Hackers claim Tupac 'alive in NZ'

A group of hackers angered by a PBS documentary about WikiLeaks posted a fake news story on the website of the public broadcaster claiming that dead rapper Tupac Shakur was alive and well.

The group, Lulz Boat, attacked PBS' servers on Sunday, posting stolen passwords and other sensitive PBS information alongside a story headlined "Tupac still alive in New Zealand."

Shakur was murdered in 1996 after a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas but no one has been charged over his death and controversy still surrounds what happened.

PBS took down the fake story, but Lulz Boat's Twitter page linked to a cached copy.

"We just finished watching WikiSecrets and were less than impressed," Lulz Boat said, referring to an hour-long documentary that aired on PBS' Frontline program.

The documentary revolved around incarcerated US soldier Bradley Manning, who is suspected of supplying WikiLeaks with a trove of sensitive military and diplomatic material. The documents have variously titillated and angered a worldwide internet viewership for the past few months.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, whom the United States wants to put on trial for leaking the documents, denounced the program as "hostile" before it aired. The Australian computer expert is free on bail in Britain, fighting extradition to Sweden over alleged sex crimes.

PBS said in a statement that the hackers also posted login information to two internal sites - one used by journalists to access information and an internal communications website for public television stations.

"We're notifying stations and affected parties to advise them of the situation," it said.

The identity of the people behind Lulz Boat was not known. Somewhat unhelpfully, they described themselves as "a small team of 80-year-old men and people who smoke on webcam." They also proclaimed: "Laughing at your security since 2011!"

Lulz Boat said it was not related to Anonymous, another group of hackers who also consider Assange and Manning to be heroes.

Anonymous disrupted the websites of various credit card and online payment companies in December in a protest against Assange's arrest in Britain.

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Kidz in Space get ready for lift off

Kidz In Space. It might sound like a Sunday morning cartoon, but the three local lads behind this very real intergalactic pop outfit are trying to keep their feet firmly on the ground after a whirlwind start.

After landing for the first time at the 2009 Big Day Out, Josh Fountain, Ashley Hughes and Mat Neshat haven't looked back.

Within six months, their debut EP Episode 001: Chasing Hayley was conceived, recorded and released. And when the singleDowntime edged its way into the top 20 charts, and tours with the likes of Gin Wigmore, Kora and BoB following, the trio knew they were on to a winning formula.

But it's taken a while for Fountain, the man behind the beats, to adjust to being in front of a crowd.

"I'm used to spending nights in the studio alone, you know, so being on stage is all sort of new to me and it was a bit of a shock to the system for me," says Fountain.

This cautious approach to performing might explain why the band created an air of mystery around themselves in the early days - in the form of space suits and helmets.

"The idea was just a spin-off of the name, and then it just became really hard to pull off," says Hughes, who alongside Neshat, is one of the band's MCs.

"We were finding when we'd go to shows people were just waiting for a spaceship to come down or something. It kind of just wasn't connecting with the crowd.

"We didn't really think the whole thing through ... and they were just the crappiest looking suits - they're really budget and really uncomfortable and you can't speak in them," explains Fountain.

Now, with spacesuits abandoned, they are ready to fire with a new album in hand.

Ghost was almost a year in the making and the band is surprised at the places they are finding success.

Recently, they have won awards and topped charts in the electronic scene, but they don't necessarily connect with the "dance music" tag.

"We wouldn't consider it that, but the best thing for us to do is let the listeners really decide.  Because it really is a big melting pot of stuff," says Hughes.

Fountain agrees that trying to define their sound is the hardest thing to do.

"It's hard, especially for us because we have two rappers and then a lot of the beats are dancey and a lot of them are poppy.  We sort of tread the fine line between lots of different genres."

The band says this varied sound stems from their ability to draw on an eclectic range of influences - some old and some relatively new.

When I was just listening to hip-hop, I think I was just too staunch, I didn't want to listen to anything else," says Hughes.

"I was like, 'Nah, you can't.  If you're hip-hop, you're hip-hop'. I had that kind of mindset. But when I hooked up with Josh and we started Kidz In Space, I thought about what really made me happy with music, and a lot of that was the older stuff from when I was a kid."

