Nollywood: Nigerian Film Center, 3rd Largest in the World

As John Naisbitt predicted in the book Megatrends, tastes non-mainstream increasingly gain a place on the planet is in line with the further cheapening of technology.Nollywood, as for the film industry in Nigeria, has emerged as a force in the world's second movie, after Bollywood (Indian film industry) and on the Hollywood (U.S. film industry). This measure is based on the number of films produced per year. Meanwhile, according to The Guardian (March 2006), in terms of revenue, Nigeria movie industry is ranked third. Its value? According to CNN, the Nigerian film industry currently has a value of U.S. $ 250 million.Initially, precisely in the 1960s, the Nigerian government to limit the circulation of foreign films in his country, so that the producers in Lagos began to produce local films for television. In addition, they also distribute them in the form of videos, which in turn creates seed video distribution industry. The use of English for more than local languages-is also one key success factor that makes the circulation of films in Nigeria can grow throughout Africa and the world.

 Song Iyke with Onlookers
Many of the movies are produced and marketed within the space of a week. 

Emeka Uzzi
Nigeria's film business, a.k.a. Nollywood, is the third largest in the world.

Its filmmakers produce as many as 1,000 movies each year for the home-video market.

In terms of distribution, Nigeria also recorded an impressive step. According to the records of Wikipedia, Nollywood films are now beating the circulation of Hollywood films in Nigeria and other African countries. Producer-producer Nigeria also recorded high productivity. About 30 new titles released to video stores every week via DVD and VCD, which can sell 50,000 copies per week. The size of the U.S. dollar, a disc copies can be sold for U.S. $ 2, price is affordable for most Nigerians. On the other hand, the price is enough to make producers coffers bulging.

The secret seems to lie in the topics presented in these films, namely a variety of everyday problems faced by African communities. For example, the problem of corruption, religious differences, women's rights, or AIDS. In addition, there are also films that give priority to certain religious values, such as Islam, or Christianity. In essence, the film is presented gives the value of contemplation and inspiration for the various problems of modern African society, not just Nigeria. No wonder that the values ​​contained in Nollywood films are more familiar than the values ​​of Hollywood movies.What about piracy? In www.nigeriancuriousity.com site, there are some notes on how to avoid piracy Nollywood DVD. One of them was cut up the movie into several parts. Not cut-cut style of Warner Bros.., Like Superman 1, Superman 2, and so on, but truly a cut in the middle of the film. Thus, it becomes a disincentive for the hijackers. Perhaps this unique technique can not guarantee 100% reduction in piracy, but obviously quite difficult for piracy.

 Maureen Obise
The production companies have extremely limited budgets and only the most basic scripts.

 Chika, Onyejekwe, Junior Ofokansi, Thomas Okafor
The narratives are almost always overdramatic, with no happy endings.

Emilie Ibeh, Doris Orji and Sharon Opiah
Plots revolve around situations familiar to the audience and include witchcraft, bribery and prostitution, in addition to romance and comedy.

In a note of Bollywood, Nollywood is also regarded as an industry that plays a significant decrease in popularity in Africa. In this case, Bollywood is being increasingly integrated into Western culture, such as sex, action, and freedom (in the direction of Hollywood), while African audiences still want the old Bollywood films are more family oriented or issues about the effects of Western colonization in the ago.

 Gabazzini Zuo
The preferred aesthetic is loud, violent and excessive.

Obechukwu Nwoye
Most of the films are shot not in studios but on location in ordinary homes, hotels and offices.

