Jamie Foxx Saves Motorist From Burning Vehicle — Read the Crazy Story!

 

A true lifesaver! Jamie Foxx saved a motorist from his burning truck on Monday, January 18. According to police reports, the White House Down actor saved the man’s life after he crashed his car near Foxx’s Hidden Valley, California, home.

“Jamie told CHP that he heard the accident and also a person screaming from the overturned vehicle," the Ventura County-based Safety for Citizens wrote in a post on its Facebook page, “Jamie also made a 911 call … [and] said he was able to reach into the vehicle, grab the person, and drag them away to safety.”

According to a police report obtained by NBC News, the driver, identified as Brett Kyle, was driving “at a high rate of speed” at about 8:30 p.m. when he flipped his Toyota Tacoma into a drainage ditch. "It struck a drainage pipe and concrete casing causing the vehicle to roll over multiple times," the California Highway Patrol report read. "The vehicle came to rest on its passenger side, and became engulfed in flames with Mr. Kyle trapped inside his vehicle."

Foxx, along with another unnamed man, helped free Kyle from the vehicle.

Kyle, who was taken to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center, has since been charged with DUI.

“Just got off the phone with my dad … Absolutely wild,” Foxx’s daughter Corinne tweeted on Tuesday, January 19. “That man really did have angels watching him. Definitely a life or death situation.”

 

Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jamie-foxx-saves-motorist-from-burning-vehicle-w162083

Metuh’s handcuff meant to subdue opposition − PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has condemned in totality, what it described as the brazen display of “authoritarianism” by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government in handcuffing its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh when he appeared in court on Tuesday.

The party said that the development betrayed an extra-judicial, top political witch-hunt policy of
the All Progressives Congress, which it said was carefully designed to humiliate, embarrass and portray PDP leaders as common criminals and set the stage to cow and decimate opposition and perceived foes of the government.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo on Tuesday, the party said the aim of the of the ruling party is to break Metuh.
“The question remains, if not to mortify, dehumanise and break Metuh, who has been very vocal against the APC administration, and of course to send a signal to others critical of the government, what else would have informed the decision to produce him in court in handcuffs, even when his case does not border on security
threat?” Oladipo said.

“Is this an attempt to sway the court and ambush the judicial process against our National Publicity Secretary, all because of his stance against observed ineptitude and dictatorial tendencies of this administration?

“The PDP invites all Nigerians and the international community to note the emerging barefaced abuse of state power and violation of constitutional provisions regarding the arrest, detention and eventual
arraignment of our spokesperson.”

Oladipo added that Nigerians by now, should be extremely scared that the country was fast drifting into what he called a police state where being in opposition or holding views divergent to that of the government makes one a criminal and an enemy of the state.

He alleged that for now, the target of the on-going “lopsided war against corruption is the PDP and its leaders” while all APC members, including those with known corruption issues had been immune from investigation, arrest and prosecution.

Oladipo added that, more worrisome was the fact that institutions of government, especially security and corrective agencies have now fallen victims of dictatorial abuses.

With this, he said the PDP was afraid that in no time, ordinary citizens of Nigerians, who in the last 16 years have lived under the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed personal liberty, would begin to suffer brutality and oppression.

He said, “Under PDP administration, some Nigerians, including APC leader and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu were tried but never humiliated; now we see security operatives under this regime being used to crush and humiliate the opposition.”

 

Source: http://www.punchng.com/metuhs-handcuff-meant-to-subdue-opposition-%E2%88%92-pdp/

Man found hanging from tree in wooded area in Staten Island; suicide suspected

 

A man was found hanging from a tree in a wooded area not far from a Staten Island church, in what police are calling a likely suicide.

Police found the man, who’s believed to be in his 50s, at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday in the woods of Jack’s Pond Bluebelt between Cleveland Ave. and Hillside Terr.

The man was found near Christ Lutheran Church and several homes.

Police have not released the man’s name.



Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/man-found-hanging-tree-wooded-area-staten-island-article-1.2501074?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NydnRss+%28Top+Stories+-+NY+Daily+News%29

In Abia Soldiers open fire on Biafra protesters, two dead

A 20-year-old apprentice, Chidozie Okafor, was shot dead on St. Micheal's Road, Aba, Abia, on Monday as military men moved in to check a protest by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)

An eye-witness, who identified himself simply as Okechukwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Chidozie was returning to the shop where he was learning a trade after having his lunch at a food kiosk on St. Michael's road by York when tragedy struck.

