DAN FOSTER:You damn well know the freakquency on your radio!

This post is necessitated by a friend of mine who is just feeling Dan Foster like no man's business.He has been away from Lagos for a while and just returned recently.He is,like most youths of our time addicted to TV,Internet and the radio.In the short while he has been in Lagos,he is permanently hooked to Cool FM because of the phenomenal Dan Foster.He is crazy about his flows and the way he tries to be Nigerian despite his thick American accent.He is love with his crazy ways,a feat that has won his Best Radio Presenter.Well,I am so used to Dan Foster and I think he is among the very best on radio.Needless to say,he is probably to radio audience in Nigeria what Oprah Winfrey is to TV audience worldwide.

And the fun will soon be over..!!

I have had fun throughout my sessional break in Lagos.I have had so much of it that I dont think I can blog properly about it.I feel I will leave out some things which no matter how trivial ensured the fun was immense!...Oh well,I will be leaving for school by next week and I dread to even think how much I'll miss the fun,the people,the places,the events - the groove!... Its really sad but I have got to go back as I have overstayed sef.Will probably blog about my time in Lagos when I get back..

The REDvolutionaries STRAT their stuff..

It was a brilliant Monday evening and in a larger perspective,it was the Independent day of our beloved country,Nigeria.It was a different ball game altogether when the brightest young minds gathered at Six Degrees North on Awolowo Rd in Ikoyi for the formal launch of The Future Awards.The event is usually held few months before the Awards to create hype and awareness and more importantly start the nomination process.This can be done on their website,www.thefuturenigeria.com

The launch was a wonderful event and it was anchored by Chude Jideonwo who is the creative director of redSTRAT.The ambience was excellent and the co-ordination belied the ages of those involved.It reflected their ultimate belief which is to aspire,strive and achieve.

Brilliant Gunners chalk up another win..

Arsenal today continued with their impressive start to this season by sweeping aside newly promoted Derby County at the Emirates this afternoon.At the end of a thoroughly entertaining and magical 90 minutes of enthralling football,the score board read 5-0 in favour of Arsene Wenger's men.Diaby started off the goals spree when he collected a pass from Fabregas,went pass several defenders before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.He went pretty close again before Adebayor got the second taking a pass from midfield and rounding off the keeper before calmly slotting the ball home.Adebayor converted a penalty after Eduardo da Silva was fouled to make it three.The industrious Eduardo then set up the outstanding Fabregas to release a rasping drive beyond Stephen Bywater.Although Wenger took off Fabregas as the damage had been done,it didnt stop Adebayor grabbing his hat-trick in the last stages of the match.The result effectively means Arsenal stay top and remain unbeaten so far.

MAN OF THE MATCH: FRANCESC FABREGAS

GOAL OF THE MATCH: ABOU DIABY

I still dey alive o

For technical and other reasons,I havent been able to put up something here in a long while.I just didnt want this month to go by without me puttin up something here.Anyways,I am alive and well and kicking.I have been checking other people's blog and kind enough to drop comments so I havent fared badly at all...Will be back to blog properly folks..

Arsenal,effervescent Arsenal...!!

Okay,who and who will be lashing me for not updating my blog in a long while despite the fact I had concluded my exams ever since and been enjoying the drama Lagos alone can offer?I'm deeply sorry but updating isnt a particularly easy task as ordinary as it would appear.Now,I am learning to appreciate it when people at least put up something and am sending my belated apologies to all those I yabbed for not updating.Now I understand what it takes!

Anyways,let me get down to what has been thrilling me ever since yesterday.The Gunners put up an impressive show yesterday to win the inaugural edition of the Emirates Cup.They had earlier beaten PSG 2-1 with goals from Flamini and Bendtner ensuring the win.In the first game yesterday,PSG romped to a 3-0 whitewash of Valencia and gave Arsenal a black cheque.All they need to do was win Inter Milan and win the Cup.

Despite their ever fluent and fluid passing and awesome movements,there was no goal in the first half.They had a fair claim for a penalty waved away and it got worse for them as Inter went in front in a rare attack as David Suazo headed past Lehmann.Arsenal replied in style as the Eboue-Sagna combination on the right which has been causing mayhem all afternoon fed Hleb who fired home at the second time of asking.The talking point of the game came five minutes from the end as Robin van Persie collected the ball from Eboue,dazzled the Inter defender and fired past a stranded Toldo to win the match.

