Original Creator of Matrix & Terminator Wins $2.5 Billion In Lawsuit

After a six year dispute, prolific writer and profound spiritualist, Sophia Stewart has received justice for copyright infringement and racketeering and will finally recover damages from the films, The Matrix I, II and III, as well as The Terminator and its sequels. Yes, you heard that correctly – the entire Matrix & Terminator franchises, and her suspected pay off is expected to be the highest in history – an estimated 2.5 billion.
Her case is a true landmark, and far too uncommon as countless creatives are exploited by the snake-like dealings of the movie industry. Here’s a recap of her triumphant journey by way of George2.0:
“Stewart filed her case in 1999, after viewing the Matrix, which she felt had been based on her manuscript, ‘The Third Eye,’ copyrighted in 1981. In the mid-eighties Stewart had submitted her manuscript to an ad placed by the Wachowski Brothers, requesting new sci-fi works.
According to court documentation, an FBI investigation discovered that more than thirty minutes had been edited from the original film, in an attempt to avoid penalties for copyright infringement. The investigation also stated that ‘credible witnesses employed at Warner Brothers came forward, claiming that the executives and lawyers had full knowledge that the work in question did not belong to the Wachowski Brothers.’ These witnesses claimed to have seen Stewart’s original work and that it had been ‘often used during preparation of the motion pictures.’ The defendants tried, on several occasions, to have Stewart’s case dismissed, without success.
Stewart has confronted skepticism on all sides, much of which comes from Matrix fans, who are strangely loyal to the Wachowski Brothers. One on-line forum, entitled Matrix Explained has an entire section devoted to Stewart. Some who have researched her history and writings are open to her story.”
Although it’s long overdue, and buried in large part by the media machine, Stewart has finally received official credit (and hopefully financial settlement by 2009) for her prodigious contributions to both Hollywood, and the world for her ground breaking sagas, both the Matrix & Terminator franchises. Let us hope that this landmark ruling provides a measure of hope for other ripped off screenwriters seeking justice even if only by way of public recognition.
To echo her 2004 victorious press release:
‘The Matrix & Terminator movie franchises have made world history and have ultimately changed the way people view movies and how Hollywood does business, yet the real truth about the creator and creation of these films continue to elude the masses because the hidden secret of the matter is that these films were created and written by a Black woman…a Black woman named Sophia Stewart. But Hollywood does not want you to know this fact simply because it would change history. Also it would encourage our Black children to realize a dream and that is…nothing is impossible for them to achieve!’
We’d like to believe that the justice she received was not in name only, and she is able to reap the benefits of her enormous creative contributions.
TheHipHopConsultants

2015: Igbo leaders unite to form new group

By Wale Odunsi

In the bid to ensure that a president of Igbo extraction emerge in 2015, Igbo leaders during the week in Enugu, met to form of a new group, the South-East Peoples Development Association (SEPDA).
The event which had in attendance over 200 prominent Igbo sons and daughters was held at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel Enugu on Thursday.
Prominent South-East leaders who attended the meeting include; a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; Senators Ken Nnamani and Chris Ngige; Mrs. M. Okadigbo, Nnamdi Oriobuna, Julius Ucha, Sylvanus Ngele and Anyim Ude.
Others include former Governor of Ebonyi State, Sam Egwu; former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Chigozie Ogbu; Ben Obi, former Education Minister, Chinyere Obaji, and former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Virgy Etiaba.
Details as at press time was sketchy but sources say Egwu was appointed President of the association, while Nnamani was appointed chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
This was in addition to several standing committees that were also constituted.

