Magic Johnson Oscars Screwed Black People ... Will, Idris, Sam

Magic Johnson says he won't sit quietly while the Oscars run a snow job on black people -- claiming there were a BUNCH of black actors who deserved nominations ... including Will Smith.

The NBA legend went to Twitter and wrote ... "[Cookie] and I are avid movie goers and we are disappointed by the lack of diversity with the Oscar nominations."

"Saw Leo/TheRevenant and Matt/TheMartian both spectacular & deserve noms, but you can’t ignore Will/Concussion and Idris/BONN."

"And we can’t forget about Michael B Jordan & Ryan Coogler w/ Creed, Sam Jackson in The Hateful 8, all deserved to be nominated."

Of course, there were NO black actors nominated in the best lead or best supporting actor & actress categories ... and the top movies all featured white people.

 

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/15/magic-johnson-oscars-screwed-black-people-will-idris-sam/#ixzz3xSlQVQOo

Steve Harvey Sobs and Begs Miss Colombia for Forgiveness

Steve Harvey has done an interview with Miss Colombia, begging forgiveness ... and we've learned the waterworks were turned on in a big, big way -- and we're not talking her. Our sources say ... an NBC producer brokered the deal in which Ariadna Gutierrez appeared on Harvey's talk show and did a segment for "Today," as well as Telemundo ... all NBC-owned properties. Our sources say Harvey told Ariadna he's apologized to everyone, but a face-to-face with her was the most meaningful. "He sobbed and sobbed," our sources say.




Harvey also had the winner, Miss Philippines, on the show but we're told she was never on the same stage as Ariadna. Right after Steve's show, filmed in Chicago, Natalie Morales from "Today," interviewed Ariadna, followed by an anchor from Telemundo. Today, Ariadna is shooting a cover for People Espanol. As one source said, "Ariadna thought having the crown taken away was the worst day of her life. She now realizes it was the best day," adding, 'She's making a fortune!"


Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/15/steve-harvey-miss-colombia-cries-talk-show/#ixzz3xSjvUwIs

Rob Kardashian diabetes diagnosis is not a WAKE UP CALL!

 

 Rob Kardashian's diabetes diagnosis did not scare him healthy ... not by a long shot ... and his family is worried sick if he doesn't radically change his ways he could die.

Our Kardashian sources tell us they were confident after Rob was admitted to the hospital late last month and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes he'd begin eating healthy, exercising and doing whatever it took to beat the disease.

It's so bad, Rob has to give himself insulin injections once a day ... but he's still unfazed by the scare.

Our sources say he's still eating crap and not seriously doing anything to lose weight.

We're told Kris and Rob's sisters have stepped up and hired a full-time chef who specializes in diabetes diets to prepare all of his meals. They've also hired a nutritionist and trainer.

Problem is -- Rob is halfhearted about the whole thing ... not committing to the diet or exercise, and the family is worried his condition will worsen and his life will be in peril.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/16/rob-kardashian-diabetes-chef-trainer-nutritionist/#ixzz3xShFaEam

Celine Dion's Brother Dies From Cancer

 

 Celine Dion's older brother Daniel has died from cancer ... TMZ has learned.

Daniel, 59, passed away early Saturday morning surrounded by family in Celine's native Montreal. He had been fighting brain, tongue and throat cancer.

A memorial will be held next Saturday in Charlemagne Quebec, where the family was raised.

Celine's husband, Rene Angelil, passed Thursday from throat cancer.

R.I.P.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/16/celine-dion-brother-daniel-dead-cancer/#ixzz3xSeuvHKC

Customs Officers have 14 Days To Declare Assets

All Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service are to make full disclosure of their assets in a new measure put in place to push transparency and compliance with the Rule of Law.

The directive on Assets Declaration is contained in a Circular, signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and addressed to all Deputy Comptrollers-General, Zonal Coordinators and Customs Area Controllers. All Officers are to comply with the directive within 14 days.
 

 

According to the Circular, the directive on Assets Declaration is in compliance with “The Bank Employees Declaration of Assets Act Cap B1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Though the Act provides for Asset Declaration by all Bank employees, it also empowers the President to extend its application to other categories of persons.

Specifically, Section 12 (1) states that “The provision of this Act shall apply to the Comptroller-General, Deputy Comptroller-General, Assistant Comptroller-General, Chief Collector, Principal Collector and other Officer, Staff or employee of the Nigeria Customs Service as the apply to a Chief Executive or an employee of a Bank”.


