A Sign of the Times.
A Rolex watch and a five-hundred dollar suit. "Thank you sir," I say as I leave the bank. I get in my car and pray a little, put the key in the ignition and turn , it started, a bonus, twice and in one day.
Today’s Life In The Average Today’s Problems.
Next stop, the employment office, as I pull into the parking lot I think to myself, this is got to be my day, a job in my future, I can feel it. As I sit down at the desk, a perky little thing smiles at me, "how may I help you sir?" "Well, my name is Todd Monroe and my benefits are about to run out and I would like to apply for an extension, unless there is a job opening." Joanne, the perky little counselor types my name and social security number into the computer, "will Mr. Monroe let’s pull up your file, see where we’re at." "Okay, Mr. Monroe, I see here your benefits are about to run out, would you like to re-file?" "Yes, that’s why I’m here, a job or to refile." "Well, as you should be aware of, the job market is a little slow right now." "Have you been actively seeking employment?" Joanne looks at me a little suspiciously, like I am getting rich on unemployment. "Yes, yes I have." I say with an exasperated voice. "There has really been nothing but very low pay and limited hours, nothing I could live on." "Well have you considered taking perhaps a full time and a part time job, just until you can find something in your field?" "My field," I say in a voice that’s ready to explode, "my field was shipped overseas." "I see Mr. Monroe, perhaps additional training in some other field." "I did that, computer classes, IT, and I found out that I trained into an area that is already saturated." "Well Mr. Monroe, I’ll get you’re extension process started so there should not be any delay in your payments, just keep trying to seek employment." I push myself out of the chair and not feeling any better for the stop I bid Joanne a good day and leave. With all the good news I’m headed to the restaurant and a show down with my wife, or at least it feels like a show down.
I left the bank, after begging them not to foreclose on my house, on my way to the unemployment office to file for an extension because my regular benefits are about to run out, and the car in front of me had a bumper sticker that read, "I am proud to be an American", and it got me to thinking, well so am I. We, the Americans, have a lot to be proud of. In the last ten years we have had a president that signed the NAFTA deal sending millions of jobs overseas and had a tryst in the oval office. Discretion, in his case, not being the better part of valor. Another president that turned his back on the Americans after stealing the election, declaring war on a country on contrived intelligence just to line his and the V.P.’s pockets, On top of that he gave corporate America and the major banks free rein over the country and collapsed the economy, throwing millions of people out of work and for good measure out of their homes. Yes, I am still proud to be an American, I just don’t see the point of getting involved with such a government that whines for our vote every four years saying that it is our God given right to vote for a person that will lie to me and rob me of my livelihood in the name of patriotism. It all started this morning, my wife left for work and when I finally got out of bed there was a TO-DO list on the kitchen table with a harsh note attached. There would not be any peace in the house tonight or supper if I didn’t take care of the list. I guess I can’t blame my wife for her level of intolerance, a year ago she was in middle management with a bright future, today she is waiting tables in a local restaurant for less then one tenth of what she use to make. Long hours and low pay is the American way!!! At least that’s the way I see it. Sitting at the table with me is a pile of envelopes, bills, no since in ruining my morning coffee, I already know what’s here. Sliding the envelopes to the other end of the table I pick up the list of things that I am expected to do, lets see, bank, employment service, stop at the restaurant for lunch, her boss is springing today, he knows the fix we’re in so he buys us lunch a couple times a week, nice guy, decent. A good lunch and a good scolding from my wife if I don’t get something done today. Finishing my coffee I take a few minutes and stare out the window and dream of better times. My car looms large in my vision, I think to myself, I hope it lasts another year.
