VICAR TAKES DOWN CRUCIFIXION SCULPTURE “BECAUSE IT’S A SCARY DEPICTION OF SUFFERING”.

A vicar has removed a sculpture of the crucifixion from the front of his church because it was a 'horrifying depiction of pain and suffering' that was scaring off worshippers.
Rev Ewen Souter said the traditional Christian symbol was frightening children and that it would be replaced with a modern, stainless steel cross.
Some of the congregation have reacted angrily to the decision, saying it is another blow to Christian tradition.

One long-standing member of the church, who asked not to be named, said: 'The crucifix is the oldest and most famous symbol of the Christian church.
'Pulling it down and putting up something that would look more at home on the side of a flashy modern shopping centre is not the way to get more bums on seats.
'Next they'll be ripping out the pews and putting sofas in their place, or throwing out all the Bibles and replacing them with laptops. It's just not right.'
Rev Souter said today: 'The crucifix expressed suffering, torment, pain and anguish. It was a scary image, particularly for children.
'Parents didn't want to walk past it with their kids, because they found it so horrifying.
'It wasn't a suitable image for the outside of a church wanting to welcome worshippers. In fact, it was a real put-off.
'We're all about hope, encouragement and the joy of the Christian faith. We want to communicate good news, not bad news, so we need a more uplifting and inspiring symbol than execution on a cross.'
The sculpture by Edward Bainbridge Copnall MBE, a former president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, was installed onto St John's Church in Horsham, West Sussex, in the Sixties.
It has now been removed and delivered to nearby Horsham Museum, where it will be displayed in its full glory.
Rev Souter, who has been vicar at St John's since 2001, believes the modern new cross - designed by artist Angela Godfrey - will present 'a positive message of hope' on the side of his church.
A spokesman at Horsham Museum said: 'Thanks to the generosity of St John's, we have been given the remarkable sculpture of Jesus on the Cross by Edward Bainbridge Copnall.
'The museum was keen to have the figure because it is a stunning example of Edward's ability and skill as a sculptor.'

SANDI TAKES DIVA DELICIOUS TO STUDIO 53

What started as a hobby from her mid teens is gradually becoming a viable venture worth millions of Ghanaian Cedis, a currency presently unfortunately tricky to come by. Aside becoming a million richer with an enviably fat bank account, she unconsciously puts food on the table for quite a number of families. With over hundred of ideas yet to be implemented, she plans on erecting an empire with her creativity. That was how I perceived this lady when I engaged her in a genial chat. She runs me through her life at this corner pub and restaurant next to the famous RE lane in the cosmopolitan Osu, where she described as her favorite hang out.

Sandi Owusu was dressed in a local print which perfectly revealed her size eight frame. A relatively big “virgin” pink hand bag will make her outfit complete. Sandi is the latest revelation in a fairly unpopular local industry, grabbing enormous attention that surpasses the very designers who inspired her curiosity at a younger age. The 23 year old Sandi is the youngest in her line of trade but boasts of bracing designs admired by people of all ages. She is wholly artistic and can best be referred to as a “creative brain”. With a wide range of creative products, her chic lady bags are in the majority. Her products are attractively woven and characterized by a perfect blend of alluring colours, accounting for her peculiarity among the host of other imaginative designers.

Sandi’s popularity goes beyond the shores of her place of birth just like her career triumph, now twice bigger then her rather minuscule body. Vigorously strengthening her brand, Sandi is taking her Diva Delicious to several platforms and the latest social network craze, facebook is no exception. Just a few weeks ago, she dazzled the entire continent with her unending sequence of inventiveness when hosted by arguably the continents most viewed television show. Anita and the studio 53 crew handed her a surprise visit after her enchanting products had caught the attention of the production team.

She goes ahead to introduce her Diva Delicious line which she claimed represented her identity and her lifetime dream. On the show, the model cum vibrant bag maker presents her world of creativity. The bags were of diverse shapes as well as designs. With her collections made of the finest Ghanaian straw material, her great sense of patriotism is revealed. Several of her hand bags come with colourfully arranged authentic glass beads and handles which give them that irresistible appeal. Sandi currently taps from the accessory market to make sure her target market is not limited.

