The Curious Case of Leonardo Dicaprio and The Academy Awards

Leonardo DiCaprio’s struggle to win an Oscar is our modern-day Book of Job. Since the night of March 21, 1994, when he lost Best Supporting Actor to Tommy Lee Jones, Leo has been thirsting for that golden statuette. Now, on the eve of the 88th Annual Academy Awards, for which Leo is nominated for Best Actor in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s The Revenant (and for which he will hopefully take home the trophy), let’s revisit the four fateful ceremonies in which the Oscar tragically slipped out of Leo’s hands and see if, knowing what we know now, he deserved to win any of them. 

1994 ACADEMY AWARDS — BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Leo’s Nomination: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Oscar Winner: Tommy Lee Jones, The Fugitive
The Other Nominees: 
Ralph Fiennes, Schindler’s List
John Malkovich, In the Line of Fire
Pete Postlethwaite, In the Name of the Father

After a few appearances in iconic films like Poison Ivy and Critters 3, Leo fired shots as a major Hollywood player in the making with his turn as the developmentally disabled Arnie, brother to Johnny Depp’s Gilbert in 1992’s What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. The film, awarded four stars by Roger Ebert at the time, oddly received no other Oscar nominations despite Depp and Mary Steenburgen turning on some of the best work of their careers. The film itself hasn’t stood the test of time as far as a cultural milestone, aside from Leo’s nomination. It’s certainly a fine, well-made film. But it’s easier to see why Leonardo would have lost to Ralph Fiennes in a flashier, still-referenced film like Schindler’s List … except he didn’t. He lost to Tommy Lee Jones in The Fugitive.

Look, The Fugitive is a fine movie. But if you’re awarding Jones an Oscar for that, there’s no reason Ashley Judd shouldn’t have one for Double Jeopardy. This was clearly a case of awarding Jones the Oscar he didn’t get two years earlier for JFK.

Leo’s only real competition this year should’ve been Fiennes. Still, I think Leo should’ve taken this one home.

2005 ACADEMY AWARDS — BEST ACTOR

Leo’s Nomination: The Aviator
Oscar Winner: Jamie Foxx, Ray
The Other Nominees:
Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda
Johnny Depp, Finding Neverland
Clint Eastwood, Million Dollar Baby

2005 was one of the years the Academy remembered black people exist. Jamie Foxx won for Ray. Morgan Freeman won for Million Dollar Baby. Foxx was nominated a second time for Collateral. Don Cheadle got a nomination for Hotel Rwanda. Although, they made up for it the next year by awarding Best Picture to Crash, a terrible movie about race. But during 2005, it was like Gangsta’s Paradise up in the Oscars. Leo didn’t stand a chance. But should he have?

Short answer: Not really. The Aviator is a pretty great movie. It’s long as fuuuuuuuck, but it’s still pretty dope. The reason why it didn’t win Best Picture, however, rests on Leo’s shoulders. He was really too young to be playing Howard Hughes, for one. Watching it now, it operates more like a dry run for his portrayal of Jay Gatsby nine years later. But here, he’s a bit like a freshman who got a lead role in the school play opposite a graduating senior. Cate Blanchett acts circles around Leo and picked up an Oscar for her trouble. Second, Leo’s accent is ATROCIOUS. It’s not his worst film accent ever (that one’s coming up next), but it’s certainly not good, either.

As good as everyone else in the category was, Foxx pretty much disappeared into his role as Ray Charles. It’s his greatest performance and every bit worthy of the Oscar.

2007 ACADEMY AWARDS — BEST ACTOR
Leo’s Nomination: Blood Diamond
Oscar Winner: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
The Other Nominees: 
Ryan Gosling, Half Nelson
Peter O’Toole, Venus
Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness

As I already mentioned, this is the worst accent to ever escape Leo’s lips. He’s supposed to be South African in Blood Diamond, but I’ll be damned if that’s what he’s doing here with his voice. It’s some odd combination of French and British and Leo, What the Fuck Are You Doing, Stop Doing Movies Where You Have To Do Accents. The accent, however, is hardly the worst part of this movie; the movie is the worst part of this movie. Blood Diamond is not good. In fact, I would go so far as to suggest that it is a bad film, with dialogue from screenwriter Charles Leavitt like “You know, in America it’s bling bling, but out here it’s bling bang.” But what did you expect when two white people (Leavitt and director Edward Zwick) team up to make a movie about the diamond trade in Africa and cast Leonardo DiCaprio as a South African?

