Shell To Sack 10,000 Workers In Nigeria

As its fortunes continue to dwindle in the face of falling oil prices, Royal Dutch Shell is to sack 10,000 men and women in an effort to bolster its profit margins.

According to Capital Post, Shell’s drive to improve competitive performance is delivering at the bottom line. Operating costs have reduced by $4billion, or around 10 percent in 2015, and the company expects Shell’s costs to fall again in 2016 by a further $3 billion.

Synergies from the BG combination will be in addition to that. Together, these actions will include a reduction of some 10,000 staff and direct contractor positions in 2015-16 across both companies, as streamlining and integration of the two companies continue.

When Shell announces its results on 4 February 2016, Shell’s fourth quarter 2015 earnings on a current cost of supplies (“CCS”) basis excluding identified items are expected to be in the region of $1.6 – 1.9 billion.

2015 earnings on a CCS basis excluding identified items are expected to be just $10.4 – 10.7 billion.

The company is facing some serious hard times in Nigeria and sources say sacking worker is their option.

The North Is Silent Again As It Was When Boko Haram Killed The Christians

PERSECUTION: The North Is Silent Again As It Was When Boko Haram Killed The Christians
When Boko Haram first emerged and targeted the Christians, the north was silent. The traditional leaders, Muslim clerics and State governors were loudly silent. Apart from a few less popular but true scholars who stood up and condemned the terrorists, the larger north dissociated itself from doing so in spite of raging public demand.

The papers were awash with criticism: why does the north not condemn Boko Haram?
Where is the Sultan? Why does Buhari not speak? These were the comments that we remembered filled up main stream and social media. Many northern governors were even accused of financing Boko Haram, at least to keep them out of their States and left to destroy the northeast. Some northern eminents went even as far as praising Boko Haram while it bombed Churches religiously almost every weekend. Former PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur is noted to have said, 'Boko Haram is fighting for justice, Boko Haram is another name for justice."

Later Boko Haram turned its sights on the silent and supportive north. They bombed and killed northern Muslims and other faithfuls in droves. They struck major northern cities and visited dozens of Mosques including Kano's Central. Numbers say Boko Haram ended up killing more innocent northern Muslims than they had Christians in their early days. Tens of thousands were killed and 3 million displaced. The struggling northern economy was devastated beyond recovery as has been its reputation. Children and families have been broken beyond repair with hundreds impregnated by terrorists.

Dejavu
Today the Human Rights Watch and Nigerian Human Rights Commission has clearly condemned the excesses of the Military in Zaria between December 12th to the 16th of last year. Very few normal human beings can see reason to the massacre of pogrom defines. Hundreds were killed in response to an alleged attack on the nation's military Chief and later explained on the basis of the Islamic movement being a "nuiscance." Hundreds were kidnapped and held extra-judiciously incommunicado by the State including the head of the Islamic movement and his wife after their three more sons were shot and burned to death.

Graves of the minority Muslim group were exhumed as their homes were demolished by the Nigerian army and Kaduna State government.

The persecution continued with government lavishly sponsored hate campaigns against the oppressed minority, selecting fanatic scholars and other extremist community members to propagate extensive deadly hate campaigns against the already persecuted faithfuls. And to top it up, justice was denied with the administration, both State and Federal implicating the dead and defenseless without probe and selecting fanatic hate-filled brothers to lead the partial investigations at the involved-participant State-level.

And through this all, the north remained silent as they did during the days Boko Haram persecuted the Christians. Some...enough northerners even rejoiced, praising the military Chief who they fondly called, "Ayatollah Buratai." There was no sense of guilt and no care. There has been no sense of remorse or regret. There is no recollection of what the days of silence and silent support of Boko Haram did to the north.

We will watch this one unravel. Sadly.

Sir Elton John scaling back on gigs to be a dad

Sir Elton John is planning to scale back on his touring so he can be the best dad to his boys.

The rocker has two sons with his husband David Furnish and he hates being away from his family when he's on the road, so to spend more time at home, the Bennie and the Jets singer is cutting back on gigs.

"It's all based around the half terms now," Elton told the BBC, "and Zachary has started school; he started in September, half term has just finished. He is back at school now.

"He came to Toronto, he came to L.A., New York and Las Vegas, and I saw him there. They love travelling, they are used to it because they travelled when they were babies. But, yes, it is all based around half terms now.

"I am going away to Japan and Australia and various places for, like, five weeks and it is going to be very hard; I have never been away from them for that long. I will never be away from them for as long again.

"They know what I do, they understand it, but while I'm away David will be here and he will be parenting and they will always have somebody to read them a story at 6.30 at night every night."

And the Rocket Man star admits life as a parent is more exciting than he ever imagined, adding, "I love doing the school run. Yesterday I picked him (Zachary) up at 3.10pm and I love that; it is part of my life now."

John Legend and Juanes perform at U.S. detention centre to campaign for immigration reform

R&B star John Legend and Colombian rocker Juanes hoped to shine a light on America's immigration and incarceration reform by performing outside the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona on Wednesday (20Jan16).

The multiple Grammy winners visited the institution as part of Legend's #FREEAMERICA campaign, which aims to "change the national conversation about America's misguided policies and transform America’s criminal justice system."

During their tour of the facility on Wednesday, Legend and Juanes spoke to some of the 1500 immigrants who are detained at the centre, which is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the Mexican border.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, Juanes admits he was "heartbroken" by what he witnessed in the facility, saying, "It's very hard to understand that someone is deprived of their freedom unjustly, and that's why we're here with our music, with our culture, which is the strongest tool to bring attention and give a voice to those who don't have one."

Legend also commented on the visit, noting it is important for him to view the reality of life in detention centres firsthand.

"The reason why we're here, one, is because we want to bear witness to what's happening so we could tell the world about it," he said, according to ABC News.

Officials at the centre declined to let the duo perform songs inside, so Legend and Juanes took their concert outside the facility, where they performed on a small stage.

The Grammy winners each played their own tunes, and joined forces to sing Bob Marley's Redemption song, as the dozens of people in the crowd sang along.

Tributes pour in for Eagles star Glenn Frey (@GlennFrey)

Stars including Judd Apatow and Niall Horan have paid tribute to Eagles founder Glenn Frey, who passed away on Monday (18Jan16).

The guitarist passed away due to rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia, at the age of 67. His group are renowned for hits including Take It Easy and Tequila Sunrise, with many celebrities taking to Twitter to speak of their shock at his death.

"So sad about Glenn Frey. I used to listen to his solo record No Fun Aloud as a kid and it made me so happy," movie director Judd wrote. He also commented on what a devastating month it's been for music, following the loss of David Bowie on 10 January (16), writing: "I don't think I can handle the loss of any more of my rock n roll heroes."

Proving The Eagles still have broad appeal, many young stars also spoke about the loss of Glenn. Among them was One Direction star Niall Horan, who decided to listen to some of the group's tracks in the guitarist's honour.

""These cloudy days, make you wanna cry. It breaks your heart when someone leaves and you don't know why " Glenn Frey," he wrote on the social media site. "Glenn Frey /eagles on repeat tonight !"

Justin Timberlake is also feeling the loss, revealing he grew up on the rocker's music: "My Mom used to play Eagles records for me on my way to grade school. We lost one of the greatest songwriters ever today... #RIPGlennFrey."

Nancy Sinatra added a picture of Glenn to Twitter and appeared to be in shock as she penned a tribute: "Oh, God, I hope Glenn Frey's passing was painfree (sic) and peaceful. He gave so much to the world. Gone way too soon."

Also stunned was US singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge, who like Judd is struggling to come to terms with the loss of another musician so soon after Bowie's death. "Too soon to be mourning another Rock and Roll loss. #GlennFrey A first class singer songwriter. He will be missed. #TheEaglesBand," she wrote.

Kiss rocker Gene Simmons simply used Twitter to send his heartfelt "condolences" to Glenn's friends and family, while Jamie Lee Curtis showed how much The Eagles meant to her with the remark: "The lights are dimmed at The Hotel California. Thanks for the soundtrack to my youth.
RIP GlennFrey #musicofmygeneration."

The group's co-founder Don Henley paid tribute to Glenn shortly after he passed away, while the band's manager Irving Azoff has claimed medication was partly to blame for his death.

