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Showing posts from August 2, 2016

Clinton, Trump show stark contrast on climate change

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Presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have opposing views on climate change.video by Chelsea Land for USA TODAY Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump offer Americans starkly different views on global warming: Clinton sees it as an urgent concern, while Trump dismisses it as a minor problem at most. "There's never been a bigger contrast between the two candidates and the two platforms," said Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president of the League of Conservation Voters. The GOP nominee said nothing about climate change in his July 21 acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. But he told a rally in South Carolina in December that global warming was "a hoax, a lot of it," a modest change from a tweet in 2013 that called global warming "bulls---." He's debunked climate science even though climate is likely the most thoroughly researched area on record, said Jeremy Symons, senior adviser with the Envir

Mikel Obi officially changes his name

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In attempting to clarify his actual name, the Chelsea veteran has just made everyone very, very confused. Jon Obi Mikel has been called many things by Chelsea fans during his decade at Stamford Bridge… many of which are far too rude, reports UK Mirror. Mikel However, while he may have got used to the abusive slurs hurled his way by a section of the Stamford Bridge support, it seems the Nigerian midfielder has finally had enough of people getting his actual name wrong. That is why the Chelsea stalwart who was was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna (the son of Michael Obi) in 1987, but a mistake in 2003 changed things for the midfielder. has just officially changed his name… to Mikel John Obi. For starters, it turns out that he was never actually called ‘Mikel’. The Guus Hiddink favourite was born John Michael Nchekwube Obinna – ‘Mikel’ only became a thing when the Nigerian FA mistakenly used Mikel instead of Michael on his submission form during the registration process for the 2003

Pope Francis Refuses To Associate Islam With Violence

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FILIPPO MONTEFORTE VIA GETTY IMAGES According to German, Nazi-era thinker Carl Schmitt, the function of the Catholic church and the papacy is to slow down the arrival of the Antichrist and the end of days. On his visit to Poland from July 27 to 31, Pope Francis made it clear that he is trying to keep a third World War from emerging — in the shape of a war between religions. Among his remarks, he said that the  characterization of Islam as violent is misguided . Despite repeated attempts to get the pope to create an armed church — by those who do not dare to demand a response to the terrorist phenomenon from politicians — Francis is not alone in rejecting the military-theology option. Paradoxically, the few churchmen and the even fewer columnists who attempt to blackmail the church with the idea of an armed papacy are the same ones who chastise Francis for not following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II. But it’s clear that Francis’s refusal to enter the c

Turkish FA fires 94 referees, other officials after coup

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Istanbul - Turkey's football authorities have fired 94 officials including referees in the wake of the July 15 coup that tried to unseat President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the football federation said on Tuesday. "Our federation deemed it necessary to dismiss 94 people, including regional and nationally-ranked referees and assistant referees, regional refereeing committee members and national and regional observers," the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said in a statement. The statement gave no further details but the Hurriyet daily said one of the referees affected was an official on duty in the Super Lig top flight, without giving a name. The backlash after the July 15 coup blamed on followers of the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen has affected every walk of life in Turkey and football is no exception. All members of affiliated committees of the TFF resigned at the weekend to allow a "security inspection" to see if any have links to the Gulen movement. The s

I’ll rather die than renounce Biafra – Nnamdi Kanu

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Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Nnamdi Kanu has asserted that IPOB is not in the business of betrayal and as such would rather prefer to die than to renounce Biafra and abandon the struggle for its restoration. In a press statement signed by its spokespersons, Emma Nmezu and Dr. Clifford Iroanya, in reaction to the recent statement credited to members of the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND to the effect that a negotiation could be reached with the federal government to release Kanu and then he would renounce Biafra, IPOB quoted Kanu as saying that Biafra’s restoration is not subject of negotiation. The statement entitled: “Biafra or death”, added that if there should be any form of negotiation at all, it must be centred on asset sharing between Nigeria and Biafra and on the payment of reparations for money stolen from Biafrans by Nigeria through the 1970 twenty pounds deal and other subsequent acts of thievery by Nigeria against Biafrans.