In the past, Indian films have a sizable influence in Africa. Mother India (1957), for example, be acceptable in Nigeria several decades after its release. Indian films also had influenced the writers of his novel. Even in northern Nigeria, a sticker affixed to Indian films in the taxis and buses them. But now, even after Bollywood more "modern", they left behind. (Magusba)

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Posted in: Update News

Chinese herbal for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits in the absence of any detectable organic cause. In some cases, the symptoms are relieved by bowel movements. Diarrhea or constipation may predominate, or they may alternate (classified as IBS-D, IBS-C or IBS-A, respectively). IBS may begin after an infection (post-infectious, IBS-PI), a stressful life event, or onset of maturity without any other medical indicators. Although there is no cure for IBS, there are treatments that attempt to relieve symptoms, including dietary adjustments, medication and psychological interventions. Patient education and a good doctor-patient relationship are also important
An Australian study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association lends strong scientific support to the traditional use of Chinese herbs in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The authors believe theirs is the first clinical study to rigorously document the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of IBS - and the first to incorporate traditional Chinese diagnosis and treatment methods for IBS into a strictly controlled, conventional study model [Bensoussan et al., 1998].
The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involved 116 people with active IBS recruited from hospitals and private gastroenterology practices in Sydney, Australia. Patients were diagnosed first by gastroenterologists using standard western diagnostic methods, and then by Chinese herbalists according to the principles of Chinese medicine.
Forty-three subjects were randomized to receive a standard Chinese herbal formula "considered to regulate and strengthen bowel function," 38 took individualized herbal formulas, and 35 received a placebo deemed to be indistinguishable from the herbal treatments. Treatments were administered by capsule. Individualized treatments were custom-designed by the Chinese herbalists, who also supervised treatment during the course of the trial. Each subject worked with only one herbalist for the duration of the study. Results were evaluated by gastroenterologists after eight weeks and again at the end of the 16-week treatment period.
Both the standard herbal formula and the individualized treatments were significantly more effective than placebo in relieving IBS symptoms. Not only did Chinese herbal therapy prove superior to placebo, the researchers concluded that treatment benefits were more sustained in patients who took individualized formulas than in those who took the standard formula. Patients receiving the herbal formulas had significantly better scores in four out of five key outcome measures. Those taking the standard formula improved by 44 percent (according to patient assessments) and 59 percent (according to physician assessments) and those receiving individualized treatments improved by 42 percent and 40 percent, compared to 22 percent and 19 percent improvements in subjects taking placebo.The standard formula used in the trial, consisting of 20 Chinese herbs, was not identified by name in the paper, nor were the individualized formulas described. The herbs included in the highest proportions in the standard formula were yin chen at 13 percent (Artemisia capillaris Thunb., Asteraceae), bai zhu at 9 percent (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Asteraceae), dang shen at 7 percent (Codonopsis pilosula [Franch.] Nannfeldt., Campanulaceae), yi yi ren (Job's tears) at 7 percent (Coix lacryma-jobi L., Poaceae), and wu wei zi (schizandra) at 7 percent (Schisandra chinensis [Turcz.] Baill., Schisandraceae).
Two patients withdrew from the study because of adverse effects related to the herbal treatment (gastrointestinal discomfort and headache). No other major adverse effects were reported.
As many as 10 to 20 percent of Americans and Australians may be afflicted with IBS, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder marked by abdominal pain, bloating, and disturbances in bowel function alternating from constipation to diarrhea. According to the authors of the study, no single medical treatment provides reliable relief or resolution of the condition. According to physician assessments in this study, 78 percent of patients taking the standard Chinese herbal formula and 50 percent of those receiving individualized formulas improved during treatment, compared with 30 percent of those taking placebo.
For additional we can using treatments have been found to be better than placebo, including fiber, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil. Some of treatments :

 
Diet

Some people with IBS are likely to have food intolerances. In 2007 the evidence base was not strong enough to recommend restrictive diets.
Many different dietary modifications have been attempted to improve the symptoms of IBS. Some are effective in certain sub-populations. As lactose intolerance and IBS have such similar symptoms a trial of a lactose free diet is often recommended. A diet restricting fructose and fructan intake has been shown to successfully treat the symptoms in a dose-dependant manner in patients with fructose malabsorption and IBS.
While many IBS patients believe they have some form of dietary intolerance, tests attempting to predict food sensitivity in IBS have been disappointing. One study reported that an IgG antibody test was effective in determining food sensitivity in IBS patients, with patients on the elimination diet experiencing 10% greater symptom reduction than those on a sham diet. More data is necessary before IgG testing can be recommended.
There is no evidence that digestion of food or absorption of nutrients is problematic for those with IBS at rates different from those without IBS. However, the very act of eating or drinking can provoke an overreaction of the gastrocolic response in some patients with IBS due to their heightened visceral sensitivity, and this may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

