Monday, June 10, 2013
CELEBRITY NEWS --Cher to perform live on NBC's 'The Voice'
Cher has a date with NBC's "The Voice."
NBC said Monday the pop star will perform live on the talent contest's June 18 season finale.
She will sing "Woman's World," the first single off her upcoming album of the same name, the network said.
Cher, who turned 67 in May, joins other pop artists who have appeared on NBC's hit series and other TV contests to promote new records. They include "Voice" guest stars Rod Stewart and Lady Antebellum.
Cher's "Woman's World" album, her first in 12 years, is due out later this year.
The Grammy, Oscar and Emmy-winner has scored a No. 1 single on the Billboard pop charts in each of the last six decades, including her 1998 single "Believe.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
NEWS ----Church-goers in Soweto pray for former President Nelson MandelaPrayers have been said in churches across South Africa for former President Nelson Mandela, who has spent a third night in hospital for treatment for a lung infection.
Nelson Mandela in hospital as South Africans pray
BBC NEWS
Church-goers in Soweto pray for former President Nelson Mandela
Prayers have been said in churches across South Africa for former President Nelson Mandela, who has spent a third night in hospital for treatment for a lung infection.
Officials have provided no update since Saturday when his condition was described as serious but stable.
However, the BBC's Karen Allen in Pretoria says relatives who visited him on Sunday appeared in positive mood.
Mr Mandela, 94, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital early on Saturday.
The presidency said he had been ill for some days.
It is the third time this year he has been admitted to hospital.
Hundreds of worshippers attended Mass on Sunday at Soweto's Regina Mundi church, famous for its role in the anti-apartheid campaign.
"I think it's just a natural experience that everybody wants to hold on to him as much as possible," acting priest Father Sebastian Rossouw said.
"He's always in our prayers."
Our correspondent says there is a sense of calm across South Africa, and also a quiet hope that the man who led the fight against apartheid may regain his strength once again.
While the absence of any official updates did little to help the speculation, she adds, many took heart from a visit by Mr Mandela's daughter, Zindzi, who said that her father was "well" and "a fighter".
Mr Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, cancelled a scheduled appearance in London on Saturday to remain at her husband's bedside.
The South African broadcaster SABC reported that a car which brought another daughter, Makiziwe, to the hospital on Saturday was seen again on Sunday.
On Saturday, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said that although Mr Mandela was again suffering from pneumonia, he was breathing on his own - "a positive sign".
South African President Jacob Zuma has continued to attend engagements but has indicated that he will visit Mr Mandela if doctors advise him to do so.
Nelson Mandela served as president from 1994 to 1999.
He was previously imprisoned for 27 years, and is believed to have suffered damaged lungs while working in a prison quarry.
He contracted tuberculosis in the 1980s while being held in jail on the windswept Robben Island.
He retired from public life in 2004 and has been rarely seen in public since.
Mr Mandela was receiving care at his Johannesburg home when his lung problems flared up again.
He was admitted to hospital after his condition worsened at 01:30 on Saturday (23:30 GMT Friday).
British Prime Minister David Cameron has said Mr Mandela is in his thoughts, while the White House has also sent good wishes
BBC NEWS
Church-goers in Soweto pray for former President Nelson Mandela
Prayers have been said in churches across South Africa for former President Nelson Mandela, who has spent a third night in hospital for treatment for a lung infection.
Officials have provided no update since Saturday when his condition was described as serious but stable.
However, the BBC's Karen Allen in Pretoria says relatives who visited him on Sunday appeared in positive mood.
Mr Mandela, 94, was admitted to a Pretoria hospital early on Saturday.
The presidency said he had been ill for some days.
It is the third time this year he has been admitted to hospital.
Hundreds of worshippers attended Mass on Sunday at Soweto's Regina Mundi church, famous for its role in the anti-apartheid campaign.
"I think it's just a natural experience that everybody wants to hold on to him as much as possible," acting priest Father Sebastian Rossouw said.
"He's always in our prayers."
Our correspondent says there is a sense of calm across South Africa, and also a quiet hope that the man who led the fight against apartheid may regain his strength once again.
While the absence of any official updates did little to help the speculation, she adds, many took heart from a visit by Mr Mandela's daughter, Zindzi, who said that her father was "well" and "a fighter".
Mr Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, cancelled a scheduled appearance in London on Saturday to remain at her husband's bedside.
The South African broadcaster SABC reported that a car which brought another daughter, Makiziwe, to the hospital on Saturday was seen again on Sunday.
On Saturday, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said that although Mr Mandela was again suffering from pneumonia, he was breathing on his own - "a positive sign".
South African President Jacob Zuma has continued to attend engagements but has indicated that he will visit Mr Mandela if doctors advise him to do so.
Nelson Mandela served as president from 1994 to 1999.
He was previously imprisoned for 27 years, and is believed to have suffered damaged lungs while working in a prison quarry.
He contracted tuberculosis in the 1980s while being held in jail on the windswept Robben Island.
He retired from public life in 2004 and has been rarely seen in public since.
Mr Mandela was receiving care at his Johannesburg home when his lung problems flared up again.
He was admitted to hospital after his condition worsened at 01:30 on Saturday (23:30 GMT Friday).
British Prime Minister David Cameron has said Mr Mandela is in his thoughts, while the White House has also sent good wishes
NIGERIA NEWS --Proscribing Boko Haram, Ansaru wrong, says ACN
Proscribing Boko Haram, Ansaru wrong, says ACN
Action Congress of Ni-geria, ACN, has said that the recent proscription order against Boko Haram and Ansaru, desirable as it may be in tackling the terrorist organisations, violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by stifling the press and tampering with the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
A statement in Ila-Orangun, yesterday, by ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the order also makes it easy for an increasingly intolerant government to clamp down on the opposition, which its sees more as an irritant .
In the alternative, ACN called on the Federal Government to clarify the knotty and vague areas of the open-ended order, that may end up punishing journalists and infringing on the civil liberties of the citizens more than it will curtail activities of the sects.
The party said: ‘’Against the background of insinuations in government circles, let us be clear that we do not condone the activities of these sects that have killed and maimed innocent Nigerians and turned a section of the country into a battle field.
“Terrorism in all its ramifications is condemnable, and no responsible government will allow any group, no matter its name, grievances or ideology, to carry out terrorist acts unchecked.
“But we believe that whatever action government takes— even in an emergency— must pass the constitutional test, especially since the relevant sections of the Constitution have not been suspended.”
It said the offensive section of the order is Section 5 (1), which prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years ‘’for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.”
ACN said “support,” as defined by the order, includes “incitement to commit a terrorist act through the Internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information.
“Is this subsection not in conflict with Chapter II Section 22 of the Nigeria Constitution which says ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media, shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people?’
“By stifling the press, is the order not abridging a part of the fundamental human rights guaranteed every citizen under Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution in Section 39 (1), which states thus: ‘Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference?’”
ACN said the Nigerian government must take a cue from what obtains in other countries, especially in the USA, which are also battling terrorism, adding that the media in those countries have continued to report freely on activities of the global terrorist organisation, Al-Qaeda, despite the horrendous attacks it has carried out in the US and Europe, among others.
Action Congress of Ni-geria, ACN, has said that the recent proscription order against Boko Haram and Ansaru, desirable as it may be in tackling the terrorist organisations, violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by stifling the press and tampering with the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
A statement in Ila-Orangun, yesterday, by ACN’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the order also makes it easy for an increasingly intolerant government to clamp down on the opposition, which its sees more as an irritant .
In the alternative, ACN called on the Federal Government to clarify the knotty and vague areas of the open-ended order, that may end up punishing journalists and infringing on the civil liberties of the citizens more than it will curtail activities of the sects.
The party said: ‘’Against the background of insinuations in government circles, let us be clear that we do not condone the activities of these sects that have killed and maimed innocent Nigerians and turned a section of the country into a battle field.
“Terrorism in all its ramifications is condemnable, and no responsible government will allow any group, no matter its name, grievances or ideology, to carry out terrorist acts unchecked.
“But we believe that whatever action government takes— even in an emergency— must pass the constitutional test, especially since the relevant sections of the Constitution have not been suspended.”
It said the offensive section of the order is Section 5 (1), which prescribes a term of imprisonment of not less than 20 years ‘’for any person who knowingly, in any manner, directly or indirectly, solicits or renders support for the commission of an act of terrorism or to a terrorist group.”
ACN said “support,” as defined by the order, includes “incitement to commit a terrorist act through the Internet, or any electronic means or through the use of printed materials or through the dissemination of terrorist information.
“Is this subsection not in conflict with Chapter II Section 22 of the Nigeria Constitution which says ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media, shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people?’
“By stifling the press, is the order not abridging a part of the fundamental human rights guaranteed every citizen under Chapter Four of the Nigerian Constitution in Section 39 (1), which states thus: ‘Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference?’”
ACN said the Nigerian government must take a cue from what obtains in other countries, especially in the USA, which are also battling terrorism, adding that the media in those countries have continued to report freely on activities of the global terrorist organisation, Al-Qaeda, despite the horrendous attacks it has carried out in the US and Europe, among others.
NEWS ---Taliban Claim Attack On Kabul Airport
Taliban Claim Attack On Kabul Airport
Taliban insurgents are involved in an ongoing attack on the military side of Kabul Airport, which houses a Nato base.
The international airport has been closed to all civilian air traffic because of the assault.
The attackers wearing suicide vests have occupied a tall building on the west side of the international airport and were firing at the military facility, police said in a statement.
There was at least one large explosion at around 4.30am and a gunbattle began with security forces, the statement added.
"We closed the Kabul airport runway so that civilian aircraft don't get hit by bullets. They are in a high building that they are shooting from," said Yaqub Rassouli, the civilian chief of Kabul airport.
Afghan Army General Murad Ali Murad said police and military forces were exchanging gunfire with the insurgents.
"Outside the airport, in the civilian area, there is a tall building under construction and they are shooting at the military side from there," he said.
"The building is surrounded and there is sporadic shooting. Not enough to damage the military side. We don't know how many terrorist bombers are in there."
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the AFP news agency: "Yes, we claim responsibility. This morning a group of mujahedeen attacked the military part of Kabul Airport."
A series of explosion were heard from the direction of the airport and residents said they heard around a dozen explosions coming from the direction of the military's facilities.
They said the explosions sounded like rocket-propelled grenades along with automatic weapons fire.
The explosions could be heard in downtown Kabul, a few miles away from the airport, located on the outskirts of the capital.
The US-led Nato coalition's joint command headquarters at the airport runs the day-to-day operations of the nearly 12-year-old war against insurgents. The airport's military side is also used for Nato transport and other aircraft.
The International Assistance Force's Joint Command said it was aware of an attack, but gave no further detai
Taliban insurgents are involved in an ongoing attack on the military side of Kabul Airport, which houses a Nato base.
The international airport has been closed to all civilian air traffic because of the assault.
The attackers wearing suicide vests have occupied a tall building on the west side of the international airport and were firing at the military facility, police said in a statement.
There was at least one large explosion at around 4.30am and a gunbattle began with security forces, the statement added.
"We closed the Kabul airport runway so that civilian aircraft don't get hit by bullets. They are in a high building that they are shooting from," said Yaqub Rassouli, the civilian chief of Kabul airport.
Afghan Army General Murad Ali Murad said police and military forces were exchanging gunfire with the insurgents.
"Outside the airport, in the civilian area, there is a tall building under construction and they are shooting at the military side from there," he said.
"The building is surrounded and there is sporadic shooting. Not enough to damage the military side. We don't know how many terrorist bombers are in there."
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the AFP news agency: "Yes, we claim responsibility. This morning a group of mujahedeen attacked the military part of Kabul Airport."
A series of explosion were heard from the direction of the airport and residents said they heard around a dozen explosions coming from the direction of the military's facilities.
They said the explosions sounded like rocket-propelled grenades along with automatic weapons fire.
The explosions could be heard in downtown Kabul, a few miles away from the airport, located on the outskirts of the capital.
The US-led Nato coalition's joint command headquarters at the airport runs the day-to-day operations of the nearly 12-year-old war against insurgents. The airport's military side is also used for Nato transport and other aircraft.
The International Assistance Force's Joint Command said it was aware of an attack, but gave no further detai
CELEBRITY NEWS --paris 'Probe ordered into Jackson daughter suicide bid
Probe ordered into Jackson daughter suicide bid
A judge has ordered a probe into the welfare of late pop icon Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris, after she tried to kill herself last week, US media reported.
A probate court judge has ordered an investigation into Paris Jackson's "health, education and welfare," People magazine reported.
"It will be submitted privately to Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff and is to contain recommendations relating to the 15-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson," the report said.
The teenager, whose father died in 2009, was put on a 72-hour psychiatric hold in hospital, a family source said, adding that Paris suffered from depression and had previously reported suicidal thoughts.
She was taken out of her Calabasas family house on a stretcher after having cut her right arm and taken a large number of Motrin (ibuprofen) pills.
Her grandmother Katherine Jackson is currently suing the promoters of Jackson's last doomed tour, AEG Live, for negligently hiring doctor Conrad Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter over his death.
The 83-year-old has been in court for much of the last five weeks.
Paris has been listed as a witness in the trial, which is expected to last several months, and which so far has heard a lot of the same evidence recounted at the Murray trial
A judge has ordered a probe into the welfare of late pop icon Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris, after she tried to kill herself last week, US media reported.
A probate court judge has ordered an investigation into Paris Jackson's "health, education and welfare," People magazine reported.
"It will be submitted privately to Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff and is to contain recommendations relating to the 15-year-old daughter of the late Michael Jackson," the report said.
The teenager, whose father died in 2009, was put on a 72-hour psychiatric hold in hospital, a family source said, adding that Paris suffered from depression and had previously reported suicidal thoughts.
She was taken out of her Calabasas family house on a stretcher after having cut her right arm and taken a large number of Motrin (ibuprofen) pills.
Her grandmother Katherine Jackson is currently suing the promoters of Jackson's last doomed tour, AEG Live, for negligently hiring doctor Conrad Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of involuntary manslaughter over his death.
The 83-year-old has been in court for much of the last five weeks.
Paris has been listed as a witness in the trial, which is expected to last several months, and which so far has heard a lot of the same evidence recounted at the Murray trial
NEWS---serious big Prayers for Mandela as family urged to 'let him go'
Prayers for Mandela as family urged to 'let him go'
Nelson Mandela, the revered anti-apartheid hero, spent a third night in hospital after South Africa prayed for him amid calls for his family and nation to "let him go".