According to him, the military men shot at IPOB members who made bonfires on the road, obstructing traffic and telling people to close their shops.

He said that Chidozie, a native of Omuohu in Eziagu Local Government Area of Enugu state, was the only son of his parents.

The eye-witness further said that the victim came to Aba in 2015 to learn trade in electronic appliances, empty discs and cassettes and was until his death, an apprentice at a shop on St. Michael's Road neighbourhood.

NAN reports that another victim, fondly called Taata, who was hit on the belly, died while being rushed to the Abia State University Teaching Hospital after the New Era Hospital had rejected him.

READ: ‘We’re not interested in 2019 Igbo presidency,’ Biafra agitators say

Another eye-witness who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said that the military men began shooting at the protesters after they had seized two guns from the military men.

He also said that the protesters demolished two new traffic warden's stands along Asa road during the protest.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Police Commissioner, Mr Habila Joshack, said that he was not aware of the deaths.

Joshack said that he was not sure that his men used live bullets as they had been instructed to manage the protests in such a manner that lives and property would be protected.

He warned that protesters in Abia should know that the ban on public protests had not been lifted, hence no one was allowed to threaten the lives of others or put them in fear.

The commissioner said that the act of setting bonfires on the road to obstruct traffic was an act of recklessness and lawlessness which must be stopped, to ensure peace.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Lt.-Col. Sidi Umar, the Commanding Officer, 44 Battalion, Asa, who is in charge of Aba metropolis, told NAN that he would investigate the matter to ascertain the veracity of the claim that deaths were recorded.

However, Umar said that his men arrested some protesters who had been handed over to the police for further action.



Source: http://pulse.ng/local/in-abia-soldiers-open-fire-on-biafra-protesters-two-dead-id4574133.html

Leonardo DiCaprio 'Would Love' to Play Russian President Vladimir Putin in a Movie

If there's ever a movie made about Russian president Vladimir Putin, Leonardo DiCaprio wants the starring role.

"Putin would be very, very, very interesting, I would love to play him," DiCaprio told Germany's Welt am Sonntag.

The Revenant actor met Putin in 2010 at a conference on protecting the Siberian tiger. "My foundation has provided financial support for several projects for the protection of these big cats. Putin and I talked only about the protection of these magnificent animals, not politics," DiCaprio explained, according to International Business Times.

At the meeting, Putin gave the actor his manly seal of approval, praising DiCaprio for attending the meeting despite flying through some bad weather. "A person with less stable nerves could have decided against coming, could have read it as a sign – that it was not worth going," Putin said, adding that DiCaprio is a "muzhik" or "real man," the Los Angeles Times reports.

DiCaprio, who has two Russian grandparents, told Welt am Sonntag he's also interested in portraying prominent leaders from the country's history.

"Lenin, too, would be an interesting film role. I would [like] to play Rasputin too. I believe that there should be more movies about Russian history," he told the newspaper.

"Russia unites so many stories almost of Shakespearean character. For an actor, it's extremely exciting," he said.

DiCaprio is currently nominated for a best actor Oscar for his role in The Revenant.



Source: http://www.people.com/article/leonardo-dicaprio-would-love-play-vladimir-putin-movie?xid=rss-topheadlines&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+people%252Fheadlines+%2528PEOPLE.com%253A+Top+Headlines%2529

Trump says 'we have to stop the inflow of illegals' in new Facebook video

Donald Trump gave himself a pat on the back today via a Facebook video where he touted that 'everybody's talking' about illegal immigration, an issue the billionaire brought to the table.

'I turned out to be right,' Trump said.

He again outlined his plan to build a 'great wall' between the United States and Mexico, which will have a 'beautiful big door right in the middle' for legal immigration.





'I took a tremendous amount of heat when I started talking about illegal immigration,' Trump said in the quick, 57-second long video.

Trump also took heat for inaccuracies depicted in his first television ad, which was released right after the new year, where he also bragged about his plan to build a wall between the United States and Mexico – and make Mexico pay for it.

In the spot, swarms of people are rushing over a border fence as the voiceover talks about Mexico.

The border crossing is instead happening in Morocco, a cool 5,000 miles away, reported Politifact, which labeled the Trump spot 'pants on fire.'




Today's video's visuals are more based on fact.

'We have to stop the flow of illegals coming into our country,' Trump says, as a photo is splashed up on screen of migrant workers riding the roof of a freight train.

DailyMail.com detailed their journey in an article from May 2013.