While speaking, a source said: “South-East Peoples Development Association is aimed at moving the Igbo beyond the present level and ensuring that everyone is carried along.”
Although the association assured that it would not be in conflict with Ohanaeze Ndigbo or any other organization promoting the interest of the Igbo, an Ohanaeze chieftain described the meeting as a gathering of associates of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar under the veil of promoting Igbo interest.
He said: “I was invited to that meeting but when I made enquiries about those who were championing the new group, I discovered that they were all Atiku’s loyalists. So they cannot be promoting Igbo interest but that of Turaki Adamawa.”
DailyPost

‘Very soon there’d be high demand for Nigerians in Bollywood’

 by Amina Alhassan

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Nigeria’s Ameen Khan has continued to make waves in Bollywood. He is an indigene of Kano State and looks forward to bridging the gap between Kannywood, Nollywood and Bollywood. He is also working on bringing the big names of Bollywood to Nigeria soon. He spoke to Weekly Trust via phone.

Weekly Trust: As a Nigerian who has been starring in Bollywood films for quite a while. So far, from what you have seen, how would you rate the entertainment industry in India?
Ameen Khan: It will be very difficult to give a straight rating, but one thing I can say is that the Indian entertainment industry, to me, seems hundred years ahead of African entertainment industry, more like a thousand years if you compare it with Kannywood. Of course, we all know that the Indian entertainment industry started earlier so there’s nothing to wonder about the gap between ours and theirs. I believe with time and commitment, the entertainment industry in Africa will reach that stage. If you permit me, I will say we are even faster than they were because we are number three in the world. When it comes to movie production, for instance, we are right behind Bollywood.
One of the reasons why we are faster than they were before is technology revolution. The only difference is that the Indian government and the people are hundred percent in support of their entertainment industry unlike in Nigeria where movies are not considered as a source of income to the country.
Here it is a different ball game. A film star here is given all the respect and support he needs because they see them as helping to project the image of the country and its culture. He is not a small person. Let me give you an example, I have a friend who is a Nollywood actor – I don’t have to mention name. We once attended Salman Ji (Salman Khan) set together and my friend was surprised that all those police convoy and bodyguards are not escorting a minister or governor but a film star. So that is how serious they take their entertainment industry and the entertainers.
I remember you saying not long ago that Kannywood has a long way to go. Is there a way to shorten that long way? What do you think can be done to redeem the image of Kannywood?
If government can come into the industry and give all the required support the entertainment industry needs it will go a long way in fixing the problems in the industry. On the other hand if the producers can listen to the demands of the audience and give them what they want to see, then the sky will be the limit. There’s no use producing something that the audience are buying but complaining or condemn at the end of the whole thing. It is not unusual to hear the audience complaining that what is portrayed in a particular film is not their religion or culture. At the end of the day, you may make money but lose the respect of your community. So what’s the use? We ought to project our culture and beliefs, we don’t need to borrow anything thing from any culture to thrive.
Indian movies are known to have a lot of dancing and singing. As an actor, have you adapted to this kind of entertainment style?
(Laughing) To become a successful actor you must accept any role assigned to you and give it a trial no matter how hard. With a lot of practice I have adapted – may be adapted is not the right word, but I have fitted well into their entertainment style. They are usually amazed at how well I do their dances. It is always fun.
How was the experience like, with all the singing and dancing?
I will say it was okay because, Bollywood concept of shootings is a long time process. It is not a day’s or week’s job. A movie could take six to one year or more to complete. So, my first Indian dance and song was okay, because the directors and producers were willing to take all the time needed for me to get it right. We took a lot of time for preparations and the crew members were excellent as they were always willing to help out.
You don’t get to shoot movies every day. So what do you do at your free time?
You are right that everyday isn’t a movie shoot. At my own free time I work with Artemis Health Sciences and do my own little contribution towards humanity there.
Being African and a Nigerian, what were the kinds of perceptions you got when you first got into Bollywood?
None! You know ‘language is power.’ If you speak the people’s language then it’s hard to get any perception. It’s just like home because they naturally welcome you and feel free with you instantly.
It is said that Indians prefer to collaborate with the western world more than Africa. Would you say you have been treated fairly in your stay with them?
In terms of being treated fairly, yes I have been. The only problem am facing is that they prefer you as African to go to the gym, develop a lot of muscles and then they keep giving you action sequences as a bad guy role which I can’t do, but now they understand the kind of person I am and give me the normal role they would give the Khans and Bachanns. Yes their target is other parts of the world as they don’t count Africa, but with my African brothers and sisters’ support I will surely show Bollywood how important Africa is to their entertainment industry.
Has the thought of calling it quit ever crossed your mind? If yes, tell us why?
Not at all! This is just the beginning of Kano’s Ameen Khan in India. Very soon there would be high demand for Nigerian actors and actresses in Bollywood. 
You are now a celebrity sort of, what do you think is the hardest part of being a celebrity?
The hardest is handling the fans. Once you become a celebrity you are no longer allowed to be yourself. Your life is generally for your fans, which I see as the hardest part as some fans can do crazy things when they see you.
You have worked with many Bollywood actors and actresses; who do you always look forward to acting with again?
I have worked with wonderful people, but always look forward to working with Shahru Khan and I would also love to work with Akon and Genevieve Nnaji.
To act in Bollywood, I am sure you had to learn the language. Tell us how that went?
Back in school days it was Telugu that was the popular language of the city where I did my first degree. It was after I left south India that I began to learn and speak good Hindi, but one good thing with Indians is that they will force you to learn their language.  For them Hindi always comes first before English
Do we see Nigeria’s Ameen Khan bringing Indian’s Sharukh Khan, Salman Khan, the Bachchans etc to Nigeria someday to do collaboration with Nollywood someday?
I am working towards that and also discussing with some stakeholders in the industry here. Soon and very soon you will see us take Nigeria by storm. Yes with time Inshaa Allah we would have the Indian industry big names in Nigeria. You just spoilt the surprise I had for Nigerians and movie lovers by asking this question. But it’s ok.
Are you married?
No I am single
Why are you still single?
I am still searching.
What is your next big project and what is it about?
It’s a Hindi movie ‘Ticket to Bollywood’.  It is a love story of two African Bollywood actors dating the same Bollywood actress, so the movie is a movie industry story line. It’s intense and going to be the bomb!