Government officials have given no update on his health since announcing that the 94-year-old was admitted early Saturday and was in a "serious but stable" condition with a recurring lung infection.
"I've seen my father and he's well. He's a fighter," his daughter Zindzi told The Guardian newspaper on Sunday.
But South Africans are beginning to come to terms with the mortality of their first black president and father of the "Rainbow Nation", following a string of recent health scares.
The Sunday Times newspaper's stark front page headline was: "It's time to let him go."
It is the fourth hospital stay since December for the Nobel peace prize laureate, who turns 95 next month, after he was discharged in April following treatment for pneumonia.
Although the government has not identified the hospital treating Mandela, family members were seen leaving a heart clinic in Pretoria where a large media camp is gathered.
"We wish Madiba a speedy recovery, but I think what is important is that his family must release him," Mandela's long-time friend Andrew Mlangeni, 87, told the Sunday Times, using his clan name.
"Once the family releases him, the people of South Africa will follow. We will say thank you, God, you have given us this man, and we will release him too," said the former apartheid era prisoner, who was jailed for life alongside Mandela in 1964.
Mandela is revered as a global symbol of forgiveness following his release from 27 years in prison during white minority rule and his latest hospitalisation has triggered outpourings of concern across the globe.
He has not been seen in public since the World Cup final in July 2010.
Song filled the morning air at the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, a key flashpoint in the anti-apartheid struggle, as worshippers prayed for their hero.
"I mean Tata is 94. At 94 what do you expect?" said churchgoer Sannie Shezi, 36, using an affectionate term meaning father.
"He lived his life, he worked for us. All we can say is God help him. If things happen they will happen, but we still love him."
Mandela's third wife Graca Machel has been at his hospital bedside after calling off a trip to a London conference.
While Twitter users expressed sadness and urged a quick recovery, they were also prepared for the worst.
"Madiba has served us well, a real blessing a definition of a leader but it's time to let him Go. We can't hold on forever," said one tweet.
While the official description of his health as serious was unusually sombre, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj told AFP on Saturday that Mandela was breathing on his own.
"The truth of the matter is a simple one. Madiba is a fighter and at his age as long as he is fighting, he'll be fine," he said.
South Africa's cricket star AB de Villiers joined world figures, including British Prime Minister David Cameron and the White House, in sending best wishes for Mandela.
"He's a legend in our country," he said on a tour in England, voicing hope that Mandela would recover soon and "maybe even get that big 100 when it comes to birthdays".
Mandela was being treated at his Johannesburg home when his condition worsened and he was taken to hospital in Pretoria at 1:30 am Saturday (2330 GMT Friday).
South African pulmonologist Guy Richards told AFP that recurring pneumonia was rare unless there was previous lung damage.
"For example if you had tuberculosis, then often those damaged areas will be colonised with bacteria which are able to cause recurrent infections," he said.
Mandela was diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988 and also has had treatment for prostate cancer and suffered stomach ailments.
In December, Mandela spent 18 days in hospital, his longest as a free man.
In March he was admitted for a scheduled overnight check-up before returning later that month for 10 days with pneumonia.
Zuma in March appeared to prepare the nation for Mandela's passing, saying it "should be thinking about" his going home.
Controversial television footage in April showed a frail, distant and unsmiling Mandela being visited at home by ANC leaders, sparking accusations that his party was exploiting him.
The ruling African National Congress -- facing 2014 elections -- has lost much of its Mandela shine amid widespread corruption, poverty and poor public services.
After serving just one term as president, Mandela turned his energy to AIDS and conflict resolution, before stepping out of the public eye a decade ago at the age of 85.
Nelson Mandela, the revered anti-apartheid hero, spent a third night in hospital after South Africa prayed for him amid calls for his family and nation to "let him go".
Government officials have given no update on his health since announcing that the 94-year-old was admitted early Saturday and was in a "serious but stable" condition with a recurring lung infection.
"I've seen my father and he's well. He's a fighter," his daughter Zindzi told The Guardian newspaper on Sunday.
But South Africans are beginning to come to terms with the mortality of their first black president and father of the "Rainbow Nation", following a string of recent health scares.
The Sunday Times newspaper's stark front page headline was: "It's time to let him go."
It is the fourth hospital stay since December for the Nobel peace prize laureate, who turns 95 next month, after he was discharged in April following treatment for pneumonia.
Although the government has not identified the hospital treating Mandela, family members were seen leaving a heart clinic in Pretoria where a large media camp is gathered.
"We wish Madiba a speedy recovery, but I think what is important is that his family must release him," Mandela's long-time friend Andrew Mlangeni, 87, told the Sunday Times, using his clan name.
"Once the family releases him, the people of South Africa will follow. We will say thank you, God, you have given us this man, and we will release him too," said the former apartheid era prisoner, who was jailed for life alongside Mandela in 1964.
Mandela is revered as a global symbol of forgiveness following his release from 27 years in prison during white minority rule and his latest hospitalisation has triggered outpourings of concern across the globe.
He has not been seen in public since the World Cup final in July 2010.
Song filled the morning air at the Regina Mundi church in Soweto, a key flashpoint in the anti-apartheid struggle, as worshippers prayed for their hero.
"I mean Tata is 94. At 94 what do you expect?" said churchgoer Sannie Shezi, 36, using an affectionate term meaning father.
"He lived his life, he worked for us. All we can say is God help him. If things happen they will happen, but we still love him."
Mandela's third wife Graca Machel has been at his hospital bedside after calling off a trip to a London conference.
While Twitter users expressed sadness and urged a quick recovery, they were also prepared for the worst.
"Madiba has served us well, a real blessing a definition of a leader but it's time to let him Go. We can't hold on forever," said one tweet.
While the official description of his health as serious was unusually sombre, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj told AFP on Saturday that Mandela was breathing on his own.
"The truth of the matter is a simple one. Madiba is a fighter and at his age as long as he is fighting, he'll be fine," he said.
South Africa's cricket star AB de Villiers joined world figures, including British Prime Minister David Cameron and the White House, in sending best wishes for Mandela.
"He's a legend in our country," he said on a tour in England, voicing hope that Mandela would recover soon and "maybe even get that big 100 when it comes to birthdays".
Mandela was being treated at his Johannesburg home when his condition worsened and he was taken to hospital in Pretoria at 1:30 am Saturday (2330 GMT Friday).
South African pulmonologist Guy Richards told AFP that recurring pneumonia was rare unless there was previous lung damage.
"For example if you had tuberculosis, then often those damaged areas will be colonised with bacteria which are able to cause recurrent infections," he said.
Mandela was diagnosed with early-stage tuberculosis in 1988 and also has had treatment for prostate cancer and suffered stomach ailments.
In December, Mandela spent 18 days in hospital, his longest as a free man.
In March he was admitted for a scheduled overnight check-up before returning later that month for 10 days with pneumonia.
Zuma in March appeared to prepare the nation for Mandela's passing, saying it "should be thinking about" his going home.
Controversial television footage in April showed a frail, distant and unsmiling Mandela being visited at home by ANC leaders, sparking accusations that his party was exploiting him.
The ruling African National Congress -- facing 2014 elections -- has lost much of its Mandela shine amid widespread corruption, poverty and poor public services.
After serving just one term as president, Mandela turned his energy to AIDS and conflict resolution, before stepping out of the public eye a decade ago at the age of 85.
CRIME NEWS -- nigeria Suspect Arrested In The Killing Of 11 Policemen In Bayelsa
Suspect Arrested In The Killing Of 11 Policemen In Bayelsa
A surveillance contractor in the Niger Delta is disputing the "high intelligence work" of the security officers who placed him under arrest for the April murder of 11 police officers.
Jackson Fabouwei, detained by the JTF, said he was forced to accompany a murderous gang against his wishes. He also named the gang leader who, he said, is still active in Port Harcourt.
Speaking to journalists, the suspect said: ``My name is Jackson Fabouwei, but known as Junior Boro. I participated in the shooting of the policemen, but I'm not a member of the gang.
``I am a surveillance contractor in the creek. The leader of the gang is General Virus. He is hiding in Port Harcourt.
``I only participated by accident because I was with them, and there was nothing I could do to stop the boys.
``Virus said the policemen should be killed because he is angry with General Young Shall Grow", Fabouwei said.
'General Young Shall Grow', whose real name is Kile Torugbedi, is an ex-militant. He is currently an aide of Gov. Dickson in charge of maritime security.
But Virus, one of his loyalists during the militancy era, complained that they were betrayed and abandoned. This led to the ambush and killing of the policemen who were on escort duty to Azuzuama community for the burial of Torugbedi's mother.
Col. Farouk Yahaya, who represented JTF Commander, Gen. Bata Debiro, defended his "high intelligence work".
``The suspect before you is Jackson Fabouwei, alias Jasper Junior," he told newsmen in Yenagoa on Friday.
``He is the mastermind of the dastardly act of April 5, 2013 when 11 policemen were killed in Azuzuama.
``He was arrested on June 6 around Ikibiri, near Azuzuama community in Southern Ijaw LGA through high intelligence gathering by the JTF and other security agencies.
``Our operation led to the arrest of some suspects, destruction of criminal hideouts and recovery of some arms and ammunition in the creeks.’’
He said the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, adding that the military was still on the trail of fleeing members of the gang.
A surveillance contractor in the Niger Delta is disputing the "high intelligence work" of the security officers who placed him under arrest for the April murder of 11 police officers.
Jackson Fabouwei, detained by the JTF, said he was forced to accompany a murderous gang against his wishes. He also named the gang leader who, he said, is still active in Port Harcourt.
Speaking to journalists, the suspect said: ``My name is Jackson Fabouwei, but known as Junior Boro. I participated in the shooting of the policemen, but I'm not a member of the gang.
``I am a surveillance contractor in the creek. The leader of the gang is General Virus. He is hiding in Port Harcourt.
``I only participated by accident because I was with them, and there was nothing I could do to stop the boys.
``Virus said the policemen should be killed because he is angry with General Young Shall Grow", Fabouwei said.
'General Young Shall Grow', whose real name is Kile Torugbedi, is an ex-militant. He is currently an aide of Gov. Dickson in charge of maritime security.
But Virus, one of his loyalists during the militancy era, complained that they were betrayed and abandoned. This led to the ambush and killing of the policemen who were on escort duty to Azuzuama community for the burial of Torugbedi's mother.
Col. Farouk Yahaya, who represented JTF Commander, Gen. Bata Debiro, defended his "high intelligence work".
``The suspect before you is Jackson Fabouwei, alias Jasper Junior," he told newsmen in Yenagoa on Friday.
``He is the mastermind of the dastardly act of April 5, 2013 when 11 policemen were killed in Azuzuama.
``He was arrested on June 6 around Ikibiri, near Azuzuama community in Southern Ijaw LGA through high intelligence gathering by the JTF and other security agencies.
``Our operation led to the arrest of some suspects, destruction of criminal hideouts and recovery of some arms and ammunition in the creeks.’’
He said the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, adding that the military was still on the trail of fleeing members of the gang.
NEWS ---Dozens killed after Benghazi militia opens fire on protestersAt least 26 people killed in clashes after protest march calling on Libya's militias to disband reached Libya Shield base
Dozens killed after Benghazi militia opens fire on protesters
At least 26 people killed in clashes after protest march calling on Libya's militias to disband reached Libya Shield base
At least 26 people were killed and 80 wounded when a militia in the Libyan city of Benghazi opened fire on protesters gathered outside its base on Saturday.
The demonstrators had gathered outside the headquarters of the Libya Shield brigade to demand it to submit to the authority of Libya's security forces.
Television pictures showed people and cars fleeing in panic from the scene amid the crackle of gunfire. Benghazi's Jala hospital was overwhelmed with casualties being brought in by ambulance and private vehicles, with doctors saying they were struggling to cope.
The Libyan prime minister, Ali Zidan, made a televised appeal for calm, and promised an investigation.
The killings came when an organised protest march calling for militias to disband wound its way through the streets of this eastern city to the Libya Shield base. A similar march was held without incident in Tripoli.
What happened next is unclear. There were reports that some in the crowd threw stones at the base, and militiamen fired back.
A spokesman for Libya Shield, Adel Tarhuni, claimed his men had no choice but to open fire after the base was attacked, and said one of his soldiers was among the dead. "We had to defend ourselves," he told a Libyan TV station.
Resentment has been growing across Libya over the refusal of revolutionary militias to heed calls by the government to disband.
Last month militias laid siege to Libya's foreign and justice ministries, demanding Zidan's resignation and that "revolutionaries" be given posts in key ministries.
In March, militias demanding a purge of Gaddafi-era officials stormed the general national congress, gunfire striking the car of the former speaker Mohammed Magariaf.
Anger at the power of militias is acute in Benghazi. After an Islamist militia was blamed for the killing of the US ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans last September, protestors stormed a series of militia bases.
But the militias were allowed to remain in place by the government, in return for coming under army jurisdiction.
This arrangement will now come under intense scrutiny following Saturday's events, the worst single-day death toll since the end of the civil war in 2011.
Zidan's problem is that the government's own security forces are too feeble to impose order, relying on militia forces for security in many parts of the country
At least 26 people killed in clashes after protest march calling on Libya's militias to disband reached Libya Shield base
At least 26 people were killed and 80 wounded when a militia in the Libyan city of Benghazi opened fire on protesters gathered outside its base on Saturday.
The demonstrators had gathered outside the headquarters of the Libya Shield brigade to demand it to submit to the authority of Libya's security forces.
Television pictures showed people and cars fleeing in panic from the scene amid the crackle of gunfire. Benghazi's Jala hospital was overwhelmed with casualties being brought in by ambulance and private vehicles, with doctors saying they were struggling to cope.
The Libyan prime minister, Ali Zidan, made a televised appeal for calm, and promised an investigation.
The killings came when an organised protest march calling for militias to disband wound its way through the streets of this eastern city to the Libya Shield base. A similar march was held without incident in Tripoli.
What happened next is unclear. There were reports that some in the crowd threw stones at the base, and militiamen fired back.
A spokesman for Libya Shield, Adel Tarhuni, claimed his men had no choice but to open fire after the base was attacked, and said one of his soldiers was among the dead. "We had to defend ourselves," he told a Libyan TV station.
