₦airaland Forum

Orikinla ~ I can't agree with you more. The effective way of controlling the populace, while the looters are busy siphoning our money abroad, is through entertainment and religion ~ that is the opiate.

The Preachers/Pastors and Imam are living in opulence while the congregation is starving. The looters and the religious leaders are working hand in hand ~ The looters contribute most to the coffer, while the religious leaders pacify the ignorant populace. ~ Don't stand for your rights, because one man-made god will reward you after death with a ticket to heaven, for being stupidly ignorant. Suffering and Smiling.

When Oyinbo sneezes, my people must cough. They want to be more English that an Englishman. And more American than the Americans. That tells you the difference between Asians and Naija. Asians 'll not let you corrupt their culture. Their children are very fluent in their mother tongue. They only care about English Language when they 're penetrating your markets with their goods.

Just reading some of the posts on this forum 'll give someone a snapshot of the mindset of my generation, which is the microcosm of the Naija nation.

babyosisi ~ Can you please elaborate on how Awolowo betrayed the Igbo nation? The problem of Igbo nation is that you 've never had leaders with vision. When Awolowo was developing the West, why couldn't Azikiwe do likewise in the East?

As the leader of the Western region, Awolowo created free educational system, health care system, Ikeja Industrial Estate, Wema Bank, Cocoa House (the tallest building in Africa at the time), NTA Ibadan (the first television station in Africa), Cocoa Board, Odua Group of Companies, Liberty Stadium, University of Ife (the Great Ife), just to name a few. Did you know how many Igbo that did benefit from these? What did Zik do for Igbo nation? What were his achievements? Can you name an instance, where an Igbo had being persecuted in the West?

In 1959, Awolowo asked Zik to form a national government. in which Awo would serve under Zik as Finance Minister, but Zik refused. Zik went ahead to form a coalition with the Northerners (Hausa-Fulani), thus enabling Tafawa Balewa to become the Prime Minster. Zik preferred the ceremonial position of President of Nigeria, than being a Prime Minister. Awolowo then became the opposition leader, as the head of the Action Group, AG. Imagine where Naija 'll 've being today, if Zik had the same vision Awo had.

In 1979, during the second republic, Zik again went ahead to align with the Northern led Shagari government. The coalition did not last and did you remember the disgrace that was meted out to Zik of Africa? Chuba Okadigbo, his fellow Igbo, belittled Zik, referring to Zik as a ranting of an ant. Imagine that? Awolowo and his party remained in opposition for the second time. Awolowo was a principled man and he was ahead of his time.

Between 1979 and 1983, Awolowo led States, namely Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Bendel and Lagos implemented a free educational system and free health care. Did you know how many Igbo families that benefited from these programs? Free tuition, free books, from primary school all the way to secondary school. New schools were established to accommodate all school-age students, regardless of ethnicity or state of origin. No discrimination, whatsoever. Our family friends, of Igbo extraction, were bringing in their relatives from the East for the free educational system, being offered by the Western States. What did Sam Mbadiwe do for Imo State? What of Jim Nwobodo in Anambra State? Alex Ekweme was the Vice-President. What were their achievements in Igbo land?

If you had a leader like Awolowo, Igbo Nation 'll 've being much better off.

Ndipe ~ You 've not mentioned where a Vice-President outed a sitting President.

Nigeria introduces two sickle cell drugs at WHO summit

From Collins Olayinka, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

NIGERIA yesterday received a rousing ovation from the rest of the African continent when she presented two locally manufactured drugs for sickle cell anaemia to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The two drugs the country introduced to the 56th session of the WHO meeting are Nicosan and Sikilafit. Both drugs are manufactured by Nigerian indigenous companies.

The country's Health Minister, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo, who presented the drugs to the international community ascribed them to the determination to look inward for a solution which was influenced by the fact that between four and five million Nigerians are still bearing the burden of sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell disease is said to affect between four and five million Nigerians with a great number of people carrying the traits. This makes Nigeria the country with probably the greatest burden.

The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has developed a phyto-medicine product for the management of the disease. The recipe for the drug was obtained from a traditional medicine practitioner. The research institute first used the product in the original form in which the traditional medical practitioner provided it and made an assessment of its invitro anti-sickling properties that showed that the preparation possessed the ability to reduce the sickling tendency of red blood cells.

The research institute then carried out many years of study on the plant materials to determine the right method of extraction and the preparation. Later, the relative quantities of the ingredients were adjusted in various studies in order to optimise pharmacological activities, materials and production processes.

The health minister stressed that various stages of clinical trials were performed in humans to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the drug and that clinical observations showed that Nicosan (the drug) is very effective in the management of sickle cell disease.

Lambo added that the drug was launched last month by President Olusegun Obasanjo and it was being produced locally for the Nigerian and West African market, adding that the manufacturers of the drug-Xechem Nig. Ltd had obtained an orphan drug status for the drug in the United States (U.S.).

He further disclosed that traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria were making giant strides as they had produced another drug called Siklafit. Siklafit is manufactured and marketed by Neimeth Nig. Ltd, another pharmaceutical company in Nigeria.

Research in NIPRD has shown that other recipes brought in by traditional healers may be equally very effective when Research and Development (R&) on them are completed, the Minister said yesterday.

Lambo declared that from the country's experience, it was believed that public-private partnership aimed at supporting basic and transnational research would produce more therapeutic agents from African/Traditional medicines for the management of sickle cell disease.

He, however, advised governments in the region, international donors and United Nations (UN) agencies particularly WHO to see sickle cell as a neglected disease whose management would require effective partnership. The partnership, he maintained, would be between researchers and donor agencies/governments, stressing that there was the need to mobilize adequate funds for basic and applied research in the area.