Diva Delicious on studio 53 included images from the “weaving zone” where her creativity is initiated and implemented. Her finest local weavers looked vigilant but comfortable on the job. They exhibited the craftsmanship involved in producing the bags and other products. Fresh mother and interviewer Anita Erskine couldn’t hide her delight as she continually admired and handled the moderately priced bags and accessories. This is not strange at all, as her favorite viewers can judge by her ideal sense of fashion exhibited anytime she takes to the stage.
About the genesis of what is currently referred to as the “creative empire”, Sandi recollects the first bag she made and the responses that followed. “It was just a great moment and feeling for me then. I was quite younger and that was the least a lot of people expected from me. The initial one was for my personal use. My family liked it and some requested I did a similar thing for them. This was followed by some pals who continually requested for them. It was then that I realized I could go commercial with it. I did a bit of research and upon realizing how rewarding my effort would be, I went commercial with it”.

Sandi attributes her motivation to her Maker and appreciates the talent she has been blessed with. She acknowledges the importance of her family and friends who kept faith with her during her rough times. She further emphasizes her quest to depart from conventional methods of doing things as one of her open secrets. “Its feels good to hear someone say a great thing about your works but I have always challenged myself to do something new just to be unique. That has kept me going all this while as well as sustaining the interest in what I am doing.”

The final year student of the University of Ghana is set to wow the creative world with her tall list of unimplemented ideas. Though her products are scattered throughout the nation, she hopes to stock them in the most famous fashion joints from Johannesburg through Monaco to New York in the next five years. Check out Sandi’s Diva Delicious line of products the next time you walk into any fashion join. I assure you they are irresistible. Cheers!

BACK FROM BAHAMAS, JENNIFER TAKES HER READING CAMPAIGN TO THE CLASSROOM

It’s a perfect day devoid of the usual smoldering sun, but unlike many of my working mates, I am fervently incapable of screaming “Thank God It’s Friday!” my usually copious weekend scheduled interviews are about to begin. With my rather unusual executive outfit not matching my persona I found myself in the multi purpose Alisa Hotel. Here I was, sitting in a vitally positioned couch just by the bar and next to the reception desk. The Southern Wing looked quite empty aside the uniformed staff and the handful of clients having their brunch. Seated opposite me was a young lady whose beauty had continually created a “buzz” in my mind as we steadily stared at each other.
Though meeting her several occasions during my uni, never had her looks enthralled me until that day. She looked rather simple in a white tang top over a brown high waist skirt, a ideal colours blend that perfectly matched her relatively lighter skin. Her adorable physique brought memories of a famous book by super model Tyra Banks. In “Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out”, the once $30,000 per fashion show model dished out beauty tips as well as ways of maintaining an adorable stature. Jennifer Victoria Koranteng is this splendor and a perfect replica of the ideal lady Tyra described in her book.
Jennifer. a 23 year old Theatre Arts and Psychology graduate of the nation’s premier University on June 28 this year battled her way to be crowned Miss Universe Ghana. Not even the taut completion from Daphne and Suzana was enough to sway Jennifer from the ultimate, unlike in the Miss Ghana competition where she placed first runner up seasons back. After the exciting four categories of grueling task performance on the night, she involuntarily became GHs rep to the world competition in the tranquil ex British colony of Bahamas, which was held some few weeks ago.
My most exciting moment being a Ghanaian was the mid of August when the Miss World 2009 season kick started. My media friends then stationed in the Caribbean Islands continually flooded my facebook page with pictures of GH’s pride and others closely followed me with minute updates on my twitter page. These notices wouldn’t grad my attention until August 20, when Hollie Clemence, a British journalist pasted “Ms Jennifer Victoria Koranteng, Ghana’s representative at this year’s Miss Universe competition emerges a front runner” on my wall. After hastily going through my inbox, I became aware of Jennifer’s exploit in the competition.
Though not in the top fifteen, Ms Koranteng make a good showing in the Miss River Race as well as hitting the competitions most cherished Leader Board virtue her exceptional presentational skills and her added physical fitness. This formed the subject of our discussion when we met that Friday. William Bedzrah, a member of her management team would occasionally interrupt unleashing his untamed sense of humour on us. Looking very invigorated and bubbly, Jennifer would follow up with a chic joke which made the conversation more fascinating.

