I was just waiting for someone to show up and I found my way to that area! Those are men bathing and of course washing clothes. The thrill of it and actually what made me take d pic was 'cos the other man washing himself in between the yellow cloth and slacks saw me but felt helpless 'cos he couldn't get up to shoo me off from taking the shot. I was nervous myself, so I couldn't zoom in farther.
Hahaha!
The rest of the folks were minding their businesses and were oblivious to my presence.
Naija Politricks & SSydelle: Most of those 'burbs have got places like that. But it's neither Karu nor Kubwa :) It's some settlement behind the airport area...Gwagwa-Jiwa
A tanker burned to ashes at night April 23rd. Caused a lot of traffic along the airport road. I'm sure a lot of people missed their night flights. Some pictures below, but with poor quality cos of the darkness. Ho hum
Long traffic
Getting closer
Fire core
Ewedu soup to calm my nerves when I got home (gotta love it!)
Hey peoples! So good to be back and thanks to all for showing some love in my last post. It helped me deal with the randomness and I didn't get to jump off the terrace.
So what it do?! Emmm, what to talk about today...nothing. Again, right now, my thoughts are like biscuit puzzles that got scattered on a terrazzo floor. Does that even make any sense!? I wonder why I don't even come here to write when I'm ever 'sane'.
*Why do I always have to remember to update after so much prodding!? * Why is it I remember to update when I'm kinda bored and I'm never able to write something worth reading? *Why...no, wait a minute, this isn't going to be one of those days again. *slaps self, snap out of it!
Maybe there's something:
I remember the definition my Fine Art teacher gave in J.S.S. 3 on the definition of art. Come exam or test days, you gotta love those simple, one-sentence definitions/answers. I still remember how I scrawled on the virgin page of the notebook that day, "Art can be defined as the creation of something out of nothing". Subsequent term exams, it was easier to recall when taking the tests. In fact, I recall I'm all smiles when I saw a question in the "Theory" section of the exam sheet.
Question 1:
a. Define Art b. List three types of abstract art. c. ...
Okay, maybe there's something to say, after all!
Aha, speaking of which, I remember:
Setting: a few bottles of beer and water, expected grilled fish. I dunno if the skies had any stars that night, but there was little or no breeze; the mood around the joint was quite boisterous, the usual: booze, ladies, some sorta munchies, music, smoke (from grill and cigs). Mission: First meeting Participants: Jaja, Yosh and some other Jaja-blokes Side events: Nothing, other than being the first meeting. Actually, things came up, but we didn't get much of talking to do.
See, I can't even remember most of what we discussed, or lemme say, for reasons best decided upon by Jaja and me, I'd rather not delve into them here and now. But one thing that I never seize to forget that evening was when we ventured to the topic of our individual blogs, bloggers, blogville, reading habits, writing etc. One thing I remember I told him is that most people love reading other peoples' writings (me inclusive). While reading, there's this 'how did this person come up with this?" moment or usually moments. In most books, there's always the "Acknowledgement" page where the writer(s)/author(s) give credits, so it's noteworthy that what you are reading wasn't a solo project. The writing undergoes a lot of refinement, editing, call it whatever, until there's a finished product in whatever intended form it was meant to be. But still, na somebodi do the work o! Someone came up with the original idea and went to work. This is commendable...very!
And then there are different types of writers for different categories...satire, prose, thriller, fiction, dialogue, whatever. There seem to be specialists for these different categories and most writers find a niche in either of these or more diverse areas.
I love reading, I love writing (though I wish I can do this much better). Like some people I know who are like me, I feel inadequate (yeah I know I shouldn't). During my "English Composition" classes, I got "Write to Learn" by Donald M. Murray. Pretty good book. Got hammered with the "everyone can write" mantra and it takes this and that to make yourself one helluva writer. The problem is, when writing isn't your chosen path and you just want to be informed and move on to what you wish to do. In my case, and unfortunately for most students, I use the information I need to pass exams and move on. It's sad sha, that's why most people who come out of school today don't know jack 'cos the value of education is sorta placed more on what is in it for me after graduation than what can I do with my skills? What value have I added to myself and what am I willing to contribute to the world? But I won't go into that now. Back to the subject on hand...
So what did this attitude to writing mean for me? I'm sorta guilty cos the few times I write, which in reality hasn't been so much, I ignore some of the rules of drafting (for the upteenth time), editing, experimenting with other perspectives POVs, word choice, tenses, getting reviews and criticism before passing it out half-done. Me, I don't have bl0g-drafts...I just keep repeating the usual system of 'plunge right in and write the last draft'...maybe cos I struggle for time to keep the cobwebs away from this joint. I'm sure i haven't even done a good deal of work on that either *waaaah, waaaah, waaaaaah _ _ _ sneezes some snot* aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Now that's refreshing. But I know, I have to start somewhere, and while informal writing is what it is, it aids and shapes whatever would come out in a formal writing.