And while Fountain didn't stick with the genre for long, he knows it all helps make the band what they are.

"I went through my hip-hop phase early on, like from 10 to 14, and then I grew out of that," he jokes.

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Modest Mouse announce second Auckland show

Modest Mouse have announced a second New Zealand show after the first sold out in days.

The Float On singers will now perform two shows at Auckland's Powerstation, on August 1 and 2.

Tickets for the new show are available via a pre-sale on May 31, and on general release on June 1.

Modest Mouse
August 1: The Powerstation, Auckland 
August 2: The Powerstation, Auckland

* Will you be going to the show? Post your comments below.

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Big Brother Africa star, Ras Wayo loses his dreadlock!

He first made the headlines when he represented Ghana on the hit reality TV series, Big Brother Africa. But Ras Wayo’s short stay in the Big Africa Revolution house brought him more criticism than fame as he became Ghana’s worst performing representative in the series after he was evicted in the first week of the competition. He also made some news with his attempt at music and he is back in the news as he was been spotted without the identity that most Ghanaians have come to know him by.

The ardent Rastafarian and pan-African has cut off his trademark dreadlock in pursuit of his legal profession. And as always, there is never a dull moment with the deeply philosophical Wayo, who terms the act as a ‘renunciation of his vow of a Nazarite’. According to Ras Wayo, he cut his hair exactly 7 years after the date he took the vow. He explains: “My legal education is towards coming to play my role to help fight injustice on our planet, to speak for the masses. This is my call as a ‘Nazarite and a true Rastaman’. There are a lot of injustices in the world, some have done their best and I want to play my role.”

But in a weird twist of fate, he has had to forfeit his outward identity because according to him, the academia and the intellectual circles is very conservative and it is very difficult being a Nazarite (wearing dreadlocks), to go through the process.  Still strong in his beliefs, Wayo goes on to say that even though some of classmates saw him as a stranger and not fit to sit with them, he has been taking it all in, staying truthful to the cause. “I have come too far to allow some issues to come up to deny me from achieving my aim. The Ghanaian society thinks that you are not fit to be around;  nobody wants to genuinely do anything with you; and nobody wants to give his daughter to you as a wife, regardless of you been a good guy.”

Nonetheless, he agrees that there is time for everything as King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. “There is a season, time and purpose for everything; a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck. Thus, as a mortal human being, seeing my circumstances, it does not fall out of place to renounce my vow. God as part of the requirement of a Nazarite, gave a window of renunciation of the vow at any time.”

It appears that the renunciation also came at a time that is very significant to Ras Wayo who also shared his beliefs in the number seven: “The Bible in Genesis 2:2-3 reflects how God blessed and sanctified the 7th day as the day of rest after creation. Genesis 29:18 reflects how Jacob served his uncle Laban, his mother’s brother for his wives. He said to Laban, ‘ I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter’.”

He continues: “And this is where my greatest joy lies, renouncing my vow exactly on the day of the 7th year. I have gone through a lot of tribulation over the years for being a Nazarite but realizing the need to get my academic grounding, in order to come and help the course of the masses, I listened to some loved ones and earmarked my renunciation for the 7th year. So to all loved ones who spoke to me before the day of the 7th year, I say to them, as I kept saying to them of a day to come, that I was waiting for this day (28th May, 2011) as a man of Biblical principles, to renounce my vow. I have listened to them with much respect.”

Ras Wayo concluded that, hence for the task of helping the course of the masses ahead, he has done so for them. He said he could have however kept his vow and gone ahead to meet any academic mishap. He also remarked ‘I am still the one and only Ras Wayo- ‘The Revolution’”

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Football: Man Utd veteran Scholes calls it a day

LONDON : Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes on Tuesday announced his retirement from football with immediate effect and said he will join the club's coaching staff.

The 36-year-old made 676 appearances for the club, winning 10 Premier League titles as well as two Champions Leagues and the FA Cup three times.

There had been growing speculation about Scholes' future in recent weeks and it had looked increasingly likely the 36-year-old would end his stellar career after growing dissatisfied with his bit-part role.