Need I say I was thoroughyly entertained and refreshed by the game?I'm really happy and cant wait for the new season.I can see promise in the team and very soon the fans will start singing Thierry who???

Soon,very soon..

I must apologise for not being here to update.I have been writing exams will should end by next week and thereafter,I will not worship in the Chapel of Apologies anymore as I will try to always come and put up something...Cheers

Henry moves to Barca

Now,I have not updated my blog for a while and am really sorry about that.What makes it give me mixed feelings is that what I am posting isnt a good news in so many ways.Henry has joined Barcelona for 16 million pounds.

He's been presented to the media so it isnt another gossip in the rumour mills.Henry arrived in Arsenal in 1999 as a left winger but Wenger converted him to a striker and that prooved to be a master-stroke as he went on to become the all time highest goal scorer in Arsenal's history scoring great and brilliant goals in the process.

I am consoled by the fact that we had him during his best years and his lethal combination of terrific pace,audacious finishing and sublime skills propelled us to winning the league unbeaten and adding the premiership and FA cup trophies to our cabinet.I wish him the best though at Barcelona where he links up with Ronaldinho,Eto'o and the efferverscent Messi.

Cheers for the Charming Chimamanda

One amazing specie of the contemporary breed of Nigerian female writers that rock my world is the brilliant and gracious Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.I first came across her on the page of some popular daily and for no fathomable reason,she stuck like a leech.Her debut novel,Purple Hibiscus which I am reading for the umpteenth time was reviewed on the column.Now,it is not as if I am usually aroused by book reviews et al but I found myself itching to grab a copy.When I finally wrapped my hands around the book,I was literally blown away.Not only by her excellent grammar but her power of narration which almost makes the character jump out of the pages.Her remarkable ability to create and heighten suspense and drama gives her seat among the very best.
Her second novel,Half of a Yellow Sun recently fetched Chimamanda the UK's Orange prize for fiction and it came with a cash prize of 30,000 pounds.The prize rewards her creative ability and proofs her talents are appreciated even outside the shores of Nigeria.Right now,you can conclude my adrenalin level is going wild as I prepare to read Half of a Yellow Sun.

Congratulations Chimamanda!


Ifreke..

Home alone...

As early as Thursday morning,I already knew that I was going to be all alone at home throughout the weekend at least till Sunday evening.I was excited at the prospects of coming up with some mischief and my adrenalin level was going gaga.Alas,in all of that,I couldnt really come up with anything that spectacular except for staying out quite late on Friday.All of Saturday,I was at a singing audition and although I came around early.the judges somehow conspired to make sure I was in the last batch of people to be auditioned.The audition went just fine anyways.I definitely ate what I felt like eating,did what I pleased but in the end,all the freedom was equivalent to having a full house in place.
It rained throughout the weekend and I spent more time when I was home curled up in bed either sleeping or reading one book.All in all,I had a sweet weekend though I wish my freedom was sweeter.Everybody is back and the house is brimming with life..
How was your weekend?
Ifreke..

YAR'ADUA:Between Catarrh and Catastrophe

I am not overtly interested in politics but the events of yesterday would have taken a monumental effort to ignore.It represented our past,present and immediate future.Olusegun Obasanjo handed over the mantle of leadership which he held for the past eight years to Musa Umaru Yar'adua.Similar swearing-in ceremonies were the order of the day through out the federation as "elected" officers assumed office into various offices.Far beyond all the oath taking,annoying sycophancy and pomp celebrations,I am interested in the man at the pinnacle - Yar'adua.I am indeed keen to see what plays a predominant role in his government - the catarrh or catastrophe.
By his catarrh,I am obviously referring to his health issues which became open secret after he had won the presidential elections.Though he appears frail and fragile,there were no speculations even in the media until he was flown abroad for treatments.Now,I dread to say this but I hope he stays put til his tenure ends and we dont have a repeat performance of the Abacha show.
The worse twin - catastophe - is most definitely the option none of us will choose.It is public knowledge that Yar'adua is Obasanjo's political godson and that he orchestrated his nomination as PDP's flagbearer is common truth.I fear for rebellion,I dread a case of revolt like the Crises of the Chrises in Anambra State.Obasanjo may be out of office but he still welds power from his Ota farm and may undo Yar'adua if he is not at his beck and call..