"The colitis and pneumonia were side effects from all the meds," Irving told TheWrap.com. "He died from complications of ulcer and colitis after being treated with drugs for his rheumatoid arthritis which he had for over 15 years."

Glenn Frey (@TheGlennFrey)(@GlennFrey) death means the end of The Eagles

Eagles fans at the Bossier City show in Louisiana on July 20, 2015 would have had no idea that the show they were watching would be the last ever Eagles concert.

The death of Glenn Frey also means the end of the Eagles. Glenn Frey and Don Henley were the two constants from day one of the band. Without Glenn, there is no more Eagles.

Eagles were meant to receive the Kennedy Center Honors on December 29, 2015 along with Carole King and George Lucas but cancelled on November 4 because of Frey’s illness. The plan was to accept the award in December 2016 when all members could attend.

A short statement at the time from the Kennedy Center read, “The presentation of a Kennedy Center Honors to the popular rock band, Eagles, has been postponed to 2016. “The Eagles will be unable to participate in the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors on December 6 due to Glenn Frey’s health,” said the band in a statement. “The Kennedy Center has graciously agreed to postpone the Eagles’ award presentation until next year, when all four Eagles, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmit, can attend.”

At the time the Eagles confirmed that the reason for postponing the acceptance of the award was because Glenn “has had a recurrence of previous intestinal issues, which will require major surgery and a lengthy recovery period.”

In June 2015 when they were announced to receive the honor Eagles in a join statement said, “We are deeply grateful to have been named a Kennedy Center honoree,” the Eagles said in June in a collective statement. “The members of the Eagles hail from different regions of this great nation, and we feel very fortunate that our music has been embraced by people from all walks of life, all over the world. Popular music is one of America’s greatest exports – a bridge that spans geographical and cultural boundaries. We are truly humbled to have been able to be a part of this global connection.”

In a statement today Don Henley said, “We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year ‘History of the Eagles Tour’ to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I’m not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some.”

Don Henley (@dhhenleyfans) pays heartbreaking tribute to bandmate and 'brother' Glenn Frey

Eagles star Don Henley has paid tribute to his late bandmate Glenn Frey, calling the guitarist "the man with the plan" in a heartfelt statement.

Frey lost has battle with multiple ailments on Monday (18Jan16), aged 67, and a host of music stars, famous fans and friends have taken to social media to remember The Heat is On singer.

Drummer/singer Henley has added his name to the list, by issuing a statement, in which he says Frey was "like a brother to me".

"We were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction," Don writes. "But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved.

"We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry - and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed."

Henley adds, "Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven. He loved is wife and kids more than anything.

"We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year History of the Eagles Tour to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I'm not sure I believe in fate, but I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet."

Henley concludes his heartbreaking tribute, by writing, "It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some."

Tom Hardy flubbed scenes after Oscars nod

Actor Tom Hardy struggled with scenes for a new British period drama after he learned of his first ever Oscars nomination while on set.

The British actor was filming BBC TV series Taboo on Thursday (14Jan16) when he heard he had received a Best Supporting Actor nod for his role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in survival epic The Revenant.

Speaking at the film's London premiere that evening (14Jan16), Tom admits he flubbed his scenes on set after hearing the big news.

"I didn't really believe it to be fair, I was like 'Yeah alright, carry on with the scene', which was actually probably one of the worst scenes I've ever done in my life," he tells British TV show Good Morning Britain.

"I was struggling and I had half a costume on. Doing a period drama, I've got no pants on and I was standing there in a shirt. It was like 'Yeah you've been nominated.' I was like 'Yeah course I have, yeah.'

"I haven't fully processed it, if that makes sense, because I've literally just come from work and I'm just a little bit braindead, but it's a really cool day but I haven't really sat with it yet."

His co-star Leonardo, who received his fourth Best Actor nod, is delighted that Tom has been recognised among the 12 nominations which were handed out to The Revenant's cast and crew.

"This movie was a monumental undertaking for everyone involved, and the fact that so many different departments got recognised, and my good pal Tom got recognised, is an amazing feeling, because we really put everything we had into this movie. We didn't leave anything at the door so to speak," the Hollywood superstar says.

Along with Tom and Leonardo's nominations, The Revenant will also compete for prizes include Best Picture and Best Director for Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu during the ceremony in Los Angeles on 28 February (16).

Chris Hemsworth comments on brother Liam's rumoured rekindled romance with Miley Cyrus

Chris Hemsworth is clueless as to whether his brother Liam Hemsworth is back with his ex Miley Cyrus.

Recent reports suggest The Hunger Games star Liam, 26, recently reconciled with pop superstar Miley, 23, after they spent the holidays together in the actor's native Australia.

But elder sibling Chris, 32, claims he has no idea whether the pair are romantic with each other again.

"Not that I know of mate," he responded during a talk on Australian radio programme the Kyle & Jackie O Show on Tuesday (19Jan16) when asked whether Miley and Liam were back on.

Chris went on to explain although he is close with his brother, it is unlikely he would be in the know about the situation.

"I would find out through the press," he laughed. "I find out last most of the time."

Miley and Liam first started dating in 2009 and they became engaged to wed in 2012, but the pair decided to call it quits a year after he popped the question (13).

On Sunday (17Jan16), Miley flashed what appeared to be her old engagement ring as she arrived in New York from Los Angeles, sparking speculation their stalled wedding plans had been revived.

Although the Wrecking Ball singer has yet to comment on reconciliation rumours, she has published cryptic material on social media that suggests the hearsay may in fact be true.

On Monday (18Jan16) Miley posted a photo on her Instagram account in which the large ring is clearly in view on her left hand - this seems to be a subtle confirmation this is indeed the engagement ring Liam gave her years ago.

Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine): 'Wife saved my life'

Sir Michael Caine would have died long ago if his wife hadn’t stopped his heavy drinking.

The 82-year-old actor tied the knot with Shakira in 1973 and has made it no secret how in love he is with the brunette beauty. But in a new interview with Radio Times magazine, Michael has revealed his spouse saved his life by supporting him during a period of heavy drinking following his divorce from first wife Patricia Haines in 1962.

“Without her I would have been dead long ago. I would have probably drunk myself to death,” he told the publication. “I was a bit of a p**s artist when I was younger, I used to drink a bottle of vodka a day and I was smoking too, several packs a day.”

With so much stress surrounding his acting profession at the time, Michael found himself driven into an unhealthy lifestyle.

Things didn’t end badly though, as Shakira swooped in to make amends and helped calm the actor down. She does more than just provide emotional support too, as Michael reminded people that she plays a big role in organising his career.

“And she’s not the little wife; she runs the whole business side of my life,” he gushed. “She’s my right-hand man, my confidante.

“I tell her everything. I was famous when I met her, but I couldn’t have got this far without her. She is the most important person in my life.”

Michael has expressed this desire to be equal with his wife on many occasions in the past and previously explained that Shakira goes everywhere with him for work. The couple have daughter Natasha together, and Michael also has daughter Dominique from his time with Patricia.

With two girls, the veteran star finds himself getting protective.

"When you see the guys they bring home. And you go, 'Get rid of him.' And they go, 'No, I’m not going to do that,’” he grinned to Britain’s Esquire magazine.