We can't all be writers and while some of us attempt, we can't all be winners. One good thing is just to be able to convey thoughts through whatever the heck comes outta your mind at any time. That's my mission but in the same vein, I'd love to commend bloggers I've come across, both electronically and physically who do this seemingly seamlessly. Kudos to una, you know yourselves. Unlike how abstract it feels while reading the John Sauls and John Sanford etc, reading peoples blogs bring it all the more home; these r Naijas, these are going-ons in their lives at any given time, and they keep doing it well. Keep, keeping on guys!
mí
So what's been bothering me?
* Windows 7
As if we've not had enough crock with Windows Vista, I read Microsoft is about to also find a successor for Vista in what is currently codenamed "Windows 7". Emmm, people are yet to acclimatize to the unkind shock that is Windows Vista. Microsoft is still working behind the scenes to 'make things better', make their pockets better. I think it's high time people get to open their eyes to OpenSource software and get friendly with it. It will take some getting used to but it is doable. Just as there are relationships formed amongst big corporations in a way that it permeates almost every aspect of our lives, there should be endeavors to promote technology for all and that can be accessible by most if not all. Some people definitely will be left behind.
While many people I've tried to 'win over' complain about the OpenSource system being too techie, geeky, nerdy, I think efforts are being made to make easier to use applications. A lot of us already know of:
a. Mozilla that work on the free, fast and light FireFox web browser, b. WordPress, fine blog publishing utility c. Ubuntu, light operating system that works better than Microsoft's Windows Vista. You can get by even though you are 'code/scripting challenged'. d. OpenOffice, free word processing and other basic office work software.
My case: We need to get our work done, but most software are expensive to purchase and while most of these corporations from one side of their mouth preach accessible technology for all, they at the same time pinch people where it hurts cos most if not everything na money! Not everyone can shell out close to US$500 for professional software, except of course, big corporations and 'big people'. What makes OpenSource software initiative beautiful is that it's accessible and affordable by most, if not all. Who no like free tin?
I guess I've made my point on this.
Lol...
* "Buying Shares"
The rate at which banks offer shares these days is alarming. For those of us who are edgy on some matters, they sure are doing a good job in keeping us that way. Yeah, yeah, I know life is all about risks, but I beg to differ. Some issues are better dealt with with a fifty-feet pole.
Most Nigerians are illiterate and alliterate to the idea of shareholding. They feel it's a 'get-rich-quick' scheme. Some times and for some reasons, I don't blame them. But I can't blame these financial institutions either who are out to make their profits. People just see IPOs on the Tv or listen to jingles on FM and they feel they know all they need to know vis-á-vis buying shares. They don't even give attention to the comment "Please consult your bank or registered stock brokers for advise" or something that goes in that line. Heck, they don't even know who a stock broker is. Like my friend the other day, bought shares years ago and is rocking on his seat, waiting for 'returns'. He even got angry that he's lost some money! Lol. Sheesh, like does it really work like that? Shares aren't mushrooms, man! Be easy.
I've forgotten what next I want to say. I'm hungry, but I'd leave y'all with Taylor Swift's "Teardrops On My Guitar. I'm currently feeling this song so much!