Hope u had a nice Democracy day.I was bored throughout and eventually got drenched by a heavy downpour.

Ifreke..

Nice weekend,Fatal accident,Timi wins...

Contrary to my expectations,I had a really good weekend.I have no clue whatsoever to why I keep expecting to have a not too nice weekend but this time around,I sure had a fantastic weekend.There is no out of this world gist really with which you think I will blow your mind cos I was kind of resting.As difficult as it was for me to get round to sitting still in one place,I tamed my feet and had a pretty quiet weekend.PHCN's inefficiency ensured I neither got to watch TV nor watch the 300 movie I have had for so long.
While I was getting ready to devour my delicious dinner of eba and onugbu soup,something unfortunate and sad happened.A Hausa security guard who was well under the control of booze jumped into a bus parked by a neighour and drove it to clear the road for his employer to drive in.He lost control of the bus and it ran awkardly down the street making people scamper for safety and rammed itself into the house at the end of a T-junction.The impact meant a pregnant woman and her three children sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital.The guard was arrested and detained.
And of course Timi won the West African Idols competition.I know a handful of people who decided to form an emergency Omawunmi Supporters Club but that didnt work out in the end.I will admit that Omawunmi is a better singer than Timi and I would have still lived even she won it.All in all,I preferred Timi cos of his powerful vocals,stage charm and personality and thank Heavens he won.
I hope to have a good week ahead and that the transfer of power goes well.I also hope to survive the legal war Chude has declared on me...Lol

Ifreke..

Ravings,Rantings,Caustic Irreverence...

You don't need to re-check your address bar cos you are not on Chude's blog.What am blogging on is best described by that title.Last week Friday,I got talking with a very good friend who I have known for the last two years and we have come to have a fantastic relationship and a wonderful understanding.So he is a good position to give me advice as regards certain sensitive and critical issues in my life.We were just gisting generally when he brought up this issue(which I'm not going to expose here).Fine,I knew it was a major issue but I preferred to cover it under the wraps of ignorance.Even when he brought it up,I smartly watered it down and ensured we changed topic.
The issue is that two days ago this same issue cropped up again and this time I was taken aback and logically couldn't handle it.I am just sick and tired of people trying not to let me express myself and basically be me.You dont expect that at my age I have not formed my own opinions of what is good and what is wrong.To say it has stuck is stating the obvious and for someone to expect to wave a magic band and I change over night is not feasible right now.
As much as I would like to be a very good person,I think I can learn by making mistakes and get the necessary experiences I need cos right now am just a loose cannon and there is no stopping me.
On a last note,I would like to say congrats to AC Milan who were crowned Champions of European clubs.

Hope your week is just good?
Ifreke..

My people,'whatin' dey happen?

Ookay people,I really shud have updated long before now but I dont know why I dragged in up till today.I usually get online with intentions to post but somehow my attention gets diverted to other stuffs and before you know it,am off the net.But today I vowed that nothing will stand in my way and thank Heavens I stucked to my words for once.

LIVERPOOL vs AC MILAN:De ja vu or Revenge?
Well,today is the much awaited Champions League final and am backing AC Milan to triumph over Liverpool and this is purely borne out of jealousy.I wouldn't like Arsenal to be the only top 4 team in England that ended up without a trophy.On a serious level anyways,there will battles that would need to be fought and won on the football pitch in Athens.The duel between Gattuso and Gerrard will be key just as the one between Mascherano and the brilliant Kaka and will go a long way to determine the result of the game.I wont take it from both sides,they have other good players in Kuyt,Seedorf,Inzaghi and Crouch.My fingers will be crossed and I will be watching and waiting.

TEASER:
Well guys,get busy and think over these..
If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP?
2. Do Lipton Tea employees take coffee breaks?
3. If olive oil comes from olives, where does baby oil come from?
4. If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes? hehehe......
5. Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
6. If horrific means to make horrible, does terrific mean to make terrible?
7. Why is it called building when it is already built?
8. If a book about failures sells, is it a success?
9. If you're not supposed to drink and drive, then why do bars have parking lots?
10. If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?
11. If working hours are meant for working, then why are you reading this

It was a good weekend afterall..