The train is known as The Beast and travels from the southern Mexican town of Arriaga up to Mexico City and then toward the U.S. border.



It's nickname is the 'Train of Death,' for killing and maiming hundreds of migrants who come from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or Nicaragua.

According to the Guardian it eventually makes its way to the United States and is often 'the route of choice for the poorest and most vulnerable.'

The Guardian detailed a crackdown on those riding the train in August 2014.

'With the route north increasingly difficult and expensive, there is anecdotal evidence that an increasing number of Central Americans have given up on the idea of trying to get to the U.S. and are instead hoping to stay in Mexico,' the Guardian reported.

However, the migrant issue is still indeed a problem with refugee advocates last week complaining that the Obama Administration is sending mixed signals, according to a report from Reuters.

Within the United States, the Department of Homeland Security recently conducted deportation raids on Central American families who had fled the region.



At the same time, Secretary of State John Kerry announced last Wednesday that the United States will work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in order to help people from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras apply for refugee status in order to enter the United States legally.

'That frankly leaves us scratching our heads and leaves us wondering how the administration could be talking about the refugee resettlement issue in such different terms," Wendy Young, the president of Kids in Need of Defense, told Reuters.

Young's organization helps children who have entered the U.S. immigration system by themselves.

While refugee advocates are left perplexed, the current position of the U.S. government seems to be much in line with Trump's ideas of how illegal immigrants should be handled.

He wants those who have illegally crossed the border to be deported and then come back to the United States using legal means.

'People are going to come into our country and they are going to come in legally and we want people to come in and we want to treat people fairly,' Trump said in the Facebook spot.

That being said, the illegal part needs to be siphoned off, Trump said.

'It has to be stopped, it has to be stopped now,' the billionaire said, finishing his ad.





Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3405687/I-turned-right-Trump-says-stop-inflow-illegals-new-Facebook-video.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

LMC Boss Rewards Eagles With $10,000 For Niger Victory

League Management Company Chairman Alhajii Shehu Dikko splashed $10,000‎ to the victorious Home Eagles team that trounced Niger 4-1 in their opening game of the African Nations Championship in Kigali, Rwanda Completesportsnigeria.com can report.

Second half goals from Osas Okoro and a stunning Chisom Chikatara‎ hat-trick got Sunday Oliseh’s team to a winning start in the competition.
They were however promised more if they land the trophy, Completesportsnigeria.com gathered.
 

“The Home Eagles got 10,000 from the very impressed LMC boss for their spirited performance and have been promised more,” a camp source told Completesportsnigeria.com.

‎The Eagles face Tunisia who played a 1-1 draw against Guinea in their next game on Friday.


Source: http://www.completesportsnigeria.com/lmc-boss-rewards-eagles-with-10000-for-niger-victory/

Beat Fm OAP, the curvaceous Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru released a new stunning photo of herself and her fiance Capt. Tunde Demuren all loved up on social media.

Beat Fm OAP, the curvaceous Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru released a new stunning photo of herself and her fiance Capt. Tunde Demuren all loved up on social media. - See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/#sthash.CpjpNEsV.dpuf

Staten Island mom who claimed self-defense in stabbing death of longtime boyfriend sent to jail

 

The 31-year-old woman who allegedly stabbed her longtime boyfriend to death after years of abuse was sent to jail until a grand jury convenes to review the case, a judge ruled Sunday. Christina Quinones sobbed loudly as she was escorted out of the courtroom packed with more than a dozen supporters following the arraignment.

Police say Quinones slammed a knife into the chest of Ruben Jimenez, 31, her on-again, off-again boyfriend, during an argument in her apartment at the Todt Hill Houses on Westwood Ave. in Castleton Corners, Staten Island.

On Sunday, her defense lawyer, Andrea Ibrahim, argued she should be released on her own recognizance.

“She has three children she has to fight to get back because of this incident,” she told State Supreme Court Justice William Garnett.

The three children — a 14-year-old girl, a 10-year-old boy and a 4-year-old boy — were in the apartment during the stabbing, police said. Jimenez was the father of two of the children, officials said.

Quinones’ family said Jimenez had abused the young mother for years.

“She was a single mother ... a very good mother, but she was in an abusive relationship,” relative Sylvia Quinones, 27, said Saturday.

Approximately 14 family members and friends attended her arraignment Sunday morning.

“We’re all shocked,” an elderly uncle said after the emotional proceeding.