Fiber

There is convincing evidence that soluble fiber supplementation (e.g., psyllium) is effective in the general IBS population. Insoluble fiber (e.g., bran) has not been found to be effective for IBS. In some people, insoluble fiber supplementation may aggravate symptoms.
Fiber might be beneficial in those who have a predominance of constipation. In patients who have constipation predominant irritable bowel, soluble fiber at doses of 20 grams per day can reduce overall symptoms but will not reduce pain. The research supporting dietary fiber contains conflicting, small studies that are complicated by the heterogeneity of types of fiber and doses used.
One meta-analysis found that only soluble fiber improved global symptoms of irritable bowel, but neither type of fiber reduced pain. However, an updated meta-analysis by the same authors found that soluble fiber reduced symptoms. Positive studies have used 10–30 grams per day of psyllium seed. One study specifically examined the effect of dose and found that 20 grams of ispaghula husk was better than 10 grams and equivalent to 30 grams per day. An uncontrolled study noted increased symptoms with insoluble fibers. It is unclear if these symptoms are truly increased compared with a control group. If the symptoms are increased, it is unclear if these patients were diarrhea predominant (which can be exacerbated by insoluble fiber), or if the increase is temporary before benefit occurs.

Medication

Medications may consist of stool softeners and laxatives in constipation-predominant IBS, and antidiarrheals (e.g., opiate, opioid, or opioid analogs such as loperamide, codeine, diphenoxylate) in diarrhea-predominant IBS for mild symptoms.
Drugs affecting serotonin (5-HT) in the intestines can help reduce symptoms. Serotonin stimulates the gut motility and so agonists can help constipation-predominate irritable bowel, while antagonists can help diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel. (Magusba.blogspot.com)

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Posted in: Others

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3)

Fast, frantic, and full of depth, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is a great addition to the franchise.
Good :

• Touch-screen controls are inviting for newcomers  
• Fantastic art and character design  
• Rich battles that reward skill, not button mashing  
• Lots of multiplayer options  
• Collecting figurines in StreetPass is addictive. 

Bad :  

• No online leaderboards or tournament mode  
• Using the shoulder buttons for combos can be tricky. 

Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is more than just a simple port of the venerable fighting franchise. Several aspects of the game have been carefully tweaked to fit within the smaller confines of the 3DS, resulting in a fighting experience that feels every bit as impressive as its console cousins. Combat is fast, fluid, and visually spectacular and is as deep as it has ever been, making this one of the most technically brilliant fighters to have ever graced a handheld. There are some glaring omissions, though, such as leaderboards and an online tournament mode. Some compromises have also been made to accommodate the 3DS's button layout, but these are largely offset by a customisable touch-screen interface that makes the game more accessible than ever to newcomers.  

The basic premise of the Street Fighter series has changed little since its debut in 1987. You play as one of 35 characters (all unlocked from the start), with the aim being to knock out your opponent with a range of kicks, punches, and special moves. All the characters from Super Street Fighter IV make a return, including series favourites such as Ryu, Chun-Li, and Blanka, along with newer additions such as C. Viper, Abel, and Rufus. Each is carefully balanced, so you are never at a disadvantage, no matter which character you fight with. With so many to choose from, there are a range of moves to suit everyone. For example, Abel is a slower, grapple-style character, specialising in short-range throws, while characters like Ryu and Sakura have faster, long-range attacks like Hadouken fireballs.
Learning moves and knowing which are the most effective against other fighters' attacks is key, making each match a strategic affair as you attempt to unravel your opponent's technique. If you're new to the series, a good place to start learning moves is Training mode, where you face off against a static dummy opponent. Though there's no tutorial, the controls are easy to pick up, and moves are listed via an onscreen command list. There are also various settings to adjust, such as your target's block mode, stun frequency, and regeneration levels. An input display shows you what buttons you're pushing, but it doesn't give you any guidance on the timing of your commands. If you're used to playing Street Fighter on a standard Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 pad, then the control scheme will be familiar, though arcade-stick players will need time to adjust. By default, you move your character around using the circle pad or D pad, pushing back to block. One isn't necessarily easier to use than the other; your preference will depend largely on your own technique, but you might find the circle pad to be a little less accurate in frantic fights. Meanwhile, the face buttons launch light and medium kicks and punches, while the shoulder buttons launch heavy kicks and punches.

