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Sean Dampte UK based singer, drops new track,‘Energy’

Saturday 17 March 2018

Buhari congratulates China’s president on re-election

Lallana among England's top four talents? Liverpool boss Klopp thinks so

The Reds midfielder has endured an injury-ravaged campaign at Anfield, but his manager considers him to be among the finest players in the country

Lallana among England's top four talents? Liverpool boss Klopp thinks so



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Wakanda Forever 1&2: Nollywood just released a spin-off of the Black Panther sequel

After Black Panther movie grossed over $1bn, Nollywood has now made its own version of Wakanda forever

Four weeks after the release of the Black Panther sequel, Nigeria has produced its own version of the game-changing movie.

Marvel's introductory film to Wakanda superhero Black Panther continues to break records, recently crossing the $1 billion mark in worldwide sales, the studio is confirming that a sequel is definitely on-track to happen.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is also a cultural powerhouse that boasts the continent’s biggest film industry, known as Nollywood. Lagos is the country’s filmmaking hub.

Just two days ago, Nollywood’s Wakanda Forever was released.

The Nigerian version of Wakanda Forever 1&2 is set in a village in Nigeria and weaves traditional storytelling with juju/voodoo and comedic special effects to explore family and lineage in an African society.

It has already garnered thousands of views on YouTube, winning the attention of a global audience desperate to connect with the African continent.

The superhero Black Panther has received global attention not only for its spot on acting or storyline but also it represents a symbol of black power and solidarity.

Film fans, actors and comic enthusiasts around the world keep flocking to screenings of Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther” which opened in Africa’s most populous country.

 

Wakanda Forever 1&2: Nollywood just released a spin-off of the Black Panther sequel



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Russia expels 23 British diplomats, shuts Council, Consulate

World: Turnover at a constant clip: The Trump administration's major departures

Turnover at a constant clip: the trump administration's major departures

President Donald Trump’s record-breaking staff churn does not appear to be ending anytime soon. On Friday, Andrew G. McCabe, the former FBI deputy director, was fired after the Justice Department rejected an appeal two days before he was set to retire. And reports indicate that Trump

The possible shake-ups come after Trump’s dismissal of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson via Twitter and at least two dozen other departures during his tenure — so far.

Andrew McCabe, fired March 16, 2018

FBI deputy director

McCabe was fired after the Justice Department rejected an appeal that would have let him retire. He is accused in a yet-to-be-released internal report of failing to be forthcoming about a conversation he authorized between FBI officials and a journalist.

Rick Dearborn, resigned March 16, 2018

White House deputy chief of staff

Dearborn had been overseeing a broad cross section of departments, including the political department.

Gary D. Cohn, resignation announced March 6, 2018

Director of White House National Economic Council

The announcement of the resignation of Cohn, Trump’s top economic adviser, came as Cohn seemed poised to lose an internal struggle over the president’s plan to impose large tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Hope Hicks, resignation announced Feb. 27, 2018

White House communications director

Hicks, one of Trump’s most trusted advisers, announced in early March that she would resign in the coming weeks.

Rex Tillerson, fired March 13, 2018

Secretary of State

Tillerson learned he had been fired when a top aide showed him a tweet from Trump announcing that he would be replaced by Mike Pompeo, the CIA director.

John McEntee, forced out March 12, 2018

Trump’s personal aide

McEntee, who served as Trump’s personal assistant since Trump won the presidency, was forced out of his position and escorted from the White House after an investigation into his finances caused his security clearance to be revoked.

Rachel L. Brand, resigned Feb. 9, 2018

Associate attorney general

The No. 3 official at the Justice Department stepped down after nine months to take a job at Walmart.

David Sorensen, forced out Feb. 9, 2018

White House speechwriter

Sorensen resigned after a news report detailed accusations from a former wife who said he had abused her during their marriage.

Rob Porter, forced out Feb. 7, 2018

White House staff secretary

Porter resigned one day after his two former wives accused him in interviews of physical abuse during their marriages.

Brenda Fitzgerald, forced out Jan. 31, 2018

Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Fitzgerald resigned over troubling financial investments in tobacco and health care companies that posed potential conflicts of interest.

Carl Higbie, forced out Jan. 18, 2018

Chief of external affairs for the Corporation for National and Community Service

Resigned under pressure after CNN surfaced disparaging remarks he had made in the past about black people, Muslims, gays and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dina H. Powell, resignation announced Dec. 8, 2017

White House deputy national security adviser

One of the most influential women in the Trump administration, Powell is returning to Goldman Sachs.

Omarosa Manigault Newman, fired Dec. 13, 2017

Director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison

A former contestant on Trump’s reality TV show “The Apprentice,” Newman was fired by Trump’s chief of staff, John F. Kelly.

Tom Price, forced out Sept. 29, 2017

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Price resigned under pressure after racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel bills for chartered flights.

Keith Schiller, resigned Sept. 20, 2017

Director of Oval Office operations

Trump’s longtime aide and former bodyguard decided to leave the White House soon after Kelly arrived.

Sebastian Gorka, forced out Aug. 25, 2017

Adviser

Gorka was forced at shortly after Steve Bannon left the White House.

