Sunday 16 September 2012

No stopping Monalisa Chinda as she adds a year on.


Going by her recent spate of successes,  life surely is smiling on the fair-skinned actress and Glo Ambassador, Monalisa Chinda who was a year older  last Thursday.
The whole Twitter was awash with greetings from fans and colleagues. The talented actress responded in kind by parting with some gifts of recharge vouchers to some of the fans who stayed hooked with her on Twitter, with fastest fingers.
Monalisa Chinda
Meanwhile,  she will be hitting the cinema on the 26th of October,  for the premiere of a new movie ‘Torn’ where she is cast along notable names like Joseph Benjamin, Iretiola Doyle, Bimbo Manuel and a host of others. The movie is a psychological thriller directed by Moses Inwang and produced for Sneeze Films. The venue is the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Also on the up and up for the actress is her other vocation, which is writing . An impreccable source disclosed that she has completed the writing of her first book. Her foundation, Monalisa Chinda Sunshine Foundation was also recently nominated for an Humanitarian service award.

Running Mouth @ K&S this week

As usual Running mouth @Klazz and Simple brings you some hot gist making news all over the world. First let us look at our home gist.
1.The Nigerian  rising music star, David Adeleke AKA. Davido, assault case takes another dimension, Klazz and Simple learnt that Davido's defense team is putting up an olive branch to see if there will be a settlement out of court but Azeez the employer of Ajibola who was reportedly beaten up by Davido and his boys are not accepting any of it.They rather would want to go to court to allow justice take its course.
2.President Jonathan is said to have gone spiritual to seek fast recovery for the wife , first lady Dame Patience Jonathan. It will be recalled that his wife has been in the German hospital for a long time  since recovering from a fibroid operation.
3.Cross River State university students have been protesting over alleged sexual harassment  of female students, molestation and extortion by some staff of the institution. RM @Klazz and Simple learnt that over 2000 students from the institution participated in the protest.
4.Fiona Awuzie remember her, she won the MBGN 2010 celebrated her 21st birthday recently. She hosted closed friends and relatives at the Federal Palace Hotel with lots of drinks and food. RM learnt that the event was  full of fun.
5. Finally Ashionye Ogbuh, singer and actress returns after 4 years of break with a new movie entitled Journey to self. RM learnt that in addition to the movie Ashionye plans to launch a new music album and a TV project.
On the foreign scene  we've been tracking the following
1. James Corden the British ace comedian weds his heartthrob Julia Carey in a Lavish £250, 000 ceremony.
2.Second magazine is interested to publish a top less Kate's picture and Prince Williams is not taking it lightly at all.RN heard that the Prince is thinking of slamming another law suit on the Mag too.
3. Finally is Jay Electronica about to hip hop his way to Cara Delvingne, if this is true, his girlfriend Kate Goldsmith will be the less impressed.
With that RM@Klazz and Simple sign out this week and wish you a happy week ahead until we see next week.(RM is presented by Mark Smith and can be reached  at 08184829062)

Saturday 15 September 2012

Kim unflattering outfit again?

kim in another unflattering outfit, critics are of the opinion that such fashion misfits from her are becoming rampant. This dress did nothing to protect her enviable curves.

Kanye's living doll: The rapper has taken a great interest in his girlfriend's clothes

Kim Kardashian with boyfriend Kanye West

Friday 14 September 2012

Controversy :Shan George on Cougar charge


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If report by BON is anything to go by, then, controversial Calabar, Delta State-born actress, Shan George may be in big trouble with former PMAN president, Tee Mac Omatsela. This is according to what was reported, Shan George is alleged to be nursing a sizzling romance with the flutist's 21-year-old son.
As reported, Shan was alleged to have slept with about four young band members of Tee Mac in 2010 during the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa that year. She reportedly gave the excuse of cold weather as the reason of having sex with the boys, which the report said Tee Mac was fully aware of Shan's under 'g' runs with his boys but he kept quite.
It was also reported that when it was time to come home to Nigeria, Shan made efforts to get the Tee Mac's 21-years-old son to herself but the father, probably knowing who the actress was, stopped that moved.
It was further reported that about two months ago, Shan was suppose to be at a meeting to get Team Nigeria ready for the just concluded London Olympics, but Tee Mac reportedly made sure Shan didn't make the list because he sensed Shan would use the opportunity to concluded her mission with his son, who was reported to was also on the list.
He reportedly then warned the actress to stay off his son or face his wrath. Shan has reportedly dated some younger lovers in the past who are mostly in their 20's.
According to Nigeriafilms.com, they have called  Shan George on phone to get her side of this story, but a female voice, which sounded like hers, told us that Shan was busy and was not available to speak to us. When we asked the time Shan would be less busy or available to talk to us so that we can know when to call back, we were told that it is not certain Shan would be free anytime soon.

