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Wednesday 28 August 2013

Taraba Speaker misinterpreting the constitution – Commissioner

Taraba Speaker misinterpreting the constitution – CommissionerThe crisis over Taraba Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai’s resumption of work continued across the state on Wednesday. 

The state Commissioner for Justice, Barr. G.T Kataps, on Wednesday accused the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa, of misinterpreting the constitution.

“Misinterpreting the law, as the Taraba Speaker is doing is capable of causing discord to our people who may not have access to the constitution and may not know the correct position of the law,” he said.
Kataps said that Suntai has indeed returned to work.

He briefed reporters in his office, State Secretariat, Jalingo –the state capital shortly before the cabinet was dissolved by Governor Suntai.

The Speaker on Tuesday disagreed with the House Majority Leader Hon. Joseph Albasu over Suntai’s purported resumption of work.

Suntai was injured when a plane he piloted crashed near Yola, Adamawa State, on October 25, last year.

He returned to Jalingo on Sunday after a 10-month stay in German and American hospitals.

On Monday, he transmitted a letter to the House of Assembly, informing the lawmakers of his readiness to begin work. But while the House Majority Leader and other members of the House proclaimed Suntai as physically and mentally fit to govern, the Speaker, who thought otherwise, insisted that Suntai must appear on the floor of the House and speak to them.

The governor’s return has divided the House of Assembly and the entire state.

Willian joins Chelsea

Willian: Joins Chelsea on a five-year dealChelsea have confirmed the signing of Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala for a reported fee of £32million.
The 25-year-old playmaker, capped twice by Brazil, has been granted a work permit to complete his move from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala after agreeing a five-year contract with the Blues.

"I'm very happy to be here, it's been a dream of mine to come and play here," Willian said on Chelsea's official website.

"Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world and now I'm going to play for one of the best managers in the world. I'm very happy and looking forward to it."

Willian, who will wear the number 22 shirt, looked set to join Tottenham last week only for Chelsea to hijack the deal and outbid their Barclays Premier League rivals.

He had passed a medical at Spurs before Mourinho swooped to add him to Chelsea's attacking options.
Persistently linked with a move to England, he spent six years at Shakhtar Donetsk where he made his name as a creative midfielder player before joining Anzhi in January.
 
He began his career in his homeland with Corinthians before moving to Europe with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2007. He made over 100 appearances for the Ukrainian club before moving to Anzhi.

Friday night's Super Cup match against Bayern Munich in Prague has arrived too soon for his Chelsea debut, so he must wait until the Premier League showdown with Everton on September 14 for his bow.

His arrival has fuelled speculation that unsettled Spaniard Juan Mata could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge with Arsenal a possible destination.

Tottenham close in on Lamela

Erik Lamela: On the verge of Tottenham switchTottenham are to set to sign Argentinian forward Erik Lamela from Roma after the Serie A club accepted a bid of 30million euros (£25.8million). 

The 21-year-old has scored 19 league goals in two seasons with the Italian capital club and, should his move to White Hart Lane go through, he will help fill the gap left by Gareth Bale should he complete a world-record £86m move to Real Madrid.

A statement published on Roma's official website read: "Roma announce they have signed a contract with Tottenham for the outright sale of the playing rights of Erik Lamela, in exchange for 30million euros.

"The agreement also includes the obligation to pay 5million euros in bonuses related to the achievements of the player and the English club."

Lamela, who has been capped three times for Argentina, arrived at the Stadio Olimpico from River Plate in August 2011 and made 29 appearances, scoring four goals, in his first year in Italy.

A run of seven goals in six games at the start of the 2012-13 season saw him become an essential part of Roma's forward line, even though the campaign ended with a disappointing sixth-place finish and defeat to city rivals Lazio in the Coppa Italia final.

With Wales winger Bale absent from training as a dispute over a move to Real Madrid rumbles on, and with Spurs missing out on Willian following the Brazilian playmaker's decision to join Chelsea instead, the pacey Lamela offers a viable and talented alternative to both players.

The continued spending in north London indicates Bale's £86m move to the Spanish capital is all but ratified as Lamela joins Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue in Andre Villas-Boas' new-look squad.

Lamela's place behind Francesco Totti in the Giallorossi team, meanwhile, will be filled by Serbian forward Adem Ljajic, who has today completed an 11million euro move from Fiorentina.

‘Why Jonathan sacked youth minister’

‘Why Jonathan sacked youth minister’The inability of the sacked Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Abdulkhadir Turaki, to effectively manage his portfolio and the presentation of a forged list of new executive of National Council of Youth of Nigeria (NCYN) to President Goodluck Jonathan when no election took place cost him his job. 

President Jonathan relieved the minister of his appointment on Monday.

