Justin Bieber Driving Drama Builds While He Kicks Back at Hockey Game

             Justin Bieber in one of his many rides

When the going gets tough, teen stars … hide in their mansions. That's today's lesson from Justin Bieber, whose latest run-in with his neighbors seems to be escalating from bad to worse as more details emerge.

Earlier this week, residents of Calabasas, California, a family-oriented community just north of Los Angeles, called the authorities on the pop star (again) for allegedly speeding his white Ferrari through a 25 mph zone. Among the witnesses was Keyshawn Johnson, who happened to be outside with his 3-year-old daughter when Bieber flew by.According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore, Johnson admitted that he was not happy with the zooming sports car — or its driver — and so he hopped in his Prius and followed Bieber, 19, to his house. (Yes, a Prius chased down a Ferrari.)
Whitmore told the Associated Press that when the former NFL star got out of his eco-conscious car at Bieber's home, the teen idol was already closing his garage door. Obviously, Johnson simply stuck out his ripped arm and stopped it as he explained that he wanted to talk about Bieber's unsafe driving. However, rather than talk it out, Bieber did what any teenage boy would do: He ran inside his house and refused to come out.
Though Johnson never got to hash things out with Bieber, he did make a statement to the deputies, who showed up at the Canadian crooner's house to follow up his complaint as well as another neighbor's. However, Whitmore noted that officers were also unable to get face time with Bieber: "His security detail said he declined to talk to us based on the advice of counsel."
The incident is still under investigation, and deputies plan to send a report of reckless driving to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office so that it might consider filing misdemeanor charges in the next few weeks. As of now, Johnson has declined to publicly comment, even via ESPN, where he currently works as a commentator.
[Related: How Celebrities Spent Memorial Day Weekend]
Bieber at a hockey game on Tuesday (Getty Images)
While this scuffle is just the latest in Bieber's string of missteps, which include everything from possibly assaulting a neighbor to trying to smuggle his pet monkey into Germany, one person's got the singer's back: his good friend Usher. During an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Wednesday, Usher defended his young protégé, explaining, "He's a teenager having to live his life in front of the camera."
For his part, Bieber has seemed pretty unconcerned about the possible legal charges, tweeting a photo of himself looking happier than ever as he watched the Los Angeles Kings face off with the San Jose Sharks during the NHL playoffs on Tuesday. No word yet on whether he drove himself.

Justin got his first tattoo, a seagull, back in March 2010. Inspired by the fable "Jonathan Livingston Seagull," the ink is reported to be a family tradition. Jeremy Bieber, who accompanied his son to... more 

MEDIA SIEGE: UK Issues Travel Warning For Uganda

The government of the United Kingdom has issued a travel warning for its citizens asking them to exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations, and to continue monitoring travel advice following yesterday’s skirmishes as police clashed with journalists protesting the closure of the Pepper Publications and Monitor Publications last Monday.

 

Al Jazeera journalist, Malcolm Webb (R) runs for safety after being tear-gassed outside Daily Monitor offices in Kampala on May 28

We advise all British Nationals to exercise caution and avoid all demonstrations, and to continue monitoring travel advice,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said in a statement on Tuesday night.
Pundits say the closure of the newspapers could affect tourism revenues as tourists from western countries shun Uganda for fear of violence. An estimated 15,000 British nationals visit Uganda every year.
The statement adds; “There were demonstrations outside the offices of the Daily Monitor newspaper in the Namuwongo area of Kampala on 28 May. There are reports that tear gas and rubber bullets were used to disperse protesters.
Several activists and journalists were tear-gassed as they challenged government’s decision to keep a lock on Daily Monitor and Red Pepper offices.

Iryn Denies Being in Japanese Prison

Iryn Namubiru who was arrested early this month in Japan after being caught with drugs has today morning said that she was not in any prison but was at a detention house.

 
 
Ugandan DIVA Iryn Namubiru

 Iryn said that after being arrested, She was detained at the police station as investigations were going on. Iryn Namubiru who was accompanied by her Manager said that she was proved innocent before being set free.
“After the investigations, they found that am innocent and i was now to act as a witness. I recorded statements and i was given two state lawyers. I explained to them that case which i carried belonged to Kim who was waiting for me at the Hotel.” Said Iryn.
Namubiru denied the allegations that she was the owner of the drugs saying hat she has never tasted any drug in her life.
Namubiru signed a deal with a Japanese based promoter one Kim where she was supposed to go with Dj Micheal and Hilderman but they later failed to go due to unknown reasons.
Namubiru who went on with the deal ended but up in the hands of Japanese Police after discovering that the case had drugs inside its covers.
Namubiru returned in Kampala on Monday after being set free.She also claims that she was granted security to the airport for her dear life.

A quick chat with . . . BBC's Alan Kasujja

 

Alan Kasujja is the Ugandan presenter of Newsday on the BBC 

World Service. 

 

Alan Kasujja is the Ugandan presenter of Newsday on the BBC World Service. Carol Kasujja asked him what keeps him busy. . .
Q: Alan, what are you doing in Kampala?

A: I am part of the BBC science festival which seeks to answer the question: “Can Africa be News For Science In The World?” And also to check on my friends and relatives.

How do you find London?

If you have not been to London before, it is worth a visit. It offers a wide range of cultural, diversity and its massive buildings are worth looking at. There is always something happening in the city.

Has your accent changed?

My accent is organic. I do not know how to fake accents. The most important thing is that my audience understands what I communicate. Ask me that same question after three years.

What do you miss about Uganda?

Missing home comes in all shapes and sizes; it just depends on what I am experiencing at that specific moment. I miss friends I always hung out with and the local bar that plays my kind of music. I miss being home. East or west, home is best.

You have been in the media ever since you were a teenager. When do you intend to retire?

I am proud of my job. I thought of retiring some time back but that has changed. I am on top of my career. I am still strong and focused. Being in the newsroom is fun and exciting. So madam, I have no announcement to make because I am not about to retire. And if I want to retire, you will be the last person to know.

You were among the highest paid radio presenters in Uganda. How do you compare BBC and the Ugandan media?

Both institutions play a big role to inform, but BBC has more resources. Working with them has exposed me to so many things I had overlooked. People are very professional there.

How do you handle a long distance relationship?

I am with my family and we have just had another baby.

 

Chris Brown accused over hit-and-run

                  Chris Brown


Chris Brown is been accused of committing a hit-and-run offence.
The Don't Wake Me Up singer reportedly refused to hand over his driver's licence and insurance information when he crashed his Range Rover into the back of a Mercedes at a set of traffic lights in Beverly Hills, California last week and police are now looking into the incident, 
Chris, 24, is still on probation for violently assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009, leaving her face battered and bruised, and this alleged hit-and-run could trigger a violation.
However, sources close to the star claim he did nothing wrong. The friends said Chris gave the woman involved in the crash his correct details and when he lawyer attempted to contact her aftewards she hung up on him. Subsequent calls have also reportedly gone unanswered,
This is not the first time the Fine China hitmaker - who was en route to a recording studio with his former lover Karrueche Tran - has been involved in a car crash.
In February, Chris wrecked his Porsche 911 after he hurtled into a wall claiming he was cut off by "aggressive" paparazzi photographers in Los Angeles, California.
A spokesman at the time said: "The occupants jumped out, with cameras, and aggressively approached his vehicle. In an effort to remove himself from the situation, he [Chris] began to back down an alley at which point his was cut off by two additional vehicles.
"Chris' vehicle was wrecked due to this aggressive pursuit by the paparazzi."
Chris - who has reportedly reunited with model Karrueche - recently ended his turbulent relationship with Rihanna after deciding to go "solo".

13 on trial for child trafficking in Algeria

ALGIERS

Thirteen people, including dual nationality French-Algerians, went on trial in Algiers on Monday accused of kidnapping Algerian children and selling them for adoption in France.

The prosecution requested a 20-year jail sentence and a fine of five million dinars (50,000 euros) for the main suspect, Khelifa Hanouti, a doctor accused of illegally shipping the children abroad with the help of a notary.