Resentment has been growing across Libya over the refusal of revolutionary militias to heed calls by the government to disband.
Last month militias laid siege to Libya's foreign and justice ministries, demanding Zidan's resignation and that "revolutionaries" be given posts in key ministries.
In March, militias demanding a purge of Gaddafi-era officials stormed the general national congress, gunfire striking the car of the former speaker Mohammed Magariaf.
Anger at the power of militias is acute in Benghazi. After an Islamist militia was blamed for the killing of the US ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans last September, protestors stormed a series of militia bases.
But the militias were allowed to remain in place by the government, in return for coming under army jurisdiction.
This arrangement will now come under intense scrutiny following Saturday's events, the worst single-day death toll since the end of the civil war in 2011.
Zidan's problem is that the government's own security forces are too feeble to impose order, relying on militia forces for security in many parts of the country
NEWS ----Prism: claims of GCHQ circumventing law are 'fanciful nonsense', says HagueForeign secretary confirms he will make Commons statement on Monday after reports UK spies were involved in NSA programme
William Hague is to make a statement to parliament on Monday to respond to allegations that GCHQ has gathered information on British citizens from internet companies through a secret US spy agency operation.
In his first public comments since the Guardian disclosed GCHQ's alleged role in the US-run Prism programme, the foreign secretary said Britain's electronic and eavesdropping headquarters always acted within the law.
Hague added that it was "fanciful" and "nonsense" to suggest that GCHQ would work with an agency in another country to circumvent the law.
The foreign secretary declined to say whether he had authorised GCHQ's use of the Prism system on the grounds that he never comments on intelligence. But he indicated that he may have done so, though only a modest scale, when he said that the law allowed "targeted" monitoring of terrorists, criminal networks and hostile foreign intelligence agencies.
Hague agreed to make a statement to MPs after the former shadow home secretary David Davis and the Labour chairman of the Commons home affairs select committee, Keith Vaz, raised serious concerns about the GCHQ disclosures.
Documents obtained by the Guardian, which disclosed the Prism system last week, suggested that GCHQ had generated 197 intelligence reports from Prism last year. The system would appear to allow GCHQ to bypass formal legal processes to access personal material, such as emails and photographs, from the world's biggest internet companies.
Hague said GCHQ did monitor traffic, though he said it always acted within the law. He told the Andrew Marr Show on BBC1: "What people need to know is intelligence-gathering in this country by the UK is governed by a very strong legal framework so that we get the balance right between the liberties and privacy of people and the security of the country.
"That provides not for trawling through the contents of people's phone calls. It provides for intelligence gathering that is authorised, necessary, proportionate and targeted on what we really need to know."
The foreign secretary said the UK has enjoyed an "exceptional intelligence sharing relationship" with the US since the second world war. But he said that information from the US which is sent to Britain is governed by UK law.
Hague, who said he authorises operations by GCHQ most days of the week, said: "The idea that in GCHQ people are sitting working out how to circumvent a UK law with another agency in another country is fanciful. It is nonsense."
The foreign secretary said GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 were overseen by the relevant secretary of state, by the interception commission and by parliament's intelligence and security committee.
"If you are a law-abiding citizen of this country going about your business and your personal life you have nothing to fear – nothing to fear about the British state or intelligence agencies listening to the contents of your phone calls or anything like that. Indeed you will never be aware of all the things those agencies are doing to stop your identify being stolen and to stop a terrorist blowing you up tomorrow.
"But if you are a would-be terrorist or the centre of a criminal network or a foreign intelligence agency trying to spy on Britain you should be worried because that is what we work on and we are, on the whole, quite good at it."
Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretary, said: "I called on the foreign secretary to make an urgent statement to parliament on the concerning reports relating to GCHQ and it is right that William Hague has now agreed to do so.
"I've said that it's right that we fully support our intelligence agencies in the work they do to keep us safe, while recognising that they must always operate within a framework of legality and accountability.
"I will be asking the foreign secretary in the House of Commons tomorrow to clarify the role of his department in overseeing those legal frameworks. William Hague must also inform the house of what steps he will take to support the work of the intelligence and security committee as it looks in to these matters.
"It is vital that the government now reassures people who are rightly concerned about these reports."
Speaking on Sky News's Murnaghan programme, the business secretary, Vince Cable, said it was a possibility that the Prism system may have allowed the government to operate a covert sort of snoopers' charter, which the Liberal Democrats oppose.
"Well, it may well have been," he said, when asked if the allegations amounted to eavesdropping by any other name, and added that there were two key issues that the Tories would need to address.
"One is that the Americans have developed this very sophisticated Prism system, which enables them to get access to data in other countries, with or without our knowledge. And there is a separate issue about whether GCHQ were involved in some collaborative exercise," Cable said.
"I think a lot of people will be reassured that we do work well with the Americans, but the whole point about surveillance is you have got to have it when you're dealing with terrorism or other crimes."
He added that all surveillance had to be proportionate, with "some oversight, legal and political".
The Lib Dems have so far resisted plans to forge ahead with the communications data bill, described by some as the snoopers' charter, which would give powers to track people's telephone and internet use
SPORT NEWS ---Rafael Nadal beats David Ferrer in straight sets to win French Open for a record eighth time
Rafael Nadal beats David Ferrer in straight sets to win French Open for a record eighth time
History man: Rafael Nadal's defeat of David Ferrer mendes he has won a record eighth French Open
Rafael Nadal became the first man ever to win eight singles titles at one grand slam with a straight-sets win over Spanish compatriot David Ferrer at the French Open.
The third seed dominated the match to win 6-3 6-2 6-3 in two hours and 16 minutes, making it seven titles from nine tournaments since his return from seven months out with a knee injury in February.
Nadal has now won 12 grand slam titles in all and 59 matches from 60 at Roland Garros, more than any other male player.
History man: Rafael Nadal's defeat of David Ferrer mendes he has won a record eighth French Open
Rafael Nadal became the first man ever to win eight singles titles at one grand slam with a straight-sets win over Spanish compatriot David Ferrer at the French Open.
The third seed dominated the match to win 6-3 6-2 6-3 in two hours and 16 minutes, making it seven titles from nine tournaments since his return from seven months out with a knee injury in February.
Nadal has now won 12 grand slam titles in all and 59 matches from 60 at Roland Garros, more than any other male player.
CELEBRITY NEWS ---Beyonce and Jay-Z couldn't attend Kim Kardashian's baby shower, but they sent a gift
Beyonce and Jay-Z's gift could not be outdone, a £9,000 [about $13,700] Swarovski crystal-studded high chair, designed by Carla Monchen," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "They had a similar one for their daughter Blue Ivy."
The Carla Monchen-designed Icansit is a modern baby chair that is embellished with hundreds of Swarovski crystals on its footrest and table. It comes in either black or white, but looks like it would be a pain to clean once splattered with mushy baby food.
The U.K. paper also reports that Beyonce's bestie Gwenyth Paltrow was also invited to Kardashian's baby shower, but didn't attend. In lieu of her presence, the Oscar-winning actress sent out a more affordable gift: a £350 Vitamix blender and a 21-day cleanse to help Kardashian get back into shape after giving birth. (They share the same personal trainer.)
It is believed that Beyonce couldn't make it to the baby shower due to her touring schedule, while Paltrow doesn't really know Kim that well.
Kim Kardashian and her baby daddy Kanye West are expecting a girl this July
CELEBRITY NEWS ---Mac Miller, Most Dope Crew Pray For DJ Clockwork's Funny Raps: Watch Now!Rob Markman
Mac Miller, Most Dope Crew Pray For DJ Clockwork's Funny Raps: Watch Now!
Rob Markman
Maybe Mac Miller needs to have just a little more faith in his Most Dope team — after all; he isn't the only one with rap talent.In a special unreleased clip from MTV2's "Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family," Mac leads a prayer circle with Q, Dave, Peanut, Jimmy and DJ Clockwork, praying that Clock comes up with a suitable rhyme for a song that they were working on.
"Dear God, thank you for bringing us all here today in good health and good spirits," Mac said to start the prayer. "Please allow Clock to come up with something interesting. Please allow him to go in there and really, really put his soul into this song.""It was a Most Dope song that Mac was producing and then we all rapped over it. They were all praying that I would have a good verse," Clock told MTV News of the clip that was just released on MacMiller.MTV.com. "It's all just us cutting up, having a good time. Fun rap, it ain't no crazy sh--. They're always just cuttin' up on me and sh--."Ultimately, Clock says that he laid the verse on the unreleased song and it met Mac's high stands. Since then, the DJ has continued to dabble in rap. Back in March, Clock, Jimmy and Peanut dropped their first comedic mixtape as the Duck Hunters. The Duck Butter Vol.1 tape consists of eight goofy tracks. On Monday, they came out with the video for "Scoter (Wetwalls)," a filthy ode to sex
Rob Markman
Maybe Mac Miller needs to have just a little more faith in his Most Dope team — after all; he isn't the only one with rap talent.In a special unreleased clip from MTV2's "Mac Miller and the Most Dope Family," Mac leads a prayer circle with Q, Dave, Peanut, Jimmy and DJ Clockwork, praying that Clock comes up with a suitable rhyme for a song that they were working on.
"Dear God, thank you for bringing us all here today in good health and good spirits," Mac said to start the prayer. "Please allow Clock to come up with something interesting. Please allow him to go in there and really, really put his soul into this song.""It was a Most Dope song that Mac was producing and then we all rapped over it. They were all praying that I would have a good verse," Clock told MTV News of the clip that was just released on MacMiller.MTV.com. "It's all just us cutting up, having a good time. Fun rap, it ain't no crazy sh--. They're always just cuttin' up on me and sh--."Ultimately, Clock says that he laid the verse on the unreleased song and it met Mac's high stands. Since then, the DJ has continued to dabble in rap. Back in March, Clock, Jimmy and Peanut dropped their first comedic mixtape as the Duck Hunters. The Duck Butter Vol.1 tape consists of eight goofy tracks. On Monday, they came out with the video for "Scoter (Wetwalls)," a filthy ode to sex
NEWS ---Police increase presence in 'vulnerable' areas after fire at Islamic boarding school in Chislehurst
Police have announced that there will be an increased police presence in “vulnerable” areas of London after a fire broke out at an Islamic school last night.
Emergency crews were called to the blaze at the Darul Uloom Islamic School in Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst at 11:43pm. Officers confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious but said investigations were still at an early stage.
Detective Chief Superintendent Steph Roberts, Bromley borough commander, said: “The fire is being treated as suspicious. Police enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.
“There is an increased police presence around potentially vulnerable locations in the borough of Bromley and across London, including additional patrols to provide reasurance and deter crime.”
“We would ask members of the public to remain calm and not to speculate as to the cause of the fire. A full police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call police on 101 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The fire was attended by London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. Two men were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation but their ages have not been released. London Fire Brigade said there were no other injuries reported. A spokesman said that approximately 128 people, thought to have been made up of pupils and staff, evacuated the building before firefighters arrived
He added that 21 firefighters and four engines were involved and the fire was under control by 12:37am.
Today, the school said they did not want to comment yet and were “dealing with the parents”.
The £3,000-a-year boarding school was established in 1988 with the purpose of producing “great scholars and Huffaz (people who have memorised the Koran) to preserve and transmit the eternal message of Allah”.
Its website says: “The institution helps children to explore and develop their Islamic identity as a natural part of their mental, emotional and personal development.
“The school aims to prepare Muslim students to be good Muslims and responsible citizens; to embed in the student a sense of discipline; to enable them to grow up to become upright, respectable and worthy citizens of their respective countries.”
The school was built in 1974 and comprises 130 boarding rooms in addition to classrooms, dining hall, assembly hall, prayer hall, gym, playing fields and car parking with 100 spaces, over a 10 acre site. An extension was built in 2007 consisting of 18 classrooms, a science laboratory, a prayer hall and wudhu (ablution) facilities.
NEWS ---William Hague: Law-abiding Britons have nothing to fear from GCHQ
William Hague: Law-abiding Britons have nothing to fear from GCHQ
The Foreign Secretary will appear before the House of Commons tomorrow to try to allay concerns about the Prism spy scheme which enables the USA’s spy agency to mine data from Facebook and other web companies
The only people with anything to fear from the secret activities of British and US intelligence are terrorists, criminals and spies, William Hague has insisted.
The Foreign Secretary will appear before the House of Commons later today to try to allay concerns about the Prism spy scheme which enables the USA’s spy agency to mine data from Facebook and other internet companies.
While he will offer reassuring words, it is unlikely that Mr Hague will offer MPs much by way of hard information. Interviewed on the BBC today, he refused even to say whether the UK government knew of the existence of Prism before this week. “I can’t confirm or deny in public what Britain knows about and what Britain doesn’t, for obvious reasons,” he said
However, he implied that the week’s revelations had not taken him by surprise, and that any request he will have personally sanctioned any request from British intelligence for information gleaned by using Prism.
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme that he keeps an almost daily oversight over the work of GCHQ, the spy centre in Cheltenham, and that he would not delegate a decision of that importance to any of his junior ministers.
“It provides for intelligence gathering that is authorised, necessary, proportionate and targeted - targeted on what we really need to know. And of course we share a lot of information with the United States. That’s been the case since the Second World War,” he told interviewer, Sophie Raworth.
“The idea that in GCHQ people are sitting working out how to circumvent a UK law with another agency in another country is fanciful. It is nonsense.”
He added: “if you are a law abiding citizen of this country going about your business and your personal life, you have nothing to fear - nothing to fear about the British state or intelligence agencies listening to the contents of your phone calls or anything like that. But if you are a would-be terrorist or the centre of a criminal network or a foreign intelligence agency trying to spy on Britain, you should be worried because that is what we work on and we are on the whole quite good at it.”
Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretary, welcome Mr Hagues’ decision to appear in front of the Commons. “It is vital that the government now reassures people who are rightly concerned about these reports."
The Foreign Secretary will appear before the House of Commons tomorrow to try to allay concerns about the Prism spy scheme which enables the USA’s spy agency to mine data from Facebook and other web companies
The only people with anything to fear from the secret activities of British and US intelligence are terrorists, criminals and spies, William Hague has insisted.
The Foreign Secretary will appear before the House of Commons later today to try to allay concerns about the Prism spy scheme which enables the USA’s spy agency to mine data from Facebook and other internet companies.