Disclosing why the minister was sacked in Minna on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Niger State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said the minister did not show enough understanding of his job as he failed to present the actual facts to the President on the botched NCYN election that took place last February in Makurdi, Benue state.

Aliyu said the NCYN election did not hold in Makurdi and a transition committee was put in place, but he alleged that the minister and his aides presented a forged list of new executive members of the council to the President.

The governor, who commended the action of the President made these revelations while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission Mr. Kennedy Okpara, in his office.

He said,” Please thank the President for me for what he did to the Minister of Youth.

“The President did what was expected of a leader that does not want any of his officials to cause disharmony among the people.”


Secrets to silky skin

The Smooth Skin Challenge panel (from left) Natalie Payne, Sarah Tye, Zoe Schoon
The Smooth Skin Challenge panel (from left) Natalie Payne, Sarah Tye, Zoe Schoon
The annual quest for women to be smooth and hair free is upon us again. Each summer, the laborious rituals begin - but until now there has been no clear winner.

The options? Time consuming shaving, painful epilating and waxing, or costly professional laser treatments. It's enough to make even the hardiest among us reach for a pair of jeans.

That's until the clever people at Philips came up with an alternative: the Lumea Precision Plus. This home-use device, they say, will reduce your unwanted hair by up to 80 per cent, in as few as four fortnightly treatments.
Such a bold claim was crying out to be tested. Consequently, over the past month - along with readers Sarah Tye, Natalie Payne and Zoe Schoon - I've been trying out the Lumea.

So how does it work? After shaving the area to be treated, press the 'on' button and the Lumea whirrs into life. Nudge the power up to the appropriate number for your skin tone (it works for most), place the head on your skin - and off you go.

Each session delivers IPL - intense pulsed light - into the hair follicles, which pushes them into a resting phase. Since IPL only works on hairs that are in a growing phase, the treatments need to be repeated at two week intervals, to catch them all.

We're now almost halfway through the Smooth Skin Challenge and have each used the Lumea twice. How are we getting on?

"Famously," says Zoe, who is treating her tummy after having a baby at the start of the year. "I like the Lumea a lot. It's quick, painless and clean, especially compared to the mess you get with depilatory creams or when shaving."

Natalie is a fan, too. "I'm using it on my underarms," she says. "Even with shaving the whole process only takes five minutes. The actual light treatment needs about 30 seconds on each arm."

That's one of the key things about the Lumea. For all its sleek, lab-worthy looks, it's extremely simple to use.
 
As a beauty journalist, I've had the dubious privilege of testing a number of home-use hair-removal devices over the years. One was the size of a small vacuum cleaner and had instructions so complex that it took me a month to build up the courage to switch it on. Another needed to be plugged into the mains, so the lead barely reached the bathroom. Both required the use of a sticky gel and goggles to protect my eyes from each flash, which made them awkward - and more than a little scary - to use. A third had such a small window that the prospect of tackling an area larger than a matchbox was ambitious.

The Lumea's generous head - and the fact that you can skim the device along your skin, rather than having to lift it up and reposition it before it will fire the next shot of light - means the treatments whizz by.

Which is important if you lead a busy life, but want to use it on a larger area such as your legs, like Sarah. She has been drawing markers on her skin with a white eyeliner (which doesn't absorb the light) to keep track of her progress during each session.

"The most difficult bit has been keeping in straight lines!" she says. "But actually using the Lumea is pretty fast. I can do each leg in 15 minutes."

The challenge panel - myself included - have all been using the two highest power settings; levels four and five. These are perfectly comfortable, even for beginners. The more melanin in your skin, the lower the setting you should use - a booklet that comes with the device shows just which number is best suited to your colouring.

What it doesn't do, though, is hurt. "You get a slight sensation of heat, but it's warm rather than hot," says Sarah.
 
"If epilating is eight out of 10 on the pain scale," says Natalie, "this is two."

And what about results? It might be early days but, excitingly, we're all noticing differences. Zoe has observed a definite change. "The hairs on my tummy and toes are growing back more slowly and they're less stubbly."

For me, progress is subtle. I think there's less hair under my arms. And I'm now working on a stubborn spike beside my lip. The next month should yield obvious results and I can't wait to see what the Lumea can really do.

"It's patchy," says Natalie. "But that fits exactly with the stages of hair growth as explained by Philips."
Which means we're right on track.

• For more information about salon-style hair removal at home with the Philips Lumea Precision Plus, visit philips.co.uk/lumea

Hair advice: fact or fiction

image
Sleep on a silk pillow; brush your hair 100 times before bed; don't wash it daily; never blow-dry without conditioning. When it comes to keeping your hair in good nick, it's difficult to know which advice to follow and which to ignore. It's time to separate fact from folklore.

