Michelle Obama’s $6,800 Jacket Has Critics Grumbling

First lady Michelle Obama looked fit for a queen when she attended an Olympics reception at Buckingham Palace on July 27, and some critics are complaining that her silver embroidered jacket cost a king's ransom. Although not yet in stores, the white, capped sleeved number by J. Mendel lists for $6,800.

"The jacket cost more than the average American family makes in a month ($4,284)," kvetched the conservative blog thegatewaypundit.com. "And, she does this as Americans continue to suffer through a deep recession and record unemployment.

Since she first hit the campaign trail with her husband, Michelle Obama has been an international style icon and has appeared on numerous "best dressed lists." Defender Robert Verdi, a celebrity stylist, shot back to the NY Daily News, "She isn't just wearing a $6,800 jacket--she's supporting the commerce of the nation." He added that "It's not wasteful, it's inspiring: it's a New York company-selling a product made in the US…and it helps the tailor and the little dry cleaner on the corner stay in business."

Well whqat do you think?

Gunmen Attack Family Home Of Vice President

Suspected militants have attacked the family home of the Vice President of Nigeria Alh.Namadi Sambo on Baba Ahmed Road in  Tudun Wada area of Zaria, Kaduna state. Eyewitnesses reported that gunmen drove by the house and shot at two policemen guarding the house.
The policemen reportedly survived the attack. The gunmen fled the scene after the attack.

Teju Babyface's set to wed Model girlfriend

The proposal

Teju BabyFace popped the question to his model girlfriend, Tobi Banjoko in Feburary. The couple began dating a few months ago, but have known each other a very long time.

Tobi, who won the Lagos Carnival beauty pageant in 2010, is an undergraduate at Lagos State University (LASU). She also represented Ondo State at the 2011 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant, where she emerged as Miss Photogenic.

Sources say Teju called Tobi on Valentine’s Day to meet him at the Southern Sun hotel, Ikoyi Lagos. As Tobi made her way into one of the rooms, she was surprised to see that Teju had decorated it with red roses; he then popped the big question, and of course she said yes.

The Wedding Date
The comedian and his fiancee Tobi Banjoko are set to walk down the aisle on the 1st of September,2012.

Congrats to them!

Redgrave was disappointed not to light Olympic flame

Come on Redgrave,don't be like that!

Sir Steve Redgrave has said he was disappointed not to have been asked to light the Olympic flame at the opening ceremony.

Former rower Redgrave, who won gold medals at five consecutive Games from 1984-2000, was widely tipped as the favourite to do so ahead of Friday night's extravaganza.
Organisers had kept the identity of the final person to carry the torch and light the cauldron secret. That led to speculation that Redgrave or gold medal-winning decathlete Daley Thompson - the favoured choice of LOCOG chairman Lord Coe - would have the honour.

Redgrave carried the torch into the Olympic Stadium - but then handed it over to seven young athletes, chosen by Olympic legends including himself and Thompson, who had the ultimate honour.

London 2012 Olympics: honour of lighting Olympic flame handed to Britain's 'next generation'

Seven young athletes representing Britain's hopes for the future have lit the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony of the London Games.

British Olympic hero Steve Redgrave carried the torch into the stadium - its final stop after a journey around the country. The five-time rowing gold medalist handed it over to the teenagers, who ignited copper "petals" on the ground.

The fire spread in a circle and the petals converged to form a large cauldron in the sky.

Prior to the lighting, The Queen opened the Games for the second time in her 60-year reign, launching the global event during a spectacular ceremony that lived up to its billing.

Director Danny Boyle's £27 million production kicked-off London 2012 with imagination, style and a very British sense of humour.

But surprisingly there was a show-stealing performance by the Queen at its heart.

The Queen began the greatest sporting show on earth by telling the world: "I declare open the Games of London, celebrating the 30th Olympiad of the modern era"

But the Queen's formal contribution to the night was eclipsed by her entrance to the stadium which was heralded in dramatic style - with pre-recorded film footage showing "James Bond" and "the Queen" apparently skydiving into the stadium.

In the images 007, played by Daniel Craig, was first shown walking into Buckingham Palace surrounded by corgis to pick-up the Queen, who was sitting at her writing desk.

She greeted him with the words "Good evening, Mr Bond", then the pair apparently boarded a helicopter which flew across London to the stadium.

They parachuted down to the ground, but at the last moment - and in real-time - the Queen appeared in the arena to take her seat to cheers and applause.

In the run-up to the show. Boyle said: "The Queen made herself more accessible then ever before."

The Queen is known for her sharp sense of humour and probably relished the chance to remain true to her office - regal and stately - yet send herself up.

It was a rare public glimpse of the private woman, who regularly uses a joke to put nervous guests at ease.

London 2012 is the first Olympics she has attended on home soil.

Then Princess Elizabeth she did not attend the opening ceremony nor the rest of the 1948 Games as she was almost sixmonths pregnant with the Prince of Wales at the time.

As Canada's head of state, the Queen opened the 1976 Games in Montreal where her daughter the Princess Royal was an equestrian competitor.

At London 2012 her grand daughter Zara Phillips, Anne's daughter, will compete in the same event.

Culled: The Telegraph

Facebook shares fall

Facebook shares fell 11% in after-hours trade after it reported its first results since its flotation in May.