The Comptroller-General observed that many Officers have not complied with the provisions of the Act over the years, stating that the 14-day ultimatum for compliance will be strictly enforced.

Signed

Wale Adeniyi
Public Relations Officer
For: Comptroller-General of Customs

 

 

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2016/01/15/customs-officers-declare-assets-14-days

#Dasukigate: Court Orders Metuh To Be Remanded In Prison Custody

Embattled spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was today remanded in prison custody following his arraignment before a Federal High Court in sitting in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he engaged in N400 million fraud that involved his firm, Destra Investment Limited. 

Embattled spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh was today remanded in prison custody following his arraignment before a Federal High Court in sitting in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he engaged in N400 million fraud that involved his firm, Destra Investment Limited.
Metuh is standing trial on a 7-count charge brought against him for allegedly diverting and sharing part of the $2.1bn arms purchase funds by a former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Metuh, who was arrested on January 5, has been in the custody of the EFCC. During his arraignment today, a bearded Metuh donned a white native dress with matching red cap arrived the court at 9.00am with retinue of his political supporters who came to show solidarity support. Mr. Metuh's supporters began chanting "Free Metuh, Free Metuh, Free Metuh" however they were prevented from gaining access into the court by the security operatives.

After the charges had been read to him in the dock Mr. Metuh pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, made an oral application for bail to prevent the accused from staying further in EFCC custody. He argued that the trial is a 'summary trial' as the case is not being tried on the information that a formal written application is not necessary in this case because the application rests on the constitutional right of the defendant. He maintained that the condition for bail has been spelt out in section 162 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He submitted that the request for the written application by the prosecution counsel should not arise as the court can take any application orally. He, therefore, prayed the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant.
But the Prosecution counsel, Tahir Sylvanus opposed to the oral application and asked the court to reject and discountenance the bail application made by the defence counsel as such does not envisage in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) as being cited by the defence counsel saying that the application is illegal and contrary to law.

The prosecution counsel argued that the defendant was duly served a copy of the hearing notice of the case and insisted that the formal application must be made.
 

The presiding Judge, Justice Abang Okon while ruling on the oral application held that he has carefully considered the argument of both parties and said that the court cannot prevent the defendant from making a bail application. But since there was an objection to the oral application of the defendant he would ask the defendant to file a formal application for bail within 6 hours and asked the prosecution counsel to file their reply within 24 hours after that. He held that if parties comply with the order, the court shall resume on January 19th by 12.00pm to take the argument on bail application while the hearing of the case will commence on Jan. 25th 2016.
 

Abang, therefore, warned on the frivolous application for adjournment from the lawyers saying such would not be allowed in his court.

The charge against Metuh borders on money laundering, breach of trust and criminal diversion of public funds.

The anti-graft agency said it has established that Metuh had in November 2014, collected N400 million from the erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

The fund, which was withdrawn from an account of the Office of the NSA operated with the Central Bank of Nigeria was allegedly transferred and traced to Metuh through account no. 0040437573, which Destra Investments Limited operated with Diamond Bank Plc.

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2016/01/15/dasukigate-court-orders-metuh-be-remanded-prison-custody

Cristiano Ronaldo with Alessandra Ambrosio on GQ Magazine cover

 

 He painstakingly makes sure he is one of the fittest men in the world and Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to show off the result of his hard-work to the world.

Never shy to take up his cloths, Ronaldo was happy to show off his ripped abs on the cover of GQ's latest body issue.

He appeared on the cover together with Brazilian model and actress Alessandra Ambrosio.

In the racy cover, Ambrosio who is just in bikini, drape her body over Ronaldo who wears just a pair of tiny red swimming trunks

The photos for the magazine was shot in October when Ronaldo shared a video on social media of the two behind-the-scenes on a 'top secret project'.

"Hi guys, we've finished photo-shooting, it was amazing filming with Alessandra, she is fantastic, she does a fantastic job," the 30-year-old says in the clip.

"We are not going to say what we did because it's a secret, we hope you are going to like it."

"I had a great time with you," the Victoria Secret model replied.

"You're an amazing person, a super-nice guy and I hope you guys have fun and it's a top secret project so you're not going to find out."

 

 

Source: http://pulse.ng/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-real-madrid-stars-shows-off-ripped-abs-on-gq-magazine-cover-id4566944.html

Stolen Yams: Billions Spent on Faulty Helicopters for Air Force

 

Several faulty helicopters were procured at inflated prices for the Nigerian Air Force, a committee established to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to 2015 has said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said on Friday that the Committee on Audit of Defence Equipment accused some retired and serving officer of the Air Force and Nigerian Army of misconduct and corruption, leading to the development.

