Picture: Obama's dog

Record breaker: Lionel Messi scores in record 19th consecutive Barcelona game

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi became the first player in Spanish football history to score against every other team in La Liga consecutively.

The four-time world player of the year registered for the 19th game in a row as Barca drew 2-2 at Celta Vigo

Messi has scored 29 goals in the streak and his tally in all competitions this season now stands at 56.

Barca are top of the table, 13 points clear of Real Madrid, who are second, with nine games left to play.

I cannot wait to hear of the next record.

Tennis: Andy Murray now world no2 after winning Miami title

Britain's Andy Murray battled past David Ferrer in a gruelling final to win his second Miami title and regain the world number two ranking.The Scot, 25, saved a match point on his way to winning 2-6 6-4 7-6 (7-1) for his ninth Masters title.Murray recovered from losing the first five games and survived a Hawk-Eye call at match point down in the final set.

For the first time in almost 10 years, the top two ranking positions in the world will not feature either Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal.

Murray's arrival as number two behind Novak Djokovic is not a first for him, but it's been three-and-a-half years since he last occupied that spot, and he's a much better player now. With more than 4,000 points separating Murray and Djokovic, the number one ranking is still a long way off, but after lifting his second Miami title in his 40th career final, it's another step along the way to his ultimate ranking goal.

As for the match, all of those lung-busting 400m runs in the Miami heat in the off season were designed for this sort of occasion. To win one of these titles at any time is hard work, but to force David Ferrer, known as The Everywhere Man for his ability to cover the court, to cramp in the stifling heat and humidity, is something else.

The victory brought a 26th career title and ensured he will pass Roger Federer in the new world rankings on Monday.

Congratulations Andy.

Inspirational: First US Face Transplant Patient Marries Burn Victim Girlfriend

Before Dallas Wiens and Jamie Nash met each other, they were struggling to recover from unbelievably traumatic experiences. But they both proved how strong, supportive, and in love they are now during their beautiful wedding ceremony in Fort Worth, Tex. on Mar. 30.

Dallas was severely injured in 2008 working construction at a church when he accidentally touched a high-voltage power line. He was blinded and suffered serious facial injuries, and subsequently became the first American to receive a full face transplant. In 2010, Jamie suffered near-fatal burns on 70 percent of her body when her car burst into flames after an accident.

What an inspirational story. Dallas Wiens and Jamie Nash overcame immense struggles and found love and hope in each other. Their wedding on Mar. 30 is a testament to human perseverance and the power of love. 

Pope Francis appeals for peace, end to Korea tensions

Pope Francis used his first Easter Sunday address to call for peace in the world and appealed for a diplomatic solution to the crisis on the Korean peninsula. In his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, Francis also called for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, an end to the civil war in Syria, and political solutions to conflicts in several African countries.

Francis delivered his message from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica - the same spot from where he first appeared to the world as pope after his election on March 13 - to a crowd estimated by the Vatican at at least 250,000 people. "Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow," he said, speaking in Italian.

Mali Troops, Islamists Clash in Timbuktu

At least one Malian soldier was killed and several others were wounded Sunday during fighting between Malian soldiers backed by French forces and Islamist militants in the northern city of Timbuktu.

Officials say at least five insurgents were also killed in the shootout that started Saturday night after a group of Islamist militants infiltrated the Saharan city. The militants linked to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, used a suicide bomber as distraction and entered the city while he blew himself up at a military checkpoint. The militants are trying to recapture the city they held for months until Malian and french troops recaptured it in January.

It is not clear how many rebels have re-entered Timbuktu. City residents said that the fighting is not far from their homes, and that some civilians have been wounded by stray bullets. They say they are staying indoors as the clashes continue. The attack Saturday began hours after a Malian military vehicle drove over a land mine, killing two soldiers. Mali has been the target of a series of attacks claimed by Islamist insurgents since France launched a military intervention against al-Qaida-linked groups that had seized northern Mali. France began its operation in Mali in January. Meanwhile, a contingent of Senegalese troops has arrived in the northern city of Gao to boost a regional intervention force trying to oust the Islamist rebels from there.