South Africa and Uganda delegates specifically paid glowing tributes to Nigeria for the feat. But they also urged the country to do more in the area of research and also extend such efforts to effectively checkmating malaria, which is described as a disease that is more synonymous with the African continent.

http://odili.net/news/source/2006/sep/1/8.html

Nigerian doctor unveils arthritis drug

From Collins Olayinka, Abuja

Dr Jonathan Obaje, a Nigerian Scientists based in Singapore yesterday in Abuja at the celebration of the 2006 Nigeria Diaspora Day took time to explain the uniqueness of his new drug, Urah Transdermal Glucosamine Cream in the treatment of arthritis.

He said that Osteoarthritis, a debilitating joint disorder is the most common form of arthritis in Nigeria and other parts of the African continent. It is characterised by the breakdown of joint cartilage that may affect any joint in the body, including those of the fingers, hips, knees, lower back and feet.

Obaje, who trained at the Universities of Jos and Ibadan, described the funding of research in the country as 'disheartening'.

He said that he was motivated to go into research on the alternative source of treatment of the disease because of the undue suffering faced by those affected by it and his desire to come up with a drug that could ensure easy movement of bones with little or no side effects.

"Long before now, the treatment of Osteoarthritis has been centred on the use of anti-inflammatory agents. These include the Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs). Most of these agents are however associated with gastrointestinal toxicity. They destroy the protective mucus layer on the stomach lining, thereby exposing the patient to the danger of developing stomach ulcers. Furthermore, these agents relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation without stopping the progression of the disease. This treatment method is therefore palliative. Other treatment methods include joint replacement, arthroscopic lavage and debridment, repositioning of bones (osteotomy) and fusing bones," he said.

Faulting the composition of oral preparation of Glucosamine, Obaje pointed out that the preparation comes in the form of acid salts, such as hydrochloride, sulphate and acety Glucosamine with most of the preparations requiring doses as high as 1.5g daily to be taken for a long period to produce any meaningful improvement.

According to him, oral glucosamine is associated with such side effects as nausea, vomiting, heartburn and diarrhea. He said that most of the glucosamine taken orally is digested and used up as carbohydrates and only a minute fraction reach the joints where it is needed, adding that high oral glucosamine is not recommended for diabetic patients.

http://odili.net/news/source/2006/jul/26/25.html

Ndipe ~ I meant political suicide. The Institution must be protected by all means. Rally around the flag. Have you ever heard of a subordinate exposing the dirty linen of a sitting President? Never. When people starts to lose confidence in the system, what happens? It collapses. Trillions of $$ are at stake. Confidence in $$ is directly proportional to having confidence in the System.

Lewinsky affair was the only one the media made public. Most Americans can't stand Hillary Clinton. You can't trust the poll, the media is parading. Ask eligible voters around you, who they 'll prefer, Hillary or Gore? Post the result on this thread.

TWELVE years old, JSS 3 Nigerian boy, Nyemahame Allwell Worgu has equalled a record set by another 12 years old Pakistani girl in mastering the Sun's Java program.

BY CHUKS NWANNE

In 2001, the Pakistani girl, Afsah Shafqat ventured into writing Sun's Certified Programmer for Java 2 Platform 1.4 certification exam, a version of Java basically designed for programmers experienced in using the basic syntax and structure of the Java programming language. Afsah did not only pass the exam, but also created a world record as the youngest individual in the whole world to scale through the test. Her younger sister, Afrah Shafqua also toed the same line, earning the same certificate almost the same age with Afsah.

Sun's certification program in Java technology is an industry recognised world-wide program that focuses on critical job roles in software application development and enterprise architecture. The philosophy behind the exam is that certification is central to the learning process as it provides validation of skill sets for specific job roles and also offers a natural progression to support chosen career goals. Afterwards, holders of this certificate have the opportunity of pursuing advanced training and certifications that help enable career growth into more specific job roles valuable to an organisation.

While his mates were still battling with passing their junior WAEC exams, Allwell Worgu, a student of the Nigerian Turkish International College, is worried about the world record kept by the Pakistani 12 years old girl. First, he felt that for a girl of 12 to venture taking the exam, then it becomes a big challenge to the male folk. Secondly, Allwell Worgu strongly believes that "blacks are more intelligent than the white", mentioning Philip Emeagwali, the Anambra State born computer guru as a backup for his view. With these in his mind, the River State native resolved to give the Pakistani girl a fight by enrolling for the same exam earlier this month at the age of 12.

Allwell, who started using computer right from his primary school days, revealed his plans of enrolling for the Java exam to his parents, then his school principal, stating his reasons for the mission.

"When I first heard about Java from my teacher in school, I went home to my father for better understanding, which he explained to me. I informed them (his parents) that I would like to take the exam. When I proved to them that I'm ready for it, they first met with my principal, stating my readiness to enroll. When my school saw that I really knew what I was doing, they told me that its not an easy thing for somebody of my age to do, but since they know I can do it, they said I should continue," he narrates.

You need to see Allwell's reaction when he was asked if he ever thought about the possibility of him failing the Java exam?

"Failure was never an option for me," he replied, explaining that, "there is no big deal in writing the exam. When adults write exams, they have many things in their mind; that's why they always fail. May be those that fail were not ready, especially adults, who will be thinking about their business, their market, money in the bank, their stocks and so on, so they find it difficult to concentrate. As a child, I think its better to write it at this period when I don't have much distractions", Allwell reasoned.

As part of his preparation for the exam, Allwell registered with a private computer school in Lagos as an additional training towards achieving his goal. He was never worried about his status as the youngest in the computer training school- rather he utilised it as an advantage to learn more.

"Since I was with adults, it was very easy because they take me as a unique person, small and smart. They are adults, they don't really need to be taught again, but in life, learning still goes on. Sometimes, they can just give them two books and tell them what to do, whenever they need assistance in the school, they will meet our teacher. Our teacher focuses on me because I'm still a child, the other have grown, so they know how to take care of themselves, it was very easy," he said.

Well, if taking Java tutorials class with adults was easy for Allwell, was writing the proper exam easy too and was there any sign of tension during the process?

"There was no tension, but I prayed before I started. Those that wrote the exam before me told me that their hands were shaking when they were writing the exam, they were just telling me all those stuffs. So, when I got there, I saw the questions, they were very easy, so I just continued writing."