2014 ACADEMY AWARDS — BEST ACTOR

Leo’s Nomination: The Wolf of Wall Street
Oscar Winner: Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
The Other Nominees:
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave

Is anyone still talking about Dallas Buyers Club? This movie dominated the awards-season conversation leading up to the 2014 ceremony, but does anyone remember it fondly? (Besides Jared Leto fans, because he also won this year for his portrayal of a trans woman.) Other problems in this category include any nomination forAmerican Hustle, which should’ve been the first David O. Russell film shut out of the Oscars before people wised up and said “nah” to Joy this year.

Leo’s real competition here should’ve been Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave. It’s oddly surprising he didn’t win, actually, but that’s just about how much the McConaughey campaign was working overtime. Hollywood usually bends over backward to award a golden statue to a black man who gets whipped and called the n-word for 70 percent of a film (Samuel L. Jackson sadly did not get whipped in The Hateful Eight, so he got no nomination this year). Ejiofor’s performance is powerful and moving, but I am of the opinion that we should not reward black actors for handing over a pound of flesh. Though 12 Years is incredibly important — and very necessary since white people keep forgetting slavery existed until we remind them (then we’re talking about it too much!). Leo fully transformed into a MOVIE STAR with this role. Exuberant, joyful, and living in every bit of pulp Martin Scorsese infused into the film, this is a role we’ll remember for years to come. If he didn’t win for Gilbert Grape, this should’ve been Leo’s Oscar moment.

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and The Wolf of Wall Street were definite awards oversights for Leo — but there’s actually an even bigger one. Sure, maybe he should’ve been nominated for The Basketball Diaries, Catch Me If You Can, and The Departed. There might even be a case to be made for Titanic. But this is utter insanity…

2013 ACADEMY AWARDS — NOT NOMINATED

Leo should’ve gotten Best Supporting Actor in 2013 for Django Unchained. Yes, Christoph Waltz was great, but he was much better in Inglourious Basterds. Leo was the true star of Django, with his wickedly fun turn as the evil Calvin Candie, but the role earned him only a Golden Globe nom, not an Oscar nod. Instead, the Academy played some real games with their nominations that year — Tommy Lee Jones for Lincoln? Why is he always taking my man Leo’s spot?

All Leo’s life he’s had to fight. He’s had to fight Tommy Lee Jones. He’s had to fight Jamie Foxx. He’s had to fight Forest Whitaker. He’s had to fight Matthew McConaughey. And now, goddamit, even if it’s for The Revenant — he’s got to win and hopefully, he will. *fingers crossed*

Movie Review: ‘Deadpool’ is unconventional in every sense of the word

Deadpool is full of crude humor and insane action scenes, which is why it is so incredible.

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds), a Special Forces operative turned mercenary, learns he has a fatal illness shortly after he finds the love of his life (Morena Baccarin). Wilson receives an anonymous tip that there is a place that can reverse his sickness. Instead, he finds himself being tortured by Ajax (Ed Skrein). The rogue experiment leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a disfigured body. He sets out on a mission of revenge as his alter ego, Deadpool.

Tim Miller’s Deadpool is not a conventional superhero movie. It breaks all boundaries in terms of humor and style. Most of the jokes have sexual undertones that are definitely intended for an older, more mature audience. If sexual innuendos are not being spoken, then the antics are poking fun at the movie industry itself. It frequently alludes to the X-Men franchise, which tries to recruit Deadpool throughout the film.

Ryan Reynolds breaks the fourth wall many times during the film. He speaks directly to the audience to explain what is going on and to add more comedic narration to the film. Reynolds even “moves the camera” to protect the audience from seeing a very grotesque scene. It can be very hard to execute that technique in film, but in Deadpool, the act is carried out perfectly. With a character such as Deadpool, it would be a shame not to have him engage with the audience.

From the beginning, the audience is thrown into the action with no explanation of the plot or characters. Director Tim Miller utilizes a non-linear plotline, allowing the audience to embrace Deadpool from the get-go and adding some mystery to the film. Through a series of flashbacks, viewers receive all of the important information needed to understand how Deadpool came to be the man he is, which is one the best anti-heros of all time. Deadpool’s crude humor and unconventional methods of attack captivate the audience from the minute the film begins.  

Reynolds delivers an exceptional performance as the title character. They could not have chosen a better actor to step into this character’s persona. His sarcastic sense of humor cuts through the screen and draws the audience in. His shining moments come when he is being tortured physically and emotionally. Deadpool is a very complex character, and Reynolds takes the character’s personality and runs with it.