While he will offer reassuring words, it is unlikely that Mr Hague will offer MPs much by way of hard information. Interviewed on the BBC today, he refused even to say whether the UK government knew of the existence of Prism before this week. “I can’t confirm or deny in public what Britain knows about and what Britain doesn’t, for obvious reasons,” he said
However, he implied that the week’s revelations had not taken him by surprise, and that any request he will have personally sanctioned any request from British intelligence for information gleaned by using Prism.
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr programme that he keeps an almost daily oversight over the work of GCHQ, the spy centre in Cheltenham, and that he would not delegate a decision of that importance to any of his junior ministers.
“It provides for intelligence gathering that is authorised, necessary, proportionate and targeted - targeted on what we really need to know. And of course we share a lot of information with the United States. That’s been the case since the Second World War,” he told interviewer, Sophie Raworth.
“The idea that in GCHQ people are sitting working out how to circumvent a UK law with another agency in another country is fanciful. It is nonsense.”
He added: “if you are a law abiding citizen of this country going about your business and your personal life, you have nothing to fear - nothing to fear about the British state or intelligence agencies listening to the contents of your phone calls or anything like that. But if you are a would-be terrorist or the centre of a criminal network or a foreign intelligence agency trying to spy on Britain, you should be worried because that is what we work on and we are on the whole quite good at it.”
Douglas Alexander, the shadow foreign secretary, welcome Mr Hagues’ decision to appear in front of the Commons. “It is vital that the government now reassures people who are rightly concerned about these reports."
Friday, June 7, 2013
NEWS ---- Did Hollywood tell Obama to take down internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom?
The A-list conspiracy: Did Hollywood tell Obama to take down internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom?
As the infamous file-sharing mogul fights US extradition, Steve Anderson hears his lawyer’s claims of a murky connection between Washington and the movie industry
Kim Dotcom, internet entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct file-sharing website Megaupload
President Obama with Hollywood star Eva Longoria
Barack Obama and actor George Clooney
Featuring helicopters and scores of armed police, the dramatic, night-time raid on the remote luxury mansion of a larger-than-life comic book villain in January last year had all the trappings of a Hollywood blockbuster.
This, however, was real-life. Kim Dotcom, the internet entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct file-sharing website Megaupload was arrested at his home in New Zealand on 20 January 2012, and is fighting extradition to the US, where he – along with six others – is wanted for allegedly making more than $175m (£110m) in illegal profits from online piracy. Indicted for copyright infringement, racketeering and money-laundering, he faces up to 50 years in jail if convicted.
Now holed up in his rented $24m pad in New Zealand after being released on bail, the 39 year-old (born Kim Schmitz in Germany) retains the air of silver-screen bad guy.
But members of his legal team claim the story behind his arrest, and the attempts to extradite him, have a far closer connection with Tinseltown.
Lawyers for the entrepreneur say the charges against him form part of a “political prosecution” waged by the Obama administration in exchange for campaign contributions and political support from film industry lobbyists.
One of Dotcom’s lawyers, Robert Amsterdam, told The Independent that the criminal case against his client, which alleges that Dotcom used Megaupload as a front for a criminal enterprise that willingly shared and profited from millions of dollars’ worth of copyrighted material, is based on erroneous use of civil law and is rooted in the relationship between the upper reaches of the Democratic party and the film-making industry.
In particular, Amsterdam cites the friendship between Vice President Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and a former Senator.
According to Amsterdam and his co-counsel, the US Department of Justice is going to great lengths to prosecute, and thus appease the Hollywood lobby, using racketeering laws to bolster a weak case built on non-existent civil theories of ‘secondary copyright infringement’.
“Here you have, if you excuse me, computer geeks, and they’re being treated as if they’re the heads of the Gambino crime family,” he says.
Expanding on a white paper recently released via Dotcom’s website, Amsterdam points out that the raid on Dotcom’s mansion came on the same day as the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), a bill designed to tackle online piracy, was shelved in US Congress after outcry from online giants such as Google and Facebook, which claimed it would curb online freedoms.
The day before, Dodd made comments implying that the MPAA would stop supporting President Obama if something was not done to tackle copyright infringement.
Dodd, a man Biden has described as one of his best friends, had told FOX News: “Those who count on quote ‘Hollywood’ for support need to understand that this industry is watching very carefully who’s going to stand up for them when their job is at stake. Don’t ask me to write a cheque for you when you think your job is at risk, and then don’t pay any attention to me when my job is at stake.”
For Hollywood, a considerable amount of money is certainly at stake. The MPAA estimates that online piracy costs the US film industry around $20.5bn per year. Though critics say the true figure is in the hundreds of millions, it is still a significant loss for an industry that is already facing other funding pressures after the 2008 financial crisis.
Amsterdam argues that shutting down Megaupload, and the raid on Dotcom, was a “Plan B” to pushing through SOPA.
“I think, when the President of the Motion Picture Association, on 19 January says that if people basically don’t help him out, he’s not writing any cheques, and then on the 20 January [authorities] attack my client... and throw him in jail, there’s at least an inference there that at least requiresp an explanation.”
Amsterdam also points to White House logs, which show President Obama hosted Chris Dodd for a two-and-a-half hour private lunch meeting in the Oval Office on 9 December 2011, six weeks before the raid.
Though some would call this conspiratorial, and sceptics will point to the many other issues a former Senator and Hollywood bigwig would discuss at the White House, Amsterdam argues that Megaupload and its founder are likely to have cropped up.
“Starting off from all of the legal grounds that exist and moving to the political nature of the attack [we must ask] ‘was this discussed in the White House?’ and ‘who said what to whom?’,” he says.
Hollywood’s long-standing financial support for the Democrats is no secret. Amsterdam describes the relationship thus: “The MPAA is to the Democrats what the NRA is to the Republicans.”
One glitzy, celebrity-packed dinner organised by George Clooney raised $15m for Obama’s re-election campaign last year.
Dotcom maintains that Megaupload was used by millions of people legitimately, and should be protected under US safe-harbour laws that say internet service providers are not responsible for copyright infringement by their users. His argument is that you can’t sue a corporation for what someone does once they’ve appropriated that corporation’s product or service, and started using it.
“The prosecution seeks to hold Megaupload and its executives criminally responsible for alleged infringement by the company’s third-party cloud-storage users. The problem with the theory, however, is that secondary copyright infringement is not – nor has it ever been – a crime in the United States,” says the white paper, authored partly by Amsterdam.
However, in court filings lodged in Virginia, prosecutors allege that the defendants themselves used the Megaupload website and its subsidiaries to directly infringe copyright and knowingly encourage others to do the same. They also accuse Dotcom’s defense team of using civil concepts to “exaggerate the complexity of the criminal charges”.
The lead prosecutor, Neil MacBride, formerly served as a legal advisor to Joe Biden and was an anti-piracy chief at the Business Software Alliance – the software equivalent of the MPAA. Amsterdam says he has been “hand-picked” and the appointment further backs up his claims of a political prosecution.
The Department of Justice has declined to comment on Macbride’s selection, but Biden has denied claims that he was at all involved in the Megaupload arrests. The Independent’s request for comment from the White House went unanswered.
Amsterdam and his co-counsel Ira P Rothken, just two of Dotcom’s 29-strong legal team, say that if the extradition bid is successful it has massive implications in terms of US overreach and internet freedom across the world.
“You have the United States dealing with a man who has never set foot in the country, dealing with a company where over 90 per cent of the customers involved are non-Americans, and freezing all the information, freezing all this man’s assets,” Amsterdam says. “I just find this so beyond the pale.
As the infamous file-sharing mogul fights US extradition, Steve Anderson hears his lawyer’s claims of a murky connection between Washington and the movie industry
Kim Dotcom, internet entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct file-sharing website Megaupload
President Obama with Hollywood star Eva Longoria
Barack Obama and actor George Clooney
Featuring helicopters and scores of armed police, the dramatic, night-time raid on the remote luxury mansion of a larger-than-life comic book villain in January last year had all the trappings of a Hollywood blockbuster.
This, however, was real-life. Kim Dotcom, the internet entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct file-sharing website Megaupload was arrested at his home in New Zealand on 20 January 2012, and is fighting extradition to the US, where he – along with six others – is wanted for allegedly making more than $175m (£110m) in illegal profits from online piracy. Indicted for copyright infringement, racketeering and money-laundering, he faces up to 50 years in jail if convicted.
Now holed up in his rented $24m pad in New Zealand after being released on bail, the 39 year-old (born Kim Schmitz in Germany) retains the air of silver-screen bad guy.
But members of his legal team claim the story behind his arrest, and the attempts to extradite him, have a far closer connection with Tinseltown.
Lawyers for the entrepreneur say the charges against him form part of a “political prosecution” waged by the Obama administration in exchange for campaign contributions and political support from film industry lobbyists.
One of Dotcom’s lawyers, Robert Amsterdam, told The Independent that the criminal case against his client, which alleges that Dotcom used Megaupload as a front for a criminal enterprise that willingly shared and profited from millions of dollars’ worth of copyrighted material, is based on erroneous use of civil law and is rooted in the relationship between the upper reaches of the Democratic party and the film-making industry.
In particular, Amsterdam cites the friendship between Vice President Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and a former Senator.
According to Amsterdam and his co-counsel, the US Department of Justice is going to great lengths to prosecute, and thus appease the Hollywood lobby, using racketeering laws to bolster a weak case built on non-existent civil theories of ‘secondary copyright infringement’.
“Here you have, if you excuse me, computer geeks, and they’re being treated as if they’re the heads of the Gambino crime family,” he says.
Expanding on a white paper recently released via Dotcom’s website, Amsterdam points out that the raid on Dotcom’s mansion came on the same day as the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), a bill designed to tackle online piracy, was shelved in US Congress after outcry from online giants such as Google and Facebook, which claimed it would curb online freedoms.
The day before, Dodd made comments implying that the MPAA would stop supporting President Obama if something was not done to tackle copyright infringement.
Dodd, a man Biden has described as one of his best friends, had told FOX News: “Those who count on quote ‘Hollywood’ for support need to understand that this industry is watching very carefully who’s going to stand up for them when their job is at stake. Don’t ask me to write a cheque for you when you think your job is at risk, and then don’t pay any attention to me when my job is at stake.”
For Hollywood, a considerable amount of money is certainly at stake. The MPAA estimates that online piracy costs the US film industry around $20.5bn per year. Though critics say the true figure is in the hundreds of millions, it is still a significant loss for an industry that is already facing other funding pressures after the 2008 financial crisis.
Amsterdam argues that shutting down Megaupload, and the raid on Dotcom, was a “Plan B” to pushing through SOPA.
“I think, when the President of the Motion Picture Association, on 19 January says that if people basically don’t help him out, he’s not writing any cheques, and then on the 20 January [authorities] attack my client... and throw him in jail, there’s at least an inference there that at least requiresp an explanation.”
Amsterdam also points to White House logs, which show President Obama hosted Chris Dodd for a two-and-a-half hour private lunch meeting in the Oval Office on 9 December 2011, six weeks before the raid.
Though some would call this conspiratorial, and sceptics will point to the many other issues a former Senator and Hollywood bigwig would discuss at the White House, Amsterdam argues that Megaupload and its founder are likely to have cropped up.
“Starting off from all of the legal grounds that exist and moving to the political nature of the attack [we must ask] ‘was this discussed in the White House?’ and ‘who said what to whom?’,” he says.
Hollywood’s long-standing financial support for the Democrats is no secret. Amsterdam describes the relationship thus: “The MPAA is to the Democrats what the NRA is to the Republicans.”
One glitzy, celebrity-packed dinner organised by George Clooney raised $15m for Obama’s re-election campaign last year.
Dotcom maintains that Megaupload was used by millions of people legitimately, and should be protected under US safe-harbour laws that say internet service providers are not responsible for copyright infringement by their users. His argument is that you can’t sue a corporation for what someone does once they’ve appropriated that corporation’s product or service, and started using it.
“The prosecution seeks to hold Megaupload and its executives criminally responsible for alleged infringement by the company’s third-party cloud-storage users. The problem with the theory, however, is that secondary copyright infringement is not – nor has it ever been – a crime in the United States,” says the white paper, authored partly by Amsterdam.
However, in court filings lodged in Virginia, prosecutors allege that the defendants themselves used the Megaupload website and its subsidiaries to directly infringe copyright and knowingly encourage others to do the same. They also accuse Dotcom’s defense team of using civil concepts to “exaggerate the complexity of the criminal charges”.
The lead prosecutor, Neil MacBride, formerly served as a legal advisor to Joe Biden and was an anti-piracy chief at the Business Software Alliance – the software equivalent of the MPAA. Amsterdam says he has been “hand-picked” and the appointment further backs up his claims of a political prosecution.
The Department of Justice has declined to comment on Macbride’s selection, but Biden has denied claims that he was at all involved in the Megaupload arrests. The Independent’s request for comment from the White House went unanswered.
Amsterdam and his co-counsel Ira P Rothken, just two of Dotcom’s 29-strong legal team, say that if the extradition bid is successful it has massive implications in terms of US overreach and internet freedom across the world.
“You have the United States dealing with a man who has never set foot in the country, dealing with a company where over 90 per cent of the customers involved are non-Americans, and freezing all the information, freezing all this man’s assets,” Amsterdam says. “I just find this so beyond the pale.
CRIME ACT -- Teenage paedophile Opemipo Jaji jailed for a minimum of eight years for raping 11-year-old in north London park
Teenage paedophile Opemipo Jaji jailed for a minimum of eight years for raping 11-year-old in north London park
18-year-old was out on probation following similar attack
Opemipo Jaji has been jailed for a minimum of eight years
A teenage paedophile will spend a minimum eight years of a life sentence in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl in a north London park.
Opemipo Jaji, 18, from Edmonton, north London, attacked the girl in November while he was on probation.
He had just left his probation officer when he spotted the child going home from school on a bus. He followed her and dragged her into a Jubilee Park, Edmonton, before subjecting her to a three-hour rape ordeal. He also threatened to stab her after she tried to run away.
Mr Justice Singh at the Old Bailey told Jaji that he had given careful consideration to whether he could impose a lesser sentence than life, but "in all the circumstances of this case, I do not believe that the public would be adequately protected from you if you were the subject of any sentence other than a life sentence."
He told Jaji that the minimum was not the actual term he would serve, but the minimum before he could be considered for release by the Parole Board.