Will brushing your hair 100 times a night really leave it silky smooth?
Michele Riccio, Ojon's™ global stylist, says there is science behind this claim. Brushing helps sebum or nutrients from the scalp spread along the hair shaft, coating and, crucially, conditioning the hair. Mr Riccio recommends that his clients - except those with very curly hair - brush well every day, using a soft cushioned brush or Tangle Teezer. Work from end to root, to avoid breaking any hair which might be knotted.


Can you brush curly hair?
When it comes to curly hair, brushing - as most tousle-tops will know - causes frizz. And don't even think about holidaying anywhere too hot or humid: fluff alert.
So, what's the answer? Mr Riccio suggests brushing curly hair while it's wet, using a wide-toothed comb, then allowing it to dry naturally for a sleeker finish. And why not try a deep conditioner to help nourish each strand and restore shine?

Does washing your hair daily cause it to dry out?
Mr Riccio says those who wash their hair every day - and most women who live in cities would argue that's a necessity - should use a gentle cleansing shampoo. "My favourite for daily use is Ojon's Dry Recovery Ritual. It's gentle enough for cleansing regularly, with all the benefits of the moisturising ingredients to rehydrate and replenish your hair."
One good tip is to avoid using a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. These products have been designed for different purposes and cannot be combined successfully.


Are hair bands damaging?
As a rule, yes. When it comes to using elastic bands, Mr Riccio is firm - leave them in the stationery cupboard. "Being rubber, they will harm the cuticle and you'll yank out hair when you tug them" he says. That leaves us with scrunchies (if you favour the Nineties look), plain hair ties or Alice bands - which have made a comeback and sweep aside irritating fringes or wisps. Just make sure they're covered.
"Tie hair back as loosely as possible and away from the scalp, only keeping it up when absolutely necessary", says Mr Riccio. So no Croydon face-lifts please.
Is it true that pulling out one grey hair will encourage more to grow?
Mr Riccio says there is no scientific evidence to support this belief. But pulling out hairs is bad for the scalp. "It can cause infection, scarring and even inhibit new growth."


Does diet make a difference to the quality of your hair?
Eat well, sleep well and think well. "I believe that general health is mirrored in the condition of your hair", says Mr Riccio. "It follows that a well balanced diet of natural ingredients, such as vegetables, fresh fruit and oily fish, is not only essential for your body and mind, but will also be good for your hair".

Can you repair damaged hair?
According to Mr Riccio, almost everything you do to your hair will damage it, though some processes are worse than others. But by following a treatment regime your hair can still look glossy, healthy and full of life.
"Using good quality products such as Ojon will help you to achieve this. I recommend Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment to all my clients. Clinical studies show that after one application the condition of damaged hair improves by 64 per cent when left overnight".

US marks Martin Luther King 'I have a dream' speech

Martin Luther King at the March on WashingtonThe US is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom, the civil rights rally at which Martin Luther King Jr made his historic "I have a dream" speech.

President Barack Obama is to mark the occasion in Washington DC with an address from the same spot.

Members of the King family and veterans of the march will also be present.

Mr Obama, the first black US president, has described the 1963 protest as a "seminal event" in American history.

The march was considered a catalyst for civil rights reforms in the US.

President Obama is due to deliver his address at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall just after an organised ringing of bells by churches and other groups at 15:00 local time (19:00 GMT), to mark the exact time that Martin Luther King spoke on 28 August 1963.

Mr Obama will be joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, as well as prominent African Americans.

On Saturday, thousands of people, including King's eldest son, marched to the Lincoln Memorial to mark the milestone anniversary.

Half a century earlier, Martin Luther King had led some 250,000 protesters down the same strip and delivered his famous speech from its steps.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character," he said, in one of the most celebrated pieces of American oratory.

His address marked the peak of a series of protests against racial discrimination that had begun when seamstress Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat for a white passenger in 1955.

Her action sparked a bus boycott campaign across Montgomery, Alabama.

King became a dominant force in the movement and so was called on to make the final speech at the march.
He advocated the use of non-violent tactics such as sit-ins and protest marches, and was awarded the Nobel peace prize in 1964.

Four years later, his assassination led to mass riots in more than 100 US cities.

In an interview on Tuesday with a radio show, President Obama said he imagines that King "would be amazed in many ways" about the social progress made since that speech.

He cited the prominent role of many African-Americans in the political and business spheres, as well as equal rights before the law.

Mr Obama, whose own oratory has attracted much praise, said his address on Wednesday would not match that by the civil rights leader.

"It won't be as good as the speech 50 years ago," he said. "I just want to get that out there early." 

"When you are talking about Dr King's speech at the March on Washington," he added, "you're talking about one of the maybe five greatest speeches in American history." 