He also demanded 10-year sentences for each of the remaining 12 suspects in the case, in which nine children of single mothers were allegedly kidnapped and sent to the French city of Saint-Etienne, where they were sold for adoption.

Seven of the accused appeared in court for the start of the trial, which has been repeatedly delayed, but none of the six French suspects of Algerian origin living in Saint-Etienne were present.

"There was no appropriation of children," said Allel Boutouili, the lawyer of Hanouti, who has been in jail since March 2009.

"The only woman on whom the entire investigation rests has said that her twins, Ahlem and Katia, were kidnapped and sold to a couple living in France," Boutouili told AFP.

But according to documents in his possession, the lawyer said the two girls, who were born in 1997, were adopted by a woman living in Algiers.

Hanouti allegedly transported the children to France with the help of a notary, who is charged with falsifying "disclaimer documents" that had been signed by single mothers.

The case first came to light when a young woman died in 2009 during an abortion at a clinic in the Algiers suburb of Ain Taya that belonged to Hanouti, and an investigation was launched.

The lawyer said his client had initially been prosecuted for performing illegal abortions but this charge was finally dropped.

Hanouti had been convicted on the same charge in 2002, and handed a two-year jail sentence, of which he served nine months before being released.

Abortion is a crime in Algeria and women patients risk two years in prison, while doctors can be jailed for up to five.

One of the other suspects, Boualem Ibari, who lives in Saint-Etienne, "adopted two boys from the Ain Taya nursery, according to Algerian procedures," the lawyer said.

"He was even authorised by the court of Rouiba (near Ain Taya) to change their names and take them out of Algeria on his passport," he added.

Hamid Touliba, another lawyer for Hanouti, said "all the adoptions in this case took place according to the law, with authentic documents, and none of the biological mothers filing a complaint."

The charges of those on trial include criminal conspiracy, transporting children with premeditation, forgery and impersonation.

Nantumbwe wins Miss Uganda 2013 central region

 

Stellah Nantumbwe was up against weak contestants

 

 The search for Miss Uganda 2013 central region went down at Maria-Flo gardens, Masaka Saturday night with Stella Nantumbwe, a business computing graduate from Greenwich University, taking the day.

And not that she was the most exceptional on the night; it’s just that her 16 opponents were just not good enough. The 22-year old was a tad more intelligent with her answers that at some point the judges teased her to answer English questions in Luganda, to find out whether she grasps her mother tongue. She never disappointed.

Nantumbwe was trailed by Rashidah Namakula Birabwa, 22, and Vanessa Namalwa, 20, in the first and second runner-up order. The crowds loved Birabwa’s walking gait on the runway but the judges felt she lacked the nous of the winner.

And then, it was not funny watching some contestants dragging their feet in high-heeled shoes. One contestant Hindu Nakirya wasn’t really good with the high-heels.

With backlashes having rained on the organisers for poorly managing the past two regional searches, one could tell they had tried their best to answer the critics’ calls. The stage lighting from Fenon team reflected the mood, though some photojournalists felt more work should be done for it to hit the perfect mode.

The organisers never delayed to start the event for the crowds’ numbers to swell up as the night’s emcees comedian Alex Muhangi and Gloria Ayeera, former Miss Uganda contestant, kick-started the event at 9:30pm.

After the judges, former Miss Uganda Sylvia Namutebi, Janat Nalugya, Brenda Nanyonjo, Olivia Nakitto and outgoing Miss Uganda Phiona Bizzu had taken their seats, there were some musical performances from artistes Grace Nakimera and Captain Dollar to light up the mood. in all, the event was an improvement from previous regional scouting.

The next search is going for the eastern girls and will be at Jinja this Saturday.
 

Pope Tells Mobsters To Repent And Follow God

 Pope Tells Mobsters To Repent
  And Follow God

Pope Francis has spoken out against Mafia organisations exploiting and enslaving people, and called on gangsters to turn to God.

The Pontiff was speaking a day after a courageous priest murdered by the Sicilian Mafia was beatified.
"My thoughts are with the suffering of women, men and also children who are exploited by the many Mafias who make them slaves, through prostitution, through many social pressures," the Pontiff told the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square.
"They cannot do this, they cannot make our brothers slaves, we must pray to the Lord to make these mafiosi convert to God."
Francis paid tribute to Pino Puglisi, the reverend murdered by the Mafia, calling him a martyr and an "exemplary priest" dedicated to serving and educating young people.
Father Puglisi worked in one of Palermo's poorest and roughest neighbourhoods, trying to give hope and options to young people who were often recruited by the mob.
He was gunned down by the Mafia in 1993.
Father Puglisi was beatified at a mass in Palermo on Saturday with tens of thousands in attendance. Beatification is the last formal step before possible sainthood.
The Pontiff’s remarks recalled an impassioned plea by the late Pope John Paul II. During a visit to Sicily 20 years ago, he called on mafiosi to "repent, because one day you will face the judgment of God".

Plane Crash: Search For 'Angel Flight' Pilot

 Plane Crash: Search For 'Angel
Flight' Pilot

The search has resumed for the pilot of a volunteer medical flight days after the plane crashed in woods in New York, killing at least two people.

Divers have been using sonar equipment to scour a big, murky pond where much of the wreckage of the Angel Flight aircraft was submerged.

Supervisor Todd Bradt said the divers had trouble seeing in the water because it was so muddy, but a piece of the plane was removed.

The flight's two passengers, a husband and wife, were found dead on Friday near the crash site in Ephratah, a small town about an hour west of Albany.
The search for the pilot was unsuccessful on Saturday and teams have also been looking in woods.
Angel Flight is a non-profit group that works with volunteer pilots and sets up free air transportation and medical care for sick patients.
It claims it has helped more than 65,000 children and adults on about 60,000 flights covering more than 12 million miles. It was founded in 1996.
Larry Camerlin, president and founder of Angel Flight Northeast, said the organisation was "tremendously saddened" by news of the crash.
The twin-engine Piper PA 34 had left Hanscom Field in Bedford, Massachussetts and was heading to Rome in New York before it crashed just after 5pm on Friday.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the plane did not issue a distress call before losing radar and radio contact.
Officials have not yet identified the passengers, pilot or cause of the crash.
Visibility at the time in Rome was 10 miles, said National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Montgomery. It was slightly raining with winds of 13-14 mph.
Witnesses described the destruction that started in the air above Ephratah, a sleepy town of about 700 people.
The car park of Granny's Ice Cream Shanty, less than a mile from the crash site, was packed with emergency vehicles.
Owner Joan Dudley told The Associated Press that she and her employees were among the first at the scene.
"We were just leaving to get something to eat, and we heard this noise," Ms Dudley said.
"We looked up and saw the plane flipping in the air. Then it fell apart," she said. "Parts and pieces of it were flying through the sky, and a body fell out."
They called 911 as they parked their car and ran to the crash site in the rain to see if they could rescue anyone.
"Airplane parts were all over the place," she said. "They were picking them up all over."
Ephratah resident Roger Berry, 75, said: "When I heard it, I knew something was wrong. It made one circle and came back around."
Mr Berry said he heard a bang, then saw pieces of the plane fall out of the air. Although most of the plane landed in the pond, he said pieces, including the engine, scattered about the area.
The motor fell 50ft from his neighbour's bedroom, where she was sleeping, Mr Berry said.

17 killed, 20 injured in rebel attack in India

 Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L) and chairperson of the National Advisory Council, Sonia Gandhi (2L) meet injured survivors of the attack on May 26 2013.

In Summary

• Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi has described it as "an attack on democracy" while her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi is currently camping in state capital Raipur. 

New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the ruling Congress party have condemned the horrific attack on party leaders by left-wing Naxalite rebels in the central state of Chhattisgarh, in which at least 17 people were killed and more than 20 others injured.