"The Parole Board will only direct your release on licence if it is satisfied that you are no longer a danger to members of the public," he said.
The judge noted Jaji was "an intelligent young man who had potential," but that Jaji's own counsel didn't dispute that he was dangerous.
In April it was revealed that Jaji had a "sexual interest in very young white girls" and had attacked another before. Throughout the trial, the judge had directed that the jury should not be told of this.
In February 2011, he attacked a 12-year-old girl on a housing estate, stuffing her school tie into her mouth, before taking her mobile phone and sexually assaulting her. Jaji continued the attack despite an interruption from a member of the public. He was given a 10-month detention and training order in September 2011, serving five months in custody.
His latest victim had one of her gloves stuffed in her mouth during the ordeal. She ran home after Jaji allowed her to get dressed. She turned up at home dirty and dishevelled, the court heard, her parents having called police when she failed to arrive home by 5.30pm.
She was taken to hospital, where she had to be examined under anaesthetic and needed stitches.
Giving evidence, she told the court: "He kept saying, 'Stop moving or I will stab you'. I tried to run away but then he grabbed me when I got to the pavement of the park entrance.
"I kept on saying 'stop' because it was hurting me and he kept saying 'shut up' to me. He was just saying it every time I spoke.
"I was saying 'Get off me, get off me, stop'."
The girl said Jaji told her: "I am this close to killing you," and also threatened to film her and send copies to children at her school and to "everyone you love".
Summing up, Mr Justice Singh told Jaji: "You got off the bus at the same stop as her and you then followed her. You dragged her into Jubilee Park and subjected her to a horrific ordeal for the next three hours.
"Not only did you rape her at least twice. You stuffed one of her gloves in her mouth. You threatened her and said that you had a knife although you did not in fact produce one. You told her not to tell anyone about what had happened because you would stab her. Even the risk of being seen by a member of the public did not deter you from carrying on with your vicious attack on your lonely and vulnerable victim.
"When a passer-by walking his dog was nearby, you told her to curl up and keep quiet so that she would not be noticed.
"At one point you even told her that the incident was being filmed and that you would send the video to her school where people would laugh at her.
"Perhaps even worse, you have left her with terrible emotional scars. One can only hope that, with the courage that she has already shown in giving evidence at this trial, and with the support of her family and friends, she can begin the process of recovery.
18-year-old was out on probation following similar attack
Opemipo Jaji has been jailed for a minimum of eight years
A teenage paedophile will spend a minimum eight years of a life sentence in prison for raping an 11-year-old girl in a north London park.
Opemipo Jaji, 18, from Edmonton, north London, attacked the girl in November while he was on probation.
He had just left his probation officer when he spotted the child going home from school on a bus. He followed her and dragged her into a Jubilee Park, Edmonton, before subjecting her to a three-hour rape ordeal. He also threatened to stab her after she tried to run away.
Mr Justice Singh at the Old Bailey told Jaji that he had given careful consideration to whether he could impose a lesser sentence than life, but "in all the circumstances of this case, I do not believe that the public would be adequately protected from you if you were the subject of any sentence other than a life sentence."
He told Jaji that the minimum was not the actual term he would serve, but the minimum before he could be considered for release by the Parole Board.
"The Parole Board will only direct your release on licence if it is satisfied that you are no longer a danger to members of the public," he said.
The judge noted Jaji was "an intelligent young man who had potential," but that Jaji's own counsel didn't dispute that he was dangerous.
In April it was revealed that Jaji had a "sexual interest in very young white girls" and had attacked another before. Throughout the trial, the judge had directed that the jury should not be told of this.
In February 2011, he attacked a 12-year-old girl on a housing estate, stuffing her school tie into her mouth, before taking her mobile phone and sexually assaulting her. Jaji continued the attack despite an interruption from a member of the public. He was given a 10-month detention and training order in September 2011, serving five months in custody.
His latest victim had one of her gloves stuffed in her mouth during the ordeal. She ran home after Jaji allowed her to get dressed. She turned up at home dirty and dishevelled, the court heard, her parents having called police when she failed to arrive home by 5.30pm.
She was taken to hospital, where she had to be examined under anaesthetic and needed stitches.
Giving evidence, she told the court: "He kept saying, 'Stop moving or I will stab you'. I tried to run away but then he grabbed me when I got to the pavement of the park entrance.
"I kept on saying 'stop' because it was hurting me and he kept saying 'shut up' to me. He was just saying it every time I spoke.
"I was saying 'Get off me, get off me, stop'."
The girl said Jaji told her: "I am this close to killing you," and also threatened to film her and send copies to children at her school and to "everyone you love".
Summing up, Mr Justice Singh told Jaji: "You got off the bus at the same stop as her and you then followed her. You dragged her into Jubilee Park and subjected her to a horrific ordeal for the next three hours.
"Not only did you rape her at least twice. You stuffed one of her gloves in her mouth. You threatened her and said that you had a knife although you did not in fact produce one. You told her not to tell anyone about what had happened because you would stab her. Even the risk of being seen by a member of the public did not deter you from carrying on with your vicious attack on your lonely and vulnerable victim.
"When a passer-by walking his dog was nearby, you told her to curl up and keep quiet so that she would not be noticed.
"At one point you even told her that the incident was being filmed and that you would send the video to her school where people would laugh at her.
"Perhaps even worse, you have left her with terrible emotional scars. One can only hope that, with the courage that she has already shown in giving evidence at this trial, and with the support of her family and friends, she can begin the process of recovery.
SPORT NEWS ---US sprinter Justin Gatlin beat six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt in the men's 100 metres
US sprinter Justin Gatlin beat six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt in the men's 100 metres race at the Rome Golden Gala, Diamond League, which took place today. Justin beat Usain by one-hundredth of a second, that's like 1% of a second. Justin actually had to dip his head over the line to win in 9.94 seconds. Usain came in 9.95.
Usain was making his first appearance in the Diamond League this season since his recent recovery from a hamstring injury. Usain explained what happened to him:
"I got the perfect start that I wanted, then about five steps in I stumbled a bit and that kind of threw my game off. My legs didn't feel like my legs coming into the straight. I guess I need to do more strength work. I think I just need time to get it back together but the fact I got a good start threw me off. At least I got under 10 seconds.
"It is always a good thing to lose. You can figure how to step it up. I knew I wasn't in great shape but I'm not worried. It takes time to get back into shape and I didn't expect much from this race."
Usain's next race will be in the men's 200m in next Thursday's Diamond League meeting in Oslo.
Usain was making his first appearance in the Diamond League this season since his recent recovery from a hamstring injury. Usain explained what happened to him:
"I got the perfect start that I wanted, then about five steps in I stumbled a bit and that kind of threw my game off. My legs didn't feel like my legs coming into the straight. I guess I need to do more strength work. I think I just need time to get it back together but the fact I got a good start threw me off. At least I got under 10 seconds.
"It is always a good thing to lose. You can figure how to step it up. I knew I wasn't in great shape but I'm not worried. It takes time to get back into shape and I didn't expect much from this race."
Usain's next race will be in the men's 200m in next Thursday's Diamond League meeting in Oslo.
CELEBRITY NEW ---Justin Bieber Books Flight To Space On Virgin Galactic
Justin Bieber Books Flight To Space On Virgin Galactic
Pop star >Justin Bieber has been all around the world, and now he's about to head to space. The pop star has been confirmed to join a slew of other A-listers who will take flight with Richard Branson on Virgin Galactic, potentially before the year's end.The Virgin mogul confirmed the news on Twitter, adding that Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, will also join them: "Great to hear @justinbieber & @scooterbraun are latest @virgingalactic future astronauts. Congrats, see you up there!"
Great to hear @justinbieber & @scooterbraun are latest @virgingalactic future astronauts. Congrats, see you up there!
— richardbranson (@richardbranson) June 5, 2013The 19-year-old then shared what he plans to do when he gets there. "Let's shoot a music video in SPACE!! #nextLEVEL," he teased.Bieber is hardly the only celebrity packing his bags to head into the final frontier on the SpaceShipTwo, which will fly 62 miles above the earth when it eventually launches. Other A-listers who reportedly have paid the $250,000 fee to board a flight on Virgin Galactic aircraft include Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher and Tom Hanks.
@richardbranson @scooterbraun @virgingalactic let's shoot a music video in SPACE!! #nextLEVEL
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) June 5, 2013The first commercial flight on Virgin Galactic could potentially go to space by year's end. Back in April, the SpaceShipTwo had a successful test run in California, breaking the speed of sound.Until then, Bieber is hard at work on his next album, dubbed his "music journal." Earlier this week, the singer revealed that his next single is called "Heartbreaker," but didn't confirm when fans might hear the track. Bieber has been penning songs for the "music journal" while trekking the globe on his Believe tour, which will resume on June 22 in San Diego. Given that he's about to head to space, he just may have found the inspiration to write one out-of-this-world tune.
im going to space momma!! cc
Pop star >Justin Bieber has been all around the world, and now he's about to head to space. The pop star has been confirmed to join a slew of other A-listers who will take flight with Richard Branson on Virgin Galactic, potentially before the year's end.The Virgin mogul confirmed the news on Twitter, adding that Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, will also join them: "Great to hear @justinbieber & @scooterbraun are latest @virgingalactic future astronauts. Congrats, see you up there!"
Great to hear @justinbieber & @scooterbraun are latest @virgingalactic future astronauts. Congrats, see you up there!
— richardbranson (@richardbranson) June 5, 2013The 19-year-old then shared what he plans to do when he gets there. "Let's shoot a music video in SPACE!! #nextLEVEL," he teased.Bieber is hardly the only celebrity packing his bags to head into the final frontier on the SpaceShipTwo, which will fly 62 miles above the earth when it eventually launches. Other A-listers who reportedly have paid the $250,000 fee to board a flight on Virgin Galactic aircraft include Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher and Tom Hanks.
@richardbranson @scooterbraun @virgingalactic let's shoot a music video in SPACE!! #nextLEVEL
— Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) June 5, 2013The first commercial flight on Virgin Galactic could potentially go to space by year's end. Back in April, the SpaceShipTwo had a successful test run in California, breaking the speed of sound.Until then, Bieber is hard at work on his next album, dubbed his "music journal." Earlier this week, the singer revealed that his next single is called "Heartbreaker," but didn't confirm when fans might hear the track. Bieber has been penning songs for the "music journal" while trekking the globe on his Believe tour, which will resume on June 22 in San Diego. Given that he's about to head to space, he just may have found the inspiration to write one out-of-this-world tune.
im going to space momma!! cc
Thursday, June 6, 2013
CRIME ACT---Man sentenced to death by hanging in Abia state for killing his wife
Man sentenced to death by hanging in Abia state for killing his wife
Culled from Punch
An Abia State High Court has sentenced a banker, Mr. Theophilus Ajakaiye, to death by hanging for killing his wife, Theodora. (pictured above)
The convict allegedly murdered his wife on October 12, 2009 at Azumini Ndoki in the Ukwa Judicial Division of Abia.
Until her death, Theodora was an employee of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
The legal battle between the deceased’s family and the accused began soon after the alleged killing until the judgment recently.
The Presiding Judge, Justice T.U. Uzokwe, said in his judgment that having heard from the accused person, learned counsel for the accused and the prosecuting counsel, the offence carried a mandatory sentence which is death.
He said the court had no power to reduce the sentence and that being the case, he had no option but to sentence the accused.
The judge said, “Though the accused was not seen killing the deceased, I find that the accumulated circumstantial facts found proved that the accused indeed murdered his wife, Theodora Ajakaiye.
“Suffice it to say that I find the accused guilty as charged and I convict him accordingly.”
The sentence read, “Theophilus Ajakaiye – The sentence of this court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the merciful Lord have mercy on your soul.”
In the allocutus, counsel for the accused pleaded for mercy on behalf of his client.
He said, “I thank the court for this well considered judgment. The accused has no criminal record. We plead for mercy. There are two children to the marriage and they have already lost their mother.”
It was learnt that the convict had yet to appeal against the judgment.
Culled from Punch
An Abia State High Court has sentenced a banker, Mr. Theophilus Ajakaiye, to death by hanging for killing his wife, Theodora. (pictured above)
The convict allegedly murdered his wife on October 12, 2009 at Azumini Ndoki in the Ukwa Judicial Division of Abia.
Until her death, Theodora was an employee of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
The legal battle between the deceased’s family and the accused began soon after the alleged killing until the judgment recently.
The Presiding Judge, Justice T.U. Uzokwe, said in his judgment that having heard from the accused person, learned counsel for the accused and the prosecuting counsel, the offence carried a mandatory sentence which is death.
He said the court had no power to reduce the sentence and that being the case, he had no option but to sentence the accused.
The judge said, “Though the accused was not seen killing the deceased, I find that the accumulated circumstantial facts found proved that the accused indeed murdered his wife, Theodora Ajakaiye.
“Suffice it to say that I find the accused guilty as charged and I convict him accordingly.”
The sentence read, “Theophilus Ajakaiye – The sentence of this court upon you is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the merciful Lord have mercy on your soul.”
In the allocutus, counsel for the accused pleaded for mercy on behalf of his client.
He said, “I thank the court for this well considered judgment. The accused has no criminal record. We plead for mercy. There are two children to the marriage and they have already lost their mother.”
It was learnt that the convict had yet to appeal against the judgment.