In its first interim report, the audit committee identified several breaches, noting that the procurement processes were arbitrarily carried out and generally characterised by irregularities and fraud with the items procured failing to meet the purpose for which they were procured in many cases.

Shehu said, “​A major procurement activity undertaken by ONSA for NAF was that concerning the contracts awarded to Societe D’ Equipment Internationaux (SEI) Nig Ltd.

“Between January 2014 and February 2015, NAF awarded 10 contracts totalling nine hundred and thirty million, five hundred thousand, six hundred and ninety US Dollars ($930,500,690.00) to SEI Nigeria Limited.

“Letters of award and End User Certificates for all the contracts issued by NAF and ONSA respectively did not reflect the contract sums. Rather, these were only found in the vendor’s invoices, all dated 19 March, 2015.

“Additionally, some of the award letters contained misleading delivery dates suggesting fraudulent intent in the award process. The observed discrepancies are in clear contravention of extant procurement regulations.

“The SEI contracts included procurement of two used Mi-24V helicopters instead of the recommended Mi-35M series at the cost of one hundred and thirty six million, nine hundred and forty four thousand US Dollars ($136,944,000.00).

“However, it was confirmed that the helicopters were excessively priced and not operationally air worthy at the time of delivery. A brand new unit of such helicopters goes for about thirty million US Dollars ($30m). Furthermore, the helicopters were delivered without rotor blades and upgrade accessories.”

Shehu added that the helicopters were undergoing upgrade while being deployed for operation in the North-East without proper documentation.

He said it was further established that as at date, only one of the helicopters is in service while the other crashed and claimed the lives of two NAF personnel.

The presidential spokesman also said the committee established that ONSA also funded the procurement of four used Alpha-Jets for the NAF at the cost of seven million, one hundred and eighty thousand US Dollars ($7,180,000.00).

However, according of him, it was confirmed that only two of the Alpha-Jet aircraft were ferried to Nigeria after cannibalisation of engines from NAF fleet.

This, he added, was contrary to the written Amosu’s assertion to the former NSA that all the four procured Alpha-Jets aircraft were delivered to the NAF.

He said the non-militarisation of the Alpha-Jets made them unsuitable for deployment to the North-East and they are currently deployed only for training at NAF Kainji.

He added, “Furthermore, the procurement of the Alpha-Jets was contrary to the recommendation of the assessment team. The committee found that the conduct of Air Marshal Adesola Amosun (retd.) was deliberately misleading and unpatriotic.

“The contract for the procurement of 36D6 Low Level Air Defence Radar for the NAF was awarded to GAT Techno Dynamics Ltd in April 2014 at the cost of thirty three million US Dollars ($33m) and was funded by ONSA.

“The committee established that the radars were excessively priced as a complete set of such radars (comprising six radars including the Control Centre) goes for six million US Dollars ($6m) averagely.

“The committee observed that the radars were delivered without the vital component of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) that distinguishes between own and adversary aircraft, which has significantly degraded the operational capabilities of the NAF in the North-East.

“It was further observed that the sum of three million, three hundred thousand US Dollars ($3.3m) was fraudulently included in the contract agreement as VAT and withholding tax and subsequently paid into the bank accounts of Spacewebs Interservices Limited and Delfina Oil and Gas Limited.

“The committee further established that two million US Dollars ($2m) from the proceeds was transferred to Mono Marine Corporation Nigeria Limited, which is jointly owned by principal characters in this deal. The committee opined that the infractions of extant regulations by these companies were clearly intended to defraud.

“It was established that between September 2009 and May 2015, the NAF expended about fifteen billion Naira (N15bn) on the maintenance of its Alpha-Jets, C-130H aircraft and Mi-24V/35P helicopters.

“Of this amount, four billion, four hundred and two million, six hundred and eighty seven thousand, five hundred and sixty nine Naira, forty one Kobo (N4,402,687,569.41) was paid out for contracts not executed.

“It was also observed that in carrying out these maintenance activities, contracts worth over two billion, five hundred million naira (N2.5bn) were awarded to Syrius Technologies, a Ukrainian company that was not registered in Nigeria.

“Regrettably, in spite of these expenditures, the status of NAF fleet remained operationally appalling as only three Alpha-Jets, two C-130H and one each of Mi-24V and Mi-35P were serviceable as of 28 May, 2015.”