A group of armed Naxalites Saturday ambushed a Congress party convoy at Dharba Valley in the state ruled by the country's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), killing 17 people on the spot and abducting a senior leader along with his son, according to a senior police official.

"All the injured, including former central Minister and senior Congress leader V.C. Shukla, are currently being treated in various hospitals," he said, on condition of anonymity. The prime minister has strongly condemned the horrific attack and offered all kinds of assistance to state Chief Minister Raman Singh. He is due to visit the injured Sunday.

Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi has described it as "an attack on democracy" while her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi is currently camping in state capital Raipur.

"The Congress party stands by the families of the victims," he told the media.

Meanwhile, local Congress workers have staged demonstrations throughout the night in Raipur and called a 24-hour closedown of Chhattisgarh to protest against the state government's inadequate security arrangements for the Congress leaders who were ambushed while returning from a political rally.

Two arrested for ‘eating’ chimp meat

 

Some of the residents skinned the chimp, skewered and then roasted

its meat, saying they would feed it to their dogs.  

 

 KIBAALE, Western Uganda - Two men sought police protection after residents tried to lynch them, accusing them of ‘eating’ meat of a chimpanzee killed on Wednesday.

The primate, which was said to have attacked a 52 year old man working on a coffee plantation was speared dead by the residents.

The village chairman of Mabale in Bwikara sub-county Kibaale district Julius Kabera said that two men – one identified as Wilson Kwoyenda and the other only as Dan – from Katikengeye are accused of hiding some parts of the chimpanzee for unknown reasons.

Parts of the dead male chimp that were allegedly taken by the two men include the private parts, tongue, kidney, lungs, and others.

Kabera said that they suspect that by hiding the body parts, the two men had ulterior motives, and likened the move to cannibalism, considering that chimpanzees are a close relation to humans.

“We asked them where these parts were and they could not tell and when residents turned rowdy these people ran to Bwikara Police Post for rescue,” he said.

Allin Bazira, who was attacked by the chimp in question, wrestled it after it rammed into him unawares, and he cut off one of its hands during the fight

Jumper kills 5-year old girl in South Korea

Jumper kills 5-year old: A man jumped from the 11th floor of a building, committing suicide. But he also killed a 5-year girl walking by on the sidewalk.

Japanese ferry Hamayuu sails through the port in Busan, south of Seoul, South Korea. A man committed suicide by jumping from a building in Busan, and in the process the jumper killed a 5 year-old girl. 

 

Seoul, South Korea

 outh Korean police say a suicidal man jumping to his death killed a 5-year-old girl by falling on her as she walked with her parents outside the apartment building.
A police official said the 39-year-old man died immediately after he jumped Wednesday from the 11th floor of the building in the southeastern port city of Busan. The girl died later from brain damage and broken bones.
The official who spoke Friday declined to be named because the case is still under investigation.
The official says it's unclear why the man jumped. He says witnesses saw the man jumping but there was no suicide note.

Woman killed in crash while driving wrong way down M5

 
A woman has died after driving her car the wrong way up a motorway in the early hours of this morning, police said.

The woman, aged in her late 20s or early 30s, died after her Ford Ka collided with four vehicles on the M5 in Somerset.

She drove the small blue car north up the southbound carriageway from Weston-super-Mare towards Clevedon at 12.30am, Avon and Somerset Police said.

"It was involved in separate collisions with two vehicles and was left stationary when it was hit by two more vehicles," a force spokesman said.

"Unfortunately the driver of the Ford Ka, a woman in her late twenties or early thirties, died at the scene."

The road, a key tourist route in the West Country, was closed while the emergency services dealt with the incident and while police officers investigated the crash.

Jim Iyke Should Speak The Truth On His Relationship With Nadia Buari

Ghanian actress Nadia Buari and Nollywood bad boy Jim Iyke have confirmed that they are dating. The two took to twitter to profess their love.

Nadia tweeted: “There comes a point in ur life wen u realise who really matters, who never did and who always will. I named him Skittles, he calls me space.”

Shortly after, Jim Iyke followed with this tweet: “She calls me Skittles. I named her space, D gift of laughter, companionship n trust is incomparable. BFF. Love is a f***ink beautiful thang!”

The two have been seen together several times after Jim Iyke's spat with his ex-fiance Keturah Hamilton. They were also spotted together at that Ghana Music Awards.



Jim with EX

Why I prefer dating white guys to Nigerian men – Cynthia Agholor

Cynthia Agholor will tell anyone who cares to listen that she has been having a wonderful time in Nollywood even though she started acting as a child many years ago. What has not been kind to her, as Cynthia is certain to tell you, is the media who have continued to spread negative stories about her.

Beautiful, busty and brainy, Cythia is a simple woman who will rather have a glass of wine instead of going all the way even with the man of her dream, out of wedlock. In this chat with Showtime Celebrity, she opens up on variety of scandals trailing her career and why she prefers dating a white guy to a black man. ..Enjoy!!!

You once dated a White guy and there was an interview where you said you regretted dating a White guy…

(Cuts in) that was years ago. Did I ever say I regretted dating the guy? That was a long time ago and now that I am more mature I will say White guys are better. For one, they wouldn't break your heart unnecessarily. If you want me to compare I will say White guys are better lovers because of their truthfulness.

What if we look at the difference between the two in bed. Which would you say is better?

(Laughing) oh, what a question! Well, it depends on how you go about it. A man is a man. I am not saying that Black men are not blessed naturally more than the whites. They seem to be more endowed but then it still depends on how you go about it. You can get whatever you want from the white man depending on how you go about it.

What's your idea of sex generally. How often should it be done?

I think sex is good when someone is married. You know, you do it without fear of committing a sin or committing adultery. Sex is something every couple , married couple, should do, probably, everyday, I don't know, probably every time they are moved to do it.

Sex has the real pleasure when you are doing it without any form of fear. I'm not saying unmarried people should not engage in sex because there is nothing I will say that will make them stop but somebody like me, every time I do it I always feel bad that I'm sinning against God. Even before sex I feel frigid because there is always that looming fear that I'm not doing what is right. That is for me, I don't know about any other person. If I'm married to the man then I will feel very free and enjoy it very well.



Can you marry a married man like some of your colleagues in the industry are doing?

Oh, what a question! I wouldn't marry a married man because the man is married. I can only marry such a man if he is divorced. If the man is divorced he is no longer married, then I can marry him with or without children. There is nothing wrong in a man having children. If the person is nice and we are compatible, why not? I don't mind

There was a rumour some time ago that you fought with Cossy Orjiakor in public and got yourselves stripped?

That was a very big lie but then what do I do. I heard it but had to overlook it because that was a very big lie. Even at the end of the day, the person that wrote the story came to apologise to me. The journalist said she just wanted to make noise. For me, it's a bygone, I wouldn't do that with anyone let alone Cossy. Cossy is my friend. I never had a fight with even my enemy.

The report was trying to paint a picture that you and Cossy were in competition with each other over whose boobs are bigger and finer…

(laughing): I never knew that. I think I am hearing that for the first time. Cossy is my friend. We never quarrelled even during the time we lived together. At a time, she was staying with me and later moved into her own house. When some people see two people being friends they just imagine things and write stuffs about them. Me and Cossy are still friends till date.

Sudan suspends two biggest dailies for critical coverage

 

 The newspapers were suspended also for writing about the future

  plans of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. 

 KHARTOUM - Sudan's security services temporarily suspended the country's two biggest newspapers to punish them for writing about army operations against rebels and the future plans of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, editors said on Saturday.

Sudan has clamped down on independent media, think tanks and non-governmental groups since it discovered plans for a coup against Bashir's government in November.

Al-Intibaha, Sudan's biggest daily owned by an uncle of Bashir, said the security services had ordered it to stop publishing for one week because it published a report about the army's fight in South Kordofan, home to a rebellion against the government.

"A security officer called us yesterday without giving a reason," said editor Sadiq al-Rizigi.

Al-Majhar al-Siyassi, Sudan's second-biggest daily by circulation, said it had been ordered to halt publication for three days after it criticized calls from some officials urging Bashir, in power since 1989, to seek reelection in 2015.