CELEBRITY ---Justin Timberlake In The Studio With Pharrell Then Jay-Z, Nas And Timbaland
Justin Timberlake In The Studio With Pharrell Then Jay-Z, Nas And Timbaland
Oh, to be a fly on the wall for this meeting of the minds. Lenny S. snapped up this one-of-a-kind Kodak moment of Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Nas and Timbaland all smiles in the stu. The pic comes hours after Pharrell shared a photo of him and the "Suit & Tie" singer on his Instagram (below), giving reason to believe JT is calling on the big guns for the 20/20 Experience II, set to drop in November. Consider this an advanced warning for what is to come from these musical geniuses
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
CELEBRITY -- Bobbi Kristina -- Police Report Filed in Neighbor War
Bob broWn daughter Bobbi Kristina
Cops are now involved in Bobbi Kristina's nasty feud with her former apartment neighbor -- we has learned the guy on the receiving end of BK's bitchy tell-off letter has filed a police report. We've learned ... after Josh Morse discovered a hate letter on his door yesterday, calling him and his wife a "miserable couple ... sh*t at the bottom of our shoe" ... he went straight to the Alpharetta Police Department in Alpharetta, GA. According to the police report, obtained by news reporters.. Josh wanted the incident documented "due to the ongoing issues he has been having with the couple."As we previously reported, Morse and his wife had filed more than 10 noise complaints against Bobbi and her BF Nick Gordon -- claiming they were the neighbors from hell. BK responded with a letter blasting the couple as horrible people who were just jealous of BK's life. We're told ... BK and NG are NOT being investigated for the incident because there are no allegations of criminal acts. BK and NG have been evicted from the apartment -- and we're told they've already moved out of the premises
Cops are now involved in Bobbi Kristina's nasty feud with her former apartment neighbor -- we has learned the guy on the receiving end of BK's bitchy tell-off letter has filed a police report. We've learned ... after Josh Morse discovered a hate letter on his door yesterday, calling him and his wife a "miserable couple ... sh*t at the bottom of our shoe" ... he went straight to the Alpharetta Police Department in Alpharetta, GA. According to the police report, obtained by news reporters.. Josh wanted the incident documented "due to the ongoing issues he has been having with the couple."As we previously reported, Morse and his wife had filed more than 10 noise complaints against Bobbi and her BF Nick Gordon -- claiming they were the neighbors from hell. BK responded with a letter blasting the couple as horrible people who were just jealous of BK's life. We're told ... BK and NG are NOT being investigated for the incident because there are no allegations of criminal acts. BK and NG have been evicted from the apartment -- and we're told they've already moved out of the premises
CELEBRITY --Tim Duncan and Wife Amy Duncan Divorcing After 12 years,
Tim Duncan and Wife Amy Duncan Divorcing After 12 years, Rumor Has It Amy Duncan Cheated With Her Personal Trainer!! -- San Antonio Spurs All-Star forward Tim Duncan is in the middle of a championship run and is dealing with some off the court drama as well. The likely future NBA Hall-of-Fame player known as the "Big Fundamental" is currently resting up with his Spurs teammates to face either the Indiana Pacers or Miami Heat in the 2012-2013 NBA Championship.
At the same time, Duncan is going through a divorce with his wife Amy Duncan. According to the Associated Press, Spurs spokesman Tom James confirmed recently that Duncan's wife Amy has filed for divorce.
The San Antonio Express-News obtained court documents showing that divorce papers were filed over two months ago. However, it's apparently not because of the NBA player's cheating ways, but rather it may have to deal with Amy cheating. San Antonio Express-News columnist Buck Harvey reports that Duncan was so concerned that his wife was cheating on him that he hired a private investigator to follow her.
Duncan was reportedly going to file for divorce himself, but Amy beat him to the punch. The timing of his wife's decision to file for divorce allegedly surprised the NBA star, as he was in the middle of an NBA season. Duncan has requested that the divorce proceedings be delayed until after the season is over.
Despite the off the court turmoil, Duncan has played some of his best basketball this season at the age of 37. Duncan is said to have a prenuptial agreement with his wife.
Tim and Amy originally met while both attending Wake Forest University where he played basketball and she was a cheerleader. They have been married for about 12 years and have two children together.
At the same time, Duncan is going through a divorce with his wife Amy Duncan. According to the Associated Press, Spurs spokesman Tom James confirmed recently that Duncan's wife Amy has filed for divorce.
The San Antonio Express-News obtained court documents showing that divorce papers were filed over two months ago. However, it's apparently not because of the NBA player's cheating ways, but rather it may have to deal with Amy cheating. San Antonio Express-News columnist Buck Harvey reports that Duncan was so concerned that his wife was cheating on him that he hired a private investigator to follow her.
Duncan was reportedly going to file for divorce himself, but Amy beat him to the punch. The timing of his wife's decision to file for divorce allegedly surprised the NBA star, as he was in the middle of an NBA season. Duncan has requested that the divorce proceedings be delayed until after the season is over.
Despite the off the court turmoil, Duncan has played some of his best basketball this season at the age of 37. Duncan is said to have a prenuptial agreement with his wife.
Tim and Amy originally met while both attending Wake Forest University where he played basketball and she was a cheerleader. They have been married for about 12 years and have two children together.
CELEBRITY ----Swizz Beatz Ex Wife Mashonda Says Separate Feelings From Behavior When Co-Parenting!!
Swizz Beatz Ex Wife Mashonda Says Separate Feelings From Behavior When Co-Parenting!! -- Details Inside -- Mashonda Tifrere, former wife of megaproducer Swizz Beatz, recently shared her advice on co-parenting with her new GlobalGrind Blog, The LifeStyleHer. The singer was thrust into the public eye a few years back after her abrupt split from Beatz, the father of her child, who left the relationship to be with his current wife, Alicia Keys.
Rule #1 from Mashonda is that “the key to co-parenting is to focus on your children—and your children only. ” Furthermore, Mashonda believes that there are four things every co-parenting pair should keep in mind. They are as follows:
1) Separating feelings from behavior: It’s okay to be hurt and angry, but your feelings don’t have to dictate your behavior. Instead, let what’s best for your kids—you working cooperatively with the other parent—motivate your actions.
2) Get your feelings out somewhere else: Never vent to your child. Friends, therapists, or even a loving pet can all make good listeners when you need to get negative feelings off your chest. Exercise can also be a healthy outlet for letting off steam.
3) Stay kid-focused: If you feel angry or resentful, try to remember why you need to act with purpose and grace: your child’s best interests are at stake. If your anger feels overwhelming, looking at a photograph of your child may help you calm down.
4) Use your body: Consciously putting your shoulders down, breathing evenly and deeply, and standing erect can keep you distracted from your anger, and can have a relaxing effect.
CELEBRITY NEWS --- Daft Punk 'Super Thankful' For 'Get Lucky's' Success, Pharrell Williams SaysJames Montgomery, with reporting by Nadeska Alexis
Daft Punk 'Super Thankful' For 'Get Lucky's' Success, Pharrell Williams Says
James Montgomery, with reporting by Nadeska Alexis
You can call Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" many things — an unlikely Song of the Summer frontrunner, a record-setting smash, the most unlikely success of the duo's career, etc. — but whatever you do, don't call it disco ... at least not around Pharrell Williams."I don't know if it's a disco track; like, if you really think about it, it feels a little bit more, like, 'post,'" Williams told MTV News. "But if you consider all of the elements, and where it comes from, the feeling, it kind of feels like out of time, like it's not necessarily in a specific time. At least when I hear it."
And while Williams might not agree with most folks' assessment of the track, he's got no problem with the way "Get Lucky" has been received by fans around the world. It's reached the Top 10 in more than 28 countries (it's #4 and rising on the Billboard Hot 100), been certified gold or platinum in five nations, and broken streaming records on sites like Spotify. In short, it's a sensation ... and neither Williams or Daft Punk can believe it."I mean, I thought it would do good, I didn't know it would be this; I didn't know it would be breaking records across the board, I had no idea," Williams said. "I just thought it would do well, because it felt great and it felt different, and you guys know I live for those types of things, to do things that are different. So the fact that it's been so explosive, and that the people chose to make it the phenomenon it is; the only thing we can say is thank y'all. I was with the robots yesterday, and, of course, they're super thankful too."And speaking of logging quality time with the robots, is there a chance Williams might be joining Daft Punk on the road for a Random Access Memories tour? To be honest, he's not sure: turns out DP are more interested in the present ... y'know, just like Williams sings in "Get Lucky.""They don't talk about future plans; they're all about the present, which has no ribbon," he laughed. "The masks are an extension of who they are as people ... they pretty much think that way regardless.
James Montgomery, with reporting by Nadeska Alexis
You can call Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" many things — an unlikely Song of the Summer frontrunner, a record-setting smash, the most unlikely success of the duo's career, etc. — but whatever you do, don't call it disco ... at least not around Pharrell Williams."I don't know if it's a disco track; like, if you really think about it, it feels a little bit more, like, 'post,'" Williams told MTV News. "But if you consider all of the elements, and where it comes from, the feeling, it kind of feels like out of time, like it's not necessarily in a specific time. At least when I hear it."
And while Williams might not agree with most folks' assessment of the track, he's got no problem with the way "Get Lucky" has been received by fans around the world. It's reached the Top 10 in more than 28 countries (it's #4 and rising on the Billboard Hot 100), been certified gold or platinum in five nations, and broken streaming records on sites like Spotify. In short, it's a sensation ... and neither Williams or Daft Punk can believe it."I mean, I thought it would do good, I didn't know it would be this; I didn't know it would be breaking records across the board, I had no idea," Williams said. "I just thought it would do well, because it felt great and it felt different, and you guys know I live for those types of things, to do things that are different. So the fact that it's been so explosive, and that the people chose to make it the phenomenon it is; the only thing we can say is thank y'all. I was with the robots yesterday, and, of course, they're super thankful too."And speaking of logging quality time with the robots, is there a chance Williams might be joining Daft Punk on the road for a Random Access Memories tour? To be honest, he's not sure: turns out DP are more interested in the present ... y'know, just like Williams sings in "Get Lucky.""They don't talk about future plans; they're all about the present, which has no ribbon," he laughed. "The masks are an extension of who they are as people ... they pretty much think that way regardless.
CELEBRITY NEWS ---Paris Jackson Hospitalized After Alleged Suicide Attempt Posted
PARIS JACKSON
The Jackson family is back in the news—this time centered on the youngest girl in the family, Paris.
According to Entertainment Tonight, mother Debbie Rowe says her 15-year-old daughter attempted to commit suicide Wednesday morning (June 5) around 2 a.m. She was rushed to the hospital shortly after, with cuts found on her wrist.
A source told TMZ that Paris was upset after being forbidden from attending a Marilyn Manson concert and ran into her room screaming. The "Beautiful People" rocker is set to perform at the Gibson Amphitheater with Alice Cooper on June 6.
Her most recent tweet quotes the popular Paul McCartney song "Yesterday."
yesterday , all my troubles seemed so far awaynow it looks as though they're here to stay
— Paris Jacksoη (@ParisJackson) June 5, 2013
Soon after reports hit the 'net, Katherine Jackson's lawyer issued the following statement to USA Today:
"Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are. It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you. Paris is physically fine and is getting appropriate medical attention. Please respect her privacy and the family's privacy."
We wish Paris a speedy recovery!!!!
The Jackson family is back in the news—this time centered on the youngest girl in the family, Paris.
According to Entertainment Tonight, mother Debbie Rowe says her 15-year-old daughter attempted to commit suicide Wednesday morning (June 5) around 2 a.m. She was rushed to the hospital shortly after, with cuts found on her wrist.
A source told TMZ that Paris was upset after being forbidden from attending a Marilyn Manson concert and ran into her room screaming. The "Beautiful People" rocker is set to perform at the Gibson Amphitheater with Alice Cooper on June 6.
Her most recent tweet quotes the popular Paul McCartney song "Yesterday."
yesterday , all my troubles seemed so far awaynow it looks as though they're here to stay
— Paris Jacksoη (@ParisJackson) June 5, 2013
Soon after reports hit the 'net, Katherine Jackson's lawyer issued the following statement to USA Today:
"Being a sensitive 15-year-old is difficult no matter who you are. It is especially difficult when you lose the person closest to you. Paris is physically fine and is getting appropriate medical attention. Please respect her privacy and the family's privacy."
We wish Paris a speedy recovery!!!!
CELEBRITY NEWS ---Miley Cyrus 'Can't Stop' Hyping Fans For 'RiDONKulous' New Video
according to MTV.COM news
Miley Cyrus can't stop, and her fans are totally cool with it. The day after Miley premiered her new single, "We Can't Stop," the 20-year-old singer has fans hyped for what's next, including the music video, slated for release next week.On Tuesday (June 4), the singer tweeted about seeing an early cut of the clip, shot in L.A. last week. "Just watched #wecantstop 1st edit #musicvideo #riDONKulous," Miley tweeted, later posting a still featuring the singer in a white spandex bottom and crop top, laying on the ground with several extras.
"Reading @MileyCyrus tweets and screaming everytime she tweets about #WeCantStop," @RockMafiaEnglnd wrote about all the singer's updates since she dropped the single on Monday.In addition to wanting to know every move the singer makes next, the tune has become quite the addiction for the Smilers, with @mykidrauhlovato writing, "I have listened to #wecantstop more than 5288489983385 times. can't get over it. @MileyCyrus."Fans are even getting into the fun by inventing their own hashtags for the Mike Will Made It-produced tune, the lead single off Miley's album, due out later this year: "#cantstoplisteningtothesong," @andonovian13 wrote.It's been three years since Miley dropped a new album — her last release was 2010's Can't Be Tamed — and fans are feeling her new, more mature image and sound. "I love We Can't Stop. This part: 'It's my mouth I can say what I want to' just killing me. @MileyCyrus U r bak, bby," @AuriLR tweeted.@Oficial_MsHoran added, "I missed so much miley cyrus music !!! #WeCantStop Is Perfect to meeeeeeee ! Thank U @MileyCyrus I Love you."In fact, the song is converting music lovers into Miley fans, with @bvalle_TW chiming in: "Wasn't a big Fan of your music, but I'm LOVING #wecantstop. AWESOME song! Cant wait to hear more and see whats next!!"On Instagram, a listener noted that the tune has become a part of her daily routine. Fan @thatsheart shared, "Getting ready for the day andddd listening to @MileyCyrus' new song! I'm obsessed with it!!!! #wecantstop."Facebook was also flooded with fans who feel the former Disney princess has promoted herself to a higher rank in the pop echelon. Lucy Brown was one of the many who referred to her as a queen. She wrote, "Such a dope tuneee #thequeenisback.
Miley Cyrus can't stop, and her fans are totally cool with it. The day after Miley premiered her new single, "We Can't Stop," the 20-year-old singer has fans hyped for what's next, including the music video, slated for release next week.On Tuesday (June 4), the singer tweeted about seeing an early cut of the clip, shot in L.A. last week. "Just watched #wecantstop 1st edit #musicvideo #riDONKulous," Miley tweeted, later posting a still featuring the singer in a white spandex bottom and crop top, laying on the ground with several extras.