Announcing his retirement, he said: "This was not a decision I have taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing."

"I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do," he said.

"To have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.

"To have been part of the team that helped the club reach a record 19th title is a great privilege."

Scholes was a second-half substitute as United lost 3-1 to Barcelona in Saturday's Champions League final at Wembley.
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BRACKET – ME AND U

Ape Planet!!!!

Peep the new single from Bracket called “Me & You” off their soon to drop album ”Cupid Stories“.

 Get Lock Down!

Bracket – Me and U

  Bracket - Me and U 

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DJ NEPTUNE PRESENTS LET’S PARTY NAIJA VOL 7 MIXTAPE

Award winning International DJ Neptune has cooked up a storm with his latest volume of the famous “Let’s Party Naija Mixtape“.

Volume 7 showcases the best of Nigerian songs making waves within and outside Africa at the moment. It’s a Press Play Naija mix till fade so I hope you’re ready to party With DJ Neptune hard like never before.

Watch out for Storm‘s #RatedNext Project where they will be unveiling the freshest songs and the hottest talents to the World.

 Get Lock down!

External Download

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Sean Kingston 'critical' after crash

Jamaican-American singer Sean Kingston is in a critical condition after a jet ski accident, according to reports.

The website Hollywood.com reported the Beautiful Girls singer came off his jet ski after crashing into a bridge near Miami Beach. Another woman on the jet ski was reportedly also injured.

A law enforcement official told the website Kingston, 21, was in a critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Kingston has released two albums and his most recent release was a mixtape in February.

He recently performed live with Justin Bieber

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Actress Lilian Bach Turns 'Pata' Seller.

Pretty zodafone ambassador lilian has just joined the list of entertainment celebrities who have added another feather to their day job.

According to olofofos''she ordered for underwears over one year ago and they just arrived.renovation and decoration have since kicked off at her shop located inside adeniran ogunsanya shopping mall.

The goods are a mixture of things ordered from america and europe and lilian is set to bring back the word sexy and meaningful to some peoples buttocks''.

Lilian tells Stella Dimoko-Korkus why she decides to veer into this line of business.

1-we hear you are about to open an underwear shop,is this true?

..yes stella,it is.

2-why underwear and what kind?

I love good quality underwear.Some People don't like paying Attention to what they wear under their clothes because they believe these pieces of garment are always covered up so it doesn't matter if they don't look good or the quality is not there. I want to correct this impression that is why I have decided to go into the under wear business.I stock all kinds of underwears for every purpose.For instance,a woman shouldn't wear her day to day bra for Exercise! D sport or Exercising Bra is specially made to hold the Boobs from Bouncing and causing Discomfort .

I want to Educate women and men on how to wear the right kind of underwear for the right purpose. Some women don't know their right Cup bra sizes and how to maintain their undies.I am in the business to help advise and make Recommendations on how to feel comfortable and look good under the clothes.

3-So you have bra sizes to fit all kinds of ladies?even cossy orjiakor?

..yes i do.I stock all kinds af Bras,shape wears,brazilian,thongs,strings,briefs,slips,hipster,breast minimising bra,night gowns,baby dolls, swimming Wears, underwears accessories,ornament bra straps etc. 
as for the Men i sell vests,beach shorts,boxers,briefs,mens hipsters,swimming wears,etc.

4-goodluck lilian,we hope your 'pant' business sells well.

...thank you

Posted by dimokokorkusstella at 12:56 AM 0 comments

Labels: bach, curiosity underwears, lilian, lilian bach, nollywood actress, nollywood.bra.  

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ACTOR JIM IYKE OPENS BRIDAL SHOP IN ABUJA

oh yoh, how can chiojou laugh when her face is full of plaster of paris from beating she got from d market square where she is roaming mad

wondering why i ignore her comments? she has been disqulified from d 20mins of fame i gave her here bcos she hasn't got a pc still borrowing, so she shld inform me once she's bought one.

as for Mr Ekwensu i will consider n give him just 10mins of fame here only if he passes my test

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INI EDO TALKS ABOUT HER NEW MOVIE(I'LL TAKE MY CHANCES)

   everyone is spending loads of cash shooting drama i hop u pple mak the money u spent, but if in any case u get into battle with marketers when ur money is not forth coming pls do not hestiate to contact me.

meanwhile how much does it cost to bring in mr Nigeria to shoot, is it really a big deal? who is he?