Quinones’ lawyer argued her client’s serious heart condition required medical care outside of jail. The Staten Island Legal Aid lawyer also cited the long history of abuse and Quinones clean record, to no avail.

Jimenez had been collared 14 times before — twice for violent attacks against Quinones, court records show.

In February 2013, he challenged Quinones in front of their children’s school, cops said. After cursing and spitting at her, he picked up a bottle and threatened to hit her with it. He was charged with menacing. A year and a half later — on Oct. 24, 2014 — he strangled Quinones during a fight inside her Staten Island home, police said.

Jimenez’s family acknowledged the couple had a turbulent relationship but blamed Quinones for the problems.

“I love Christina like she’s my sister, but this fake self-defense thing is a lie,” said Jimenez’s sister, Melissa Jimenez. “I’m just waiting for the autopsy to confirm that…once they give us that report…if she did it in self-defense, OK, we can accept that, that’s not a problem, but don’t lie about something like that.”

The two families have known each other from the neighborhood for decades and the couple began dating 14 years ago.

The problems began after their second son was born in 2012, according to Jimenez’s relatives.

“I don’t know where their relationship went sour, but it did,” said Jimenez’s cousin, Christina Jimenez. “They both had their own things, they both was going through whatever it is they was going through, but they were still working things out.”



Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/s-mom-accused-boyfriend-stabbing-death-jailed-article-1.2499727?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NydnRss+%28Top+Stories+-+NY+Daily+News%29

Buhari Appoints Muhammad Abdallah As NDLEA Boss

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Muhammad Abdallah as the new the new Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, made the announcement on Monday through a statement signed by Bolaji Adebiyi, Director of Press, SGF Office.

According to the statement, the appointment which takes effect from January 11 will be for a first tenure of five years.

Mr. Abdallah, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigeria Army, has a Certificate of Education from Nigeria Defence Academy in 1977, a Bachelor’s Degree in American Politics and Government from Sam Houston State University, Huntville, Texas, USA in 1989, an M. A. Public Administration, LLB and LLM Degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 2005 and 2011 respectively and Bachelor of Law from the Nigeria Law School in 2006.

The statement noted that Mr. Abdallah is a Professional Security Officer whose public service career spanned over 30 years during which he served in various capacities and strategic positions in the military.

Born on November 13, 1954, the new NDLEA boss is from Hong, Adamawa State.



Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/196973-buhari-appoints-new-ndlea-boss.html

Excitement as Ooni visits Alaafin

History was made on Sunday as the new Ooni of Ife‎, Oba Ogunwusi became the first Ooni to visit Oyo town since 1937.

The Methodist Church, Apaara, venue of the 45th coronation anniversary thanksgiving of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, became electrified immediately news filtered in that Oba Ogunwusi’s convoy has reached Owode, followed by many other Obas.

The late Ooni Sijuwade and Oba Adeyemi were embroiled in supremacy battle.

Decked in the normal Ooni trademark attire, Oba Ogunwusi shook hands with the Alaafin and they sat on the same chair, both beaming with smiles.

An elated Oba Adeyemi, who had earlier read from the Bible, said the last time an Ooni visited the Alaafin was in 1937, adding that he was ver‎y close to many Obas in Yorubaland and beyond

Revealing how close he was to Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, the monarch said he never disrespected him but prayed for his longevity on the throne. “The misunderstanding started during the reign of the last Ooni. May your reign be long, Ooni.‎ I am happy with Ooni Ogunwusi’s moves to unite all Yoruba Obas,” Oba Adeyemi stated.

Oba Ogunwusi described Alaafin as a great monarch‎, noting that “it is a new dawn for all Yoruba sons and daughters around the globe,” He ended his speech with the song ‘Ore l’ao mase…Awa o ba ti ja wa ooo, Ore l’ao ma sem” (We will continue to be friends).”

Oba Ogunwusi and other Obas were later hosted inside the Palace of the Alaafin.

Present at the historic event were more than 30 Obas which included the Timi of Ede, Owa Ajero of Ijero, Ore of Otun Ekiti‎, Orangun of Ila, Akinrun of Ikirun, Aragbiji of Iragbiji and Elerin of Erin Osun 

Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/475503-2/

50 Cent to Meek Mill Get Nicki Pregnant 'Cause Your Career's Over!

 

50 Cent unleashed his fury on Meek Mill... lashing out after Meek dropped a diss track calling Fifty out for filing bankruptcy.