“I loved the Miss Race completion and it was absolute fun. I was very much interested in it and that could have resulted in my good showing in that completion. It was not easy anyway, getting into a completion with over eighty ladies on that high level. But I was very happy about it and it did bring out a thing in me. How better can it be described than fun, excitement, entertainment, or a great sport, lets say”. These were the beauty queen’s words relating to her performance in the Miss River Race segment of the completion.

According to Jennifer, she was convinced of a good showing and didn’t see herself as an add-up to the numbers. “I had this in mind but knew it was not going to be very easy. I was prepared to bring a change and sell the nation to the world. I knew what I was about and had the confidence it could be achieved the very moment I entered the place. I was noticed by the other ladies who had arrived before me. This even preceded the major events where I caught the attention of designers from several parts of the world”.

Ghana couldn’t make it to the final round but was perfectly sold leaving no doubts on the minds of the competition connoisseurs, who rooted Jennifer for the Leader Board achievement. Jennifer has her reservations and disagrees with the notion that pageants are just about nudity and wrongful exposures. “I think showing flesh in pageants is a way of showing once fitness and telling others to stay healthy. It is not wrong like certain people make it look because they don’t like it. It’s just about healthy lifestyle”.

Jennifer is about to begin her project which will target children in deprive communities. Her Reading Program will inculcate into children the habit of persistent reading. Her campaign will also include book donation as well as classroom work which she is passionate about. Jennifer says she is looking forward to building a career and being an advocate for abused women and destitute children.

OKOMFO KWADEE RETURNS WITH “MEA ME NIE”!!

After several years in the wilderness characterized by disingenuous speculations, one of Hip life’s kingpins over the weekend proved to his critics he remains a force to recon with. The much anticipated weekend concert attracted the desired numbers much to the admiration of the concert organizers. Aptly dubbed “Mea Me Nie”, it plainly highlighted the comeback of the “indigenous” musician.
Okomfo Kwadee is one celebrated GH artist with a chain of commercially successful albums. His series of hit tracks has over the years strengthened his brand and also cemented his strip as a general. Aside the concert announcing his return to the forefront of the GH musical genre, it harbingers his up coming album, an eight track album speculated to follow in similar triumphs like his previous albums.
Strategically, the concert’s supporting artists were kept as a secret giving the gig an enormous publicity. Kwadee’s very dramatic attitudes during interviews sparkled speculations of his mental soundness, a right recipe for the concert. The concert took off with a number of underground cats giving good account of themselves. One after the other, they fervently exhibiting their immaturity thought it didn’t prevent several people from applauding.
Mc for the night, established presenter Kofi Okyere Darko (K.O.D) had a great showing but was reduced to just brief speeches. The atmosphere inside the national theartre went electrifying when K.O.D in a thespian fashion announced the night’s celebrant with a horde of accolades. That was the show’s climax preceding a series of spectacular performances from the very best currently on the GH music scene.
The concert witnessed a record number of supporting artist on a single night’s gig. MAMA nominee and MTN ambassador, Samini who had come under public scrutiny for poor in recently had many people having a second thought of their judgment. He did put up a splendid performance receiving huge love from the audience. Okyeame Kwame, Obuor and the king of the street, Kwaw Kesse followed with excellent showing of showmanship.
A perfect blend of extreme emotional expressions coupled with exciting applauds best describes the reception Okomfo Kwadee received when he appeared on stage. The over three hours waiting for the ace act had soon become history. With no traces of rustiness, Kwadee relived his past glory with his classic. Song after song, he got the crown singing along until they totally make the songs theirs. This served as a teaser for his new album as he ended with a performance of the album’s title song, “Mea Me Nie”.

Ayigbe Edem, Asaase Aban, Pope Skinny, Madfish, Vyroz C-zar, Iwan and Ahenkwa the Calibious included the other GH artists who kept the crowd on their all night before Naija singer; Chinedu Okoli placed the icing on the cake. Chinedu also known as Flavour Nabania made sure the crowd had a real feel of his banging hit song “Ashawo”, which is currently enjoying gigantic rotations on GH radio.