Pow! Right in the kisser.

Combining directional moves with attack buttons launches special moves, such as Hadoukens, Shoryukens, and hurricane kicks. More-complex combinations using two or three attack buttons at once launch powerful EX attacks, as well as super and ultra attacks--devastating moves that can make all the difference in a fight. Using these moves relies on having enough charge in your EX and revenge meters, which are built up when you absorb hits or dish out damage. However, while your EX power rolls over to the next round, revenge does not. This adds yet more strategic depth to fights: you might decide to gather energy for your special, or deal out as much damage as possible using smaller EX moves. These moves aren't essential to winning a match, and a few well-placed kicks and punches can be just as effective.
Performing super and ultra combos has always been tricky, but on the 3DS the problem is exacerbated by its small shoulder buttons, which are difficult to press in conjunction with the face buttons in the heat of battle. A new control method has been implemented on the bottom screen that aims to make things easier, for both pros and newcomers. It displays four boxes, which are assigned to different moves. In Lite mode these automatically perform your character's super and ultra attacks, as well as two regular special moves. In Pro mode, the boxes are assigned to button combinations, such as all three kicks or punches, but can be customised to your liking. Newcomers will find Lite mode especially useful, because it lets you perform spectacular moves with little effort. While pros may scoff at the simplified controls, being able to unleash supers and ultras has never guaranteed a win; such is the depth and strategy of the game.

It's not necessary to stare into your opponent's soul as you prepare to destroy them, but it helps.

As well as EX, super, and ultra attacks, focus attacks make a return. Pressing and holding down the medium punch and kick buttons launches one of three levels of focus, with the strongest allowing you to absorb the first hit from your opponents and incapacitate them, giving you time to follow up with another attack before they hit the ground. You can also use focus to exit animations early to chain together some insanely impressive combos, though performing them requires serious thumb dexterity and some of your EX meter. You can learn many of these techniques in Challenge mode, where you're asked to perform a range of different combos against a dummy opponent. Each character has a set of combos to learn, which get more difficult as you progress. Some of the combos are especially challenging, but mastering them raises your abilities significantly, making fights easier to win and more impressive to watch.

Once you're comfortable with the controls, you can make your way through Arcade mode, which pits you against CPU-controlled characters in a number of fights. Though there's a story behind each character's motivations, they're weak at best, doing little to explain exactly why everyone is fighting each other. They're at least told in an attractive way, anime-style movies that play as you begin and when you complete Arcade mode. Interspersed throughout the fights are special stages, where you have to destroy a car or a set of rolling barrels within a set time limit--a nostalgic nod to Street Fighter II and a way to break up the action. There are a range of difficulty modes to choose from in Arcade mode, so no matter what your skill level, you can fight your way through. If you do battle it out on harder settings, be prepared for a challenge. Your CPU adversaries launch all manner of ultra attacks and combos, doing everything they can to defeat you--none more so than final boss Seth, whose seemingly endless supply of tricky moves feels as cheap as ever, making him incredibly frustrating to fight.
The real joy of Street Fighter lies in playing against human opponents, and there are a variety of options for doing so. Versus mode lets you play against other opponents via wireless, either nearby or on the same wireless network. Fights are smooth and free of any lag, so you've no excuses for losing battles, other than your own lack of skill. There is also a Download Play option, so you can fight against other 3DS owners with just one copy of the game, though the character selection is limited to Ryu. Battles can be played over the Internet too, with Quick, Custom, and Friend matches available. A Quick match pits you against a random player, while a Custom match lets you choose from a number of options before entering a match. You can change the number of rounds, the time limit, what region your opponents are from, their skill level, and whether they are using the Lite or Pro control method. A Friend match lets you play against anyone in your friends list, provided that they are playing at the same time too. You can set up a lobby and wait for them to join, but sadly there is no way to send a message to them from within the game; you have to exit and use the main 3DS message system to do so.