Fifty posted a photo of Meek's face in a poop emoji with the caption, "LMAO Hey s*** head, your career is already over. you better focus on geting Nicki pregnant so you can at least get child support girl."

But Fifty wasn't done... he posted a video of him slapping Meek and another of Meek crying. Fifty said, "Hip Hop's first retarded MC. This nut make Philly look bad." And there's more ... "But your honor I'm not a gangsta, I'm just retarded. Look I went at DRAKE, FUTURE and 50Cent. Smh s****".

Meek did not back down, responding ... "U pop s*** on social media 24/7...U never in the places everybody b at...The whole queens say you a rat...Ross baby mom hit you for that check you sick...Ross finished you "career over?"

And Meek went on ... "All you artist that came under you broke" ya son hate you smfh! Ya swag on below "0" lol hold up......U always hating on putt and Hov other go getters from ya city......U going broke and you miserable....U really miserable bro.... Mayweather ain't got tickets for you nomore....Ya liquor is piss."

So fun.

Source: http://www.tmz.com/2016/01/17/50-cent-and-meek-mill-instagram-fight/

Stephen Baldwin Says Daughter Hailey and Justin Bieber Are ‘Just Friends’

Not so fast! Stephen Baldwin says his daughter, Hailey, and Justin Bieber are “just friends.” 
In a new interview with TMZ on Sunday, January 17, the actor insisted that “there’s no label” on the pair’s relationship.
However, the Celebrity Apprentice alum, 49, had nothing but nice things to say about the “Sorry” singer.

Source: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/stephen-baldwin-says-daughter-hailey-and-justin-bieber-are-just-friends-w161876

NNPC to build new fuel stations in all senatorial districts

In a deft move designed to ensure efficient distribution and country-wide penetration of petroleum products, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has commenced nationwide consultation with stakeholders aimed at drumming support for the planned expansion of its retail outlets across the country.

Under the expansion plan, NNPC is seeking to expand the market share of its retail business to an appreciable level from the current 12 percent by building a mega station in every Senatorial district in the country in the months ahead.

Speaking during the flag-off of consultation during the week with a visit to the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran who led the NNPC delegation said the purpose of the visit was to solicit for the support of Kaduna State Government to provide lands for building new NNPC petrol stations in the state.

“Our mission is to build three mega stations, one each in the three senatorial districts of the state. We need about five thousand square meters for each of the station. Each station will have six pumps including that of Liquefied Petroleum Gas which is cooking gas,” the GED said.

Governor El-Rufai who was visibly elated expressed gratitude to NNPC management for deciding to flag-off the outlets expansion programme in Kaduna Sate, adding: “Any time NNPC comes visiting, it comes with good news”.

The governor who gave express approval for lands to be made available NNPC for the mega stations said: “I want to assure you that we will give you all the support that you need. The State Director of Lands will take the NNPC project team round the state to look at alternative sites. I don’t know how many you are building, we can give you as many as ten sites if you want”.

He stated that the supply of petroleum products was a key requirement for the prosperity of the country, adding that he was happy that NNPC was ready to invest heavily in the retail business to ensure that Nigerians are not exploited by private sector marketers.

He pledged the support of the state government to the success of the NNPC in general and the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) in particular.

Speaking in similar vein during the consultative visit to Kano State, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described NNPC as an indispensable business ally for socio-economic growth of Kano State and the country at large.

“Indeed, collaborating with the NNPC is indispensable if we are to achieve socio-economic development of the State. Kano State being the largest in terms of population and also the commercial nerve center of the North, there is no better organization to have an alliance with than the NNPC,” Ganduje said.

He said he has already directed the Commissioner of Lands to work with the NNPC project team in selecting sites that meet the commercial requirement of the new filling stations in all the senatorial districts of the state.

“We know the philosophy behind establishing such retail stations. Considering that you are the custodians of crude oil and petroleum products in the country, one may wonder why you are into retail business. But those of us in governance understand the situation because if you leave everything to the marketers, then the problem of control especially of the price and availability will become difficult”, Ganduje enthused, adding that NNPC mega stations have integrity and do not require any enforcement for compliance on approved prices of petroleum products.

In a related development, the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, has pledged support for the NNPC retail outlet expansion project.

Gov. Abubakar who spoke when he received the NNPC delegation for a consultative meeting on the retail expansion project said he has directed the Ministry of Lands to provide alternative sites that meet the stipulated requirements for NNPC to choose from.

Dr. Adeniran expressed gratitude to the governors for their unwavering support for the aspirations and success of the Corporation.

