₦airaland Forum

It's been a couple of hours for me. I didn't get to take a picture, but it was massive! Frightening, even. What does it look like where you are? OMG! Thank god a friend had warned me about it this morning before I saw it. Would have thought I was going bonkers. Supposedly, it last happened in '93.

It's not just a full moon o.

Super Moon, it's called.

If you haven't seen the moon tonight, please run right out and take a look!  Amazing!  Looks like its gonna drop on ya. 

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/19/6304483-supermoon-rises-saturday-night

[img]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRDg1Twa3ItMHenWiAhW97c8D_CxH2CsIjumV74u2PwP5kFAIYF[/img]

******* Keep the faith! ********

[img]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1vDejXnbgR8L77I5F_Tlcp3CHe5BO8yNjh59hepBANd1xX4hD[/img]

Still GEJ's Election To Lose

There's been talk, speculation and opinions about President Goodluck Jonathan missing the first presidential debate.  A whole lot of hand-wringing. 

A lot of people feel insulted that he did not participate.  I don't.  Think about it:

-  GEJ is leading at the moment and will very likely garner the most votes to retain his position, considering his challengers have to share the opposition votes between them. Show me any polls to the contrary.

-  After a while, you reach a point of diminishing returns.  If he is leading, why subject himself to unnecessary scrutiny.  Standing there while the other desperate challengers thrown questions or barbs at him can only take away from him.  One or more of them will make a very good point that may sway a few lukewarm supporters or undecided voters. 

-  Political candidates have to do this all the time - make politically motivated moves and take calculated risks.  It is not personal.  It is politics.  You want to win!  After the election, once you're secured the seat, then you can go make your apologies and promise the people you will have all of their interests at heart, even the ones that didn't vote for you.  Yeah, right! 


Buhari vs Ribadu vs. Shekarau

So, a lot of very smart, discerning Nigerians support Buhari.  I can't help but wonder how that would have turned out were Idiagbon still alive.  Are these people supporting Buhari for him or for his administration which most people thought was really Idiagbon's administration?  We'll never know, but I also see the promise that Buhari holds.  I'm not knocking them for liking the former head-of-state.

I was never really sold on Ribadu.  Running off when the going gets tough?  And being too close to OBJ.  Also, he sucked at the debates. Too bad the ACN are stuck with him.

I didn't know much about Shekarau but he seems to be garnering more support and esteem the more we see of him.  Probably a force to contend with in national politics for some time to come.

GEJ might actually have a challenge on his hands if all the candidates can coalesce and join forces either behind Buhari or behind Shekarau.  Highly unlikely at this point.

Foreign Affairs:  
http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/

I've been following public opinion in USA about the US-led movement to bring other countries into the Libya conflict.

Maybe I'm jaded, but it always surprises me when people are incredulous that a "peace-loving" US president wants to invade another country, for whatever stated or implied reason.  All American presidents follow the same dictum when it comes to their "national interest."  And BLACK GOLD and the USA's unfettered access to it is of vital national interest.  Believe it!

Obama will blow-up a Sudanese panadol factory and pretend he is rooting out terrorists just as quickly as Clinton or Bush or whoever the next peacenik female liberal president that gets elected.  Some things will never change.  Deal with it.  

BTW, gas prices have gone up again - $3.95 a gallon.  Yup.  

Now, moving on to Nigeria electioneering. . .

If you're so inclined, please go to here https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=624742.msg7930999#msg7930999 (Long Lost Love/ The One That Got Away) and share your story.  Or, better still, share it with your special NL family right here in my fabulous thread.  All the better to be able to poke fun at you anytime I want.

I didn't share mine, but may do so soon.  You wanna hear?  One person has to share theirs here and then I will seriously consider it. 

Link to the Presidential Debate.  Missed most of it, except the Closing Statements, but hope to see the whole thing later.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ribadu-adeola-2011#utm_campaigne=synclickback&source=http://unotechmedia.com/livestream/index.htm&medium=7594054

Alj Uche:
THE NORTHERN NIGERIA WAS ONE OF THE WEALTHEST REGION IN NIGERIA AND EVEN AFRICA with car industries etc and agriculture before ibb, abacha, ciroma and co just destroyed it for us

Salaam, Alhaji, 

What kind of car industry do you mean? Are you talking about car parts or assembly? Either way, I agree that that type of industry is definitely needed in large numbers, but manufacturing will continue to be stifled until the power supply problem is alleviated.  Ha! NEPA!