How long did it take to braid that thing?

If you can't find an opponent online straightaway, you can turn on the fight request feature, which lets players challenge you to a battle while you're playing offline in Arcade mode. The performance of online battles against other players depends largely on your respective Internet connections. Matches are largely lag-free, though there are times when a bad connection causes the game to stutter significantly, making it tricky to compete. Disappointingly, there are no online leaderboards or tournaments. Though you do earn player points when you win battles, these are used to judge your skill level when you're being matched up with opponents. There is, however, a local player data section, where you can see statistics such as your total play time, your progress through Arcade mode, and the number of wins and losses you've had in versus battles. You also earn medals, which are like achievements, by completing tasks such as doing a special move 100 times or winning three matches in a row online.
You don't actually have to be playing to battle others, though, thanks to the 3DS' StreetPass feature. When your 3DS is in sleep mode, it automatically sends a figurine team of your choosing to battle other 3DS owners who have the feature turned on. It works much like a turn-based RPG battle, with each figurine's attributes such as their level, strength, and health points determining the outcome. How much you get out of StreetPass depends on how much interaction you have with other players, though if you do battle with people regularly, it's exciting to see your team grow stronger, and it's a nice diversion from regular fights. You're not stuck with a single set of figurines when you battle, though. You can trade with others or get new ones using your play coins, which are earned via the 3DS's pedometer. The more you walk, the more play coins you get. They can be traded in for figure points, which you can use to play a small minigame. A set of figurines spins around on the top screen, while a giant button appears on the bottom screen. Pushing the button stops the figurines from spinning and awards you with a new one for your collection. There are a lot to collect, all based on characters from within the game in various costumes and poses, which certainly extends the game's appeal if you're a completionist.

She wore a Raspberry Beret.

Whichever mode you're playing in, the visuals are extremely impressive. The familiar pseudo-cel-shaded character art returns, with thick black borders and splattered inkblots making each detailed combatant stand out from the background. Their animation is very smooth too, so each fight is a fluid and graceful experience that's heaps of fun. The backgrounds are less impressive, being largely static, but a variety of 3D models scattered across them add variety. Turning on 3D mode halves the frame rate from 60 frames per second to 30, but it's still eminently playable, and you're rewarded with a great 3D experience. Backgrounds stretch off into the distance, while fighters sit in front, and status bars hover over them, giving a feeling of depth. Ultra attacks benefit from 3D effects too, with explosions and fists flying out of the screen. A new 3D versus mode showcases the 3D effect even more with an angled over-the-shoulder view of your character. It's fun to play the first time, but soon its shortcomings become apparent. The angle makes it difficult to gauge how far away you are from your opponent and makes it tricky to know what direction you should be pushing on the D pad or circle pad to move your character. Serious fighters will most certainly want to stick to the standard view.
What's most impressive about Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition is how few compromises have been made to the core gameplay in its transition to the 3DS. From the fantastic visuals to the speed of combat, it's as great a fighting game as you'll find on a handheld, encompassing most of the features of the console versions. The lack of leaderboards and a tournament mode remains a mystery, but what matters most is that fighting remains fun and challenging. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned pro, Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition satisfies your fighting urges on the go, doing so with a level of style and depth that few fighting games can match.(Source )

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Posted in: Movies And Games

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D (Nintendo)

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D plays a great game of football but feels bare when it comes to features and game modes.

Good :

• Great controls and gameplay  
• Deep Master League mode  
• Well-presented Champions League mode. 

Bad : 

• No online features  
• Little variety in single-player game modes  
• Lack of official teams and up-to-date squads  
• Mundane commentary  
• No option to save replays.

While the Pro Evolution Soccer series retired from Nintendo's DS console a few years ago, Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D brings it back to a new Nintendo handheld along with brand-new 3D features. It's a decent first attempt--accurately capturing the gameplay that's made the series such a success--but there are some notable issues. The default over-the-shoulder view looks impressive in 3D but hinders your view of the action, but of greater concern is that there are some serious omissions when it comes to features and game modes. As a result, PES 2011 3D is a fair first step for the series on the 3DS, but one that could also improve in a lot of key ways.