Source: http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2016/01/17/nnpc-to-build-new-fuel-stations-in-all-senatorial-districts/

Microsoft's 'last Lumia' could be launching soon

 

According to reports, Microsoft is planning to launch a mid-range Windows 10 Mobile smartphone on February 1, apparently the last device to ever be branded as a 'Lumia'. The company is thought to be planning to abandon the old Nokia name this year.

According to Windows Central, the Microsoft Lumia 650 will be a business-oriented mid-range phone with few standout specifications. It will be the spiritual successor to the Lumia 640, a well-received Windows phone from 2015.

The handset's specifications were leaked several months ago. The phone will have a 5-inch 1280x720 resolution display, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable storage and an 8-megapixel rear camera with flash. The processor is thought to be the Qualcomm 210 or Qualcomm 212 but it remains unclear which chip has made it into the finished hardware.

Windows Central says the device will get a low-key launch in two weeks' time. It will be pitched as a mid-range device to sit between the budget-friendly Lumia 550 and flagship Lumia 950, completing Microsoft's limited range of Lumia smartphones for this year.

The device is thought to be the last Microsoft smartphone to use Lumia branding, at least for 2016. The name first debuted on Nokia's Windows Phone 7 devices and has persisted through the years and Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia to remain in use today. The company is expected to drop the brand later this year though and begin to launch new flagship phones under its existing Surface name, the premium brand used for its convertible tablets.

Switching to Surface could give Microsoft a new start in smartphones. Its Lumia range has failed to gain mainstream attention or widespread appeal but Surface has become a well-known and respected productivity brand.

By launching a phone with Surface design cues under the Surface name, Microsoft hopes that people who buy one will also buy the other. The company is relying on the reputation of Surface to get its smartphone sales moving.

Some details of the plan remain unclear. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has previously said he intends to build phones for three audiences, the different groups of people that already buy Windows-powered devices. These are budget-conscious buyers, business users and Microsoft fans.

The Surface brand can easily cater for the latter two but the positioning of future budget devices is uncertain. It seems unlikely Microsoft would want to start launching $100 phones under a brand name with products ranging upwards of $2,000 but if the reports of the Lumia brand vanishing after the 650 are true then Microsoft may be leaving itself without a budget brand.

Alternatively, the company could be intending to retain Lumia but only use it for its budget phones. Devices like the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL would be branded as Surface and the $100 Windows Phones that sell well could have their own brand name.

Lumia is a respected name in the low-range so using it exclusively for budget handsets could be a good move. Microsoft would be left with two brands, Surface for its fans and business users and Lumia for the budget-conscious buyer.

For now, this remains nothing more than speculation. Microsoft is understood to be undergoing a restructuring of its devices business and what that means for the brands remains unclear. Whether it be the last Lumia or not, the 650 looks set to launch on February 1, making it the fourth first-party Windows 10 Mobile device on the market. The update has yet to roll-out to older Lumias.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-last-lumia-2016-1?utm_source=feedburner&amp%3Butm_medium=referral&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+businessinsider+%28Business+Insider%29

Sokoto Gov recovers N1.5bn from 100 dormant accounts

The Sokoto State Government says it has uncovered N1.5 billion belonging to it lying idle in 100 dormant accounts in various commercial banks in the country.

The state government attributed the discovery to the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system two weeks ago.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Saidu Umar, said this on Sunday in Sokoto while giving an update on the system's implementation.

In a statement signed by his spokesman, Mr Imam Imam, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said ``government is determined to trace and close down all dormant and inactive accounts operated by it.

``Since the introduction of the TSA, there has been a massive improvement in the reconciliation of public finance figures between the government and commercial banks.

``This has reduced risk of errors in reconciliation processes and enhanced timeliness and quality of the fiscal figures from such accounts’’.

The governor was also quoted as saying that introduction of the TSA had enabled government to regularly monitor public cash balances.

It is ``at the same time, ensuring higher quality cash analysis from all accounts hitherto operated by the state government and its agencies.

``More analysis is being undertaken efficiently and at regular intervals.

``The full benefit of the new accounting system would be felt when the implementation of the 2016 budget starts.

``The document is currently undergoing legislative action with the state House of Assembly,’’ Tambuwal was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the governor has approved the posting and redeployment of new Permanent Secretaries and Directors-General in the state’s civil service.

Imam said another statement that 23 permanent secretaries were redeployed, while 11 director-general were deployed to various Departments and Agencies in the state.