George Sifakis, resignation announced Aug. 18, 2017

Director of White House Office of Public Liaison

Sifakis stepped down soon after Reince Priebus, Trump’s first chief of staff, was forced out.

Steve Bannon, forced out Aug. 18, 2017

Chief strategist

Trump’s populist chief strategist was pushed out shortly after Kelly took over as chief of staff.

Anthony Scaramucci, fired July 31, 2017

White House communications director

Scaramucci was fired on Kelly’s first day in the White House. His dismissal came days after he unloaded a crude verbal tirade against other members of the president’s staff in a conversation with a reporter for The New Yorker.

Reince Priebus, forced out July 28, 2017

White House chief of staff

Priebus was forced out after a stormy six-month tenure.

Sean Spicer, resigned July 21, 2017

White House press secretary

Spicer resigned after telling Trump he vehemently disagreed with his appointment of Scaramucci as his new communications director.

Mike Dubke, resigned June 2, 2017

White House communications director

Dubke told colleagues he was resigning for reasons that were “personal.”

K.T. McFarland, forced out May 19, 2017

White House deputy national security adviser

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster pushed McFarland out after he took over for Michael Flynn, Trump’s first national security adviser. She was nominated as ambassador to Singapore but withdrew her nomination after it stalled in the Senate.

James B. Comey, fired May 9, 2017

FBI director

Trump said on national television that he fired Comey because he was frustrated over the FBI’s investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 campaign and its possible contacts with Trump’s advisers.

Katie Walsh, forced out March 30, 2017

White House deputy chief of staff

Walsh was forced out by Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law and a top White House adviser, and other West Wing officials.

Michael Flynn, forced out Feb. 13, 2017

White House national security adviser

Flynn was forced to resign amid questions about whether he lied to administration officials about the nature of his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States.

DENISE YU and KAREN YOURISH © 2018 The New York Times

World: Turnover at a constant clip: The Trump administration's major departures



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Villarreal defender Semedo denied bail on attempted murder charge

Villarreal defender Ruben Semedo

The Portuguese has been denied bail because a judge feels he represents “an obvious risk to the integrity” of his alleged victim

Villarreal defender Semedo denied bail on attempted murder charge



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World: Qualcomm's former chairman said to explore taking company private

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SAN FRANCISCO — Qualcomm was co-founded in 1985 by Irwin Jacobs, who took the company public and made it a mobile chips behemoth. He later passed the baton to his son Paul.

Now Paul Jacobs is trying to make sure that Qualcomm stays a family business — but he will have to do it from outside the company.

On Friday, Qualcomm said Jacobs, a company director, would not be renominated for election at its annual shareholder meeting next Friday.

The company’s board said it had reached that decision because Jacobs wanted to explore making his own bid for Qualcomm. He confirmed late Friday that he wanted to take the company private.

The split, which means no member of the Jacobs family will be involved at the top echelons of Qualcomm for the first time in 33 years, was not friendly. In a statement, Jacobs said of the directors that it was “unfortunate and disappointing they are attempting to remove me from the board at this time.”

The boardroom high jinks followed months of turmoil at Qualcomm, which recently sidestepped a hostile $117 billion acquisition bid from rival semiconductor maker Broadcom and has been dealing with a litany of regulatory and legal troubles around the world. The developments have raised questions about Qualcomm’s prospects and brought fresh scrutiny from Wall Street.

Jacobs was chairman of Qualcomm from 2009 until March 9, when he was replaced. The change was widely seen as a move to placate shareholders who had been voicing their displeasure by voting for a slate of six candidates proposed by Broadcom for the 11-seat board as part of its bid to acquire the company.

On Tuesday, Jacobs sent the board a letter saying he wanted to explore taking the chipmaker private and he intended to talk to potential funding sources, according to people briefed on the situation, who declined to be named because the discussions were confidential. That led to the board’s decision Friday during its regularly scheduled meeting.

“Qualcomm is focused on executing its business plan and maximizing value for shareholders as an independent company,” the company said in a statement. “There can be no assurance that Dr. Jacobs can or will make a proposal, but, if he does, the board will of course evaluate it consistent with its fiduciary duties to shareholders.”

Jacobs, in turn, said there were “clear merits to exploring a path to take the company private in order to maximize the company’s long-term performance, deliver superior value to all stockholders and bolster a critical contributor to American technology.”

His potential bid was earlier reported by The Financial Times.

In aiming to take Qualcomm private, Jacobs would be following a playbook used by Michael Dell. Dell, who founded Dell Computer in his university dorm room and built it into a personal computing colossus, took his company private in a $24.9 billion deal in 2013 after it had been battered by competition from Apple and the rise of mobile devices. Dell has since been working to turn Dell around, away from the prying eyes of Wall Street.

Yet any takeover attempt of Qualcomm by Jacobs faces extraordinarily tough obstacles. As an owner of fewer than 1 percent of Qualcomm shares, Jacobs would have to find investors to buy equity in a transaction, as well as bankers willing to fund debt. Since Qualcomm’s directors had rejected Broadcom’s $117 billion offer as inadequate, the total price tag would likely have to be higher.