Linda Perry (@RealLindaPerry) apologises for Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) attack

Singer/songwriter Linda Perry has apologised to Lady Gaga for suggesting the Paparazzi singer is unworthy of an Oscar nomination.
The former 4 Non Blondes star took to social media on Monday (18Jan16) to attack Gaga's Academy Awards mention for her Diane Warren collaboration Til It Happens to You.
Perry claimed she had it on good authority that the Poker Face singer was simply the performer of the song, and didn't deserve a writing credit.
She tweeted, "I have Diane's original demo with her singing. The only line that has been changed (is) 'Till you're at the end, the end of your rope' originally was 'Til you got a hole ripped in your soul'. So I guess technically one line was changed so sure Gaga possibly 'rewrote' a line. But chances are Diane still took part in rewriting that line which means Gaga contributed a few words. Is that writing. Not in my book."
Perry, who insists she "loves" the finished product, went on to suggest Gaga was only given a co-writing credit to boost the exposure of the track.
However, Warren has since responded to the claims on her own Twitter page, insisting Gaga's input helped make the single Oscar-worthy: "The song is the result of a special collaboration between myself and Lady Gaga," Warren wrote.
"When I called her and played her the song, it was more of a sombre ballad, but she really made it epic," she told Billboard.com. "She made it hers and took it to another level by arranging the s**t out of it and singing the s**t out of it."
Perry appears to have checked her facts, as hours later she posted an apology to Gaga, which read: "My sincere apologies. I made a mistake to comment. I wasn't in the room when the #TIHTY was being written. More importantly, I wish the focus to remain on the great importance of the song and the message of the film."
Gaga and Warren's song was written as the theme for 2015 campus rape documentary The Hunting Ground. It will compete with Earned It from Fifty Shades of Grey, Manta Ray from Racing Extinction, Youth's Simple Song #3 and Sam Smith's epic Spectre tune Writing's On The Wall when the Best Original Song Oscar is handed out at the 2016 Academy Awards next month (Feb16).
Perry missed out on a nod in the Best Song category at this year's Oscars for her tune Hands of Love, a song written for movie Freeheld's soundtrack that was performed by Miley Cyrus.

Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey (@TheGlennFrey) dead at 67

Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey has died, aged 67.
The guitarist had been battling "intestinal issues" for months prior to his passing, and his health troubles prompted the Eagles to bow out of plans to accept their Kennedy Center Honor in December (15).
At the time of the November (15) announcement, the group's spokesman, Larry Solters, simply revealed Frey needed "major surgery" and required a lengthy period of time to recover.
Frey eventually passed away from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia.
The rocker was a founding member of the Eagles and co-wrote many of the band's hits, including Take It Easy, Lyin' Eyes, and Hotel California.
He also enjoyed a successful solo career after the group's split in 1980, and hit the top of the charts around the world in 1984 with his song The Heat is On from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack. He also ventured into acting, landing a recurring role on 1980s TV series Miami Vice and an appearance in Tom Cruise's 1996 film Jerry Maguire.
The Eagles reunited for a comeback tour in 1994 and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
Frey released his fifth and final solo album, After Hours, in 2012.
Confirming the sad news in a statement on Monday (18Jan16), his bandmates wrote, "Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia.
"Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide."

Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) shoots down young critic over sexist tweet

Amy Schumer has scorched a wannabe film writer after he made a misogynistic comment about her on social media.
Teenage film critic Jackson Murphy tweeted a photo of himself with the Trainwreck star on the red carpet at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday (17Jan16), but his sexist caption prompted Schumer to respond with dismay.
Jackson wrote, "Spent the night with @amyschumer. Certainly not the first guy to write that."
Amy saw the tweet and responded, "I get it. Cause I’m a whore? Glad I took a photo with you. Hi to your dad.”
The young critic has since deleted his post, and written an apology, which reads: "@amyschumer I truly apologize. Thought you'd like the joke. I should leave the comedy to you!
"Thanks for the photo. Glad you won last night! I truly apologize for the tweet I posted earlier. I’m not a comedian and it wasn’t funny."
The actress/comedienne accepted the red-faced youngster's apology, adding, "That's really okay honey. I just remember thinking you and your dad were sweet and it was a bummer to read that."
Amy was a double winner at the Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California - she picked up the Best Actress in a Comedy for Trainwreck and the ceremony's MVP Award.

Cuba Gooding Jr (@Cuba_Gooding)(@CubaGooding8).: 'Oscars backlash will make people think'

Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. believes the 'all-white' controversy surrounding this year's (16) Academy Awards nominees will make voters think a lot harder about who to choose in the future.
Many film fans have been left upset by the fact no African-American actor or director has been nominated by the Academy for top honours for the second year in a row, and Jada Pinkett-Smith and director Spike Lee have both announced they will be boycotting the ceremony as a result.
Having won a Best Supporting Actor gong in 1997 for his role in Jerry Maguire, Cuba has been one of the few African-Americans to achieve success at the Oscars, and he felt inclined to share his opinion on the current #OscarsSoWhite backlash.
"You want it to be diverse and you want the work to show,” he told Variety. “I wanted (N.W.A. biopic) Straight Outta Compton to get something, but, you know, it’s this conversation that makes people think harder when the nominations come around for next year. I think the more members of colour that they put in - the minorities - the better."
The Academy members have been targeted for their latest list of nominees, and even this year's host, Chris Rock, has described the ceremony as "The White BET Awards", but Cuba, 48, remains hopeful the voters will make amends in future years, as his peers continue to make excellent movies.
"A lot of these films - The Butler and Red Tails that I was in, Selma, another one that I was in, these are black stories that the audience for the history of African-Americans and our contribution is growing," he continued. "And I think the more projects like that, of quality, after a while, you can’t deny it. Hopefully.”
The 88th Academy Awards will take place on 28 February (16).

Asif Kapadia (@asifkapadia) explains why his AMY film(@AmyFilmUK) is so popular

Why we love Amy Winehouse - Asif Kapadia explains why his AMY film is so popular.

Asif Kapadia's picked up the Critics' Circle Award for Documentary of the Year for his film AMY.

Asif explains why he thinks his portrayal of the late Amy Winehouse has become so popular:

Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) moves back in with Liam Hemsworth (@LiamHemsworth)

Miley Cyrus has fuelled rumours suggesting her romance with Liam Hemsworth is back on after reportedly moving in with her ex-fiance.

The pop superstar split from The Hunger Games hunk in 2013, a year after Liam proposed, but they recently reconciled after spending the holidays together in the actor's native Australia, according to reports.

They were then reportedly spotted kissing and holding hands at a Golden Globes afterparty earlier this month (Jan16), and on Sunday (17Jan16), Miley sparked speculation their stalled wedding plans had also been revived as she flashed what appeared to be her old engagement ring as she arrived in New York from Los Angeles.

Now images appearing to show Miley and some pals unloading her belongings into Liam's Malibu, California pad from a removal truck on Saturday (16Jan16) have been obtained by TMZ.com, further suggesting the couple is planning a future together once again.

Sources tell TMZ the weekend move marked the end of a week-long process for 23-year-old Miley.

The stars have yet to comment on the reunion rumours, but Miley made no attempt to hide her ring when she posted a photo of herself holding her left hand to her chest on Instagram on Monday morning (18Jan16).

The couple met in 2009 on the set of the movie The Last Song, and Liam, who popped the question in June, 2012, recently admitted he will always love Miley.

"You fall in love with who you fall in love with," he told Men's Fitness magazine. "You can never choose. I guess some people just come with a little more baggage...

"We were together five (sic) years. So I don't think those feelings will ever change. And that's good because that proves to me that it was real. It wasn't just a fling. It really was an important part of my life and always will be."

Jada Pinkett Smith to boycott the Oscars over African-American snub

 

Jada Pinkett Smith has joined Spike Lee in boycotting the Oscars after voters failed to nominate any African-Americans for the major awards last week (14Jan16).

The actress, who starred in Lee's 2000 film Bamboozled, has officially declared she will not be attending or watching the 2016 Academy Awards.

In a video posted on Facebook on America's Martin Luther King Day (18Jan16), Will Smith's wife said, "Is it time that people of colour recognise how much power, influence, that we have amassed, that we no longer need to ask to be invited anywhere?

"Maybe it's time that we recognise that if we love and respect and acknowledge ourselves in the way in which we are asking others to do, that that is the place of true power."

The actress' husband was one of the black stars many Oscars experts felt should have received a nomination for his role in Concussion.

Pinkett Smith's video message came hours after Spike Lee announced he would not be attending the Oscars this year, just two months after he was presented with an honorary Oscar for his contributions to the movie industry.

"I would like to thank President Cheryl Boone Isaacs and the board of governors of The Academy Of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for awarding me an honorary Oscar this past November," he wrote on Instagram.com. "I am most appreciative. However my wife, Mrs. Tonya Lewis Lee and I will not be attending the Oscar ceremony this coming February.
"We cannot support it and mean no disrespect to my friends... But, how is it possible for the 2nd consecutive year all 20 contenders under the actor category are white?... We Can't Act?! WTF (what the f**k)!!"

He added, "It's no coincidence I'm writing this as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr.'s birthday. Dr. King said, 'There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but he must take it because conscience tells him it's right'."