WeeklyTrust

Iran Official Offers Explanation For Differing Space Monkey Photos

By ALI AKBAR DAREINI 

TEHRAN, Iran -- One of two official packages of photos of Iran's famed simian space traveler depicted the wrong monkey, but a primate really did fly into space and return safely to Earth, a senior Iranian space official confirmed Saturday.
The two different monkeys shown in the photos released by Iran's state media caused some international observers to wonder whether the monkey had died in space or that the launch didn't go well.
One set of pictures showed a relatively dark-haired monkey. Another showed a different monkey – strapped in a pod – that had light gray hair and a distinctive red mole over its right eye.
Mohammad Ebrahimi told the The Associated Press that the monkey who traveled in space was named "Pishgam," the Farsi word for pioneer. Initially, the Iranian media said "Pishgam" was the rocket that took him on a 20-minute journey into space on Monday.
Ebrahimi said one set of pictures showed an archive photo of one of the alternate monkeys. He said three to five monkeys are simultaneously tested for such a flight and two or three are chosen for the launch. Finally, the one that is best suited for the mission and isn't stressed is chosen for the voyage.
State TV pictures seen by AP show the dark-haired monkey before and after the space flight, but a package of still pictures released by authorities showed the other monkey with the mole.
"I say this with certainty that the monkey is in good health and the space flight didn't have any physical effect on Pishgam," Ebrahimi said. "Some of the photos released by one of news agencies were not related to the time of flight. They were archive photos of the monkeys being prepared for the launch."
Jonathan McDowell, a Harvard astronomer who tracks rocket launchings and space activity, also said this week's monkey space flight was real, but he had a slightly different explanation for the photo mix-up. He claimed the light gray monkey with the mole died during a failed space mission in 2011.
"The monkey with the mole was the one launched in 2011 that died. The rocket failed. It did not get into space," McDowell said. "They just mixed that footage with the footage of the 2013 successful launch."
Iran has never confirmed that a monkey died in 2011, or that there was a failed mission that year.
Iran's space officials said sending the monkey into space was a step toward Tehran's goal of a manned space flight. However, the U.S. and its allies worry that the same technology used to launch rockets into space could also be used to develop long-range missiles.
With its ambitious aerospace program, Iran has said it wants to become a technological powerhouse for the Islamic world by 2026.
It's not the first time Iran has announced it had rocketed a live creature out of the Earth's atmosphere. The country sent a mouse, a turtle and some worms into space in 2010, officials said.
Pishgam was sent aboard an Explorer rocket and traveled to a height of 120 kilometers (72 miles), pushing into the threshold of space.
Ebrahimi said Iran plans to launch its first manned space mission within the next five to six years. He said it will be the first manned suborbital flight.
Hamid Fazeli, director of Iran's space agency, said this week that Iran will launch a bigger rocket carrying a larger animal to obtain greater safety assurances before sending a man into space.
Iran says it wants to put its own satellites into orbit to monitor natural disasters in the earthquake-prone nation, improve telecommunications and expand military surveillance in the region.
HuffingtonPost