"Our chairman also wrote an article in which he criticized the performance of the defence minister in South Kordofan state," said its editor Salah Habib.

Sudanese journalists complain of frequent restrictions, even though censorship was officially abolished in the Arab-African country in 2009.

The security service often bans distribution of entire editions to inflict financial losses on newspapers as punishment for critical coverage, journalists say.

 

Who is teaching your child bad manners?

 

 

Experts say a parent is the most influential person in the life of

  a child below five years.

 

 Gwe madam!" a three-year-old boy rudely called out to his mother at a small family function. For a second, there was an uncomfortable silence until his bold aunt broke it: “Tim! You should never refer to your mother like that!”

His mother, Maggie, later said her husband often referred to her that way in front of the children. Each time she reminded him not to, a verbal exchange ensued.

The embarrassment that another mother bore due to a vice her son picked from his father was worse than Maggie’s. She was once summoned to school because her four-year-old son was punching and cursing his classmates.

Her husband, a soldier, who works abroad, comes home at least every four to six months. While on holiday at home, he loves bag-punching and saying the F-word. So, the boy always said the F-word while punching his classmates.

The boy’s mother punished him by applying pepper on his tongue and the word was no more. She said despite her husband’s shock on learning that their son often used the F-word, he remained verbally careless around the children.

So, are fathers more likely to pass on bad habits to the children?

Grace Bayiga, a mother of two and TV presenter, believes fathers are more likely to influence their children negatively.

“My ex-husband used to call me Grace and my four-year-old child did the same. I stopped him, but he asked whether it was not my name after all,” she notes.

Like Bayiga, Ronald Ssebanenya, an endorsement officer in a clearing and forwarding company, says men are careless around children, hence passing on ill behaviour.

“Most men do weird things in the presence of children, especially if they have a serious misunderstanding with their partners. Others beat up their spouses and utter vulgar words in the presence of children,” says Ssebanenya.

Similarly, Theresa Mbiire, a businesswoman, concurs: “A man goes home drunk and perhaps fights his wife. When the children witness that, they go to school thinking fighting is the solution to all problems. Nonetheless, there are men who are careful around their children.”

Mbiire, however, observes that some mothers also exhibit bad behaviour in the presence of their children.

“Today, young mothers go home drunk and also dress indecently in the name of freedom. When a mother wears a mini-skirt, her daughter will wear something even shorter,” she notes.

When they are in other environemnts, children will attempt to replicate what they have seen and heard at home.

Who takes blame?

Joy Tumwesigye, a relationships counsellor, says the mother is to blame if the children pick on their father’s bad habits.

“A woman of noble character puts her husband on the right road. If you notice an undesirable habit, calmly talk to him about it, before the children pick it up,” she advises.

Tumwesigye warns against ignoring the behaviour. “You ignore him at your own peril because it is your family that will be embarrassed.”
Taming language
Calmly talk to hubby
Tumwesigye advises: “Do not rebuke him in public or in front of the children. Talk to him in a calm tone. Ask questions like, did you know that children pick on the curse words that you always use?”

‘‘He may not want to accept blame and even label you a nagging wife, but do not despair because you will have communicated and he will think about it.’’

Similarly, Joseph Musaalo, a counsellor at the Uganda Christian University, says: “Talk to him when he is in a good mood. Do not wait for him to exhibit that undesirable behaviour in front of the children and then whisk him off for a scolding.”

Bonita Birungi, an early childhood care and development expert at Save the Children, says: “Children often fine tune the skills they acquire before the age of five. Therefore, depending on what behaviour the parent/caregiver exhibits, they are in ‘the teaching process.’
Be a role model

Birungi says parents need to consistently exhibit good behaviour as role models.

“As a parent, you cannot start lying on phone about where you are in the presence of the child or ask him not to hit/abuse other children while you continuously fight or abuse your spouse in their presence.”

She also advises rewarding positive behaviour among children and recommends being candid and communicating the expectations clearly, and consistently. The ‘rules’ should be clear and consequences, both negative and positive, explained.

Africa to celebrate progress and 50 years of 'unity'

 President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) confers with Deputy President William Ruto (right) and Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia (left) at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before leaving for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend a regional summit May 3, 2013.

In Summary

• Kadhafi's death also stripped the AU of a major source of funding. Leaders will discuss finding backers for the cash-strapped body at a two-day summit following Saturday's anniversary celebrations.

Addis Ababa

African leaders gathered Saturday ahead of extravagant celebrations for the 50th jubilee of the continental bloc, with Africa's myriad problems set aside for a day to mark the progress that has been made.

Mass dancing troupes are set to perform musical dramas to some 10,000 guests in a giant hall in the Ethiopian capital, home to the African Union (AU).

Today's 54-member AU is the successor of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), established amid the heady days as independence from colonial rule swept the continent in 1963.

African leaders are expected to be joined by French President Francois Hollande, China's Vice Premier Wang Yang and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

AU Commission chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said the "celebration of all Africa" was "historic", and that it was a time to both look back at the past and consider how the continent can tackle the many challenges ahead.

"The future is in our hands, its bright.. the opportunities are great for the continent to be prosperous," Dlamini-Zuma said in a statement late Friday.

South African choreographer Somzi Mhlongo, who organised the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 World Cup as well as this year's Africa Cup of Nations, said the celebrations he had organised would be "an extravaganza".

Musicians playing include Congolese music legend Papa Wemba, Mali's Salif Keita and British-based reggae band Steel Pulse, with giant screens set up across Addis Ababa also showing the festival.

The AU has budgeted $1.27 million for Saturday's celebrations, according to official documents seen by South Africa's Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

AU Commission deputy chief Erastus Mwencha said he did not have the exact figure but that some $3 million would be spent on Saturday's festivities and on other events over the coming year.

The AU took over from the OAU in 2002, switching its name in a bid to shrug off its troubled past.

OAU non-interference in member states' affairs allowed leaders to shirk democratic elections and abuse human rights without criticism from their neighbours.

In recent years, the AU's role in combat -- such as its mission in Somalia to battle Al-Qaeda linked Islamists -- has shown it can take concrete action, even if the funding for that mission comes mainly from Western backers.

But at the same time, the splits revealed by the 2011 conflict in Libya -- when members squabbled between those wanting to recognise rebels and those backing Moamer Kadhafi -- showed its disunity and lack of global clout.

Kadhafi's death also stripped the AU of a major source of funding. Leaders will discuss finding backers for the cash-strapped body at a two-day summit following Saturday's anniversary celebrations.

Development indicators on the continent -- including health, education, infant mortality,economic growth and democracy -- have improved steadily in the past 50 years.

Africa is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world according to the IMF, and has attracted huge amounts of foreign investment in recent years.

16 children die in Pakistan school bus fire: police

LAHORE

Sixteen children and a teacher were killed when their school bus caught fire in central Pakistan on Saturday, police said.

Seven other children were injured in the blaze which destroyed the vehicle.

The van was carrying 24 children to a private school in Gujrat, about 112 kilometres (70 miles) north of the eastern city on Lahore, when it caught fire, local police chief Dar Ali Khattak told AFP.

"The fire erupted in the vehicle when the children were only a few kilometres from their school," he said.

The blaze was apparently caused by a spark when the driver of the dual-fuel van switched from gas to petrol, he said, adding that the fuel gas cylinder was intact.

The children were aged between five and 15 years old, he said, adding that a female teacher also died.

Another police official, Abid Khan, said the driver fled after the fire.

Five of the injured children were in serious condition, hospital officials said.

Vehicles in Pakistan mostly run on both petrol and natural gas.

Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for fatal traffic accidents, blamed on poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

Plane 'On Fire' Flying Over Central London

 A British Airways plane made
 an emergency landing at Heathrow
airport with smoke billowing …

A British Airways plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Heathrow Airport as eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft "on fire" flying over central London.