If Jacobs reached out to foreign investors to raise funding, that would also most likely be problematic. President Donald Trump blocked Singapore-based Broadcom’s bid for Qualcomm this week partly because the White House does not want to cede U.S. primacy in fifth-generation wireless technology, known as 5G, which Qualcomm has been developing.

Jacobs is friends with Masayoshi Son, head of the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank, which would seem a likely candidate to help any buyout. But SoftBank has a heavy debt load, and any move related to foreign investors could raise the same concerns that thwarted Broadcom.

Not renominating Jacobs to Qualcomm’s board opens a new chapter for the company, which the Jacobs family had made an institution in its hometown, San Diego.

Jacobs served as Qualcomm’s chief executive from 2005 to 2014, a time when revenue and profits surged as its technology became a foundation for third-generation cellular networks. As a result, Qualcomm began charging patent royalties for nearly all mobile phones that used 3G technology.

The company was also able to garner a strong position in the next generation of cellphone networks — known as 4G — because it scooped rivals in delivering chips that could work with 4G networks.

But rivals such as Taiwan’s Mediatek have cut into that lead recently. Qualcomm has also lately been hurt as Apple, a longtime customer, sued it over the royalty payments and stopped paying the company.

Apart from expanding Qualcomm, Jacobs is associated with some of the company’s most famous failures, including a plan for broadcast cellular technology called MediaFlo and a technology for mobile-device displays called Mirasol. Qualcomm announced in 2013 that Jacobs would give up the chief executive position to Steve Mollenkopf after Mollenkopf was mentioned as a possible candidate to be chief executive of Microsoft.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

DON CLARK © 2018 The New York Times

World: Qualcomm's former chairman said to explore taking company private



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Is the BBC dead? Benzema & Bale now mere supporting actors on Real's Ronaldo show

Real Madrid Ronaldo Bale Benzema

Only one member of Los Blancos’ famous forward line is fully firing right now and with changes likely in the summer, the trident could soon be history

Is the BBC dead? Benzema & Bale now mere supporting actors on Real's Ronaldo show



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Shan George: How Nollywood actress mum’s illness inspired her latest movie

Nollywood actress, Shan George and mother

According to her, being the only child hasn’t been easy, as she begged for help and was turned down severally. Shan George, has also said her mother’s illness inspired her new movie, ‘Grey Shadows.’

Nollywood veteran actress, singer and film producer. , Shan George who had recently taking her bedridden mother home 6 years after she stayed in the hospital.

According to her, being the only child hasn’t been easy, as she begged for help and was turned down severally.

Shan George, has also said that her mother’s illness inspired her new movie, ‘Grey Shadows.’

According to Shan, the movie which was recently premiered focused on how sick people are treated in the country. Read further in an interview with The Nation

READ ALSO: Actress says mum has been bedridden for 6 years

Actually, to put it in a very simple sense, it’s about the negligence of medical practitioners towards sick people generally,

People that are working now in the medical sector really don’t seem to bother much about sick people because I’m imagining if you were passionate about an ill person and they bring a sick person to you, you won’t first be asking for money physically.

The actress also revealed that her mum’s illness motivated her to produce the movie which she said is expected to be public by April.

My mum was sick for six years. So, since 2011 till towards the end of 2017, my mum had been bedridden. I saw a lot while I was in the hospital trying to take care of my mum.

READ ALSO: Actress mourns as sister dies in car accident

We actually went from one hospital to another to another to another.

She spent time in a lot of different hospitals. And a lot of different reasons led to her being in different hospitals in those seven years which she ended up at the Calabar Teaching Hospital finally.

And I had to also move to Calabar based on the fact that my mum was moved to Calabar by her doctor in Abuja.

They moved us to Calabar so, they we practically moved there. I mean, being that we’re also from Cross River State, it was a bit easier.

I got a lot of experiences from there. Also, other peoples’ own. And put them into make a movie.  You know how e bi na.”

Shan George: How Nollywood actress mum’s illness inspired her latest movie



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'Tiresome Pogba must improve attitude' – Petit calls for end to Mourinho 'duel'

The Manchester United midfielder has been told to stop “sulking” and improve relations with his manager by delivering with performances on the field

'Tiresome Pogba must improve attitude' – Petit calls for end to Mourinho 'duel'



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Avocado Pear: The health benefits of this fruit are priceless

6 priceless health benefits of avocado pear

Avocado pear also helps prevent and combat cancer, aids great vision, prevent osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases.

Fruits are natures gifts to man, and avocado pear is a priceless one.

Priceless because the avocado pear stands out among the fruit species. From its unique taste to its endless nutritional value, the evergreen fruit is loaded with a lot of health benefits that guarantee our well being.

And as described by Chris Gunnar, avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids; with 77% of its calories coming from fat, thus making it one of the fattiest plant foods in existence.

However, it is important to note that avocado pear doesn't just contain any fat…the majority of the fat in avocado is oleic acid.

And oleic acid, on the other hand, has a lot of health benefits which include, lowering blood pressure, weight loss, protecting cells from free radical damage, prevents type 2 diabetes, as well as ulcerative colitis and generates brain myelin.