French President Francois Hollande has said France plans to begin pulling its troops out of northern Mali in April. A multi-nation African force being assembled to replace the French needs more training and equipment to protect vulnerable northern Malian towns.

North Korea Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Arsenal

North Korea has vowed to develop and launch more advanced satellites and says the country's nuclear weapons are non-negotiable and will not be traded even for "billions of dollars" in economic assistance.

The official KCNA news agency reported Sunday that a plenary meeting of the North Korean Workers' Party Central Committee, chaired by leader Kim Jong Un, called for building both a stronger economy and nuclear arsenal.It said the North's nuclear armed forces are not a political bargaining chip, and that they should be "expanded and beefed up...until the denuclearization of the world is realized.

"The meeting comes a day before the country's rubber stamp parliament is to meet April 1 amid increased tensions with South Korea and the United States.

In a related development, sources said that a group of U.S. F-22 stealth fighter jets were flown Sunday from Kadena Air Base in Japan to Osan Air Base, south of Seoul, to join the current joint exercises in South Korea.

Last week, a pair of stealth B-2 bombers were dispatched from the United States to drop inert munitions on a South Korean island range.The mission, following those by B-52 bombers earlier in the month, was seen as sending a message to both Seoul and Pyongyang. It was a dramatic reassurance to the South that it is protected under the United States nuclear umbrella -- and a warning to the North of U.S. forces' capability to strike precisely and quickly from a long distance, should war erupt.

On Saturday, the North said it had entered a "state of war" with South Korea and warned any provocation by Seoul and Washington would escalate into nuclear confrontation. Pyongyang said all issues between the two Koreas would be handled according to "wartime regulations."In response, South Korea's defense ministry urged its northern neighbor to stop making threats. The ministry also said the South's forces will completely punish the North if there is a provocation.

JTF: 14 suspected islamist killed.

The Nigerian military says its soldiers killed 14 suspected Islamist militants Sunday during an early morning raid on a house in the main northern city of Kano.

Military officials said one soldier died and another one was seriously wounded in the raid. The military's casualty figures have not been independently confirmed.Those targeted were allegedly members of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, a group often blamed for launching attacks on Christian holidays.

Boko Haram began violent operations in 2009. It has killed an estimated 3,000 people in attacks on churches, schools, government and newspaper offices, as well as in attacks on security forces, markets and the country's communications infrastructure.However, human rights groups have accused Nigeria's security forces of killing hundreds more in operations to subdue the militant group. Most of the violence has been in northern Nigeria

Eiffel Tower evacuated after bomb threat

The Eiffel Tower was evacuated after an anonymous phone caller made a bomb threat

Nearly 1,400 people were cleared from the tourist attraction following a request from tower operators after the warning, a Paris police official said.

Police then searched the monument with sniffer dogs and set up a security perimeter.No explosives were found and the site was to be reopened, the official said .French authorities have stepped up anti-terror measures in recent weeks amid heightened concern about threats to France over its military campaign against al Qaida-linked fighters in Mali which began more than two months ago.The tower is occasionally evacuated because of such warnings - at least once last year and twice in 2011. The 1,063ft tower is one of the world's top tourist attractions, with millions of visitors a year.

Boat race: Oxford rows to victory in 159th Boat Race

Oxford University beat Cambridge by a length and a half to win the 159th BNY Mellon Boat Race.

The Dark Blues, who won the toss and opted for the Surrey station, made a strong start and finally broke a spirited Cambridge effort just as the river turned towards the finish at Barnes Bridge.