A man who only gave his first name as Jamie told Sky News: "As you looked up you could just see the flames being chucked out of the engine ... It was on full fire when we saw it."
BA has cancelled all short-haul flights in and out of the West London airport until 4pm.
Both runways were initially closed as the London Fire Brigade confirmed that they had attended to an "aircraft fire."
Clive Cook, who lives under the flight path, told Sky News: "The actual engine itself was on fire.
"This plane was coming over and suddenly the tone of the engine changed dramatically, and I could almost say it sounded as if it was like a blowout, or an explosion."
What happened on the Oslo bound aeroplane is not thought to be terror related and all passengers are safe and well.
Sky News presenter Jeremy Thompson was on a different flight coming into Heathrow and said that the pilot told them that they were being held up by a "bird strike" on a plane.
A statement from British Airways said: "Flight BA762 departed Heathrow at 8.16am and returned at 8.43am due to an engine technical fault.
"The Airbus A319 aircraft was carrying 75 customers and five crew.
"The aircraft landed safely and cabin crew evacuated customers using emergency slides.  Airline colleagues are now caring for customers in the airport terminal.
"The airline has begun a full investigation into the incident and is working with the Air Accident Investigation Bureau to establish the cause."
Sky's Richard Suchet added: "Shortly after it was airborne, somebody in air traffic control spotted a fault with one of the engines and alerted the pilot. The pilot then turned round and came back to the airport."
Captain Mark Searle, chairman of airline pilots' association Balpa, congratulated the crew.
He said: "As pilots we spend our whole career training to manage incidents such as this in order to avoid an incident becoming a disaster."
Images taken from inside the plane show the engine that was not on fire exposed as it is overworked.
Commenting on the damage to the covering around that engine, aviation safety investigator, David Gleave, said: "It's not got much structural strength in it at all so it doesn't affect the ability of the aeroplane to actually hold onto its engine and keep it on the wing."
The plane has been towed away and both runways have reopened.
The fire came at the start of one of the year's busiest travel periods as people head abroad for the Bank Holiday weekend.
Normand Boivin, Heathrow Chief Operating Officer, said: "The temporary closure will result in a number of cancelled flights throughout the day and passengers are advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport."

Swazi albinos plead for protection ahead of vote

 A woman with her albino child before registering him at the office of the Tanzania Albino Society (TAS) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Swaziland's albinos have called on the government for protection ahead of elections expected later this year, fearing their body parts will be harvested by candidates seeking good luck

In Summary

• Mndvoti blamed witchdoctors who mislead people into believing that using human body parts will help them win seats to parliament or prosper in business.

Swaziland's albinos have called on the government for protection ahead of elections expected later this year, fearing their body parts will be harvested by candidates seeking good luck.

"Those in authority must make sure that our safety is guaranteed," Skhumbuzo Mndvoti, an albino community leader living in the southern town of Nhlangano told DRIVE HOT

"I can warn both adults and parents of albino children to take extra care during these election days," Mndvoti said.

Ritual killings are common of in Swaziland, and elsewhere in Africa, with "muti" practitioners -- a catch-all for traditional medicine and witchcraft -- using limbs or body parts as amulets.

In the past albinos, who lack the skin pigment melanin, as well as epileptics have been specifically targeted, prompting the police to set up registries.

In 2010 the killing and mutilation of albinos, including in one instance the decapitation of two children in Nhlangano, prompted panic.

Twenty-eight-year-old Sipho Dlamini said such albino killings regularly take place, but in the past were masked by rumours about albino behaviour.

"People were told that when an albino dies, he would go and die far away where he or she would not be found. I think they were killed," he said.

Both men fear there may be a resurgence in attacks in the run up to elections, the date of which has not yet been set.

Mndvoti blamed witchdoctors who mislead people into believing that using human body parts will help them win seats to parliament or prosper in business.

"Children should walk in groups to-and-from schools and they shouldn't be left alone at home."

"Adults should avoid walking at night since many of the ritual murders happen when it's dark."

The local albino community has threatened not to vote if no special security measures are taken.

Aspiring MP from Nhlangano, Mthokozisi Kunene said he sympathises with the albinos' plight.

He admitted that aspiring politicians are prime suspects to commit the ritual acts, but expressed hope "that won't happen this time."

"As Christians we have prayed that no ritual murderer or anyone who uses human body parts in attempt to win votes shall ever go to parliament," he said.

President of the Traditional Healers of Swaziland, Nhlavana Maseko said those who mislead people to use ritual murder to win elections or wealth are witches and wizards but not traditional healers.

"A witch is born and never trained but a traditional healer undergoes intensive training to heal people trough traditional means," said Maseko.

The P3 dropout who has done Bushenyi proud

 

 Obenowobusingye showing the ironing machine he uses in his 

 laundry business

 

Deogratious Obenowobusingye, 57, is regarded as one of the top investors in Bushenyi district, an area that is not devoid of prosperous businessmen among whom is Hassan Basajjabala.

 

Obenowobusingye owns Western Meridian, arguably the best hotel in western Uganda after Lake View Hotel in Mbarara; a prosperous hardware business and several commercial properties within Bushenyi and beyond. But this kind of success is the last thing Obenowobusingye, a P3 drop out, envisaged as a child.

 

From peddling crude Waragi across districts on a bicycle as a child, to repairing bicycles, he has done it all, just to survive. He told Chris Mugasha how he has come thus far. 

 

To change Africa, save it from wayward leadership

 Small-scale miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Africa’s political, religious, traditional, social and economic life must come under microscopic scrutiny, and the continent’s leaders, both spiritual and secular, will need to recognise the exact ailment, avoid shifting blame and work out a strategy for wholesome resolution

In Summary

• Jomo Kenyatta came into power promising to forgive those who had mistreated him. Well, he did very well in that score, surprising even those who had run out of the country because they expected bloodshed. Yet Kenyatta, despite his skills as a statesman, presided over a government that gradually became intolerant. What went wrong? Was it too much power in the hands of an individual?

The words spoken by Milton Obote in 1980 after he was given a second chance to rule Uganda bear repeating: “Never again shall we allow an individual to suppress the will of the country and to destroy our democratic institutions.”

Since these words could very well have been spoken by many leaders who take over from corrupt governments, the question we should ask ourselves is why these very leaders become the individuals who suppress and destroy.

Obote’s sentiments remain mere words until that evil, destructive part of the African is addressed and dealt with. Human nature is such that evil desires can remain dormant for a time but are soon marshaled to the surface when trying times come. If at that time immense power is available to the leader, then the destruction is catastrophic.

Fredrick Chiluba rose to power singing Hallelujah, and even declared Zambia a Christian nation. At the time, the articulate, charismatic preacher of the gospel looked—in every form—saintly. For once, people thought an African nation would be guided by godly principles; there would be justice in the land; there would be no corruption.

But alas, this was not to be. Almost as if guided by a mysterious hand, Chiluba appeared to fall under some kind of a spell. His charisma receded, ushering in the revival of state-sanctioned corruption.

They let him drift

What went wrong? Why would a leader who so greatly impressed the world fall so low? Why did those around him, his family and friends (including Bible-thumping preachers), let him drift?

Jomo Kenyatta came into power promising to forgive those who had mistreated him. Well, he did very well in that score, surprising even those who had run out of the country because they expected bloodshed. Yet Kenyatta, despite his skills as a statesman, presided over a government that gradually became intolerant. What went wrong? Was it too much power in the hands of an individual?

Obviously, something in the leadership of Africa needs to be addressed. Until we dig deep, expose and deal with insecurity, bitterness, anger, hatred and some inordinate behaviour buried deep within those of us who would be leaders, we will continue to repeat the same vicious cycle. Any leader who has not personally dealt with the animal nature in himself is but a time bomb waiting to explode.

A wise leader is one who surrounds himself with people who can confront and challenge his morals, leadership style and actions.