The results were slightly ahead of analysts' expectations. Second quarter revenues rose 32% to $1.18bn (£751m) and it reported a $157m loss.

But concerns remain Facebook is yet to work out how to make money from people using the site on mobile devices.

The loss was due to having to make payments to early investors, including chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.

"We're disappointed about how the stock is traded but the important thing for us is to stay focused on the fact that we're the same company now as we were before," Facebook's chief financial officer David Ebersman told an analyst call.

Shervin Pishevar, managing director of Menlo Ventures, and a Facebook shareholder, told the BBC that he was not worried about Thursday's share price fall.

Given the extraordinary hype in the run-up to an IPO that valued the social network at more than $100bn, it is perhaps not surprising that revenues rose. Businesses that had never thought of advertising on Facebook must have been inspired to give it a try.

Investors will also be pleased to see user numbers heading closer to one billion, though with evidence of a rash of fake Facebook profiles there will be questions about how reliable these numbers are.

The bubble of excitement that inflated in the run-up to the IPO has burst, and it may take many more quarters of sustained revenue growth to convince the sceptics that this is really a $100bn business.
"I don't think there's any kind of predictions you can make in the short term. We take a very long term view [and] all of the numbers are incredibly exciting," he said.



Culled: BBC News

The Olympic story

The Rings

The Olympic Rings are five interlocking rings that stand for the five original continents, (Africa, America, Asia, Australia, and Europe) and the athletes from around the world.

The colours of the rings are blue, yellow, black, green, and red respectively. They were chosen because at least one of these colours is found on the flag of every nation.

The Flag

On the Olympic flag, the rings appear on a white background.

At the Olympic Games, the flag is brought into the stadium during the opening ceremony. After its arrival, the flag is hoisted up the flagpole. It must fly in the stadium during the whole of the Games. When the flag is lowered at the closing ceremony, it signals the end of the Games.

Motto

The motto of th Olympic Games is "Swifter, Higher, Stronger". These three words encourage the athlete to give his or her best during competition, and to view this effort as a victory in itself.

To better understand the motto, we can compare it with the following well-known phrase :

The most important thing is not to win but to take part !

The Flame

The Olympic flame is one of the best-known features of the Games.

From the moment the flame is lit to the moment it goes out, a very precise ritual is laid down :

The lighting
In memory of the Olympic Games’ origins, the flame is lit in Olympia, Greece, some months before the opening of the Games. The Olympic flame can only be lit by the sun’s rays.

The relay route
Thr torch is carried by relay from Olympia to the host city of the Games.

Arrival at the stadium
The day of the opening of the Games, the flame enters the stadium. With the lighting of the cauldron by the last relay runner the flame is transferred from the torch to the place where it will continue to burn for the entire length of the Games. The flame is extinguished on the final day of the Games at the closing ceremony.

Baba Ijesha marries*it's not a joke*

Popular Yoruba comic actor, Lanre Omiyinka well known as Baba Ijesha has finally married his Samsung 'big girl' girlfriend.

The actor performed his quiet and secret wedding today, Saturday, July 14, 2012 at an event place in Somolu, Lagos. The event was attended by family and friends of the new couple.

Mother’s Hug Brought Newborn Out of Coma

It's a parent's worst nightmare. Baby Adam was born a healthy 7 lbs 3 oz, but the next day he began to have violent seizures. "His entire body started to shut down," his mother Charlotte Cheshire tells the Telegraph UK. "He was blue and shaking with convulsions." Soon, the newborn slipped into a coma. Doctors advised his parents to say goodbye, but now, a little more than year later, he's taking his first steps.


Baby Adam had contracted meningitis caused by Group B streptococcal septicemia (GBS), a disease that often goes undetected in pregnant women and can be passed to newborns during labor or delivery. If babies survive the infection, they can be left with serious disabilities including vision and hearing loss and cerebral palsy.

Doctors prepared the family for the worst and a midwife said they should take final photographs. While their child struggled on life support, Charlotte Cheshire and her husband Chris were only able to stroke his arm or leg. "I'll never forget how I felt looking into that incubator for the first time," recalls mom. "He had more wires attached to his tiny body than I have ever seen."

Charlotte and Adam todayFinally, a week after he was born, mom was allowed to hold him close against her skin. The baby blinked eyes open for the first time since becoming sick. "The moment he opened his eyes was incredible," says mom. "I knew that if he was waking up, he would survive." Adds dad, "Adam is our miracle. He just refused to give up."

Despite having suffered a full pelvic split during labor (where the bones of the pelvis separate) and being in great pain herself, for the next three days, Charlotte Cheshire sat holding Adam in her arms for 12 hours a day. "Kangaroo care," or close skin-to-skin contact with a parent, can help regulate babies' breathing and temperature. There have been other documented cases in which a seemingly lifeless baby has been revived by a mother's embrace. After three weeks in the neonatal unit, an MRI showed that Adam's brain injury had healed and he was allowed to go home.

An estimated 25% of women carry GBS and about 8,000 babies a year in the United States contract the disease. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all pregnant women get a simple swab test between 35 and 37 weeks. If they are carriers, antibiotics administered during labor will stop the infection from being passed to their baby. "By sharing my story," says Cheshire, "I hope more women know about GBS and can therefore prevent going through experiences like ours."