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Rita Dominic's "Speech" At The Presidential Lunch

Dear Sir/Madam: On May 24, our client, Rita Dominic attended the President's luncheon with Nigerian Youth.

The organizers requested that she give a short speech on how the President can encourage Nollywood especially since many young people work in the industry.  Ms. Dominic saw it as her civic responsibility to attend the event.

Attached is the speech which Rita read at the event and it speaks for itself. Due to time constraints, she had to cut out a few sentences but managed to put her points across.

FaceFrontConcepts

Being the speech presented by Rita Dominic at the presidential lunch on May 22, 2011 at the Eko Hotel and Suites

I feel privileged to be living in a time where I can proudly say that young Nigerians are seriously advocating for a better Nigeria.  Some people may disagree with me but I believe we may now have a President willing to listen to us and identify with our hopes and aspirations. 

If you don’t agree, then you have to show me a past president of Nigeria who has actively pursued the youth vote? Show me a past Nigerian president who has used social networks utilized by our young people to reach out them?  Show me a past president who has set aside a 200 million dollar intervention fund dedicated to an industry that is one of the largest employers of young people in Nigeria…. I rest my case.

My name is Rita Dominic, I represent NOLLYWOOD!

I would like to thank Mr. President, for providing this low interest loan to galvanize our industry.  Many young people who own production companies are depending on this loan to turn us from employees to employers, from unemployed to employed. 

However, it is imperative that the people who will administer this fund understand the spirit behind your creating it in the first place.  Some of us have applied for the loan but the requirement of collateral in the traditional sense is about to dash that dream.  Sir, if the youth had enough collateral, we would not have needed the intervention in the first place. I respectfully request that you look into the litany of requirements that is making the loan inaccessible to the people it was created for.  

One properly produced Nigerian film can involve hundreds of young people from various works of life. Apart from the actors and actresses, when making a quality film, we directly or indirectly hire production managers, accountants for budgeting and record keeping, electricians (Lighting specialists), costume designers (tailors), catering people (cooks), set and production designers, camera operators, publicity people, graphic artists, still photographers, make up people, hair stylists, production assistants who help on set but don’t forget each actor/actress will hire own PAs, film editors, boom persons and  marketing companies.  The list goes on and on.

Imagine that we have scores of productions going on in various parts of the country.  The impact is simply amazing.

Mr. President, I am a witness to what an infusion of funds can do to elevate and empower the lives of young people. Traders in Onitsha and Aba started it 20 years ago and Nollywood became a reality, Globacom did it for 13 young people 2 years ago and it instantly increased the number of actors and actresses producing their own films.  If managed properly, imagine what the 200 million dollar fund can do hundreds of young producers, what it can do for thousands of unemployed youth out there.

Let us make it happen.  Continue to support youth programs.  Giving such support means that you believe in the future of Nigeria.  If you do, the youth will not forget for generations to come.

Thank you

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Arnold Schwarzenegger's mistress 'is a superwoman to her daughter

#

The daughter of Arnold Schwarzenegger's former mistress has spoken out for the first time in defense of her mother.

Mildred Baena's daughter Jackie Rozo, 27, said she had 'no idea' that her half-brother was the politician's love child before it was revealed last week.

But she said the scandal has not changed her feelings about her mother.

"She's like a superwoman pretty much," the Daily Mail quoted Rozo as telling US Spanish language network Telemundo.

“She has always been there for us. For me and my brothers. That's why me and my brothers will always be there for her.

"I love my mother very much and she is a great inspiration for any woman out there working for their kids.

"My mother does not need to justify herself," Rozo said defiantly.

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Ex-Beatle Ringo Starr apologises for 2008 Liverpool jibe

Prior to his UK tour including a Liverpool empire gig, former Beatle drummer Ringo Starr has apologised to the people of Liverpool for the comments he made regarding his home town in 2008.