The battle of six-packs


Ducan James and Simon Webbe of the Blues showcase their biceps but whose six-pack is stronger?

Hunks: Blue's Duncan James (L) and Simon Webbe showed off their bulging muscles in a sexy new shoot Hunks: Blue's Duncan James (L) and Simon Webbe showed off their bulging muscles in a sexy new shoot

Courtesy of Dailymail uk.

The man with biceps as large as a grown man's waist

Moustafa Ismail, 24, who has the largest biceps in the world


Meet the real-life Popeye - whose 31 inch biceps have just been crowned the biggest in the world.

Moustafa Ismail, 24, has spent ten years pumping iron twice a day and his upper arms now have the same circumference as a grown man's waist.

But despite his proportions the Egyptian-born bodybuilder actually hates spinach.

Instead "Big Mo" eats as much as 3lbs of chicken, 1lbs of steak or fish and four cups of almonds washed down with two gallons of water and three litres of protein shakes.

Incredibly, the gym bunny was so dedicated to bulking up his arms he moved his whole family to America to gain access to better workout equipment.

Muscle man Moustafa said: "People always you remind me of Pop-eye the sailor man, this makes me laugh the truth is I don't have any spinach in my diet I can't stand the stuff.

"I'll stick to my chicken I think.

"Actually I think my arms are now bigger than the cartoon character."

Moustafa, who lives with his wife Carolina, 30, started bodybuilding ten years ago in a bid to keep fit.

But after hitting the gym he received hundreds of compliments on his bulging biceps and decided to concentrate all of his efforts on making them even bigger.

Five years ago, when he failed to win a place in the Egyptian bodybuilding team he swapped his home country for the USA.

He now trains at least twice a day and can lift an incredible 500lbs.

Moustafa admits to taking protein shakes to help with his bodybuilding but puts his bulging body down to genetics - his father was an Egyptian wrestler.

He has a daily exercise regime of 5am until 8am during which he concentrates on cardio, strength-training and body sculpting, using heavy and light isolated weights.

Moustafa was photographed when he came to London to promote the new Guinness Book of Records

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Patience Jonathan is not dead

First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan

Nigeria First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan is still in the hospital in Germany is recuperating very well after she was successfully operated on to remove a massive fibroid. This is contrary to reports by some media houses that she went for a  tummy tuck surgery. Another report making the news is that she died yesterday at the hospital which made her husband President Jonathan to abandon his state visit in Bostwana to rush to Germany to confirm the ugly incident.
However a source very close the presidency told Klazz and Simple that the first lady is hale and well and will return to the country very soon. The source dismissed the remour of her death and said that it was the hand work of distractors at work.
It will be remember that Nigeria lost one of her first ladies to the cold hands of death while under going a tummy tuck surgery in Europe a couple of years ago. Mrs Stella Obansanjo had a successful surgery but died from complications from the surgery soon after.

Seal accuses ex Heidi for fornicating

Happier times: Heidi and Seal, pictured at the 2008 Oscars, ended their seven-year marriage when the model filed for divorce in April

Heidi Klum the ex wife of renown singer Seal has been busy denying that she never cheated on Seal while married to him.
The 39 year- old admitted that the pair were not the best of friends in the week of the split. Heidi was accused of fornicating with her body guard(picture below) by her estrange husband during the splitting period.
Seal however watered it down by retracting his statement and claiming that he never said that she cheated while they were still married.
No romance: Heidi, pictured on a morning jog in Manhattan with her bodyguard Martin Kristen last month, has been forced to deny allegations they were having an affair
No romance: Heidi, pictured on a morning jog in Manhattan with her bodyguard Martin Kristen last month, has been forced to deny allegations they were having an affair

Heidi however claims after all these troubles she and Seal are taking their time on a slowly bases to become friends again.