Twelve months ago, Oxford felt aggrieved and angry after they had lost one of the most dramatic and controversial Boat Races in history.Today, the race was clean and tightly fought with no swimming protesters or broken oars.And it was ferociously fought.Oxford led by half a length by the time the crews reached Fulham Football Club, where the river began to bend in Cambridge's favour.The Dark Blues moved sharply in on Cambridge as they entered the corner. Both crews were warned for overlapping oars by the umpire Sir Matthew Pinsent - a four-time Olympic champion and two-time Boat Race winner with Oxford.

Oxford looked to break Cambridge as the river began to turn in their favour but the Light Blues fought back with a 20-stroke push just before Hammersmith Bridge.Henry Fieldman, the Cambridge cox, learned his craft on the Tideway while at Latymer Upper School and he did well to keep the Light Blues in touch by the half-way mark at Chiswick Eyot.

Oxford led by two-thirds of a length past Chiswick Steps but just before the river began to turn into Cambridge's favour the Dark Blues produced the decisive move.That push allowed Oxford to open clear water, they moved across onto the optimum racing line and then pulled clear to win.

Facebook to pay users for Facebooking; early-bird applications open

This is a social networking addict's dream come true. Facebook is testing a new feature that will allow a select class of users, whom Facebook calls 'Advanced Facebookers', to earn while using the social networking service.

According to sources close to the programme, Facebook plans to pay the top 4 per cent of the first batch of selected users up to $1 per activity during the initial global rollout phase.The new Advanced Facebookers (AF) feature is being currently tested amongst a small group of users in New Zealand, where Facebook usually carries out its initial trials before rolling them out globally.

What is Advanced Facebookers?

Users will be selected programatically by Facebook and eligible users will see a notification (as shown in the image) above their Facebook News Feed. It says, "You have been selected for the Advanced Facebookers programme. Click here to know more." Clicking on the link takes the user to a page detailing the terms and conditions of the program. If a user agrees to be a participant, then he is taken to a page where he needs to enter his credit card details for verification and also bank account and other tax related information.

Facebook's terms state that it can take anywhere between 48 hours to 7 days to process an Advanced Facebookers application and also reserves the right to reject an application without citing any reason.

Mandela still in hospital

Nelson Mandela remains in hospital where he is receiving treatment for a recurrence of pneumonia.

The former South African president was admitted to a hospital in the capital, Pretoria, near midnight on Wednesday.

Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said there had been no updates on the 94-year-old since an official statement on Saturday on his condition.That reported the anti-apartheid leader was breathing without difficulty after having a procedure to clear fluid in his lung area.

It was his third trip to hospital since December, when he was treated for a lung infection and had a procedure to remove gallstones.Earlier in March, he spent a night in a hospital for what officials said was a scheduled medical test.

Russia urges US and North Korea to show restraint

Russia has urged the US and North Korea to show restraint after Pyongyang said it was entering a "state of war" with South Korea in a further escalation of its bellicose rhetoric.

On Friday the Pentagon declared that the US was flly capable of defending itself and its allies against a missile attack from North Korea, whose leader, Kim Jong-un, had declared that rockets were ready to be fired at American bases in the Pacific. Kim's words came in response to the US flying two nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers over the Korean peninsula this week.

"We hope that all parties will exercise maximum responsibility and restraint and no one will cross the point of no return," said senior Russian foreign ministry official Grigory Logvinov on Saturday.

Autism: Early Vaccines and Autism Risk

There is no link between receiving a number of vaccines early in life and autism, researchers have said.

In a study slated to appear in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers said there is no association between receiving “too many vaccines too soon” and autism, despite some fears among parents around the number of vaccines given both on a single day and over the first 2 years of life.

As many as one in 50 U.S. school-age children have been diagnosed with autism, up 72 percent since 2007.Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ABT  Associates analyzed data from children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a statement from the journal.