Dianna Agron engaged

Actress Dianna Agron is reportedly engaged to Mumford & Sons star Winston Marshall.

The former Glee star began dating the Mumford & Sons banjo player in July (15), and sources tell Us Weekly the 27-year-old musician popped the question over the Christmas (15) holidays.

No further details have been revealed at this time, and the stars, who are famously private, are not expected to confirm or deny the news anytime soon.

Dianna, 29, has made no mention of an engagement on social media, but she took to Twitter on Monday (18Jan16), as she started work on new movie Novitiate, a coming-of-age drama about a group of young nuns, set in the 1960s.

"First day of shooting. Let's pray," she wrote, adding a prayer emoji.

The movie also features Melissa Leo and The Leftovers actress Margaret Qualley.

Dianna clearly likes British boys - she previously dated Magic Mike actor Alex Pettyfer, hunk Christian Cooke and director Henry Joost, while she has also been linked to movie star Sebastian Stan and actor Thomas Cocquerel.

Meanwhile, her rumoured new fiance enjoyed a brief relationship with Katy Perry.

If the new romance reports are true, it will mark the second time a member of Mumford & Sons has fallen for a top actress - the band's frontman Marcus Mumford is married to Carey Mulligan.

Sam Claflin is a first-time father

The Hunger Games star Sam Claflin and his actress wife Laura Haddock are first-time parents.
The couple revealed they were expecting their first child when Haddock stepped onto the red carpet with a large baby bump during the London premiere of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 in November (15).
The Guardians of the Galaxy actress used a similar method to announce the arrival of the newborn by appearing at the Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California on Sunday (17Jan16) without a bump.
Her representative has confirmed to the MailOnline that the couple welcomed their first child in December (15). No further details were given. It seems the actress was too busy deciding what to wear for the event than how to unveil her post-pregnancy figure, as she shared a photo on Instagram ahead of the night contemplating which shoes to go for.
Sam, 29, met Laura at an audition, and they married in 2013. The handsome star has spoken at length about their relationship, and how they never played the games with one another in the lead up to their dating.
"Even better; I married her!" Sam grinned to German magazine Jolie when asked if he's met the love of his life yet.
"We never had to chase each other and felt the same things at the same time. We met at a casting and it was like an explosion."
The feeling was mutual and the theory it was fate that brought them together proved somewhat true when they bumped into each other on the train in London shortly after their first meeting.

Bryce Dallas Howard: 'Acknowledging women action stars is vital'

Bryce Dallas Howard sees women being honoured for action movies as a "cool and important" step forward.

The 34-year-old star attended the Critics' Choice Awards in Los Angeles last night (17Jan16), where she was nominated for the best actress in an action movie gong, alongside Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, Emily Blunt and Rebecca Ferguson.

Although Bryce lost out to Mad Max: Fury Road star Charlize, she was thrilled to be mentioned in the category for her role in Jurassic World.

"I love that there's a category like this. It's very cool, it's important," she told ET.

"When I said it's important, what I mean is that in films today, 31 per cent of speaking roles go to women, where 69 percent go to men. In action films, it's 23 percent. The fact that there's a category that acknowledges that, female actors in an action film, it's cool."

At the 2015 ceremony Bryce's father Ron Howard was honoured with the LOUIS XIII Critics' Choice Genius Award, something Bryce still finds moving when she considers it. She was on hand to support her director dad at the event and has no problem admitting she wept as he received the accolade, explaining she found his speech and the whole event very moving.

The 2016 ceremony had its own share of moving moments, such as when nine-year-old Room star Jacob Tremblay picked up the best young actor trophy. He was thrilled with the win and couldn't believe he'd beaten the likes of Abraham Attah (Beasts of No Nation), RJ Cyler (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), Shameik Moore (Dope) and Milo Parker (Mr. Holmes) to scoop it.

"This is super cool. This is the best day of my life," he said on stage. "I first want to say thank you to all the critics who voted for me. It must be a super hard vote because of all the other great actors in this category.

"I also want to thank Team Room. I think that us working together made this movie come true and this award doesn't just go to me for that, it goes to all of you guys as well. I also want to thank my parents and I love them very much!"

He ended by stating he knew exactly where he'd store his trophy: "On the shelf, right beside my Millennium Falcon!"

Jane Fonda: 'I come from a long line of depressed people'

Actress Jane Fonda has joked she comes from a "long line of depressed people", and her co-star Lily Tomlin is her light relief.

The two stars have been friends for years, having previously starred together in classic 1980 film 9 to 5, before reuniting for Netflix comedy Grace and Frankie.

For Jane, 78, getting to work with Lily is as much of a joy now as it was all those years ago.

"I come from a long line of depressed people,” she joked at the Television Critics Association press tour, according to Variety. "(Lily) has a true funny bone. I get to spend time with someone who’s take on everything comes from a place of funny."

Grace and Frankie sees Jane and Lily, 76, play two happily married women whose worlds are turned upside down when they find out their respective husbands are in love with each other and are leaving them.

The series' second season is set to debut in May (16), and while the women are thrilled to be back on screen together, series executive producer Marta Kauffman insists there are no plans to reunite the actresses with their fellow 9 to 5 co-star, country singer Dolly Parton just yet.

"Season two is not the right time,” she said. “I feel like we’re still creating a world, and the world is Grace and Frankie, and characters you want to know and invest in. The minute you bring in Dolly Parton — who I love — then it’s 9 to 5 and you’re taken out of the show.”

Caitlyn Jenner: 'I've never had so many friends'

Kim Kardashian's stepparent Caitlyn Jenner has never been more popular now she has transitioned from male to female, revealing her contact book is full and she is always popular at parties.

The former Olympian was often in the shadows of his estranged wife Kris and their famous kids when he was Bruce Jenner - but now Caitlyn is firmly in the spotlight.

As well as fronting her own reality show, I Am Cait, Jenner has become a real party person - something she never thought she'd be able to become when she was hiding her true identity.

"I have made the best friends," Caitlyn tells WENN. "Transitioning is not easy ,especially if you do it in the public's eye. I really had no choice. I was getting destroyed in the tabloids for years and I had to address it at some point and doing it with these girls (new friends) has been absolutely great.

"I've learned a lot from them and love them to death. As far as friends, I have all my old friends too. My Rolodex has tripled over the last nine months!"

"For almost my entire life I never really liked going out and I never really felt like I fit in anywhere," Caitlyn adds. "I was always kind of a loner. Now, after transitioning, I actually really enjoy going out.

"I have so many fun things to do and these girls helped me get past the tough part, which is the beginning, when you first do go out. Now I'm very comfortable with myself and actually enjoy a social life."

Sean Penn stunned by El Chapo meeting

Actor Sean Penn was stunned Mexican drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman was willing to meet with him.

The Oscar-winning star made headlines earlier this month (Jan16) when his interview with the crime boss was published in Rolling Stone.

Sean met the fugitive at his hideout in the Mexican jungle in October (15), three months after Guzman had escaped from prison, and the star admits he was as shocked as anyone else when he was granted an audience with El Chapo.

"I was stunned that he would risk our trip. I was stunned," Penn said in an interview with U.S. news show 60 Minutes, which aired on Sunday (17Jan16). "I was baffled by his will to see us."

Penn's interview has raised many questions since it was published on 9 January (16), with some critics wondering whether the actor should have pushed Guzman to open up more about his crimes, but the star doesn't believe it was his role.

"I absolutely understand justice and the rule of law, and so I do what I call experiential journalism," he added. "I don’t have to be the one that reports on the alleged murders or the amount of narcotics that are brought in. I go and I spend time in the company of another human being."

But Penn fears he didn't achieve what he set out to do with the opportunity, which was discuss the U.S. government's war on drugs.

"I have a regret that the entire discussion about this article ignores its purpose, which was to try to contribute to this discussion about the policy in the war on drugs," he added. "We all want this drug problem to stop... We are the consumer.
"Whether you agree with Sean Penn or not, there is a complicity there... My article has failed."

Cara Delevingne 'played cupid with Kendall and Harry'

Cara Delevingne reportedly played cupid by setting up her close pal Kendall Jenner with Harry Styles.