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Willow Smith too cool for the red carpet


The summer holidays are well and truly over for school kids all over America, who are back in the classroom and hitting the books.
But not Willow Smith. 
The 11-year-old daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith was strolling the streets of Manhattan today, fresh from appearing on the red carpet with her parents at the Toronto Film Festival.
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If she were any cooler, she'd freeze: Willow Smith out in New York City today with a friend and bodyguard
Fashion conscious as ever, the child actress and singer rocked a Beatles 'Abbey Road' T-shirt with a pair of black leggings.
The Whip My Hair singer completed her outfit with an oversized army shirt which she wore trench coat style, and an eye-catching pair of black buckled boots with gold studs.
They were the same boots the youngster wore on the red carpet in Toronto, where she turned heads in a jaguar print dress and detached metal Peter Pan collar.
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Trademark edge: The 11-year-old child celebrity wore a Beatles 'Abbey Road' T-shirt under an army trench coat
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Growing it back? Willow first lopped off her locks in a buzz cut in February, but appears to be growing again
In an interview with The Sunday Times it was revealed that because of music career - Willow also acts - she no longer attends school.
She has a tutor but admitted her friends are ahead of her because she is too busy for lessons.
She said: 'I never really get to go to school because I am always on tour, or with my father. 
'There is a tutor most of the time, but usually I am working so I never get to do the lessons. The worst thing about maths is all the kids are ahead of me because they go to school.'
Family ties: Willow poses with her parents and brother at Toronto Film Festival for documentary Free Angela And All Other Political Prisoners
Family ties: Willow poses with her parents Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, along with brother Jaden, at the Toronto Film Festival for documentary Free Angela And All Other Political Prisoners


Man kills girlfriend for failing to disclose HIV status


A man confessed to stabbing his girlfriend to death because she did not tell him she was HIV positive before they had sex.
'She killed me, so I killed her', Larry Dunn Jr, 36, told officers in Dallas, Texas, after the body of Cicely Bolden, 28, was found by her two young children returning home from school.
The 28-year-old was lying naked from the waist down on her bedroom floor bleeding from two stab wounds in her neck.

cicely
cicely
'Something's wrong with mama': Cicely's two young children found her dead body in the bedroom of their home
Ms Bolden and 36-year-old Dunn had recently started dating. He later told police that when she confessed to having the virus she then told him it was 'not that bad'.
He became upset and walked to the kitchen to get a knife which he used to kill her with, according to police.
 
Neighbor Latoya Arnett, who called 911, told Kens5: 'All I know is, she didn't deserve it and her kids didn't deserve to see her like that.
'She was a good mom. Loved her kids to death. I can't imagine my kids seeing me like that. I know it hurt them.'
Suspect: Larry Dunn told detectives he knifed Cicely Bolden after she told him she had the HIV virus
Suspect: Larry Dunn told detectives he knifed Cicely Bolden after she told him she had the HIV virus
Police say Dunn cooperated fully with their investigation. 
During a recorded interview he admitted the crime and revealed he burned his clothes afterwards and dumped the knife in the garbage at a waffle house.
Police later recovered the weapon.
The father of Cicely's son, Jeff Busby, told Fox that Bolden had contracted HIV within the last couple of years. He is currently looking after her son and daughter.
Speaking about Dunn, who is being held on $50,000 bond, he said: 'I hope he rots in prison. She did not deserve this.'
Ms Arnett said she went inside the apartment and found Cicely lying on the bedroom floor. 
Earlier that day, she claimed, she had seen Dunn arriving at the apartment. 
Stuffed teddy bear toys have been laid outside what's now a boarded-up apartment in Highland Village Drive with candles lit in memory of Ms Bolden.


200 level Student shot dead by Robbers in Ogun state


Wunmi Adebayo, 200 Level Student Shot Dead By Armed Robbers In Ogun State
According to classmates and friends of the slain student, Wunmi Adebayo was shot dead last night at a male friend's house at Golden Estate in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state.

The 200level student was visiting the friend when they were attacked by armed robbers who robbed them and shot her in the face because she fought them off when they tried to assault her.

Her corpse has been deposited at the mortuary. Wunmi was the first child of her parents and friends say she was very jovial, friendly and kind hearted. Her candlelight procession will hold tomorrow at skyfield in Lagos.
Klazz and Simple sympathize with family at a time like this.Rest in peace Wummi. 