The only things to critique in the film are the length and the goriness. The film could have been so much longer — it is under two hours long — and the progression of the film could have been a lot smoother. It jumps from the backstory to the finale in just a few scenes, leaving viewers to wonder, “How did we get here?” The movie is also insanely bloody. The level of goriness was acceptable in small doses. But in the few moments when brain matter and blood were being projected from the bodies of Deadpool’s victims, it went overboard. In the beginning, a man is splattered against a billboard, and the audience sees everything. The gruesome part is when Wade Wilson undergoes all of the tortuous methods, and his body is disfigured. The film is definitely rated R for this reason.

Deadpool is not a conventional superhero movie, therefore showgoers should not expect to see a film similar to Captain America or Thor. Deadpool is a comedy, action and romantic movie all rolled into one outlandish spectacle.   

Rating: 4/5

BANG! BANG!! RASHFORD!!!

It was a debut to remember for 18 years old academy graduate Marcus Rashford, who didn't only score twice on his first appearance for the club, but scored two crucial goals that set Manchester United on the path of UEL round of 16 qualification against FC Midtjylland.

 Pione Sisto grabbed the opener for Midtjylland with a great effort, and Manchester United equalized some minutes later through an own goal by Nikolay Bodurov from a Memphis Depay's cross. Rashford goals came in the second half either side of a Juan Mata's penalty miss.

Manchester United were dominant throughout the match, with tormentor in chief Memphis giving full back Romer a lot to deal with, who eventually got sent off by fouling Memphis in the last few minutes of the game. Further goals from Ander Herrera from the penalty spot, and a thumping low shot from outside the box by Memphis, whose performance deserved a goal.

It was the Second time Manchester United had scored more than 3 goals in all competitions this season, the first being the Uefa Champioins League qualifier 2nd leg against Club Brugge at Old Trafford in August ...and Rashford who stole the limelight on the night might just have saved Van Gaal's job......maybe till Sunday.

See Dencia's All Pink Car collection

Nigerian Singer and Whitenicious CEO Dencia is living the Big girl life. She has made a celebrity status for herself both in Nollywood and Hollywood.

She is known for her songs, whitening cream products and her fashion sense. Hollywood paparazzi's tend to look out for her during high class celebrity events. She recently was judged on E! Fashion Police show for the pink "Hello Kitty" outfit she wore to the Grammy Awards.

She lives in one of the choicest part of U.S.A and also drives the latest cars. Her car collection which she decided to paint all Pink includes a
Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Range Rover Evoque and a Rolls Royce Wraith. All these cars together are worth over half-a-million US Dollars.

I'm sure you agree with me she is balling. See pics below.

Dencia's Hello Kitty Outfit to the Grammy Awards 

ARSENE WENGER COULD BE REMINDED TONIGHT OF THE GRAVEST MISTAKE OF HIS CAREER

Arsene Wenger may be reminded tonight of the terrible mistake he made by not signing Luis Suarez when he had the chance. Arsenal tonight will face the greatest attack in history, comprising of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis suarez, who have been is incredible form, humiliating almost every opponent they have faced this season. FC Barcelona is unbeaten in 32 games since losing against Sevilla on October 3, 2015.

The Arsenal defence will have it all to do coping with the blistering pace, trickery and creativity of MSN. Taking nothing away from Arsenal, they are a good side also capable of hurting the Catalans. Mesut Ozil’s vision and the direct approach of Alexis would be key in this fixture.

Creating chances may not be Arsenal’s problem if they are not totally outplayed by Barcelona due to the presence of a genius Ozil in their side, but the finishing of the Catalans is in a totally different level from that of the Gunners. Petr Cech might just be having one of those very busy European nights …

Possible line ups

ARSENAL: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Ramsey, Ozil, Welbeck, Sanchez, Giroud

BARCELONA: Ter Stegen, Dani Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez, Neymar

The change that was sold to us. Remember this?

Okay. So I'm not here supporting any political party or trying to put the blame of the current state of the Nation on anybody.

I just want to knw if you ever came across this poster during the 2015 election campaign. And try and relate the message on it to the current situation in the country.

We are seriously in need of this change. There are a lot of things going wrong now and to the citizens it just seems like nothing is being done.

Who will answer us??

Wizkid comes for Linda Ikeji

So if you've not been following the gist, let me give you the low down (That's why i'm here for you) ;)

It all started when American Rapper "The Game" stood up for his Baby Mama on IG by tackling a fan. Then Blogger Linda Ikeji reported that Wizkid's alleged new baby Mama called wizkid a deadbeat father for not standing up for her.