Model Kendall and One Direction star Harry were rumoured to have enjoyed a brief fling in 2013, and after being spotted getting cosy on a yacht in the Caribbean recently it seems they've reignited their spark. An insider claims Cara is to thank for this reconnection, as despite having dated Harry too, the British fashion star was the one who encouraged her pal to try again with him.

"Harry's been bombarding Kendall with calls, flowers and texts since he moved to LA after the band's break at the end of 2015," a source told Britain's Closer magazine. "Cara played cupid, encouraging Kendall to give things another go with Harry."
Luckily there's no awkwardness between Cara and Kendall, as Cara is currently loved up with musician St. Vincent, real name Annie Clark. The couple began dating in 2015 and double dates could be on the cards if Kendall and Harry's romance continues to blossom.

"Cara's so in love and wants Kendall to be happy," the source added. "She feels Harry is perfect for her - they're adorable together."

Kendall's older half-sister Khloé Kardashian appeared to confirm her sibling's romance recently, telling reporters how she thinks the pair make a great couple. The rest of the Kardashian/Jenner clan are said to be on board with the relationship too, but it seems one of Kendall's close pals isn't taking it so well.

While fellow model Gigi Hadid hasn't dated Harry, she is currently seeing his former bandmate Zayn Malik.

"Not only is that a bit awkward, because the boys aren't really on speaking terms, but behind closed doors Zayn has made no secret of the fact that he thinks Harry is a player," a source told Britain's Grazia magazine.

Emilia Fox: 'No plans to leave Silent Witness'

Emilia Fox isn't planning on leaving Silent Witness because she realises how lucky she is to have a job she loves.
The actress has played the role of Dr. Nikki Alexander in the crime drama since 2004 and is still going strong 12 years down the line. It doesn't leave her with too much time outside of the TV show, but Emilia doesn't mind.
"It's a very lucky thing to be able to say that I enjoy going to work, and whilst I still enjoy it, I would stay with it," she assured The Lady magazine.
Silent Witness takes up seven months of Emilia's year, so in the other five she is at leisure to do what she pleases. Rather than take a well-deserved break, 2015 saw her participate in Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. The adventure show involved the 41-year-old jumping out of a helicopter and even drinking her own urine.
"You just get on and do it," she shrugged. "It sort of helped being an actress. We get told to do things in stories and scripts that you wouldn't get asked to do in other walks of life. When it's there in the script, you have to do it, so when it came to being on Bear Grylls it was like, OK, just get on with it. If Bear can do it, I think anyone can do it."
Emilia grew up in a healthy family, which helped her survive the gruelling challenges. Having her daughter Rose also helped.
"My parents have always eaten well, but they've never set foot in a gym and I would like to do much more exercise but I have a five-year-old to run after so that keeps me quite fit, and I definitely eat well because it makes me feel better," she smiled.

Sylvester Stallone perfects his winners speech at Critics' Choice Awards

Sylvester Stallone redeemed himself at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night (18Jan16) when he remembered to thank his Creed director and co-star.
The 69-year-old won Best Supporting Actor at the ceremony just a week after receiving the same prize at the Golden Globes for his role as Rocky Balboa in Creed.
But having forgotten to thank the film's director Ryan Coogler and co-star Michael B. Jordan in his speech on 10 January, Sylvester rectified the situation as he took to the stage to accept his award on Sunday, and name checked both of them as soon as possible.
"Before I get into any more trouble," he joked.
British actor Tom Hardy also had a good night, winning Best Actor in an Action Movie for his work on Mad Max: Fury Road just hours after he received a Best Actor award at the London Film Critics' Circle Awards.
The movie also won Best Action Movie, while co-star Charlize Theron picked up the Best Actress in an Action Movie title.
Alicia Vikander made up for missing out on a Golden Globe by winning the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in period drama The Danish Girl.
The Swedish star beat out tough competition from the likes of Rooney Mara, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet for the accolade.
Alicia also returned to the stage to help accept the award for Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie for her film Ex-Machina.
Meanwhile British actor Idris Elba won the Best Actor in a Movie Made for Television or Limited Series for his hit show Luther, while Jeffrey Tambor took away the Best Actor in a Comedy Series prize for Amazon series Transparent.
There are 51 categories in total to be announced during the ceremony, with Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Picture still to come.

Hayden Panettiere: 'Support for postpartum depression shocked me'

Hayden Panettiere was shocked by the outpouring of support she received after admitting she was suffering from postpartum depression.
In December 2014 Hayden and her boxer partner Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their first child together, a little girl called Kaya. Following the birth Hayden suffered with depression, revealing what she was going through in 2015. In October of that year her representative confirmed the 26-year-old was seeking "professional help at a treatment centre" to help battle the illness.
Hayden is once again feeling her best now and confesses she can't believe how much love she received.
"I've gotten an incredible amount of support and I was actually really surprised cause I feel like I grew up in this industry that, in my mind, was very judgmental," she gushed to ET
"I didn't even look at social media. Then, when I looked, people were like, 'Oh my gosh, good for you,' and I am so proud to be a spokesperson and a woman that people can look to and to know that they're not alone and they're not weak if they go and they seek help."
Hayden wowed on the red carpet at Sunday night's (17Jan15) Critics' Choice Awards, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for Nashville. She lost out to Constance Zimmer in Unreal, but enjoyed the evening none the less.
Hayden had to take some time out from filming the TV show when she sought treatment, and going back proved difficult for the actress.
"To be honest it was kind of a rocky start for me and especially emotionally," she shared. "The first scene that I did the other day when I saw certain people that I haven't seen in a while and I felt really comfortable - I just lost it and I couldn't keep it together. So, it held us up for a second but we got it at the end."

Lil Wayne storms off stage in Italy

Lil Wayne stormed off during a concert in Italy after the crowd failed to get behind his performance, according to a report.

The rapper was in Milan to perform at men's fashion week, and was midway through his gig at Philipp Plein's show on Saturday (16Jan16) when problems began.

While singing his hit John, the rapper shouts to the crowd, "Put your hands up!" Only a handful of people put their hands in the air, prompting a frustrated Lil Wayne to shout, "Are you serious?"

In the video obtained by editors at TMZ.com, Lil Wayne is then seen rapping on top of a raised platform near the orchestra. He suddenly stops, throws his microphone into the air, jumps down from the podium, and walks off stage.

A representative for the rapper told TMZ.com that he didn't walk off stage because of the crowd - he was frustrated because the venue experienced technical difficulties during the sold-out show, and there were problems with his microphone.

His Dedication Tour is due to start on 21 January (16) in Texas, but it looks like he'll need time to recover as his posted a cryptic message on Twitter.com suggesting that he's ill.

The rapper simply posted two emojis - one with a thermometer in its mouth, and one with a bandage on its head - on Saturday (16Jan16). It is unknown if the mystery illness will affect his tour.

Cher donates bottled water to Michigan residents

Cher has sent more than 180,000 bottles of water to the residents of a Michigan city who haven't had safe water to drink since 2014.
Residents of the city of Flint have struggled to find safe water to drink since 2014, when officials began drawing water from the local Flint River as part of a cost-saving measure. However, the water was not treated properly, which led to metal being corroded in the water pipes contaminating the water.
"This is a tragedy of staggering proportion and shocking that it's happening in the middle of our country," the Oscar-winner said in a statement to the Associated Press.
Cher said she reached out to friend Brad Horwitz, who is an investor in the water company Icelandic Glacial. The company agreed to double Cher's donation, and the bottles are expected to reach the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on Wednesday (20Jan16).
Speaking on Twitter, Cher asked fellow stars to help the cause, posting on Twitter: "MAYBE FELLOW ARTISTS WILL HELP FLINT,IN ANYWAY THEY CHOOSE.BIG (money emoji) SMALL (prayer emoji) PPL IN"SHOWBIZ"R NOTORIOUSLY GENEROUS& TRULY CARE ABOUT THOSE IN NEED (sic)"
President Barack Obama recently signed an emergency declaration which clears the way for federal aid to reach the two and tackle the water contamination crisis.