OJ BLAK HERE TO STAY! THE BIGGIE BOY LOVER IS MORE THAN RICK ROSS

Named after the city, it is the only institution of higher education known to its inhabitants. Suncity University is the name that puts the conurbation on the educational map. An urban hip fashion is extremely palpable within the four corners of the uni- the guys belong to a jeans culture and the girls are of the “trouser” class. With quite a number of affable but grim lectures, student life is the type best describe as autonomous. Formation of “Gangs” is an open secret with their gossips habitually degenerating into scandals and confrontations.

Marlon Tee is a popular name known to all students, be it continuing or a freshman. Marlon isn’t the “ladies man” type but occasionally reaches out to the female species. Whenever he does, it certainly has to a first year. The outspoken gossip king is a man of circumstances; usually ending up on the wrong side of luck. His inability to sweet-talk amidst pick-up lines accounts for all failed attempts rather than his stout stature. Marlon brings the “juice box” to the most famous gang on campus.

That was his character in the then highly rated series on Ghana television, Suncity. This is a television series with a university environment as the set and producers pick stories from activities and occurrences on various Ghanaian uni campuses. Not long after high school, the funky but crazy “Akora” was introduced to the movie world after Deltrac media had given him his first shot at professional acting. From the lowest paid, he rose to become one of the highest paid just after a month of shooting.

Andy Alexander Nii Akrashie perfectly played that challenging character, Marlon Tee, winning several admires to the amazement of his critics. Just like a norm in GH, the show lost its shine and the character Marlon Tee began losing his appeal. Andy, known as “Gboon” to his high school peers return to the screens, this time with a new identity- his looks and trade had changed just like his personality. With a new name, he was set jack his lost shine.

OJ Blak had arrived, a new school breed musician ready to stamp his footprints on the latest music genre, GH rap. Apart from his lyrics and stage antics, he looks the exact replica of the ex Miami correctional officer turned rapper, Rick Ross. His stature, lyrical delivery and designed beard are no different from the “hustler” Hip Hop artist. OJ is quite unique from several “commercial” cats and his lyrics depict real life experiences from urban slums to properly planned neighbourhoods.

Unlike underground artists, OJ received oodles of attention from the very first week his first single was released. A second single brought quite a substantial airplay which ended OJ in the interviewee seats of several of the nation’s finest music inclined media houses, from radio to television. Within a matter of “moons”, he has rocked several show and shared the same stage with the most illustrious artists within his genre. To say a showstopper is rather an understatement, he continually brings the fun to this audience.

He is done cooking his first ever album and scheduled to launch it in a grand style somewhere in the Accra. His first single, “Biggie Boy Lover” will be the title of the twelve track album. The song is a combination of a fantastic beats over passionate lyrics. In the track, OJ narrates how he is lovely received by ladies wherever he sets his foot. He is more of a crooner here and his flow is intertwined with love, affection and romance.

Another track on the album is expected to create a buzz within the music world and set to bridge generational gap. “Charlewote” is a track chronicling certain actions of men whether the age might be. 4X4’s Captain Planet is featured on the track adding a different twist to it. It is a masterpiece set to be received perfectly by all music lovers.

Looking very relaxed in his seat, the Biggie Boy lover revealed his motivation and the rational behind his codename. “I have lived as different characters growing up so I have an idea of how many people feel and approach issues. Though I never met him, my grandpa is said to be a great composer and his works highly valued. So I can say it is something innate. I am Biggie Boy Lover not because of my size but I am a real big boy, I mean big shot! I have the Big Boy status in what I am doing, from the screens into the studio!”

OJ will deny speculations that he is walking in the fame of Lynx kingpin Asem, but rather clarifies his status as the first artist of Lynx. “Lynx is a team, family and we all form Lynx. I am the first artist of lynx but volunteered to become the PR just to see the label grow. Richie was very young at then and some of us had to do more just to see the foundation properly built. Asem came along and it was a success. Now I am switching to do what I have intended from the initial stages, this is music”.

On his recognition as GH’s answer to Americas Rick Ross, OJ was very brief but brought out his great sense of humour. “This is GH and people will give priority to things perceived as foreign. I had this looks from the year 2000 when no one knew Rick Ross. Now he is famous, people say I am picking it from him and why not the other way round? That is cool with me but I assure everybody I am more than Rick Ross”.