BTW, I never get tired of your innovative use of NL's limited smilies. 
I think we should ask Seun for a few more, such as: 1) "scared" smiley, 2)"nodding my head" smiley, "you must be inebriated" smiley, 4) "No mind him don't you know he's a tribalist" smiley, etc. 

Kilode and naijababe,

I used to order Soyinka's books direct from the publisher.  I'll see what I can find on Fagunwa etc.  It's just easier sometimes to get those books directly from the publisher or retailer than wait for someone in Naija to go buy it and mail/ship it to me.  Instant gratification and all that. 

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=590933.msg7938153#msg7938153 date=1300462364]Everybody for lasgidi wan teach their pikin fone English now so they ignore Yoruba literature.  [/quote]That's a shame.  I would insist my children's first language be Yoruba, no matter where we are.  I've seen it being done.  I know other Nigerians who were able to do that very effectively, and some without any preplanning - the children pickup from the parents and from others around.  I've seen 2-year-old Naija and Mexican kids who speak their own languages and English very well for their age.

[quote author=Ileke-IdI link=topic=590933.msg7935081#msg7935081 date=1300416180]Cant you just be nice and summarize. . . .

Has anyone seen that ashewo dayo today?  [/quote]Dayokanu is a rolling stone, wherever he lays his head is his home.  He'll show up when he wants.  FStranger is missed though.  You might have better luck finding him.  Go on. 

blacksta:
shakes my head

foreign affairs they will not discuss -

dem dey post orin ira nu

Did you call Sikiru Ayinde Barrister "orin iranu"? We will revoke your Nigerian and Yoruba citizenship, you OMO IRANU!

[quote author=Ileke-IdI link=topic=590933.msg7935027#msg7935027 date=1300415116]This thread still dey?[/quote]It will take you a couple of days to catch up where you left off.  Or a week.  Same difference. 

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=590933.msg7934583#msg7934583 date=1300404487]The Fagunwa (Ogboju Ode) excerpts will have to be in Yoruba to carry the right literary punch, excerpts from Soyinka's English translation can substitute though.[/quote]It better be in Yoruba!  It must!  I insist.  You don't want the full tantrumnic Isale O.  Beware. 

P.S. Just the book titles are fine too, if that's more readily available. Once I read them, I can do the excerpts at a later date.

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=590933.msg7934954#msg7934954 date=1300412565]Since this is foreign affairs, I should post a video of one of my occasional indulgences.[/quote]Thanks for keeping us honest, Kilode. I certainly wasn't about to post anything foreign Affairs-related anytime soon. 

I think Jon Stewart "owned" US Republican hypocrites in this video by mocking their support for Tax cuts (for the rich) while they are demanding lower teachers pay and union busting initiatives.

That was wild!  And cameos by a litany of Fox News regulars too.  Stewart has infused the show with much more politics than was ever intended but it is paying off for him and Comedy Central bigtime.

US conservatives find it easier to ask 17-18 year old kids to go fight in a war in the name of collective principles like "responsibility" "bravery" and "patriotism", but they are not ready to open their pockets up and save their government and poor Americans from a depressing budget-deficit economy.

Yup!  Off to war at 18, and they can't even legally drown their sorrows in vodka before they ship out. Oh, well.  Semper Fidelis, Kiddos! 

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=590933.msg7934547#msg7934547 date=1300403867]Naijababe I no be "Oga" o!  Isale you started the "Oga" thing Shey?[/quote]I did not! But I shall cease and desist, with alacrity!

Sis,
Are you feeling mischievous today?    hmmmm. My spidey sense are going bonkers.

naijababe:
I've pretended for years to attempt to become interested in philosophy and just can't. The closest I've come is Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's world. It was an excellent read for a lazy neophyte like me

At the risk of losing some of my luster , I will admit, just the thought of picking up a philosophical book and attempting to read it, does my head in.  I had to read some mind-bending ones in college and I display a couple of them prominently in my home so I can remember what I went through and why I chose Political Science instead of Philosophy as a major.  Funny thing is if you go forward in your Political Science studies, they give you a Doctor of Philosophy pali.  Someone's having a laugh at my expense, I think. 