Shehu also disclosed that in October 2013, NAF awarded contracts to DICON for the supply of weapons and ammunition at the cost of five hundred and ninety nine million, one hundred and eighteen thousand naira (N599, 118,000.00).

He said only two of the seven items contracted were delivered to NAF while the outstanding five items remained undelivered despite repeated requests to DICON.

He said the committee also found that the delivered ammunition was about 40 years old, thereby casting doubts on their shelf life.

The failure of DICON to fully execute the contract and the delivery of aged ammunition, he explained, diminished the capacity of the NAF in North-East operation.

“The committee uncovered insider dealings by military officers in procurement activities undertaken by ONSA and the NAF. The officers were found to have misused or abused their offices for personal gains by influencing award of contracts to private companies in which they have substantial interests.

“For instance, an officer serving in the ONSA used his office to secure two contracts for his company, Geonel Integrated Services Limited for the protection of 20 Dams and Presidential Air Fleet security at the cost of six billion, two hundred and fifty million Naira (N6,250,000,000.00) and five million US Dollars ($5m) respectively.

“Furthermore, some NAF officers used their companies to collect VAT and Withholding Tax that were never remitted to FIRS while another officer was found to have cross transferred about five hundred million naira (N500m) between a NAF company, Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, SkyExperts Nigeria Limited and Huzee Nigeria Limited, companies in which he had personal interests.

“In continuation of its assignment, the Committee has so far established that the nation spent about twenty nine billion naira (N29bn) and two billion US dollars ($2bn) on NAF procurement activities alone,” Shehu said.

The development and the recommendation of the committee led President Buhari to direct the EFCC top military officials indicted in the scandal.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the EFCC has asked 18 generals to appear before it on Monday in connection with the scandal.

Those affected in the order include embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. ​Sambo Dasuki (retd.); former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (retd.); and two former Chiefs of Air Staff, Air Marshal MD Umar (retd.) and Air Marshal Adesola Amosun (retd.).


Source: http://www.punchng.com/scandal-billions-spent-faulty-helicopters-air-force/

Obafemi Martins Photo With Wizkid & Dammy Krane - Peace Talk...

 

#LeaveTrashforLawma was settled by Dangote.

Now it is Obafemi Martins in peace talk. Who is the next icon to resolve the next beef? #Jagaban or #DonaldTrump LOL!!!

http://www.9janewsarena.com/2016/01/obafemi-martins-pictured-with-wizkid-and-dammy-krane.html

 

FG pleads with Investors of Private Sector not to lay off staff at this critical stage.

The Federal Government on Saturday begged investors in the private sector to desist from sacking workers at the moment, stressing that the country’s economy is in a critical stage.

According to the government, the sack of any employee would have serious negative effect not just on the retrenched fellow, but on the larger economy.

The Minister Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, disclosed this at the Investiture Ceremony of Engr. Otis Anyaeji as the 30th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in Abuja.

Ngige, who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. James Ocholi, said the role of engineers in job creation could not be over-emphasised, adding that the provision of employment was one of the cardinal objectives of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The minister urged the large turnout of private sector operators at the gathering to always seek ways of managing their workforce without necessarily increasing the number of unemployed persons in Nigeria through sacking of staff.

He said, “Engineers are too critical to the nation and this is because they create jobs. We all know that one of the President’s key priorities is job creation. But without engineers this cannot be achieved. So engineers are of great significance to our country, especially with respect to job creation.

“Now I think it is important to state that we should not lay off staff at this critical stage. Because if we do, we will be creating more problems. You should try to micro-manage and retain the staff that you have now. Because no matter how much we accommodate, government alone cannot be the largest employer of labour. The largest employer of labour is, of course, the private sector.”

Earlier in his address, the new NSE president said engineering was key to over 95 per cent of the activities in the public and private sectors of the economy.

Anyaeji said engineering infrastructure, industrial and agricultural economics were critical for the adequate planning and managing of an economy.

He said, “The NSE will work with like-minded persons and bodies to get the government to appreciate that industrialisation drives both infrastructure and agriculture. Without attaining a critical level of in-country manufacturing, adequate and reliable infrastructure will not be achieved, and profitable and sustainable mechanisation of agriculture with self sufficient agricultural process will remain elusive.”