Oil subsidy fraud: Akintola Williams’ director, 19 others for trial

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission yesterday said a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency(PPPRA), Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer,  a director with Akintola Williams Deliote accounting firm,   Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele  and 18 others for trial in connection with alleged fuel subsidy fraud of N13, 403,504,083billion.

The suspects will face trial for purportedly importing about 237million litres of petroleum products which the anti-graft commission could not trace.

According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the affected suspects will face trial in Lagos courts.

The commission said the 20 suspects belong to the first batch of 140 individuals and organizations being investigated over fuel subsidy scam.

A breakdown of the suspects showed that seven companies and 13 individuals are involved.

The statement said:  “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has concluded arrangements to prosecute the first batch of 18 suspects implicated in the oil subsidy fraud. The suspects, comprising six oil companies and 11 individuals, will be docked in Lagos courts.

“The companies involved are: Nasaman Oil Services; Eternal Oil and Gas Plc; Ontario Oil & Gas Plc; Nadabo Energy Limited; Pacific Silver Line Limited, Axenergy Limited and Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited.

 “The 12 individuals involved in the scam are: Mamman Nasir Ali; Christian Taylor; Mahmud Tukur; Ochonogor Alex; Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele; Abubakar Ali Peters; Jude Agube Abalaka,  Abdulahi Alao and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo.

“Ezekiel Olaleye Ejidele is director of the accounting firm, Akintola Williams Deliote while Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer is a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency, PPPRA.”

Out of the suspects, the EFCC said Abdulahi Alao will face double trial, making the number of suspects to be 20.

But Alao will however be docked in another separate charge.

The statement gave the details of findings against the suspects, especially how they purportedly imported over 237million litres of petroleum products and benefited from fuel subsidy.

  “Nasaman Oil Services; Mamman Nasir and Christian Taylor are to face charges bordering on obtaining N4, 460, 130, 797. 94billion from the Federal Government of Nigeria under false pretence.

“The sum is alleged to have been fraudulently obtained as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 30.5million litres of Premium Motor Spirit from SEATAC Petroleum Limited of British Virgin Islands .

“In the same vein, the anti-graft agency will equally prosecute Abdulahi Alao and Axenergy Limited for allegedly obtaining the sum of N2, 640, 141, 707.75billion  being payments received from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 33.3 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

  “Others include Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex; Abdulahi Alao and Eternal Oil And Gas Plc who will be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 899, 238, 946. 02billion from the Petroleum support Fund for a purported importation of 80.3million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

“Also, Nadabo Energy Limited, Abubakar Ali Peters, Jude Agube Abalaka and Pacific Silver Line Limited are to be prosecuted for allegedly obtaining the sum of N1, 464, 961, 978.24billion being payments fraudulently received from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 19.4million litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

“Walter Wagbatsoma; Adaoha Ugo -Ngadi; Fakuade Babafemi Ebenezer; Ezekiel   Olaleye Ejidele and Ontario Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited will be arraigned for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N1, 959, 377, 542, .63billion from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 39.2 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

“Lastly, Fago Petroleum and Gas Limited and Oluwaseun Ogunbanbo are to be docked for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N979,653,110.20million from the Petroleum Support Fund for a purported importation of 33, 627, 84 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.”

The EFCC assured that more suspects will be arraigned periodically.

The statement added: “The 20 suspects are among the over 140 individuals and organisations involved in the on- going investigations into the subsidy payments by the EFCC.

“More suspects will be arraigned periodically as the investigation progresses.

“This investigation is massive and extensive; and the Commission wishes to reassure Nigerians that every effort will be made to bring all those who defrauded the country in the guise of subsidy for imported fuel to book. "

Culled: The Nation

The cheesiest pick-up lines of all time

In a survey taken across a range of age groups, geographical borders and lifestyles, we have compiled the top 10 worst pick-up lines that have sullied the ears of singles everywhere:

1. “What’s your sign?” The epitome of cheese, this line — which has been around at least since the Beatles came to America, though some researchers say it could be almost 2,000 years old — ranks as the very worst line in dating history. The fact that it’s still in use says a lot about the decay of our society’s standards and the glaring desperation of some singles.

2. “Pardon me, I seem to have lost my phone number, can I borrow yours?” Maybe this was funny around 1910 or 1915 — back when the telephone was a novel appliance. It does not inspire smiles now, only scared and doomed looks.

3. “You must be a broom because you’re sweeping me off my feet.” Maybe your dad used this one on your mom and for nostalgia’s sake, you’re bringing it out again. Nostalgia does not get you dates, though, only pity. “I actually had a guy say this to me during happy hour,” says Kim, a vivacious flight attendant who hears more than her share of clichéd pick-up lines. “I didn’t hold it against him because I don’t know how much he’d had to drink and he was cute. But if he hadn’t been cute, I would have dodged him.”

4. “Do you have a license? Because you’re driving me crazy.” Caution! Watching too many stupid teen movies impairs your judgment. This probably sounded clever to the person who swiped it from a 1960s beach-party flick.

5. “I gotta thirst, and baby, you look like my Gatorade.” Generally, comparing potential dates to food or drinks is not a winning move. “I had a guy use this one on me and I rolled my eyes and walked way,” says Susan, a marketing representative who doesn’t usually go for lines. “But a couple of weeks later, I saw this hot guy at the gym and I used that same line... and itworked!I guess there are gender preferences when it comes to lines. He was really flattered, where I was insulted when it was used on me.” And Susan's right; research published in the journalPersonality and Individual Differenceshas borne out that women approaching men directly usinganyopening line are more likely to get a positive response than using nonverbal flirting cues alone.

