sharing stories and experiences related to VAW, celebrating sheroes, making statements on radio, online (through avatars, icons and email signatures/taglines) and sharing bookmarked websites. Visit the site to learn more.
Also note that November 29th is the International Women Human Rights Defenders Day and December 10 is International Human Rights Day.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
David Simon Profile
My brother pointed me to this profile in The New Yorker magazine of David Simon, the creator of The Wire. It's a long juicy read and I have only finished the first page. I thought before I defer reading it to a more suitable time and eventually forget about it, where better to 'bookmark' it than my very own blog?
Monday, October 15, 2007
Doris Lessing Wins the Nobel Prize
Just read on Wordsbody that Doris Lessing has been awarded this year's Nobel prize for Literature. Doris Lessing is my favourite writer so I am very pleased to hear this. I had actually just started reading one of her classics, The Summer Before the Dark last week. Her writing has always spoken to me in a way that no other writer has.
Links:
Wordsbody
BBC News
The Guardian
Links:
Wordsbody
BBC News
The Guardian
Saturday, October 13, 2007
What do I watch next?
Frivolous post ahoy! I haven't written about my favourite shows in a while, possibly because I didn't have anything new to watch.
Last year, I bought seasons 1 and 2 of Homicide: Life on the Street, which was one of my favourite shows back in the day. I only got around to watching the DVDs this year. On my recent vacation, I bought season 3, which to my intense pleasure was 6 DVDs long. It was to my utter amazement this afternoon to realise that I was on the last disc. How did I get through the entire season so quickly? The addictive plots and wonderful writing undoubtedly have a big role to play in that.
Already in mourning and wondering what I would do after I completed the season, I went online to check on the other seasons. Not only did I see that all season 1 through to 7 are available, I discovered on Amazon.com that the 4th season of my fav, fav, fav show, The Wire will be released on DVD on December 4. Fans of this blog (cough, cough ....), okay regular readers will already know about my love for The Wire and all crime shows. To say that I was ecstatic is a monumental understatement. Now, I know what I want for Christmas and my birthday.
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