Shan George denies dating Mikel Obi


Shan George knows she is cannon for controversies and is unapologetic about it. Recently, she was quoted to have said that most married Nollywood actresses are not faithful to their husbands, that they keep numerous lovers. that allegation was said to have rankled a number of her colleagues who felt scandalized by such revelations.
The mother of two boys said that offensive article misrepresented her statement and was motivated by the writer’s desire to cause unnecessary friction between her and her colleagues in the industry.
“That was such a low blow. Why should it be my problem to know – not to talk about other people’s marriages and what they are doing or not doing? It is not my nature to make such judgment calls and most of my colleagues knew the writer of that piece was motivated by hate and not by the desire to help build the industry and the bond of friendship that exist in Nollywood.
*Mikel & Shan George
If you had attended my premier, you would have seen that almost everyone who is somebody in the industry showed up. Would they have done so, if they thought I was a loose cannon or that I take delight in disparaging other people? No, they  would never have done so! I forgive the guy who wrote that offensive piece.”
Shan also used the opportunity to condemn in a strong term the recent news that circulated online that she was photograph nude. “I am really disappointed by the level of ignorance of some people in today’s world. I mean who low can they get.
I went out with some friends of mine to mark my birthday and we were all dressed in swim suit-bikinis. There was no indecent exposure – we were just having fun. The pictures are all on the net. Yet someone after seeing the pictures – went and wrote that I was photographed nude.
Can you imagine that? I can’t imagine if the writer cannot recognize someone wearing a swimming trunk and a naked picture. It is very annoying. I have morals and I would never pose nude – not for a million dollars. You know what I have come to see that in this industry: there are some people who are haters and instead of applauding your efforts, would rather take delight in painting you in colors that do not represent who you are. But I am glad that the majority of my fans worldwide know who I am.”
Recently too, a picture of Shan was posted on line where she was seen seemingly cavorting with the top Chelsea soccer star, Mikel Obi, leading to  the speculation that she and Mikel wee dating. When asked, Shan was incredulous “This is really getting crazy. So I can’t even have a drink with someone – just innocently, without being linked romantically with the person?
Mikel Obi is at a talented soccer player whose skills I appreciate. I am his big fan and when they won the Champions Cup last May, I was over the moon with excitement for him and his team mates. We met and had a drink in Lagos recently and that was that! Nothing romantic happened between us. I am not dating Mikel Obi and I hope some of these traffickers of lies can go have themselves some life.”
Source.Vanguard Nigeria.

Monday 10 September 2012


Drunken farewell: Mr Marr slips his hand inside the woman's jeans

The picture that nailed BBC senior presenter Andrew Marr seen here groping a colleague and kissing her on in the open. Klazz and Simple understands that Mr. Marr is happily married to his wife of 25 years.Mr Marr, who was picked up from home by a taxi, said he was travelling to America to make a programme on President Obama. 
Asked if there would be making up to do on his return, after images emerged in a Sunday tabloid showing him kissing and fondling another woman, Mr Marr said: ‘Well we will have to see.’
The clinch occurred in the early hours of Saturday after the former BBC political editor and fellow journalists had been drinking at a central London bar to mark the completion of his latest BBC series – History of The World.
















Below is Mr Marr with his wife of 25 years


Long marriage: Marr with his wife Jackie, to whom he has been married for 25 years


Mr Marr has since admitted that the wife was very angry with his behavior and regretted ever showing such a high level stupidity in the public as a result of  drunken farewell with a colleague. Last year he admitted having an affair with a fellow journalist but denied ever having an affair this time around.
Andrew Marr is 53 years old and has three kids with his wife of 25 years.