6. “Are you lost? Because heaven’s a long way from here.” Maybe angels like this one, but real women don’t .

7. “Are you religious? Because you’re the answer to all my prayers.” Prayer is something that anyone who uses this tacky line desperately needs.

8. “Can I take your picture? I want Santa to know exactly what I want for Christmas this year.” This line is popular with both men and women who think references to Santa are cute and charming, which are qualities that they never possess personally. After all, what if the person in question happens to be Jewish?

9. “Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?” “A stunning woman I had been staring at used this on me,” says Mark, a tawny-haired, gregarious tcopywriter. “I know it’s an old one but it took guts to say it. I’m afraid I happily fell for it.”

10. “Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?” A personal favorite, this one takes a certain amount of arrogance — as well as delusion — to pull off. Who wouldn’t wish for a more honest come-on?

Article courtesy of Happen magazine

Ghanaian President John Atta Mills Is Dead

Ghana’s President John Atta Mills, who was most recently treated in the U.S. for an unspecified condition, has reportedly passed away. His replacement will be sworn in Tonight. 
 
Questions about the President’s health had been swirling for almost a year. Regarding his frequent visits to U.S. hospitals – 3 this year alone - President Mills replied: ‘’I am going for a medical checkup. I go there to ensure everything is okay. I am going to see my doctors for some examination then I will come back and continue my work of building a Better Ghana.’’
 
His death reportedly occurred at the 37 Military hospital in Accra. 
 
Prof John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills was born on July 21, 1944 and was 68 years old at the time of his passing.
 
He was the third and current President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana and was inaugurated on Jan. 7, 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election.
 
He was last seen in Ghana on June 3 when he toured the plane crash site at Accra. The President was reported to be crestfallen for seeing the crash site. Critics however said he was looking poorly because he was dragged to that site when he was not feeling well.
 
He was expected to visit Nigeria in August for a one-day working visit with President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss the recent foreign retail trade brouhaha. Vice President John Dramani Mahama is expected to fill the executive’s functions in the interim.
 
In apparent anticipation of a long period of incapacitation, the President had written to the members of Parliament with his last wishes. His letter, read today, to the MPs said: “In accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution of Ghana, I write to inform you that I shall be away in the US from Saturday, 16 June to Monday 25 June, 2012 for a routine medical check-up.
 
“During my absence the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, shall in accordance with Article 60 (8) of the Constitution act in my stead. Kindly accept, Right Honourable the assurances of my highest consideration".
No plans have been announced as yet for his burial.

Culled: Sahara Reporters

Tuface visits BigbrotherAfrica Housemates

The housemates in the ongoing reality show,bigbrother Africa couldn't believe their eyes when the ace musician Tuface Idibia walked in from the store chanting his usual"wetin dey happen". The little princess Janette couldn't help but jump at him.

Tuface is an ambassador with ONE,an organization that encourages the government and other organizations to fund agriculture. It has become expedient to promote agriculture in order to eradicate poverty in some rural areas of Africa.

Tuface explained the course of the organization and stressed the fact that farming should be made cool and popular amongst youths.

The housemates were really pleased with his visit.

Goldie is back in Town.

Goldie Arrived Nigeria After BBA Eviction on the 19th July,2012.

The singer arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at around 8 p.m. aboard South African Airways.

She was received by some officials of Multichoice as well as Kenny Ogungbe, CEO, Kennis Music(a label on which Goldie is signed as a recording artist) and Denrele Edun(a popular VJ with Channel O).

Sporting her traditional gold-blonde hair, four-inch platform heels and a dark sunglass, Goldie was devoid of her teary mien (all through her 70 days in the MNet-sponsored television reality show), she looked relaxed as she responded to cheers by fans who hailed her as she walked into the main arrival.

US massacre suspect in court

James Holmes may be charged with First Degree Murder. He looks like a lost puppy if you ask me. Some serious Demon must have possessed his soul. Smh

Little is Much

The boy in this award winning picture should be an example to us all. This is one of the simplest and noblest act of kindness I have ever seen.He was on his way home from school,upon passing some beggars sitted by the roadside,he noticed the bottle infront of one of the beggars was empty. He looked at his pink lunch basket and realised he still had water in his waterbottle. He dropped his basket picked up his bottle and went over to fill the beggars bottle carefully.

This picture represents a thousand words of kindness and shows us that you can start by giving what you have no matter how little.

At least 14 killed in US Batman cinema shooting

A shooting at a screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" at a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado early today has left at least 14 people dead and at least 50 people injured, authorities confirmed.
Police now have apprehended a suspect who has been described as an adult male and have recovered a gun after the shooting at approximately 12:30 am at the Century 16 Movie Theaters at the Aurora Town Center in the Denver suburb.
Witnesses said that the man appeared at the front of the theater with a rifle, handgun and gas mask. Witnesses said that he then threw a canister that released some kind of gas, after which a hissing sound ensued. The gunman then opened fire on the crowd packed into the early morning screening of the film, according to people in the theater at the time.
An explosive device was also found inside the theater. Police are unsure of whether the device, which investigators are calling a bomb, was already in place or whether it was thrown into the crowd.
Ambulances rushed to the scene as audience members fled the theater. Aurora's police chief said that he cannot elaborate on women or children injured or dead in the shooting.
Once apprehended the gunman told authorities that there were explosives in his North Aurora, Colo. residence. Investigators rushed to the apartment complex, which was quickly evacuated and now under lock down.
Though police have said that they believe the shooter was acting alone, they are now taking precautions and checking all cars in the parking lot and clearing near the theater.
There is believed to be no connection to Islamic terrorism, per a senior official monitoring the situation in Washington. Investigators are now interviewing friends and associates of the suspect to get a sense of the man's background.

