Flat Broke: Zimbabwe Has Just $217 Left In The Bank

Zimbabwe's finance minister made a startling admission to reporters in Harare on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
"Last week when we paid civil servants there was $217 in government coffers," Finance Minister Tendai Biti said, according to The Telegraph. "The government finances are in paralysis state at the present moment."
That last admission was an understatement not because of his assessment of paralysis, but because he implied the problem is only a recent one.
The country that was once considered southern Africa's "breadbasket" for its fertile lands and rich mineral deposits has been experiencing slow but certain ruin due to more than three decades of largely despotic rule by President Robert Mugabe.
While he allegedly shares power Morgan Tsvangirai as part of an international agreement stemming from a 2008 political crisis, few international observers believe Mugabe is not the man in charge.
Last year, Finance Minister Biti complained that government coffers had not received the promised $600 million in diamond revenues from a recently discovered rich deposit. Biti said that only one-fourth of that pledge has been received.
Overall, at least $2 billion worth of diamonds have been stolen from Zimbabwe's eastern diamond fields and have enriched Mugabe's ruling circle, international gem dealers and criminals, according to an organization leading the campaign against conflict diamonds.
In addition to the lost mineral wealth, about a decade ago Mugabe began a program of seizing farm land from white land owners and handing it over to black tenants, many of whom are either cronies of his or are in his party. That policy has, to say the least, done little to improve Zimbabwe's rich agrarian heritage and economy.
The U.N. has said Zimbabwe will require at least $131 million in aid this year, the bulk for food assistance after a failed farming season left nearly 1.7 million people facing hunger, the Guardian reports.
Adding to the woes of the country is the fact that there are supposed to be elections this year. For most democratic states, that is good news -- a welcome chance to purge government of bad actors. However, if history is a guide, Zimbabwe will be beset with waves of violence, hunger, and the flight of thousands of refugees.
Writing in an op-ed for The Guardian, human rights lawyer Dewa Mavhinga said: "There is little point in holding elections that, in essence, will be without choice, and that can only result in another round of bloodshed and destruction."

Iran Sentences US Pastor To 8 Years For Christianity

Iran’s “hanging judge” convicted and sentenced American-Iranian Pastor Saeed Abedini on Sunday to eight years in Evin Prison because of his Christian faith.
Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the Washington-based American Center for Law and Justice, informed The Jerusalem Post on Sunday of the conviction. His organization represents Abedini’s family in the US and is working to secure his release.
Judge Pir-Abassi, whose reputation as Tehran’s “hanging judge,” prompted the European Union to sanction him for human rights violations, orally sentenced Abedini to eight years in prison for threatening the national security of the Islamic Republic because of his leadership role in Iran’s Christian house church community.
Sekulow wrote “the evidence provided was of Pastor Saeed [Abedini]’s Christian activities primarily during the early 2000s, when under then-president [Mohammad] Khatami house churches were not perceived as a threat to Iran. Despite Iranian law requiring a written verdict, none was given.
“Here’s the troubling reality,” he continued, “a US citizen who has been beaten and tortured since his imprisonment last fall, is now facing eight years in Evin Prison, one of the most brutal prisons in Iran.”
Abedini’s wife, Naghmeh, was quoted on ACLJ’s website saying, “The promise of his release was a lie. We should not trust the empty words or promises put out by the Iranian government. These false hopes amount to psychological torture. You don’t want to trust them, but they build a glimmer of hope before the crushing blow.
“With today’s development I am devastated for my husband and my family. We must now pursue every effort, overturn every rock, and not stop until Saeed is safely on American soil.”
Naghmeh and her two children live in Idaho.
Sekulow has called on the international community to demand Saeed’s release.
“Iran has not only abused its own laws, it has trampled on the fundamentals of human rights,” he said.

Iran Sends Monkey Into Space

Iran has apparently sent a live monkey into space in a capsule, which was later retrieved in tact.
Arabic-language channel Al-Alam and other Iranian news agencies said the monkey returned alive after travelling in the capsule to an altitude of 120 kilometres (75 miles) for a sub-orbital flight.
Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi said: "This success is the first step towards man conquering the space and it paves the way for other moves", but added that the process of putting a human into space would be a lengthy one.
"Today's successful launch follows previous successes we had in launching (space) probes with other living creatures (on board)," he added.
"The monkey which was sent in this launch landed safely and alive and this is a big step for our experts and scientists."
Iranian state television showed still pictures of the capsule and of a monkey being fitted with a vest and then placed in a device similar to a child's car-seat.
A previous attempt in 2011 by the Islamic republic to put a monkey into space failed. No official explanation was ever given.
Iran says it wants to put its own satellites into orbit to monitor natural disasters in the earthquake-prone nation, improve telecommunications and expand military surveillance in the region.
Western powers are concerned that the long-range ballistic technology used to propel Iranian satellites into orbit could be used to launch nuclear warheads.
Tehran denies such suggestions and says its nuclear activity is for peaceful energy only.
The Security Council has imposed on Iran an almost total embargo on nuclear and space technologies since 2007.
Tehran has repeatedly denied that its nuclear and scientific programmes mask military ambitions.
Iran's previous satellite launches were met by condemnation from the West who accused Tehran of "provocation".

Egypt Opposition Rejects Mohammed Morsi Dialogue Call

Riot police beat an anti-Mursi protester during clashes along Qasr Al Nil bridge in Cairo, on Monday. 

Egypt's main opposition alliance has rejected the president's call for national dialogue as empty of content.
Mohammed Morsi had urged opposition leaders to attend a meeting following four days of deadly violence.
Dozens have died since a court sentenced 21 people to death over football riots last year. Anger over Mr Morsi's rule has fuelled other unrest.
A state of emergency has been declared in Port Said, Suez and Ismailia, and a night-time curfew will begin later.
The violence continued on Monday morning, with one man killed by gunfire near Cairo's Tahrir Square.
Also on Monday, the cabinet approved a draft law allowing the army to participate in policing and have the power of arrest.
Mohamed ElBaradei, a leading member of the opposition National Salvation Front, told journalists that before it would attend any national dialogue, Mr Morsi would have to appoint a national unity government and take steps to amend the disputed constitution.
"The dialogue to which the president invited us is to do with form and not content," Mr ElBaradei said.
"We support any dialogue if it has a clear agenda that can shepherd the nation to the shores of safety."
Former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi, speaking at the same news conference, said: "We aspire to a dialogue, but there are no guarantees that this dialogue will be a success... while blood is being spilled."
Mr Morsi had called the meeting for 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
The BBC's Yolande Knell, in Cairo, says the president had been hoping that dialogue could restore national unity amid growing concern about the scale of the latest unrest.
He invited representatives from 11 political forces - Islamists, liberals and leftists - to come to the presidential palace for talks, but so far it is unclear who will accept his invitation, our correspondent adds.
The opposition accuses Mr Morsi of being autocratic and driving through a new constitution that does not protect adequately freedom of expression or religion.
The constitution was approved in a national referendum in December.
Another anti-Morsi rally is scheduled for Cairo for Monday afternoon.
Mr Morsi announced the state of emergency in Port Said, Suez and Ismailia in a national televised address on Sunday evening.
He said he might take further steps "for the sake of Egypt", as it was his "duty" as president.
"I have said I am against any emergency measures but I have said that if I must stop bloodshed and protect the people, then I will act," the president added.
"If I must, I will do much more for the sake of Egypt. This is my duty and I will not hesitate."
The draft law passed by the cabinet on Monday allowed the army "to participate with the police in preserving security and protecting vital establishments", state news agency Mena said. Those arrested by the army would by tried by a civilian court if charged, it added.
Violence continued overnight, with anti-Morsi protesters in Ismailia clashing with police, who responded with tear gas.
About 30 people died in unrest in Port Said on Saturday, while another three were killed at a mass funeral on Sunday.
The protests began in Port Said after a court sentenced 21 local people to death over riots that killed 74 people after a football game last February.
February's riots began when fans of Port Said side al-Masry attacked visiting supporters from Cairo club al-Ahly. Fans flooded on to the pitch, attacking al-Ahly players and fans as the match ended. Most of the victims died of concussion, cuts and suffocation.
Early on Monday, protesters and riot police also clashed for a fifth consecutive day in Cairo, where the anger focuses more heavily on the constitution and on what Mr Morsi's opponents say is a betrayal of the revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak.
Protests last week marking the second anniversary of the uprising left five people dead in Suez.