Young Chinese boy's eyes gouged out in attack

A boy lies on his hospital bed with his eyes covered with bandages as his mother sits next to him at a hospital in Taiyuan, northern China's Shanxi province on 27 August The little boy is out of danger and is now recovering in hospital 
 
Police in China have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of a woman suspected of gouging out a six-year-old boy's eyes.
The attack happened in Fenxi, Shanxi province, on 24 August. 

The boy went out to play and hours later was found by his parents with his eyes removed and covered in blood.

The boy is now recovering in hospital. Police have offered a reward of 100,000 yuan ($16,340, £10,500) for information linked to the case.

"The boy was lured by an unknown woman on Saturday evening into a field, where she gouged out his eyes," state news agency Xinhua reported.

The boy's parents are said to be farmers. His mother said her son told them he was walking outside when a woman attacked him, state media reported. 

Police found the boy's eyeballs at the scene. Local reports initially said the corneas were missing, potentially pointing towards organ trafficking. 

Police now say, however, that the corneas were not missing and they have yet to establish a motive for the attack. 

"We are still working on it so we cannot offer any comment or make any assumption on the motives," a police officer in Fenxi told the AFP news agency.

The boy was initially taken to a local hospital but was transferred to Shanxi Eye Hospital in the provincial capital, Taiyuan, on Sunday.

Local television footage showed family members trying to comfort the heavily-bandaged child.

"We had no disputes with anybody," state news agency Xinhua reported quoted his mother as saying.
Doctors at the hospital say his condition is stable but he will be blind for life.

"He asks why the sky is always dark... and why the dawn still hasn't come," Beijing Youth Daily quoted an uncle of the boy as saying.

"We could only tell him that his eyes had some injury and have to be bandaged. 

"It is such a difficult question to explain to him. It is the most heartbreaking thing."


Tuesday 27 August 2013

Listen ladies: 10 men you should AVOID at any cost

Photography-by-NHophotos.com_-According-to-a-new-study-conducted-by-Tim-Wadsworth-of-Univ.-of-Colorado-men-are-happy-when-theyre-having-more-sex-than-their-neighbors.-217x3001. The rebound shot
A man, who is fresh out of a relationship, is still lurking in the transition. At this point of time, he can be quite weak and might lean on the nearest support he can find. But that doesn’t mean that he’s really fallen for you. Although for some people it has worked, but mostly in the long run, there can be no assurance of this one coming to term.

2. No money, honey
Understood you are not a materialistic girl, you are independent and are alright with going dutch on a date. Women don’t necessarily want a rich millionaire, but a little something can be a good thing. Even the guy would feel his dignity is safe if he can contribute some. And a man who still cannot understand this – girl, dump the moron now!

3. ‘Ex’ factor
‘You are good, but she was better!’ Are you still with a guy who says that? Bang your head on the nearest wall and tell him you might as well go back. He’s not yet over the ex-relationship, and somewhere he’s sulking about it. Good or bad, the experience could be anything, but the fact that he still talks about her doesn’t help in getting the current relation any better. And even if you don’t dump him, but make him realise, talk it out; and if it still doesn’t work, it’s unbelievable you are still putting up with it!

4. ‘Ex’ out the friendly factor
Men do have a tendency to still retain a certain amount of care for the woman they once loved. So, it doesn’t make any sense for them to remain friends once it’s over. What was there once can be reignited in some weak moments. So, dearest men, dump the ‘ex’ as ‘friend’ and concentrate on your current love. A bird in hand is always better than two in the bush.

5. Love at first sight
Well, it happens only in books or films. Most often, it’s just a liking or lust. But love, dearies, takes time to blossom. So, lady, if the gentleman has told you ‘I Love You’ a bit too soon, hold your horses and don’t jump into taking yet another big step.

6. ‘The world is hard on me’
No darling, you are just a selfish man who has taken certain wrong decisions perhaps, but doesn’t want to admit it. I know you just said ‘no’, but deep down you know it’s a ‘yes’! Unaccountable, selfish or plain immature, grow up or stop pulling the other person down with you by blaming the world or her for your problems, lest she decides to move the ‘problem’ away from your life.

7. Can’t take ‘no’ for an answer
Even if it’s just gaining control over the remote. Read the key words ‘gaining control’ and get the hint. If you are ready to be a doormat, and are happy with it, man your relation is going to last a historical era! But if you are a person who commands respect, there are better people out there who give you that. Let Hitler be, you don’t have to become his Nazi army.

8. Mr. Richie Rich
The poor little rich guy, if he shows off a lot of moolah, either he’s going to run out of it or, well, just keep believing that ‘love can be bought’! And if you’re the guy who’s lying about it, you’re hurting your chances of having a real relationship as the facade will eventually come back to bite you.

9. Momma’s boy
Better stay in momma’s lap! If your guy can’t move a nerve without ‘mom’s consent’, you better move yourself away from him. Why? Because you don’t know if she’s anything like Jane Fondain Monster-in-law, baby you are not necessarily Jennifer Lopez!