"They were like- this is the youngest person that ever came to this centre to write any exam. I'm sure some of them never thought I was there to write the exam, they thought, may be I came to see somebody. I wrote Java, I don't know what others wrote, because I concentrated on my papers, but I left the hall before a lot of them. I didn't see it as very difficult, I wonder why grown-ups fail the exam," he queried.

At last, the result of the exam, which he took online, on the 10th of this month, at Bi- Trax Axxent, Lekki, Lagos, was finally announced, with Allwell scoring 72 per cent. Out of the total 61 questions, he got 44 answers right, putting himself to the same rank with the 12 years old Pakistani, and also becoming the youngest to hold Sun's Certified Java Programmer (SCJP) in the African continent.

What was his feeling when the result was announced and how did his parents and school management react when they got the news?

"I felt normal, I didn't feel that happy, because the exam was very simple and I was ready for it. My parents were happy with the result, my schoolmates and my principal congratulated me, urging me to keep it up," he informed.

Allwell, who is also part of the six Nigerians to represent the country at the upcoming Computer Olympiad holding in Romania, also bared his mind on issues affecting Nigeria as a nation, urging youths to always take a chance.

"I want to help and encourage people about thing like this, because if they know about them Nigeria will develop. Look at America, look at Britain, what is helping them today, is it not computers? Look at Singapore, this was a poor country, but just because of computers, they are now growing very popular in the world. Nigeria can get to such level if we try; there is no big deal about that."

He smiles, looks at his father and his uncle who was so surprised with some of Allwell's responses during the chat and then continues: "I encourage the young ones to take the exam. Like I was surfing the net recently and I saw a Nigerian who wanted to write the exam and people were discouraging him. They told him that the exam is too difficult, that they have written it more than three times without success. They should try their best and take the exam first. The young ones are the future of tomorrow, so they have more chances of doing those kinds of things," he urged.

Also a small group programming instructor in his school, Allwell recalls that, "Sometimes in my class, they call me over sabi, but I have no problem with that. We have a programming class in school- I'm their teacher, not Java, but other programming. Some of them (students) say that its hard while of them will say that it's easy. Some even have headache after the lessons- I think its not only grown-up that don't really understand the course, but they should put more effort."

However, despite his interest in teaching his classmates, Allwell will never be a teacher in future.

"When I'm teaching my classmates, its like talking to them normally when we are in the class. I hear teachers are poor, especially in Nigeria. Majority of them are very poor. Even when they try to air their opinions on some public issues, government will shun them, just like Soyinka now. I think he (Soyinka) is the only teacher that has been making contributions in Nigeria. Other people that try to talk, they either arrest them or do something to them," he frowned.

Mentioning schools such as Harvard University, Oxford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Cambridge University as his possible choices for university education was not the surprise, but he educated his uncle, who objected with his explanation of the current ranking of these schools in science and technology.

"I check the rating overtime on the Internet. MIT use to be the first in science and technology, but now, Cambridge University is currently leading the chart. I think MIT should be the 2nd or 3rd in the ranking. I'm planning to do more programming languages such as developer test, Java, oracle, Microsoft and the rest," he concludes.

http://odili.net/news/source/2007/jan/28/23.html

Without Gore, Clinton wouldn't 've won the election in 1992. Clinton was afraid that Gore 'll not protect his back. Were you aware of the millions Clinton took from the Chinese? Another egunje. Remember the Whitewater affair. Remember Ron Brown. Remember Vincent Foster. Just to name a few.

The feud between the two, was similar to that of Obasanjo and Atiku. However, Gore did not switch to another party. And if Gore were to resign, what would he tell the public? There's one rule in US politics ~ it's suicidal to expose in public, the dirty pants of the President you're serving. Even the media will not report it. The Institution must be protected. What comes thru the media is heavily filtered. They only tell you what they want you to know. That's how the System works.

The calculated Gore had to bide his time. However, he was rigged out in Florida, by the US Supreme Court. What a disgrace.

Razorr ~ You hit the nail in the head. When Oyinbo sneezes, my people must cough.

I'll implore the mother of the victim to directly appeal to the Gunners in North London, telling them that her son is ready and willing to die for Arsenals. And the perpetrator should likewise, inform Bolton that he is willing and ready to defend the honor of the Wanderers. Obe ku, malu ni aye ohun baje.

Ndipe ~ That was the impression the media gave us. There were many other unreported events that occurred, outside of the Lewinsky episode. Do you think that the media do report everything or do you believe everything the media do report? Clinton did not want Gore to replace him. Gore was incorruptible, unlike the Clintons who were totally corrupt in multiple ways. These events were not reported by the media. For example, Gore was furious that Clinton pardoned Marc Rich who fled to Switzerland after embezzling billions of $$. Why did Clinton do it? egunje.

Believe it, Bush will make sure Clinton wins the election in 2008. After Hillary serves two terms, she 'll hand it back to another Bush. A rotational dynasty. It 'll be a while before you'll see a non-Clinton or non-Bush President in America.

Politics in US is like watching a movie. Actors always follow the written script. Politicians are actors. Successful politicians are good actors.

Some of us are full of wishful thinking w.r.t Obama becoming America's first black President. Does Obama want a bullet at the back of his head? Oh! another lone gunman. One should remember how the same media promoted Colin Powell in the 90's as the darling of the electorate. It's all hot air. Has America changed? It is the same old US of A.

By the way, Obama is a joke. He's a controlled opposition of Hillary Clinton. His role is to split the votes of potential opponents of Hillary Clinton, thus paving the way for her coronation as Democratic Candidate. And he shall be rewarded with egunje along the way.

One should not be fooled by the fudged opinion polls. The Western media is compromised. Clinton is scared of Al Gore running. Could Hillary Clinton defeat Al Gore without rigging the election? It was the same Clinton family that undermined Al Gore in 2000 and it is the same Bush family that would undermine any Republican opposition in 2008 for Lady-President to be, Hillary Clinton. It's a payback. Bush knows that Clinton 'll protect his back. John McCain, among others, is just wasting his time.