Australian Open - Azarenka Retains title In Melbourne Drama

Azarenka's joy saw her burst into floods of tears after securing a second Grand Slam title, while Li added the pain of failure to the physical pain she endured during the match.
The Chinese star's efforts were undermined by two dramatic incidents: a sickening ankle injury in the second set, and a fall in the final stages which sparked concussion fears as she hit her head on the court as well as twisting her ankle a second time.
Li dominated the first set but Azarenka raced out to a 3-1 lead in the second before Li slipped and twisted her left ankle.
She had it strapped but had problems pivoting and Azarenka won the set 6-4.
The Chinese sixth seed, who won the French Open title in 2011, took a 2-1 lead in the decider before an Australia Day fireworks display delayed play for some 10 minutes. She immediately went over on her ankle again when they returned and hit her head.
A smiling Li returned to court but Azarenka managed to break in the fifth game, then hold serve to jump to a 4-2 lead and she sealed the title, which ensured she retained the world number one ranking, when she broke Li in the ninth game.

Azarenka dropped her racket to the ground and, after shaking hands with Li and the umpire Alison Lang, went tearfully to her players' box where she was embraced by her support staff and friends who included American musician Redfoo.
Perhaps weighed down by expectation from the most populous nation in the world and with an estimated 100 million people watching on television in China, Li had a shaky start, serving a double fault on the first point and having her serve broken.
The world number six, however, bounced straight back to the delight of the overwhelmingly pro-Li crowd in Rod Laver Arena and used her powerful forehand to break Azarenka twice to hold a 3-1 lead.
Azarenka battled back to break to reduce the deficit to 3-2, but was broken again by Li, who was relentlessly attacking the Belarussian's serve.
Azarenka was able to hold for the first time in the eighth game and break in the ninth, but Li broke again on her fourth set point when the Belarussian double faulted to take the first set 6-4.
Azarenka finally found her range with her groundstrokes in the second set and moved a lot better to race out to a 3-0 lead.

Li broke back, but then badly hurt her ankle after she was forced to change direction to try to reach an Azarenka backhand volley.
The Chinese took a medical timeout to have the ankle heavily strapped but held serve on her return and got three break points in the next game as both players tightened up and were seemingly unable to hold serve.
Li was broken again in the ninth game to give Azarenka a 5-4 lead and she served out to love in the next game to send it into a decider when a Li forehand sailed wide.
Both had problems settling again after the interruptions to the third set but Azarenka achieved the crucial break and was able to hold things together long enough to earn her second grand-slam title when a Li forehand sailed long over the baseline.

Isabel dos Santos: First African Female Billionaire

Wealth: Isabel Dos Santos is Africa's first female billionaire

Isabel dos Santos, the eldest daughter of Angola's president, has become Africa's first female billionaire, US financial magazine Forbes has said.
The 40 year old's shares in several Portuguese firms, including a TV cable company, and an Angolan bank put her on the billionaires' list, Forbes said.
Her first venture was a restaurant in Luanda called Miami Beach, said the magazine that tracks the world's rich.
Most of the population in oil-rich Angola live on about $2 (£1.25) a day.
Angola is striving to tackle the physical, social and political legacy of a 27-year civil war that ravaged the country after independence from Portugal.
The conflict ended in 2002 and Angola has since emerged as one of Africa's leading oil producers and fastest-growing economies.

Father: Isabel Dos Santos is the daughter of Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos

The family of President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos - who has been in power for 33 years - controls a large chunk of that economy.
"When you tease out the ownership and controlling interests in Angola it reads like a Who's Who of family members and party and military chiefs," Peter Lewis, an African studies professor at Johns Hopkins University in the US,told Forbes.
Correspondents say Ms dos Santos is a relatively shy public figure despite her successful business career.
Since setting up her restaurant in the capital, Luanda, in 1997 she has become an influential businesswoman in Angola and Portugal.
With a 28.8% stake in Zon, she sits on the Portuguese media company's board and is its largest shareholder, Forbes said.
She also sits on the board of Angola's Banco BIC and is reported to have a 25% share of the bank, the magazine reported.

NBC Bans Videos of P-square, Wande Coal, Timaya, Five Others

The Nigerian Broadcast Commission (NBC) has placed a NTBB ban on a new set of music videos.
NET gathered that the banned videos include Psquare (Alingo), Wande Coal (Go low), Timaya (Bum bum), Flavour (Shake) for being ‘suggestive and provocative’. Others include D’Prince (Take banana), Goldie (Ski bobo), Chuddy K (Brazilian hair) and Tillaman (Koma roll).
In response to the ban, Psquare’s publicist, Bayo Adetu said, ‘We also just saw the story online this morning and we do not think that the NBC’s ban is justifiable’.

He also added that the ban would not make any difference since the video has already gone worldwide and is definitely loved by the fans.
NBC has always exercised its power to regulate the contents on Nigerian television and radio stations especially in recent times. It would be recalled that videos like Femi Kuti’s ‘Bang bang bang’, Konga’s ‘Baby konga’, and most recently, DJ Zeez’s ‘Body Language’ have come under the axe of the NBC.
NET has tried to reach the NBC to confirm the ban, but the commission is yet to respond. Be sure that NET will continue to update you on the issue.

The videos have been banned for different reasons and they are expected to be taken off every local television stations only. NBC does not regulate what airs on cable channels like MTV Base, Soundcity, Trace and Channel O, as well as internet platforms like Youtube and Vimeo.
In a release by the NBC, the videos classified as ‘not to be broadcast in whole or in part’, were banned for different reasons. The videos include and the reasons are as follows:

1. Tillaman ft. Vector- Koma Roll (contains erotic and suggestive dance steps)
2. Wande Coal- Go Low (scenes of nudity in the video)
3. D’Prince - Take Banana (contains erotic, vulgar words and suggestive dance styles)
4. Flavour- Shake (vulgar and suggestive dance steps)
5. Goldie- Ski Bobo (featuring a minor with suggestive and immoral dance steps)
6. Chuddy K- Brazilian Hair (features children and ladies with suggestive and erotic dance steps)
7. Timaya- Shake your Bum bum erotic and suggestive dance steps with vulgar lyrics.
8. Psquare- Alingo (erotic scenes at the end of the musical videos)

Afcon: Fans Beg Eagles To Step Up Game Against Ethiopia

A cross section of Super Eagles fans on Friday said eagles must step up their game against Ethiopia or lose out in the group stage of AFCON.
Some of them, who spoke in Abuja, said if Nigeria played a draw against Ethiopia that would be the end of their participation.
Albert Effigiri, coach of Shettima Babes said that the team really tried compared with their last match against Burkina Faso, adding that they had improved on their defense.
“In fact, there was a lot of improvement and all the changes were technically applied, especially in the defense, so they tired.’’
According to him, if the referee had not awarded the penalty, the Zambians would not have equalised in the game, adding that the referee was not supposed to have awarded a penalty but a free kick.
“I am not happy because if you look at the penalty, the guy was at the edge of the eighteen yard box, it should have been a free kick; but all the same, Super Eagles played well and the changes were okay this time.’’
He said that there was still hope for the country if the Eagles could manage a win in their last group match.
“All we are expecting is a win against Ethiopia.’’
Gwagwalada United coach, Pascal Zozo said that the team tried their best, adding that for the team to play a draw with the defending champions, they should be commended.
“If the whole defending champions can play a draw with Nigeria, I see no reason why we should kill ourselves; the players tried.
“Nigeria should work very hard in their next match; I know the team is full of surprises so we cannot predict them but in this situation if we draw then we won’t qualify,’’ he added.