Justin Bieber: 'I've always wanted to be unique'

Justin Bieber has never tried to emulate other artists with his music.
The Canadian singer was discovered on YouTube by talent manager Scooter Braun and has since become a sensation, occupying the top three spots of the British singles chart with hits Love Yourself, Sorry and What Do You Mean in January (16). While many up-and-coming singers try to imitate their idols, Bieber, 21, wanted a unique sound.
"I just loved to sing and work on my music," he recalled to Britain's OK! magazine. "I didn't try to copy anyone. I loved Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder and I looked up to what Usher and Justin Timberlake achieved when they were young and then went on to have even bigger careers later. That's the kind of career I'd like to have."
Bieber's dreams came true after Scooter took notice of him. Not long after he was discovered, his idols were clamouring to work with him.
"A week later (after meeting Scooter) we got a call from Scooter, who said Usher had seen my videos and was impressed," Bieber recalled. "In the meantime Justin's (Timberlake) management had got in touch with us. Usher and Justin were great guys and the situations were unique."
It might come as a surprise to fans that Bieber never aimed for fame. Rather than chase the dream, things just fell into place naturally.
"Singing was just another hobby," he shrugged. "Music was something that I loved and knew that I was good at. That's what I still want it to be all about. I want to be a real artist. I want my music to be respected and that's what people should talk about rather than some of the stupid things I've done."
Bieber has had several run-ins with the law, including egging a neighbour's home and driving without a licence.

David Bowie's son returns to Twitter with care physician's touching letter about his dad

David Bowie's filmmaker son Duncan Jones has broken his social media silence following his father's death a week ago (10Jan16).
The Moon director returned to Twitter on Sunday (17Jan16) and shared a letter a care physician wrote about his dad.
Jones, 44, who announced he would be "offline for a while" following's Bowie's death, tweeted the thank you letter from British palliative care consultant Dr. Mark Taubert, who revealed the rock star's private approach to his health struggle aided a dying patient he was assisting.
"I had a discussion with a hospital patient, facing the end of her life," Taubert wrote. "We discussed your death and your music, and it got us talking about numerous weighty subjects, that are not always straightforward to discuss with someone facing their own demise.
"In fact, your story became a way for us to communicate very openly about death, something many doctors and nurses struggle to introduce as a topic of conversation."
The care physician also thanked Bowie for his final album Blackstar, which was released two days before the singer's death, adding, "Thank you for (single) Lazarus and Blackstar. I am a palliative care doctor, and what you have done in the time surrounding your death has had a profound effect on me and many people I work with.
"Your album is strewn with references, hints and allusions. As always, you don't make interpretation all that easy, but perhaps that isn't the point."
Meanwhile, Bowie's life was celebrated in London on Sunday night (17Jan16) as fans flocked to Islington's Union Chapel to pay tribute to the 69-year-old icon.
The Magic Numbers and former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock were among the stars who performed Bowie tunes following an emotional fan sing-along of his hit Starman.
Former Pink Floyd bass player Guy Pratt and The Feeling also teamed up for a performance of the late rocker's Life on Mars.
The five-hour tribute concert was streamed live on YouTube, and also featured clips of Bowie's videos and interviews, as well as spoken word segments from top music journalists and collaborators.
Profits from the show benefited MacMillan Cancer Support.

Passenger burnt beyond recognition in Enugu expressway car crash

Two persons died in a multiple car crash that occurred at Ugwuonyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha road yesterday Friday January 8th at about 7.30am. According to the spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, Ebere Amaraizu, the crash involved 4 buses, a Hilux van and two cars. She also said the cause of the accident has not been established and that one of them was burnt beyond recognition.

Photos: See A Taiwan Church Built To Resemble High-Heel Glass Shoe

The fashionable church building is located in the Southwest Coast Scenic Area in Taiwan. The huge high-heel shoe is 17m high and 11m wide, and made of 320 pieces of glass.

According to the administrative office of the building, this church might look very stylish but it also blends with tradition. In tradition, the bride needs to wear high-heels to tread on tiles and then throw away the shattered pieces before stepping in the bridegroom’s family, which signifies the end to past misfortunes and the beginning of a better life.

They decided to build a high-heel shoe-like church for couples to get married and take wedding photos. The church is expected to open in February of this year during the annual Spring Festival.

Dasukigate: How I disbursed N100million Anenih gave me — Olu Falae

Based on my integrity, these allegations should be discarded. At 78, what will I be doing with public funds.

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olu Falae, has given more details on how he disbursed N100million he received from a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Anenih, ahead of the 2015 elections.
The money was part of at least $2.1 billion allegedly diverted by a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, from arms purchase to politicians.
Mr. Falae has admitted receiving the funds from Mr. Anenih, a former chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees.
On Saturday, Mr. Falae told PREMIUM TIMES by phone that the fund was received through the account of his party, Social Democratic Party, before it was distributed to the state branches of the party.
He also dispelled the statements by some party members that they were not aware that the N100million was received by the party from the PDP, for the elections.
“It is true I received the money for the party and then it was distributed to the state branches of the party for onward distribution to other levels of the party,” he said.

MUST READ!! Nigeria Has Never Seen This Type Of Corruption Being Exposed Before

Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka says the current anti-corruption fight by the federal government has revealed an unprecedented level of corruption that has never been recorded in Nigeria before. Soyinka said this when the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit at his home in Lagos today January 9th.
Read what he said below:

“We have not had a case where it had been alleged and increasingly proven that money supposed to be spent on defending ourselves, our nation, our neighbourhood, has been shared among individuals. We never had experience where we were in a state of critical emergency where children are being kidnapped under our noses. Never had there been a situation where we are helpless and our soldiers are sent to the front to defend our very existence and we are not backing them up with conduct that shows integrity and commitment. Because of these reasons, corruption is really desperate and has chosen to fight back, but I am confident that corruption will be tackled,” 

Ghana police arrest suspect in murder of British actress and two sons

Police in Ghana said on Saturday they had tracked down and arrested the partner of the British actress whose body was found in the garden of her London home this week along with those of their two young sons.

Arthur Simpson-Kent is wanted in connection with the murder of Sian Blake, a former actress in the popular soap opera EastEnders, and the two boys, Zachary and Amon. The family had been reported missing in mid-December.

BARCA AT IT AGAIN: MESSI SCORED ANOTHER HAT TRICK AS BARCELONA WINS 20TH GAME UNBEATEN

Though it’s not something new for Lionel Messi to score Hat tricks: The Argentine scored twice in the first 15 minutes and added another after the break to take his season’s tally to 18.
He followed up to add a 58th-minute third, before Neymar netted in the fourth.
The 4-0 Victory against Granada CF increased Barcelona’s advantage over Real Madrid to five points – the side from the Spanish capital host Deportivo La Coruna in Zinedine Zidane’s first game in charge later on Saturday.
Barca’s hold on top spot could be short-lived as they will surrender their position if Atletico win at Celta Vigo on Sunday.

(Photo)Davido & babymama Sophia reconcile as she reunites with her baby at his family home

Looks like all is well between the Adelekes and Momodus .Looks like, they are back to the initial arrangement as she visited baby Imade at Davido's  father's house...According to her uncle, Dele Momodu "  

"All is well that ends well..." - William Shakespeare SOPHIA MOMODU with BABY IMADE ADELEKE last night at Grandpa DR DEJI ADELEKE's home last night...

Lagos hotel death:Family kicks as autopsy rules out murder (Photo)

The autopsy result of late 24-year old Funke Balogun, a National Diploma II student of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), who was, allegedly, electrocuted in a hotel bathroom newly opened by her boyfriend’s mother, has revealed that the deceased died of electrocution .

Sunday Sun gathered that , the deceased was reported to have passed the night with her boyfriend, Abolade Adetunji in the hotel (owned by Abolade’s mother) which was opened for operation three days earlier and had gone to take her bath on the fateful day, which incidentally was her birthday, when she was electrocuted.

The deceased’s boyfriend, who claimed to have gone out of their hotel room to get tooth paste from his elder brother who was in another room reportedly returned only to discover the late Funke on the floor of the bathroom.
Earlier reports had indicated that Abolade who was oblivious of what had happened to his girlfriend, passed out after he was said to have received electric shock while attempting to rescue the lady. Both of them were later rushed to a hospital where the lady was said to have given up the ghost while Abolade was revived.
Meanwhile the family of the deceased has rejected the outcome of the autopsy which according to them “negates the obvious at the scene of the incident.”
According to the younger sister of the deceased, Funmi Balogun,

“there were blood stains all over the wall at the scene of the incident, although the Adetunjis claimed she was electrocuted.”