Researchers examined each child’s cumulative exposure to antigens, the substances in vaccines that cause the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to fight disease, and the maximum number of antigens each child received in a single day of vaccination, the journal’s statement said. The antigen totals were the same for children with and without ASD, researchers found.Autism runs a spectrum from a profound inability to communicate and mental retardation to milder symptoms seen in Asperger’s Syndrome.

While scientists believe genetics account for 80 to 90 percent of the risk for developing autism, a growing number of studies are beginning to suggest that a father’s age at the time of conception may play a role by increasing risks for genetic mistakes in the sperm that could be passed along to offspring.Worries about a link between vaccines and autism have persisted for years, despite a growing body of scientific evidence disproving such an association.

Madumere Sworn-In As Imo State Deputy Governor

The Former Chief of staff to the Imo state Governor, Mr Eze Madumere (MFR), has been sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Imo state.

The swearing in ceremony took place at the Sam Mbakwe expanded EXCO chambers at the Government House in Owerri, the Imo state capital.Madumere, in his inaugural speech, promised to make the interest of all Imo citizens his priority in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state as well as enhance the actualisation of the rescue mission agenda of the Okorocha led administration.

Heavy security presence at the government entrance in Owerri as citizens of the state went to the Government House to witness the ceremony.In his acceptance speech, the newly sworn-in said he will remain committed to the principles of the rescue mission agenda by the Okorocha led administration and will remain committed and loyal to the governor, adding that he will ensure he cooperates with all the arms of government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Imo State.

The Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha advised the newly sworn in Deputy Governor to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and contribute his own quota to the development of the state. He however assured the people of the state of his relentless effort to make Imo state a better place even after his tenure as the governor.The swearing-in of Mr. Madumere is coming two days after the impeachment of former deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, by the Imo House of Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office involving 458 million Naira contract scam.Sir Jude Agbaso’s impeachment is the first to be recorded in the political history of the state since its creation 37 years ago.

UNUSUAL CUISINE: Tasty and unique meals in a serene environment

Unusual Cuisine is a unique, upscale restaurant that specializes in traditional, African delicacies: served with a touch of class and style.

The ambience and decor, is done such that it could be a Chinese, Thai, Italian or French deli. It is contemporary, yet fused with traditional pieces such as bamboos, that contribute to the warm, 'home-away-from-home' feel.

They boast a variety of dishes on their menu. From Starch and Banga, Owo, Ofada rice, Banga rice, to the more regular kinds of food such as jollof rice, egusi soup, to the varying meat and fish delicacies, the Unusual Cuisine menu ensures that there is something for everyone.

For those who like to mix business and pleasure, the access to Wireless Internet ensures that you do not miss out on any mails or transactions that go on while you stepped out of the office for your lunch. For those too busy to go out, all you need do is place a call to the dedicated number and your lunch will be delivered to you free or for as low as N200; depending on the time.

Unusual Cuisine is located on No 46 Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. So, why wait? Check out the website www.unusualcuisine.com. Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/TheUnusualCuisine and follow us on twitter @unusualcuisine. See you there

For enquires & delivery Call- 018447606.

Tennis: Serena Sinks Sharapova For Record Sixth Miami Title

World number one Serena Williams fought back from a set down to beat Maria Sharapova 4-6 6-3 6-0 and win the Sony Open for a record sixth time on Saturday as she continued her dominance over her closest rival.

With the win, Williams, who struggled with her serve in the first two sets, becomes only the fourth woman in the Open era to win the same WTA tournament six times, joining Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.“I finally have some record,” Williams said. “Like it’s really cool. I can’t seem to catch up with Margaret Court or Steffi or anything. I’m really happy to have something right now, so it’s exciting.

“Maria played really the best I have seen her play, and I think she was moving unbelievable and she was hitting winners from everywhere. …. How did I end up winning when I actually wasn’t on top of my game?”Second-ranked Sharapova has now lost to Williams in their last 11 meetings and has not beaten the American since her two victories in 2004.To add to the pain, the match was Sharapova’s fifth Miami final and her fifth defeat.