To the wishful thinkers, Black America would not support Obama? He's seen as an Uncle Tom.

This thread is to showcase fellow Naija that are putting Naija on the map in the field of Sciences, Engineering or in the Medical Field. One can not develop the nation with experts in English Literature/Language, Political Science, Philosophy, European Languages, Divinity, Theology, Islamic Studies and other mundane stuff. You need technological wizards. You need thinkers. If one knows of any other Naija Genius or one in the making, let's showcase it to the world.

Jelani Aliyu is just a tip of the iceberg i.e. one out of many.

Nigerian makes breakthrough in auto design

January 25th, 2007

Jelani Aliyu, a Nigerian, has recorded a major breakthrough in the automotive industry in the US with the design of a state-of-the-art electric car. The car, "Chevy Volt", described by the auto industry as an "American Revolution", was designed by Aliyu, for the world’s largest automaker, General Motors (GM) plant in Detroit.

A statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York by GM, stated: "GM’s most electrifying advanced technology vehicle is the Chevrolet Volt concept, a battery-powered, extended-range electric passenger vehicle.

"It uses a gas engine to create additional electricity. The technology behind the Volt concept, GM’s E-flex System, allows electricity to be produced from gasoline, ethanol, bio-diesel or hydrogen, helping to provide a global solution to diversifying transportation energy sources,’’ it said.

It said that the car was developed by its lead designer "a soft-spoken native of Nigeria and 1994 alumni of CCS, Jelani Aliyu, after a 10-month marathon sprint to bring the Volt to reality’’. NAN reports that CCS is the College for Creative Studies for automobile design in the US, which trains designers for all the automakers in the country.

"The marathon started with tough competition amongst eight designers and their concepts that were developed in two months, with seven of the eight of the model concepts reviewed and eliminated,’’ it noted. Aliyu’s model was selected for development. His design incorporates many design elements to complement the electric technology, driving the car as well as his love of nature and the ergonomics of a vehicle one can enjoy nature in.

Aliyu, who hails from Sokoto State, was born in 1966 in Kaduna and is married with two children. He attended Capital School, and Federal Government College Sokoto, where he received an award as the best student in technical drawing and creative art.

In a telephone interview with NAN from Detroit, Aliyu said: "The Chevy Volt is my concept and design and was last week showcased at a motor show in Detroit and will also feature in another one this week in Washington DC. "I draw a lot and also designed my own cars and even built scale models of them, complete with exteriors and interiors, so that is from where I get my inspiration,’’ he said.

He said that he attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, briefly where he initially planned to study architecture, but later got a scholarship from the Sokoto State government to study in the US.

"In 1990 I got admitted into the College for Creative Studies (CCS), Detroit, Michigan, US to study Automobile Design and completed my four-year degree programme in 1994,’’ Aliyu said.

Aliyu also told NAN that he received two awards from Ford Motor Company and Michelin, while still studying.

He began working in GM in 1997 as part of a design team for the Buick Rendezvous, where he served as its lead interior designer before he was transferred to Germany to work at GM’s European division in 1999.

He is now a senior and lead exterior designer at GM headquarters, where he is working on other various GM models, with some of them now on sale in the US, Canada and Europe. The Chevy Volt is, regarded as the hottest concept car in the design line.

http://www.businessdayonline.com/?c=45&a=10828
http://news.africast.com/africastv/article.php?newsID=61045
http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/nvs/nigerian-makes-breakthrough-in-car-design.html

DEBKAfile: Olmert’s belated discovery of a serious breach with Washington prompted him to disinter the Middle East roadmap.

September 10, 2006, 4:08 PM (GMT+02:00)

The Israeli prime minister informed the cabinet Sunday Sept 10 that the time had come to reach for a “diplomatic horizon.” Offering to meet Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas “without pre-conditions,” he brought back to life the moribund Middle East road map.

So what happened to his realignment plan which filled all the empty space on his campaign platform only six months ago?

The answer lies in Washington, where he is in very hot water with the Bush administration. First, the White House was angered by the way Olmert, defense minister Amir Peretz and foreign minister Tzipi Livni mismanaged the Lebanon war and, in doing so, got in the way of America’s plans for Iran.

This was followed by a further complaint: During his May visit to Washington, the Israeli prime minister presented the US president and the two Houses of Congress his realignment (aka convergence) plan for a partial withdrawal from the West Bank. He asked for American support and received it with an ovation.

Two and a half months later, that same prime minister ditched his realignment plan – only forgetting to drop a word to Washington. That was too much for the administration to swallow. Olmert was given to understand that it was totally unacceptable for him to discard a Middle East program taken seriously and adopted by the US government like an old shoe.

It was only then that Olmert began to realize the extent of the damage he had caused US-Israel relations. Last weekend, he sent his senior advisers, Yoram Turbovitch and Shalom Turjman, to Washington to pour oil on troubled waters.

But they were ill-prepared. Confronted by secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and national security adviser Stephen Hadley, the two Israeli officials announced Olmert was ready to make a fresh start with a new plan. What plan?

Since there was no plan, the prime minister’s office decided to give the Middle East roadmap the kiss of life for the umpteenth time and invite Abu Mazen to return to the game as a player.

Most Israelis received the news with a yawn (We’ve been there before). But the Labor ministers, the prime minister and foreign minister grabbed eagerly for the suddenly floating roadmap as a lifesaver for their sinking administration. These events took place during the weekend break in Washington. So no US response can be expected before Monday.

http://debka.com/headline.php?hid=3240

KAG ~ It seems as if you 've a problem with the English language.

When you look at the sky at night, don't you see visible stars? When I did mention Sirius being the brightest star in the sky, common sense should 've told you that it's thus, visible. Do I need to be more explicit?