Culled: Goodmorning America

Ramadan 2012 Begins

Ramadan in 2012 will start on Friday, the 20th of July and will continue for 30 days until Saturday, the 18th of August.

Based on sightability in North America, in 2012 Ramadan will start in North America a day later - on Saturday, the 21st of July.

Note that in the Muslim calander, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Ramadan on the sunset of Thursday, the 19th of July.

Although Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Ramadan moves in the Gregorian calendar approximately 11 days every year. The date of Ramadan may also vary from country to country depending on whether the moon has been sighted or not.

The dates provided here are based on the dates adopted by the Fiqh Council of North America for the celebration of Ramadan. Note that these dates are based on astronomical calculations to affirm each date, and not on the actual sighting of the moon with the naked eyes. This approach is accepted by many, but is still being hotly debated.

U.S prays for Rain

The most expansive U.S. drought in more than a half century grew more dire in the farming states of the Midwest and High Plains this week, wilting corn and soybean crops and sapping already-damaged yield potential, climate experts said Thursday.

More than 70 percent of the nine-state Midwest was in some stage of drought in the week ended July 17, up from 63 percent the prior week, according to the Drought Monitor, a weekly report on drought throughout the country compiled by climate experts.

Half of the Midwest, which produces about 75 percent of the corn and soybeans grown in the United States, was in severe to exceptional drought, up from about a third of the region a week earlier, the Drought Monitor reported.

"Another week of hot and dry weather continued the deterioration of crop conditions in America's breadbasket," said Richard Heim of the National Climatic Data Center.

Severe drought expanded to encompass nearly 59 percent of Iowa, the top corn and soybean state, up from about 13 percent the previous week.

Ninety-five percent of No. 2 corn and soy state Illinois was in severe drought or worse, up from about 66 percent a week ago.

Drought also tightened its grip on the High Plains, with 68 percent of the six-state region in severe drought or worse, up from 56 percent the prior week, the Drought Monitor showed.

Nearly 64 percent of Kansas was in extreme to exceptional drought as of Tuesday, up from 28 percent the previous week.

Conditions in Nebraska also worsened, with 75 percent of the state in severe drought or worse, up from 55 percent the week before.

Meteorologists are calling it the worst drought since 1956.

Culled: Reuters

Sofia Vergara tops the list of the best paid actresses on television

Forbes cover girl Sofia Vergara is on top of the world.

The Colombian actress just turned 40 and celebrated with a lavish week-long getaway in Mexico where it’s rumored she became engaged to longtime beau Nick Loeb. Professionally speaking, her ABC hit, Modern Family, is averaging 12 million viewers in its third season, a slew of endorsement and licensing deals keep paychecks fat and LatinWE, the media company she cofounded in 1996, just had a top-earning year with $27 million in revenues. We estimate Vergara’s earnings between May 2011 and May 2012 at $19 million, making her the top earning actress on U.S. television.

Not bad for a farmer’s daughter from Barranquilla, Colombia.

Nelson Mandela is 94 -Happy Birthday Madiba

Former US president Bill Clinton and his daughter, Chelsea, visited Nelson Mandela at his home in Qunu, Eastern Cape, to wish him happy birthday. Mandela’s wife, Graça Machel, was also there.

The Clintons spent more than an hour at Mandela’s peach-coloured homestead overlooking the N2.

Before their visit, Clinton and Chelsea accompanied Machel to the nearby No-Moscow Primary School to open a library and deliver a container of books. Clinton said he and his family had become involved after being invited by Machel to fund a project at the school.

“I think (Mandela’s) life is one of the most important ever lived in the history of civilisation,” Clinton told pupils. “I think that for me and my life and my family’s life, he made it much better, he taught us a lot about how to live and taught us a lot about how to overcome adversity. I think that’s what I want for everyone.”

Principal Adelaide Madyibi said she and the school’s 228 pupils were proud to welcome the Clintons and Machel.

“I feel so lucky and happy to be in Madiba’s area. It’s even nice just to look at his house. Other people take trips to come and see his house, but we can see it from the school. Also, whenever we see his helicopter, we take the children out of the class to wave to him.

“If I could be the Creator, I would add another 94 years so he can live to 188 years. I think he suffered a lot and brought us democracy. Now he needs to relax at home and enjoy being with his family.”

The Clintons and Machel later joined relatives of Mandela for a tree-planting ceremony at the community garden across the road from Madiba’s home.

Nelson Mandela Date of birth - July 18, 1918

Culled: iol

Stephen Covey,the author of 7 habits of Highly Effective people dies at 79

Stephen R. Covey, author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" as well as three other books that have all sold more than a million copies, has died. He was 79.