Halliburton bribe: Paris court sentences Technip executives for bribing Nigerian officials

Nicholas Ibekwe

No bribe recipient has been jailed in Nigeria.

While no Nigerian official implicated in the $180 million (N27 billion) Halliburton bribery scam has been convicted, a Paris court, Friday, sentenced two former executives of French engineering and construction giant, Technip S.A, for their role in the scam.

TSKJ, a consortium of four international companies (Technip; Snamprogetti; KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton; and JGC), paid the bribe to Nigerian officials over a ten-year period to secure the construction contract worth $6 billion (N900 billion).

TSKJ partners admitted paying $132 million (N9.8 billion) to a Gibraltar corporation controlled by London-based lawyer, Jeffrey Tesler, and $51 million (N7.65 billion) to Marubeni of Japan. The money was meant as bribes to Nigerian government officials.

Jean-Marie Deseilligny, Technip’s General Manager; and Etienne Gory, the company’s Commercial Manager for Africa were ordered to pay fines of €10, 000 (N2.15 million) and €5,000 (N1.1 million) respectively. Prosecutors had asked the court to fine the accused €100, 000 (N21.5 million) each.

Jeffery Tesler, the main go-between for the consortium, is serving a 21-month sentence in the United States prison while Jack Stanley, KBR’s former Chief Executive Officer, is serving 30 months.

Using the Federal Corrupt Practices Act, FCPA, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Security and Exchange Commission has made the companies and individuals that paid the bribe to pay more than $1.7 billion in penalties and disgorgement.

Halliburton, in January 2009, paid a $559 million (N84 billion) fine to the U.S government after the company was found guilty of bribing Nigerian officials.

While the bribe givers have all been convicted and fined, and in some cases jailed in their countries of origin and in the U.S., no Nigerian bribe recipient has been convicted or jailed.

The beneficiaries of the bribe, as revealed by several investigations, include three successive heads of state, former petroleum ministers, officials of the Nigerian oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, and other government officials.

PremiumTimes

AFCON Roundup: Ghana, Mali qualify for semi-final

By Phillip Eta

Hosts of the AFCON 2013, South Africa, have been eliminated from the tournament, after they lost 3-1 on penalties to Mali.
The Bafana Bafana led in the first half, through Tokele Rantie’s goal, but were pegged back by the Seydou Keita’s leveller. The Malians then stretched the game into extra time and eventually spot kicks. Siphiwe Tshabalala was the only player to score from the spot for South Africa.