He entreats every music lover to grab his album when it hits stores in the second week of October. Till then the Biggie Boy Lover says he won’t disappoint just like he did in Suncity.

DO OUR CELEBRITIES HAVE ANY INTERGRITY – THEY SHOULD BE TOLD OFF!

The last time I checked, any renowned person can best be described as a celebrity, a word which traces its origin to the Old French and Latin languages. Personalities like Opray Winfrey and Bruce Springsteen are perfect examples of people within this group. Persons of such caliber don’t only become public figures but also icons. They are voluntarily handed the duties of roles of models irrespective of their possession of such qualities. Public figures suddenly become mentors influencing several lives and ought to be mindful of their actions and inactions.
Current events involving some eminent personalities have left me doubting the veracity of such persons as I contemplate whether the respect accorded them is necessary. Currently on my annual holidaying, I have closely followed the American media becoming a fan of several pressmen from radio to television. American media is quick to create the hype around personalities sometimes sharing in their successes. Should there be any debacle involving such persons, trust the very same media to rather ridicule than protect them. These networks will go ahead to shamefully seclude such individuals from their networks, being politician, musician or a mogul.
This is no calculated attempt to scorn any personality but rather a heartfelt reaction to the vulgar behavior of persons I have respected and admired from the very first day I got deep knowledge on them. Truth be told, their actions though uncivilized were not necessary. Congress man Addison Graves Wilson, Sr. commonly known as Joe Wilson is the first of my victims. The Republican politician representing the state of South Carolina became the point of attraction when he heckled most “powerful” man on earth.
Joe Wilson shocked many observers Wednesday night when he shouted, "You lie!" after President Obama denied that health care legislation would provide free coverage for illegal immigrants. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi became bemused as her facial expression evidently depicted that. It becomes more irritating when you imagine the congressman’s voice being heard by every single person present at the time. This is unprecedented and highly unacceptable as expressed by other Republican politicians. Aside being a disrespectful act, it awakens the issue of racial abuse in a country supposed to champion democracy.

As expected, Joe Wilson has apologized but what becomes the legacy he is leaving for younger and upcoming politicians. John McCain, presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the last election didn’t spare Joe just like the media who totally demonized him. With the Mr. President accepting his apology, is the damage done to the Presidency fixed?

In the sporting world, emotions usually run awfully wild and any avid sports fan will testify to this. The ability to keep once composure in handling such sentiments shows the level the fellow’s maturity. This will certainly be recognized as the very first victory especially in major sporting events. However, being able to control your emotions alone is a victory in itself. Tennis Superstar and twin sister, Serena Williams who I personally rank as currently the best female world player lost a highly competitive match in the just ended US Open championship. This was the semi final game with Kim Clistjers and the American ended the game with a malicious drama.

Serena slammed and broke her racket after losing the very first set of the game. This will rather propound a terrible set when she was penalized on a match point. Until the linewoman had indicated a foot fault (stepping over the line) Serena looked ideal to get the set in her direction. She did verbally abuse the lineswoman openly employing swear and curse language. I thought tennis was a sports and not a battle. So couldn’t this have been avoided? Are the younger tennis players not likely to act the same way in the new future?
Last Sunday’s VMAs would have been described as the best in recent years except for this young man whose influence is big enough to unofficially send G-Unit kingpin, 50 Cent into retirement. Though known for similar behavior in the past. Kanye reiterated to the music world he is yet to outgrow his childish attitude. Mr. West has overtime been reported to throw tantrums anytime he fails to win an award he is nominated for. At the VMA's he staggered little country singer Taylor Swift with yet another irresponsible behavior. As the 19 year old gave her acceptance speech for winning the best female video award, Mr. West walked onto the stage just to interrupt her speech. He took the mic from her and claimed Beyonce’s nominated video should have come up as winner.
Kenya in a dramatic fashion apologized to the youngster who had been devastated after his discourteous action. The least I expected was Jay Z’s jumping to the defense of support Kenya insisting Mr. West only expressed hi sfeelings and never killed anyone. So what signals are these role models sending to the younger generation and the millions of people who will pay any price just to own a product from these people. They need to be told off!

RAS WAYOE SAYS IT ALL- A FAILED STRATEGY, RELATIONSHIP BUT POLITICAL DREAMS!