The orbital path of Sirius B was given to the initiates in the 1930's and it was only in the 1970's that the West was able to determine the elliptical trajectory of Sirius B. Why didn't your so called benevolent "astronomers who were in the vicinity and discussed astronomy with the avid Dogons" never knew about this until the 70's? Because modern astronomy was not yet advanced to either verify or refute this Dogon's knowledge until the 1970's.

Weren't the Sumerians Middle Eastern, Persian, or something of that nature? And yes they share a common space alien mythlogy, did you have a point to make with that?

Mr Wikipedia, do search on "Sumerians black headed" and "Oannes". I don't need to spoon feed you any longer.

I know what the Big Bang theory is, and you still have it wrong, the Big Bang isn't about a star exploding. Did you bother even clicking on the link I gave?

What is the difference between your link and what NASA says? Here is from your link:

Fr. or Msgr. Lemaître proposed what became known as the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe, although he called it his 'hypothesis of the primeval atom'. He based his theory, first broached in the pages of Nature in 1931, on the laws of relativity set forth by Einstein, among others, although at the time Einstein believed in an eternal universe and had previously expressed his skepticism about Lemaitre's original 1927 paper.

NASA says the Big Bang was as a result of an explosion of a primeval atom ~ a cosmic explosion that hurled matter and in all directions. According to your logic, "Big Bang isn't about a star exploding". So tell the world what is an explosion of a primeval atom?

That is the explanation of a star, a primordial star. Then what is a star? A Star is a Sun, a distant one. A Sun is also a Star. You never knew? To better understand the Sun (Star), google search on "Sun Nuclear Fusion". O ga o.

"Nuclear winter", nuff' said. Boy was he ever so wrong about that. Another had to do with the whole Sadaam/Kuwait saga, and the oil fields.

I can't laugh. Your childish thought is becoming unbearable. Your Carl Sagan was telling you of what 'll happen if there were to be Nuclear War between US and USSR, cos you and I, and others 'll not be here. So what is the beef about that? Every intelligent person knows what 'll happen in a Nuclear Exchange between the two Superpowers. It shows your lack of intelligence.

Your "whole Sadaam/Kuwait saga, and the oil fields" is just beating about the bush.

Here is the UFO TESTIMONIES FROM ASTRONAUTS AND COSMONAUTS:

http://www.gravitywarpdrive.com/UFO_Testimonies.htm#Astronauts%20and%20Cosmonauts

So you 've a copyright on this link? And the testimonies of both the Cosmonauts and the Astronauts were just taken out of context? And as far as you're concerned, they're not credible? Did you read the whole page? If the Astronauts could say this publicly despite the gag order, what 'll they say in private?

If you want to make a fool of yourself in public, I'll definitely assist you in that endeavor.

KAG ~ You're so confused. It becomes obvious you don't know much about the cosmos. I said that, star system Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, which means anyone that can look up in the sky can see it. It doesn't mean that the Dogon were the first ones to see it. Any nomad should 've known about it. And Sirius B, despite being invisible to the naked eye, could still 've being seen with any large telescope of hundreds of years ago. It was only in the 1970's that modern astronomy was able to confirm the elliptical trajectory of Sirius B.

Your ignorance lies with the notion that some "kind westerners" were the ones that impacted the knowledge to the Great Dogon. The Dogon 've acquired this knowledge over millennia. Over the years, the West 've sent emissaries to the Dogon in order to retrieve more info from them, but the Dogon 'll never reveal anything to non-initiates.

Here is your Carl Sagan's assertion on the supposed benevolence of the Jesuit scholarship w.r.t the Great Dogon of Mali:

http://www.zetatalk.com/theword/tworx115.htm

Dogon's belief in "fish-like aliens from space" is similar to that of Oannes in the Sumerian belief system. I thought the West says Sumeria is the Cradle of Civilization? In fact, the Sumerians referred to themselves as the Black Headed People, Baba Dudu.

Where is your proof that your Carl Sagan never followed the official line? Any proof of his "own outlandish beliefs" that was contrary to the official stance? Here is the UFO TESTIMONIES FROM ASTRONAUTS AND COSMONAUTS:

[url]http://www.gravitywarpdrive.com/UFO_Testimonies.htm#Astronauts%20and%20Cosmonauts[/url]

NASA says "according to the big bang, the universe was created sometime between 10 billion and 20 billion years ago from a cosmic explosion that hurled matter and in all directions. In 1927, the Belgian priest Georges Lemaître was the first to propose that the universe began with the explosion of a primeval atom."

http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/academy/universe/b_bang.html

Now they're giving the credit to a priest. Where did the Jesuit get the info from? By miracle? Many of the knowledge credited to the West were infact gathered by the missionaries from the natives and then dispatched back to the home office, where reverse-engineering could then be conducted.

So you never knew that an explosion of a star, which is the nuclear fusion of an atom, results in the formation of other heavenly bodies? O ma se o.

Second, Sirius B isn't the "center" of the Universe, because the Universe doesn't have a centre, and it's clear the many cestial bodies beyond the reach of Sirius B can't be controlled by Sirius B.

This is what I said, "Dogon also says that the orbit of Sirius B is the center of the Universe, without its movement no heavenly body could maintain itself. In that, Sirius B is the regulator of all celestial positions". If you disagreed with that, go to Mali and tell the Dogon.

Up till now, the West does not know what regulates the celestial positions. Why is the moon not colliding with Earth? Why are other planets not in collision? There must be a cosmic regulator. Abi

You did hit the nail in the head. I'm in the process of further responding to his misunderstandings.

Probably. I heard about them when they went to Naija on a tour, earlier in the year. They're from 'frisco.

I'm not surprised that Femi is not Fela. And many of these Oyinbo love Fela music. Actually, there is an all Oyinbo Afro-beat band around the bay area. Are you aware of this band?

Definitely. We 've to create a discussion on Abami Eda, to commemorate his birthday. There 'll never be another Fela.

My Sista ~ Sorry o. Fela was, is, and will always be a legend. He opened many eyes to the decadence in our midst. And a proponent of my lovely Yoruba (African) culture. Iba o.