“I had my chances. There’s no reason why I couldn’t win the match today,” said the Russian, who dismissed any suggestion of a psychological weakness against Williams.“It was a step in the right direction and there’s no doubt that we’ll be playing many more times. There’s no doubt I’ll be able to beat her.”

British aid workers 'raped' in Libya

A number of British women travelling with an aid convoy are believed to have been raped in Libya.

Pro-government militiamen are suspected of attacking three of the activists in the eastern city of Benghazi, the country's deputy prime minister Awsad al-Barassi said.

The women were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday and later released.Mr al-Barassi told a Libyan television channel he had met the women and they were in "very bad shape".

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are aware of an incident in Libya involving a number of British nationals who were part of an aid convoy."We are providing consular assistance."

Football: WBA Manager Fed Up with Odemwingie

Nigeria international and West Brom striker is at it again, not at the home front this time but with his club manager Steve Clark.

The former Chelsea assistant manager has spilt out the unexpected saying he is fed up of talking about Peter Odemwingie all the time.Nigerian international has been a social media freak of late as he takes to twitter to express his opinions once he feels offended by one thing or the other.It would be recalled that Odemwingie use the same social media network to talk down on NFF amongst other people.

Meanwhile Clarke vehemently condemned social media tantrums saying Odemwingie should physically address him if he has any bone to pick with him rather than go on to the social media network because it is not his thing.It was reported that the WBA player was fined last week for bringing to the open issues within the club on Twitter.

Odemwingie is likely being seen as a negative influence on the rest of the WBA players rather be a spirit lifter for the team.

Nigeria's First Astronaut to Emerge 2015 ???

 The National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, yesterday, said it will produce the first Nigerian astronaut in 2015.

Director General of the agency, Dr. Seidu Mohammed who disclosed this at the 2013 national space dialogue and media conference, said the plan was part of the agency's 25 years roadmap for space and technology development in Nigeria.

In our usual fashion of wanting " to walk before crawling", we are here again. Let us wait and see

P. Diddy tops latest Hip hop's richest list

Sean “Diddy” Combs ranks number 1 this year’s Forbes list of hip-hop’s wealthiest artists, with an estimated net worth of $580 million. The bulk of the Bad Boy Records founder’s wealth comes from non-musical ventures, namely his deal with Diageo’s Ciroc. The agreement entitles him to eight-figure annual payouts and a nine-figure windfall if the brand is ever sold—and Ciroc’s value has never been higher.

The No. 2 spot goes to Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, with a net worth of $475 million. With continued cash from megadeals like his $204 million Rocawear sale in 2007 and his $150 million pact with Live Nation the following year, his continued stakes in Roc Nation, Carol’s Daughter, the Brooklyn Nets—and, more significantly, the Barclays Center itself—while adding new partnerships with the likes of Duracell, Budweiser and Bacardi’s D’ussé Cognac, he is sitting pretty.

Andre “Dr. Dre” Young ranks third with $350 million, thanks mostly to his Beats by Dr. Dre headphones.

Bryan “Birdman” Williams owns the No. 4 spot, riding his Cash Money/Young Money empire to a fortune of $150 million.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson at $125 million is ranked fifth

US taking North Korea threat seriously

US warns North Korea of increased isolation if threats escalate further.

From this time on, the North-South relations will be entering the state of war and all issues raised between the North and the South will be handled accordingly,” a special statement by the country’s top military command reads, according to the KCNA state news agency.“The situation in the Korean Peninsula, which is neither peace nor war, has come to an end,” the statement said earlier.

Washington "should be clear that in era of Marshal Kim Jong-un, the greatest-ever commander, all things are different from the past," went a statement on North Korean radio early Saturday

Meanwhile the White House is taking the fresh North Korean threats seriously, but not without a bit of skepticism.“We've seen reports of a new and unconstructive statement from North Korea,”said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for the National Security Council. “We take these threats seriously and remain in close contact with our South Korean allies.”