While driving to the restaurant just six blocks further and lot of excuses are running through my head, the bank is getting restless and the employment service is of no help. Maybe my wife will understand. Driving past two other stores that I use to shop at are now shuttered, again, thank you big box. Used to be a time when shopping meant a chance to catch up on the news and the gossip of the community with the shop owners. Small town America, what ever happened, now it’s mega-banks, mega-corporations and chain stores. The one last bastion of man, the barber shop, a man’s world, now has gone the way of chain stores. Talking to the barber was My second cup of coffee gives me the courage I need to open the better then reading the local newspaper, he always had the inside dirt. envelopes, mostly bills but at least people are thinking about me. After a Small town America and the good old day’s, that’s where I want to be. few minutes I decided that I have had enough abuse from the bill Simple times, hard work, easy living. collectors, finish my coffee, and leave for the bank, I still need a roof over my head and that’s my first priority this morning, over five years in this Almost noon, in front of the restaurant, I see my wife through the window house I don’t think there should be a problem I never missed a payment. in her perky red and white checkerboard uniform, boy what the owner puts As I get in my car I hear barking and notice "buttons" my neighbor’s poodle these waitresses through just to serve a bunch of lecherous old men, men doing a wind sprint across my front yard. A second later my neighbor Ron, left over from a past gone by. As I walk into the building, a smile on my chasing his dog clad in fluorescent green gym shorts and a "I’m with face at my wife’s uniform, she spot’s me and smiles back. Walking up to stupid" T-shirt on, c’mon buddy, I think to myself there is a dress code even me she asks "what’s so funny dear?" "Oh nothing, I’m just glad to see you, in this neighborhood. Getting in my car Ron waves and smile’s as he goes that’s all." "Glad to see you too dear, grab a table and I’ll get you a cup of jogging by, go get him buddy, watch it buttons you freedom is almost at an coffee." "I’ll order lunch for us are you ready?" My wife say’s while heading end. I push the key into the ignition and turn and the car starts, ten years to the counter for my coffee. Watching my wife walk away I glance around old and you haven’t let me down yet. Hang in there sweetheart I need you the place and remember coming in here when I was in high school, the for one more year and then you can retire, I promise. I have my fingers place hasn’t changed a bit. It’s hard to find mom and pop restaurants like crossed for good luck. this anymore, this will probably succumb to the weight of the chain outfits Driving down main street I notice a lot of empty buildings, some of these were prosperous businesses at one time. Coming into view, my favorite hangout, the hardware store. For any home owner, this is like a second home. I knew the owner’s of that store, Harry and his wife, man, they ran that store forever, my dad knew them, now the store is gone. Thank you big box. Another block puts me in front of the bank, I park the car and sit for a minute, and look at the building hoping for the best. Well I think to myself, I have to go in and get it over with, see if they will work with me. "Mr. James, how are you today", I greet the loan officer with a friendly smile. "Todd", he answer’s my greeting with a raised eyebrow, "how are you?” " Well, Mr. James that will be up to you, I hope we can work something out, this months mortgage payment will be a little late, you know my situation, no job, unemployment pay is way short of what I actually need." "The bank will work with you for the time being Todd, but your situation better change." I think to myself, yea you got yours, you’re not hurting that’s for sure.
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serving factory made food in poly-foam cartons. This is a great old placed I t h i n k w i s t f u l l y t o m y s e l f . Brought out of my daydream my wife is setting my coffee in front me, "Any good news dear?" she asks. "Yea, the bank will carry us for a while, not forever, and the job situation has not changed, nothing on the horizon." "Well, that’s not what I wanted to hear, but at least you bought us a little more time." "Yea, they suggested more education but why train into jobs that are not there." "Well don’t despair dear, things will get better, they always do." This coming from a person who doesn’t realize just how silly she looks in that uniform. "Oh, don’t forget, the lunch is on the house today, order up." "Great, I’ll have a hamburger and fries, are you going to join me?" "As soon as I turn in our order and clear a couple of tables." I think to myself as I watch my wife walk away, she can wait tables and I’ll wash dishes.
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Blissful Wedding Between Blessing And Mayor.
Group Photograph of Officiating Ministers.