In a statement sent to employees of a Utah consulting firm Covey co-founded, his family said the writer and motivational speaker died at a hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho, early Monday due to complications from a bicycle accident in April.

"In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving wife and each one of his children and their spouses, just as he always wanted," the family said.

Covey was hospitalized after being knocked unconscious in the bicycle accident on a steep road in the foothills of Provo, Utah, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

At the time, his publicist, Debra Lund, said doctors had not found any signs of long-term damage to his head.

"He just lost control on his bike and crashed," Lund said. "He was wearing a helmet, which is good news."

Covey is the author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" and co-founder of Utah-based professional services company FranklinCovey.

Catherine Sagers, Covey's daughter, told The Salt Lake Tribune in April that her father had suffered some bleeding on his brain after the bicycle accident.

Culled:Y! News

Goldie!? Movie? Album?

Now,this is really funny.

Goldie is OUT of Bigbrother Africa Stargame

Just like that! *Shock face*.Goldie was evicted from the bigbrother stargame this evening leaving the likes of Lady May, Kyle and Prezzo who were also up for eviction this week. This leaves us thinking what does Africa really want.Could it be that Africa sent Goldie home to free her from the wiles of Prezzo or is Africa plain tired of the cry baby drama.

This means Nigeria's only hope of winning the game is dashed since Ola and Chris also left the house due to Ola's medical condition.

JLO quits American Idol too -what is going on?

Jennifer Lopez is the second judge in two days to say she's leaving "American Idol." Her representative, Mark Young, said Friday that Lopez is ending her time on television's most popular show after two years. Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler said the same thing on Thursday.

That means the show's judging panel is down to one, Randy Jackson, and there are reports that he may take a different role on the program moving forward.

Fox's "American Idol" has been TV's most popular program for nearly a decade. But it slumped severely in the ratings last season, and producers are looking for a way to shake things up.

Davido's new love...winks

Davido's brand new 2012 Audi Q7 worth N12million...Yeee ema dami duro.

Sylvester Stallone's eldest son dies

Sage Moonblood Stallone, the 36-year-old son of Sylvester Stallone who starred alongside his father in "Rocky V," was found dead in his Hollywood apartment on Friday.  The New York Post confirmed his passing with his attorney George Braunstein.  Sources tell The Post that he likely died of an overdose of pills, and that a representative of the LAPD stated, "There is no suspicion of foul play or criminal activity."

Sage Stallone was Sylvester Stallone's eldest son from his first marriage to Sasha Czack (they divorced in 1985).  Sage is survived by his brother Seargeoh, and his three half-sisters Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet.

Psquare's mama is dead...sad

The mother of Paul and Peter Okoye of P-Square fame, Mrs. Josephine Okoye died five hours after a heart surgery in an Indian hospital at about 11pm (3am Indian time) on Wednesday.

The deceased, who was a devoted christian and church minister in Jos, Plateau State, died after a protracted battle with an undisclosed heart illness.

The late Mrs. Okoye was first admitted at St. Nicholas hospital, Lagos, but when there was no assuring development on her health, she was transferred to another hospital in Kolkata, India, where she eventually died wednesday night.

Mrs. Okoye, who is popularly known as a major pillar and source of inspiration to the singing twin brothers (P-Square), had been in and out of the hospital for about four months before she eventually died.

She is survived by her Jos based husband, children; Ifeanyi, Henry, Jude, Lilian, Tony, Peter, Paul and Mary. She also had grand-children, one of which is Cameron, the son of Peter and Lola Omotayo

Over 95 people dead in Rivers oil tanker explosion

When will my people ever learn?

At least 95 people died in Nigeria when a tanker carrying gasoline crashed and caught fire today at Okobie village in the southern Rivers state, a road safety official explained that “Villagers were scooping fuel from the fallen tanker when it caught fire and exploded.” Kayode Olagunju, regional head of the Federal Road Safety Corps, said today by phone from Port Harcourt “The death toll from the fire has risen to 95 with 18 people injured.”

Rescue workers and firefighters are still working to bring the continuing blaze under control, Olagunju said.

Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer, relies on road haulage for domestic distribution of fuel amid increasing sabotage of pipelines by criminal gangs stealing products from the pipelines to sell, according to the Petroleum Ministry. The West African country relies on imports for most of its fuel supply due to a lack of refining capacity.

At least 100 people died when a ruptured gasoline pipeline caught fire on May 15, 2008 in a suburb of Lagos, the commercial capital.

Steven Tyler bids American Idol goodbye

Steven Tyler will not return as a judge on "American Idol."

"After some long... hard... thoughts... I've decided it's time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit," Tyler said in a statement released to Access Hollywood on Thursday. "I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I'm back - but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I've got two fists in the air and I'm kicking the door open with my band.

"The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass - the ultimate in auditory takeover," the statement continued. "On Nov. 6, we are unleashing our new album, 'Music from Another Dimension' on the Earth, Moon, Mars, and way beyond the stars...'Idol' was over-the-top fun, and I loved every minute of it...Now it's time to bring Rock Back."

"Idol" creator/executive producer Simon Fuller said he's sad to see Tyler go,"Steven Tyler is a real 'Idol,' a rock legend. If you had told me 10 years ago he would be a judge on 'American Idol,' I would have thought it impossible," Fuller said. "The fact that this became a reality and we had the pleasure of him gracing our stage for two seasons makes me very proud. I completely understand his desire to get back to his life as the singer in America's greatest-ever rock band. 'American Idol' will miss him!"