10. Dad’s the financier
If the guy is still living with his parents despite being all but 25 years of age, are you still going to to live with him? The first thing he should do is get a job! If he cannot do that, he’s be dependant on dad, or you! And if you cannot pay his bills, ‘you are a no-good girlfriend’ is all you’ll hear from him!

Top tips for picture-perfect holiday hair

Look great in your holiday snaps with these helpful hair tips
Look great in your holiday snaps with these helpful hair tips Photo. 
We all want to let our hair down in the summer. 
The trouble is that heat - either from the daily blast of hairdryers and straighteners,
or the hot sun - doesn't do it much good. Neither does regular swimming or pollution. Suffice to say, our locks can struggle to stay looking shiny and healthy at this time
of year. 

When it comes to your sunshine holiday, Michele Riccio, Ojon's™ global stylist, suggests stocking up on intensive treatments to protect your hair from the worst damage. He recommends Ojon's Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment, which you can apply to dry hair before going to the pool, beach or sun lounger.

How to create wet-look hair
"In the heat of the sun the treatment will penetrate more," explains Mr Riccio. "The outer layer of the hair opens up to allow the nutrients to go deeper into the shaft. This way you get the dual benefit of an intensive treatment and protection.
"I would also recommend wearing a hat in the sun." After all, the only thing worse than a burnt chest is a pink scalp.

There are many summer pitfalls - too-tight hotpants, socks with sandals - but the one that refuses to go away is chlorine. We all know that tangy chemical pong only too well. Not only does it linger, but it can change the colour of dyed hair. And that tomato ketchup cure you've heard about for restoring its former shade? Forget it.

OFFER: Claim a free Ojon hair treatment 
The answer, according to Mr Riccio, is to soak hair before going into the pool. Hair is porous, so if it's already thoroughly wet, the chlorinated water won't penetrate as deeply. After a day of swimming, wash your hair then use a deep treatment.

"I would then recommend Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner which will nourish, hydrate, soften and boost shine," he says.

If you are thinking of booking a pre-holiday cut or restyle, do it a couple of weeks before you go. That way, you will have settled into your new look and be confident for those holiday snaps. Plus, any dry or brittle split ends will have been snipped off before further damage can occur - and you can massage oil into the ends while you're away, to maintain the condition.

So all you have to do is enjoy the sunshine without the worry of appearing frazzled.

Hair how to: the sweeping fringe

Ruth Crilly models her catwalk-inspired sweeping fringe
Ruth Crilly models her catwalk-inspired sweeping fringe Photo: Soulla Petrou
The marvellous thing about a long, sweeping fringe is that it can be entirely faked. On the spring/ summer 2013 runways many of the fringes had been fashioned from side-parted hair, brought slightly forward so that it crossed just above the eyes and carefully pinned behind the ear.
For those not wanting to make the, frankly terrifying, commitment to proper, no-going-back bangs, this style is ideal.

How to create the undone blow-dry
To fake a sweeping fringe, it's essential that enough hair is used - a single wisp will not suffice. The "comb-over" effect must be avoided at all costs; there should be enough hair brought forward to avoid sparse patches and mean, stringy separation.
Whether the lengths of the hair are left long, as seen at Topshop Unique, or pulled back like at Chloé, the general rule is that an extreme side parting will create the foundations necessary for this look.

READ: Top tips for picture-perfect holiday hair
Preparation for the sweeping fringe is simple; a nourishing leave-in conditioner will give just enough shine to make the hair healthy-looking without weighing it down. Although a full blow-dry is not necessary, it is advisable to smooth out the sections on the top and front. It will also get rid of any kinks and add volume. Drying the hair in the direction of the fringe, over and forward, will also help the style to hold for longer (make sure to use a heat protector spray first).

Step 1: part your hair at the side, just above the ear
To create the fringe the hair is parted to the side, almost above the ear and the hair pulled over to the opposite side, securing the front section with a hair grip. The lengths can then be secured in a low ponytail or messy bun, whichever takes your fancy.

Step 2: secure the lengths in a low ponytail
Much of the creation will be down to arrangement with your fingers - pulling and teasing at the front section of hair to achieve the desired effect. The fringe should just kiss the eyebrow and sweep down to the ear - any lower and it'll be irritating.

Step 3: pull and tease your hair to achieve the desired effect
It's also important to get the angle of the sweep just so; you don't want a full forehead of hair but equally you need enough hair to make it look stylish and deliberate.
When you're happy with your faux-fringe, you can spritz with hairspray to fix it in place. But if you blow-dried it over and forwards to begin with, it should hold pretty well on its own.
All attention will be drawn to your eyes with this style, so if you've always wanted to wear bold eyeshadow or coloured mascara, this is your chance. A sultry Sixties look works particularly well.