Yeah people,I had a GOOD weekend though it was really cold.It couldnt just stop raining all through and the bitter part is that I couldnt get to sleep as much as I would have loved to.I spent all the weekend just getting busy in one or two things but generally,I stayed indoors cos I was a bit broke and didnt have money to galivant around.
I attended a conference that was meant for men and I must admit that my expectations were burnt to ashes.I actually thought it would be boring and time-consuming but in the end,it was just GREAT.I had fun and the experience was fulfilling as well as it was refreshing.


Dramatic Last day of the Premiership.
The Premiership ended last Sunday and I had to table a lie to sneak out and watch the final matches.Nothing forewarned me about the thrills,agony,intrigues and mother of all dramas I was set to encounter so I didnt brace myself for it.Manchester United were already Champions with two games to go but the teams to be relegated had to be decided.Arsenal and Liverpool were also contesting the third position although both teams were destined for the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.In the end,Sheffield United lost at home which was suicidal and sent them to the Championship alongside Watford and Charlton.Liverpool played out a 2-2 draw with Charlton while Arsenal drew goaless with Portsmouth with Julio Baptista having his penalty saved by the excellent David James.It meant Liverpool clinched third place.I hope Wenger sends Baptista back to Real Madrid cos he is not just the Arsenal type.His first touch,finishing,movement and quality - basic criteria for Arsenal recruits - leaves more to be desired.I will be missing the English Premiership and all the good football that comes with it and I cant wait for next season!

In my Lecturer's trap!
Yesterday,my Lecturer caught me talking in class and consequently I was asked to stand up and face a dressing down.Now,there is no point denying that I am hyper-active and a bit eccentric.I can hardly keep quiet and stay still.I am usually doing one thing or another.I didnt notice he was in front of me and was watching.As soon as he got my attention,he sarcastically asked me to stand up and he started lecturing me hard and long.I was made an example to all those who disturb and he warned sternly that whoever tries it whenever with face his wrath.Sweat had already broken all over me so you could imagine my relief when he asked me to sit down.I just thank the good heavens that I was just a scapegoat and nothing more..

Just gisting...

Hmmmm,I finally got to post today on my blog.I have been battling with freezing systems and low voltage all day just to put this up and God just smiled on me now..It's another weekend and for no reasonable reason,I sense it might not be too swell but I am hoping to make it work no matter what! A lot has been happening all week and in my usual amebo-like nature,I would have loved to bare it all here but differents things have conspired to ensure it will be today.

Not a few people were taken aback when the gists of Nollywood actress,Caroline Ekanem's delivery of a baby boy for some rich Hausa dude filtered in.Caroline is a head turner any day anytime especially with her glossy skin and I was privileged to meet her some time back on a set wit an actor friend(Desmond Elliot).But I actually dont know what to make out of this her pregnancy tale especially when limelight was reaching out for her.Whatever the case,she should have still dated the guy if it was all about the wealth and plant her feet firm in acting before any stunts.

During the week,Man Utd and Chelsea played out a drab,uninspiring and hypeless 0-0 at Stamford Bridge.There was nothing at stake except for Mourinho's unbeaten home record which his team made sure it was kept intact after 90 minutes.This was the match bookmakers predicted to decide the Champions but it panned out as just another Premiership encounter.Both Alex Ferguson and Mourinho rested some first teamers with the FA Cup Final in view and the football produced left more to be desired from a match of this calibre.Mikel was in sparkling form and a joy to watch in midfield though.

I also read somewhere on the internet that Arsenal have snapped up Polish stopper,Lucasz Fabianski.Arsene Wenger is already on his favourite hobby this summer - digging out youthful prodigies.

I am off now to have a GOOD weekend..

Managing your finances.

Hey,

I would like to say I deeply appreciate all the peeps that have found time to visit my blog and drop encouraging and heart-warming comments too.I just got to learn something which I feel I should share with you all...It has to do with managing your money which as far I know is very important to us "Naijarians"....lol

-Stick to your own budget and don't try to keep up with others.
-Plan ahead for unexpected bills, even though they are not here now, they are coming!
-Check your bank receipts with your statements and make sure that they match up. It will help you to plan and alert you to fraud. Online banking is a good way to do this. It’s usually free and will be up to date.