Source: http://www.punchng.com/24978-2/

EFCC has sealed Atiku Dasuki's House

 

This multi-million naira property belonging to Atiku Dasuki, son of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki located at Brains and Hammers estate in Gudu district of Abuja was confiscated by the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

Sambo Dasuki, who is currently facing several count charges over the $2.1bn arms deal scam was said to have purchased the house for his son at the cost of N90million

According to our source, the house was subsequently renovated and furnished with the sum of $3 million.

The contract for the renovation and furnishing of the house was awarded to a Lebanese company whose name was not disclosed.

Source: http://www.nairaland.com/2870299/atiku-dasukis-house-sealed-efcc

Goldman Sachs to pay $5.1 billion in mortgage settlement

Goldman Sachs has reached a $5 billion settlement as part of a federal and state probe into its role in the sale of mortgages in the years leading up into the housing bubble and subsequent financial crisis.

Goldman will pay $2.39 billion in civil monetary penalties, $875 million in cash payments and provide $1.8 billion in consumer relief in the form of mortgage forgiveness and refinancing. The settlement, announced late Thursday, was reached between Goldman and the U.S. Department of Justice, the attorneys general of Illinois and New York and other regulators.

credits to nydailynews.com

Number 1 University in Nigeria is U.I. - NUC

The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has named University of Ibadan as the best among second generationUniversities in the country in 2015.

University of Jos and University of Ilorin also made the list, TheNation reports.

A statement signed by Abdullahi Abdullahi, Principal Officer Assistant Registrar, Information and Publication of the university, noted that: “The second generation Universities are the 12 universities established between 1970 and 1985 to meet the increasing need for university education in Nigeria especially in the area of Science and Technology.”

Abduallhi said: “University of Jos was however ranked 7th in the overall ranking of all Federal, State and Private Universities in Nigeria.”

Covenant University was also named as the best private University in Nigeria.

credits to pulse.ng

Celine Dion's hubby Rene Angelil dies at age 73

Mr Angelil was born in Montreal in 1942. After managing groups in Canada, he was approached to manage Dion by her parents when she was aged 12.

Mr Angelil, who Dion married in 1994 and with whom she has three children, died at home in Las Vegas from cancer.

Dion took two career breaks to look after Mr Angelil after he was diagnosed with throat cancer, first in 2000.

Credits to bbcnews.com

This is so hilarious! Bovi

https://youtu.be/_dTCCpIkfio

'Was it homophobia? Was it fear?': Sir Elton John reveals his pain that his father never came to see him perform on stage

Sir Elton John has revealed that he is still hurt by the fact his father, Stanley Dwight, never came to watch his perform before his death.

The music icon admitted that he was never sure of the reason why the former World War II fighter pilot did not attend his shows but hinted that homophobia could have played a part.

Writing in The Times, Elton stated: ‘My father was sealed off from my talent and I never knew why. Was it homophobia? Was it fear?’

Elton previously touched on the subject of his father’s lack of support at shows soon after the birth of son Zachary in 2011.

Sir Elton, who started playing the piano when he was just three and went on to attend the Royal Academy of Music, said his disciplinarian father had no interest in his budding career even though Mr Dwight had also been a keen musician, having played the trumpet.






You know, my father never came to hear me play. Not ever,’ said Sir Elton, who was born Reginald Dwight.

‘He was a tough and unemotional man. Hard. In the RAF. He was dismissive, disappointed and finally absent. I just wanted him to acknowledge what I’d done. But he never did.’


Mr Dwight, had wanted his son to have a more conventional career and steered him towards banking. He then divorced Sir Elton’s mother Sheila when the singer was 15.

The 68-year-old said: ‘It wasn’t that he didn’t know how to relate to kids. He left us, remarried and had another family, and by all accounts was a great dad to them. It wasn’t children, it was me.’

Sir Elton has been in a bitter feud with his mother for the past seven years and speaking to the Mail’s David Wigg, Sheila revealed her initial fall out with the musician stemmed from his anger at her long-standing friendship with his former PA, Bob Halley, and ex-manager John Reid – and desire for her to sever ties with both.

Elton John and husband David Furnish with their children, Zachary and Elijah arriving for lunch at the Club 55 in Saint-Tropez in 2014

‘I had no intention of dropping John and Bob and I told Elton that,’ she said. ‘He told me I thought more of Bob Halley than I did of my own son.

To that I said to him, ‘And you think more of that f***ing thing you married than your own mother.”

Harsh words were exchanged and the pair have not spoken for seven years – although Sir Elton is believed to have sent her a single orchid on her 90th birthday.

Despite the feud, Sir Elton – who is worth an estimated £235 million – is still believed to be paying her bills.