Avocado pear also helps prevent and combat cancer, aids great vision, prevent osteoporosis, and other chronic diseases.

ALSO READ: The health benefits of dates will surprise you

Here are six health benefits of the avocado pear

1. Regulates the blood pressure

A significant risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease, is due to the rising blood pressure of the body that is lacking in potassium.

While bananas are known to be rich in potassium, studies have shown that the avocado pear far outpaces the banana in potassium value, thus making it a truly underestimated superfood when it comes to lowering blood pressure.

 

2. It treats arthritis

Arthritis is a painful condition that is caused by swelling and inflammation of the bone joints. And this pain could often be worsened by staple foods such as wheat, corn, sugar, etc.

However, avocado is one fruit scientifically renowned for it anti-inflammatory properties and painkilling.

Laced with a substantial amount of monounsaturated fats, phytosterols and antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, and carotenoids, the evergreen fruit have a palliative effect on arthritis symptoms.

3. It prevents cancer

Studies have shown that adequate intake of folate from food tends to protect against colon, stomach, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.

Although the mechanism behind this apparent reduction in risk is currently unknown, researchers believe that folate protects against undesirable mutations in DNA and RNA during cell division.

It has also been suggested that avocados may even have a role to play in cancer treatment, with some research finding that phytochemicals extracted from avocado can selectively inhibit the growth of precancerous and cancerous cells and cause the death of cancer cells.

In addition, the delicious food has also been shown to decrease chromosomal damage caused by cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug.

4. Eye protection

According to recent studies, certain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are needed for a healthy eye.

And avocado pear is particularly notorious for extracting such antioxidants from other food sources, while it also has them in high quantities.

These nutrients are front liners in addressing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, especially among the folks.

5. Avocado helps to reduce bad breath

More often than it is known, bad breath is not an exclusive issue of an unhealthy mouth, but also an imbalance in your stomach and intestinal system.

Well, if you're suffering from this condition, the avocado juice is a natural cleanser for both your mouth and intestine. 

It also helps to remove the microbes that are the cause of bad breath.

 

6. Excellent food during pregnancy

For expectant mothers, the health benefits of avocado pear cannot be overemphasized.

Loaded with folic acid, avocado pears does not only help in forming the nervous system of the unborn child, it also ensures healthy brains, cells, and blood.

In addition, it helps to reduce the cholesterol levels of the pregnant mother and reducing the risk of depression as well.

In conclusion, it is important to note that the health benefits of avocado pear are almost endless.

With its cancer-protecting features, skin care potentials, helping on weight loss, and normalizing sugar levels, it has been discovered that people who consistently eat avocados are usually blessed with robust health.

ALSO READ: The health benefits of cucumber will leave you speechless

 

 

Avocado Pear: The health benefits of this fruit are priceless



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Hunt for clues after Miami bridge collapse kills six

EXCLUSIVE: FKF to name Dutch coach for Harambee Stars

 Ruud Krol - Coach - Tunisia

Goal understands that a deal has already been struck between the federation and the former star and will be unveiled in May

EXCLUSIVE: FKF to name Dutch coach for Harambee Stars



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Politics: The '90s were 'a crazy time': John Kelly suggests Larry Kudlow's past cocaine addiction won't bar him from obtaining security clearance

John Kelly

Larry Kudlow entered a treatment program and said he was sober for 23 years.

  • White House chief of staff John Kelly suggested that Larry Kudlow's past substance-abuse wouldn't complicate his path to a security clearance once he's officially installed as President Donald Trump's new chief economic adviser.
  • Kudlow was fired from Bear Stearns in the mid 1990s as he struggled with cocaine addiction.
  • Kelly reportedly joked that the 1990s were "a crazy time."

White House chief of staff John Kelly reportedly suggested that Larry Kudlow's past substance-abuse wouldn't complicate his path to a security clearance once he's officially installed as President Donald Trump's newest chief economic adviser.

Kudlow was fired from Bear Stearns in the mid 1990s as he struggled with cocaine addiction.

During the off-the-record meeting with reporters on Friday, Kelly reportedly joked that the 1990s were "a crazy time" and downplayed the effects of Kudlow's history of substance-abuse, in part because that struggle was public knowledge, sources familiar with the meeting told Axios reporter Jonathan Swan.

Kudlow, a CNBC commentator, was rumored to have a hefty cocaine habit and faced "voluntary termination" before beginning a rehabilitation program.

"I went into drug rehab," Kudlow told The New York Times in 1994. "I had an alcohol and substance-abuse problem that needed to be taken care of."

Kudlow said he was sober for 23 years and that continuing his run was "my No. 1 job," according to The Times.

Questions surrounding Kudlow's ability to qualify for a security clearance come after Kelly overhauled the process — during which some senior administration officials saw their clearances get revoked or downgraded, including that of Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.

Despite the speculation, Kudlow apparently has Trump's vote. "I've known him a long time," Trump said of Kudlow on Tuesday. "We don't agree on everything but in this case I think that's good. I want to have a divergent opinion — we agree on most."