Daniel arap Moi enjoyed a peaceful transition into power after the death of Kenyatta. But Moi, coming from a hitherto undeveloped—almost neglected—community, seemed to have an agenda: develop his area in terms of infrastructure, hospitals, schools and even universities. National resources could be spread elsewhere, but certainly not in the areas where political leaders had a different opinion from that of the status quo. Moi wanted everyone to “toe the line” and those who did not suffered for it—along with their entire communities.

Moi also presided over one of the most corrupt systems in recent times. Chai and kitu kidogo are practices that entangled themselves into the economic bloodstream of Kenya, and the Goldenberg scandal exemplified the lows to which his regime had sunk.

Daniel arap Moi, a charismatic, church-going leader and a preacher, said all the right things, but in due course it became difficult to reconcile the man Moi and the atrocities that took place during his watch.

Mwai Kibaki swept into power riding a mighty wave of a well-planned and orchestrated coalition, which had two rallying points: change the Constitution so that “never again should one man have in his hands immense power”, and “there must be zero tolerance for corruption”.

“Democracy demands that there is tolerance among Kenyans and a readiness to listen to the opinions of each other,” Kibaki promised. “Having a different opinion does not mean disloyalty to the President or the government.”

But before long, his government began to show different signals. It was as if they were saying: “Power is not that bad if it is in our hands!” His government has not come clean on corruption scandals, including the infamous Anglo Leasing.

What went wrong? What changed these people?

To answer that, we need to listen to Hon Kiraitu Murugaru, the first minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in the Kibaki government. In February 2002, before the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission (CKRC), Kiraitu cautioned Kenyans against bestowing a lot of power on the presidency:

Tanzania police arrest 90 after Mtwara gas pipeline protest

 Residents of Mtwara protest the government’s move to pump gas to Dar es Salaam for processing earlier this year.

In Summary

• The area is rich in natural gas, but many locals have reportedly opposed the planned construction of a pipeline fearing they would not benefit from the resource.

Tanzanian police have made sweeping arrests after a day of protests in which one person was killed in a southeastern town over a gas pipeline project, the government said Thursday.

"Several houses and a lot of property were badly damaged," home affairs minister Emmanuel Nchimbi told parliament Thursday, a day after the riots in the coastal town of Mtwara, close to the border with Mozambique.

Police, who on Wednesday fired teargas to break up the riots, had arrested more than 90 people and the town is "now calm and under control", Nchimbi said, adding that one person had died.

The area is rich in natural gas, but many locals have reportedly opposed the planned construction of a pipeline fearing they would not benefit from the resource, a move condemned by President Jakaya Kikwete.

"Natural resources, regardless of the region where they are found, are the property of all Tanzanians," Kikwete said in a television broadcast late Wednesday, in which he appeared visibly angry.

Riots began after parliamentary debates discussing the pipeline project.

One protestor was killed in the riots, Nchimbi said, adding that demonstrators torched several buildings including the offices of local government offices, the ruling party, the house of the journalist working for the state broadcaster and a court house.

Janet Jackson officially joins the billionaires club

                            Janet Jackson


 According to Variety, the singer's big bank account is thanks to decades in the music and acting business. Jackson reportedly earned $458 million from her concert tours, $304 million from acting, $260 million in album sales and over $81 million from sponsorships and licensing fees.
 Not only does Jackson now join the ranks of Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and J.K. Rowling, but the singer also joins her husband. In 2012, Jackson secretly married Wissam Al Mana, a businessman who made billions investing in the Middle East.

Crowds mourn literary giant Achebe at hometown funeral

Mourners stand in honour of late literary giant Chinua Achebe on May 20, 2013 during the international day of tributes in his honour in Abuja. Achebe will be buried in his small hometown May 23, 2013 in a ceremony expected to draw crowds of mourners

OGIDI

Hundreds of mourners gathered on Thursday in the hometown of Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe for the funeral of the man regarded as the father of modern African literature and the author of the widely praised "Things Fall Apart."

Heavy security was in place throughout the small southeastern town of Ogidi, with President Goodluck Jonathan along with foreign dignitaries attending the service at the local Anglican church.

Pallbearers dressed in dark suits and purple ties carried Achebe's wooden coffin up the church aisle and placed it atop a pedestal covered in white cloth at the start of the service.

A number of women mourners wore purple headwraps and white dresses, while some men dressed in traditional shirts adorned with Achebe's picture.

Access inside the church was granted only by invitation, but several thousand people flocked to tents with loudspeakers set up outside.

"I left my house in Asaba (a nearby city) at 5:00 am this morning in order to pay my last respects for this illustrious son of Nigeria who has done his people proud," said Sylvanus John, a 31-year-old engineer.

Groups of admirers could be seen dancing and singing in the Igbo language spoken throughout the region in the streets of the town in praise of the writer.

Achebe, who died in the United States in March aged 82, is viewed as an iconic figure in Nigeria and abroad, and his death led to tributes worldwide.

Ogidi, located in Nigeria's Anambra state, was decorated with posters of Achebe, while police were stationed throughout the town. A wake was held inside the family compound on Wednesday evening as crowds gathered in the streets.

His private burial on the family compound will follow the church service.

"The death of my uncle is indeed a great loss not only to the family but to Nigeria and Africa as a whole," 64-year-old Obi Achebe said on Wednesday.

"He has left big shoes that will be difficult to be worn by anybody."

Achebe had lived and worked as a professor in the United States in recent years, most recently at Brown University in Rhode Island. A 1990 car accident left him in a wheelchair and limited his travel.

Tributes poured in ahead of the burial. On Wednesday, Nigeria's Guardian newspaper dedicated an entire page to a poem written for Achebe by Wole Soyinka, the Nigerian writer and Nobel literature laureate.

Some 2,000 people packed a stadium in the Anambra state capital Awka on Wednesday where Achebe's coffin was put on display.

While he was known worldwide mostly for "Things Fall Apart," a novel about the collision of British colonialism and his native Igbo culture in southeastern Nigeria, Achebe also wrote non-fiction that tackled his country's problems.

Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer, but remains severely underdeveloped, held back by corruption and mismanagement.

Ugandan youth move to front line of HIV, maternal health fight

 

Humphrey Nabimanya at one of his HIV/AIDS awareness events 

for secondary school students 

 

 Rubaga Girls Primary School pupils had assembled to listen to an HIV awareness talk.The school always created an opportunity for the pupils and their parents to learn about different issues, including HIV.

Among the visiting experts to address them was Dr. Lutakome. To start his discussion he asked, “What does being HIV infected or affected mean?”

The class burst into murmurs which turned into whispers.

In the midst of the din, Humphrey Nabimanya was battling within himself. He knew the answer to Dr Lutakome’s question but was not confident to speak out.

“I was not fluent in English. I didnot think I could speak in front of the whole school,” he says.

Students test for HIV in Mbogo College, Kawempe

Mustering all the courage he could, he put up his hand. Dr. Lutakome called him out to the front. He could see the look of disapproval from his fellow pupils as he walked to the front. He knew what they were thinking – that he had embarrassed himself. How dare he own up to being HIV positive?

This was in 2002. Although Nabimanya was not infected, he knew full well, despite his young age then, that he was affected by HIV.

What he didn’t know then was that the bold move to stand out that day was starting him on a journey of advocacy for HIV awareness among young people.

He attempted to explain what he understood by being HIV infected or affected, but when he opened his mouth to speak, he broke down in tears. The mummurs hushed down to silence.

“Dr Lutakome let me cry and then I got the courage to tell my story,” Nabimanya, now a youth advocate, says.

He had lost his mother at nine months and was raised by an older sister whom he only got to know was his sister much later. He, however, still refers to her as his mother. She too was widowed by HIV when Nabimanya was five.

“I saw my ‘mom’ waste away due to HIV. I could see she was dying. I grew up with the fear that she would die any moment,” he says.

Fortunately the sister was able to receive ARVs and open up to positive living. Soon she was making new friends and found a positive partner.

“When she got a new lease of life, mom and dad always spoke about the short life they had,” he recalls.

His childhood was filled with information on HIV but outside home, the environment was hostile.