Cross Section of Church Choir
L-R: Mr. Mayor O. Uche (Groom) and Miss Blessing C. John (Bride) It was a dream come true as soleminization of holy matrimony between Blessing C John and Mayor O Uche based in the Toscana Region of Italy was on Saturday 17th of December, 2011 at the Methodist Church Of Nigeria (The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity, Aba). The event started with the processional hymn, which was sung by the Methodist Choir. The opening prayer was conducted by one of the officiating ministers and then “joining� commenced which involved the exchange of vows between the couple. However, as the joining came to a halt, prayers were said by the officiating ministers and well-wishers to the newly wedded couple, Mr and Mrs
Mayor O Uche. In addition Bible portions were read and a brief sermon was said. The officiating minister urged the couple to be submissive to each other and put God first in everything they do as it is the most thing in marriage. Cross Section of Officiating Ministers and Wives during the Blissful Wedding between Blessing and Mayor@The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity, Aba.
Cross Section of Women of Honour joined with Couple@the blissful Wedding of Cross Section of Groom Men joined with Couple@the blissful Blessing and Mayor in Aba. Wedding of Blessing and Mayor in Aba. A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 14 14
Couple with Bride Parents.
Couple with Asebi Girls.
Couple with Groom Mother.
Couple performing their first major assignment together (Cutting of Cake). L-R: Princess Blessing (Chief Bridesmaid) and Miss Blessing C John. (Bride).
Miss Blessing C. John (Bride)
The reception which took place at the Terminus Fries Aba, had in attendance friends of Mayor from Europe, Members of Abia State House, and captain of industry. The Chairman, Chief Gabriel Okereke Elendu warned them against external influences which could jeopardize their marriage. Moreso, they should make sure their marriage is built on integrity.
Chi ef G abri el Okereke Elend u (Chairman@Blessing and Mayor Wedding.
L-R: Chief Basil Kanu (Chairman/CEO Tango Nig. Ltd and Mr Oge Ehirim
L-R: Mr. Mayor O. Uche (Groom) and Miss Blessing C. John (Bride)
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Hon. Nwogu Iheasimuo. (Member Abia State House, Representing Aba-South State Constituency.
Airhiavbere Gives Oshiomhole “Red Card” A GENERAL AFTER OSHIOMHOLE’S JOB
Edo State People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Major General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (rtd) has unveiled a six-point development agenda As Edo State gets set for the 2012 Governorship election, the which he said he would implement if elected as governor of the state in the challenge by the main opposition party in the state, Peoples forthcoming governorship election. Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN According to General Charles Ehigie is gradually getting stronger. Airhiavbere, the six-point agenda One of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s would-be challengers, Majorrevolved around Security, Urban General Charles Ehigie Airhiavbere (rtd), Renewal and Rural Development, has declared his intention to occupy the Industrialization, Agriculture, Edo Government House come Education and Public Private November 2012 on the platform of PDP. Partnership (PPP) initiatives. While decrying the poor level of infrastructure in the state, General Airhiavbere asserted that the state needs a “GENERAL” to stop the He said the issuing of the “Red Card” on the day Oshiomhole marked the third incessant cases of kidnapping, robbery and other violent crimes in anniversary of his assumption of office as governor was to give him “ONE YEAR the state. QUIT NOTICE” to vacate the Government House. He criticized the state of the education Airhiavbere, the former Commander Corps of and health sectors in the state, adding Army Finance and Accounts, CCAFA, at the that if voted into office, his government Army Headquarters unveiled his agenda in would introduce free education with free Benin-City, the state capital, at a formal school uniforms for students at all declaration of his intention to contest the levels and free medical services for the july 2012 gubernatorial election in the state. women, children and senior citizens. Airhiavbere’s development agenda came as he issued a “Red Card” to the incumbent Governor Adams Oshiomhole to quit the Government House.