"I apologise to those people (who were offended), as long as they live in Liverpool, not outside," the BBC quoted Starr as saying during an interview.

"No real Scouser took offence, only I believe people from the outside," he added.

The drummer had angered the Scousers when he said that he does not miss anything about Liverpool in his infamous interview with Jonathan Ross in January 2008.

His comments were greeted with anger from some people in Merseyside and a foliage sculpture of the drummer at Liverpool South Parkway station was beheaded by vandals three months later, with the sculptures of the three other Beatles left untouched.

When the star was asked about the offence caused by the remarks three years ago, he told the BBC that Liverpool was still very important to him.

The drummer said: "I was brought up there, I went to school there, all my childhood, my youth was there.

"It's silly that whoever took offence took offence," he said

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Actress Caroline Ekanem Danjuma business closed down by hubby

Some months back, Actress Caroline Ekanem Danjuma officially quit acting to focus on her family and her production company ‘Guepard’.
But the latest gist indicates that the multimillion naira entertainment company has finally closed down.
The news was passed across via message from Philips Okafor, one of Caroline’s aides.
According to the aide, contrary to strong tales swirling around about how her husband, Musa Danjuma, locked her up in their Ikoyi mansion over some illicit act, the Ex actress had to close down the business after she was instructed by her husband to give more time to her matrimonial functions.
Mr. Okafor further reveals that other reasons for the closure was the irresponsible altitude of some artistes signed under the record label arm of the business. Also,some staff of the company have been involved in pilfering some of the high tech equipments of the company and even money expected to be remitted into the company’s account.
However, further findings reveal that the main reason for the closure of the business was based on the fact that; Mr. Danjuma is tired of the negative reports swirling around the former .
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Nollywood Actress Mercy Johnson Quitting After Wedding!

Nollywood and the entire showbiz industry are about to witness the most memorable wedding in history as stunning actress Mercy Johnson joins the exclusive list of celebrities to walk down the aisle with her longtime boyfriend. She is set to marry city millionaire, Prince Odianose Okojie.

In a recent interview with Vanguard, she was asked whether she will quit acting after her wedding, the sultry actress answered in the affirmative, declaring that “I’m going to quit acting.” She disclosed however that she is planning to go into television and also, to turn a movie producer.

The actress is getting married in a four-day event this August. The court wedding on the 25th, the traditional on the 26th, the white wedding on the 27th, and the thanksgiving on the 28th.
Without mincing words, I guess love is the only thing that could make one forsakes blossoming career.

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Jennifer Aniston romancing Justin Theroux?

It has emerged that Jennifer Aniton may be secretly dating Justin Theroux, although the actress is trying to keep it low profile.

"Jen is totally into him. They have been hanging out for months," USmagazine quoted a source as saying.

"She wants to be with him all the time. She's diving in headfirst. Aniston hasn't dated anyone seriously since John Mayer in 2009," the source added

The two had started off as friends and were co-stars on the set ofWanderlust. But of late, Theroux, 39, and Aniston, 42, have been inseparable.

However, a representative for Aniston had earlier denied the relationship and said Aniton and Theroux were just good friends.

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Michael Jackson's mum arranges for grandkids to be mentored by Will Smith's kids

It has emerged that Will Smith's children Jaden and Willow are not only hanging out with kids, but are also helping them to enjoy their childhood, and has been arranged by Jackson’s mother Katherine.

Jaden and Willow didn't just bump into Michael's kids on a movie set in LA the other day -- TMZ has learned, it was all set up by Katherine... to help nudge her grandchildren in a positive direction.

Sources close to Katherine toldTMZ.com that she believes the Smith children are prime examples of young success in Hollywood -- both extremely talented and down-to-earth -- and thinks Prince, Paris, and Blanket could learn a lot from them.

According to sources, Katherine wants to surround her grandchildren with role models like Jaden and Willow -- so she set up the meet-and-greet... and we're told, the kids got along like a house on fire.

Katherine is also said to be actively encouraging Michael's kids to become involved in all kinds of activities, including acting.

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Bieber gets a Jesus tattoo

Justin Bieber has got a new tattoo.