KAG ~ I shouldn't be surprised at the way you revere Carl Sagan, it shows how extremely limited your knowledge is. By the way, I don't take anyone that quotes wikipedia seriously. Anyone can go to wikipedia and put garbage in there. I 've never come across any article in wikipedia that discredits official western version of events. It shows how gullible you're.

Carl Sagan was the mouthpiece of the establishment. His job was to discredit anything that does not tow the official line. Why should one expect him to give credit to Africans? Despite all physical evidences and eye witnesses on UFO and advance beings, he stubbornly denied and discredited their existence. US Astronauts and the Russian Cosmonauts proved him wrong on these, since they were in space and knew what they saw. It is not too late to purge yourself from this conditioned subconscious programming.

The Colonial French were persistent in knowing about Dogon's tradition. In 1934, two Frenchmen, Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen were initiated into Dogon's secret society, the elementary stage, and the mystery of a binary star system was revealed to the Frenchmen. In that, life on earth was created by advance beings from advance civilizations and their abode is the star system Sirius, which is the most brilliant star in the sky.

According to the Dogon, a minuscule white dwarf star invisible to the naked eye, Sirius B, revolves around a bigger star Sirius A, once every fifty years. Sirius B's enormous density and elliptical trajectory were given to these initiates, back in 1934. It was only in the 1970's that modern astronomy was able to confirm it. In addition, modern astronomy has not being able to confirm or invalidate Dogon's claim that Sirius B makes a yearly complete revolution around its axis. Dogon also says that the orbit of Sirius B is the center of the Universe, without its movement no heavenly body could maintain itself. In that, Sirius B is the regulator of all celestial positions. Moreover, the Dogon says that there's a third star, Sirius C, that also revolves around Sirius A, every fifty years. Sirius C is said to be more voluminous but four times lighter than Sirius B.

The question now is if the Jesuits, according to your Carl Sagan, knew and gave the knowledge to the Dogon, why didn't they also give it to their brethren? The western scientists 'll 've documented it. Supposing your Jesuits knew, then who gave the knowledge to them? By miracle? And it was never documented? That is preposterous.

Remember that your Jesuits use to believe that the Earth was flat and the Earth was the center of the Universe. I rest my case.

The Big Bang theory is about the origins of the Universe, matter, time etc, and not some "star exploding and the Earth pouring out of it".

I need to ask you, what is the Big Bang? Bing Bang theory says there was a cosmic explosion that hurled matter in all directions. Something must 've exploded? What's it? A primordial star. Explosion of a star results in the formation of other heavenly bodies. Thus, it seems you're confused. This is Astronomy 101.

If you're good in French, check for Dieu d'eau, written by one of the Dogon initiates, Marcel Griaule. Or check for the English translation in the book written by Cheikh Anta Diop:

Civilization or Barbarism: An Authentic Anthropology, pg 313 - 323.

Former IDF Officer Urges Troops To 'Just Walk Away'

By Reuven Schossen
Former Captain, IDF
9-3-6

The idea is frightening at a very basic level. We are taught that we need a lot of things to live. We seek material comfort instead of a clear conscience. Material comfort is perceived as physical security, which we want to insure. We even want insurance against insurance companies who won't pay; like a job that will provide a safe pension. Any elder could tell you a thing or two about that illusion. We need a mortgage, and better if it is refinanced from time to time. We need usurious credit cards to allow comfortable payments for the latest hyper-gadget. We need the twenty-ton refrigerator to keep the ten gallon bottle of milk fresh. We need health insurance against a possible accident on the way to the shopping mall; but when it comes time to get coverage, some survivors will tell you a tearful story of broken promises.

The development of such a system was gradual. I don't think the first bankers could imagine credit cards and frequent flier miles earned while buying bubble gum. But it happened. We let it happen. However, it has become a system designed to make us more dependent; comfortably numb waiting for our next Coca-Coma. It transforms us into collaborators.

In a certain sense, there is nothing wrong with this. In a democratic regime, all citizens share responsibility. They have elected the government and thus they are responsible - to a certain extent - for its actions. But to what extent? Many people in my country believe their responsibility ends at the exact moment they drop their vote into a ballot box every few years. I don't think in such a way. In the same country - Israel - I was taught that all Germans shared responsibility for the Nazi atrocities.

We are daily responsible for monitoring the actions of our government, and, at the exact moment they violate their mandate, we should say so loud and clear. Otherwise we share responsibility for the crimes committed in our name. We begin buying insurance, but we end up criminals.

Sometimes even speaking out is not enough. An immoral government may decide to bomb children across the border to hide its inability to solve internal social problems. It may violate basic Human Rights in such a way that normal life is no longer possible. The government strategy to avoid a revolt under such conditions is to play upon citizens' basic fear of losing imaginary benefits. The fear of losing luxury privileges or not getting any buys complacence. "With every bottle of milk you buy for your children you are committing a crime" I told several Israeli friends, and lost them. The price of milk includes a tax that empowers a criminal government.

There are no excuses. If one pays taxes, it implies acceptance of the government's behavior and you share in its responsibilities. We were instructed by the Teacher to give Caesar that which belongs to him. But sometimes, to pay taxes means to collaborate with hideous crimes. Not paying taxes would mean to break the law. Transforming ourselves into criminals while trying to fight a criminal government is a moral error. In the long run, no matter how small the transgression, it would corrupt us. Instead, we must make every legal effort to avoid paying taxes or otherwise empowering criminality.

Am I moving in logical circles? No. We have the right and the responsibility to choose morally. We can always say "No!" and just walk away. Does this sound strange, frightening? I did that more than four years ago, and you can too. I left the borders of my ghetto-wall country; without thinking about pensions, insurance, mortgages or ultra-gadgets. Although there are of course grey areas on this subject, if each of us would take care of our own garden, we would live in a better world.