Learnt from Mailonline

4 suspects in the horrific Lekki Phase 1 robbery nabbed

Four of the robbery suspects that stormed Lekki Phase 1 in March, leaving a tale of tears, sorrow and blood, have been arrested by the police in a nationwide manhunt that has yielded fruits.

According to a statement by the Nigeria Police Force, the four suspects were nabbed at different locations in the country including Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Osun States following a full-scale investigation launched by the force immediately after the incident.

You would recall that on March 12, some deadly armed bandits stormed the exclusive Lekki Penninsula and for over an hour, held residents, passerby and commuters to ransom, robbing a bank and a filling station before escaping through the lagoon in speedboats.

Before they escaped, the killed about five policemen and an unfortunate teenage fish seller.

The attack drew lots of anger and condemnation from Nigerians with many urging the police to do everything within their powers to bring the robbers to book.

‘American Idol’ to end after Season 15

“Idol” worship is coming to an end.

“American Idol,” the most successful TV show of the 21st century and the birthplace of stars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, will end after its 15th season in spring 2016, the Fox network announced Monday.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Fox Television Co-Chairman and CEO Gary Newman said Monday morning. “We talked with the producers and we all agreed it was time to bring it to an end.”

While “Idol” suffered a precipitous ratings drop the last few years, it has remained a contemporary television touchstone.

It revolutionized the long-standing genre of talent shows by focusing on the invidual dramas of the contestants and introducing judges with attitude — particularly Simon Cowell, whose departure before Season 10 signaled to many fans the symbolic end of the original show.

Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. watch contestants perform

“Idol” burst onto the air in June 2002 and was an immediate smash, drawing more than 20 million viewers.

By 2006 and 2007 its audience reached a staggering 36 million viewers an episode, reviving the whole concept of water-cooler television. In all, it ruled as the No. 1 show on television for eight seasons.

“Idol” was also one of the first shows to enhance its buzz through social media.

Its ratings had plunged dramatically in recent years as it produced fewer successful performers and the starpower focus shifted toward celebrity judges like Jennifer Lopez, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.

Fox Television Co-Chairman and CEO Dana Walden said there has been “a lot of enthusiasm” among former contestants and judges to come back and help celebrate the final season.

While other shows like “The Voice” and Fox’s own short-lived “X Factor” have taken a bite of the talent-show audience, the “Idol” producers have always said “Idol” did one thing the others did not.

“This is the only show that has produced stars,” long-time judge Randy Jackson said when he left last year. “And that’s what the game is about.”

That list has also included Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Ruben Studdard, Adam Lambert and Fantasia.

While the end of “Idol” takes Fox out of the talent show game, following the cancellation of Cowell’s ill-fated “X Factor,” Newman said Monday that Fox wasn’t closing the door on a future return.

“We would need to reinvent the performance show,” he said, echoing a widespread TV industry sentiment that the genre has an oversaturation problem. “But that’s a challenge we would welcome if we had a great idea.”

Learnt from nydailynewsonline

Tyga, Blac Chyna: Stars' families clash bitterly on Mother's Day

Ever since Tyga abruptly dumped his baby mama Blac Chynalast year, it's been one drama unto another. Matters got worsen when the 25-year-old rapper began dating 17-year-old Kylie Jenner. Fans felt it was a low blow on Chyna (26) who used to be Kylie's elder sister, Kim Kardashian's best friend.

Well, at a point when we thought everything was calm and settled, the families of both Tyga and Chyna went on a crazy rant on Mother's Day with each blasting themselves for being ''immature''.

It all began with Tyga's grandmother's alleged interview praising Kylie and slamming Blac. Enjoy the part 1:


Tyga's grandma, Kim Nguyen:

''We all love Kylie and think she is so much better for Tyga than Blac. Yes she is King’s mum, but Blac just wasn’t a very nice person and Kylie comes from a much better family.

''Tyga adores Kylie and has introduced us to her lots of times. She loves Vietnamese food, so we love to cook it for her whenever Tyga invites us to his home. Blac used to live there, but now it is where Tyga lives with his son King and Kylie is round there all the time. I’m not sure when King sees his mum, but Tyga is a great dad and has never seemed happier, now he is with Kylie. King is at such a fun age and never stops talking. He is gorgeous.''

Grandma also allegedly added:
''No [the age difference doesn’t bother us]. Tyga is only a baby himself, so we don’t see what the problem is. All we care about is that she is a lovely girl, from a well educated family who are a great influence on Tyga.''