Well Wizkid Ayo Balogun a.k.a Felaback wasn't finding any of these BullSh*t fun so he went on his Snapchat to make his feelings known by replying Linda Ikeji with the caption "Almost 40, Lonely and Bitter" #PrayersUpForYou Lool

When we thought the drama was over with our A-list artiste. Apparently Wizkid isn't the first artiste to go on social media to tackle Linda.

Rihanna goes Bra-less in new music video

The Highly anticipated video for the U.S based Barbadian singer Rihanna's hit song "Work" ft Canadian rapper Drake has just been released. And trust me it is already "breaking the Internet".

The Video was released in 2 versions. The second version which is the most talked about right now saw the Singer in a See through top with no Bra (so her nipples were popping throughout) and a Micro Denim skirt (Which we assume only Drake knew what was underneath).

The song is currently topping the Billboard Hot 100 and the Video has already been viewed over a million times in the past hour.

Great song. Great Video from Fenty.

Check out the Link to the Video below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caaSrdLC28o

YET ANOTHER RONALDO/MESSI LANDMARK

LIONEL MESSI & CRISTIANO RONALDO HAVE BEEN BREAKING AND RECORDS
SEVERALLY IN THEIR CAREER AND THEY ARE ABOUT TO SET YET ANOTHER.
THE NEXT GOAL FROM EITHER OF THE SUPERSTARS WOULD BE THE 1000TH GOAL COMBINED FROM THE BOTH OF THEM.
BELOW ARE THE FASCINATING STATISTICS OF THE DEADLY DUO....

CRISTIANO RONALDO
SPORTING LISBON   5 GOALS IN 31 GAMES
MANCHESTER UNITED 118 GOALS IN 292 GAMES
REAL MADRID   340 G0ALS IN 327 GAMES
PORTUGAL     55 GOALS IN 123 GAMES
TOTAL   518 GOALS IN 773 GAMES

LIONEL MESSI
BARCELONA  432 GOALS IN 507 GAMES
ARGENTINA  49 GOALS IN 105 GAMES
TOTAL   481 GOALS IN 612 GAMES

SIMPLY REMARKABLE!!!

JUVENTUS ISSUE HANDS OFF WARNING TO EUROPEAN GIANTS OVER STAR FOWARD

Juventus have issued a hands-off warning to European giants Real Madrid and Barcelona as they are  vying for a move for the club's impressive foward Paulo Dybala.

 The 22- year old who costs Juventus £32 million has been compared to his fellow countryman Carlos Tevez, who scored 50 goals in 96 games for the bianconeri.

Dybala has been impressive since his move from palermo, notching up 11 goals in 19 league games. 

Dybala is a fast, technical and very agile left footed player who is capable of playing in any offensive position, be it as a centre forward, a supporting striker, an attacking midfielder or an inside forward on the right flank, where he is able to cut in and curl a shot on goal.

FC PORTO: THE PLAYERS INVESTMENT KINGS

When it comes to the football powerhouses in terms of history, titles and club strength, FC Porto would not be the first club to pop in one’s mind, but they have mastered a certain aspect of the sport being the transfer market.

The transfer market is one whereby player’s services especially are exchanged for a fee, for another player or both, as the case maybe.  The transfer market importance cannot be overemphasized as very good deal/deals can be the difference in a team going all the way to win a domestic or continental title. A good example is Robin Van Persie’s summer move to Manchester United in July 2012 which fans and pundits believe was the missing link in the united squad and eventually Manchester United went on to win the league in the 2012/2013 season.

Asides winning of titles, a proper understanding of the transfer market could yield a whole lot of income for a club. A football club being also an investment like any other also has a back room target of yielding profits as much as possible. This is achievable through brokering of deals with sponsors, match day tickets sales, and other franchise of such football club.  Another way income is generated is through the sale of players, which is why the board of a club would accept an offer for a player if they regard such as a “very good business”, even when the manager would ordinarily wish to keep a hold of that player. The best form of player’s investment is the purchasing of young talented unknown players for a token fee, and with the right guidance, they turn out to be very good players, world class players, and possibly legends of the sport.

FC Porto, can as well be deemed the masters of transfer market as for the past decade, they have generated a huge income from players sales more than any football club globally. They usually purchase young prospects (majority of them are South Americans), and eventually in some cases, sell them up to seven times the amount it cost them to acquire such players. The scouting team of FC Porto has to be commended as the club would always have a decent team capable of competing for honors and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League where they also generate revenue from by participating, despite selling their best players over the years. Below are some of FC Porto players sales of the past decade and the cost of acquiring them.