As a former captain in the Israeli Defense Forces I am also calling on all Israeli soldiers to drop their weapons wherever they are, to take off their uniform and just walk away. Don't worry, no one will harm you for acting decently.

http://rense.com/general73/idff.htm

Religious Leaders' Statement on Christian Zionism.

"We Stand for Justice. We Can Do No Other"

JERUSALEM, AUG. 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is "The Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism" released Aug. 22. The statement was written by Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem and other local heads of Churches in Jerusalem.

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Christian Zionism is a modern theological and political movement that embraces the most extreme ideological positions of Zionism, thereby becoming detrimental to a just peace within Palestine and Israel.

The Christian Zionist program provides a worldview where the Gospel is identified with the ideology of empire, colonialism and militarism. In its extreme form, it laces an emphasis on apocalyptic events leading to the end of history rather than living Christ's love and justice today.

We categorically reject Christian Zionist doctrines as false teaching that corrupts the biblical message of love, justice and reconciliation.

We further reject the contemporary alliance of Christian Zionist leaders and organizations with elements in the governments of Israel and the United States that are presently imposing their unilateral preemptive borders and domination over Palestine.

This inevitably leads to unending cycles of violence that undermine the security of all peoples of the Middle East and the rest of the world.

We reject the teachings of Christian Zionism that facilitate and support these policies as they advance racial exclusivity and perpetual war rather than the gospel of universal love, redemption and reconciliation taught by Jesus Christ.

Rather than condemn the world to the doom of Armageddon we call upon everyone to liberate themselves from the ideologies of militarism and occupation. Instead, let them pursue the healing of the nations!

We call upon Christians in Churches on every continent to pray for the Palestinian and Israeli people, both of whom are suffering as victims of occupation and militarism. These discriminative actions are turning Palestine into impoverished ghettos surrounded by exclusive Israeli settlements.

The establishment of the illegal settlements and the construction of the Separation Wall on confiscated Palestinian land undermine the viability of a Palestinian state as well as peace and security in the entire region.

We call upon all Churches that remain silent, to break their silence and speak for reconciliation with justice in the Holy Land.

Therefore, we commit ourselves to the following principles as an alternative way:

We affirm that all people are created in the image of God. In turn they are called to honor the dignity of every human being and to respect their inalienable rights.

We affirm that Israelis and Palestinians are capable of living together within peace, justice and security.

We affirm that Palestinians are one people, both Muslim and Christian. We reject all attempts to subvert and fragment their unity.

We call upon all people to reject the narrow world view of Christian Zionism and other ideologies that privilege one people at the expense of others.

We are committed to non-violent resistance as the most effective means to end the illegal occupation in order to attain a just and lasting peace.

With urgency we warn that Christian Zionism and its alliances are justifying colonization, apartheid and empire-building.

God demands that justice be done. No enduring peace, security or reconciliation is possible without the foundation of justice. The demands of justice will not disappear. The struggle for justice must be pursued diligently and persistently but without violence.

"What does the Lord require of you: To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

This is where we take our stand. We stand for justice. We can do no other. Justice alone guarantees a peace that will lead to reconciliation with a life of security and prosperity for all the peoples of our land. By standing on the side of justice, we open ourselves to the work of peace -- and working for peace makes us children of God.

"God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=94029

Mr A = Israel
Mr B = Lebanon, Iran, Syria ETC
Mr C = USA
Mr D = Russia

Big B1 ~ You did hit the nail in the head, but our educated folks still don't get it. Cold war never ended, just metamorphosed. Only deep thinkers can discern the minute perturbation of its air molecules.

Can one be more Christian than the Vatican? Here is the Vatican's take on the fascinating issue:

EXTRA-TERRESTRIALS exist and there is no conflict between a belief in aliens and the Christian faith, a Vatican theologian close to the Pope says.

Father Corrado Balducci, of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, claims in a book about alien abductions to be published next week, that it is wrong to assert that reports of encounters with aliens are not credible.

"It is reasonable to believe and affirm that extra-terrestrials exist," he says. "Their existence can no longer be denied, for there is too much evidence for the existence of extra-terrestrials and flying saucers."

Father Balducci says that clues such as the existence of flying saucers indicate that extra-terrestrials are further evolved than humans. In an interview to be published as the appendix to Confirmation, Father Balducci says that even if extra-terrestrials were discovered who were superior to humans, it would not call into question the teachings of Christianity.

He refers to a passage in the New Testament where St Paul refers to Christ as the king of the universe, not just the king of the world. "This means that everything in the universe, including extra-terrestrials and UFOs are reconcilable with God."

Father Balducci, a renowned exorcist and expert on demonology, has written two books on the Devil. Listed in the Vatican directory as "priest of honour" since 1964, he is an official member of the papal household or family.

Father Balducci says his first question to an alien would be what their concept of God was.

A spokesman for the Catholic Media Office in London said last night: "The fundamental creation message relates to humans here on earth. If aliens were shown to exist, this would not cast doubt on the veracity of the Gospel. But we would have to ask whether the Christian atonement was applicable to them."

http://www.rense.com/ufo/fatherET.htm

Here is Russia's response to Israel's accusation, blaming Russian rocket launchers for its setbacks in Lebanon. What an excellent analysis.

RPG-29

Israel blames Russian rocket launchers for its setbacks in Lebanon.

by Viktor Litovkin

Hizbullah has already destroyed at least one armor division out of a total of seven that the IDF relies upon. These losses have jeopardized Israel’s blitzkrieg strategy and have lead the latter to limit its ground campaign to the pace of infantrymen. The Lebanese Resistance uses upscale Russian anti-tank rocket launchers that not only punch holes through Israeli Merkava, but also through US-made tanks. Viktor Litovkin analyses the growing argument between Tel-Aviv and Moscow.

The experts explained that the RPG-29 Vampir with a tandem HEAT (high explosive anti-tank) PG-29V warhead was developed in the late 1980s when tanks acquired reactive armor. The Soviet army received them in 1989. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, these grenade launchers and their projectiles could be found in almost all the newly independent ex-communist nations. They were even produced in some of them. Trying to establish whose grenades are hitting Israeli tanks will be pure guesswork.