"Reading @MileyCyrus tweets and screaming everytime she tweets about #WeCantStop," @RockMafiaEnglnd wrote about all the singer's updates since she dropped the single on Monday.In addition to wanting to know every move the singer makes next, the tune has become quite the addiction for the Smilers, with @mykidrauhlovato writing, "I have listened to #wecantstop more than 5288489983385 times. can't get over it. @MileyCyrus."Fans are even getting into the fun by inventing their own hashtags for the Mike Will Made It-produced tune, the lead single off Miley's album, due out later this year: "#cantstoplisteningtothesong," @andonovian13 wrote.It's been three years since Miley dropped a new album — her last release was 2010's Can't Be Tamed — and fans are feeling her new, more mature image and sound. "I love We Can't Stop. This part: 'It's my mouth I can say what I want to' just killing me. @MileyCyrus U r bak, bby," @AuriLR tweeted.@Oficial_MsHoran added, "I missed so much miley cyrus music !!! #WeCantStop Is Perfect to meeeeeeee ! Thank U @MileyCyrus I Love you."In fact, the song is converting music lovers into Miley fans, with @bvalle_TW chiming in: "Wasn't a big Fan of your music, but I'm LOVING #wecantstop. AWESOME song! Cant wait to hear more and see whats next!!"On Instagram, a listener noted that the tune has become a part of her daily routine. Fan @thatsheart shared, "Getting ready for the day andddd listening to @MileyCyrus' new song! I'm obsessed with it!!!! #wecantstop."Facebook was also flooded with fans who feel the former Disney princess has promoted herself to a higher rank in the pop echelon. Lucy Brown was one of the many who referred to her as a queen. She wrote, "Such a dope tuneee #thequeenisback.
NEWS ----The American soldier charged with killing 16 Afghan civilians during nighttime raids on two slumbering villages last year is expected to recount the horrific slaughter in a military courtroom Wednesday when he pleads guilty to avoid the death penalty.
The American soldier charged with killing 16 Afghan civilians during nighttime raids on two slumbering villages last year is expected to recount the horrific slaughter in a military courtroom Wednesday when he pleads guilty to avoid the death penalty.
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales faces premeditated murder and other charges in the March 2012 attacks near the remote base in southern Afghanistan where he was posted.
Most of the victims were women and children, and some of the bodies were burned; relatives have told The Associated Press they are irate at the notion Bales will escape execution for one of the worst atrocities of the Afghanistan war.
Under the terms of his agreement with Army prosecutors, Bales will plead guilty Wednesday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Seattle, and a sentencing-phase trial will be held this summer to determine whether he receives life in prison with the possibility of parole, or without it.
Bales' attorney, John Henry Browne, said Tuesday he expects the judge, Col. Jeffery Nance, to question the soldier closely about what happened before deciding whether to accept the plea. It's unclear whether Nance will make a decision Wednesday.
"Tomorrow is going to be about what happened, then in August is going to be a jury trial about why it happened," Browne said. "Obviously, avoiding the death penalty is our No. 1 goal. We've accomplished that, assuming the judge accepts the plea, and we believe he will."
Bales, a 39-year-old father of two from Lake Tapps, has signed a detailed stipulation of facts admitting his actions, Browne said. However, the document remains under seal, and the lawyer declined to provide details about it.
Browne said last week that Bales was "crazed" and "broken" but not legally insane at the time of the killings.
Although Wednesday's proceedings will provide Bales' account for the first time, survivors who testified by video link from Afghanistan during a hearing last fall vividly recalled the carnage.
A young girl in a bright headscarf described hiding behind her father as he was shot to death. Boys told of hiding behind curtains as others scrambled and begged the soldier to spare them, yelling: "We are children! We are children!" A thick-bearded man told of being shot in the neck by a gunman "as close as this bottle," gesturing to a water bottle on a table in front of him.
Prosecutors say that before dawn on March 11, 2012, Bales slipped away from Camp Belambay in Kandahar Province, armed with a 9 mm pistol and M-4 rifle outfitted with a grenade launcher.
He first attacked one village of mud-walled compounds, Alkozai, then returned to the base, woke up a fellow soldier and told him about it. The soldier didn't believe him and went back to sleep. Bales then left to attack a second village, Najiban.
The massacre prompted such angry protests that the U.S. temporarily halted combat operations in Afghanistan, and it was three weeks before Army investigators could reach the crime scene.
Bales was serving his fourth combat deployment and had an otherwise good if undistinguished military record in a decade-long career. The Ohio native suffered from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, his lawyers say, and he had been drinking contraband alcohol and snorting Valium - both provided by other soldiers - the night of the killings.
The case raised questions about the toll multiple deployments were taking on American troops. For that reason, many legal experts believed it was unlikely he would receive the death penalty, as Army prosecutors were seeking. The military justice system hasn't executed anyone since 1961, but five men currently face death sentences.
"Any time you can strike a deal that saves your client's life, I would call that a win," said Dan Conway, a civilian military defense lawyer who is not involved in the case. "This is the right result for both parties!!!!
Staff Sgt. Robert Bales faces premeditated murder and other charges in the March 2012 attacks near the remote base in southern Afghanistan where he was posted.
Most of the victims were women and children, and some of the bodies were burned; relatives have told The Associated Press they are irate at the notion Bales will escape execution for one of the worst atrocities of the Afghanistan war.
Under the terms of his agreement with Army prosecutors, Bales will plead guilty Wednesday at Joint Base Lewis-McChord south of Seattle, and a sentencing-phase trial will be held this summer to determine whether he receives life in prison with the possibility of parole, or without it.
Bales' attorney, John Henry Browne, said Tuesday he expects the judge, Col. Jeffery Nance, to question the soldier closely about what happened before deciding whether to accept the plea. It's unclear whether Nance will make a decision Wednesday.
"Tomorrow is going to be about what happened, then in August is going to be a jury trial about why it happened," Browne said. "Obviously, avoiding the death penalty is our No. 1 goal. We've accomplished that, assuming the judge accepts the plea, and we believe he will."
Bales, a 39-year-old father of two from Lake Tapps, has signed a detailed stipulation of facts admitting his actions, Browne said. However, the document remains under seal, and the lawyer declined to provide details about it.
Browne said last week that Bales was "crazed" and "broken" but not legally insane at the time of the killings.
Although Wednesday's proceedings will provide Bales' account for the first time, survivors who testified by video link from Afghanistan during a hearing last fall vividly recalled the carnage.
A young girl in a bright headscarf described hiding behind her father as he was shot to death. Boys told of hiding behind curtains as others scrambled and begged the soldier to spare them, yelling: "We are children! We are children!" A thick-bearded man told of being shot in the neck by a gunman "as close as this bottle," gesturing to a water bottle on a table in front of him.
Prosecutors say that before dawn on March 11, 2012, Bales slipped away from Camp Belambay in Kandahar Province, armed with a 9 mm pistol and M-4 rifle outfitted with a grenade launcher.
He first attacked one village of mud-walled compounds, Alkozai, then returned to the base, woke up a fellow soldier and told him about it. The soldier didn't believe him and went back to sleep. Bales then left to attack a second village, Najiban.
The massacre prompted such angry protests that the U.S. temporarily halted combat operations in Afghanistan, and it was three weeks before Army investigators could reach the crime scene.
Bales was serving his fourth combat deployment and had an otherwise good if undistinguished military record in a decade-long career. The Ohio native suffered from PTSD and a traumatic brain injury, his lawyers say, and he had been drinking contraband alcohol and snorting Valium - both provided by other soldiers - the night of the killings.
The case raised questions about the toll multiple deployments were taking on American troops. For that reason, many legal experts believed it was unlikely he would receive the death penalty, as Army prosecutors were seeking. The military justice system hasn't executed anyone since 1961, but five men currently face death sentences.
"Any time you can strike a deal that saves your client's life, I would call that a win," said Dan Conway, a civilian military defense lawyer who is not involved in the case. "This is the right result for both parties!!!!
SPORT NEWS ---Mourinho's critical eye will sculpt Chelsea squad in his images
The homecoming of Jose Mourinho has grabbed the headlines and ensnared the hearts of Chelsea fans. The promise of gold-plated sound-bites has got the nation's journalists salivating at the prospect of his weekly press conferences while Blues supporters are similarly relishing the possibility of a return to the top of the domestic game.
However, in the midst of all the hyperbole, there is very important job for Mourinho to do. With the make-up of his technical staff already in place -- an intelligent mixture of incumbent coaches and his own travelling circus of Portuguese tacticians -- the task of analysing his squad and making the necessary additions and omissions will be the first item on his agenda.
( Mourinho eyes Sneijder reunion)
Many of Mourinho's detractors have derided him as being a chequebook manager, only capable of success when spending astronomical fees on new players. It is true that he is hardly averse to opening his chairman's chequebook, yet it should also be noted that he is not the kind of manager to completely supplant an entire team with his own personal choices. At Chelsea, key members of the team that won consecutive Premier League titles under him -- Frank Lampard, John Terry, Petr Cech, Arjen Robben, Joe Cole and Damien Duff to name just a few -- had already signed for the club prior to his arrival and although he added the likes of Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele, the nucleus of that dominant side was already in place. The same can be said of Inter Milan (Javier Zanetti, Wesley Sneijder, Marco Materazzi, Esteban Cambiasso and more) and Real Madrid, where the major investment was made the summer before his arrival with the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso.
With Chelsea's squad already boasting several top class players, it can be assumed that he will adopt a similar approach; keen to bolster the sense of belonging among a core of players currently at the club, while sprinkling a few choice imports around them.
The first aspect that he will have to decide will be the type of football he is aiming to play. Roman Abramovich is known to favour the aesthetic over the pragmatic, an approach at odds with Mourinho's own philosophy, yet it is hard to imagine the returning manager battening down the hatches and making his team adopt a purely conservative, defence-minded posture. He has demonstrated by his use of Sneijder, Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil in his two most recent posts that there is room in his team for playmakers and virtuosos, which is why the likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard will be assured of a bright future under his tutelage.
Less certain are Fernando Torres' immediate prospects. The Spaniard does not appear to tick any of the boxes required by one of Mourinho's centre forwards, with the main components being power and/or pace, traits that the modern Torres simply does not possess. With the Portuguese's track record of getting the best out of his players, it is perhaps not beyond the realms of possibility that he can coax the ex-Atletico Madrid man out of his shell, though Torres' fragile confidence and sullen body language are also likely to count against him in the new manager's eyes.
In contrast, Romelu Lukaku does fit the bill and before the young striker signed for Chelsea, he was heavily linked to a move to Real Madrid, indicating that Mourinho is already an admirer. If he can nurture the Belgian in the same way that he developed Didier Drogba, then Chelsea might have a ready-made hitman already in their ranks.
One position that he will almost certainly be looking outside Cobham for is in defensive midfield. David Luiz has been fitful when deployed there; fantastic against average opposition, bypassed by high quality opponents. The Brazilian's natural position is at centre back and Mourinho will almost certainly maintain that view even if he had a tendency to select Pepe in his Real Madrid midfield when the situation demanded. Nathan Ake looks like being a tremendous prospect but should be phased in rather than thrown into the deep end. Makelele was the least glamorous but arguably the most important player in the manager's first Chelsea team and someone to make a similar impact will surely be sought
Mourinho's use of Luka Modric and Xabi Alonso also points to the fact that he has a preference for a deep-lying playmaker as well as a traditional number ten and that could spell a change of position for Oscar. The lithe 21-year-old had a decent debut season though found it hard to emerge from the shadow of Mata and Hazard's brilliance, though much of that was due to the fact that he was often deployed in wide areas where he is at his least effective. Oscar's best performances came when he operated centrally but with Mata having the advanced position sewn up, a deeper role could provide the answer. On the few occasions when he played as one of the midfield two -- usually as a result of second half substitutions -- he impressed with his both his probing passing and tackling ability. Mourinho could well see Oscar's future in that withdrawn role.
An area of the squad that to which particular attention will be paid is the defence. Real Madrid aside, Mourinho has prided himself on his back four and the obduracy seen by his teams has been the foundation for his success. The current cast list is reasonably eye-catching so it remains a mystery as to why there were so many sloppy goals conceded last season. What the master tactician will make of it will be fascinating to watch. Ashley Cole has always held his admiration, though he will be getting his first glimpses of Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta. It will also be intriguing to see how he handles Terry and whether he will imbue him with the same influence that he has enjoyed throughout his time at the club up until Rafael Benitez curbed his authority.
Cech is safe for now, though he will know that an under-par campaign is likely to see Mourinho replace him next summer with Thibaut Courtois, currently o- loan at Atletico Madrid. Reputation alone will not keep the likes of Cech, Terry or Lampard immune from the axe as can be seen by Iker Casillas' enforced exile at the Santiago Bernabeu and the marginalisation of his teammate and fellow dressing room leader, Sergio Ramos. Those old-stagers have an advantage in that they know exactly how their new boss operates though they will be equally aware that they cannot afford to let their standards drop.
While studious analysis is paramount, one potential pitfall with the current situation and the wait for the squad to reconvene for Mourinho to cast his eye over his squad is that while Chelsea procrastinate, other clubs will be flashing the cash. Monaco have already hoovered up some of the most coveted players on the continent and another month of inactivity could see even fewer top quality signings available. Hopefully, Chelsea have learned from the folly of Andre Villas-Boas' desire to undertake a forensic examination of his options prior to entering the transfer market upon his arrival at the club in 2011 -- a move that saw targets missed and terminally undermined his tenure even if it did secure Mata's services. It would be a surprise if Chelsea have not already put some wheels in motion regarding potential targets.
Even so it is unlikely that any major signings will be sealed until Mourinho has seen his players up close, something that will ensure that every single one of them sweats blood for their new manager when pre-season gets underway
NEWS ----Vonn drug-tested at CFDA
Lindsey Vonn had to undergo a mandatory drug test with the International Olympic Committee while in a couture gown at the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards.
Tiger Woods’ new girlfriend Vonn, who is training for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, accompanied designer Cynthia Rowley to the glitzy awards ceremony at Lincoln Center Monday night.
Sources exclusively tell Page Six that Rowley and the skier, wearing a stunning, custom-made white gown from the designer, were sitting in Alice Tully Hall among fashion’s elite — including honorees Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, Anna Wintour and Michael Kors — when Vonn got a call on her cellphone from the IOC.
Several drug testers were waiting outside Lincoln Center, and told Vonn they needed access to the event to perform a drug test immediately. Rowley met the IOC group outside and ushered them into the hall.