A student undergoes HIV-test as others wait for their turn. PHOTO: Joel Ogwal

“The children at school and in my neighbourhood discriminated against me. They said I was HIV positive and was going to die because my mother was positive.”

If it was not the children, it would be some of the adults who would stand in to look after him when his sister was not around. He stayed in different homes. At one time he dropped out of school to try his hand at vending merchandise.

That is what his guardian’s children were doing at the time and so he had to do same until his sister’s husband got him back into school.

So at the age of 12, Nabimanya took himself to Joint Clinical Research Centre to find out his HIV status. To his surprise he was negative but he could not deny how much HIV had affected him.

Nabimanya’s story left his schoolmates in tears and at the same time earned him respect. Soon the little boy who had been shunned was given the title’ “Counsellor’. By the end of the year he was elected headboy.

There was no turning back after that. During his Primary 7 vacation, Nabimanya, sought out Dr Lutakome and asked to be incorporated into his peer counsellors’ team. Dr Lutakome looked at the young boy’s enthusiam and took him on.

Almost 15 years later, Nabimanya is a young advocate and has founded an organisation, Reach a Hand, RAHU.

He takes celebrities to schools to share with students their life experiences.

During the interactions, young people ask questions and receive answers from experts and role models.

At the interactions, they are also given opportunities for voluntary counselling for HIV.

Nabimanya’s work has taken him to several countries, sharing the Ugandan experience with other youths all over the world.

This month, he is will be among the 100 youth leaders from 68 countries given scholarships to attend the Women Deliver 2013 meeting in Kuala Lumpa, Malaysia.

The Young Leaders selected have demonstrated a commitment to improving the health and well-being of girls and women.

Women Deliver 2013 will bring together global leaders, experts, development partners, philanthropists from 160 countries and is expected to be the largest global meeting of the decade to focus on the health and well-being of girls and women.

The conference aims to keep on the agenda the discussion on investing in girls and women in the lead-up to the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) deadline.

The meeting has been planned to have strong youth participation. Of the 100 youth advocates from all over the world, Uganda has five–the biggest number from one country.

“I believe deeply in the power of this generation of young people to make an impact on the world-and many young people already are making our world a healthier, safer, more equitable and more sustainable place,” said Chelsea Clinton, one of the speakers at the conference.

The youth will attend a youth preconference to empower and equip them with tools and knowledge to advocate effectively at the conference.

Youth issues will be integrated into all aspects of the conference and specifically addressed in special sessions on youth leadership, health, advocacy, sexuality and education.

Roy Nelson Knocks The Hulk Out of UFC 161 Bout with Stipe Miocic MMA Weekly

 Roy Nelson Knocks The Hulk
 Out of UFC 161 Bout with
 Stipe Miocic

 Roy Nelson scored his latest knockout without setting foot in the Octagon.
Nelson knocked Sao Palelei out of his scheduled fight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 161 on June 15 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, according to UFC officials.
Palelei (18-3), riding an eight-fight winning streak, had lobbied long and hard to get a return shot in the UFC. He finally had it with the fight against Miocic (9-1), but that was before UFC interim bantamweight champ Renan Barão on Tuesday dropped off the card due to injury. Barão was supposed to defend his belt against Eddie Wineland.
With the main event blown apart, UFC officials quickly elevated the co-main event between Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson to headlining status. Evans vs. Henderson will remain a three-round bout. The new co-main event is a fight between Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
After that, however, the name value on the fight card took a significant drop.
Enter “Big Country.”
Roy Nelson has become a fan favorite with his brash, blue-collar style. He’s the everyman of the Octagon.
Exit “The Hulk.”
Palelei will still make his UFC return, but it will be delayed. He’ll likely return later in the summer.
“Good things come to those who wait,” the ever-positive Palelei tweeted on Tuesday night.
Nelson (19-7) is on a three-fight winning streak, knocking out Dave Herman, Matt Mitrione, and Cheick Kongo. With the rest of the top-end of the heavyweight division already occupied, Nelson had been in waiting mode, but now makes the quick turn from his win over Kongo on April 27 to fight Miocic.
Nelson gives the revamped UFC 161 fight card – the promotion’s first stop in Winnipeg – a much-needed boost in name value.
Miocic is coming off of a UFC on Fuel TV 5 main event loss to Stefan Struve. It was the first blemish on his otherwise spotless record.
It’s a tall order for Miocic, who has far less experience than Nelson, and has been on the sidelines since the September 2012 loss to Struve. Two of Nelson’s three latest knockout victories have come since Miocic last fought.
Nelson vs. Miocic will be one of the featured bouts on the UFC 161 pay-per-view main card.

Chris Brown and girlfriend Karrueche Tran involved in car crash

Washington, May 22 (ANI): Chris Brown was recently caught on camera accidentally crashing his Range Rover into another car while he was driving in Los Angeles with his on-again girlfriend Karrueche Tran.

The troubled rapper, who had crashed his Porsche into a wall back in February, was seen writing down insurance information after he rear-ended a black Mercedes, Contactmusic reported.
The couple was on their way to the studio when the collision occurred on Tuesday afternoon.no one was hurt and cops were not called to the scene.

SNOOP LION GIVES FANS THE BEST IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Rap icon now turned reggae popstar, Snoop Lion, gave fans present an unforgettable experience as he delivered performances from both his brands, Snoop Dogg and Snoop Lion.

Starting with classic hits tracks like Snoop Doggy Dogg, P.I.M.P, California Love, I Wanna Love You, Snoop thrilled fans with a medley of chart toppers throughout his music career as well as a thunderous performance of Endowed remix with Nigerian pop superstar, Dbanj. He later transformed from legendary rapper to cool reggae superstar as he sang songs from his ReIncarnation album.

The concert featured top African acts like 2Face, Dbanj, Fally Ipupa, Flavour, Zakes Bantwini, Professor, Zahara, Big Nuz and Camp Mulla.

Top African DJ's, DJ Caise and DJ Cleo were also on ground to keep music lovers dancing through the night with a wide selection of both local and international music.

The MTV Africa All Stars concert was put together by MTV Base and Kwazulu-Natal Province

Reception Of Prof. Achebe's Remains....Enugu Airport

The body of late Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe arrived in Nigeria earlier today in Abuja. Prof. Achebe's body arrived in a Nigerian flag-draped casket which was received at the airport by Nigerian officials led by the Secretary to the federal government.

His coffin was then wheeled first to a church service at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport before proceeding to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

ENUGU STATE DELEGATION: Secretary to Enugu State Government, Mr. Amaechi Okolo with SSA to Gov. Chime on Media, Mr. Afam Okereke, Prof. Mrs. Christy Achebe, wife of late Prof. Chinua Achebe, Dr. Ike Achebe, son (right) and the Commissioner for Poverty Reduction and Human Development, Mr. Godwin Ogenyi (left), at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, to receive the remains of Prof. Achebe …yesterday

Enugu State SSG:Secretary to Enugu State Government, Mr. Amaechi Okolo commiserates with Dr. Ike Achebe (son of late Prof. Chinua Achebe), while his mother, Prof. Mrs. Christy Achebe looks on, during the reception of late Prof. Achebe's remains, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu…yesterday

Chief Daniel Achebe: Chief Daniel Achebe (brother to late Prof. Chinua Achebe),middle, flanked by some family members, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu to receive the remains of the late Prof. …yesterday

Additional report: Saharareporters

See More Pictures HERE





Chief Daniel Achebe (brother to late Prof. Chinua Achebe),middle, flanked by some family members

London police arrest Arik cabin crew members over alleged drug trafficking

Two workers of Arik Air were on Tuesday arrested at London Heathrow Airport in connection with alleged drug trafficking.

Both the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Arik Air are investigating the circumstances that led to the drug trafficking by the duo said to be cabin crew members of the airline.

The airline, however, said it would wait for the outcome of the investigation before it could come out with a statement on the situation.

There are indications that Arik Air may be fined if the suspects are found guilty of the illicit act in line with aviation practice.