Prepare to have balls flying at your face.

If you've played Pro Evo before, then you'll be right at home with this version of the game. You move your player using the circle pad or the D pad, you kick the ball using the four face buttons, and you perform tricks and sprints using the shoulder buttons. Where the 3DS version differs is in its use of the touch screen--you can customise your defensive and offensive options and then activate your saved tactics mid-game by tapping on the bottom screen. The radar is also displayed here, allowing the upper screen to show as much of the action as possible. It's a sensible and well-thought-out system that benefits from the dual-screen layout.
The other big change in this 3D version is the way you view the action by default--in the over-the-shoulder perspective that has previously been seen only in the series' Become a Legend mode. From a technical standpoint, this perspective looks impressive and adds a tangible sense of distance between you and the other players. However, the view also obscures a great deal of the action, particularly when you're defending, which makes it difficult to keep track of the ball. Move to the standard side-on view, and the impact of the 3D viewing is less impressive, but it's much easier to view all of the action.
Whichever perspective you choose, you can enjoy a good game of football. The gameplay holds up very well to the other versions of the game, which means it's exciting, thoughtful, and highly rewarding. The AI is challenging, the controls are precise, and the player animations are realistic, even down to Wayne Rooney's distinctive looks and Lionel Messi's dribbling prowess. The passing mechanic, where you combine power and direction to place the ball exactly where you want it to go, is particularly good, meaning you really feel in control of the flow of the game. Pro Evo also looks the part, with detailed players, impressive stadiums, and a solid frame rate in both 2D and 3D modes.
Unfortunately, PES 2011 3D isn't as comprehensive as other versions of the game when it comes to game modes. Champions League and Master League game modes are deep and rewarding, and should be enough to keep you going for some time. Single-player and two-player exhibition modes are also available for a quicker football fix. However, Become a Legend--a popular mode in other versions of the game, where you control an individual player through his career--is a particularly strange omission given that the 3DS version presents the action from this viewpoint by default. The lack of a training mode is also a bizarre oversight that makes getting into the game more difficult than it needs to be for beginners. Less problematic but still disappointing is the lack of Copa Libertadores, UEFA Super Cup, and UEFA Europa League.

The default over-the-shoulder view shows off the 3D effects but hinders your view of the action.

The multiplayer options are similarly disappointing. You can go head-to-head over a local wireless connection, but you can't share the game over download play, so you both need to have a cartridge to play. The lack of any online functionality is even more disappointing--it would be unrealistic to expect an Online Master League, but there's not even the most basic online head-to-head option. StreetPass functionality lets your Master League team automatically play against passers-by--if you win, your ranking increases and you unlock new players. It's a nice feature to have and offers another incentive to play through the Master League, but it's not enough to fill the gap left by online play.
The Pro Evolution Soccer series has always suffered in terms of presentation, and sadly, this version is no different. The menus are functional but barren, although the music selection is decent, from well-known bands such as The xx and Passion Pit. Audio commentary is provided by Jon Champion and Jim Beglin, but their banter isn't particularly witty or insightful. Some teams are officially licensed, such as the English Premier League teams Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, but the vast majority are not, so their team names have been altered for legal reasons. The game also fails to reflect the most recent squad updates, omitting the changes that occurred in the January transfer window. While there is the option to edit these details, there's no option to share your updated data with other people. An even larger omission is the option to save replays, even though you can view them after goals and at the end of the match.
Pro Evolution Soccer 3D plays a good game of football and offers enough content to keep you happy if you're going to be playing alone or with a friend locally. However, the lack of game modes means that there's not much variety, while the omission of any online mode severely limits its attraction if you like to play with friends remotely. And while the 3D effects are impressive, they're most effective in a viewing mode that hinders your view of the action. Fans of the series will enjoy playing this 3DS debut, but there's certainly a lot that could be improved.(Source )

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Posted in: Movies And Games