Blac's mother Tokyo Toni replies:

People keep coming to me about Tyga family attacking my daughter. Listen up, these are grown ass people doing this and I be damn if I am stopping to any level about it! I don’t know those people and they don’t know my daughter!! So if you are that concerned about what an individual say about her, ‘CURSE THEY A** OUT THEN.’ Otherwise, let those folks do as they may.

They son (Tyga) is a f***ing pervert okay? So why not get mad… they need to get mad at that!!!! No one can stop people fromg saying SH*T OKAY!!! They talked and condemned Jesus so what else can’t be!! I don’t go that low to involve people in my business so if they have gone to the gutter they have to answer to God for their immaturity as adults!!! My daughter (Blac Chyna) is A okay- Believe that. If I could have went off on him, I would have but I got better sh*t to do in my life and so does [Chyna] than be an immature mom!! Thanks for all the heads up everyone. The f**kery is real out here and to f**k them if they attacking mine.. They look like idiots!

Chyna is SELF MADE!!!! No one gave her sh*t!! She been this way all her life!!! Take a note (Graduated and went to college). Bloomed into a real woman/mother!! No one gave her [anything] Not me! Not Tyga! She worked her A** OFF! And still is! Raising a son and is a great mom!! She is an angel and I be damned if I am letting this go unsaid. SHE IS [A] SELF MADE @entreprenuer. Call me her MOM. I am her mom and NO ONE WILL DISRESPECT HER and think I ain’t going to say nothin! Chyna is reserved and chilled- “I’M NOT’ and can care less about these fluke “money grubbing” b*tches (the Kardashians). If Kylie didn’t do her lips, ass and tits, TYGA [WOULD] BE WITH HER SISTER on the low. #IwillNotBeQuiet


Blac's mom adds: They are talking Kylie comes from a better family… how? Her parents are divorced, her dad (Bruce) wants to be a woman, her mom (Kris) is out here messing with some young black dude with birthing hips. Her sister (Kourtney) has 3 kids out of wedlock by a guy who has a drinking problem (Scott). Her other sister (Khloe) is married to a crack head (Lamar Odom) while dating a rapper (French Montana) that she stole from a former friend (Trina).

She (Kylie) is 17 and has already had lip injections. Her old sister (Kim) got famous from a sex tape. They (The Kardashians-Jenner) are no better than anybody!

I’m DONE!! @kinggoldchains (Tyga) ASHAMED of you!!!

Wait up for PART II

Learnt from Pulsengonline

ANOTHER massive earthquake hits Nepal: Four people killed in 7.3 magnitude quake just weeks after 8,000 people died

A massive earthquake shook Nepal this morning, killing at least four people and sending thousands of people in the capital Kathmandu rushing out in to the streets

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake had a magnitude of 7.3 and struck in an isolated, conservation area 42 miles west of the town of Namche Bazar, close to Mount Everest and the border with Tibet.

A spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration confirmed that at least four people had been killed in the town of Chautara.

Shockwaves were felt over thousands of miles and as far apart as Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, and the Indian capital New Delhi, where buildings swayed for more than a minute and people scurried into the streets.

It comes less than three weeks after a devastating 7.8 magnitude quake killed more than 8,000 people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes in the region.

Speaking of the earthquake, Kathmandu-based businesswoman Shiwani Neupane told MailOnline: 'I was on the sixth floor of my office building when the quake hit. We had been discussing re-building of a village...The meeting had just ended, and suddenly, the sofa I was sitting on started shaking.

'At first, we thought it was a slight tremor but in seconds it felt bigger. My mother, father and I were in the office and we rushed towards the door but the building started swinging... Everyone was praying in their own way. Some were calling God's name out loud and others were more quiet.

'I knew the building had been constructed safely, so I kept thinking of that. Once the tremors subsided, everyone ran downstairs. I kept saying, don't run, don't run please because while reporting at the hospital, I had learnt that many get hit badly while running.

'Once we were outside, there was chaos in the street. The ground was still shaking. People were calling their loved ones. We walked right to the middle of the street, and stood there as motorcycles zoomed past us...The ground was still shaking and there was fear in so many people's eyes.'

'Soon, we got on our car, and drove back home... [but] we had to stop in the middle of the road because of another tremor.

'I saw patients in Prashuti Griha - the maternal hospital for women - crowded. There was a doctor in slippers and a mask. He looked like he might have run out of a surgery. There were groups and groups of people gathered outside everywhere.