Sunday Sun was informed that before the autopsy result was released, the Adetunjis had approached the Baloguns to commiserate with them over the death of their daughter and offered monetary compensation which the Baloguns reportedly rejected.

“There is nothing else we can do, since they said Abolade is now free. They have now put the blame on the electrician that did the wiring of the hotel,” Funmi said.

Although Abolade was still in police custody as at 2.00 pm on Friday when Sunday Sun visited State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, a police source informed one of our correspondents that he might regain his freedom anytime soon.

“As for the electrician who is also in custody in connection with the incident, we are still awaiting the advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution,” the source said.

Terrorist group (ISIS) Tortures Girl To Death For Violating Islamic Dress Code

ISIS fighters tortured a Syrian girl to death after she allegedly broke the Islamic dress code and her parents couldn’t do anything.
The 21-year-old victim was reportedly tortured by a sick female jihadi known as Oum Farouq who operates for the murderous terror group.
After the girl’s family received her body, they could do nothing because the Sharia Court supported the killing.
“She was harshly tortured. We have received her dead body full of physical effects of torture. The only judicial department in Manbij is the Sharia Court, which supports such crimes,” a heartbroken family member said.
According to the severe rule of ISIS (also known as Daesh), women are forced to wear a black veil and are not allowed to go anywhere without a male companion.
The killing happened after the jihadi group murdered a young journalist before hacking into her Facebook account to hunt down her acquaintances.
Ruqia Hassan, who went by Nisam Ibrahim on social media, is the fifth journalist who reported on the depraved death cult to be killed since October.

Ruqia Hassan

The evil death cult has also kidnapped Yazidi women to use them as sex slaves. 7,000 young women and children have been kidnapped from their homes and sold into slavery.

kidnapped Yazidi women

Results Collation Suspended As Governor Dickson Takes Early Lead

Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken an early lead in the Bayelsa supplementary governorship poll following official results collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today, January 10.
Results have so far been announced in four out of seven local governments were supplementary elections were conducted.
In the four local government results announced, Dickson recorded victory in three LGAs ( Yenogoa, Sagbama and Ogbia) with his biggest rival Chief Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recording in just one local government (Brass).
Before commencing collation of the results, INEC had advised Nigerians to disregard results being posted on social media.
A statement from INEC reads: “Fake results are being released via the social media. Those figures are not from us.
“Authentic results will be announced once we get them from the field.”
Naij.com was on ground at the Collation Centre at the Yenagoa Council Hall to bring you live updates of the exercise. Read our coverage below:

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02:05am: Professor Akpagu says results being expected in 3 LGAs don’t look like getting to the collation centre anytime soon and so calls for a break. Results collation to continue on Sunday, January 10 by 11am.

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02:00am: Ogbia LGA
No of voters – 4344
No of Accredited Voters – 1551
APC – 139
PDP – 1290
Total Valid Votes – 1449
Rejected Votes – 47
Total Votes Cast – 1496

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01:50am: Sagbama LGA
No of Reg Voters
2005
No of Accredited voters
326
APC – 119
PDP – 180
Total Valid Votes – 303
Rejected Votes – 21
Total Votes Cast – 324
Supplementary election was held in one registration area and six polling units.

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01:40am: A little drama is currently being experienced as the APC agent insists on airing in his opinion after comments from the PDP agent. Professor Akpagu, the returning officer gives him the go ahead but rules him out of order much later and walks him out.

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01:32am: PDP agent protesting the results in Brass LGA, calls for cancellation of the poll in the LGA. “A particular APC chieftain hijacked all materials and took them to an unknown place.”

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01:30am: Brass LGA
Total Voters
2255
Accredited Voters
1703
APC – 1679
PDP – 05
Total Valid Votes
1696
Rejected Votes
7
Total Votes cast
1703
Supplementary elections were held in three registration areas and six polling units

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01:14am: Yenogoa LGA
No REG Voters
9560
No Accredited Voters
1480
APC – 448
PDP – 839
Total Valid Votes – 1309
Rejected Votes – 14
Total Votes Cast – 1368
Supplementary elections were held in seven registration areas and 18 polling units.

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12:50am: Professor Zana Akpagu, the returning Officer is currently going through the results of the previous election.

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12:45am: Professor Akpagu says results are being expected in 51 registration areas and 527 polling units from the supplementary election in Bayelsa state.

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12:40am: On-going now is the welcome address by the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Bayelsa state, Prof. Zana Akpagu.

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12:27am: The exercise has started with the national anthem, quickly followed with an opening prayer by one of the party agents. The introduction of officials on the high table now on-going.

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12:08am: Results are expected in 17 wards in Southern Ijaw where the rerun election took place and 101 units in other parts of the state where the Dec. 5, 2015 election was cancelled due to widespread violence.

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12:01am: The collation centre is located at the complex of State Electoral Commision at hospital road in Yenagoa. Security operatives are conducting routine checks, press men are still busy positioning themselves, cameras, OB Van in readiness for the collation exercise which will commence any moment from now.

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11:32pm: The results of four out of the seven local government areas where the supplementary election took place are ready and collation will commence any time soon.

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11:20pm: The hall is gradually filing up at the Collation Centre at the Yenagoa Council Hall and the seats on the platform have now been clearly marked with names of officials posted on them. Cameramen and reporters are taking their positions to record the highly anticipated results from the supplementary poll.

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11:17pm:  Just as newsmen were about leaving the centre following no signs of results, Baritor Lenusikpugi Kpagih, the resident electoral officer for Bayelsa state, the Returning Officer, Prof. Zana Akpagu and some of the national commissioners have arrived and seated on the platform ready to commence the announcement of the poll result. Newsmen are left with no other option than to rush back to the centre.

PIC.3.FROM LEFT: RESIDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER BAYELSA STATE, MR BARITOR KPAGIH;
RETURNING OFFICER,PROF. ZANA AKPAGU AND ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY, INEC BAYELSA STATE, DR
RICHARD NTUI, DURING THE COLLATION OF BAYELSA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION RESULTS AT
YENAGOA CITY COUNCIL HALL ON SUNDAY.
7464/7/12/2015/OCC/CH/NAN

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11:00pm: The delay in the announcement of results is tied to the fact that collation officers are still being expected at INEC collation centre as at the time of preparing this report.

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10:50pm: Normalcy has been restored at the Collation Centre at the Yenagoa Council Hall after the centre was looking like results were not going to be announced tonight. Two INEC officials are trying to set up display equipment.

Former Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman, Senator Defect To APC

 

The Peoples Democratic Party has suffered a massive loss as Chief Otu Ita Otoyo, a former chairman of the PDP in Akwa Ibom state, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Vanguard reports that the ex-chairman defected alongside a former senator, Aloysius Etok, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Eseme Eyiboh.
The decampees including the ex-chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan local government area and many others were received into the party at a prayer summit and reception held in honour of Obong Umana Umana, the APC candidate, in the last governorship election.
Speaking about their decision to join the APC, the decampees explained that the PDP was no longer the party they once believed in. They lamented that the PDP has been hijacked by a few people.
Otoyo strongly criticized the PDP for deviating from the ideals upon which the party was founded. According to him, it was that deviation that made Akwa Ibom people seek change.

“We brought change to Akwa Ibom in 2007, but that change has been hijacked by a few people for themselves. I screamed but nobody listened, today, Akwa Ibom people have decided for change and as such have moved to a new party,”  he said.

Also speaking, a two-term senator, Aloysius Etok, expressed gratitude to Umana Umana for “championing the struggle to liberate the state”. He further expressed assurance that the APC would redeem the state and reposition it to acheive unfulfilled potentials.
Eseme Eyibo, a former spokesperson of the House of Representatives, noted that he was joining the APC, to “take part in the struggle to rescue the state and its people”.
Receiving the decampees into the party, Chief Elias Eta, the South-South national vice chairman of the APC, stressed that they would defend every vote cast by the party in Akwa Ibom.
Recalling that the last governorship election was marred by violence, Eta called on the people not to be intimidated by the PDP and expresses assurance that security agents and thugs would not be allowed to disrupt the forthcoming rerun.