Note: Just never mind my first sentence above, Kilode.  I'm gonna read that book you recommended.  Yes, indeed.  Or. . . you could, when you finish it, do a review or a summary so I can copy off of you.  hehehe.  I kid I jest.

naijababe:
^ Yep, Islam has a litany of borrowed traditions. The black slave that featured prominently in the early days was called Bilal, he was the first Mu'adhaan.

Yes, of course.  I just wasn't sure if we wanted to delve into that here.  The Adhan is actually supposed to have been another feature that was borrowed from Bilal, so I always felt that was very likely true.  The prostrations though from the video just really brought home the similarity to the movements in salat, the rukus, but most especially the sujud.

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=590933.msg7934143#msg7934143 date=1300398600]^^It's like all the Abrahamic faiths (Islam, Judaism, Christianity) first encountered and related to the Dark skinned human as a Slave. hmm

Interesting thoughts there Isale. Interesting videos too

I will not be too surprised if there is a much deeper connection than we already know, one reason why I think dogma based religious arguments are silly.

You can't be too sure how or where your dogmatic practice originated from.[/quote]Yes, there is some similarity amongst all three, even if some don't want to admit it.

@Isale, on books, I will try to do a small list soon. I'm currently reading The Honor Code: How Moral Revolutions Happen  by Kwame Anthony Appiah.

It is more of philosophy but less dense than most philosophy books i've read, very easy to read, so far at least, I'm about 25% in. Time is scarce these days. . .

Thanks for that.  Of course, there is no rush whatsoever.  Any reading material is appreciated.  And, it need not be new material.  Actually, I prefer books that you read ages ago but have stayed in your mind and played a part in your knowledge, worldview, etc.  Same for anyone reading this.  I still want to read those Fagunwa books we previously discussed.  As I mentioned, I read one when I was a preteen and want to read it again.  

That would definitely be an activity worth posting about.  Eventually, I will compile a list of recommended reading materials covering various subjects, e.g., history, fiction, biography, etc.  But, for you and everyone, one book or more at a time anytime it comes to mind is sufficient.  There is no time frame for this.  As a notorious procrastinator, I may not do my part until summer.   

E se. 

[quote author=Kilode?! link=topic=590933.msg7851705#msg7851705 date=1299346359]I was going to discuss Ifa, then I saw that most people on here are Babalawos and secret aborisas anyway, so it will be a redundant groupthink thing.

I will think of something else. while I leave you with this video as instructed by the irunmoles. teach them, they will learn

[flash=200,200]http://www.youtube.com//v/hLNWvGwKlWI[/flash][/quote]Oga Kilode,

I finally watched the video.  For some reason I thought it was an instructive one hour video, not a snapshot of the little girl's recitation.  That was great, btw.

I also watched this one, posted by the same user, Omorisa. I wanted to see that fussy baby's face too. lol.:
[flash=480,390]http://www.youtube.com//v/iuM3c5g-CVo&NR=1[/flash]

I then watched this video below.  I noticed something which might sound very controversial to some, and probably not suitable for discussion here or anywhere on Nairaland. lol.  That is, the similarity between the rituals of the head bowing there and salat prayer.  It is something I will need to study further. Years ago an AA muslim friend mentioned what I thought was a fantasy at the time (afterall Americans are known for appropriating other peoples successes and innovation as theirs): that the muslim prayers was copied from a black slave in Arabia.  I didn't take it seriously until I saw this video a moment ago. Very interesting. I'm not convinced, but it is interesting, to say the least.  I think Naijababe will know what I'm talking about.

[flash=480,390]http://www.youtube.com//v/LS_IBMQhx5A[/flash]

blacksta:
Isale,  I Want To Talk About Living Abroad --  oya come lets discuss.

Uhm, I'm scared. 

:::nervous smiley:::

Dyt:
Gigglin
i rem smtyms 4yrs back
i had a nyt stand wit dis dude
it wz all so romantic within dat very short period
i smile n bite lips each tym i rem him
he wz gettin married den actually
bt we still talk n lookin 4ward 4 more days of d nyt we had
it wz such a beautiful one
i jst rem him now n cant stop smilin n bitin my lips

I almost had a stroke trying to read your post!  I beg of you, have mercy on those of us who are not teenagers.  And you're not even typing from a phone!  Seriously, my head almost exploded.  But I will avoid reading you from now on.  No offense.  