• Paulo Ferreira [bought for €2 Million] [sold for €20 Million]
• Ricardo Carvalho [bought for free] [sold for €30 Million]
• Deco [bought for €8 Million] [sold for €21 Million]
• Maniche [bought for free] [sold for €16 Million]
• Anderson [bought for €5 Million] [sold for €32 Million]
• Pepe [bought for €2 Million] [sold for €30 Million]
• Quaresma [bought for €6 Million] [sold for €25 Million]
• Bosingwa [bought for €1 Million] [sold for €21 Million]
• Aly Cissokho [bought for €0.3 Million] [sold for €15 Million]
• Lisandro Lopez [bought for €2 Million] [sold for €24 Million]
• Lucho Gonzalez [bought for €10 Million] [sold for €18 Million]
• Bruno Alves [started his career at Porto] [sold for €22 Million]
• Raul Meireles [bought for free] [sold for €13 Million]
• Falcao [bought for €5.5 Million] [sold for €47 Million]
• Hulk [bought for €5.5 Million] [sold for €56 Million]
• Freddy Guarin [bought for €1 Million] [sold for €13 Million]
• James Rodriguez [bought for €7 Million] [sold for €45 Million] 
• Joao Moutinho [bought for €11 Million] [sold for €25 Million]

FAST & FURIOUS 8’ TO FEATURE PAUL WALKER AGAIN?

NBC Universal Vice-chairman Ron Meyer revealed that Paul Walker will be “represented” in Vin Diesel’s “Fast & Furious 8.”

Paul Walker’s devastating death caused a lot of fans to lose hope that they will never see “Fast & Furious” film franchise the same way they did when Brian O’Conner was still part of the film, however, reports say that NBC Universal Vice-chairman Ron Meyer reportedly hints that Paul Walker will be in “Fast & Furious 8” with Vin Diesel.

According to Skynews, the actor who died at the age of 40 in a devastating car accident in Santa Clarita, California two years ago—is going to be part of the eighth installment of “Fast & Furious.”

The site reported that though Walker is dead and Meyer clearly said that the actor won’t actually be in the film, he will still be “represented” in the next installment in “some form or another.”
Meyer further said that if people are wondering if Walker’s image will be in the film, “[he] won’t tell you yet.”

“[But] he won’t be in the film as a performer, as an actor, the way we did it last time,” he noted.

Adding on, Meyer promises the fans that nothing will change in the film—“it will still be “Fast & Furious,” it will just be without [Walker].”

Can Tiwa Savage's son read already?

The Mavin Singer and mommy was pictured reading to her son JamJam. She said she wants to make him a reader from his tender age and also promised to make him learn his native language too which is yoruba.

Cynthia Morgan acquires new Range Rover

Super Star Gyal Cynthia Morgan showed off her newly acquired Range Rover on her Instagram page. Congratulations to her.

See picture after the cut.

Apple rumoured to release iPhone 6C soon

A rumoured version of the iPhone 6 by apple is making headlines. Apple is said to be looking at releasing a smaller and cheaper version of the iPhone 6 just as they did with the iPhone 5 which had 5, 5C and 5S. we have so far seen iPhone 6 and 6S so many are saying we are soon to see iPhone 6C.

(c) AP

The 6C version would however be different from the iPhone 7 which expected to be released October, 2016.

For now we have to wait and see what Apple has in mind for its customers this year.

Patoranking shows off customised gold blinged out microphone by MA

Dance Hall artiste Patoranking recently received his customised microphone by popular Nigeria Jeweler Malivelihood. Patoranking joins the likes of 2face, Davido, Ice Prince who already own a customised microphone.

Malivelihood is also responsible for the popular gold neck pieces on Davido, Olamide and Ice Prince.

Fans still coming for Di'Ja's neck......lol

Even after the reconciliation between her Boss Don Jazzy and YBNL Boss Olamide. Fans are still not over it as they attack Di'ja and her neck in her recent post on Instagram. I guess its true what they say about the grass suffering when two elephants fight.

Di'ja posted a picture where she performed in a cape and here is what some fans had to say.

Di'Ja perfoming in a cape

In my opinion she looked beautiful.

TNG wishes Oritse Femi a Happy Birthday

Talkative Nigeria wishes Oritse Femi a.k.a. Musical Taliban a Happy Birthday.