The frequency of drug trafficking aboard Brazilian national airline, Varig, was one of the reasons the carrier ceased operations to Nigeria 19 years ago.

The same reason was adduced for the cessation of operations of Air India to Nigeria many years ago.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, has ordered the investigation of the two crew members of Arik Air.

It was learnt that one of the suspects was found in possession of 6kg of cocaine while the other was found with 60 packets of cigarettes.

The Arik Air flight reportedly took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on Monday. Eight out of 10 crew members that travelled with the flight were said to have been cleared while the remaining two were still being held in London.

According to the NDLEA chairman, 'we have received a report of the arrest and I have ordered a full-scale investigation of the incident. Anyone found wanting shall be brought to book as no effort shall be spared in protecting the image of our country.'

The Spokesman for NDLEA, Jarikre Ofoyeju, recalled that on August 8, 2007, officials of the NDLEA arrested a Virgin Atlantic crew member with drugs on a London-bound flight.

The crew member was caught at the Lagos airport with 1.743kg of cocaine. The drug, which was concealed in a black polythene bag inside a hand luggage, was found in the flight compartment.

The agency also vowed to beef up security checks at all entry and exit points in the country.

The Spokesman for Arik Air, Banji Ola, said the airline was co-operating fully with the United Kingdom (UK) authorities and all other agencies concerned in the investigation.

The street value of the cocaine in possession of a member of the crew, according to a source in NDLEA, is valued at over N180 million.

He said the carrier remained committed to the fight against drug and illicit substances trafficking and would not tolerate the use of any of its aircraft or crew for the trafficking of banned items and substances.

According to the airline, 'the attention of the management of Arik Air has been drawn to the detention in UK of two of its cabin crew members in connection with alleged possession of items suspected to be banned substances.

'Arik Air is co-operating fully with the UK authorities and all other concerned agencies in their investigations.'

US Congress grills former IRS boss over tax scandal

  Kathy Schlechting (C) holds a flag during a Tea Party anti-Internal Revenue Service (IRS) demonstration on May 21, 2013 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

In Summary

• The Finance Committee chairman, Democrat Max Baucus, blasted the IRS and accused boss Douglas Shulman and outgoing chief Steven Miller of essentially being asleep at the switch

WASHINGTON

Under fierce questioning by US lawmakers, the political appointee who headed the IRS during the tax agency's targeting of conservative groups insisted Tuesday he was not involved in the scandal.

Senators grilled retired IRS boss Douglas Shulman about what he readily acknowledged was "inexcusable" behaviour by agents who, from 2010, singled out right-leaning groups for excessive scrutiny.

But while he acknowledged the targeting "happened on my watch," he told the Senate Finance Committee that "I don't believe I was aware of this" until May 2012, when a Treasury Department inspector general alerted him of the abuse.

The IRS actions have become one of a series of alleged abuses of executive power that have cast a shadow over President Barack Obama's second term, and Tuesday's hearing was not the first into the case.

Last week House lawmakers questioned outgoing IRS chief Steven Miller, who Obama had forced to resign in the wake of the revelations.

And a key figure in the controversy, director of the IRS exempt organizations division Lois Lerner, has invoked her constitutional right not to testify as scheduled Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee.

Lerner's lawyer stated in a letter to the committee that Lerner "intended to invoke her 5th amendment right and refuse to answer questions," although she remained under subpoena to appear at the hearing, committee official Ali Ahmad told AFP.

Lerner sparked the scandal this month by acknowledging that the IRS inappropriately targeted conservative groups.

While Shulman insisted he was not aware of the wrongdoing early on, he said he was "dismayed" and "saddened" to learn of the abuse.

"The actions outlined in that report have justifiably led to questions about the fairness of the approach taken here."

Shulman described a vast agency tasked with overseeing tax-exempt groups and carefully scrutinizing those applying for such non-profit status.

He was appointed by president George W. Bush in late 2007, and served as IRS chief from 2008 until his term ended in November 2012. The targeting program began in 2010 and was phasing out by June 2011.

The Finance Committee chairman, Democrat Max Baucus, blasted the IRS and accused Shulman and Miller of essentially being asleep at the switch.

"The IRS abandoned good judgment and lost the public's trust," Baucus said.

Top committee Republican Orrin Hatch insisted there was "more than a hint of political bias" by IRS agents who put conservative groups with words like "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names under burdensome review.

But Hatch expressed frustration with the IRS officials' refusal to say who knew about the centralizing of the groups and how far up the chain of command it went.

"One way or another, we're going to learn the facts about what went on here," Hatch said.

Why Mourinho had to leave Real Madrid

 Real Madrid is a complicated club at the best of times.
Much like Bayern Munich, a long-standing culture exists where the players - particularly those from the local area - are little princes and even kings, a culture that can be seen to develop beyond their careers on the pitch and into the fabric of the club.
Sporting directors, special advisors, members of the technical staff... ex-players form the structure of the club, its history.
As a result coaches, no matter how impressive their CVs and reputations, come and go, rarely lasting more than two or three seasons and often barely completing a full campaign.
When he took the presidency of Real in 2000, Florentino Perez said he wanted to build a team of "Zidanes and Pavones", a mish-mash of the world's greatest players on the world's biggest wages, complemented by local lads with the club in their veins, willing to graft and carry the water for their illustrious team-mates.
This was an over-simplification of a simple acquisition strategy designed to sell as much merchandise as possible, and to promote the club overseas in a (successful) attempt to claw back some of the market lost to Manchester United, particularly in Asia, Africa and the United States.
It soon became apparent that the Pavons of the world were largely irrelevant - they simply would not be good enough to mix it at such a level, particularly at a time when La Liga was intensely competitive on account of strong Valencia and Deportivo sides.
But what did transpire was the 'Galactico' culture, in which these global stars created such a peripheral buzz that any local players who were good enough to command first-team places became intoxicated by the heady stench of celebrity.
So, with the support of local media, Ultras and other Madrid-based fans, the likes of Raul and Guti - and latterly Iker Casillas - saw themselves in the same vein as Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo, as all-powerful symbols of Real Madrid, untouchable.
But the likes of Zidane and Figo - and even David Beckham - were not overly interested in dressing room politics. They live on a different planet, surrounded by image consultants, marketing execs and special advisors, with little investment in exerting locker-room dominance from their ivory towers. They train, they play, they perform their media commercial duties, but they have bigger fish to fry than those salted morcels of Bacalao offered up by stands near the Bernabeu.
The importance this president placed on a local-led dressing room cabal ultimately did for the hugely-successful Vicente Del Bosque, disgracefully sacked in 2003 because Perez felt that the likes of Guti did not deem him a worthy motivator of such lofty superstars. And so followed a barren spell that ultimately saw Real fail to progress past the last 16 of the Champions League for six years in a row, a record worse than Arsenal's.
Perez realised he had blown it from a supremely strong position, and resigned the post in 2006. But three years later he returned, apparently having learned from his mistake - one year later he hired Jose Mourinho, whose brief was to isolate and extract the likes of Raul and Guti, to mould a team of grafters and team players who all boasted the talent required to reel back Barcelona, but who would fight and die for a charismatic coach - and for one, sole Hollywood draw in Cristiano Ronaldo, who would be loyal to his compatriot.
And it was a job well done, initially. Mourinho put Raul and Guti in their places, restored a winning mentality to a squad who had coasted for too long, and brought back the Liga title in record-breaking fashion. European performances improved, although without full conquest, and it seemed the club were on track to usurp or at least match Barca.
But Perez was not counting on the unprecedented success of the Spanish national team, and the impact it would have on Casillas.
Despite having been a first-team player since his teenage years, Spain and Real skipper Casillas was always a grounded, humble kid. He used to travel by bus to the Bernabeu, chat to fans outside the training ground and appear in commercials for local businesses. Without the ego of Raul or the party-boy tendencies of Guti, he seemed the ideal symbol to promote and foster as the beating heart of the club.