116 Students Bag 1st Class Degrees From UNN

Prof. Bartho Okolo, Vice-Chancellor, University of Nsukka on Friday, announced that 116 students of the 2011/2012 batch of graduates bagged first class degrees.
Okolo made the announcement in Nsukka during the university’s 42nd convocation and award of Bachelors degree and certificates.
He said that out of 18,150 graduates, 116 excelled in First Class, 4,405 made 2nd Class Upper Division; 10,048 made 2nd Class Lower Division and 2,633 went home with 3rd Class.
He said that while 154 managed ordinary pass, the remaining 794 obtained diplomas and certificates.
“I want to congratulate you all for enduring the rigorous training that our university offers and the test of knowledge required to earn the university degree.
“I expect you all to be proud of your accomplishment and not to allow the prevailing socio-economic condition in the country to diminish the value of your achievement.
“I am optimistic that you will all fulfill your destinies,” he said.
The V-C urged them to be good ambassadors of the university wherever they found themselves.
“I am also optimistic that very soon, you will be able and willing to give back your widow’s might to the development of your alma-mater.
“I urge you all to face the future with courage as it holds numerous potential for you all,” he said.
In his remark, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Sam Igwe commended the V-C and management team for the positive transformation of the university.
“Without fear of contradiction, we can equivocally say that the last four years have witnessed massive infrastructure transformation and academic excellence.
“The governing council is happy to leave the university better than it met it,’’ he said.
The best graduating student of the year, Miss Rosaline Ijendu of the Department of Electronic Engineering, said that she dedicated her success to God who granted her wisdom and the strength to excel.
“I dedicate this success to God for his special love and care, knowing that without God, this feat could not have been possible,” she said.

Venezuela Prison Riot Kills Many

More than 50 people have been killed in a prison riot in western Venezuela, hospital staff say.
The riot was triggered when local media broadcast news that soldiers had been sent to Uribana prison in Barquisimeto to search for weapons, Prisons Minister Iris Varela said.
Hospital director Ruy Medina told AFP news agency that some 90 people were injured, mostly from gunshot wounds.
The dead are thought to include inmates, guards and prison workers.
The director of Barquisimeto hospital, Ruy Medina, put the death toll at 54, Venezuela's Clarin newspaper reported.
Venezuelan Human rights activist Carlos Nieto Palma told BBC Mundo: "What should have been a normal procedure in any prison ended in a clash between National Guard [soldiers] and inmates."
He added that Uribana prison was among the most dangerous in the country.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles blamed the violence on "incompetent and irresponsible government".
Venezuela's prisons are blighted by overcrowding and the proliferation of weapons and drugs.
The BBC's Sarah Grainger in Caracas says it appears that prisoners who had heard about the search in advance from news reports were waiting for the National Guard when they arrived.
It is thought that the search was aimed at disarming gangs within the prison and had been planned for some time, she reports.
There has been no official account of the incident or confirmation of the number of casualties, but the government says it will carry out a full investigation.

Exxon Overtakes Apple As Biggest Public Company

Apple lost its position as the biggest public company in the world on Friday, amid growing concerns that its extraordinary growth trajectory of recent years is coming to an end.
Shares in the iPhone and iPad maker stood at more than $700 as recently as September, but had fallen 2pc to $440.75 by lunchtime on Friday, giving it a market capitalisation of $414.4bn (£262.4bn).
In doing so, the US technology giant slipped behind Exxon Mobil, the oil and gas business which it overtook in August last year. Exxon shares climbed 0.23 to $91.58, handing it a market capitalisation of $417.4bn (£264.3bn).
Investors cashed out of Apple for the second day running after the American technology giant’s fourth quarter results. Although Apple delivered a record profit of $31.1bn, its figures showed only a slight improvement on the previous year, causing alarm on Wall Street.
More than $50bn was wiped off the value of the company on Thursday as shares fell more than 12pc – its biggest fall for more than four years.
The disappointing results prompted more than 20 brokerages including Credit Suisse and Barclays, to lower their target prices on Apple shares.
They dropped by an average of $132 to $612. Analysts warned that the slowdown in sales of Apple’s gadgets could be “here to stay”, because of increasing competition from rivals like Samsung and an apparent slow down in new products from Apple.

Egypt Court Sentences 21 To Death In Football Disaster Trial

Egyptian fans clashING with riot police following THE Al-Ahly club soccer match against Al-Masry club in Port Said, Egypt, on February 1, 2012.

An Egyptian court sentenced to death 21 people found guilty of involvement in the Port Said soccer stadium disaster in which 74 people died last year.
As the verdict was read out in a court in Cairo on Saturday morning, families of those who were killed who were in the public gallery wailed in disbelief and relief and shouted "God is great!"
Following the ruling, two policemen were shot dead when relatives tried to break into the Port Said prison to free the 73 defendants in the case held there, according to officials. At least 75 others were wounded in the violence.
While there has long been bad blood between the two rival teams, many blamed police for failing to perform usual searches for weapons at the stadium.
Fans of al-Ahly, whose stands were attacked by rival club Al-Masry in the Feb. 1 incident in the Mediterranean city of Port Said, had promised more violence if the accused did not receive death sentences.
The soccer fans, known as Ultras, are among Egypt's rowdiest and are proud of their hatred for the police, who were the backbone of Mubarak's authoritarian rule. The Ultras then directed their chants against the military rulers who took over after Mubarak's ouster in 2011 until Morsi came to power in elections last June.
When the verdict was read out in court, one man fainted, while others wailed and cried in disbelief as they carried pictures of the young men killed in the soccer riot.
Judge Sobhi Abdel-Maguid said in his statement read live on state TV that he would announce the verdict for the remaining 52 defendants on March 9.
Among those on trial are nine security officials.
As is customary in Egypt, the death sentences will be sent to the nation's top religious authority, the Grand Mufti, for approval, though the court has final say on the matter.
All of the defendants - who were not present in the courtroom Saturday for security reasons - have the right to appeal the verdict.
Many Ultras have taken a leading role in protests over the past two years. Both Al-Ahly Ultras and Al-Masry Ultras widely believe that ex-members of the ousted regime of Hosni Mubarak helped instigate the attack, and that the police at the very least were responsible for gross negligence.
It is not clear what kind of evidence, if any, was presented to the court to back up claims that the attack had been orchestrated by regime officials.
The melee was the world's deadliest soccer violence in 15 years.
In the days leading up to the verdict, Al-Ahly fans warned of bloodshed and "retribution" if death sentences were not handed down. Hundreds of Al-Ahly fans gathered outside the Cairo sports club in anticipation of the verdict, chanting against the police and the government.
"The police are thugs!" yelled relatives of the deceased inside the courtroom before the judge took the bench.
The violence began after the Port Said home team won the Feb. 1 match, 3-1. Al-Masry fans stormed the pitch after the game ended, attacking Cairo's Al-Ahly fans.
Authorities shut off the stadium lights, plunging it into darkness. In the exit corridor, the fleeing crowd pressed against a chained gate until it broke open. Many were crushed under the crowd of people trying to flee.
Survivors of the riot described a nightmarish scene in the stadium. Police stood by doing nothing, they said, as fans of Al-Masry attacked supporters of the top Cairo club stabbing them and throwing them off bleachers.
Al-Ahly survivors said supporters of Al-Masry carved the words "Port Said" into their bodies and undressed them while beating them with iron bars.
The Ultras from Egypt's sports clubs were engaged in deadly clashes with police near the Interior Ministry headquarters in Cairo that killed 42 people less than three months before the soccer melee in Port Said.

US Slams Russian 'Anti-Gay' Bill

The United States on Friday slammed a disputed bill in Russia that would ban what lawmakers there call "homosexual propaganda" among minors and could lead to gays being fined for demonstrating or kissing in public.
"We are deeply concerned by this draft legislation in Russia that severely restricts freedom of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and, indeed, for all Russians," said State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland.
"You know how strongly we feel about LGBT rights around the world, how strongly the secretary of state personally feels that nobody should be discriminated against for who they love," she told reporters.
Russia's parliament gave initial backing to the bill Friday in a 388-1 vote in the first of three readings hours after police detained more than 20 mostly young opponents who staged a "kiss-in" protest outside the State Duma.
The nationwide proposal is based on local laws already passed in Putin's native city of Saint Petersburg and five other Russian regions.
Several of the bill's most ardent proponents said they were protecting Russia from what they perceived as excessively tolerant attitudes in other countries.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton already discussed the issue with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov over a year ago, Nuland said.
The US comments come at a time of renewed tensions with Moscow over civil liberties and human rights in Russia.
The bill in its current form prohibits "the propaganda of homosexual behaviour among minors." Activists worry that the vague wording could lead to gays being fined for demonstrating or even holding hands in public.
It also sets out fines for violations of up to 5,000 rubles ($165) for individuals and up to 50,000 rubles for officials.