Facebook to compensate users for sharing details on ads

Approximately 614,000 Facebook users whose personal details appeared in ads on the site without their permission will each receive a $15 (£9.65) payout.

The names and pictures of an estimated 150 million Facebook members were used in Sponsored Stories, but only those who responded to an email from the site earlier this year will be compensated.

Privacy organisations will also receive some of the $20m (£12.9m) settlement.

Facebook said it was "pleased" the settlement had been approved.

The payout was approved by a US court on Monday following a class action filed against Facebook in 2011 by five of its users.

The group said their details had been used to promote products and services through the site's Sponsored Stories programme, without paying them or giving them the choice to opt-out.

A Sponsored Story is a tailored advertisement that appears on members' Facebook pages, highlighting products a user's friends have endorsed or "liked" on the site.

No 'meaningful' harm
US District Judge Richard Seeborg acknowledged that the $15 payments were relatively small, but said it had not been established that Facebook had "undisputedly violated the law".

He added that the claimants could not prove they were "harmed in any meaningful way".

The court estimated that Facebook had made about $73m (£47m) in profit from the Sponsored Stories featuring details of the 150 million members.

The settlement also requires Facebook to make changes to its "Statement of Rights" and to give users more information and control over how their details are used in the future.

This move was estimated by the plaintiff's lawyers to cost Facebook $145m in advertising revenue.
Approximately 7,000 Facebook users opted out of the settlement altogether, allowing them to bring their own legal action against the social network. 

A Facebook spokesperson said: "We are pleased that the settlement has received final approval."

Monday 26 August 2013

3 killed, 8 injured by Boko Haram in Borno

Atleast three people were slaughtered while 8 others sustained knives/cutlass injuries when some suspected Boko Haram sect members ambushed Bama Local Government Area of Borno state.

The incident according to sources took place over the weekend when the gunmen stormed some houses and resort to the use of knives and cultlasses, as using gunshots will attract the presence of security agencies and men of the vigilante youths, popularly addressed as “Civilian JTF”.

Bama is about 67 kilometres away from Maiduguri the state capital which is a stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists which had witnessed series of attacks and killings, the last episode was when some armed terrorists launched a coordinated attacks on Mobile Police Barracks and some military posts, which led to the death of several security agencies, while a top Commander of the sect, Momodu Bama with a bounty of N25 million on him by JTF, and also second-in Command to the Leader, Abubakar Shekau, was killed in an exchange of gun battle with security troops.

NMA withdraws from health Workers’ strike

NMA withdraws from health Workers’ strikeThe Nigerian Medical Association has dissociated itself from the ongoing health workers’ strike.

The Chairman of Gombe State chapter of NMA, Dr. Jauro Degri, announced the body’s withdrawal at a press briefing in Gombe.

He also said members of the public should not to panic because of the industrial action.

He assured that medical doctors are on ground at the Federal Medical Centre in Gombe to render services to patients.

“All outpatient clinics are going on as expected. Specialist services are going on as usual. The hospital will also continue running some emergency services,” he explained.

APC sets up state harmonisation committees

APC sets up state harmonisation committeesThe National Interim Executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved the establishment of State Harmonisation Committees (SHC) for the party, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the committees would regulate activities of the party at the state level and the Federal Capital Territory.

The party said the decision to set up the committees followed the adoption of the report of the Aminu Masari Committee by the National Interim Executive in Abuja.

It said the committee comprised of former presidents and vice presidents, governors and deputy governors, Senators and members of House of Representatives, as well as Speakers and Minority Leaders of State Houses of Assembly who were members of parties that crystallised into the APC.

Also included as members were serving and past ministers, immediate past National Executive members, gubernatorial candidates and their running mates, who were members of the parties that formed the APC.

According to the statement, in any state where the party does not have an incumbent governor that was a member of the coalition parties, nine persons, comprising of three elders, three youths and three women selected from the three Senatorial Districts, State Chairmen and the Secretaries of the legacy Parties, members of the National Interim Executive and Federal Commissioners who were members of the party, would be co-opted as members.

Arsenal: Arsene Wenger only interested in 'special' players

Arsene Wenger Manager Arsene Wenger insists he will only bring "special" players to Arsenal, with a week remaining until the summer transfer window closes. 

Striker Yaya Sanogo, a free transfer, is the Gunners' only signing so far.

Arsenal are keen to sign Real Madrid's Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria, and Newcastle's Yohan Cabaye.

Referencing his current squad following Saturday's 3-1 win at Fulham, he said: "They are special and if I want to add something it has to be special." 

In recent months, the north London club have failed with a move for striker Luis Suarez, seen their £10m offer for midfielder Cabaye rejected and and have been linked with moves for strikers Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Gonzalo Higuain, who eventually moved from Real Madrid to Napoli. 