Oritsefemi Majemite Ekele (born January 5, 1985), popularly known by his first name Oritse Femi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and performer. He is best known for his remake of Fela Kuti's "Double Wahala" song.

D'banj jets to Abuja for CAF Awards

Superstar singer and DKM CEO D'banj is going to be present and most likely performing at the Confederation of African Football awards scheduled to hold 7th January, 2016.

The nominees for this year's awards are; Ghanaian International Andre Ayew who plays for Swansea Football club in England, Gabonese International Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who plays for Dortmund in Germany and finally Last year's winner Yaya Toure, the Ivorian international who plays for Manchester City FC.

Is rapper Tyga in love with a 14 year old girl?

So th gist according to TMZ is that Rapper Tyga has repeatedly contacted a 14-year-old girl on Instagram and when news got out of this she received bashing from people for trying to spoil his relationship with Kylie.

So the girl named Molly O'Malia held a news conference in NYC to respond to this issue and claims Tyga initiated the Convo with her and not the other way round.

Molly, who is also an aspiring singer, claimed Tyga reached out to her first through Instagram and she only responded because she thought it was about her music. She says she got skeeved out when he allegedly asked to Facetime.

There has been no response from Tyga's reps so far and no talk of a lawsuit.    17

Movies to watch out for in 2016: January Edition

2016… 2016 is being called a lot of things, the year of change, the year of mercy and so on. Well, I am no prophet so I can't say for certain what this year is gonna be about but what I do know is that 2016, it’s gonna be a year of MOVIES. There are so many awesome (at least based on their trailers) movies being released this year that I wonder if movie lovers would be able to keep up, because there is something for everybody. 

Obviously I can't touch all the movies to be released this year which is why i'm only going to focus on the most anticipated movies coming out in January 2016.

The 3 biggest and most anticipated movies being released this month are:-

Ride Along 2: This is the sequel to the 2014 action comedy starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. In this sequel, Ben (Hart) graduates from the Police Academy and becomes a full pledged Police Officer. He and James (Ice Cube) are assigned a case to bring down a powerful drug lord before Ben can get married to Angela, James’ sister. The movie is gonna be released on the 15th of January.

Fifty Shades of Black: this is an American comedy starring Marlon Wayans and from the movie title, you can already guess that this is a funny parody of last year’s erotic romantic drama film, Fifty Shades of Grey. This movie is hitting the theatres on the 29th of January.

Kung Fu Panda 3: If you ask me, I believe this is the biggest movie (even if it’s not really a movie) being released this month. I believe this animation requires little or no introduction because you must have seen one or both of the previously released parts. Here, Po reunites with his biological family and must somehow teach them martial arts to defend China from an evil spirit that takes the powers of defeated kung fu masters. This animation is due to be released on the 29th of this month and has a budget of $140 million which isn’t surprising since it stars Hollywood hot shots like Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Jack Black, Seth Rogen and Kate Hudson.

Note these aren't the only movies to be released this month. I'm just giving you the most anticipated ones. Let's call this January movie review. Can't wait for these movies to be released so all the hype can stop and criticism can start... yummy. Lol Let's wait and see which one lives up to expectations though.
Leave a comment if you feel there is any additional movie we should watch out for this month.

TNG Xclusive: "You will Over Blow this 2016" Audu Maikori assures Koker

Chocolate City's Fuji sensation 'Koker' known for his popular owambe song "Do Something" was recently nominated for the Rookie of the Year category at the just concluded Headies Awards 2015, but to the disappointment of many didn't win. The award was won by YCee.

However, Audu Maikori the President of Chocolate City Music Group who stepped down as CEO of the Record label for Hip Hop Artiste M.I. Abaga and has been away from the music Industry limelight for a while now has assured Koker of his commitment towards his career development. In a Chat with Koker, Audu assured him that he would blow this 2016. See message below.

So it is safe to say with this development that we should all watch out for Koker a.k.a "Mr Do Something" this 2016.

"Cannabis was never found in my system" Sophia Momodu replies Davido

Davido's Baby mama Sophia, in a series of Tweets, has responded to Davido’s release of a medical report indicating that there was cannabis in Imade’s system, saying they were all excuses to take Imade from her.

She explained that she had been invited to a meeting where the cannabis claim was made.

She said, “On September 15, David’s dad invited us for a meeting that had in attendance two of his friends and Coco (his daughter).

“In that meeting, David’s dad apologised for the way I was treated in Coco’s residence and said the reason the baby was taken was because medical tests detected marijuana in Imade’s system and he needed to protect her from me and David.

