Thursday, 24 December 2015
Merry Christmas everyone and happy holidays!
Americans held hostage in Iran win compensation, 36 years later
Americans held hostage in Iran win compensation, 36 years later
Buried in the huge spending bill signed into law last Friday are
provisions that would give each of the 53 hostages or their estates up
to $4.4 million.
Victims of other state-sponsored terrorist attacks
such as the 1998 American Embassy bombings in East Africa would also be
eligible for benefits under the law.
“I had to pull over to the side of the road, and I basically cried,”
said Rodney V. Sickmann, who was a Marine sergeant working as a security
guard at the embassy in Tehran when he was seized along with the other
Americans by an angry mob that overran the compound on Nov. 4, 1979. “It
has been 36 years, one month, 14 days, obviously, until President Obama
signed the actual bill, until Iran was held accountable,” he said.
Rodney V. Sickmann |
David M. Roeder |
Some of the hostages were subject to physical and psychological torture during their long ordeal.
It is not clear, however, whether all the former hostages or their
families will receive full payments. In large measure that is because
the $4.4 million total authorized by Congress depends on the outcome of
efforts to collect on judgments won in earlier court rulings involving
victims of terrorist attacks, as well as on the number of victims who
file claims.
The law authorizes payments of up to $10,000 per day of captivity for
each of the 53 hostages, 37 of whom are still alive. Fifty-two hostages
were released on Jan. 20, 1981; a 53rd hostage had been released earlier
because of illness.
Spouses and children are authorized to receive a lump payment of as much as $600,000.
Chicago 'Black Christmas' protesters march against police violence
Chicago 'Black Christmas' protesters march against police violence
The demonstration was peaceful, but after the main march concluded, police scuffled with a few dozen protesters who were trying to block the entrance to an H&M store and to obstruct traffic both ways on Michigan Avenue, a major thoroughfare.
During the march, demonstrators chanted "Sixteen shots and a cover-up," protesting the year-long delay in bringing murder charges against police officer Jason Van Dyke, who shot and killed Laquan McDonald in October 2014 as the black teenager walked away from police, according to footage of the incident.
Shoppers and tourists mostly took in their stride Thursday's protest, which was not as big as a 2,000-person march on "Black Friday" Nov. 27, which blocked traffic into several Michigan Avenue stores.
"I think it's a good reminder, especially on Christmas Eve, that it's not all about gifts and the commercialization of Christmas," said Barbara Hutchinson, 64, from St. Louis.
Reuters
Meet the man who married Putin's daughter and then made a fortune
Meet the man who married Putin's daughter and then made a fortune
Set amid woodland with a picturesque lake, the resort is co-owned by the family of Yuri Kovalchuk, another old friend of Putin, and a Cyprus company with undisclosed shareholders.
One person who attended the event said staff were told the bride and
groom were named Kirill and Katerina, and that guests wore white scarves
embroidered with the letters "K&K" in red thread. When shown a
photograph of a woman known as Katerina Tikhonova, the source identified
her as the bride. Tikhonova is Putin's younger daughter, as Reuters
confirmed in November.
"Guards were behind every corner, (they) didn't let anyone close to the celebration," said a staff member at the resort, which has a luxurious spa complex. "But we knew it was Kirill and Katerina - Putin's daughter - celebrating marriage."
At the time of the wedding, Kirill - a tall, dark-haired man with
rimless glasses - was a rising star of Russian business, but still only
31. His fortunes began to skyrocket soon after his wedding to the
president's daughter, a competitive acrobatic dancer who is now helping
to oversee a $1.7 billion expansion of Moscow State University.
Within 18 months, Kirill acquired a large chunk of shares in a major
Russian oil and petrochemical processor called Sibur - a stake now worth
an estimated $2.85 billion, based on the value of recent share deals.
He also quit his job as a business manager and set up a company to run
his personal investments.
How did such a young businessman go so far, so fast? A Reuters
examination of Shamalov's career shows that in the summer of 2013,
months after he married Putin's daughter, Kirill opened discussions
about buying shares in Sibur from one of the president's wealthiest
friends.