Lance Armstrong Lied To Oprah, Says Doping Chief

Lance Armstrong, the disgraced Tour de France cyclist, is facing fresh claims that he lied over his drugs-cheating - this time in his confession to Oprah Winfrey that he doped.
The chief executive of the American anti-doping authority has written to Armstrong to say that he failed to confess the full extent of his cheating to Winfrey, and specifically lied when he claimed to have raced "clean" in 2009.
But Travis Tygart has also told the cyclist, who has been stripped of his seven Tour de France victories, that it could be possible to reduce the lifetime ban from competitive sport he is currently serving in return for a full confession to the authority setting out who helped him cheat and how.
The extraordinary offer suggests that it is possible that one of Armstrong's key aims in finally offering a confession to Winfrey - being able to compete in sport again in the future - could be achieved.
However Mr Tygart, who leads the United Stated Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), said the offer would end on February 6, and hinted that criminal action could follow afterwards.
The most damaging consequence Armstrong could face is prosecution for perjury, having signed sworn statements to American federal authorities that he was not a drugs cheat.
Mr Tygart said that when Armstrong confessed to Winfrey that he had been a drugs cheat for all seven of his Tour de France titles he was telling the truth.
However Armstrong, 42, was adamant that his comeback in the 2009-2010 cycling season had involved no drugs.
This, Mr Tygart said, was both untrue and an attempt to avoid criminal action as he could be prosecuted for criminal fraud over misleading his sponsors that he was clean. The earlier years would be covered by the American statue of limitations on fraud, which prevents cases being resurrected years after the offences were committed.
Mr Tygart told the American broadcaster CBS's 60 Minutes documentary programme that the claims of a clean comeback were "just contrary to the evidence".
"His blood tests in 2009, 2010 - expert reports based on the variation of his blood values - from those tests, one to a million chance that it was due to something other than doping," he said.
Mr Tygart said there was solid evidence of cheating because there was correspondence between Armstrong and Dr Michele Ferrari, who has been banned from helping athletes for life over his involvement in doping, during his comeback season.
Armstrong would have no reasons to be in touch with the doctor other than doping.
The USADA chief executive also warned of other misleading claims made by Armstrong in his interview.
He said that the cyclist had claimed to use only small amounts of the blood "booster" EPO, which increases athletes' endurance.
"He used a lot of EPO," Mr Tygart said.
"You look at the '99 Tour de France samples and they were flaming positive, the highest that we've ever seen. And he's now acknowledged those were positive."
Armstrong also denied offering USADA a donation of $250,000, which Mr Tygart had disclosed earlier this month.
In the CBS interview, Mr Tygart said he stood by his allegation and said: "It's one of his closest representatives. I've told the federal government in its investigation on the civil fraud side, so I don't think it would be appropriate now to name the name because it's still one of his closest representatives."
The cyclist's claim that he did not intimidate his team into cheating was also rubbished by the anti-doping official.
"He was the boss," he said.
"The evidence is clear he was one of the ringleaders of this conspiracy that pulled off this grand heist that defrauded using tens of millions of taxpayer dollars, defrauded millions of sports fans and his fellow competitors."
His reference to American pubic money being spent is because Armstrong was sponsored by the United States Postal Service, before being sponsored by the Discovery Channel.
And Mr Tygart reacted angrily to Armstrong saying that he did not consider himself a cheat because he had looked the word up in the dictionary and seen that it was defined as seeking unfair advantage. The cyclist said he was simply levelling the playing field because all other cyclists were cheating.
Mr Tygart said: "It's amazing. You could go to almost any kindergarten in this country or frankly around the world and find kids playing tag or four square and ask them what cheating is.
"Every one of them will tell you it's breaking the rules of the game. No real athlete has to look up the definition of cheating. And it's offensive to clean athletes who are out there working hard to play by the rules that apply to their sport."
He added: "It's just simply not true. The access they had to inside information, how to test, what tests were in place and what time. He was the one on an entirely different playing field to other athletes, even if you assume other athletes had access to some doping products."

Nigeria: CAN Crisis Deepens

The crisis rocking the Christian Association of Nigeria worsened on Wednesday as the association told the Catholic Church to go ahead with its decision to pull out of the association.
The Catholic Church recently decided to pull out of CAN, alleging that the Christian body no longer stood for the objectives for which it was set up.
The Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Monsignor Christopher Ajala, on Tuesday, alleged that CAN had become an arm of government.
But CAN blamed the Catholic’s action on the loss of the Presidency of CAN to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.
The Public Relations Officer of the 19 Northern States of CAN and Abuja, Mr. Sunny Oibe, in an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja also accused Catholics of arrogance.
He said, “There are some certain elements in the leadership of CAN led by Cardinal John Onaiyekan because he lost CAN Presidency to Oritsejafor who has a lot of achievements.
“There is no need for anybody to lose sleep over the threat by Catholics to pull out of CAN because without them CAN will still continue. The constitution of CAN makes provision that membership can be terminated by any group that is misbehaving or any group can also terminate their membership.
“Why is it that when Catholics were in the leadership of CAN, every bloc supported them, but now because power has changed hands, they are threatening to pull out and causing confusion?
“They have been agitating that the Presidency of CAN must come from the South. They at appendage of PDP and PDP themselves. They are known for double standards. A man of God should not be double speaking.”
Accordding to Oibe who is also the spokesperson for the President of Tarayar Ekklisiyar Kristi A Nijeriya, a conglomeration of 13 church groups in CAN, Catholics should not mislead the public even if they want to pull out.
He said, “The Catholics are claiming that the current CAN leadership has deviated from the vision of the founding fathers when they don’t even know how CAN came about.”

Vietnam To Make Own Execution Drug

Vietnam will begin producing its own chemical for executing prisoners after factories in the European Union stopped shipments because of objections to the death penalty.
Vietnam stopped using firing squads in 2011 because of concerns it was traumatizing the shooters. Last year, the government said it was unable to execute 532 on death row because it couldn't source the drugs for lethal injections.
The Laborer newspaper on Thursday quoted Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang as saying Vietnam will produce its own drug. The report gave no details.
EU factories are the main supplier of drugs that can be used in executions. Several American states have also said objections from European factories were making it hard to find the chemical.

The Moment £170,000-A-Week Chelsea Star Eden Hazard KICKS Ballboy In Ribs

Footballer Eden Hazard provoked fury tonight when he kicked a ballboy in the ribs during a match.
Chelsea's 22-year-old Belgian star striker - who earns a whopping £170,000 a week - was sent off after the incident in the 80th minute of the League Cup semi-final at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium.
Hazard, who joined the west London club for £32million last summer from French side Lille, tried to regain the ball after it went out of play late in the second leg of the game, which finished 0-0.
The Swansea-employed ballboy fell to the ground, landing on the ball and smothering it, apparently infuriating the striker. In Hazard’s attempts to get the ball he tried to kick it from beneath the ballboy.
Instead he made contact and kicked him in the ribs, before he finally grabbed the ball from beneath him and ran off. Several Chelsea players went to tend to the ball boy, who was left holding his ribs.
But they reacted angrily when Hazard referee Chris Foy produced a red card. The Chelsea players claimed he had tried to get the ball loose to restart play as the clock ticked down.

The cup tie marked a impressive victory for Swansea, who will go through to Wembley for the first cup final in their 100-year history after winning 2-0 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg success.
Swansea captain Ashley Williams, who was close to the incident, said afterwards: ‘Demba Ba said he was holding on to the ball, but I saw him (Hazard) kick him in the ribs. You can’t do that to a little boy.’
Twitter users reacted strongly to the incident, branding Hazard a 'disgrace', 'scumbag' and 'animal’. Footballers Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler also waded into the debate.
Stoke City striker Owen said on Twitter: ‘I’ve seen it all now! What a joke'. Former Liverpool and Wales footballer Fowler added: ‘Right decision even though ballboy milked it.’
CNN broadcaster Piers Morgan said: ‘Eden Hazard sent off for deliberately kicking a ballboy in the ribs. Yes, you read right. Unbelievable!’
Chelsea’s official Twitter feed tried to make light of it, saying: 'Has football gone mad? Hazard is sent off for kicking the ball under a ball boy attempting to smother the ball rather than return it. #CFC'
The account later added: 'A hugely disappointing performance topped by a bizarre red card.'