Nigeria: Two Policemen, 24 Others Killed in Renewed Plateau Attacks

About 26 persons, including two riot policemen attached to the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, were Thursday killed by gunmen in a renewed overnight attack on the people of Mangor and Matol villages in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Following the attack, it was gathered that there was a serious crisis between the residents and the Fulani in the area.Sources from the villages said the gunmen stormed the villages at night and killed the people in their sleep, adding that before the arrival of the security personnel many had been killed.

Another source claimed that the villagers, who suspected that the attackers came from Chad and Niger Republic had connivance with the Fulani residents in the area, resulting in a serious crisis between the Fulani and the indigenes of the communities, which disrupted the popular Thursday Potato-market.

Confirming the attack, the spokesman of the STF, Lt. Jude Akpa, said the STF killed six of the attackers after a serious gun battle, adding that two of the policemen attached to the task force were seriously injured and were in critical condition.

THISDAY later gathered that the two policemen died.

Devotees Nailed To Cross In Philippine Folk Catholicism Ritual

About two dozen Filipinos were nailed to crosses on Good Friday in an extreme display of devotion that the Catholic church looks down upon as a form of folk religion but appears powerless to stop.

The re-enactment of the passion of Jesus Christ draws thousands of tourists to the Pampanga region, 80 km (50 miles) north of the capital, to watch barefoot penitents flagellate themselves and a series of crucifixions on an artificial hill. 

The practice, which took hold in the province about 60 years ago as form of religious vow by poor people seeking forgiveness, a cure for illness and the fulfilment of other wishes.Archbishop Paciano Aniceto said the gory practice was a distortion of Christ’s teachings of love and selfless service. But he conceded that the church could not stop the ritual that he described as “popular piety”.Another bishop said people had to understand the folk Catholicism widely practiced in the Philippines, which has the largest Christian population in Asia.

About 80 percent of its 96 million people are Catholic.“We are in no position to suppress them,” Auxiliary Bishop Pablo Virgilio David told Reuters.“I do not think it is right to close our doors to them just because they are more attracted to these folk practices than to our Roman liturgy which they may find too foreign or cerebral.”Devotees, insisting they were prepared to endure pain as penance, had 5-inch stainless steel nails driven into their hands. Then, for a few minutes, they were hanged on wooded crosses.“We do this because of our faith not because we’re paid,” Ruben Inaje, a house painter who has played the role of Christ for 27 years, told Reuters.“Two years ago, I said it would be the last time I’d do it. But every time I say that, my wife gets sick. I guess God wants me to continue this sacrifice as a lifetime vow,” he said before taking up a 50 kg (110 lb) cross and heading to the crucifixion site.

A circus-like atmosphere prevailed on a sun-drenched day.“It’s my first time to witness a man being crucified,” said Charlotte Johansen, 26, a Norwegian non-government organisation worker, was taking pictures with her friends.The village of Cutud has built the hill with three crosses for the main ceremony with crucifixions also taking place in two nearby villages.Souvenir and food vendors staked out the hill and people selling ice-cream and sodas wandered among the crowd.“The crucifixions here have become a purely tourism event,” said an official from the area, who handles accreditation for the flock of journalists which descends every year.

Facebook poised to announce its 'new home on Android'

Facebook will next week unveil its latest push into the mobile world – and industry watchers are convinced the social network is about to launch a Facebook-branded phone.

Media has been summoned to an event at Facebook's headquarters in California on 4 April, with teaser invitations bearing the words "Come See Our New Home on Android".The world's largest social networking site is giving no further clues, and the announcement could be nothing more than a new service or application, but detailed leaks suggest the company is about to release the fruits of a long-rumoured collaboration with Taiwanese manufacturer HTC – a smartphone whose software is a customised version of Google's Android operating system.