H e noted that his plan, which he called a social contract with strict adherence to the purpose of the state, would transform the development process of Edo State into a movement into a movement i nv ol vi ng and d riv en b y al l stakeholders.
In addition, he promised to develop infrastructure in the state, empower women provide skill acquisition centres for the youths and revive farm schemes easy for graduates to own and run.
Adressing PDP supporters at a rally spiced with performances by drummers, dancers and masquerades held at Garrick Memorial School Benin-City, Airhiavbere said “I traveled throughout the three senatorial districts of the state and discovered that all state Airhiavbere, who described himself as infrastructure are in the highest level of decay”. the change agent Edo State needed at this time, said: “We want a change a He added that “What I saw in most of the various local government areas can be liken with what one found in Somalia and Liberia radical change for the better in Edo during their war times. These are reasons why the battle for State and we must make that change happen. We must put the state in the Government House 2012 requires a General”. correct historical perspective as first “When I come to power in November 2012, Edo State would be among equals. turned around for good”, he boasted. “It is time to institute a change in Edo State built around credible leadership that will take the state from the abyss of underdevelopment, neglect and deceit to the super highway of progress, growth prosperity and security.
But Comrade Governor, in his reaction said “Edo State is not a garrison command that needs a General. When the time comes we will tell Edo people our pedigree and the report card of his PDP and the ACN government under me”.
Airhiavbere also promise free education from primary to junior secondary schools and free health care for children and elderly, as well as provide bursaries to students of Edo origin and grant autonomy to the stateowned higher institutions of education.
Oshiomhole, also branded the Peopl’s Democratic Party, PDP, a party of liars, which specializes in spreading unfounded rumors and confusion in the state. The PDP, he said, was only intrested in tarnishing the image of his government and misleading the people of the state who have been celebrating their hard won freedom from the party’s years of misrule bondage and underdevelopment.
Aguebor O.M. (Editor-in-Chief) A-cube Exclusive Magazine International. E-mail: acubeexclusivemagazine@yahoo.com. Ref: Hope 2012/Nigeria Tribune, Sunday 13 November 2011.
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He said “Edo people will decide whether they want to go back to the dark ages or the changes we have made. These people are unserious but we are already.”
Aguebor O.M. (A-cube Exclusive Magazine International). E-mail: acubeexclusivemagazine@yahoo.com. Ref: Hope 2012/The News 28 November 2011.
CHIEF MOSES NORENSE OZIGBO-ESERE (J.P) PERFORMED THE IYANHIEN CEREMONY (THE HIGHEST CHIEFTAINCY TITLED CEREMONY) IN BENIN-KINGDOM.
Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere, joined by Iyanhien officiating chiefs and members of his family dancing through major streets in Benin.
Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P (Osuma of Benin-Kingdom and other prominent Benin Chiefs before His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Oba Erediauwa CFR, The Oba of Benin, during the IYANHIEN Ceremony of Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P., which is the Zenith of any ceremony to be performed by any Benin Chiefs. Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P (Osuma of Benin-Kingdom) and Members of Iyanhien Officiating Chiefs.
Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P (Osuma of Benin-Kingdom) and Some members of the Palace Chiefs. Cross Section of IYANHIEN Officiating Chiefs and members of Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P, (Osuma of Benin-Kingdom) household during the Iyanhien ceremony, which is the highest ceremony to be performed by any Benin chiefs.
Dancing round major streets in Benin-City.
Chief Moses Norense Ozigbo-Esere J.P (Osuma of Benin-Kingdom) and Members of Iyanhien Officiating Chiefs. A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 17 17
WORST & WACKIEST CELEBRITY FASHIONS FROM 2011.
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Rihanna
J e s s i c a
The singer made sure everyone knew which character she voiced in The Smurfs at the film's New York City premiere (July 24). Surprisingly, 62 percent of Us Weekly readers said they'd wear the mini-dress emblazoned with a sequin Smurfette.