Politics: The '90s were 'a crazy time': John Kelly suggests Larry Kudlow's past cocaine addiction won't bar him from obtaining security clearance



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Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Man City prepare Kane and Isco swoop

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond

Transfer news & rumours LIVE: Man City prepare Kane and Isco swoop



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England snubs Tammy Abraham

Mourinho tells struggling Manchester United stars to 'grow up'

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

After seeing the Red Devils crash out of the Champions League to Sevilla, the manager believes his charges need to mature to reach the top

Mourinho tells struggling Manchester United stars to 'grow up'



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Sports: Texas did everything wrong in the final 20 seconds to blow a big shot at an upset and advancing in the NCAA Tournament

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The Texas Longhorns blew a 14-point second-half lead and lost in overtime to Nevada in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

  • The Texas Longhorns blew a 14-point second-half lead and lost in overtime to Nevada in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
  • Texas had a good chance to win the game in regulation but committed several blunders in the final 20 seconds.

Texas blew a 14-point second-half lead against Nevada, but it was the shenanigans in the final 20 seconds that kept the tenth-seeded Longhorns from pulling off the upset and advancing in the NCAA Tournament.

The first blunder came with 18.3 seconds to go with Texas still up by one point. Nevada fouled to stop the clock and send Texas to the free throw line.

In a one-and-one situation, Kerwin Roach II missed the first free throw and gave the ball back to Nevada with a shot to win the game.

Nevada then pushed the ball up the court and decided to go for the win without calling a timeout.

The move worked.

After Jordan Caroline drove the basket and had his shot blocked by Mohamed Bamba, he got the rebound and drew a foul when Bamba leaned into him with his body on the next attempt.

To make matters worse, it was the fifth foul on Bamba, something that would prove costly later.

And Texas wasn't done.

Before Caroline's first free throw attempt, Texas coach Shaka Smart called timeout.

The announcers theorized that Smart was both icing the shooter and setting a play if Nevada made both free throws.

The problem was that it was the Longhorns' final timeout, meaning they would not be able to advance the ball to the other end of the court after Nevada's second free throw attempt. If Texas trailed, they would have to go the full length of the court in 3.8 seconds for the win. Even if the game were tied or Texas still had the lead, it would have been nice to get the ball out of their end of the court.

At first, it did appear that icing the shooter was a good idea as Caroline missed his first attempt.

Caroline made the second, and the game was tied.

But now we saw the first repercussion of Bamba fouling out.

On the ensuing inbounds by Texas — from under their basket and without a chance to set up a play because they were out of timeouts — Dylan Osetkowski tried to pass the ball to backup Jericho Sims, who replaced Bamba in the lineup.

Miscommunication on the play led to Osetkowski throwing the ball too deep and Sims being forced to reach for the pass. He couldn't control it, and the ball went out of bounds giving it back to Nevada.

Texas would survive Nevada's shot to win it in regulation. But the circus that ensued before the miss cost Texas their own chance to win the game.

Instead, the game went to OT, Texas was without one of their top players in Bamba, and Nevada outscored the Longhorns 19-15 in the 5-minute extra period to advance.

Sports: Texas did everything wrong in the final 20 seconds to blow a big shot at an upset and advancing in the NCAA Tournament



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Friday 16 March 2018

Finance: These 35 cars dominated the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

The Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder.

Cars featured at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show include those made by Aston Martin, Audi, Lambo, Ferrari, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, and Porsche.

  • The Geneva Motor Show is the first major European car show of 2018.
  • It will be packed with the latest offerings from Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Volvo, and VW.
  • The show is open to the public from March 8 to the 18 at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 2018 Geneva Motor Show is the first major European car show of the year. Usually, Geneva is a big to do. Car makers pull out all the stops to show off their latest and greatest.

Aston Martin CEO Dr. Andy Palmer offered up a spot on description of the show when he said, "Geneva is a highlight of the industry calendar and a motor show with a rich history and great atmosphere."

And what rich atmosphere it is.

The world's top brands will be there. From Ferrari to McLaren and Aston Martin to Bentley, Geneva will be packed with the next generation of exotics. In addition, there will be a host of production-ready models from mass-market luxury brands, such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and BMW.

The 2018 Geneva Motor Show opens to the public until 18 at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva, Switzerland.

Here's a closer look at the 35 coolest cars at the show:

Geneva will mark the auto show debut of Aston Martin's new Vantage sports car.

Dr. Andy Palmer wasn't kidding when he said he had a big surprises in store for everyone. In fact, he had a couple. The first one was the debut of the 1,100 horsepower Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro track-only hypercar.

And then Aston Martin unveiled the futuristic Lagonda Vision Concept electric car.

Bentley introduced a new plug-in hybrid version of its Bentayga SUV.

BMW rolled out its new X4 crossover …

… its new Z4 sports car, and …

… the new 8 Series Gran Coupe.

The Bavarians also showed off its updated i8 hybrid.

Audi unveiled an all-new A6 sedan and …

… an e-tron electric SUV prototype.

Jaguar introduced the production version of its I-PACE electric hatchback/crossover. It's a tweener that's expected to slot in between the Model 3 and Model X.