The Moment £170,000-A-Week Chelsea Star Eden Hazard KICKS Ballboy In Ribs

Footballer Eden Hazard provoked fury tonight when he kicked a ballboy in the ribs during a match.
Chelsea's 22-year-old Belgian star striker - who earns a whopping £170,000 a week - was sent off after the incident in the 80th minute of the League Cup semi-final at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium.
Hazard, who joined the west London club for £32million last summer from French side Lille, tried to regain the ball after it went out of play late in the second leg of the game, which finished 0-0.
The Swansea-employed ballboy fell to the ground, landing on the ball and smothering it, apparently infuriating the striker. In Hazard’s attempts to get the ball he tried to kick it from beneath the ballboy.
Instead he made contact and kicked him in the ribs, before he finally grabbed the ball from beneath him and ran off. Several Chelsea players went to tend to the ball boy, who was left holding his ribs.
But they reacted angrily when Hazard referee Chris Foy produced a red card. The Chelsea players claimed he had tried to get the ball loose to restart play as the clock ticked down.

The cup tie marked a impressive victory for Swansea, who will go through to Wembley for the first cup final in their 100-year history after winning 2-0 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg success.
Swansea captain Ashley Williams, who was close to the incident, said afterwards: ‘Demba Ba said he was holding on to the ball, but I saw him (Hazard) kick him in the ribs. You can’t do that to a little boy.’
Twitter users reacted strongly to the incident, branding Hazard a 'disgrace', 'scumbag' and 'animal’. Footballers Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler also waded into the debate.
Stoke City striker Owen said on Twitter: ‘I’ve seen it all now! What a joke'. Former Liverpool and Wales footballer Fowler added: ‘Right decision even though ballboy milked it.’
CNN broadcaster Piers Morgan said: ‘Eden Hazard sent off for deliberately kicking a ballboy in the ribs. Yes, you read right. Unbelievable!’
Chelsea’s official Twitter feed tried to make light of it, saying: 'Has football gone mad? Hazard is sent off for kicking the ball under a ball boy attempting to smother the ball rather than return it. #CFC'
The account later added: 'A hugely disappointing performance topped by a bizarre red card.'

The Moment £170,000-A-Week Chelsea Star Eden Hazard KICKS Ballboy In Ribs

Footballer Eden Hazard provoked fury tonight when he kicked a ballboy in the ribs during a match.
Chelsea's 22-year-old Belgian star striker - who earns a whopping £170,000 a week - was sent off after the incident in the 80th minute of the League Cup semi-final at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium.
Hazard, who joined the west London club for £32million last summer from French side Lille, tried to regain the ball after it went out of play late in the second leg of the game, which finished 0-0.
The Swansea-employed ballboy fell to the ground, landing on the ball and smothering it, apparently infuriating the striker. In Hazard’s attempts to get the ball he tried to kick it from beneath the ballboy.
Instead he made contact and kicked him in the ribs, before he finally grabbed the ball from beneath him and ran off. Several Chelsea players went to tend to the ball boy, who was left holding his ribs.
But they reacted angrily when Hazard referee Chris Foy produced a red card. The Chelsea players claimed he had tried to get the ball loose to restart play as the clock ticked down.

The cup tie marked a impressive victory for Swansea, who will go through to Wembley for the first cup final in their 100-year history after winning 2-0 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg success.
Swansea captain Ashley Williams, who was close to the incident, said afterwards: ‘Demba Ba said he was holding on to the ball, but I saw him (Hazard) kick him in the ribs. You can’t do that to a little boy.’
Twitter users reacted strongly to the incident, branding Hazard a 'disgrace', 'scumbag' and 'animal’. Footballers Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler also waded into the debate.
Stoke City striker Owen said on Twitter: ‘I’ve seen it all now! What a joke'. Former Liverpool and Wales footballer Fowler added: ‘Right decision even though ballboy milked it.’
CNN broadcaster Piers Morgan said: ‘Eden Hazard sent off for deliberately kicking a ballboy in the ribs. Yes, you read right. Unbelievable!’
Chelsea’s official Twitter feed tried to make light of it, saying: 'Has football gone mad? Hazard is sent off for kicking the ball under a ball boy attempting to smother the ball rather than return it. #CFC'
The account later added: 'A hugely disappointing performance topped by a bizarre red card.'

The Moment £170,000-A-Week Chelsea Star Eden Hazard KICKS Ballboy In Ribs

Footballer Eden Hazard provoked fury tonight when he kicked a ballboy in the ribs during a match.
Chelsea's 22-year-old Belgian star striker - who earns a whopping £170,000 a week - was sent off after the incident in the 80th minute of the League Cup semi-final at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium.
Hazard, who joined the west London club for £32million last summer from French side Lille, tried to regain the ball after it went out of play late in the second leg of the game, which finished 0-0.
The Swansea-employed ballboy fell to the ground, landing on the ball and smothering it, apparently infuriating the striker. In Hazard’s attempts to get the ball he tried to kick it from beneath the ballboy.
Instead he made contact and kicked him in the ribs, before he finally grabbed the ball from beneath him and ran off. Several Chelsea players went to tend to the ball boy, who was left holding his ribs.
But they reacted angrily when Hazard referee Chris Foy produced a red card. The Chelsea players claimed he had tried to get the ball loose to restart play as the clock ticked down.

The cup tie marked a impressive victory for Swansea, who will go through to Wembley for the first cup final in their 100-year history after winning 2-0 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg success.
Swansea captain Ashley Williams, who was close to the incident, said afterwards: ‘Demba Ba said he was holding on to the ball, but I saw him (Hazard) kick him in the ribs. You can’t do that to a little boy.’
Twitter users reacted strongly to the incident, branding Hazard a 'disgrace', 'scumbag' and 'animal’. Footballers Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler also waded into the debate.
Stoke City striker Owen said on Twitter: ‘I’ve seen it all now! What a joke'. Former Liverpool and Wales footballer Fowler added: ‘Right decision even though ballboy milked it.’
CNN broadcaster Piers Morgan said: ‘Eden Hazard sent off for deliberately kicking a ballboy in the ribs. Yes, you read right. Unbelievable!’
Chelsea’s official Twitter feed tried to make light of it, saying: 'Has football gone mad? Hazard is sent off for kicking the ball under a ball boy attempting to smother the ball rather than return it. #CFC'
The account later added: 'A hugely disappointing performance topped by a bizarre red card.'

Okonjo Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).
The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.
Absent at the meeting were ministers of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke; Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Labour, Emeka Wogu; Transport, Idris Abdullahi Umar; Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also failed to appear before the joint investigative committee yesterday.
Rep. Dakuku Peterside (PDP-Rivers), the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said that the committee was not happy with the development.
Peterside while cancelling the hearing, stated that aside SURE-P Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade , all other invitees failed to either show up or notify the committee about their absent.
When contacted, spokesman for the petroleum ministry, Kingsley Agha, said he was not aware why the minister failed to honour the invitation, saying he was yet to fully resume to work from leave.

Okonjo Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).
The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.
Absent at the meeting were ministers of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke; Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Labour, Emeka Wogu; Transport, Idris Abdullahi Umar; Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also failed to appear before the joint investigative committee yesterday.
Rep. Dakuku Peterside (PDP-Rivers), the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said that the committee was not happy with the development.
Peterside while cancelling the hearing, stated that aside SURE-P Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade , all other invitees failed to either show up or notify the committee about their absent.
When contacted, spokesman for the petroleum ministry, Kingsley Agha, said he was not aware why the minister failed to honour the invitation, saying he was yet to fully resume to work from leave.

Okonjo Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).
The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.
Absent at the meeting were ministers of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke; Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Labour, Emeka Wogu; Transport, Idris Abdullahi Umar; Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also failed to appear before the joint investigative committee yesterday.
Rep. Dakuku Peterside (PDP-Rivers), the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said that the committee was not happy with the development.
Peterside while cancelling the hearing, stated that aside SURE-P Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade , all other invitees failed to either show up or notify the committee about their absent.
When contacted, spokesman for the petroleum ministry, Kingsley Agha, said he was not aware why the minister failed to honour the invitation, saying he was yet to fully resume to work from leave.

Okonjo Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).
The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.
Absent at the meeting were ministers of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke; Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Labour, Emeka Wogu; Transport, Idris Abdullahi Umar; Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also failed to appear before the joint investigative committee yesterday.
Rep. Dakuku Peterside (PDP-Rivers), the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said that the committee was not happy with the development.
Peterside while cancelling the hearing, stated that aside SURE-P Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade , all other invitees failed to either show up or notify the committee about their absent.
When contacted, spokesman for the petroleum ministry, Kingsley Agha, said he was not aware why the minister failed to honour the invitation, saying he was yet to fully resume to work from leave.