Trump is is not fit to be President - Obama

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Washington (CNN)President Barack Obama offered one of his sharpest denunciations of Donald Trump to date Tuesday, declaring the Republican nominee entirely unfit to serve as president and lambasting Republicans for sticking by their nominee. The strong rebuke in the White House East Room came after Trump's criticism of the family of a slain Muslim US soldier, along with comments that displayed apparent confusion related to the Russian incursion into Ukraine. "The Republican nominee is unfit to serve as president," Obama said at a White House news conference with the Prime Minister of Singapore. "He keeps on proving it." The Trump campaign responded by going after the Democratic nominee as well as the President. "Hillary Clinton has proven herself unfit to serve in any government office," a Trump statement said, listing a number of policy concerns. "Obama-Clinton have single-handedly destabilized the Middle East, handed Iraq, Libya an

President Buhari nominates Chairman, Commissioners for NCC

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Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to confirm nominees into positions of Chairman, Executive Commissioner, and Non-Executive Commissioners of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Mr Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said Buhari made the request through a letter dated Aug. 2, sent to President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki. The statement said Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye (South West) was nominated as Chairman, while Mr Sunday Dare (South West) got the nod as Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management. Those nominated as Non-Executive Commissioners, according to the statement, are Aliyu Sa’idu Abubakar (North East), Clement Omeiza Baiye (North Central), Chief Okoi Ofem Obono Obla (South South), Pastor Ezekiel Yissa (North Central) and Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume (South East). “The nominations are in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act 2003,’’ the statement said. 

Half-Naked Women Protest Fulani Herdsmen Attacks in Kaduna Villages

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Governor of Kaduna state Mallam Nasir El-rufai New reports have just confirmed that groups of women in Kaduna took to the streets today to protest the government’s silence on the nightly attacks in their community by Fulani herdsmen. According to Punch , the herdsmen have been terrorising the residents of Ninte village in Godogodo Chiefdom of Jema’a Local Government, Kaduna State. To draw the attention of the state government, women of Ninte and surrounding villages, took to the streets, almost in the nude. They gathered at the palace of the Chief of Godogodo and made official complaints, demanding for government’s intervention to the nightly killings, rape and burning of houses allegedly carried out by the herdsmen in the area. Speaking to the Chief, the women’s spokesperson, Deborah Reuben, said the government was insensitive to their plight which they had been enduring since May of this year. She said: “The situation is unhealthy as it is no longer safe. The government we voted

Jimmy Fallon to host 2017 Golden Globe Awards

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Jimmy Fallon will step up to host the 2017 Golden Globe Awards. (NBC) Yvonne Villarreal Slow jam this news: Jimmy Fallon will host the 2017 Golden Globe Awards. The announcement was made Tuesday at the Television Critics Assn. press tour in Beverly Hills. Fallon took to Twitter shortly after the news broke: “I'm so excited to be hosting The Golden Globes in January.” Followed by: “I’m really looking forward to spending time with the Hollywood Foreign Press before Donald Trump has them all deported.” The “Tonight Show” host follows Ricky Gervais, who emceed the ceremony earlier this year. Fallon’s former “Saturday Night Live” cast mates Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted in 2015. Fallon isn’t a newbie to awards hosting, of course. He previously helmed the 2010 Emmy Awards, when the ceremony aired on NBC. The Golden Globes are set to air live on both coasts from the Beverly Hilton on Jan. 8, 2017.