Sunday 9 September 2012

Running Mouth@Klazz and Simple

1.Nollywood actress in Divorce mess over infidelity: Running Mouth(RN) got a gist that a Nollywood actress whose name is Nancy is at Agege Customary court grade A with the husband Mr. Suiab who wants a quick divorce over what he claims to be a constant location illicit affairs by his wife of 19years.
Anyways Madam was not in court to defend herself against the allegations when the court President adjourned the case to 12September, 2012.
2.Many people now seem to have heard the latest in our power sector in Nigeria, RN has it that the former Minister actually did resign on his own and was not forced out as speculated over his conflicting interest in the controversial power sector.
3. Words reaching RN @Klazz and Simple has it that First Madam's life is  after all not in danger as she is said to be recovering so fast in her Germany hospital but visitors are highly restricted.
4.On the foreign scene, Cheryl Cole ex wife of Chelsea left back made a surprise visit to X-factor Uk, gist has it that she landed to the venue with a helicopter. Someone was wondering if road visit would have been dangerous.
5. What is wrong with some British TV presenters as two presenters namely Andrew Marr and Dermont both married men were allegedly caught groping and hanging out with  a mystery woman and another kissing his make -up artist respectively.
6.Lastly there seem to be a love lost between Kristen Stewart and her heartthrob Robert Pattinson however Kristen spoke about her man recently while forcing up a smiley face .
Until next time keep "gisting" honorably

Friday 7 September 2012

A$AP Rocky: Rihanna's surprised rude boy


In the history of the MTV Video Music Awards no opening performance is complete without a little bit of controversy.
And stepping up to the plate this year Rihanna offered her services as she gave the first live set at the 2012 ceremony yesterday (Thursday) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Debuting her latest single Cockiness (Love It) with the help of up and coming rapper A$AP Rocky, the 24-year-old songstress was left blushing after he gave her a little more than she bargained for.

Red hot! Rihanna sizzled as she gave the opening performance during last night's MTV Video Music Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with the help of rapper A$AP Rocky
Red hot! Rihanna sizzled as she gave the opening performance during last night's MTV Video Music Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles with the help of rapper A$AP Rocky
Taking to the stage in a fiery ensemble, Rihanna got the audience up out of their seats with the Bangladesh produced track taken from her album Talk That Talk.
    The Barbados showing was made up of a lot of crotch-grabbing moves and plenty fierce glances as she seduced the crowd.
    Helping Rihanna to give a performance to remember, American rapper and music director A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, jumped on stage to deliver his verse which features on the remix of her red hot mid-tempo single.
    Lost in the music: American rapper A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, groped Rihanna's bottom and applied kisses to her neck as he joined her on stage to perform her new single Cockiness
    Lost in the music: American rapper A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, groped Rihanna's bottom and applied kisses to her neck as he joined her on stage to perform her new single Cockiness
    You can look but you can't touch: The 24-year-old singer simply laughed off the rapper's actions
    You can look but you can't touch: The 24-year-old singer simply laughed off the rapper's actions
    Lost in the moment, the 23-year-old rapper simply couldn't resist Rihanna's charm and planted a few tender kisses on her neck as she pulled him in close.
    But giving her as reason to the blush, the cheeky Harlem born lyricist then upped the anté when he groped the Rude Boy singer's derriére.
    Surprised, a giddy Rihanna simply pushed him away and got on with the rest of her performance.
    In high spirits: The Harlem born rapper couldn't stop smiling as he joined the Bajan beauty on stage
    All smiles: The Harlem born rapper couldn't stop smiling as he joined the Bajan beauty on stage