She's known for her over-the-top ensembles, but the technicolor getup (complete with a surgical mask) she wore to the MTV VMAs (Aug. 28) was one of her most outrageous looks to date.
The singer loves to push the envelope with her daring fashion choices, including the sheer white Jean Paul Gaultier gown she wore to the Grammy Awards (Feb. 13), which looked like it was made out of plastic Hawaiian leis.
She usually makes the best dressed list, but 85 percent of Us Weekly readers hated the white Giambattista Valli gown with giant pouffy sleeves the actress wore to a fashion industry party in New York City Oct. 27.
SEE THE WACKIES AND WORST DRESSED CELEBRITY IN 2011
Vanessa Hudgens
Kardashian
The 32-year-old mom rocked a purple floral-print Sunner dress in the Big Apple Oct. 20 that landed her in Us Weekly's Fashion Police, with one top cop quipping, "Keeping Up With Mrs. Roper."
The actress raised eyebrows when she rocked teeny ripped denim shorts with racy, leather over-the-knee boots and a pile of necklaces while stopping for gas station in Los Angeles Sept. 22. Nicki
Kourtney
B i e l
Minaj
looked like she dressed herself in everything but the kitchen sink (and maybe even items
Nicki Minaj from the kitchen sink) for the launch of Versace for H&M.
Kelly Clarkson Christina Aguilera
Kelly Clarkson performed at the 2011 American Music Awards in
Christina Aguilera was a repeat offender in 2011. She wore this too-tight Herve November wearing a very ill-fitting Leger bandage dress while performing at the 2011 American Music Awards.
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Jessica Rabbit red gown.
Compiled by Aguebor Josephine Owen-isiede
MAXI DRESS, 2012 FASHION TREND
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Compiled by Aisosa Nehizena.
The first condition they have given is a return to status quo. That may be for GEJ a tall order, especially having created the impression that to continue with the regime means sure death for the economy. The unions have a numerous support among some governors of states ruled by the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. Is it not too late in the day to t the Town Hall meeting host on Thursday 22, 2011 by (NPAN) be making this pronouncement? If they were serious, they should have Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria, on the issue of fuel subsidy been in the forefront of those kicking against the removal long before removal, one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb, Nigerians have lost now. confidence in government. And the lack of trust has been on for decades. Despite assurances by the government representatives led by the That is why the courage of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State must be commended. He is of the ACN. He has not allowed that to honourable minister of finance and coordinating minister for economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, that the savings accruing from the removal will be becloud his conviction. Even at the risk of being labelled a “traitor” to the channelled into upgrading social infrastructure, many Nigerians still find it cause of his primary constituency, that is the labour unions, he has come difficult to believe them. Over the years, they heard promises, which out to strongly support the subsidy removal policy. It is not just enough for those against the policy to dismiss Comrade raised their hopes but to no avail. The nation’s Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State Adams Oshiomhole as having “joined them” it would landscape is littered with the evidence of such unfulfilled promises. In fact, the last decade of must be commended. He is of the ACN. be wise to see whether his voice is the voice of democracy has been one of ambitious He has not allowed that to becloud his reason. His popularity rating has surely nosedived but programmes aimed at lotting billions of dollars conviction. Even at the risk of being like he advised President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the Town Hall meeting leadership is not about with nothing to show for it. A case in point is the labelled a “traitor” to the cause of his popularity but about taking steps that would impact power sector, where after billions of dollars of investments, the nation’s installed capacity has primary constituency, that is the labour society for good. only marginally increased when compared to unions, he has come out to strongly Along with fuel subsidy protests has come up the 1999. Thus the federal government delegation support the subsidy removal policy. issue of privatisation of the Power Holding Company must have left the venue with one message for of Nigeria and the issue of privatisation generally. It is President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and his team that Nigerian leaders amazing that considering how public servants ruined government-owned need to rebuild trust in their covenant with the people. parastatals over the years, that any group would still be canvassing that
Fuel Subsidy: Beyond GEJ. A