Britney Spears says she's still a hopeless romantic

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Britney Spears still believes in her happily ever after, even if the fairy tale hasn’t gone smoothly so far. “Unfortunately, I am (a hopeless romantic),” the “Make Me" singer said on the Australian radio show Rove and Sam on Hit 104.1. “I’ve been through horrible relationships, but unfortunately I still believe in love and I think you should protect your heart and stuff like that, but I am a hopeless romantic. I believe in love.” Spears had her marriage to Jason Alexander annulled in 2004 after 55 hours and divorced from Kevin Federline in 2006. The singer was engaged to talent agent Jason Trawick from December 2011 to January 2013, but the two never made it down the aisle. Spears and David Lucado broke up after 18 months after his alleged cheating, and she and Charlie Ebersol broke up in June 2015 after eight months. But the pop star isn’t looking for love at the Las Vegas clubs, where she’s doing a residency at Planet Hollywood. “I’m very boring. I’m 34 years

Kanye West hints at collaborative album with Drake - NY Daily News

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Yeezus may have answered the prayers of rap fans everywhere. Hip-hop star Kanye West strongly teased that he and fellow rap icon Drake could be teaming up for a collaborative album together during a performance at the OVO Fest in Toronto on Monday night. "Is y'all ready for this album?" West asked the audience after hopping on stage to perform a song at the Canadian rapper’s show. "Now, I'm not talking about 'Pablo.' I wasn't talking about 'Views,'" he continued, referring to his and Drake's respective albums this year. "I wanna ask y'all right now, y'all ready for THIS album?" He then pointed to Drake, earning an eruption of cheers from the audience. It's not the first time the "Famous" artist has hinted at a possible collaboration with Drake. Last year, West revealed on "The Breakfast Club" radio show that his hit "Wolves" stemmed from a discussion he had with Drak

Leonardo DiCaprio surprises Jonah Hill

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Leonardo DiCaprio snuck up on Jonah Hill in West Village on Monday. The Wolf of Wall Street’s newest prey is a little more catchable than cold stacks of cash. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jonah Hill, co-stars from the 2013 Academy Award-nominated film, had a surprise run-in on the sidewalks of the West Village Monday when the 41-year-old “Revenant” actor snuck up on his old friend. First, DiCaprio spots his prey. He’s slightly soft, in jeans and a jacket that aren’t suited for running away. There’s no time to weigh the perfect attack route. There’s only time to strike. DiCaprio lunges at his co-star. His phone is out, poised to photograph the radiant creature in the wild. Hill is startled. Who is this strange man? What does he want? Why is he coming toward me? What is that delightful red drink he’s holding? Hill, left, and DiCaprio starred together in "The Wolf of Wall Street." (PHOTO CREDIT: MARY CYBULSKI/MARY CYBULSKI) As DiCaprio gets closer, the frightened p

‘Suicide Squad’ Review: Margot Robbie, Viola Davis Stand Out in Overstuffed Spectacle

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A group of rogues, thieves and general ne’er-do-wells are forced together against their will, and while they initially bristle at each other’s presence, they eventually form a family of sorts, uniting to battle a common foe. It’s a venerable story, and with the right handling — as in, for instance, “Guardians of the Galaxy” — the results can be exciting. Such is not the case with “Suicide Squad,” the latest entry in the onscreen DC Extended Universe, which launched with Zach Snyder’s “Man of Steel” and “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice” and will eventually enfold the upcoming “Justice League” and beyond. Writer-director David Ayer (“Fury,” “End of Watch”) tries hard to make this dirty not-quite-dozen into an engaging band of misfits, but the results feel undercooked and overstuffed, with 10 pounds of supervillain backstory being crammed into a five-pound bag. The film begins with the mournful, climactic events of “BvS,” which lead high-level bureaucrat Amanda Waller (Vio

Mommy Michelle! Obamas welcome the Prime Minister of Singapore to the White House - after the doting First Lady wipes her husband's nose

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Michelle Obama was on hand to clean up the president's appearance as he greeted the Prime Minister of Singapore. The first lady wiped her husband's nose in front of the crowds in Washington D.C. as Lee Hsien Loong and his wife arrived. President Obama squinted slightly as his wife reached out and touched his face. But it appeared to save the Commander-in-chief from any embarrassment. The pair looked like any normal couple as they walked onto the red carpet holding hands as Loong kicked off his state visit. They are celebrating the 50th anniversary of U.S. diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian city state. The Singaporian prime minister has urged the United States to maintain their 'indispensable role' in the Asia-Pacific and ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal. Calling Singapore a 'rock solid' partner, Obama welcomed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong after an elaborate ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, where hundreds of U.S. m