The $295,000 limited-edition two-door Range Rover SV Coupe made its world debut.

Ferrari's new 711 horsepower 488 Pista graced an auto show stand for the first time in Geneva.

As did Lamborghini's rival Huracan Performante Spyder.

As well as McLaren's 789 horsepower Senna supercar and …

… Porsche's new 520 horsepower, naturally aspirated GT3 RS.

Lamborghini's new Urus SUV also graced the Geneva show stands.

Hennessey's 1,600 horsepower Venom F5 and …

… Pagani's stunning Huayra Roadster both made an appearance.

Koenigsegg's insane Regera hybrid hypercar made a return trip to the show where it debuted in 2015.

Rimac's new C2 electric supercar made its auto show debut in Geneva.

Porsche also introduced its Mission E Cross Turismo concept. An all-electric crossover wagon designed to take on the Tesla Model X.

Rolls-Royce showed off its new flagship Phantom limo and …

… an updated Dawn convertible.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new AMG version of its revamped G-Class SUV as well as …

… an updated C-Class.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT four-door coupe arrived in production guise.

Volvo's stunning V60 wagon is also making its auto show debut.

At the same time, the public got its first look at the new all-electric offering from Volvo's performance offshoot, Polestar.

Volkswagen unveiled the new autonomous ID Vizzion concept car.

Toyota gave the public its first look at the next-generation Supra that was co-developed with BMW.

Toyota's premium division introduced the new UX crossover that will become the smallest member of the Lexus family of SUVs.

Nearly 15 years after its debut, the Maserati Birdcage is still a stunning sight.

Legendary Italian design houses Italdesign and …

… Pininfarina both showed off sleek supercar concepts.

Finance: These 35 cars dominated the 2018 Geneva Motor Show



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In Zaria: ABU refinery project suffers lack of funding (Re-issued)

Ahmadu bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State

Prof. Ibrahim Mohammed-Dabo, the Team Leader, ABU Refinery Project, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria is making efforts to establish conventional and standard locally-built refineries in Niger Delta to boost the nation’s refinery capacity, but the project is stalled because of lack of funding.

Prof. Ibrahim Mohammed-Dabo, the Team Leader, ABU Refinery Project, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Mohamed-Dabo, a Professor of Chemical Engineering said: “Our ultimate goal is to have a conventional and standard locally built refinery that can be refining Nigerian crude.

We are hoping if enough funding is made available to us to perfect what we have on ground; we shall be willing to build other ones that can be stationed in the Niger Delta.

“This is where most of the Nigerian crude oil is produced. When new ones are built, we are going to train operators that will manage them,” he said.

He recalled that the ABU mini refinery project started in 2011 when he wrote a research proposal to the university management for onward delivery to Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for funding.

“In monetary terms, the initial stage of the project was proposed to cost N18 million but to our surprise, only N1.8 million was approved for the project.

“We initially wanted to abandon the project because the amount approved was so small, but being very passionate about it, we started the design and fabricated some components with that meagre amount.

“Actually, it reached a stage that we had to use our personal money for the project. When we started installation at the site, we invited the university management to the site and they were very happy.

“On appreciating what was done, the then Vice-Chancellor pledged that the university was going to support the project which they did by providing land, security, light and water,” Mohammed-Dabo said.

He added that dedicated staff were employed purposely for the project, stressing that since then, the university had been very supportive.

As you know, refinery is made up of many units; the first unit to be put in place in any refinery are the desalting and crude distillation units.

“These were the ones we designed, constructed, installed and operated with the support of the University.

“The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abuja was approached to fund two units, which were the Naphtha Hydro-treating Unit (NUH) and the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU).

“The RMRDC is therefore sponsoring these units. We have completed both the design and fabrication components, we are now at the installation stage’” he said.

According to him, the team is equally working on other units such as the Kerosene hydro-treating unit, Catalytic reforming unit, sour water stripping unit and flared gas recovery unit.

He said what the team has achieved was solely sponsored by the ABU management toward ensuring the success of the project.

On present state of the refinery at ABU, Mohammed-Dabo said three units have so far been completed.

“As I have mentioned earlier, presently the refinery has completed three units which are the desalting unit, atmospheric and vacuum distillation units.

“We are equally working on four of five other units which we hope before the fourth quarter of this year, we will commission them, God willing.

“Building any technology is capital intensive; talk less of oil refining technology. It involves many trials before perfection.

“There is the need to improve upon what has already been built and this involves money. We have been making efforts in this regard but up till now no funding secured yet,” he said.

Mohammed-Dabo said they have approached PTDF, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, TETFUND and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) without much success.

He, however, said the good news was when the NNPC GMD visited the refinery. The GMD, Maikanti Baru promised to support with crude supply.

“Again, last month we participated at the just concluded Nigeria International Petroleum Summit in Abuja where we showcased our project.

“The Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachukwu visited our exhibition booth and he was highly impressed with our efforts.

“In view of what he saw, he promised to support the project. We have submitted our proposal hoping to hear good news from him,” he said.