Okonjo Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).
The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.
Absent at the meeting were ministers of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke; Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Labour, Emeka Wogu; Transport, Idris Abdullahi Umar; Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also failed to appear before the joint investigative committee yesterday.
Rep. Dakuku Peterside (PDP-Rivers), the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said that the committee was not happy with the development.
Peterside while cancelling the hearing, stated that aside SURE-P Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade , all other invitees failed to either show up or notify the committee about their absent.
When contacted, spokesman for the petroleum ministry, Kingsley Agha, said he was not aware why the minister failed to honour the invitation, saying he was yet to fully resume to work from leave.

Okonjo Iweala, Diezani, Sanusi Shun N273 Billion Sure-P Probe

Absence of ministers and heads of government agencies yesterday stalled the House of Representatives public hearing on the implementation of Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).
The House of Representatives on November 15, 2012, mandated the committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream ), Finance and States and Local Government to investigate the implementation of SURE-P.
Absent at the meeting were ministers of Petroleum, Diezani Alison- Madueke; Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Labour, Emeka Wogu; Transport, Idris Abdullahi Umar; Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe and Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu.
The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also failed to appear before the joint investigative committee yesterday.
Rep. Dakuku Peterside (PDP-Rivers), the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said that the committee was not happy with the development.
Peterside while cancelling the hearing, stated that aside SURE-P Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade , all other invitees failed to either show up or notify the committee about their absent.
When contacted, spokesman for the petroleum ministry, Kingsley Agha, said he was not aware why the minister failed to honour the invitation, saying he was yet to fully resume to work from leave.

Shakira Welcomes Baby Boy Milan Piqué Mebarak

Shakira has become a mother for the first time after giving birth to her baby son, Milan.
The singer has announced the happy news on her official website, revealing that he is already to follow in the footsteps of his father, footballer Gerard Pique, stating: 'Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.'
She added in the message: 'We are happy to announce the birth of Milan Piqué Mebarak, son of Shakira Mebarak and Gerard Piqué, born January 22nd at 9:36pm, in Barcelona, Spain.
'The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification...
'The hospital confirmed that the couple’s first child weighed approximately 6lbs. 6 ounces, and that both mother and child are in excellent health.'
The singer took to Twitter just four hours earlier to ask her devotees to pray for her during the birth of her first child, revealing to them that she was about to go into labour.
The 35-year-old Colombian star was admitted into hospital in Barcelona, where she was due to be induced and give birth to her baby boy with her 25-year-old boyfriend Gerard.
The 'She Wolf' singer appealed to her fans via Twitter shortly after arriving at the Teknon clinic on Tuesday, writing: 'I'd like to ask you all to accompany me in your prayers on this very important day of my life. Shak.'
She also posted the same content in Spanish and was immediately inundated with messages of support from her fans across the world, wishing her good luck.
A source previously told Spanish newspaper La Razon that the couple scheduled the birth so that FC Barcelona footballer Gerard could be present during their baby's arrival.
The insider also revealed that the singer had requested a female only medical team, who all signed confidentiality agreements, assist her during the birth.

The blonde beauty was said to be feeling "increasing discomfort" ahead of the birth and was complaining of "abdominal pressure."
Shakira has been dating soccer player Gerard for around two years and previously said he is the "best thing" to ever happen to her, until she got pregnant.
She said: 'This man is the best thing that could have happened in my life. And now the baby!'
Shakira only confirmed their relationship last year by posting a picture of them both together on Twitter and Facebook with a caption reading, "I present to you my sunshine." in Spanish.
Last week the couple invited fans to join them at their virtual baby shower, where they can purchase essential baby gifts that will support UNICEF and benefit some of the world's most vulnerable babies.
The online baby shower engages social media fans by enabling them to join the popstar and her footballer beau in their virtual living room, where they can buy 'Inspired Gifts' such as mosquito nets, polio vaccines and baby-weighing scales that will be distributed to children and communities in some of the poorest corners of the globe.
After purchasing an 'Inspired Gift', fans will then receive a personal thank you message from the couple, and be able to view exclusive photos of them taken in December 2012 by Jaume Laiguana.

Beyoncé Mimed Barack Obama Inauguration Star-Spangled Banner Rendition

For millions watching on television, Beyonce's soaring rendition of America's national anthem was the highlight of Monday's presidential inauguration ceremony.
But admiration turned to disappointment on Tuesday after it was reported that the performance was mimed, not live.
Doubts about the widely-praised performance of the Star-Spangled Banner were raised after some guests sitting close to the stage on the Western Steps of the US Capitol, noticed that the award-winning singer's lips were not perfectly synchronised with the sound emerging from speakers.
The secret was apparently confirmed by the "President's Own" Marine Corps Band which had provided the backing music for the ceremony, and had themselves been accused of miming their performance.
"We performed, live, the band. But we received last-minute word that Beyoncé was going to use the pre-recorded vocal track. Those were the instructions we were given. We don't know what the reason why," Kristin DuBois, a spokeswoman for the band told the New York Post.
She added that this was standard procedure: "All music is pre-recorded for the ceremony because there are so many eventualities and conditions that day," she said.
Beyonce's New York publicist did not reply for a request for comment byThe Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, as the story exploded onto social media networks, including Facebook and Twitter, with some fans expressing dismay that the performance was pre-recorded.
Many observed that at one point during the performance Beyoncé had dramatically pulled out her earpiece, sparking a debate over whether this was part of the charade or – for the faithful – evidence that she had indeed decided to sing live after all.
While some cried "fraud", others took a more knowing approach, pointing out that Beyoncé had posted a photograph of herself in a recording studio with members of the Marine Corps band taken the day before the inauguration.
It was also recalled that during Mr Obama's first inauguration in 2009, cold weather and wind meant that recordings were used for performances by the cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
For Conservatives, it was a chance to score political points, with the influential Drudge Report website, devoting half of its front page to a picture of Beyoncé with Barack Obama beneath the words: "Faked It!"
"This clearly means that President Obama is not really president anymore," joked one liberal commentator on Twitter, poking fun at Conservative outrage, "First scandal of a second term?", asked another.

Algeria Siege's Ruthless Details Described

The hostage-taking at a remote Algerian gas plant was carried out by 30 militants from across the northern swath of Africa and two from Canada, authorities said. The militants, who wore military uniforms and knew the layout, included explosives experts who rigged it with bombs and a leader whose final order was to kill all the captives.
The operation also had a participant with inside knowledge - a former driver at the plant, Algeria's prime minister said Monday.
In all, 38 workers and 29 militants died, the Algerian prime minister said Monday, offering the government's first detailed account of four days of chaos that ended with a bloody military raid, which he defended as the only way possible to end the standoff. Five foreigners are still missing.
Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told reporters that the terrorist chief "gave the order for all the foreigners to be killed, so there was a mass execution. Many hostages were killed by a bullet to the head."
Monday's account offered the first Algerian government narrative of the standoff, from an attempted bus hijacking on Wednesday to the moment Saturday when the attackers prepared to detonate bombs across the sprawling complex. That's when Algerian special forces moved in for the second and final time.
All but one of the dead victims - an Algerian security guard - were foreigners. The dead hostages included seven Japanese workers, six Filipinos, three energy workers each from the U.S. and Britain, two from Romania and one worker from France.
The prime minister said three attackers were captured, but did not specify their nationalities.
He said the Islamists included a former driver at the complex from Niger and that the militants "knew the facility's layout by heart." The vast complex is deep in the Sahara, 800 miles south of Algiers, with a network of roads and walkways for the hundreds of workers who keep it running.
The Algerian premier said the Canadians among the militants were of Arab descent, and that the militant cell also included men from Egypt, Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Tunisia, as well as three Algerians.
Earlier reports of as many as 81 deaths in the assault appear to have overstated the toll in the chaotic aftermath.