Being a reporter and a journalist for that matter is not only about presenting a viewpoint, but rather collating and transmitting facts. Can you imagine seeing a reporter supposed to be flawlessly informed exhibiting his/her ignorance shamelessly on a subject matter? One will wonder how perfectly s/he manages to educate the listeners or viewers. This was the exact situation when two female reporters decided to “crucify” ill-fated Ras Wayoe at a press conference last Friday when they barely knew a thing about the BBA competition.

The dream of several newsmen in this country is not only to grab unending awards but also to gain the fame of treasured journalists including Americas Jon Steward. This they openly admit without fear or grope at any opportune time. What seems anonymous to them is the knotty journey their idols embarked to get to the apex of their careers. Should they know this, it becomes obvious most of them will become Ghana’s Aziz Zakari in their race to reach their career destination.

George Tetteh Wayoe had suddenly become a public property thanks to Big Brother Africa. The law student had incurred the wrath of the entire nation for what is speculated as his bad showing and subsequent eviction from the house just after a week. Ironically, most of his critics don’t possess his level of courage that saw him through the auditions not to talk of his level of acumen that sees him surviving his legal studies.

The GH rep at the Revolution was presented to the press just after hours of touching down on home soil. Originally planned for a day earlier, the change became necessitated due to snags surrounding his flight back to Accra. Ras Wayoe walked into the Bouquet hall of the lavish Holiday In hotel with no precursor of disappointment. His relatively small but round face beamed with smiles with a hand bag hanging on his shoulder and a staff in one hand.

The press conference was quite brief with PR for Muiltichoice Anne Sackey, serving as the coordinator for the event. After introducing him, the interaction with the press began with Wayoe taking endless questions. It was at this point those female reporters from two respected television networks daringly humiliated themselves. To be noticed, the lady from the “metropolitan station” inquired if Wayoe had resided out of GH prior to his selection like his predecessors. She asked if that formed criteria for selection.

Upon correction, she would further taint her credibility by arguing her gaffe based on hearsay rather than thanking her media colleagues for their generosity. This lady had earlier caused a five minute stoppage of the program for her supposed cameraman’s shooting difficulty due to bad positioning of Anne and Wayoe. She had arrived over an hour late and that action left qualms about her “journalistic style”. The least said about the other lady from the Kanda based television station, the better. To talk unnecessarily sometimes makes one to become a nuisance.

During the interaction, Ras Wayoe admitted failing with his erroneous first week game strategy. He further responded to his usage of the Jamaican lingua. “I am a true Jah Boy and I want to be seen as such. The Big Brother House is about being authentic and real. When you see me on the streets, I am a Rasta and will speak as such. I am a true Ras and not the fashion type. So I was being myself in the house with the Rasta language. And look, people are now speaking it since my eviction”. Wayoe can be pardoned after confessing not being an ardent fan of BBA. Kwaku Tee had his American accent raising doubts about him in the house two seasons ago.

The father of two confirmed his earlier statements in the Big Brother House related to his political aspirations after graduating his LLB degree. He followed it up with reasons for the botched relationship with his babies’ mama. “This is true and I will be a politician with my dread logs on. There is no part of the constitution that says you can’t be a political figure when you have dread logs. Within every generation, there is a revolution and I will bring about this change in my time.

I was a young man trying to make it in life with the likes of Black Rasta. I was doing a thing on radio and had to work my way onto the payroll of Multimedia. This was taking quite longer than my lady expected. Her family had their reservations about me and advised her to move away from me. I can attribute it to my status then, I was broke so I lost my lady and relationship”.

Wayoe claimed to have developed twelve strategies to be used as the competition progressed and regrets not combining all twelve from his very first day in the house. “This is the time my strategies would have worked perfectly. I had a swimming strategy which would have placed me ahead of the others as the female housemates joins in the competition. I should have used all twelve, a bit of each from the very first day”.

Described by most as a “humble lion”, the fervent follower of the conquering lion tribal of Judah was grateful to the BBA team that selected him to represent the over twenty million populated West African nation, describing the opportunity as a blessed and most wonderful one. Whenever you see the Tarkoradi based Ras Wayoe in town, drop him a congratulatory message rather than callous criticisms.