    Watch The Throne: The fiery set began with the songstress sitting behind a giant snake head
    Watch The Throne: The fiery set began with the songstress sitting behind a giant snake head
    Lady in red: Rihanna wore a pair of red leather trousers with a sheer top and turban-style headscarf
    Lady in red: Rihanna wore a pair of red leather trousers with a sheer top and turban-style headscarf
    Lady in red: Rihanna wore a pair of red leather trousers with a sheer top and turban-style headscarf
    Rihanna heated up the venue in a floor length sheer red top which she teamed with a pair of skintight leather trousers, a head wrap and black trainers.
    She accessorised with several pieces of gold jewellery and belted out her songs using a gold topped microphone.
    A lashing of dark lipstick and black sunglasses finished off her sultry look.
    Giving them a show to remember: Rihanna offered a mash-up of Cockiness and her number one single We Found Love
    Giving them a show to remember: Rihanna offered a mash-up of Cockiness and her number one single We Found Love
    With her Navy: The singer jumped into the crowd as she closed her show to have a little dance with fans
    With her Navy: The singer jumped into the crowd as she closed her show to have a little dance with fans
    Chart-topping DJ Calvin Harris then dropped the beat of their number one single We Found Love causing the arena to erupt.
    Sharing her epic offering with her fans, Rihanna jumped into the audience where she partied away with them for the remainder of her set.
    Happy with the way the show went, the singer tweeted: '@asvpxrocky @calvinharris thank you guys for helping me put my opening together! #murderation #trills***'
    And first to praise Rihanna, Lady Gaga also took to the micro-blogging site writing: 'what a lovely performance by @Rihanna! I feel like I'm sixteen again watching the VMAS, and then i remember i get to do this too. #socrazy'.
    More than friends? Rihanna and Chris Brown were seen sharing a kiss at the MTV VMA awards, as Rihanna exited the stage after collecting her award for Video Of The Year
    More than friends? Rihanna and Chris Brown were seen sharing a kiss at the MTV VMA awards, as Rihanna exited the stage after collecting her award for Video Of The Year
    As the night went on A$AP Rocky wasn't the only person who got close to Rihanna - enter ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.
    After collecting her Moonman for Video Of The Year, Rihanna, 24, was stopped byChris as he congratulated her.
    The pair were seen kissing on the lips, before hugging tenderly, with Chris' arm looking slightly proprietorial around Rihanna's waist.
    Still close: Chris held onto Rihanna's waist as she stood talking to singer Akon
    Still close: Chris held onto Rihanna's waist as she stood talking to singer Akon 
    Cuddling up: Rihanna looked thrilled to be congratulated after her win by Chris, who put his arm around the singer's waist as they hugged
    Cuddling up: Rihanna looked thrilled to be congratulated after her win by Chris, who put his arm around the singer's waist as they hugged
    Cuddling up: Rihanna looked thrilled to be congratulated after her win by Chris, who put his arm around the singer's waist as they hugged
    Cheeky chappy! Rihanna was also seen patting Chris on the head as she made her way back to her seat
    Cheeky chappy! Rihanna was also seen patting Chris on the head as she made her way back to her seat
    The images of Rihanna and Chris, 23, are sure to spark rumours among the singers' fans that the pair have decided to give their relationship another go.
    And quite what Chris's girlfriend Karreuche Tran will think is another matter. 
    Getting in on the action, the Where Have You Been singer's BFF Katy Perry was pictured kissing her shoulder as they sat side by side during the ceremony.
    In on the action: Katy Perry kissed Rihanna's shoulder as they sat in the front row at the ceremony
    In on the action: Katy Perry kissed Rihanna's shoulder as they sat in the front row at the ceremony
    Getting a feel of a California Gurl: Rihanna placed her hand on Katy's bottom as they chatted away
    Getting a feel of a California Gurl: Rihanna placed her hand on Katy's bottom as they chatted away

    MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS 2012 WINNERS


    Here are the list of winners of the MTV video awards 2012


    Video of the Year: Rihanna, "We Found Love"

    Best New Artist: 
    One Direction

    Best Female Video: 
    Nicki Minaj, "Starships"

    Best Male Video:
     Chris Brown, "Turn Up The Music"

    Video With a Message:
     Demi Lovato, "Skyscraper"

    Best Hip-Hop Video: 
    Drake feat. Lil Wayne, "HYFR"

    Best Rock Video: 
    Coldplay, "Paradise"

    Best Pop Video: 
    One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"

    Best Electronic Dance Music Video: 
    Calvin Harris, "Feel So Close"

    Most Share-Worthy Video: 
    One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful"

    Best Choreography: 
    Chris Brown, "Turn Up the Music"

    Best Editing: Beyonce, 
    "Countdown"

    Best Visual Effects: 
    Skrillex, "First of the Year (Equinox)"

    Best Cinematography: 
    M.I.A., "Bad Girls"

    Best Art Direction: 
    Katy Perry, "Wide Awake"

    Best Direction: 
    M.I.A., "Bad Girls"


    Suicide deaths:WHO raises alarm


    GENEVA (AFP) – One million people die by their own hand each year, accounting for more deaths than wars and murders put together, the World Health Organisation said Friday, calling for urgent action to address the problem.
    “Data from the WHO indicate that approximately one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds,” the organisation said in a report launched ahead of the World Suicide Prevention Day on Monday.
    And while the number of deaths by suicide is staggering, the number of attempts each year is 20 times higher, the WHO said, pointing out that five percent of people in the world try to kill themselves at least once during their lifetime.
    And the problem is getting worse, the organisation said, insisting that “given the magnitude of the public health problem of suicidal behaviours”, urgent action was needed.
    “As suicide is largely preventable, it is imperative that governments, through their health, social and other relevant sectors, invest human and financial resources in suicide prevention,” the report said.
    According to Dr. Shekhar Saxena, who headed the team behind the report, suicide rates have risen sharply in some parts of the world in recent years, with some countries seeing their rates jump by as much as 60 percent.
    “Although suicide continues to remain a serious problem in high income countries, it is the low and middle income countries that bear the larger part of the global suicide burden,” the report said, adding: “It is also these countries that are relatively less equipped to prevent suicide”.
    The highest documented suicide rates can be found in Eastern European countries like Lithuania and Russia, while they are lowest in Latin America, WHO said.
    The United States, Western European countries and Asia fell in the middle of the range, the report showed, but stressed that statistics are not available for many countries in Africa and South-East Asia.
    Globally, suicide is meanwhile the second cause of death worldwide among 15-19 year-olds, with at least 100,000 adolescents killing themselves each year, according to the study.
    Among adults, the suicide rate is highest among those aged 75 and older, the WHO said, pointing out that “elderly people are likely to have higher suicide intent and use more lethal methods than younger people, and they are less likely to survive the physical consequences of an attempt”.
    The report also showed that men were three times more likely to commit suicide, but that three times as many women as men attempted to kill themselves.
    “The disparity in suicide rates has been partly explained by the use of more lethal means and the experience of more aggression and higher intent to die, when suicidal, in men than women,” it explained.

    Dana Air wants crash probe suspended

    Nigerian Aviation  Minister

    Barely 24 hours after the Federal Government reinstated the airline’s operating licence, embattled Dana Air yesterday sprung a surprise when it joined in the desperate bid to stop the inquest into the cause of the crash of its Lagos bound plane that killed all 150 persons on board on June 3.
    Dana who had been joined as a defendant in a suit over the crash curiously filed an affidavit supporting the plaintiffs’ motion to halt the coroner’s inquest into the cause of the crash, a move which the presiding judge described as “a novel issue”.
    Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, admitted the affidavit by Dana, supporting the request of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Civil Aviation Round Table Initiative, to stop the proceedings of a Lagos state coroner court over the crash.
    The judge also overruled an objection by the lawyer appearing for the state, Akinjide Bakare, that the rules of the Federal High Court only permits a defendant to file a counter-affidavit to a plaintiff’s motion on notice and not an affidavit in support like the one filed by Dana.
    He turned down Bakare’s request to vacate the interim order restraining the continuation of the proceedings of the coroner court. The judge held that the order granted on August 28, was by “consent of the parties” and as such he lacked the power to vacate it.
    According to the judge; “Our rules do not contemplate a situation when parties joined as defendants have divergent interests. Though no provisions in the rules permit a defendant to file an affidavit in support of a plaintiff’s motion, but if relying on it will do justice in the matter, I don’t think it is wrong.
    “The issue to consider is if the interest of the first to fourth defendants will be prejudiced. The first to fourth defendants are at liberty to file their objection to the affidavit”, he said.
    Bakare had initially raised an objection to the affidavit on the grounds that it was filed out of time based on the provisions of Order 25 Rule 6 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.
    But counsel representing Dana Air, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), said the provisions of the rules referred to by Bakare only applied to a counter-affidavit.  He said his filing was not strange, adding, “the purport of this affidavit is to support the necessity for an interlocutory injunction pending the hearing of the substantive originating summons.
    Also counsel to the plaintiffs, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, SAN, like other counsel for the other defendants, supported Dana’s position.
    According to Nwobike, “It is not a counter-affidavit and therefore could not come within the contemplation of Order 26 Rule 5.”This does not, in any way, add or remove the case put forward by the first to fourth defendants in respect to our motion on notice. The case has been adjourned till September 13 for definite hearing.
    Civil Aviation Round Table Initiative, and its President, Captain Dele Ore, had in their suit, joined Dana Air with the coroner presiding over the inquest, Mr. Oyetade Komolafe, the Lagos State Chief Coroner, the state Chief Judge, and the Attorney-General of the state.
    Ore, a retired pilot, had asked the court to determine whether the Lagos State Chief Judge is not acting ultra vires by setting up a coroner’s inquest into the cause of the Dana air crash. The plaintiffs sought an interlocutory injunction and an order nullifying the proceedings of the inquest, saying the coroner has no power to carry out an inquest into an air accident. The other defendants are the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Accident Investigation Bureau, and the Nigeria Airspace Management Authority.
    According to Ore, with Nigeria having ratified and domesticated the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Chicago 1944 Act, the coroner’s inquest into the Dana air crash is “unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever”.
    He further urged the court to declare that the Coroners’ Law does not apply to aviation related matters as well as deaths arising from aviation accidents. 