“The former governor, Godswill Akpabio has done a lot of things and he will be made to account for them. All those who are working against good governance will not be allowed to succeed,” he added.

In his speech, Umana Umana commended the decampees for their courage, and stressed that with their support and that of Akwa Ibom electorate, they would reclaim “their stolen mandate”.
“The God of justice and blood of innocent voters killed during the the past election will see the party to victory”.
“The victories at both the tribunal and Appeal Court are not just for me as a person. They are for the people. You have proven that no weapon or amount of money can break you. The battle is between freedom and slavery and this event has shown that the people have chosen freedom,” he said.
A few days ago, the PDP suffered another setback as a former minister of information, and governor of the old Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo, defected to the ruling APC.

FUNNY JOKE: Nursing Home

A family took their frail, elderly mother to a nursing home and left her,
hoping she would be well cared for. The next morning, the nurses bathed her,
fed her a tasty breakfast, and set her in a chair at a window overlooking a lovely flower garden.

She seemed okay, but after a while she slowly started to tilt sideways in her chair.
Two attentive nurses immediately rushed up to catch her and straighten her up.

Again she seemed okay, but after a while she slowly started to tilt over to her other side.
The nurses rushed back and once more brought her back upright. This went on all morning.
Later, the family arrived to see how the old woman was adjusting to her new home.

"So Ma, how is it here? Are they treating you all right?"

"It's pretty nice," she replied. "Except they won't let me fart."

Madonna insists she is a "good mother" despite being on the road for work.
The 57-year-old mother-of-four is currently performing shows as part of her Rebel Heart Tour and she doesn't believe travelling frequently has a negative impact on her parenting skills.
"Its (sic) possible to be an entertainer and a good mother!!!" she wrote on her Instagram account Saturday (9Jan16) in a caption attached to a picture of herself spending family time backstage with her four kids - Lourdes, 19, Rocco, 15, David, 10, and Mercy, nine.

Madonna closed out the post lamenting about how she thinks women who raise children on their own are viewed as a whole, with the star writing: "Too bad we don't live in a society where many encourage strong independent single working moms! The next great Frontier! #revolutionoflove continues #rebelheart4ever".
Madonna shares her thoughts amid a fresh custody battle she is having with ex-husband Guy Ritchie over their son Rocco.


The teenager reportedly refused to spend Christmas in New York City, where he lives with his mother, instead choosing to stay in the U.K. with his father. Although Rocco has expressed interest in living with dad Guy in the U.K. permanently, a family court judge declared he must first go back to New York before a decision on future custody could be hashed out between his parents.
Madonna and Guy divorced in 2008 after almost eight years of marriage. Guy recently remarried, tying the knot with Jacqui in July 2015 - he shares three young children with his new wife.

Every time I sing that song it's difficult for me says Lady gaga

The Hollywood Reporter just released a podcast 'Awards Chatter' featuring a conversation with Lady Gaga and Diane Warren.

The music icon and the seven-time Oscar nominee discuss fame, the music business and the sexual assaults they both suffered years ago, which inspired them to collaborate on the original song 'Til It Happens to You' for an acclaimed new doc about the epidemic of the crime on college campuses.

"Every time I sing that song it's difficult for me," says music icon Lady Gaga as I sit down with her and seven-time best original song Oscar nominee Diane Warren at Gaga's Malibu estate to discuss "Til It Happens to You," the song they co-wrote and Gaga performs in Kirby Dick's Oscar-shortlisted documentary The Hunting Ground, which highlights the epidemic of sexual assault on American college campuses. "But it's healing people," Warren reassures her. "Absolutely," adds Gaga.

Courteney Cox 'plans trip to save relationship'

 

Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid have reportedly planned a "make-or-break" trip to save their relationship.
The former Friends star got engaged to the Snow Patrol rocker in June 2014, after a whirlwind romance, but the couple was plagued by break-up rumours towards the end of 2015. While neither has confirmed the split, insiders claim 2016 will be a year of making amends as they work on their union.
"Courteney and Johnny have constantly been in touch and are keen to try and fix things," a source told Britain's Closer magazine. "They've planned a make-or-break week-long trip in the New Year - they've hired a 12-bedroom mansion in Punta Mita, Mexico, and they're planning to have couples' counselling too."
Their mutual friend Ed Sheeran introduced them in 2013 and they were last photographed together in August 2015, at a film premiere, but haven't been spotted out together since. It seems a lot rides on this getaway, as it could mean moving things forward quickly.
"Everything hangs on this trip," the source stressed. "If it all goes to plan, friends wouldn't be surprised to see them tie the knot as early as this spring (16)."
Amid the rumoured troubles, Courteney is said to be leaning on close pal Jennifer Aniston, who co-starred with her in hit sitcom Friends. Having waited three years to walk down the aisle with her husband Justin Theroux, Jennifer is apparently urging her pal to be patient.
"She knows how much Courteney loves Johnny and worries she's let the pressure of a wedding ruin what they have," it was previously reported. "She's urging her not to give up on him - even if they need therapy to work through some of their issues."

Sam Bailey set for a huge 2016

2013 X Factor winner and platinum album selling music star Sam Bailey is set for a standout 2016. Currently producing new music in Los Angeles, and with a confirmed UK tour set up already, Sam is back and ready to take the music industry by storm once again!

Sam has flown over to Los Angeles this week to work on hotly-anticipated new music with multi-award winning songwriter and producer, Steve Dorff. The legendary music producer, who initially shot to fame writing scores for the likes of Clint Eastwood, has decades of experience working with some of the greatest artists of all time such as, Barbara Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and George Strait, to name but a few.

A three-time Grammy and five-time Emmy nominee, Steve has penned more than 20 Top Ten country and pop hits, as well as a further nine chart-topping film tunes – the perfect person for Sam to start collaborating in the studio with!

Winning the X Factor in 2013, Sam’s hit single, Skyscraper, became the UK Christmas No.1. The following March, Sam’s album was released to high praise and later in 2014, she embarked on a solo sell-out tour. Sam’s been busy planning to take to the stage in award-winning Broadway and West End musical, CHICAGO when it goes on a UK-wide tour this year. With fans across the world eagerly awaiting new music, Sam’s new material cannot come soon enough. Sam is constantly inundated with praise and requests from her American fans to perform in the States, so getting back over to the US, is something she’s been keen to do for a while.

One of the main reasons for Sam and Steve’s collaboration is Steve’s love of her impressive voice, saying, “Sam is one hell of a singer. A real powerhouse that knocks your socks off!” Sam’s No.1 single showcases a broad vocal range and strong ability, a trait she has become known for and something Steve is eager to capture in Sam’s upcoming music.

Sam says of this opportunity, “Steve is such a legend and working with him has been amazing; it’s also been so great to be back in LA! Steve’s experience in the industry and all the work we’ve been doing this week has made me so excited about my new material. I cannot wait to share all these new tracks with my loyal fans very soon”.

Justin Bieber claims UK singles chart record

 

Justin Bieber has yet another chart record to add to his growing for claiming the number one, two and three slots in the UK singles chart.

The feat which sees the Canadian singer remain in pole position this week with 'Love Yourself' and stay at two with 'Sorry' has never been done before.

Bieber's former number one single 'What Do You Mean?', meanwhile, climbs one place to three.

In the album chart, Adele's '25' is number one for a seventh straight week.

Her third solo record again triumphed over Elvis Presley's 'If I Can Dream', her closest rival, on what would have been the legendary singer's 81st birthday.

Bieber is only one place behind with 'Purpose', just ahead of Jess Glynne's 'I Cry When I Laugh' at four and James Bay's 'Chaos and the Calm' at five.

A campaign to send Motorhead's Ace of Spades into the Top 40 following the death of lead singer Ian 'Lemmy' Kilmister sees the track re-enter the singles chart at 13.

The song's previous highest position came when it was first released in 1980, when it reached 15th place.

Further down the chart, at number 33, Craig David scores his first top 40 hit in eight years with When the Bassline Drops.

UK singles chart top five
1. Justin Bieber Love Yourself
2. Justin Bieber Sorry
3. Justin Bieber What Do You Mean
4. Shawn Mendes Stitches
5. Adele Hello