I feel so random, my thoughts are vacillating, even though I haven't taken any drugs, yet I have a sore-throat, I haven't had a sore-throat in a long time. Maybe it's the mango? I washed it well though... I can't laugh as heartily as I want, my side kinda hurts when I do...maybe it's the throat My coffee is cold...ugh For the heck of it, I've thrown some bread slices in it, watching it get soggy and I'm pitter-pattering it with the spoon...I haven't been a kid in a while I think I'm being 'too serious'. Is there any such thing as being too serious? I feel sick Why do those pine-apples have such grotesque look, like some skin condition? Maybe reading The 11th Plague was such a bad idea...I think it's cos I'm feeling sick Sometimes i love being paranoid...I don't think one can be too careful Why do some people still buy and cook with Vedan, Ajinomoto Glutamate seasoning? What company still produces these things? Why did God create Lizards? Roaches? Mosquitoes? Flies? Are these part of what Genesis said God saw and pronounced as 'good' after His creative exercise? See some fine girl there now and I'm not even thinking of doing anything with her... The air smells so good out there...from the soft rainfall last night. The smell of wet soil...corn...local pear...mmmm Stop flashing me...I won't call you back. Daffodil Lament by The Cranberries is kewl I'm beginning to think less of getting high with booze...maybe this is a good thing...maybe I love mom and dad I love my finger(s) ring(s) I love Snookie & Snookum I love Mozilla FireFox...I love add-ons...I love OpenSource I love the internet I want a gun... I like Madonna I like T.A.T.U. Why do I find the "Touch My Body" video funny? LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!!! Estelle, eleyin gan-gan, she's fine in her own way sha Why am I suddenly "enjoying" all these R'n'B? tsk Chris Brown, Jordin Sparks...hmmm Is it just me, or did Alicia Keye's hips just get bigger in "No One"? Anything as hip implants? Yanni IS weird She loves her career...even with doing stitches. I wish I could handle literally seeing inside other peoples' bodies I want a new job Why do things seem to be happening slowly? Is patience still a virtue when you are getting old and STILL can't get what you want? Why is Jaja having so much fun? Or is he working hard? Is ExSchoolNerd in school today? What's she thinking right now? Did TRAE enjoy the rain yesterday? Was he even in Abuja self?...And Jeremy? Rhea seems to be having fun...all the time, even when she claims she's got stuff going tough for her... Catwalq is going to be coming the first female Buddha. Is there already a female Buddha? Joomy...just reminded me of Gandhi (sp?)...I dunno why SolomonSydelle, how long does she want to live for? She'd contest for Nigeria's first female president, I think...if the opportunity shows up Why am I even thinking these things? I need a pill...
Hiya, peoples! How's it going? So the month of March marches on and I'm just trying to get a grip of it all.
Something happened that reinforces most of my long-held credo and also refine those I have flimsy of. I'd just talk about marriage and go home:
...Marriage is contractual (duh). Based on this premise, both parties should try and get the best bargain. Entering with a full deck of cards, a good agreement can be reached. Sometimes, this deal happens to be one-sided and in a situation where the latter is the case, we see an uneven yoke; where either of the party takes undue blame/criticism when things go the other way.
So what to do? How can you ensure your marriage isn't a case study? Well, I'll leave some tsks
1. What's his/her social background? 2. What's his/her educational background? 3. What's his/her family background? 4. What's his/her financial background? 5. What's his/her chosen career path? 6. Does s/he have any exceptional skills that can come in handy...Just in case...? 7. Does s/he have an expensive taste? Is s/he high maintenance? 8. Does s/he have a huge appetite for money? 9. How driven is s/he? 10. Is s/he healthy? *you don't wanna get involved with a liability
Caveat: I'm not endorsing a mundane or materialistic view of marital life. This isn't 'that part ' of MSN Money, but some things just can't be ignored and I'm sure some of us know what I'm on about.
So that's about that!
Dumb friend
How dumb can someone get?
So one of my friends sure loves getting laid. The only qualms I have with that is that he has says he has qualms using rubber. So what he do? He went ahead and got tested for the HIV; and guess what he did? He goes about with a miniature-sized copy of his test result as proof that he doesn't have the virus. Then he tells me has some problem: when time comes for him to bone some chick without the coat and she resists, insisting he gets wrapped up, he claims he whips out his test result as insurance and tries to convince her to let 'em rock on. I ask him how long he intends to keep up with this and he tells me for as long as he can handle running frequent and updated tests with positive results. I tell him the threat isn't one-sided; it isn't just about him infecting someone but it also involves him getting infected by someone who is ready for some action when he shows that he's 'clean'. It appears I'm hitting blanks with the young man.
He sounds so incredibly naïve, sad but true!
Oh, finally, I haven't read a book that made me itch, literally, in a long while. I laid hands on "The Eleventh Plague". It's a good read, boosts paranoia! :D Not for the too critical-eyed types out there.
'Think', they all remark with grins, 'just come up with anything, anything is acceptable in this case, no matter how bizarre...'
Okay, I thought...and came up with this:
Most people love each other Most people fight themselves Most people make love to each other, same and heterosex In most quarters, these get both reactions: acceptance and unacceptance If humans can do these, why can't humans gladly eat each other? Yes, killing is wrong, but people still kill They say cannibalism is wrong, where are the cannibals? Why are most of them in hiding? Why can't they be allowed to also exercise their freewill? There's gay and lesbian rights; why can't there be 'cannibal rights'? Instead of killing indiscriminately, how about allowing the cannibals eat humans that are not fit to live? And what is the yardstick to determine who is fit to live and and who isn't? If that's the case where we decide to eat each other, we'd all kill ourselves off the earth... In the end, how do you rationalize this...?
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