Tags: Access Hollywood

I hope you Dance!

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

Artist: Lee Ann Womack Lyrics
Writer(s): TIA SILLERS, MARK D. SANDERS

No Bomb blast in NYSC Bauchi Camp...Phew

A lot of rumour and news has been making the rounds since early morning that there was a bomb blast at the NYSC Camp Bauchi State and that fifty Youth Corpers have lost their lives.

We can authoritatively confirm that there was nothing like that.A call, made some minutes ago to the State Coordinator of NYSC Bauchi confirmed that no such incidence happened in the camp.According to him,a roll call of all the Youth Corpers was made when he also heard the rumour.

He also said that he has informed the DG NYSC in Abuja that no such incidence happened.He called on all Nigerians to help eliminate the tension being generated by such rumours and to help inform parents that all their children are safe in Bauchi.

Congolese warlord gets 14yrs imprisonment ONLY- hiss

Delivering its first sentence, the International Criminal Court jailed Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo for 14 years on Tuesday for recruiting child soldiers.

The Hague-based court was set up a decade ago to punish and discourage the world's worst crimes through a system of international justice, but its critics say it has moved too slowly and failed to put its most important suspects on trial.

Lubanga was found guilty in March of abducting boys and girls under the age of 15 and forcing them to fight in a war in the east of Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002 and 2003. At least 60,000 people are thought to have been killed.

"The trial and sentence handed down today sends a strong message to those who recruit and use children during times of war," said Anneke van Woudenberg of Human Rights Watch.

But taking into account the six years Lubanga spent in detention during the trial, Lubanga's sentence has only eight years to run. He could get parole earlier.

Critics of the International Criminal Court questioned how big an achievement it could claim from sentencing Lubanga.

"If you'd said at the beginning, this court would finish one trial in 10 years, and that would be for a secondary offence like using child soldiers, people would have said they won't waste their money on it," said William Schabas, a law professor at Middlesex University.

Some Congolese were also disappointed in Lubanga's sentence, which compares to the 50 years handed down in May by another court in The Hague to former Liberian president Charles Taylor for war crimes in Sierra Leone.

"We had hoped he would stay in prison for life in order to ease the minds of the victims," said Emmanuel Folo, a human rights lawyer in Ituri.

Presiding judge Adrian Fulford criticised the ICC's founding prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, for his conduct of Lubanga's case. Ocampo recently completed his term.

Lubanga's sentence was shortened because of his good behaviour in the face of the prosecutor's failure to disclose some evidence and giving misleading statements to the media, Fulford said.

Culled From; Ynews

Boiz Blocking...Am Blushing

This is so cute. Am swooned.

Kourtney Kardashian has popped a pink

The Kardashian clan has a new addition: Proud parents Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcomed a baby girl named Penelope Scotland Disick on Sunday. The new arrival joins big brother Mason, who is two years old. The star gushed earlier on her reality show, "I am excited to have a girl, to have a new experience."

The world's Newest Country;South Sudan marks Anniversary

South Sudan, the world's newest country, marked the first anniversary of its independence from Sudan Monday amid troubled relations with Khartoum.

Members of the Sudanese and South Sudanese Diaspora in the United States held a "We Choose Peace" rally in front of the White House to commemorate the one year anniversary.

Niemat Ahmadi, director of Global Partnerships and a rally participant, said part of their message was to call on the international community to fulfill its commitment to bring peace between the two countries.

”We were so happy that our brothers and sisters from that corner of Sudan were able to exercise their rights. Unfortunately, until today, the violence continues to destabilize both Sudans. That is why we came here today, July 8, to recognize the independence of the south. But, also to raise our voices and denounce the violence,” she said.

Participants at the rally, which was endorsed by Amnesty International USA, civil society organizations and faith leaders from around the world demanded protection for civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and justice and accountability.

Ahmadi said the Sudanese and South Sudanese diaspora communities will continue to advocate for peace between the Sudans.

The world's newest country is South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011. Before that, the newest country was Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in February 2008. Montenegro became a country in June 2006, after splitting off from Serbia. Since 1990, 29 new nations have come into being. Many of these emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union (14 countries) and the breakup of the former Yugoslavia (7 countries).

Tags:infoplease,VOA

Pleateau State Gunmen attack ..Yet again

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen Saturday morning unleashed terror on six villages of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State as they massacred over 23 persons and severely injured at least 50 others.

The gunmen who were dressed in military camouflage and bullet proof breast plates  raided  Kakuruk, Kuzen Ngyo, Kogoduk, Ruk, and Dogo villages , all in Gashish district, operating from one house to the other for close to two hours.

An eyewitness who escaped narrowly said he could only liken the gory sight of many corpses he saw to that of a war field. He said a body of a mobile policeman in uniform was among the “hundreds” of corpses he saw while he was escaping.

Member representing Barkin Ladi constituency in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Gyang Fulani, who confirmed the attack to newsmen on phone,  said “Fulani mercenary stormed six villages in Gashish district of Barkin Ladi Local Government of the state in large number, early hours of Saturday and shot sporadically at the innocent villagers, and in the end so many people were left dead, while over 50 others were severely injured, and at least 60  houses burnt.”