“I couldn’t understand that because I don’t smoke marijuana and I objected at that meeting, but I was told to stay calm.

“After the meeting, his dad requested I leave my seven-month-old baby with him and told me I could come around to check her anytime. He also promised to pay me some upkeep and provide me with a car.

“I had to accept because I felt they had good intentions and since I could come to check my baby anytime, it was okay by me.

“They kept to their promise of the upkeep, but not the car. I didn’t bother since I could afford one. All that matter was my baby.

“Cannabis was never found in my system; it was a concocted lie to steal away my baby. I don’t smoke; I have never smoked weed let alone smoke while breastfeeding.”

I don’t smoke, I HAVE never smoked weed let alone smoke while breastfeedinghttps://t.co/qBidWV03du

— Sophia Momodu (@S_ophhia) December 31, 2015

Cannabis was never found, it was a concocted lie just to steal away my babyhttps://t.co/re2zzRQ2d9

— Sophia Momodu (@S_ophhia) December 31, 2015

Real Madrid sack Coach Rafa Benitez while Zidane assumes his position.

Rafael Benítez has been sacked as the manager of Real Madrid, just seven months into a three-year contract at the Bernabéu. With Zinedine Zidane taking over.

Benítez’s Real Madrid future was decided at an emergency board meeting on Monday. His final act was overseeing Sunday's 2-2 draw against Gary Neville's Valencia at the Mestalla, in which Real were reduced to 10 men and twice pegged back, leaving them in third place in La Liga, four points behind the leaders Atlético Madrid.

Zidane was the world’s most expensive player when he arrived at the Bernabéu from Juventus in 2001, spending five years at the club and winning La Liga and the Champions League. Since 2014 he has been coaching Real Madrid’s B team.

“Firstly I would like to thank the club and the president for giving me the chance to coach this team,” he said when announced as Benítez successor on Monday. “I’m more emotional now than when I signed as a player.” The Frenchman added: “We have the best club in the world and the best fans in the world.”

The president, Florentino Pérez, said: “He is clearly conscious of how tough this job is. Zidane doesn’t know the word impossible.”

Benítez struggled to find favour among the supporters at Real, not helped by the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in November’s Clásico or a failure to introduce the kind of style demanded at the Bernabéu. Rumours of unrest in his squad had been frequent and last week he accused the media of a campaign against himself, the club and the president, Florentino Peréz.

Rapper Lil wayne signs his Main Side Chic to Young Money

Apparently Rapper Lil Wayne who was formerly dating Christiana Milan has signed her competition his "main side chic" to his record label.

According to MTO she's a singer named Stephanie Acevedo.

The rising star from Miami is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. She's worked as a model, singer and ring-girl with the Championship Fighting Alliance MMA league.

She's done a couple of covers, including Leona Lewis' hit "Bleeding Love."

Manchester City Football Club unviels new badge

English Football Club Manchester City have unveiled a new badge to replace the present one. The change would be enforced summer 2016. This would be the fourth time the club has changed its badge.

What do you think about this change?

The Music Industry 2016 Beefs so far

Getting into 2016 has been one of the liveliest so far for music lovers in Nigeria.

It all started with Mr. David Adeleke a.k.a. "Davido" and one Miss. Sophie Momodu; his estranged Baba mama. Then we saw the top Artiste of 2015 Olamide in a twitter battle with Mavin records boss Don Jazzy over a supposedly falsified award. Then an upcoming act Ycee after winning his first major award throwing jabs at lyricist on a roll Vector over wack lines. And now Cynthia Morgan and.......rewind Davido again. Lol. All these happened in less than 7 days. And the Year has just begun.

However we have come to see our first reconciliation between Olamide and Don Jazzy. After what can be classified as the most intense beef so far, the two top acts have come together to make peace. Some say it is because of rapper VicO while others aren't even Happy there is peace. But oh well. I think some of us want to see more action though.

Let me know your predictions for this year. Who is going to beef who? Who is going to release a Diss track? Who will take it to the streets?