A source told us: “Lindsay met the IOC at the bathroom. Cynthia stood guard outside, and no one was allowed to enter the bathroom. They were in there for about five minutes.”
We’re told that amidst the glamorous setting, the IOC team made Vonn “pee in a cup” and tested the urine sample on the spot. She passed the test, our source reported, and the IOC staff told her to “have fun.”
“Here Lindsey is in this custom-made gown, feeling like Cinderella, and she has to get up and do a drug test,” sniffed one source.
But Vonn didn’t seem rattled by it, telling us afterwards: “We’re having a great time and [Rowley] did a great job with the dress.”
She’s recovering from a serious knee injury and told us her rehab regimen is going well. “I get to start jumping and running soon, so that’s exciting,” she said.
As for whether Woods is giving her rehab help, Vonn remarked: “He’s obviously been through it so he can relate. It’s good to have a strong support system
NEWS --- American Woman Gang-Raped In Northern IndiaThe 30-year-old woman tells police she was driven to a secluded area in a truck before she was attacked by a group of three men.1:01am UK, Wednesday 05 June 2013 A protest against violence against women
American Woman Gang-Raped In Northern India
The 30-year-old woman tells police she was driven to a secluded area in a truck before she was attacked by a group of three men.1:01am UK, Wednesday 05 June 2013
A protest against violence against women
An American woman has been gang-raped in a town in northern India.
The 30-year-old got a lift with a driver of a truck on Monday, which also had two other men travelling in it.
The woman was driven to a secluded area where she says she was raped by the three men.
She reported the attack to police and an investigation was launched.
Police said three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged hour-long assault.
Authorities had issued an alert and set up roadblocks to check any trucks leaving the town.
Protests have marked a heightened concern about sexual assaults in India
The arrests come after a survey suggested the number of foreign women tourists visiting India has fallen by 35% following several sex attacks that have made global headlines.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India said female tourist arrivals fell after the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old Indian student by six men on a bus in Delhi last December.
That attack brought simmering anger about endemic sex crime to the surface and led to violent protests in cities across the country.
It was followed by reports of further attacks, including the alleged gang rape of a Swiss cyclist in the central state of Madhya Pradesh in March.
In a separate incident the same month, a British woman travelling in northern India jumped out of the third-floor window of her hotel room in Uttar Pradesh fearing a sexual attack after the hotel's owner tried to force his way into the room.
A South Korean tourist was allegedly drugged and raped in the same state in January by the son of the owner of a hotel where she was staying.
The 30-year-old woman tells police she was driven to a secluded area in a truck before she was attacked by a group of three men.1:01am UK, Wednesday 05 June 2013
A protest against violence against women
An American woman has been gang-raped in a town in northern India.
The 30-year-old got a lift with a driver of a truck on Monday, which also had two other men travelling in it.
The woman was driven to a secluded area where she says she was raped by the three men.
She reported the attack to police and an investigation was launched.
Police said three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged hour-long assault.
Authorities had issued an alert and set up roadblocks to check any trucks leaving the town.
Protests have marked a heightened concern about sexual assaults in India
The arrests come after a survey suggested the number of foreign women tourists visiting India has fallen by 35% following several sex attacks that have made global headlines.
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India said female tourist arrivals fell after the fatal gang rape of a 23-year-old Indian student by six men on a bus in Delhi last December.
That attack brought simmering anger about endemic sex crime to the surface and led to violent protests in cities across the country.
It was followed by reports of further attacks, including the alleged gang rape of a Swiss cyclist in the central state of Madhya Pradesh in March.
In a separate incident the same month, a British woman travelling in northern India jumped out of the third-floor window of her hotel room in Uttar Pradesh fearing a sexual attack after the hotel's owner tried to force his way into the room.
A South Korean tourist was allegedly drugged and raped in the same state in January by the son of the owner of a hotel where she was staying.
Monday, June 3, 2013
CELEBRITY ---Michael Douglas Claims Oral Sex With HPV Infected Woman Caused Throat CancerROBERTA FERGUSON
It was scary when Michael Douglas revealed that he was suffering from stage four throat cancer. We had all pretty much attributed that to his love of the booze and smoking, but that’s not the case.
He talked to The Guardian about his cancer bout and it was a TMI moment, for sure. He revealed that he doesn’t regret at all how many years he’s spent smoking and drinking because they weren’t what caused his cancer in the first place.
He said, “No. Because without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV, which actually comes about from cunnilingus. I did worry if the stress caused by my son’s incarceration didn’t help trigger it. But year, it’s a sexually transmitted disease that causes cancer. And if you have it, cunnilingus is also the best cure for it. With this kind of cancer, 95 percent of the time it doesn’t come back.”
His rep chimed in to say, “He did not say this was the cause of his cancer. In a discussion of oral cancer, he said this is one of the suspected causes. He never made it personal.”
NEWS -----United States put N1.1Billion bounty on Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau
Showing its support towards Nigeria and its fight towards terrorism, the United States has reportedly place a bounty of over 1 billion Naira on Boko Haram leader Abubaker Shekau.
In an unprecedented move, the United States on Monday posted up to $23 million in rewards to help capture five leaders of militant groups which have spread terror in west Africa and Nigeria.
The highest reward of up to $7 million is offered for the leader of Nigeria’s Boko Haram extremists, Abubakar Shekau, while $5 million each was posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar and Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, a top figure in Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, US officials said
CELEBRITY --- Jackson doc's interactions with AEG Live
An AEG Live LLC executive who negotiated with Michael Jackson's doctor told a jury Monday that he never considered conducting a background check on the singer's physician.
Promoter and producer Paul Gongaware testified that he didn't think it was necessary to conduct background checks on anyone working closely with Jackson. He said in Conrad Murray's case, he wasn't concerned about his background because he'd been recommended by the entertainer.
The former physician had several liens, child support judgments and was facing foreclosure before agreeing to work with Jackson.
"I just expect doctors to be ethical," Gongaware said. "Their financial side of their life shouldn't affect their medical judgment."
Gongaware is testifying in a negligent hiring lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother against AEG Live, contending that the company failed to properly investigate Murray before allowing him to work with her son on preparations for the "This Is It" shows.
AEG denies it hired Murray, or could have known that Murray was giving Jackson doses of the anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid. Jackson died from a propofol overdose in June 2009, and Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Defense attorney Marvin S. Putnam has said hiring Murray was Jackson's personal choice.
Jackson died before signing Murray's $150,000 per month contract to work on the tour. Murray was never paid by AEG for his work with the singer.
Katherine Jackson's attorney Brian Panish, who has said Murray was facing nearly $1 million in debts, said in opening statements that the doctor's financial problems created a conflict of interest in his treatments of Jackson.
Gongaware reiterated earlier testimony that he wasn't concerned about Jackson's health.
The executive worked on an earlier Jackson tour, "Dangerous," that had to be halted due to the singer's prescription drug abuse. He said he saw no signs in 2009 that Jackson was abusing prescription medications.
Gongaware said he recommended that Jackson hire a London-based doctor for the concerts, but the singer didn't seem to give it serious consideration.
"It wasn't my place to say who his doctor was going to be," Gongaware said. "It was his decision."
He also said he never considered performing background checks on Jackson's makeup artist, a choreographer who worked one-on-one with the singer or Kenny Ortega, the tour's director.
"I didn't see the need for it," he said.
Gongaware was shown emails he was sent less than a month before Jackson's death in which tabloid newspapers were speculating the singer was suffering from cancer.
Gongaware urged his company not to respond. "Our redemption will be when he does his shows," he wrote about Jackson. "We don't have to sell tickets, so we can just sit back and prove them wrong by just doing it."
The trial is entering its sixth week. AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips is expected to testify later this week.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Nigeria’s CEO Dancers give an electric performance at Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finals
They hit the BGT stage with a zing of determination and a full burst of energy. They are CEO dancers made up of two Nigerian girls and a South African. They opened the semi-final stage of Britain’s Got Talent, 2013 with their energetic performance.
The performance that the ladies delivered was raw and fresh and very, very bootylicious. They had great timing, wonderful stage presence and we loved their gold and black animal print costumes. Those girls have the most amazing bodies and it seems Simon agreed as he gave them a standing ovation.
Simon Cowell said they were the best dance act on the show so far. While Alesha Dixon said they were the best show opener of the week. Amanda said it was the best ass action since J.Lo.
However, these high praises were not enough as they didn’t eventually cut the list of the final performance.
They hit the BGT stage with a zing of determination and a full burst of energy. They are CEO dancers made up of two Nigerian girls and a South African. They opened the semi-final stage of Britain’s Got Talent, 2013 with their energetic performance.
The performance that the ladies delivered was raw and fresh and very, very bootylicious. They had great timing, wonderful stage presence and we loved their gold and black animal print costumes. Those girls have the most amazing bodies and it seems Simon agreed as he gave them a standing ovation.
Simon Cowell said they were the best dance act on the show so far. While Alesha Dixon said they were the best show opener of the week. Amanda said it was the best ass action since J.Lo.
However, these high praises were not enough as they didn’t eventually cut the list of the final performance.
CELEBRITY NEWS --- Bruno Mars mother passed away @age of 55yrs RIP
Bruno Mars
The singer's mother, Bernadette Hernandez, died suddenly on Saturday of a brain aneurysm, the Associated Press reports. Hernandez was just 55 years old. Hernandez, a hula dancer in Honolulu, migrated from the Phillipines and was instrumental in nurturing her son's musical talents.
Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is one of six children and performed with his family in a band called The Love Notes while growing up in Hawaii. His mother was also a singer, and exposed her children at a young age to artists like Michael Jackson, The Isley Brothers and The Temptations. The early education has clearly impacted Mars' musical style today.
The Grammy-winning artist was scheduled to embark on a U.S. tour later this month. No word on whether it will proceed as scheduled.
Another groundbreaking artist, Andre 3000 of Outkast, lost his mother earlier this week. Sharon Benjamin-Hodo died in her sleep in Atlanta, Georgia on Dre's 38th birthday
The singer's mother, Bernadette Hernandez, died suddenly on Saturday of a brain aneurysm, the Associated Press reports. Hernandez was just 55 years old. Hernandez, a hula dancer in Honolulu, migrated from the Phillipines and was instrumental in nurturing her son's musical talents.
Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez, is one of six children and performed with his family in a band called The Love Notes while growing up in Hawaii. His mother was also a singer, and exposed her children at a young age to artists like Michael Jackson, The Isley Brothers and The Temptations. The early education has clearly impacted Mars' musical style today.
The Grammy-winning artist was scheduled to embark on a U.S. tour later this month. No word on whether it will proceed as scheduled.
Another groundbreaking artist, Andre 3000 of Outkast, lost his mother earlier this week. Sharon Benjamin-Hodo died in her sleep in Atlanta, Georgia on Dre's 38th birthday
WORLD NEWS
Argentine foreign ministry: Probe will continue despite indictment accusing Iran of setting up terrorist networks in S. America.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Argentina will continue to work with Iran to investigate a terror attack despite an indictment that accuses Tehran of terrorist activity in South America, the foreign ministry in Buenos Aires said.
“We will continue to promote the legal way to find and prosecute those responsible for Argentina’s worst ever terrorist attack,” read a foreign ministry statement released over the weekend, referring to the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people died.
Late last month, the Iranian government officially agreed to establish a “truth commission” with Argentina to jointly investigate the attack. Argentina’s Congress ratified the collaboration in February, despite protests by Jewish leaders who said that the cooperation was a miscarriage of justice in light of court rulings in Argentina which said Iranian officials were tied to the attack.
The Argentinian prosecutor in the AMIA case, Alberto Nisman, accused Iran in a 502-page indictment filed May 29 of building clandestine intelligence stations in South American countries from which to launch terror attacks.
The indictment said the intelligence stations were established to sponsor, foster and execute terrorist attacks in order to export the Islamic revolution. Identical intelligence bases and centers were discovered in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname.
Julio Schlosser, president of Jewish political umbrella DAIA, said the indictment “confirms and backs up our solid decision of opposing the memorandum of understanding signed with a regime that promotes terrorism and also protects those responsible of the massacre perpetrated in Argentina
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Argentina will continue to work with Iran to investigate a terror attack despite an indictment that accuses Tehran of terrorist activity in South America, the foreign ministry in Buenos Aires said.
“We will continue to promote the legal way to find and prosecute those responsible for Argentina’s worst ever terrorist attack,” read a foreign ministry statement released over the weekend, referring to the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people died.
Late last month, the Iranian government officially agreed to establish a “truth commission” with Argentina to jointly investigate the attack. Argentina’s Congress ratified the collaboration in February, despite protests by Jewish leaders who said that the cooperation was a miscarriage of justice in light of court rulings in Argentina which said Iranian officials were tied to the attack.
The Argentinian prosecutor in the AMIA case, Alberto Nisman, accused Iran in a 502-page indictment filed May 29 of building clandestine intelligence stations in South American countries from which to launch terror attacks.
The indictment said the intelligence stations were established to sponsor, foster and execute terrorist attacks in order to export the Islamic revolution. Identical intelligence bases and centers were discovered in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname.
Julio Schlosser, president of Jewish political umbrella DAIA, said the indictment “confirms and backs up our solid decision of opposing the memorandum of understanding signed with a regime that promotes terrorism and also protects those responsible of the massacre perpetrated in Argentina
CELEBRITY NEWS ---KIM SAID KIMYE WAS BABY GIRL
Kanye West can pass down that leather skirt to his future child: He and Kim Kardashian are expecting a daughter.
The big reveal of the baby's sex came Sunday night on Kardashian's E! reality show, "Keeping Up With the Kardashians."
Kardashian said she was excited to be having a girl and added, "Who doesn't want a girl?" She added that that's what Kanye wanted as well.
The couple didn't let on about what the baby would be before Sunday's show aired, with Kardashian saying that they were buying all-white clothes for the baby so people wouldn't guess the baby's gender.
Kardashian is due to give birth to the couple's first child sometime this summer
The big reveal of the baby's sex came Sunday night on Kardashian's E! reality show, "Keeping Up With the Kardashians."
Kardashian said she was excited to be having a girl and added, "Who doesn't want a girl?" She added that that's what Kanye wanted as well.
The couple didn't let on about what the baby would be before Sunday's show aired, with Kardashian saying that they were buying all-white clothes for the baby so people wouldn't guess the baby's gender.
Kardashian is due to give birth to the couple's first child sometime this summer
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