The military experts observed that talk of "wrongful use of Russian weapons" starts whenever one of the sides has setbacks at the front lines. This is what the Americans did in Vietnam, and this is what they are doing in Iraq more than twenty years later, when they blame Russia for the fact that the militants are fighting with Russian arms. What other arms could they have if Iraqi leaders were getting them officially from the Soviet Union for almost 30 years? Now Israeli officials have followed suit.

The experts said that in accusing Russia of indirect support for the other side, politicians fail to realize that they admit their helplessness and discredit their own weapons and combat hardware. The Merkava tank has always been considered invincible in Israel. The Israelis were proud of its design and its upgraded reactive armor. They claimed it was the best tank in the world. Tactically, the Israeli army has used it very skillfully in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Merkavas entered rural districts only when they were supported by helicopters, and had direct and stable communication with them.

But, apparently, there are not enough helicopters for tank support on Lebanese territory. The crew of any tank can see very little. They do not know what is happening on the sides or in the back. It is an easy target for any militant, who can hide in the bushes or behind a jamb. He does not need to attack a Merkava from the front, where it does indeed have excellent protection. He can hit it from the side, the rear, or the space between the running gear — any tank has many vulnerable spots. Perfect weapons simply do not exist. So why complain about a Russian grenade launcher? The experts thanked the Israeli ministers for the free promotion of Russian weapons, but repeated they had nothing to do with this. They observed that Israeli tanks were hit in Lebanon, not in Israel.

Members of Hezbollah, no matter what emotions they may evoke, are citizens of Lebanon, and have a lawful right to defend their land against the aggressor. At this point the experts said that they were reluctant to go into politics. They switched back to weapons, and added that Israel was not only using its own weapons.

The Merkava is an Israeli tank, but the M-113A1/A2 and M-577A2, on which Israeli soldiers drive into Lebanon, are of American make. The same applies to the following helicopters: the AH-1E/Bell-209, Chechnya-53D Stallion, UH-60 Blackhawk, S-70A, and assault AH-64 Apache. All their artillery — the AMRAAM, AIM-120B, AIM-95, and even the MLRS 227 multiple-launch rocket systems — were also made in the United States, not to mention assault aircraft, bombers, and fighters. The experts asked rhetorically: "Why blame anyone, if you are bombing a foreign country with foreign weapons?" Abi

http://www.voltairenet.org/article143068.html#article143068

I remember Baba Sala and Ogunde. I like yoruba films that use pure yoruba (ogidi). The one that you 'll be asking the elders, what's the meaning of that proverb? That's the essence of culture. Only a fool 'll say culture or language is not that important.

Does anyone know if Ogunde films 're on DVD now? Ogunde was a genius. The benchmark, the reference point for others.

Akula is an old technology, comparable to Los Angeles class, the US attack submarine. The improved Akula, Akula II, is now being sold to China, India and Iran. Venezuela 'll love to buy at least two, if Putin agrees.

The Akula II features a quieter propulsion system, a reduced crew of 51, a SAM system, ten torpedo tubes, a 100 day endurance, 35 knot top speed submerged, 600m dive depth, and a 180 MW nuclear reactor. Compare that to Seawolf, US SSNB or its replacement, Virginia class. Many of the Russian Subs include Sport facilities, Sauna and Swimming Pool. What an excellent conditions for the crews to have inside a Sub.

US Navy finds it difficult to detect, not to talk of tracking Russian Subs, because they're too quiet. One can only detect and track what you can find.

The Naval doctrine of both US and Russia are quite different. US believes in Aircraft Carrier led battle group. Russia does not even 've an Aircraft Carrier, it got rid of its Soviet era AC by selling it to India. Rather, Russia invests in torpedo and missile technologies, which are way ahead of that of the West. US was caught red-handed in 2000, while trying to steal the design of Shkval, a supercavitating torpedo. Russia 've sold some of these to China as part of their military alliance, which indirectly goes to Iran. What of Klub, Moskit (Sunburn), and Yakhont (Onyx) anti-ship missiles? These are the Shipwreckers. Here is more info on Shkval:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/shkval.htm

Russia has successful tested the long-awaited Bulava nuclear missile, known also as the R-30 ballistic sea-launched nuclear missile. The Bulava is a solid propellant sea-launched missile that can carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVS). It is a submarine launched version of Russia's new Topol-M (SS-27), which represents the pinnacle of ballistic missile technology. Akula III (Shark) class submarine (Project 941) and the new Borey class missile-carrying submarines (Project 955) are to be armed with 12 Bulava missiles by 2010.

Bulava is an hypersonic, high-precision missiles that can change their course and altitude, unlike any other missiles belonging to any other state in the world. These missiles are also invulnerable to modern anti-ballistic missile defenses, namely, ground-based, midcourse, kinetic-kill interceptors, such as those currently being deployed in Alaska and Hawaii, thus strengthening Russia's nuclear deterrent.

http://www.missilethreat.com/missiles/ss-nx-30_russia.html

At the same time, Russia is field testing a totally different type of Subs, of the SSNB type, Project 210. The codename for Project 210 is Losharik. It's like a UFO in the deep sea, due to its Spherical shape. It's the deepest diver, completely silent, and invisible to enemy sonars.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/08/11/stories/2003081102701400.htm

taiwoabzy ~ I totally agree with you. One can't be more english that an english man. Despite multitude of languages in India, how many Indian films 're in english language? They are in Hindi or local dialect, subtitled into english and other languages. That is the difference between Asians and Africans. Asians always promote their culture and language, wherever they may be, unlike us, mired in this Ajebota madness.

Yoruba movies 've being around for a while and will remain so, because it has the tradition and culture on its side. Both the culture and the language are deep, rich, sophisticated, progressive, intellectual and dynamic. That becomes an attraction to foreigners, they want to know more about your culture, because it's unique to them.

The same foreigners 'll look down on you when you start imitating them, despite all these "nollywood" hype.