Tobacconists March Against EU Smoking Rule

Thousands of tobacconists from across Europe have marched on European Union headquarters to protest against a planned EU crackdown on smoking that includes gruesome health warnings placarded on packets.
From Austria, Germany and Poland, but most largely from France and Italy, 2,200 marchers according to police, 3500 according to organisers, protested on Tuesday against measures they say harm small retailers and encourage cigarette smuggling.
"Brussels is hitting at official distribution networks while nothing is done against smuggling", said the deputy head of the European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers (CEDT), Pascal Montredon, who heads the French branch.
He said the EU should ban cigarette sales on the internet and stop the continual increase in the price of packets in some countries.
He said 6000 of France's 33,000 tobacconists had closed since 2004.
In December, the European Commission released new proposals notably aimed at dissuading young people from taking up smoking that included a ban on menthol cigarettes and large health warnings covering 75 per cent of packets.
Almost 700,000 Europeans die from tobacco-related illnesses each year - equal to the population of a Frankfurt or Palermo - with associated health costs running at more than 25 billion euros ($A31.88 billion), the EU executive said.
A key measure would be a ban on cigarettes, roll-your-own, or smokeless tobacco products that have strong - or "characterising" - flavours, such as menthol, chocolate or vanilla, often popular with young people.
Packs of fewer than 20 cigarettes would also be banned as well as 'slims,' while electronic cigarettes, which contain some nicotine, would only be authorised as medicinal products.
But the new rules must be approved by member states as well as the European Parliament, meaning legislation would come into effect in only about three years.
"Smoking is part of the culture of Europe,' said the head of Austria's VCPO tobacconists, Klaus W Fischer. ""This will end up like prohibition in the US in the 1920s."

Chinese Workers Revolt Over Two-Minute Toilet Breaks

Hundreds of Chinese factory workers angry about strictly timed bathroom breaks held their managers hostage for more than a day.
About 1000 workers at Shanghai Shinmei Electric Company held the 10 Japanese nationals and eight Chinese managers inside the factory in Shanghai starting Friday morning until 11.50pm Saturday (2.50pm Saturday AEDT), said a statement from the parent company, Shinmei Electric, released yesterday. It said the managers were released uninjured after 300 police officers were called to the factory.
A security guard at the Shanghai plant said overnight that workers had gone on strike to protest the company's issuing of new work rules, including time limits on bathroom breaks and fines for being late.
"The workers demanded the scrapping of the ridiculously strict requirements stipulating that workers only have two minutes to go to the toilet and workers will be fined 50 yuan ($A7.50) if they are late once and fired if they are late twice," said the security guard, surnamed Feng. "The managers were later freed when police intervened and when they agreed to reconsider the rules."
The plant makes electromagnetic coils and other electronic products. It was closed overnight, said a man who answered at the plant but refused to identify himself. He said no workers were on strike and staff would return to work later today.
Strikes have become commonplace in China, as factories operating in highly competitive markets try to get more productivity from their labor force and workers connected by mobile phones and the Internet become more aware of their rights.
Shinmei Electric's statement didn't say specifically what the workers were protesting, but said management reforms and labour policies were believed to be a cause. It said talks were under way with workers at the plant and that police were questioning staff.
A man who refused to give his name from the press office of the Shanghai police bureau said he had no information about the incident and referred calls to the Shanghai government press office, where calls rang unanswered.

Nigeria: Senate To Probe Funds To Police Colleges

Moved by the rot in the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, where men of the Police are trained under dehumanizing condition, the Senate, yesterday, vowed to carry out a holistic probe into the funds allocated to the college and other institutions of training in the force.
It, however, blamed itself for not carrying out an effective and efficient oversight function to detect the deplorable and appalling situation of the college and then raise an alarm, prior to the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Answering questions from journalists in Abuja, yesterday, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, ANPP, Yobe North, said the Senate had completed arrangement to summon the Police authorities to explain how funds appropriated to the college were utilised.
Lawan, however, said that the investigation of the committee would go beyond the Police College, Ikeja, with a view to finding a lasting solution to the rot in the entire system.

Lawan, who could not give the exact figures appropriated to the college, said: “I don’t have any figure off hand as to how much has been appropriated. But one thing is very certain and clear from the visit of Mr. President to the police college in Lagos that some agencies of government have not been living up to expectations.
“The public accounts committee has already taken some steps to ensure that the police authorities appear before the committee to explain the utilisation of the funds appropriated particularly to the college. But we are also expanding beyond the college because this is a sign that all is not okay with the police organisation.
“I want to hope that the rot will stop with the police college. But if in the course of our investigation we discover that it is more than the college and that some organisations within the police are facing the same thing, then we have to take very serious action.
“First, we have to determine whether the funds were adequate so that if the funds were not adequate, we will like to see how prudent, economically and efficiently the scarce resources were utilized. If, however, the funds were enough and someone failed to do his or her duty, we will surely recommend serious sanctions for whoever is responsible.”

Poor oversight by N-Assembly

On poor oversight by National Assembly, Senator Lawan admitted that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees on Police Affairs, would have detected the rot in the college had the committees did their jobs well.
He also fingered the Police Affairs and Police Service Commission of doing a poor job of not properly supervising the college.
He said: ‘’These are people that are directly involved with them. So it is a responsibility that we share. But I believe that we are supposed to take the lead in the oversight process because this is our major work.
“We are supposed to be visiting institutions and organisations that have been appropriated public funds to ensure that the funds are utilised properly.

“So, this is an eye opener not only for the police affairs committees but for other committees. And the Senate President has consistently told us to ensure that we have oversight functions and programmes that would ensure that no public fund is put in another way or used in an imprudent manner.
“So I am sure that we would step up our oversight. And the President should do more of this kind of thing because if anything, it would give the trainees the impression and confidence that their leaders are really concerned with what happens with their training at institutions.”

On whether the funds were enough

On whether the funds for the Police were enough, he said: “I always believe that efficiency, economy, prudence and effective utilisation of resources are more important than quantum of resources, because when we emphasise on having more funds neglecting the efficiency aspect of utilisation, we don’t achieve anything.
“Some organisations with good management could achieve more with little. It is not about the quantum of money but how strategically the funds are utilised and efficiency of utilisation.
“So I believe that we should be emphasizing efficiency, economy and prudence of funds in addition to appropriating more funds. We can also grow better environment for our organisations to function better. But I don’t think we should be limiting ourselves to quantum of funds.”

When asked whether the probe will be as holistic as that of Bureau for Public Enterprise, BPE, Lawan said: “We did not do BPE investigation as a Public Accounts Committee. You would recall that the BPE assignment was an ad hoc assignment.
“This police issue is a public account assignment. What we will do is narrow down appropriations over the year to the police and see how much has been utilised and to what the revelation will be.
“But I don’t think we will begin to investigate the police from 1999 till date. We will focus on the budget. You would recall that BPE was a total investigation and everything was involved. But with the police, I don’t think that is where we are going.”

Newcastle United £7m Target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa Fails To Appear At Club For Medical As Fans' Fears Increase

Add capMontpellier centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (on the ball) failed to turn up on Tynesidetion

Newcastle United’s troubles are showing no signs of easing after Montpellier centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa did not arrive for a planned medical and skipper Fabricio Coloccini failed to resolve his future at a meeting with club officials.
Newcastle have had an offer of around £7 million for Yanga-Mbiwa accepted, but should Arsenal also bid for the defender, the St James’ Park club could see one of their targets poached by a Premier League rival for the second time in this window.
Managing Director Derek Llambias is still smarting after QPR made a last-hour move for striker Loic Remy, matching Newcastle’s offer to Marseille, before persuading the France international to move to Loftus Road by paying him double what he would have earned in the North-East.
Telegraph Sport has been told Newcastle still expect Yanga-Mbiwa to arrive on Tyneside, with the club blaming the weather for the delay, but these are anxious times for supporters after what happened with Remy.
Arsenal have been in contact with Montpellier after news of Newcastle’s bid was leaked in France to ask about the size of their offer, but they have not made a formal bid.
Whether Yanga-Mbiwa has decided to wait to see if an offer comes from the north London club remains to be seen, although that might explain the delay in his travel to the north east.
Newcastle are working hard to bring Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko to Tyneside. The 22-year-old has less than six months remaining on his contract and Newcastle were going to wait until the summer to sign him as a free agent, but Saturday’s home defeat to Reading, which leaves them just one place above the drop zone, means they could attempt to bring him in earlier than planned.
Newcastle have also had a bid of 750,000 euros rejected by Bordeaux for striker Yoan Gouffran. The Ligue 1 side want around 1m for the forward, who is out of contract at the end of the season and Newcastle will decide in the next 48 hours whether to raise the bid.
Gouffran impressed Newcastle manager Alan Pardew when the sides met in the Europa League last year, although they are continuing to look at several other targets across Europe.
Even if the 26-year-old does arrive at St James’ Park, he is not necessarily seen as a direct replacement for Demba Ba following his departure for Chelsea and Newcastle may well look to bring in two forwards before the window shuts given their lack of strength in that area.
Pardew is keen on rivalling local rivals Sunderland to sign Danny Graham from Swansea, but chief scout Graham Carr is not a big admirer and the board are reluctant to spend £4m on a 27-year-old who has played top flight football for just 18 months.
Coloccini’s future also remains clouded in confusion after a meeting with the club’s hierarchy on Monday did not end with the anticipated announcement of an amicable conclusion.
The 30-year-old has expressed a desire to return to Argentina because of personal problems, but Newcastle want him to remain with them, at least until the end of the season.
Further talks are likely this week, but fans are growing increasingly alarmed by the failure to reach a compromise with the club’s captain and fear he is continuing to demand to leave immediately, even though the club who want to sign him, San Lorenzo, cannot afford to pay a fee.
Both sides attended the meeting with their lawyers, which suggests there are potentially still significant obstacles to overcome.