BoboYekini:
I dont wanna talk about it. It still hurts

woodcook:
I wish I could turn back the hand of time.

. . . For nine years I carried her safe in my heart and for that nine years I didn't have anything to do with any girl because each day I kept hoping we would some how get back together but it turned out we were not meant to be.

javalove:
After that day we would always sit together . . .

The day she eventually shows up, she was surrounded by guys. , I didn't notice the girls. . I was so jealous. . .

Holidays over. . it was time for me to cry my heart out. . .time to shed blood. Last day at offshore was a teary one. To make matters worse, it rained heavily and we were both crying like babies. . I couldn't look at her. She walked me to the bus stop and gave me one last hug. She held me tight for almost a minute but I had to leave, I boarded an obalende bus and all eyes were on me with tears still dripping down my cheek. . .

**uses his handkerchief to wipe tears from eyes and keyboard. . .then sneezes***  

#Javalove. . .unless otherwise stated. . .!

What a pu##y.  I mean, how sweet!    But the "Obalende bus" part made me lol for some reason.

Anyway, who says guys don't have feelings.  Awww.  

Seriously, it was fun to read all your posts.  Nice stories. 

Gbenge 77:
i met this particular girl a few years ago and we fell in love.you would think we were inseparable.i gave my .attention,wholly.After a while ,she had a bust -up with my sister.This angered me and i called the relationship off.[/b]Today,she continues to contact me and makes me realise she still trusts me,implicitly.maybe she still got romantic feelings for me,i dont know.with retrospect,i shouldnt have called off the relationship.

Yeah, big mistake.  Sisters can ruin your lives like that.  

saokea:
Lost mine 6 years ago. We dated for two years. [b]Our relationship was blissfu[/b]l. One day, we had a misunderstanding and the relationship collapsed like a pack of cards. [b]She is now a lawyer and she is still single.
I miss her alot.

Are you married?  If not, what are you waiting for?  Make your move, dumbarse!  lol.

[quote author=Inked_Nerd link=topic=624742.msg7926189#msg7926189 date=1300302802]I was thinking about him before I started the thread. Even though I've searched for him on Facebook many times, I keep searching just in case I may find him. I never had the idea to call his former high school until it dawned on me that they may still have records of him graduating from there.  . . . I hope this thread encourages others to go seek out old flames because I've been searching for mine for over 3 years now .[/quote][quote author=Inked_Nerd link=topic=624742.msg7925129#msg7925129 date=1300293047]@post: Good news!!! I may be able to find the individual that I was talking about on the first page. I just called his former high school and they said he never graduated from the school and that he transferred to another school which is why I had trouble finding him. Anyway, when I called I spoke to someone from the office on the phone and they gave me some information but said I'd have to call them back tomorrow for further information. Hopefully, I'll be able to find him [/quote][quote author=Inked_Nerd link=topic=624742.msg7925163#msg7925163 date=1300293248]It means I may be able to find my long lost love. I'm gonna keep my fingers cross since anything could happen .[/quote]Mazel Tov!  Find him Find him Find him!!! I'm just looking forward to seeing FStranger left at the altar. hahahaha. This it turning out to be the best week ever!  Other than finding out a former colleague and very good man lost his health battle (RIP good brother ), so much good has happened this week. 

Just joking O.  It's all good - I'm done now.  

Omolola1:
My Bf Said I Shouldn't Visit Nairaland Again

Does he have the right?

it's funny to me honestly

Depends which one you enjoy spending time with more:
a) Nairaland internet forum, or
b) Real life boyfriend.  

[quote author=Mr, Cork link=topic=625250.msg7926874#msg7926874 date=1300310065]sweeeery cant u just for get your drama & just help a brother with punnny? [/quote]"A brother with punny"?  Like a hermaphrodite?  

Beaf:
Fela, yet another innocent Buhari victim:

I'm not sure what you're getting at.  Despite the problems he had with different regimes in Nigeria, ultimately, Fela died of heart failure resulting from AIDS.

meyri:
I never seen anyone suck mucus out of the nose. I saw a lady [b]pinch her baby nose and blow into his mout[/b]h and mucus came out the nose.

Oh my!  CPR? I guess she knew what she was doing then.   But that is frightening, to be honest. 