The professor said what was interesting during that summit was that many investors were willing to partner with his team, but said the team have to improve their technology before agreeing to engage private investors.

The team leader appealed to the federal government to support the refinery project.

“It is truly shameful that we are an oil producing nation but rely on importation of refined products.

“Government has a role to play to develop this technology. Anywhere in the world, developing technologies is the responsibility of government.

“It is only when it has reached a certain stage that private investors will come and partake. Nigeria is blessed with both human and material resources,” he noted.

He stressed the need for concerted efforts to judiciously utilise the country’s abundant resources, saying that any country that wanted to develop technologically must try and develop technologies of its manufacturing sector.

Mohammed-Dabo observed that Nigeria would never be self-sufficient or secured as long as it relies on foreign countries for technology.

In Zaria: ABU refinery project suffers lack of funding (Re-issued)



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Sampaoli ignores Icardi & Dybala as Correa joins Argentina squad

Atletico Madrid attacker Angel Correa

Mauro Icardi and Paulo Dybala have been overlooked again by Jorge Sampaoli, as the Atletico Madrid forward is added to the Albiceleste squad

Sampaoli ignores Icardi & Dybala as Correa joins Argentina squad



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In Kano State: UNICEF selects 10 LGs for intervention programme — official

Nigeria among 10 nations with 45% infant deaths — UNICEF

Mrs Padmauathi Yedla, the UNICEF Chief, Katsina Field Office disclosed this during a meeting with the Kano State Government officials in Kano on Friday.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has selected 10 local government areas in Kano state for the implementation of its programme this year.

Mrs Padmauathi Yedla, the UNICEF Chief, Katsina Field Office disclosed this during a meeting with the Kano State Government officials in Kano on Friday.

NAN reports that the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Murtala Sule-Garo and Chairmen of the 10 local councils attended the meeting.

She said the Fund would implement its programme in the areas of addressing malnutrition in children, provision of safe drinking water, health, education as well as improving access to girl-child education.

“We are going execute our education programme in six local government areas while the other programmes will be carried out in all the 10 LGAs, “She said.

She said the selected local government areas include Bichi, Dawakin Tofa, Nasarawa, Kano Municipal, Ungoggo, Gaya, Takai, Sumaila, Danbatta and Gwarzo.

She said the UNICEF team which had been in Kano state for the past five days, had met with the state officials with a view to discussing the criteria for the implementation of programmes.

“We visited the selected local government areas to develop the 2018 programme. We also sat down with the officials to finalise arrangement for the take-off of the programme,“ Padmauathi said.

She said the ‘State Engagement Plan’ is expected to be signed by the Kano State Government and Unicef officials on Wednesday next week to formalise the agreement.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Murtala Sule-Garo said the state government would collaborate with Unicef in four key areas this year.

He listed the areas to include: education, Nutrition, reducing early marriage as well as on routine immunization.

The Commissioner added that the Fund had also agreed to select five local government areas to provide 100 additional boreholes in each of the areas.

“They have given us the criteria for selection of the areas which include population, N1millon counterpart fund and presence of other International Development partners.

In Kano State: UNICEF selects 10 LGs for intervention programme — official



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Buhari: President approves membership of National Food Security Council

Buhari approves membership of National Food Security Council

According to the presidential spokesman, the council, which will be chaired by the President, will be inaugurated on Monday, March 19, 2018.

President Buhari has approved the constitution of the membership of the National Food Security Council.

This was revealed on Twitter by the President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu.

 

Buhari had earlier told newsmen that he will inaugurate the council, which is aimed at achieving the nation’s quest for food security, and to ensure efficiency in the agricultural sector of the economy.

He said “Our experiences today of clashes between farmers and herdsmen or the challenges fishermen face due to global warming and other environmental factors clearly demonstrates that our quest for food security has a direct link to our national security objectives.

“The Food Security Council will ensure alignment and bring efficiencies.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that this administration is committed to Nigeria feeding itself. And from what I have heard today this can happen in not too distant future.”

According to Shehu, the council, which will be chaired by the President, will be inaugurated on Monday, March 19, 2018.

He said “The Council, to be chaired by the President, will be inaugurated on Monday. It will have as members, the Governors of Kebbi, Taraba, Plateau, Lagos, Ebonyi and Delta States.

“Other Members are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; the Chief of Staff to the President; the National Security Adviser and seven (7) cabinet Ministers.

ALSO READ: Buhari does not know everything about security – Adesina

“The Ministers to be represented are for Agriculture and Rural Development; Finance; Interior; Industry, Trade and Investment; Water Resources; Environment; and Budget and National Planning.”

“The National Food Security Council will also have as Members, the Chief of Defence Staff; the Gov. of @cenbank; the Directors-General of the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency as well as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service,” he added.

Council’s objective

According to the presidential spokesman, “the objectives of the Council will include, developing sustainable solutions to the farmers–herdsmen clashes; Climate Change and Desertification and their impact on farmland; grazing areas and lakes, rivers and other water bodies; oil spillage and its impact on Niger Delta Fishing Communities; piracy and banditry; agricultural research institutions and extension services and the problem of smuggling.”