A year later, he was able to borrow more than $1 billion, judging by the
published accounts of his investment company. The loan came from a bank
headed by another longtime associate of Putin, and where Shamalov's
brother holds a senior position. The money was used to make an
investment in Sibur that within months proved highly profitable for
Kirill.
Asked about his business deals and the wedding, Kirill Shamalov and Sibur declined to comment.
The trajectory of Kirill's fortunes sheds new light on how people close
to Putin have taken commanding positions in key companies - and how such
opportunities are now being extended to a new generation. Like the
wedding, much of this transfer of riches has occurred away from public
scrutiny.
Vladimir Milov, a former Russian deputy energy minister and now an
opposition campaigner, said Putin's friends had acquired major assets
with the help of lenders with links to the state, such as Gazprombank.
"It's extremely non-transparent, so it is hard to get to and judge the specifics of the loan agreements," Milov said. "They consider Gazprombank their pocket bank."
He added: "They are looking to pass on their power and privileges to a new generation."
Asked about the wedding celebrations and business deals, Dmitry Peskov,
spokesman for the Russian president, said: "Putin's daughters are not
involved in politics or business. The businessman, Shamalov, is well
known. As far as we are aware, all his activities are in line with the
laws of the Russian Federation. For many years he has been in the
management of the company Sibur, and along with other senior managers is
a shareholder. His career and business are not within the sphere of
interest of the Kremlin. We do not give comments on the private lives of
Putin's close relatives."
Khloe Kardashian shows off her curves in more St. Barth's photos
Kendall Jenner sizzles in Love Magazine's December issue
Rescued Senegalese migrant wins €400,000 in Spain’s Christmas lottery
Rescued Senegalese migrant wins €400,000 in Spain’s Christmas lottery
The man, identified only by his first name Ngame, was one of the holders of one of the 1,600 tickets with the winning number in the draw draw.
He made an illegal entry into Europe with his wife.
“I just can’t believe this, I can tell you that on some days we do not have five euros between the two of us,” he told the newspaper which published a photo of Ngame holding his winning ticket.Ngame and his wife arrived eight years ago in the resort island of Tenerife, a part of Spain’s Canary Islands in the Atlantic off the coast of Morocco. They were taken there after being rescued by Spain’s coast guard when the boat they were travelling in ran into trouble.
“There were 65 people on that boat. I want to give thanks to Spaniards and the Spanish government for rescuing me when I was in the sea,” he told the newspaper.
43 still missing from Hajj stampede
43 still missing from Hajj stampede
A report submitted by the Federal government committee on the 2015 Hajj yesterday, states that 280 Nigerians died in both events while 43 others are yet to be located. A total of 75,081 Nigerian pilgrims participated in the 2015 hajj exercise.
Nigerian man banned for 5 yrs from approaching women he doesn't know following sexual assault case
Nigerian man banned for 5 yrs from approaching women he doesn't know following sexual assault case
Aniefiok Udo was spared jail term after admitting to a
string of sexual assaults on the London Tube. He pleaded guilty to three counts
of sexual assault on December 14. He was handed a 16-week suspended sentence and banned
for five years from approaching any woman he does not know while using
public transport.
49-year-old Udo, from Ilford, assaulted the same 23-year-old woman on
two separate occasions while travelling on the Central Line last year.
He approached her and began touching her after boarding trains at
Hainault station at about 9pm on both occasions, Snaresbrook Crown Court
heard.
After she reported the incidents to police in January, another woman also came forward to say she had been assaulted by the man.
Detective Constable Martin Chapman said:
"No woman should fear using
public transport, and we are committed to working with our partners to
keep the rail network a safe place.