-Don't borrow money unless it is a real emergency. You always have to pay it back.
-If you are buying something and have a loan for it, pay as much as you can off to get rid of the loan as soon as possible. The longer you take to pay it, the more you will pay in interest.
-Don't buy on credit. Try and save up to buy with cash. Credit just keeps growing and growing. If you want to use a card get a debit card, it acts like a credit card but only uses the money you have in the account.
-Ride share. Rather than driving everywhere yourself, get a lift with someone else, then return the favour. It can work out heaps cheaper for both of you.
-If you have to travel somewhere everyday, try not to pay a lot for parking or travel. Try and take public transport or ride a bike, and see if you can get a discounted ticket for regular travel.
-Check out second hand shops for clothes. If you shop around you can get some real bargains.
-Make your own clothes. If you have access to a sewing machine try whipping up some of your own stylish outfits.
-Plant your own vegetable garden. It is cheap, fun and it feels great when you are chomping on a carrot that you grew yourself.
-Create your own paintings, sculptures, bed coverings and jewellery to decorate your home.

What a Weekend...!!

I had a GOOD weekend and the climax of it was watching Arsenal draw with Chelsea at our impressive Emirates Stadium(Oh yes,I am a full-blooded Gunner).Now,I wont go on and on how we play arguably the best football in England with our one-two touches,slick passing and lightning-quick counter attack which should be an established knowledge by now.I would rather dwell on the significance of the match - to Chelsea and how their dreams were shattered into a million fragments.Chelsea made the short trip across London fully aware that only a win would keep them in the title race which in my opinion was a mirage after Manchester United had kept up the pressure with their derby win.As expected,Arsenal made Chelsea run around in circles with their brilliant movement and excellent passing - Diaby and Denilson both impressing.Two minutes to half-time,Bouhlarouz tugged Baptista in the box and the referee promptly pointed to the spot brandishing a straight red to the Chelsea defender.Captain of the day,Gilberto Silva stepped up and sent Cech the wrong way to put the Gunners in front.Gallas missed a good opportunity to extend the lead when he headed just wide before Essien equalised with a brave header.From this point,the game will have gone either way as Chelsea's desperation boiled over.Eventually,the match ended 1-1 which effectively meant the title had a new home in Old Trafford.I must admit I prefer this situation and here goes my congratulations to the new kings of the Premiership - The Red Devils

What a Friend I have in Denrele..

Well,a lot has been said and written about this guy and loads of stuff have been insinuated about him but no matter what you just have to give it to him.He is very talented,creative and brilliant.He is so good at what he does which is entertainment basically.He dances,mimes,presents and produces.The only missing one being that he cant sing to save his soul!..Although I will admit that his dress sense can be ghastly if not comical but just like India Arie sang,"I am not my hair....I am the soul that lives within"

Racism...even Baros?

Whaaaaaat?...I am so digusted,irritated,put off and angry all put into one..This rascism thing is becoming disastrous.The latest incident involves Czech striker,Milan Baros and Camerounian Stephane Mba.Baros is one striker I came to like during his time at Liverpool and the likeness increased with his showing at Euro 2004.But right now,I don't think there is a reason to continue liking him because he is a rascist and the way he brought it to the fore was demeaning! Why on earth will he pinch his nose in front of a black player and then turn around to give a lame excuse of asking him to move back so he can breathe properly?The worse part of it all is that he has been given a minimal punishment - he has been banned for three matches.That is so appalling to me cos Lyon have already wrapped up the French league and their remaining matches definitely wont have any bearing on anything.Infact,I think it will be a chance for Gerard Houllier to rest some players and keep them fresh for next season.Between and betwixt,Baros wouldn't be sorely missed.He wasn't even fined.I don't know what more to say than tell him there are several African strikers are far far better than him.Skin colour doesn't hinder anything!

Over and done with....!!

Finally,I have gotten round to registering my blog online.One of the things that has hindered it all the while has been time constraint but most especially the demon of procastination.Well,thank God for little mercies.I have gotten round to setting it up.

And of course,I will try as much as possible to post stuffs here as much I can just for your reading pleasure.I am aware of the challenge guys that have started their blogs for donkey years have out down but am willing to take it up headlong...(lol)

All said and done,I welcome you on board,tighten your seat belts because I am ready to serve you varieties I have on my menu..


Ifreke...