Elsewhere in Kathmandu, parents could be seen clutching children tightly and hundreds of people were frantically trying to call relatives on their mobile phones.

Shopkeepers closed their shops and the streets were jammed with people rushing to check on their families.



Paul Dillon, a spokesman with the International Organization for Migration later confirmed that at least four people had been killed in Chautara.

A rescue team from the agency has begun searching through the wreckage of the little town, he said.

Chautara has become a hub for humanitarian aid in the wake of a major April 25 quake .

Gisli Olafsson Emergency Response Director of humanitarian organization NetHope tweeted: 'Our colleagues in Chautara report buildings collapsing there in the 7.1M aftershock #NepalQuake'.

'People bringing hurt loved ones into the Red Cross hospital in Chautara after the 7M+ aftershock #NepalQuake', he added.

Mr Olafson initially described the quake as 7.1 magnitude because that what how it was initially registered by the U.S. Geological Survey. It was later upgraded to 7.4 before being downgraded down to 7.3.

Aftershocks of 5.6 and 6.3 magnitude hit Nepal less than an hour after the original quake.

Writing on Twitter before her mobile phone battery ran out, Ms Neupane described the chaos that broke out as the earthquake hit.

'We are very scared. Everyone is calling family members,' she said.

'Massive chaos on the street. People running out of homes. Ground is still shaking,' she added.

'The streets are completely chaotic. Blaring horns, people standing in the middle of the street... Chaos has ensued. Ambulances on road. Hope many don't die,' she went on to say.





The quake's epicentre was close to Everest Base Camp, which was evacuated after an avalanche triggered by the April 25 quake killed 18 climbers.

It struck 52 miles east of Kathmandu at a depth of 11.4 miles, according to the USGS, while the April 25 quake hit 9.3 miles below the surface.



Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage above ground.

'The shaking seemed to go on and on,' said Rose Foley, a UNICEF official based in Kathmandu. 'It felt like being on a boat in rough seas.'

Aid agencies are still struggling to get reports from outside of the capital.

'We're thinking about children across the country, and who are already suffering. This could make them even more vulnerable,' Foley said.

Norway's Red Cross, which was helping people from the April 25 earthquake at a 60-bed hospital in Chautara in central Nepal, said on Twitter in Norwegian that there were 'many injured, several killed' and added that their hospital tents already has gotten patients.

At the Norvic Hospital in Kathmandu, patients and doctors rushed to the parking lot.



'I thought I was going to die this time,' said Sulav Singh, who rushed with his daughter into the street in the suburban neighborhood of Thapathali. 'Things were just getting back to normal, and we get this one.'

Nepalese people have been terrified by dozens of aftershocks that hit the country in the days following the April 25 quake.



Meanwhile, the impoverished country has appealed for billions of dollars in aid from foreign nations, as well as medical experts to treat the wounded and helicopters to ferry food and temporary shelters to hundreds of thousands left homeless amid unseasonal rains and unreachable with landslides blocking many mountain roads.

'This was a jolt just like the big one last month, though it was not that long,' said Kathmandu resident Avinav Shrestha. 'I was very scared, though. Anything can happen.'

Strong shaking was also felt across northern India. In the Indian capital of New Delhi, people scrambled outdoors while buildings swayed.

Across the Nepalese border in Tibet's Jilong and Zhangmu regions, the Earth shook strongly. Tremors were also felt slightly in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa.

'Rocks fell from the mountains,' Jilong county government vice chief Wang Wenxiang was quoted as saying by China News Service. 'There might be some houses collapsed or damaged. We are now checking on the condition of the people.'

Mountaineers seeking to scale the world's tallest peak have called off this year's Everest season.

The quake came just hours after the Nepalese army rescued 117 people - including two U.S. citizens who had been searching for a missing relative - who had been stranded in trekking villages after the April 25 quake.

The 115 Nepalis and two Americans were evacuated from Syanjen, Kenjing and Langtang Village, where hundreds of people were killed in a huge landslide and avalanche triggered by last month's earthquake.

All of those rescued by the Nepalese Army this morning were stranded in the three popular trekking villages in Rasuwa district.

A series of avalanches and bad weather in the area had slowed the military's efforts to reach those cut off after the April 25 quake. It is not known how today's tremors affected the mission.

'The entire Langtang Valley has turned into a rocky and snowy ruin due to avalanches,' said Uddhav Bhattarai, Rasuwa's district administrator.
Learnt from Mail Online