government should hold on to these institutions. One thought Nigerians experinence in the past decade in the telecommunication sector had shown clearly that government has no business being involved in runing any business. Apart from that, we are all witnesses to the drama that ensued in respect of the nation’s oil refineries. The Blue–Star Consortium bought them for $750 million in 2007. This was shortly before President Olusegun Obasanjo vacated power. No sooner did late President Umaru Yar’Adua take over then labour unions with other coalition groups started agitating for the reversal of the sale. In fact, Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, the then group managing director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, asked for six months to make the refineries healthy. It is more four years since the refineries were taken back from consortium. Millions of dollars he spents on turnaround maintenance. Yet they remain epileptic. And no question had been asked of Yar’Adua Abubakar Lawal as to what happened to the millions of dollars he spent on the refineries. If the refineries were working, there would have been no need to import the 35 million litres of PMS we allegedly consume daily. Furthermore, the jobs that should have been created in these refineries have exported There is no gainsaying that there may be very geniue reasons fuel subsidy abroad to the detriment of unemployed Nigerians in the oil sector. In the should go, but did government consider very well the impact of more than years ahead, if subsidy removal and other privatisation moves yeild 100 percent increase in the pump price of bountiful harvests for Nigerians, we may yet celebrate premium motor spirit, PMS? As usual, Nigerians In the years ahead, if subsidy removal and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. If all the arguments for reacted to the increase the way they did in the other privatisation moves yeild bountiful subsidy removal are flawless, would a phased past. In the immediate aftermath of the harvests for Nigerians, we may yet withdrawal not have been an ideal solution announcement, many filling stations closed shop, considering the pregnant times we are in? As the celebrate Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.. If all thus creating artificial scarcity. The few that government grapples with the security challenges remained opened all over the federation made a the arguments for subsidy removal are raised by Boko Haram insurgency, can it at the same kill by selling a litre of PMS for as much as N150 flawless, would a phased withdrawal not time contend with the of Nigerians who are spoiling in some places against the supposed price of have been an ideal solution. for a showdown over fuel subsidy? For once in a long N138. And trust Nigerians, many of the stations while General Ibrahim Babangida, former military witnessed long queues, which later petered out. The matter did not end president, scored the bull’s-eye when he described the fuel subsidy there, however. All over the federation, the new price regime has been removal as ill-timed. Surely President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan should greeted with strong condemnations and protests by a coalition of civil borrow that wondering leaf. It is a word that is enough for the wise. society groups. Infact, in Benin-City, the capital of Edo State, the city witnessed an unprecedent rampage in the city capital leaving many injured. In the course of the debate, the issue of when the subsidy regime would end was a recurring decimal. While some people opined that it would take off on January 1, 2012, since no provision was made for it in the 2012 fiscal budget, others claimed it would not take effect until April 1, 2012, because that is when the 2012 capital budget will come into operation. They failed to realise though that fuel subsidy isbusually part of recurrent expenditure. And the recurrent expenditure for 2012 is already in operation, even though the bill is yet to be passed by tha National Assembly. Officially, however, the government continued to push the line or is it the lie that no date had been fixed for the final burial of fuel subsidy. But Subsidy. But Jonathan further ruptured government credibility when in the afternoon of january 1, the Petroleum Pump Price Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, issued a statement that has for now ended fuel subsidy regime in Nigeria. It was not only an ambuscade, but what many have described as a callous new year bonus. So how can Nigerians trust Goodluck Ebele Jonathan now? On this issue, his government has acted against the tide of its pronouncements.
Although after the spontaneous protests in several cities on Tuesday, the streets were largely free on subsequent days, the government should not sing victory yet. The organised labour is warming up and strategising for a nationwide strike that may yet ground the country in the days ahead. For a start, they not keen on negotiating with the team GEJ has set up to engage in dialogue with them. A-CUBE EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 20 20
Aguebor Osaze Michael
Benin-City.