Also confirming the attack, member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Simon Mwadkwon,  said “already 20 corpses have been recovered already”. He lamented the incessant attacks on innocent people of his constituency.

The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, ASP Abu Emmanuel, also confirmed the attack.

Culled from Thisday

Julonza Out!

The two love birds in the on-going Bigbrother Africa stargame were evicted last night.The eviction of both Junia and Malonza came as a shock especially when you think that voters/viewers were enjoying their loveydovey on screen relationship. Well on-screen in the sense that both couldn't give an affirmative response to the likelihood of continuing the relationship outside the Bigbrother house.

Now am wondering was the kissing and smooching and all that part of their game plan...Ooops I didn't say so.

Brad Pitt's Mother against Obama on Gay marriage

Brad Pitt has long been an advocate for gay rights (initially vowing to hold off on marrying longtime love Angelina Jolie until gay marriage became legal nationwide), but his mother, Jane Pitt, takes a different side on the issue.

In a letter written to the local newspaper, Jane urged Christian voters not to be put off by the US presidential candidate Mitt Romney's Mormon faith,  saying that he still maintains conservative views in line with Christian beliefs despite his differing religion -- including his posture on gay marriage and abortion.

 "I think any Christian should spend much time in prayer before refusing to vote for a family man with high morals, business experience, who is against abortion, and shares Christian conviction concerning homosexuality just because he is a Mormon," she wrote in the opinion piece for The Springfield News-Leader this week.

Jane added that "any Christian who does not vote or writes in a name is casting a vote for Romney's opponent, Barack Hussein Obama -- a man who sat in Jeremiah Wright's church for years, did not hold a public ceremony to mark the National Day of Prayer, and is a liberal who supports the killing of unborn babies and same-sex marriage."

Proudly Nigerian,Traditional Baby Dance

European and American women Married to Nigerian Men from a village in the eastern part of the country, dancing "Egwu Ukwu, agbacha ekuru nwa" (waist Dance). It's a dance women from that part of the country,use in preparation to take-in for another baby.

Well done, ladies! May your waists never break.

http://test.skimlinks.com 

Culled from newsNaija.

Nigeria's Rotimi Babatunde wins Prestigious Literary Award.

Nigeria's Rotimi Babatunde has won the 13th Caine Prize for African Writing 2012. This is Africa’s leading literary award. He received a £10,000 prize for his story Bombay's Republic, which is about Nigerian soldiers who fought in the Burma campaign during World War II.

The Chair of Judges Bernardine Evaristo MBE, announced Rotimi Babatunde as the winner of the prize at a dinner held Monday, 2 July at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Bernardine Evaristo said: “Bombay's Republic vividly describes the story of a Nigerian soldier fighting in the Burma campaign of World War Two. It is ambitious, darkly humorous and in soaring, scorching prose exposes the exploitative nature of the colonial project and the psychology of Independence.”

Mr. Babatunde, who currently lives in Ibadan in Nigeria, will now be given the opportunity to go to Georgetown University in the US, as a writer-in-residence for a month at the Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice.

Gimme Shoes.

Now that's what am talking about!! With this shoe Cinderella dare not trip at the ball...winks. Check out https://m.facebook.com/search/refid=46&query=nigerianstore

Prezzo nominates Goldie for eviction.

It seems all really isn't fair in Love and War afterall,Prezzo(Kenya) just nominated Goldie(Nigeria) for possible eviction in the on-going reality show BigBrother Stargame in South Africa. The Knight in not so shining armour was saved by Goldie just last week when she was Head of House. The two lovers ended their relationship last week after series of fights and arguments.

Lagos residents advised to flee from wetlands...

The commissioner of Environment,Mr.Tunji Bello over the weekend advised those residing in the low-line areas of Lagos such as Eti-Osa, Badiya, Amukoko, Makoko, Iwaya, Ajegunle, Owode and Agiliti to quit their homes temporarily.This is expedient in view of the predicted violent rainstorms which the state is likely to experience in the next two weeks.

He added that the period of two weeks “is envisaged to be the peak period of the 2012 rainy season. The notice of alert therefore becomes necessary in order to make adequate preparation for the coming rains and thunderstorms.”

He reteirated that the kind of rain witnessed 20 years ago is not the same now. The population has increased,the climate has changed and rains have become heavier.

In his words “We now need to expand the channel to cater for the population also the volume of water coming is so much that the drainage could not contain it. It was designed in 1989”.

He promised that the state government would commence rehabilitation of the canal and increase its capacity in order to effectively address the challenge of flooding.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Sunday Church Bombings in Kenya.

Officials in northeastern Kenya have confirmed that at least 16 people were killed following explosions targeting two churches this sunday.

About 40 people were also wounded in the simultaneous attacks on a Roman Catholic church and an African Inland church in Garissa, near the Somali Border.

There have been numerous bombings and kidnappings in Kenya since October, when Kenyan forces crossed into Somalia to help that country battle al-Shabab Islamic militants.

Al-Shabaab is linked to al Qaeda and has been designated a t errorist organization by the United States.

Adele is expecting..

Powerful vocalist Adele has announced that she’s expecting her first child with her boyfriend Simon Konecki, she posted a message on her blog sayin “I’m delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together,” also adding, “I wanted you to hear the news direct from me.”So no rumour mongering guess.