The 17-year-old singer was pictured topless in Hawaii with his singer girlfriend Selena Gomez sporting his the new ink - which is believed to spell "Yeshua", the Hebrew spelling of Jesus – under his left armpit.

The design is thought to be the Canadian singer-songwriter's second tattoo after he had a small bird inked onto his hip last year, shortly after celebrating his 16th birthday in March.

Following Justin revealing his debut tattoo, the 'One Time' singer's fans bombarded twitter with positive comments.

One wrote: "Justin Bieber has a tattoo? That's hot."

And another tweeted: "Whenever my dad tells me I'm a disappointment for having a tattoo, I will remind him that Justin Bieber, 16, has one."

Justin's recent inking may have been a present to himself after he picked up six accolades at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night in Las Vegas.

He won prizes for Top New Artist, Top Pop Album for 'My World 2.0', Top Social Artist, Top Digital Media Artist, Top Streaming Artist and Top Streaming Song (Video) for 'Baby'.

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James Bond back in novel penned by American bestseller

(Reuters) - Fittingly for the launch of the new authorized James Bond novel "Carte Blanche," there was a luxury car, champagne on tap, crack British troops abseiling from the rafters and a long-legged girl on a vintage motorbike.

The promotion of crime writer Jeffery Deaver's book about 007 and his latest escapades, which hits shelves on Thursday, was more like Hollywood than the usually more low-key world of publishing.

But Bond is still a potential money spinner in book form as well as on the big screen, explaining the high-profile event at London's refurbished, vaulted St. Pancras train station and its swanky champagne bar, billed as the longest in Europe.

Deaver, best known for his Kathryn Dance and Lincoln Rhyme books, arrived at the bar in a modern Bentley.

He was led in by stunt rider and model Chesca Miles, who appeared as a Bond girl on a motorbike riding a vintage BSA, and was handed a copy of the new book by a member of the Royal Marine Commando display team who had abseiled from the roof.

Deaver has said all along that he had the "chameleon"-like qualities needed to get into the mind of a quintessentially English character, although plenty of research did help.

"I became a Brit for about the eight months it took me to write the book," he told Reuters at the launch. "I did have to learn, for instance, that when we say 'pissed' over here (in Britain) it means drunk, it doesn't mean angry."

SET IN PRESENT DAY

Deaver believed his previous novels had plenty in common with a good Bond story by the character's creator Ian Fleming, but that Carte Blanche did present an extra challenge.

"I know what my fans want, the millions of Jeffery Deaver fans around the world," he said.

"They want a book that is essentially a roller coaster, moves very quickly, lots of twists and turns, big surprise ending. Well, that's what Carte Blanche is going to be.

"But I had the extra question -- what do Ian Fleming fans want? So I went back and for six, seven months, researched everything that Fleming had written.

"I of course re-read all the James Bond novels and I think I had a very good sense of how to bring his character into my story."

British publisher Hodder & Stoughton was keen to keep the story under wraps before publication on Thursday. Carte Blanche is set in the present day, and partly in Serbia and Dubai.

"For my readers I think there's an immediacy to books set in the present day," the author explained. "I want a book to be the most intense emotional experience it can be.

"If you go back to a period piece we don't really get the sweaty palms, we don't sit on the edge of our seats quite so much as if what Bond is solving today could be a problem, a terror, a threat that we all face every day."

But he added that the immediacy did not mean he tried to convey any political point of view about real-life events.

"In Carte Blanche we certainly do touch on real life events to some extent, but Ernest Hemingway once said if you want to send a message go to Western Union, don't put it in your novel."

Deaver was first identified as a potential Bond author when he won the 2004 Crime Writers' Association Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for "Garden of Beasts" and spoke at the ceremony of his indebtedness to Fleming and Bond.

Deaver has previously written 28 novels and sold over 20 million books worldwide. He continues a long tradition of post-Fleming Bond novels authorized by Fleming's estate that have included Kingsley Amis, John Gardner and Raymond Benson.