    The real-life exorcist: Colombian priest claims to rid victims of their evil spirits and carries out ten 'exorcisms' every single week .


    A real-life exorcist claims his services are in such high demand that he performs ten services a week. 
    These bizarre images show willing participants smeared in dirt and surrounded by fire, limes and eggs, who have sought Brother Hermes' help to be 'healed'. 
    The priest has been carrying out the 'exorcisms' in Colombia, South America, for the last 25 years and claims the ritual rids people of their evil spirits.
    Ring of fire: Gisela Marulanda, 23, who claims to be possessed by spirits, participating in an exorcism ritual in La Cumbre, Valle, Colombia
    Ring of fire: Gisela Marulanda, 23, who claims to be possessed by spirits, participating in an exorcism ritual in La Cumbre, Valle, Colombia
    Healing hands: Hermes Cifuentes, who is also known as 'Brother Hermes', calls out Gisela Marulanda's 'demons'
    Healing hands: Hermes Cifuentes, who is also known as 'Brother Hermes', calls out Gisela Marulanda's 'demons'
    Ritual: Brother Hermes places his foot on the chest of Marleny Munoz, 55, who claims to be possessed by spirits
    Ritual: Brother Hermes places his foot on the chest of Marleny Munoz, 55, who claims to be possessed by spirits
    While Britain may not have a demand for such services in these modern times, in other parts of the world the village exorcist is a very public figure and remains both feared and respected.
     
      This is particularly the case in Africa (where belief in witchcraft and possession remains strong) and here, in La Cumbre, Valle, Colombia.
      In these Colombian exorcisms, the people being treated are dressed entirely in white, and they lie across the ground in between red and yellow marker posts. 
      Bizarre: The 'possessed' are surrounded by flowers, lime and egg shells during the service
      Bizarre: The 'possessed' are surrounded by flowers, lime and egg shells during the service
      In high demand: Brother Hermes carries out ten services a week - totalling more than 35,000 in his 25 years of practicing
      In high demand: Brother Hermes carries out ten services a week - totalling more than 35,000 in his 25 years of practicing
      Devil of a job: Brother Hermes lays his hand on the stomach of Gisela Marulanda, 23, to reach her spirits
      Devil of a job: Brother Hermes lays his hand on the stomach of Gisela Marulanda, 23, to reach her spirits
      The 50-year-old priest, whose real name is Hermes Cifuentes, also  covers participants with black mud from head to toe — and makes them stand in a deep earth hole during  the ceremony.
      Many subjects also have their eyes covered with  blackened bandages and lie in between strips of green and white  ribbon as Brother Hermes moves around them — placing his hands on their bodies and entreating any evil spirits to leave.
      It’s not known whether Brother Hermes has a high success rate, but he is clearly doing something right, given the high demand for his services. 
      Each week, around ten people visit him to be ‘healed’ - amounting to a total of 35,000 exorcisms in his 25 years of practicing. 
      Superstitious: The participants clutch eggs and handmade wooden crosses while ribbons are tied around their fingers
      Superstitious: The participants clutch eggs and handmade wooden crosses while ribbons are tied around their fingers
      Mass exorcisms: Brother Hermes performs two exorcism rituals on Irma Beatriz (bottom), 46, and Marleny Munoz (top), 55, who both who claim to be possessed by spirits
      Mass exorcisms: Brother Hermes performs two exorcism rituals on Irma Beatriz (bottom), 46, and Marleny Munoz (top), 55, who both who claim to be possessed by spirits
      Devout: Brother Hermes prays after performing an exorcism in La Cumbre, Colombia
      Devout: Brother Hermes prays after performing an exorcism in La Cumbre, Colombia

      Brother Hermes claims to have carried out a total of 35,000 exorcisms in La Cumbra, Colombia, in 25 years