While the camera and memory are reportedly run of the mill – a modest 5 megapixel rear lens for photos, a 1.6 megapixel front facing camera for video calls, and a basic 16 gigabytes of storage – its software may be unique.With a similar look to a black iPhone but boasting a slightly larger 4.3 inch display, the phone is supposedly packed with Facebook services, with easy access to its instant messaging and Instagram photography applications, and a home screen displaying the owner's news feed.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has made no secret of his desire to do more for the 680 million people who access his services on their mobiles each month."You have a good version of all the Facebook features you know and want on your phone. So now the next thing we're going to do is get really good at building new mobile-first experiences," Zuckerberg told investors in January. "That's going to be a big theme for us this year."

Kim said she would never ‘tweet something like that.’

American reality TV star, Kim Kardashian, has denied tweeting hate words about Nigeria and her women.

A “photoshopped” image of a parody twitter handle had shown how Kardashian tweeted about Nigeria being such a disgusting country with women who look like apes.

“I see there is a photo shopped tweet floating around, supposedly something I said about Nigeria. That was not me or my feelings,” she said.“The fake tweet is very disturbing and I will never ever tweet something like that,” she added.

Kim Kardashian recently visited Nigeria for a valentine show and left a love-hate relationship with her Nigerian fans after reports went round she was paid half a million dollars to show up at the event and hardly stayed or made any significant contribution to the show.

Kim Jong-un puts missile units on standby to attack US bases

North Korea has escalated its military and diplomatic confrontation with the US, responding to US military drills with a bellicose declaration that its rockets were ready to hit American bases in the Pacific.

In the latest of a volley of military threats and purple rhetoric, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, warned that "the time has come to settle accounts with the US imperialists in view of the prevailing situation". The official KCNA news agency said Pyongyang and Washington could only settle their differences by "physical means".

I reserve my comments.

Nigeria: Police kill 2 NSCDC officers

TWO officials of the Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corp were on Tuesday, killed by gunmen, alleged to be officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Isawo area of  Ikorodu in  Lagos State.

The deceased officers are identified as Innocent Akhigbe , an inspector and Gabriel Adaji, an assistant inspector.The slain officials were reportedly on routine surveillance of pipeline facilities in Ikorodu, when they were reportedly waylaid.

Meanwhile, the Comandant-General of NSCDC, has appealed to men and officers of the Corps to remain calm and avoid any form of reprisal attack.

Will keep you updated.

Giving your kids cash rewards can affect them negatively

It is common to see parents promising their children one thing or the other - if they get good results in an examination, do their homework or house chores (at the right time). What is promised varies; toys, games, ice cream, and even cash. The list is endless.

Parental advisers and financial experts say such parents often make these promises to their kids in order to keep them in line. Such parents, they explain, do so believing that they are just rewarding or motivating the children to behave properly. A child protection specialist and Consultant to UNICEF on Child Protection, Taiwo Akinlami, says to the extent that it is not bribe or all about money, it is okay for parents to reward their children every now and then."We talk to parents or custodians of children about the principle of 'carrot and stick'. Now, if you want a child to do something. You can either use 'carrot' or 'stick'. 'Carrot' is to encourage the child, while 'stick' is to discipline the child," he says.

According to him, when parents reward the child, they are trying to use positive enforcement to tell the child to perform.He adds, "The truth of the matter is that when you use positive enforcement, it has more positive impact on the child than when you use negative enforcement."However, while experts agree that parents have to device a way of rewarding and punishing their children for good and bad behaviour, respectively, they warn that care must be taken as this strategy can backfire, especially for parents who frequently use such rewards, particularly cash, as the main means of getting their kids to perform any function or get anything done.

More at;

http://mobile.punchng.com/output.php?link=http://www.punchng.com/am-business/giving-your-kids-cash-rewards-can-affect-them-negatively/

Football: Abou Diaby out for nine months after injuring knee in Arsenal training

Abou Diaby faces a lay-off of up to nine months after the Arsenal midfielder tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The 26-year-old France international faces an operation on the injury, which he suffered in training on Wednesday.