Ghana also made it through to the last four, after Mubarak Wakaso’s brace saw off debutants Cape Verde at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
DailyPost

What’s next for Beyonce? ‘The Mrs. Carter Show’ tour poster leaked (LOOK)

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Looks like Live Nation just spilled the beans on Beyonce.
The ticketing giant’s UK site put up a promotional poster for the 31-year-old pop star’s not-yet-announced world tour dubbed ‘The Mrs. Carter Show.’
In the promotional image published Friday, Knowles looks every bit the queen of pop with a billowing Victorian updo topped with a crown and golden royal-looking garb.

Who Runs the World? Live Nation’s UK site put up a promotional poster for Beyonce’s not-yet-announced world tour dubbed ‘The Mrs. Carter Show”I may have an announcement after the performance,’ she said regarding touring plans at Thursday’s Superbowl press conference. ‘Fans should just stay tuned to see.’ The tour’s name is a direct reference to the 16-time Grammy winner’s husband Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and it fuels speculation that the couple might perform together.
There were already rumours the 43-year-old rap star would join Beyonce onstage when she performs during this Sunday’s SuperBowl XLVII half-time show.

‘I may have an announcement after the performance’: During Thursday’s Superbowl press conference, the 31-year-old pop star said fans should stay tuned for tour plans

The Mrs. Carter Show: The tour’s name is a direct reference to the 16-time Grammy winner’s husband Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and it fuels speculation that the couple might perform togetherIn the past, the music power couple have collaborated on several tracks, including 03 Bonnie & Clyde, Crazy In Love, and Déjà Vu. An estimated 111.3 million people tuned into last year’s Superbowl, which featured a Cleopatra-style Madonna Voguing her way through a medley of hits.
The last time the mother-of-one hit the road was her I Am… Tour, which grossed $119.5million in 2009.

Queen Bey! There were already rumours the 43-year-old rap star would join Beyonce onstage when she performs during this Sunday’s SuperBowl XLVII half-time show

Rehearsals are underway! Beyonce’s Destiny’s Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, are also rumoured to be joining her onstage SundayBeyonce’s Destiny’s Child bandmates, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, are also rumoured to be joining her onstage. The girl-group trio just released their first single in eight years, Nuclear, on their compilation Love Songs.
Speaking of album releases, the Bootylicious hitmaker is said to have already recorded 50 songs while working on her follow-up album to 4.

Ready to rumble: 111.3 million people tuned into last year’s Superbowl, which featured a Cleopatra-style Madonna Voguing her way through a medly of hits

The Dream, who produced Beyonce’s Single Ladies, told MTV News that he’s ‘involved in every part of the process’ of her upcoming fifth studio album.
Hit-Boy, Kanye West, and Ryan Tedder have all been attached and rumour has it Justin Timberlake will also be involved in the album, due out April.
‘She took the summer to start recording, and now she’s in a place where she’s ready to start gearing up to reveal her plan,’ the producer revealed last year.

Nice watch! Her beau Jay-Z was spotted in New Orleans Friday enjoying a stogie at a cigar lounge with two other gentlemen

Her upcoming feature-length documentary, Life is But a Dream, will premiere on HBO on February 16.

Beyonce also provided her award-winning voice for the animated feature, Epic, not unlike the 1998 film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
The adventure-comedy, which comes out next May, also stars Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Colin Farrell, and Christoph Waltz

Beyonce’s beau Jay-Z was spotted in New Orleans Friday enjoying a stogie at a cigar lounge with two other gentlemen.

Puffing up: The hip-hop mogul is a noted cigar lover, even appearing on the cover of Cigar Aficionado magazine’s June 2009 issue
The hip-hop mogul is a noted cigar lover, even appearing on the cover of Cigar Aficionado magazine’s June 2009 issue.
Also in the Big Easy Friday was supermodel Candice Swanepoel, who posted an Instagram of herself hanging with one of New Orleans’ finest boys in blue.
The Victoria’s Secret stunner was dressed in a belly-baring top, skinny jeans, and a black fedora in the snap which was captioned: ‘Let the games begin….. #neworleans #NOLA #superbowl #shhhh’
YNaija.com