More than 100 million Bond books have been sold in total.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White, editing by Paul Casciato)

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Costumes, Make Ups emphasise dance, mood and African Heritage – Yeni Kuti

The event which according to the Secretary of CORA, Toyin Akinosho was the 7th Arthouse forum brought many art lovers especially lovers of Yeni Kuti to Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos venue of the occasion.

The event which was a prelude to the birthday celebration took off with a special performance by a group of four girls who sang and prayed for the longevity of the celebrant and after that the speakers critically examined how the intervention of Yeni Kuti in Afrobeat dance changed the dynamics and culture of music band dance in the last two decades.They include: Dr Sola Olorunyomi of the University of Ibadan, who was the lead speaker at the event and also the author of Fela and the Imagined Continent; broadcaster and first manager of Fela’s Koola Lobitos Band, Benson Idonije; Dr Koyode Ishola of University of Lagos, Arnold Udoka, Director of Dance, National Troupe of Nigeria ; Film producer, Teju kareem, Segun Adefila, of Crown Troupe of Nigeria, Yemisi Kuti, Chief Sammy Olagbanju and others.

The Chairman of CORA, Jahman Anikulapo in his remarks stated that “the event is a celebration of Yeni and what the character of an artist means to the society” pointing out that the reason behind the whole idea was to keep something for posterity “if we don’t do such things, there will be nothing to document so we do it so that when these ones will be no more they will still be remembered.” He said.

The first part of the show which was an intellectual session was chaired by Arnold Udoka who took the celebrant on varied of questions that centered around her upbringing and how she joined the band.

Yeni who said that her interest in arts started when she was still in the nursery school told the audience how she learnt dancing from one of his father’s dancers, Dele Ohenhen and nurtured it until the time Femi formed his band in 1986. She stated that she did not join her father’s band because of the politics there was high but confessed that she and her late sister built on what they saw in her father’s music.

Yeni’s contributions to the Positive band On her contributions to the Positive band, she stated that Femi’s Positive Band gave her the opportunity to express her dance steps and that their dance also inspired Femi.

She also spoke about how the costumes and the make ups came about pointing out that the costumes were to emphasize the dance and the mood, while the make ups were tailored to bring out the real African heritage in them. In all, Yeni who is the Manager of the new Afrikan Shrine, Agidingbi, Lagos is happy that now, dancers are recognised as great talents.

In his contribution, the lead speaker, Shola Oloruyomi who started by saying that there is no way one can talk about Yeni and her exploits without looking at the cultural economy of the country, stated that Nigeria is not a productive society and that the cultural policies are not okay .

To him it is only when the cultural policies are good that one can get the likes of Yeni. He described Afrobeat as not just a music production or sexual music but a cultural reaction to the society. It provides an opportunity to say those things which the government will not allow people to say.

In his view Fela was a great Afrobeat master but that Femi’s Positive Force with its use of choreography was the greatest. According to him, what Yeni is doing is a cultural art of production and demonstrating the way of celebration that need to be studied.

He however disclosed that two students are currently doing their Doctoral thesis on Yeni and called for the establishment of a school of choreography in the country.

On his part, Benson Idonije, the first manager of Fela’s Koola Lobitos Band, narrated how he knew Yeni when she was just 2 years and that the way she hung around them then showed that she would be part of the entertainment industry and therefore wondered little that she was able to take dance to a high level with the Positive Force.

Koyode Ishola speaking on body gyration and choreography quoting Fela’s definition of music as not just a physical thing but a spiritual exercise, stated that if it is so whenever you have good music, the body must gyrate. According to him gyration is a natural or programmed movement of body to music and therefore not a sexual act as people tend to see it .

Lanre Arogodande who started by saying that “in the beginning was dance, dance was with Fela and Yeni was the dance” pointed out that it was the dance aspect of the positive force that made it a complete force. And commended Yeni for introducing that missing link.

One of the oldest dancers of Afrobeat, Yemisi Kuti thanked CORA for the honour and urged all to use what Yeni and others have done in music and go into politics so that the desired change that will provide the environment whereby the good dancers and other talents would be applied can come into the country.

The occasion also featured great performances from the Guild of Nigeria Dancers, Lagos chapter, which paid tribute to Yeni with their Gunboot dance and some bits from Jojo Body beats

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