A club statement said: "Abou Diaby injured his left knee in training on Wednesday and subsequent scans have confirmed that he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament. Following consultations with specialists, Abou will undergo surgery to repair the injury in the near future."Abou is expected to be out for around eight to nine months. The thoughts and best wishes from everyone at Arsenal are with Abou, and we all wish him a successful recovery."

I wish him the best too.

Blackberry: One million Z10 sold in the first month

BlackBerry is on the rebound after returning to profit and revealing healthy demand for its first smartphone, with a million of its Z10 handsets shipped in their first month on sale.

Founder Mike Lazaridis took the opportunity to retire on the relative high of the embattled phonemaker's better-than-expected annual results, announcing he would be step down as vice-chairman and leave the board of directors on 1 May.

After successive rounds of job cuts, BlackBerry posted a $98m (£82.9m) net profit for the final quarter of its financial year, up from $9m the previous quarter and a loss of $125m in the same period a year ago.However, the number of subscribers to BlackBerry's network – users pay a fee for services and access to the company's secure data pipes – fell faster than expected, from 79 million last quarter to 76 million.

BlackBerry is expected to produce further BB10 models this year, including a version with both touchscreen and physical keyboard called the Q10 in April.

Breaking: Imo Deputy Governor Impeached

Barely hours after the High Court dismissed the suit by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr. Jude Agbaso, asking it to stop his impeachment by the state Assembly, the embattled deputy governor has been removed from office.

Twenty-five out of the 26 members of the Imo State House of Assembly approved the impeachment.His impeachment is coming after a prolonged battle over the allegation that he demanded the sum of N417 million from a contractor in the state. Mr. Agbaso has consistently denied the allegation.

Mr. Agbaso had earlier approached the court praying it to restrain the state lawmakers from proceeding with the impeachment process which began three weeks ago.He also prayed the court to restrain the Nigerian Police from harassing him or acting upon the recommendations of the House of Assembly against him

Frightening: Newtown Gunman Had Arsenal of Pistols, Shotguns, Swords, Knives

Adam Lanza, who carried out a massacre of children at Newtown's Sandy Hook Elementary school, had accumulated an arsenal that included pistols, rifles, revolvers, shotguns, swords, knives and other "cutting instruments," according to search warrants released today.

The 20-year-old shooter went to Sandy Hook Elementary school where he shot his way into the building and killed 20 children and six adults with a Bushmaster .223 caliber model XM15 rifle.

The Bushmaster was loaded with a 30-round capacity magazine. Fourteen rounds were in the magazine when the Bushmaster was recovered by police. There was one round in the chamber.

The shooter took his own life with a single shot from a Glock 10 mm handgun. He also had a loaded 9mm Sig Sauer P226 handgun with him. He also had three magazines for the Bushmaster, each containing 30 rounds, and additional ammo for the handguns.

When the carnage was over, police counted 154 spent bullet casings.

"Pistorius free to use his passport"

Murder accused paralympian Oscar Pistorius can travel again after the High Court in Pretoria set aside some of his bail conditions on appeal on Thursday.

"He will be allowed to use his passport to travel outside of the country," said Judge Bert Bam."I could find no reason why the appellant should be forbidden to leave the country to compete abroad," he said.

Pistorius was arrested on February 14 after his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead in his Pretoria home. He did not attend the appeal proceedings.The conditions Bam set aside were:--

that he surrender his passport to the magistrate's office (3b);

that he refrain from applying for a passport or travel documents until the case against him is concluded (3c);

that he refrain from entering the international departure hall of any airport or the departure hall of any international destination (3d);

that he submit himself to the supervision of a probation officer or correctional officer (3h);

that he not be charged with an offence relating to violence against women while on bail (3i);

that he refrain from consuming alcohol or a banned substance (3j)