Mouthy Harry: Prince Harry Branded A Coward By Taliban

Taliban commanders have branded Prince Harry a naive “coward” for his comments comparing the decade-long conflict in Afghanistan with computer games.
Two senior figures told The Daily Telegraph that the unguarded description was an insult to the men who had fought and died alongside Captain Wales.
They were angered by the way Prince Harry described his role as co-pilot of an Apache helicopter, in charge of its weapons systems, firing Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, rockets and a 30-millimetre gun.
“It’s a joy for me because I’m one of those people who loves playing PlayStation and Xbox, so with my thumbs I like to think I’m probably quite useful,” he said in an interview timed to coincide with his departure after a 20-week tour.
The unguarded comments could prove a headache for President Hamid Karzai, who has staked his reputation on working closely with Nato-led forces and wants the US to station troops in Afghanistan beyond the end of 2014.
It also hands insurgents a propaganda opportunity as they continue to try to turn the local population against foreign fighters in a war that is becoming as much about PR salvoes as it is about rockets and bullets.
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, said Prince Harry was a “coward” for speaking only after he was out of harm’s way.
“This statement is not even worth condemning. It is worse than that,” he said by telephone from an undisclosed location.
“To describe the war in Afghanistan as a game demeans anyone – especially a prince, who is supposed to be made of better things.”
He added that it exposed the calibre of forces that Nato was able deploy.
“It shows the lack of understanding, of knowledge,” he said. “It shows they are unfamiliar with the situation and shows why they are losing.”
A commander in Helmand, where Prince Harry was based, said soldiers from dozens of countries were fighting in Afghanistan. To describe their efforts – and deaths – as part of a game was to show a lack of respect, he said.

Liberia's Charles Taylor Begins appeal At The Hague

Liberia's jailed ex-President Charles Taylor has started his appeal at a UN-backed special court in The Hague.
Last May, the court sentenced him to 50 years in prison for aiding and abetting rebels in neighbouring Sierra Leone during the 1991-2002 civil war.
Defence lawyers have called the verdict a "miscarriage of justice" and ask for the conviction to be quashed.
Last week Taylor, 64, reportedly wrote to MPs demanding a presidential pension of $25,000 (£15,600) in Liberia.
Describing the withholding of his state presidential pension as a "mammoth injustice", Taylor is quoted in the letter as saying that he is entitled to consular access and diplomatic services at The Hague, but he has been "denied that right".
Taylor became the first former head of state to be convicted of war crimes by an international court since the Nuremberg trials of Nazis after World War II.
Throughout his trial, the former Liberian leader, who was arrested in 2006, maintained his innocence.
The court was set up in 2002 to try those who bore the greatest responsibility for the war in Sierra Leone in which some 50,000 people were killed.
It found Taylor guilty on 11 counts of war crimes, relating to atrocities that included rape and murder, and described by one of the judges as "some of the most heinous crimes in human history".
In return for so-called blood diamonds, Taylor provided arms and both logistical and moral support to Sierra Leone's Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels - prolonging the conflict and the suffering of the people of Sierra Leone.
His lawyers have filed 42 grounds of appeal, arguing that the trial chamber's findings were based on "uncorroborated hearsay evidence".
"The colossal judgment, over 2,500 pages in length, is plagued throughout by internal inconsistencies, misstatements of evidence and conflicting findings," his lawyer Morris Anyah said in court papers quoted by the AFP news agency.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, are expected to argue that the court made a mistake by only convicting Taylor of aiding and abetting the RUF and its allies, the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council.
"The Trial Chamber erred in law and in fact by failing to convict Mr Taylor for ordering crimes committed by RUF/AFRC forces who were implementing his instructions," the prosecution said in court papers.
Taylor started Liberia's civil war as a warlord in 1989, and was elected president in 1997. He governed for six years before being forced into exile in southern Nigeria. He was arrested in 2006 while trying to flee Nigeria.
The trial was moved to the Netherlands due to concerns that the case might spark fresh instability in Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Nike Oshinowo & Husband, Dr Soleye End Marriage In Divorce

Former Nigerian beauty queen, Mrs Nike Oshinowo and her husband, popular Lagos-based Dr Soleye have finally separated.
The socialite couple who got married six years ago are set to divorce after weeks of secret separation.
Nike Oshinowo‘s husband confirmed their split with City People. Though, a valid reason for their separation wasn't revealed.
According to insiders, Nike & Dr Soleye are to be blamed for not giving each other the necessary attention to make their marriage work.
Adenike Oshinowo’s bosom friends have heaped the blame on Dr. Soleye who they say has remained a ladies man despite his marriage to Nike. He’s alleged to have been close to other women even after he was married to Nike. They claimed that although Dr. Soleye showered love and affection on her at the early stages, he stopped a few years ago when he began to ignore her.
Friends of Dr. Soleye also heaped the blame on Nike who they claim lives extravagant and flamboyant lifestyle which reportedly contributed to the quick depletion of Dr. Soleye’s resources.
They claimed that because of the love he had for Nike he spent all he had on Nike, setting up for her a beauty business and funded her Miss Nigeria project for 2 years before she pulled out. Many believe that their marriage may have contributed to the financial squeeze he is currently experiencing.Nike has kept mum about the break-up. [City People]
Just last year, we learnt Nike Oshinowo was involved in a romantic relationship with Ooni of Ife’s son,Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade.
Though she had denied it, sources claim it might be one of the untold reasons for her divorce.

Bayelsa Politicians Sponsor Kidnappers- Governor Dickson

Politicians in President Goodluck Jonathan’s home state of Bayelsa sponsor kidnappings for various reasons including to scare away investors, the state governor, Seriake Dickson, has said.
The Bayelsa Governor stated this on Monday in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworis-Markson.
The Governor said some “disgruntled politicians” were bent on halting his transformation agenda and are behind the kidnappings.
Bayelsa, like many other Nigerian States, has witnessed series of kidnappings including of foreigners, and traditional rulers.
The kidnappings in the state are usually executed in a ‘commando’ tactics with gunmen on speed boats storming a vessel or a house by a river to kidnap their victims.
Most of these gunmen, the governor has said, are sponsored by politicians in the state, where President Jonathan was a former deputy governor and governor.
“From the facts at our disposal, it is clear that some failed politicians who have lost out in the power equation in the state are working behind the scene with some forces outside the state to sponsor kidnapping of innocent citizens in Bayelsa,” he said.
The Governor said the politicians’ aim is not only to scare away investors and stall development, but also to make the state ungovernable.
“Their intention is to give the impression that the government of the day is incapable of securing the lives and property of citizens,” he said.
The governor’s spokesperson said that Mr. Dickson’s administration had not only given priority to security, but had also shown political will to protect lives and property in the state.
He said that the administration had succeeded in turning around the state from a haven of cultism, violence, and criminality into a peaceful and prosperous state.
He said that the passage of the Secret Cult, Kidnapping and Similar Offences Prohibition Law 2012, had made it possible to prosecute criminals who ran foul of the law.
He warned mischief makers to stay clear of the state, adding that the government would prosecute anyone who did not obey the law.
“Let it be stated for the umpteenth time that there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of law and order.
“The era of playing politics with security matters are gone for good and shall remain so,’’he said.
The governor urged youth in the state to redirect their energies toward meaningful ventures.
He also urged them to take advantage of the free and compulsory education policy of the government to acquire education instead of allowing themselves to be used as tools for criminality.
Mr. Dickson’s spokesperson stressed the need for parents and guardians to re-orientate their children and wards on the dangers of cultism, kidnapping and all forms of criminality.
“This is a new Bayelsa and disgruntled politicians who think they can play politics with our collective security as a people should be ready to face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.