 

 

Source: http://pulse.ng/local/tambuwal-sokoto-gov-recovers-n1-5bn-from-100-dormant-accounts-id4568118.html

Box Office: 'Ride Along 2' Dethrones 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' Tops Martin Luther King Weekend

This is the weekend box office post for the Ride Along 2. It (like the later 13 Hours post) will also include a brief summation of Norm of the North.

Ride Along 2 opened with a $34.036 million Friday-to-Sunday weekend along with a projected $39.5m Fri-Mon holiday debut over the MLK Day weekend. So yeah, it looks like Ride Along 2 gets to be the new Lost in Space/Dear John, as it is the new top film of the weekend displacing four-time champ Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Of course, said Walt Disney sequel will come in behind the second wide weekend of The Revenant, but that’s trivia for a later post.

For reference, the original Ride Along earned a then-breaking breaking $42.5 million Fri-Sun/$48.6m Fri-Mon MLK Day weekend haul. This Ice Cube/Kevin Hart action comedy sequel, which adds Olivia Munn, Ken Jeong, and Benjamin Bratt to the mix, opened at around 23% lower over the Fri-Sun frame and an estimated 21% below the Fri-Mon debut of the first Tim Story-directed entry. Yes, that’s lower, but these days it would have been an aberration for the comic sequel to open noticeably higher than its predecessor. In fact, most sequels tend to open lower than their predecessors these days, partially because movie-going is front-loaded enough that high-concept originals like Ride Along tend to play like anticipated sequels straight out of the gate.

In terms of “part 2 versus part 1″ opening weekend comparisons, we’re talking about a Horrible Bosses 2 (-45%) or Ted 2 (-41%) level plunge. And Ride Along 2 is no Hot Tub Time Machine 2. That 2014 Paramount/Viacom Inc. sequel opened with $5.9m and ended with $12m domestic, compared to the $14m opening of the original and $50m total for the first Hot Tub Time Machine. If anything, it’s closer to the 13% drop between opening weekends for Think Like A Man Too ($29m vs. $33m). I’m sure all parties would have liked bigger numbers, but this is still a $40m film that’s going to top $40m domestic on Tuesday.

In terms of long-term prospects, it will probably play somewhat close to the original, with obvious “because it’s a sequel” front loading. The first Ride Along earned $135 million off that $48.5m Fri-Mon debut, which was a not-bad 2.7x weekend-to-final multiplier. If Ride Along 2 does the same thing, and that’s not guarantee, it gets to around $105m domestic. If it plays like Think Like A Man Too (also helmed by Tim Story, natch), it gets 71% of Ride Along‘s business and does $96m domestic. Now that may seem like a comedown, but we’re still talking about a $40m budget.

And it’s still an uncommonly impressive four franchises directed and/or created by Tim Story, along with Fantastic Four (the ones that made money and didn’t destroy careers), Barbershop, and Think Like A Man. And I’d like to think that adding Olivia Munn, Benjamin Bratt, and Ken Jeong was merely smart casting, I can’t imagine said actors won’t help the film just a little bit outside of America, where the first Ride Along only earned $19 million back in 2014.

Anyway, Kevin Hart has a busy 2016, with a voice-over performance in Illumination’s The Secret Lives of Pets in July and a stand-up comedy feature in October, both for Universal/Comcast CMCSA -3.77% Corp. The fourth film is Central Intelligence, which teams the comic actor with Dwayne Johnson and will drop in June courtesy of Warner Bros./Time Warner TWX -1.45% Inc. If that seems like one of those can’t miss combos, well, it probably is. And it’s one of the only outright original high concept would-be blockbusters we’re going to get this year, so A) it better be good and B) it better make money.

Aside from 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, the other major release of the weekend is Norm of the North. The $18 million animated feature comes courtesy of Splash Entertainment and Assemblage Entertainment and is a distribution deal for Lions Gate Entertainment. The film received terrible reviews and I couldn’t bear to force it upon my kids, especially since I took my middle son to Kung Fu Panda 3 on Friday night (review coming, but it’s pretty good). The Rob Schneider, Heather Graham, Ken Jeong, Colm Meaney, Loretta Devine, and Bill Nighy animated fable looks to earn around $6.675m for the Fri-Sun weekend and a $8.8m for the holiday frame. I neither want to pick on it nor spend too much time discussing it. And so I won’t.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2016/01/17/box-office-ride-along-2-dethrones-star-wars-the-force-awakens-tops-martin-luther-king-weekend/#2715e4857a0b75109317bb74

Burkina Faso Attack: Foreigners Killed At Luxury Hotel

Burkina Faso’s government says 28 people were killed and 56 injured after Islamist militants attacked a hotel in the capital, Ouagadougou.

Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (Aqim) has said it carried out the attack, which began on Friday night. 

Canadian country’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said six of those killed were from his country.

Burkina Faso is to observe 72 hours of national mourning for the victims.

The siege at the splendid hotel popular with foreigners, was declared after a joint operation by local and french security forces.

At least four attackers died in the assaults. There were claims that some of those involved were women.

As well as the luxury hotel, a cafe and another hotel nearby were targeted.

Burkinabe Security Minister, Simon Compoare, said that 176 hostages had been rescued. The bodies of three “very young” attackers had been found.

The BBC reported that the Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb grew from a remnant of a defunct rebel force, rooted in Algeria’s civil war in the 1990s, into a wealthy and feared militant group that made its money from kidnapping Westerners and trafficking arms and drugs.

In 2007, it announced it had joined the Al-Qaeda network to fight against Western interests. Later, some of its members left to form their own factions.

The most notable of these was Mokhtar Belmokhtar who was behind the 2013 siege of a gas plant in Algeria.

In November 2015 Belmokhtar’s faction said it had worked with its parent group to attack a hotel in Mali. That signaled the mending of relations between some of the factions to rebuild the original AQIM, which was being overshadowed by its rival, the so-called Islamic State.

Source: http://www.channelstv.com/2016/01/17/burkina-faso-attack-foreigners-killed-at-luxury-hotel/

Debuchy Reveals He Needs To Leave Arsenal In January

Out-of-favour Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy said he needs to leave the club during the current transfer window amid interest from Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen.

The France international has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium, having lost his place in defence to Hector Bellerin after a long-term shoulder injury sustained last season.

Debuchy, formerly with Newcastle United, has made just seven appearances in all competitions this campaign for Arsenal and he said a move away, be it a loan or a permanent transfer, is needed ahead of the EURO Championship this year.

Asked about interest from rock-bottom English Premier League side Aston Villa, Debuchy said: “It’s true, they are among the teams seeking me. I’m currently studying everything but it’s not a possibility I have excluded.

“Whatever happens, even if it is to return [to Arsenal] this summer and then start again, I have to go this winter. I can not stay at Arsenal.

“[Villa’s position] makes you think. This is also why I take my time before deciding. On the other hand, it can also be a great challenge.

“While they are currently in difficulty, Aston Villa is one of the major English clubs. This is also why I do not rule out this possibility.

“[The interest from Leverkusen] is true and it may interest me too. The most important thing is to play in an attractive league.”

Debuchy faces competition from Bacary Sagna and Christophe Jallet at right-back in France’s squad for the EURO Championship in June and July, and the 30 year-old has also struggled to feature regularly during internationals since the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

“As the weeks go by, we get closer to the Euros. I have to play to try to return as soon as March for the Netherlands and Russia friendlies,” Debuchy said.

“I clearly lost six months. I would have preferred to leave last summer but the coach [Wenger] told me that I would have my chance. Ultimately, it was not the case.

“I do not know who is responsible. Last year I got injured, I’ve been away a long time and Bellerin had some good matches. This summer, I had a good preparation and I was able to resume the season as the regular but the coach decided otherwise.

“That’s competition, do not worry. This is football. But it was very hard, I went through difficult times. This is the first time I find myself in this situation. Playing a match every two months – that’s not possible.

“I do not know in what condition I am in. In my position, you must defend and attack. If you played me tomorrow, I do not know if I could last the whole game. That’s why I can not stay in this situation.”

Source: http://bisconworld.org/debuchy-reveals-he-needs-to-leave-arsenal-in-january/

2 Killed as Suspected Tornadoes Hit Florida

At least two people were killed as severe storms brought suspected tornadoes to Florida's Gulf Coast.

Both deaths were in Manatee County said sheriff's office spokesman Dave Bristow. At least three tornadoes were reported in the region Sunday.
In nearby Sarasota County, several homes were damaged but there were no reports of major injuries, according to a county spokesman.

One family in Sarasota whose home was destroyed had to be removed from the wreckage by firefighters but they only suffered minor injuries.

Source: http://abc7chicago.com/news/2-killed-as-suspected-tornadoes-hit-florida/1162117/