Buhari Appoints New Post Master General

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Asiwaju Bisi Adegbuyi as Post-Master General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST). The appointment was contained in a statement signed by Bolaji Adebiyi of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Adegbuyi replaces Enoch Ogun, who hitherto was the acting post master general. Before his appointment, he was the Director General of Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State’s campaign in the last general election.

Olympics: FIFA putss Oliseh in charge of Nigeria matches

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Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, who is on the FIFA technical study group for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been assigned to analyse Nigeria matches against Japan and Colombia in the Games soccer event. Nigeria faces Japan in both countries’ opening game at the Olympics on Friday in Manaus, while the Dream Team VI confronts Colombia in the last group game in Sao Paolo on August 10, africanFootball.com reports. Oliseh coached the Super Eagles coach between July 2015 and February this year.

Olympics: FIFA putss Oliseh in charge of Nigeria matches

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Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, who is on the FIFA technical study group for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has been assigned to analyse Nigeria matches against Japan and Colombia in the Games soccer event. Nigeria faces Japan in both countries’ opening game at the Olympics on Friday in Manaus, while the Dream Team VI confronts Colombia in the last group game in Sao Paolo on August 10, africanFootball.com reports. Oliseh coached the Super Eagles coach between July 2015 and February this year.

Fayemi unveils timeline for revitalisation of Iron Ore Company

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The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, had, while presiding over the signing ceremony on Monday, urged both parties to keep to the various deadlines contained in the agreement in the spirit of mediation Following Monday’s signing of the modified Nigerian Iron Ore Mining Company concession between the Federal Government and Global Steel Holdings Limited, the company is to submit its business plan for government’s approval within the next 105 days. The submission of business plan for approval by the Federal Government is part of the timeline agreed upon by both parties for the revitalisation of the entity. The submission and approval of the business plan is to come after the release of claims by GSHL. Under the new arrangement, the concessionaire is to implement the business plan as approved by the government. The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, had, while presiding over the signing ceremony on Monday, urged both parties to keep to the various deadlines contained in the agreement

Imo government declares Thursdays, Fridays as ‘Public farming days’

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The Imo state government has reduced the working days of some civil servants in the state. Workers are now to work for three days in a week, while they can spend the remaining two days on their farms. This was as the government introduced a policy tagged: “Back to Land for Agriculture”, which is meant to enable the state workers engage and invest in agriculture for self-sustenance. Governor of the State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, made the policy known when traditional rulers from the state, operating under the aegis of Royal fathers in Agriculture, paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri on Monday. He further explained that the State Executive Council has given approval to the new policy. A statement by the state governor’s Chief Press secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, however assured that the new policy will not affect the salaries of workers. The statement reads, “Against the backdrop of the “Back to Land for Agriculture” Programme, the governor directed that public servants

China holds live-fire navy drills in East China Sea

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Wu Dengfeng/Xinhua via AP China's navy has fired dozens of missiles and torpedoes during exercises in the East China Sea that come amid heightened maritime tensions in the region, underscoring Beijing's determination to back up its sovereignty claims with force if needed. The live-fire drills that began Monday follow China's strident rejection of an international arbitration panel's ruling last month that invalidated Beijing's claims to a vast swath of the South China Sea. That led to days of angry statements from Beijing, followed by live-firing naval exercises in the South China Sea and the launch of regular aerial patrols in the area. NAVY TIMES On Tuesday, the Defense Ministry said the East China Sea exercises were aimed at improving the "intensity, precision, stability and speed" of its military. "An information technology-based war at sea is sudden, cruel and short, which requires fast transition to combat status, quick prepara