"I am pleased Udo has been brought before the courts to answer for
his disgusting behaviour, and I would like to thank the women involved
for reporting his actions to us."
smart move? 50 Cent now suing Rick Ross
Lol...smart move? 50 Cent now suing Rick Ross
50 cent is suing Rick Ross for jacking "In Da Club" and rapping over it to promote his new album. 50 just filed a lawsuit in Connecticut ... in the docs he says his classic banger appears on Ross' 'Renzel Remixes' without his permission, and he used it to drum up publicity for his next LP. 50 and Ross have a storied beef ... 50 was slapped with a $7 mil judgment for uploading a sex tape with Ross' baby mama in it. 50 seems to be retaliating with the lawsuit ... he wants Ross to pony up more than $2 mill for using his track.If 50 sets a precedent and people start suing over mixtape beats, a lot of rappers will get broke!
Read President Buhari's Christmas message to Nigerians
Read President Buhari's Christmas message to Nigerians
I felicitate with all Nigerians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas. On this occasion of the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, let us all rededicate ourselves to the virtues of peace, love, honesty, justice, equity, piety, humility and service to others which he taught.There can be no doubt that a greater manifestation of these virtues and ideals in our lives will immensely help us to become a more united, peaceful, secure and progressive nation.
Let us also reach out in love and compassion to fellow Nigerians who are in distress at this period of our nation’s history.
I particularly urge you all to remember victims of terrorism and insurgency in the country, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The Federal Government will continue to collaborate with state governments and other stakeholders to ease the harsh conditions in IDP camps, while the ultimate objective remains to quickly put an end to insurgency and return the IDPs to their homes.
We must never again allow any group to hold the nation to ransom under whatever guise.
Let us also not allow current socio-economic and security challenges to dampen our expectations for a better Nigeria.
This administration has taken a number of measures to restore hope to our people. The 2016 Budget defines our commitment to giving Nigeria a new lease of life.
Our change slogan is not a campaign gimmick but a promise that must be kept. We are determined to bring about tangible changes in the lives of our people.
In this regard, efforts will be intensified to recover stolen funds, block revenue leakages and enthrone due process, transparency and accountability.
Public office is a public trust that must be held to the highest ethical standards.
I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas.
Please drive carefully.
MUHAMMADU BUHARI
Hustling Santa Claus...lol (photo)
Hustling Santa Claus...lol (photo)
Obafemi Martins hangs out with Ronaldinho in Dubai club (photo)
Obafemi Martins hangs out with Ronaldinho in Dubai club (photo)
Pic of the two women who 'stole $750k of jewellery from basketball star after meeting him in a club and going back to his home'
Pic of the two women who 'stole $750k of jewellery from basketball star after meeting him in a club and going back to his home'
Police
are also looking into the possibility that the women could be part of a
larger ring of females targeting wealthy men at clubs.
Williams
had been out celebrating his team's win over the Philadelphia 76ers the
previous night when he decided to keep the party going in the early
morning hours back at his apartment. Those invited back with Williams were friends with the
basketball player, with the exception of the two women suspected in the
robbery.
As
everyone else partied at the playboy's pad, the two women allegedly did
some snooping and found a Louis Vuitton case with close to a million
dollars worth of jewelry that they then stole.
They
allegedly made off with Rolexes, chains and other blinged-out baubles,
though it is unclear how they managed to sneak out unnoticed given how
small the purses are that both women can be seen carrying in the
surveillance footage just hours before.
Williams, 24, realized the jewelry was missing later that afternoon when he went to check the box, and called police.
He has refused to publicly comment on the incident.
Source: Daily Mail UK
People take photos of a woman in a revealing see-through dress
People take photos of a woman in a revealing see-through dress
Femi Falana calls for prosecution of Buratai, others over Army/Shiite attack
Femi Falana calls for prosecution of Buratai, others over Army/Shiite attack
In a statement released yesterday December 23rd, Falana said the Nigerian military has refused the injured Shiite members access to their personal physicians and family members...
"Assuming
that the Shi’ite members actually blocked the road, why was the
nuisance not reported to the police? Are the authorities of the Nigerian
Army above the law of the land? The
army authorities have refused to release the bodies of those who were
massacred to their families for burial while the personal physicians of
the injured ones and their family members have been denied access to
them. The suspects were refused bail by the Magistrate who ordered that they be remanded in prison custody. Although
Sheik El-Zakzaky is reported to have been transferred from a military
custody to a police station, he has been denied access to his personal
physicians and lawyers".