Mathieu Flamini is believed to be in talks about returning to the club on a free transfer - the midfielder, who has been training at the club this summer, previously left the Gunners to join AC Milan in 2008. 

They are also understood to be interested in bringing in a goalkeeper and a defender before the transfer window shuts at 23:00 BST on Monday, 2 September.
Arsenal have been criticised by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew about their pursuit of Cabaye, but Wenger refused to comment on speculation about his supposed targets. 

"I will not give you any names, because it would be unfair for the players who play at another club," he said. "It could, as well, create some wrong hopes. 

"You could see that many of the disputes you have all over the country is because the coaches or the managers speak about the players. 

"In our job, just be discreet and try to make things happen. That's what we try to do." 

The Frenchman was repeatedly urged to spend by the club's fans during the 3-1 home loss to Aston Villa, on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

South African girl of seven 'shoots friend dead'

Replica weaponA seven-year-old South African girl has shot dead her friend, aged six, with her grandfather's revolver while playing at a farm, police say. 

A murder case has been opened after the dead girl, a daughter of a farm worker, was shot in the face, reports say. 

The alleged killer's grandfather has been charged with failure to safeguard a firearm, police added. 

South Africa has tight gun ownership regulations but many people still possess firearms.
'Great shock'
 
The debate over gun ownership in South Africa is highly emotive, and sometimes takes racial overtones in a country where divisions between black and white people still run deep, says BBC South Africa analyst Farouk Chothia. 

The pro-gun lobby argues that people should be well-armed because of high levels of crime, but critics say this merely escalates the violence.

Police spokeswoman Ronel Otto told the BBC the alleged killer is in the care of her parents, while her 60-year-old grandfather has received bail of $50 (£30) after he was charged in court. 

"The seven-year-old was visiting her grandparents on a farm outside Bela-Bela [a small town in South Africa's Limpopo province] when she allegedly shot her friend with a 0.38 revolver," Ms Otto said, AFP news agency reports.

Her grandfather had apparently taken the weapon out of his gun safe on Friday after an attempted robbery, and forgot to put it back, local media reports say. 

Community leaders said there was a "great sense of shock" among residents, Ms Otto told the BBC.

Police have opened a murder case but were waiting for clarity from prosecutors on how to proceed because the alleged killer was a minor, AFP reports.

South Africa's 50 million people own an estimated 5.95 million guns, with 3.73 million of them registered.

Gareth Bale: Spurs 'consider rival bid to Real Madrid offer'

Gareth Bale Tottenham have received a separate offer in addition to Real Madrid's world record £86m bid for Gareth Bale, say sources at the north London club. 

The Spanish giants remain in pole position to sign the 24-year-old Welshman, but Spurs say no agreement has been reached with Real. 

The second bidder's identity is not known but Manchester United have been linked with the forward this summer. 

Meanwhile, Spurs have spoken to Chelsea about buying a player to replace Bale. 

They were close to signing Brazilian winger Willian as a replacement last week before a late bid from the Blues beat them to his signature. 

As it stands, Chelsea are refusing to sell do business, frustrating Spurs. 

After his side's 1-0 win over Swansea on Sunday, Spurs coach Andre Villas-Boas said he expects Bale, who has been in Madrid this week, to be back at training on Tuesday if a deal has not been agreed with Real. 

Real play away to Granada on Monday, having won their opening La Liga fixture 2-1 at home to Real Betis.
Their next home game will be on Sunday - a day before the transfer window closes on 2 September - against Athletic Bilbao. 

Bale, who joined Spurs in a £10m deal from Southampton in 2007, was named player of the year by both the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers last season after scoring 26 goals for the White Hart Lane side. 

Madrid have already spent in excess of £50m this summer, bringing in Spanish midfielders Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad and Malaga's Isco for £34m and £23m respectively.

Sunday 25 August 2013

Hosni Mubarak appears in court days after release

The former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, has appeared in court, three days after being released from prison and placed under house arrest.

Mr Mubarak is facing a retrial on charges of complicity in the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising.

He sat in the defendants' cage along with his two sons, former interior minister, and six security chiefs.

Earlier, the separate trial of the Muslim Brotherhood's general guide and his two deputies was adjourned.
The court convened briefly and made its decision because Mohammed Badie, Khairat al-Shater and Rashad Bayoumi were absent for security reasons.

Their presence was requested for the trial's resumption on 29 October.

The Brotherhood leaders face charges of inciting the murder of protesters who stormed the Islamist movement's headquarters in Cairo on 30 June as millions took to the streets demanding the resignation of Mr Mubarak's democratically elected successor, Mohammed Morsi.

Mr Morsi was deposed by the military three days later.