Shehu added that “the Council will also take interest in regional and global policies and trends that bear implications for food security in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

The Federal Government recently released about N43.92 billion (122 million dollars) to 300,000 rice farmers to increase Nigeria’s rice production by additional two million tonnes in 2018.

Buhari: President approves membership of National Food Security Council



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Politics: US troops in Syria prepare for more Russian attacks after crushing up to 300 mercenaries in February battle

US Marines firing a howitzer in Syria.

Russians are now reportedly joining up to take revenge on the US after losing the fight in February.

  • US troops in Syria are digging in and preparing for future attacks after a massive battle played out in the country's east
  • The US Brig. Gen. in charge of the US-led fight against ISIS confirmed that around 300 Russian mercenaries were killed in a massive battle with US forces on February 7, though the Kremlin denies it.
  • Russian websites have been seen as advertising jobs for more mercenaries, and a recruiter reportedly said Russians were now joining up to take revenge on the US after losing the fight in February.

US troops in Syria are digging in and preparing for future attacks after a massive battle played out in the country's east that ended with up to 300 Russian mercenaries killed by US artillery and airpower.

Reporting from the ground in Syria, NBC News' Richard Engel and Kennet Werner spoke to Brig. Gen. Jonathan Braga, whose forces beat back the pro-Syrian government advance on a well known US position near valuable oilfields.

The Pentagon said the pro-Syrian forces, including many Russians hired by private military contractors, made an "unprovoked attack" on their positions with artillery fire. The US response included airstrikes and artillery shelling that sources say wiped out much of the advancing column in just minutes.

"Those artillery rounds could have landed and killed Americans, and that's why we continue to prepare our defenses," Braga, who directs the US-led operations against ISIS, told NBC News.

Braga also confirmed that it was largely Russian nationals that took part in the fighting, though the Kremlin denies this.

But despite the overwhelming victory that saw zero casualties on the US side, Braga said he's "absolutely concerned" about further clashes in the future.

After the massive battle, Russian job listing sites were seen as advertising security work in Syria, in what is likely a recruitment play for more mercenaries. A man claiming to recruit Russians to work as private military contractors said that the recruits he now met were joining up to take revenge on the US, after the battle shook their national pride.

Possible round two


Now, according to NBC News, the forces that once attacked the US sit just three miles away, and Braga is uneasy.

"There is no reason for that amount of combat power to be staring at us this closely," Braga said. "I don't think that's healthy for de-escalation."

As a result Braga's forces are digging in and preparing for what could be a future clash.

Russia stands accused of using military contractors, or Russian nationals without proper Russian military uniforms, to conceal the true cost of fighting in places like Ukraine and Syria.

But when the Russian mercenaries were crushed by US airpower, they reportedly had no anti-aircraft weaponry.

It's unclear how the Russian mercenaries and pro-Syrian government forces expect to stand a chance against the US without the involvement of the proper Russian military, or at least weapons that can take down the US Apache helicopters that are said to have strafed and mopped up the mercenaries towards the end of the battle.

Politics: US troops in Syria prepare for more Russian attacks after crushing up to 300 mercenaries in February battle



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Tech: L.L. Bean cancelled its blockchain and sensor experiment amid layoff announcements

Bean Boot L.L. Bean

The project would have been one of the first blockchain experiments by a major clothing retailer.

  • L.L. Bean has cancelled an experiment that would put sensors connected to the Ethereum blockchain inside of some of its coats and books, according to The Wall Street Journal.
  • News of the cancellation came hours before L.L. Bean announced layoffs as the result of flat sales in 2017.
  • The project used Loomia fabrics, which contain sensors that track how an item is used.
  • Users could then send that data to the Ethereum blockchain, where it's accessed by companies looking for customer insights.

The outdoor clothing retailer L.L. Bean is ending a planned experiment that would put blockchain technology inside its coats and boots, according to The Wall Street Journal.

L.L. Bean first made public in February its plans to use sensors in some of its products which would track information about how people wear and use their products. The sensors would send user data to the Ethereum blockchain, where it could be stored and used by the company for product development and marketing.

L.L. Bean told The Journal that the experiment was limited to a controlled study of just 12 participants, but did not say exactly why it was shut down.

However, on Friday the company announced that it would lay off 100 employees in response to flat sales in 2017, according to the Portland Press Herald. These layoffs, along with 500 employees who accepted early retirement packages in February, represent a 10% decline in staff for the company, which could account for the decision to scale back on experimental projects.

L.L. Bean's project, which would have been the first of its kind facilitated by a major clothing retailer, would have used technology from Loomia, a Brooklyn-based startup that creates flexible and washable circuity fabric.

One of the core ideas behind Loomia's data-collecting fabric is that users can sell information about their use to companies in exchange for discounts or cash.

Blockchain is a useful took in this case because it can encrypt the data while gathering information from multiple sources. Loomia's fabric lets wearers transfer the data from their garment using an app on their phone.

L.L. Bean would have accessed the data directly from the Ethereum blockchain, rather than directly from the customers.

Tech: L.L. Bean cancelled its blockchain and sensor experiment amid layoff announcements



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