Smart Ways to make money while doing your NYSC

13 BRILLIANT WAYS TO MAKE MONEY AS A CORPER
Smart corpers have started looking at getting additional streams of income apart from the allowee paid to corpers during their NYSC year. They’re simply building what they can fall back on when the monthly bank alerts from government ceases. Some of what I’ve written are my own ideas while others were gathered over the internet. Enjoy!!!
Selling items during camp: public selling is not usually allowed for corpers except you register and pay a fee. Don’t try to sneak in contraband items as it is against the rules; besides your bags will be checked before you enter camp. What you can do is to simply carry extra items of what a corper would normally bring. E.g. extra plastic boots, socks, lip balm/gloss (during harmattarn), detergent, beverages, etc. then sell them to your fellow corpers in your room and nearby rooms.
Photography business during camp: You are also not allowed to do this wearing your corper kit as you will have to join others to participate in the activities. However, if you have a small portable camera or a phone with a good camera, you can take pictures just like others are doing with their phones but you’ll ask around for where you can print them out, with a little compensation. Just make sure you keep track of those whom you photographed so you can show them the photos and if good enough, they’ll buy.
Video coverage business: this is similar to the photography business only that it requires a little more effort. With your portable camera or phone, you can take videos of major events during the camp e.g. registration. Always try to cover as much people as possible while videoing as people will only want your video if they’re in it. You will also need to arrive earlier than the set time for such events. Ask around for where you can process your video and burn it into CD’s, then sell. If you were diligent enough to cover much people, then you’ll make more money.
AFTER CAMP
Start home tutorial: you will likely be serving in a primary or secondary school. This gives you access to numerous students you can offer to take tutorials at home. Just try to get in touch with their parents and strike a deal. If you can teach students preparing for WAEC, NECO, GCE, JAMB, POST-UME, that adds extra value to you.
Helping with students projects: Students of tertiary institutions are not left out. If you are posted to serve close to a university or other tertiary institutions, you can offer to analyze their project data using SPSS. It is not hard to use, a simple video tutorial will teach you what you need to know. You can start with projects on fields related to the course you studied as you will do a better job than a field you know nothing about.
Blogging and other online business: it’s so easy to start a blog and you can get one for free. You can reach millions of people over the internet with your write ups about your areas of interest and in the comfort of your home. Before you start this make sure you read up on blog management online especially since you also want to make money through your blog. There are many other ways to make money online. You can contact me through my BBM Channel to get more info on this.
Monetize your skills: web design, Ankara bags and accessories, leather works, painting, soap making, make over, gele tying, interior decoration, cake& confectionery, fashion design, photography and any skill at all that you have can be monetized. Do contact me if you don’t know how to go about monetizing your skill.
Agriculture: even if you’re posted to a very rural area, there is hope for you. You can lease a piece of land easily and cheaply…. Just ask the community people. You can rear snails, and other livestock and resell at a good price. You may not like to get your hands dirty though, chat me up on BBM and let’s rub minds together on how you can still do agriculture but in a branded way. I have a great idea on this already.
Laundry: you can start up a small laundry business in your home. You’ll do this at your spare time with little effort using a washing machine. You can even add value by offering pick-up and delivery service.
Writing, editing and proof reading: chances are, the local community people don’t read and write very well in English. You can solve this problem with a little publicity, letting them know what you can do, where and how to reach you in case they need to write letter or proof read and edit other paper work.
Bulk SMS: Yes you can be a bulk SMS service provider to churches, banks, schools, etc. If you’re able to strike a deal with at least two churches with say over 200 members each and maybe one school, each sending messages every week… that’s already a steady weekly income. You should read more about this online before going into it though.
E-book production for students: maybe you have good knowledge in specific areas such as how to pass exams well, or how to do any other thing, you can package them in e-books and publicize to your targeted audience. You’ll be developing your writing and marketing skills while gaining extra income.
Small scale importing: you can do some feasibility study and find out things that are lacking in your community which you can get in surplus back at home. The period between when you leave camp and when you move to your PPA, you can go home and get such goods in small quantity and try to sell them. If it sells well, you can start importing in larger quantities from even nearby states where it is available. Just let it be something portable and that won’t take too much time to get to where you’re posted. Examples are phone accessories.

I hope you’ve been able to choose one or two you’re comfortable with. I’ll be sharing even more intriguing and profitable ideas at my BBM channel. Feel free to join in: search for ‘Business Solutions’ OR C0043E410 on your BBM. If you don’t find it, just send me your pin and ill invite you directly.
Lastly, I have to say this or ill be causing harm to your life and finances. No matter the business idea you choose, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN, YOU ARE JUST PREPARING YOURSELF TO FAIL. You’ll waste your precious time and money while gaining a few emotional scars. Save yourself this danger and contact me now, if you do not know how to draft a proper business plan. Don’t assume you know it, be humble enough to ask. I’ll be glad to answer.
Do share this post with other corpers or prospective corpers you know.
Cheers!