He is is being detained while prosecutors investigate allegations related to his escape from prison during the uprising that forced Mr Mubarak from power, including that he conspired with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Helicopter
On Sunday, Mr Mubarak appeared in the dock inside the high-security courtroom at the police academ
The 85-year-old was reportedly flown by helicopter to the court from a military hospital where he has been held under house arrest since his release from prison on Thursday. The hearing has been adjourned until 14 September.

Mr Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison in June 2012 after being found guilty of complicity in the killing of hundreds of protesters. His former interior minister, Habib al-Adly, also received a life sentence, but the security chiefs were acquitted.

The former president and his sons, Alaa and Gamal, were cleared of separate charges of corruption relating to a gas export deal at the same trial because of the statute of limitations.

In January 2013, the Court of Cassation accepted appeals against their convictions by Mr Mubarak and Mr Adly and ordered a retrial of all the defendants. Their supporters had noted that the original trial judge had said there was no evidence linking Mr Mubarak to the shooting of protesters. 

Their retrial began in May but it has been repeatedly adjourned for various reasons, prompting claims from pro-democracy activists and representatives of the victims that the judges and defence team were dragging out proceedings to avoid a verdict.

On Thursday, Mr Mubarak was moved from a prison cell to house arrest at the hospital in Maadi, ending more than two years of incarceration. 

It came a day after a court ruled that he could no longer be detained in relation to a separate corruption case that alleges he accepted gifts from the state-run publisher, al-Ahram. He has already served the maximum time allowed in custody in connection to the complicity case.

Under President Morsi, state prosecutors brought new charges when courts ordered Mr Mubarak's release to ensure he was kept in detention. Alaa and Gamal Mubarak are being held on multiple corruption charges.

Willian: Chelsea confirm deal for Brazil midfielder

Chelsea have confirmed a deal  has been agreed to sign attacking midfielder Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala, subject to a work permit hearing on Wednesday. 

The 25-year-old Brazilian was close to joining Tottenham after having a medical last Wednesday.  

But it is understood the Blues made their move at around 18:00 BST on Thursday, with a fee and personal terms agreed within 24 hours. 

Chelsea are believed to have agreed to pay £30m to the Russian club. 

The transfer was made possible after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, whose fellow Russian oligarch Suleyman Kerimov owns Anzhi, intervened. 

Willian was expected to join Tottenham, but when the Blues stepped in he felt the chance to play Champions League football was too good to reject.

Sources close to the player said Chelsea have made enquiries or offers for his services in every transfer window since 2011. 

Willian will become the Stamford Bridge club's third major summer acquisition following the arrivals of Germany forward Andre Schurrle and Netherlands midfielder Marco van Ginkel.

On Friday Blues manager Jose Mourinho had indicated that Willian would choose Chelsea over Tottenham.
Willian joined Anzhi in January for a reported £30m after five-and-a-half seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, but he became available as the Russian club attempt to cut costs after a change in strategy by their owner. 

Tottenham had expected to break their transfer record and make Willian their fifth major summer signing.
Willian's arrival at Stamford Bridge further strengthens a squad full of attack-minded midfielders including Eden Hazard, Oscar, Kevin De Bruyne, Schurrle and Juan Mata, who Mourinho insists will not be leaving.
Willian

Willian's world

  • Full name: Willian Borges da Silva
  • Born: 9 August 1988, Ribeirao Pires, Brazil
  • Began his career in his homeland with Corinthians, moving to Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2007
  • Won four Ukrainian Premier League titles with Shakhtar, plus the 2009 Uefa Cup
  • Was part of the Brazil Under-20 side who won the 2007 South American Youth Championships
  • Made senior Brazil debut against Gabon in November 2011

Mike Tyson 'close to death from drugs and alcohol'

Mike Tyson Former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson claims he is "on the verge of dying" from ongoing drug and alcohol problems. 

Tyson, 47, admitted he is a continual substance abuser but added he is hopeful of finally getting clean.
"I want to live my sober life. I don't want to die. I'm on the verge of dying, because I'm a vicious alcoholic," Tyson said on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights". 

"I'm a bad guy sometimes. I did a lot of bad things, I want to be forgiven." 

At the age of 20, in 1987, the American fighter held the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles. 

But five years later Brooklyn-born Tyson was convicted of raping Desiree Washington and sentenced to six years in prison. 

He returned to the ring but retired from the sport in 2006 and in 2007 was sentenced to 24 hours in jail and 360 hours of community service for drug possession and driving under the influence. 

Tyson, who now works as a boxing promoter, added: "I hope they can forgive me. I want to change my life, I want to live a different life now. 

"I haven't drank or took drugs in six days, and for me that's a miracle. 

"I've been lying to everybody that thinks I was sober, but I'm not. This is my sixth day. I'm never going to use again."