Not similar, but reminds me of once seeing an American father pinch his little boy's nose cos he didn't want him crying in public "like a girl."  He was trying to deprive him of oxygen so he would have to breathe trough his mouth and in turn stop the wailing.  People are crazy, for sure.

cap28:
even if it were to happen, what difference would it make? the person would still be a powerless puppet of the white elite.

blacks have no real political clout in america, the fact that a black (mixed race) man is in office carrying out the dictates of a white elitist class of bankers and oligarchs makes zero difference to the vast majority of black people.

Cap,
If you look at it that way, then essentially, no head of state has real power - all are dancing to the beat of the puppeteers.  Did George Bush or his father have power?  As you well know, the Bushes and their cronies, the Caspar Weinbergers, James Baker, Richard Cheney, were once thought to be the real power in world politics. But I digress.

To get back to the specific of having a black president of the USA - Obama or Nigerian, does the symbolism not count?  Do you acknowledge that seeing people who look like you in "powerful" or enviable positions does something for the masses, impresionable children (and the young at heart )?  I'm not a fan of Obama, to tbe honest, and growing less so each day, to the point, I barely follow any news on the man now.  I just want your view on what, if anything, positive you can think of of having Obama or any black person in such a high position.

Shut it!

But you actually said something [size=4pt]smart [/size]for a change. Although, with the usual meanness.

Igbo salad aka Abacha

I believe [i]Abasha [/i]means "mess" in Yoruba. Unless, it's one of those borrowed words.

[quote author=21-05-2011 link=topic=617571.msg7916151#msg7916151 date=1300199710]^^^
what I mean is that I hardly ever show emotions
like a lot of ppl say I act like a man
dont do mushy things and such[/quote] I got ya the first time.  I totally understand.  I meant to say, in my original reply, that I was the same way, in not displaying a lot of emotion - certainly the non-crying part.  I just pulled my punches and didn't fully share that I also bawled like a so-and-so when my time came. 

See? That ice queenness never truly leaves you. 

fyncorp:
Tears always flow from my eyes whenever I try praying or praising God.It is bothering me a lot.
I am not very religious and I am not a great sinner.Does it signify anything?

1) It may be the nature of the prayer.  Recitations of favourite or memorable passages can elicit strong emotional reaction, memories of other events or people associated with the prayer, even the melody, etc.
2) An emotional person could have strong reaction to anything that moves them.  Some people are just emotional in many situations they experience.

[quote author=21-05-2011 link=topic=617571.msg7914572#msg7914572 date=1300185880]@OP It happens to me to when I am immersed in prayer
I just bursted out in tears  and started bawling like a baby(note I am an ICE QUEEN IN REAL LIFE, I AM A HARD GIRL)
I was embarrased and couldnt help it ,the more I was trying to stop crying. . .

My husband was obviously in a state of shock(hes seen me cry only a handful of times) and was concern for my emotional state  and naija ppl dey stare o I felt like people were thinking I was emotionally un-stable  [/quote]Being an ice queen ones whole life can come to bite one in the behind.  At least your comeuppance came about during a moving religious service.   

[quote author=Inked_Nerd link=topic=622963.msg7912738#msg7912738 date=1300161896]
How is it a great match?

Oya tell him when he comes to him senses we can have our first wedding dance [/quote]lol.  Never fear. He'll do the right thing.  Only a couple of days for Mama FStranger to review your posts and get to know her future daughter-in-law. You'll PASS thru with flying colors. 

Okay, so this is dedicated to two of this thread's very worthy contributors.  Not naming names, sorry.    You are free to identify yourself though.  It's all good.

I really like this; hope you do too.

Enjoy.

[flash=200,200]http://www.youtube.com//v/hxIc6Uej3Dc[/flash]

[quote author=Inked_Nerd link=topic=622963.msg7906110#msg7906110 date=1300080561]
IJN? What's IJN? And when did you and I become we? [/quote]

fstranger3:
We became we, when I proposed to you

IJN = In Jesus name

lol.  What kind of keferi doesn't know IJN?  Just kidding. Actually, this is a great match.  Perfect fit!  Let me be the first to congratulate you. 

I'll dance at your wedding. 

[flash=600,480]http://www.youtube.com//v/sWayBgnIEec[/flash]