Falana stressed that "In
Chief Gani Fawehinmi v. General Sani Abacha (1996) 5 NWLR (PT 447) 198
at 202, the Court of Appeal ordered the Attorney-General of Federation,
Inspector-General of Police and the operatives of the State Security
Services to allow the wife and personal physicians of the appellant, a
political detainee, to have access to him in prison custody ‘at all
reasonable times.’ In
requesting the Inspector-General of Police to allow access to the
detainees his attention ought to be drawn to Section 14(2) of the
Administration of Criminal Justice Act which provides as follows: A
person who has the custody of an arrested suspect shall give the
suspect reasonable facilities for obtaining legal advice, access to
communication for taking steps to furnish bail, and otherwise making
arrangements for his defence or release.'”
He
called on the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase to allow the
Shiite leader, his wife and members of his group, access to their
families, personal physicians, and legal practitioners as empowered by
the Law.
“Having
undertaken to end impunity in the country, President Buhari should
ensure that the Chief of Army Staff and all the soldiers who took part
in the violent attack and arson in Zaria are brought to book without any
further delay.”
Miracle baby whose life support was turned off makes amazing recovery
Miracle baby whose life support was turned off makes amazing recovery
The couple even signed a Do Not Resuscitate form meaning no special measures would be taken to keep her alive.
But just 30 minutes after their heartbreaking goodbye the 18-month-old tot, who doctors had given up for dead, began kicking and screaming.
Bella’s has continued to recover and five months on she is well enough to celebrate Christmas with her family at home.
Dad-of-two Lee said:
“I was holding her hand knowing there was going to be a little last breath. “I could feel her hand dropping and it went down but then she started gripping my finger. “She started moving on her own and then her machine started going off. “The doctors then changed everything to try and keep her alive.”Francesca added:
“It’s just amazing. It’s like we have won the lottery. “She made our family complete and it now i’s great to see how well she is doing. “When she says ‘mama’ it melts my heart.”Bella’s parents first became concerned about their daughter’s heath when she started losing clumps of hair in April. Just three months later her condition took a turn for the worse during a family holiday in Gran Canaria.
She was rushed to hospital one day after returning to the UK and tests showed she was critically ill. Bella was admitted to intensive care where an MRI scan showed abnormalities across both sides of her brain.
On July 21 Francesca and Lee said an emotional final goodbye to their daughter after taking prints of her hands and feet as a memento. They also took a final picture together with their son Bobby, five, before the ventilator was switched off. Francesca explained:
“The whole family came in one by one to say their goodbyes. “I just kept sitting there thinking ‘why us’. It was heart wrenching. “I will never, ever forget that moment where I had to say goodbye to my daughter.”Just 30 minutes later Bella’s oxygen levels recovered to 100 per cent and her parents were told she would survive. She was later diagnosed with the genetic disorder Biotinidase deficiency, which is so rare it affects just one in every 60,000 births.
Sufferers of the condition do not produce enough biotin - a vitamin which is essential for healthy cell growth.
The deficiency can be fatal if left untreated but will now be managed safely with tablets.
Sales worker Francesca added:
“From the day that we were told that she was going to survive - I haven’t cried since. “I’m frozen with emotion because I cried so much through such a traumatic period that I have nothing more to give. “It’s going to take me time to get over the ordeal - we were just sat there waiting for her to take her final breath.”Bella, who will be two in January, is now learning to walk and talk and her hair is growing back. Experts say she is around eight months behind other children her age but she is expected to catch up. Francesca said:
“She’s at nursery and to look at her you wouldn’t think she’s been through what she has. “Her body was slowly shutting down but she’s obviously a strong little fighter.
'Beware of campaign of calumny by Members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria'- Nigerian Army
'Beware of campaign of calumny by Members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria'- Nigerian Army
Earlier today he was at the University soliciting for support and telling lies about the circumstances surrounding
the incident and the incident itself. He also went further to make
false and unfounded allegations of casualty figures and desecration of
burial grounds. It is preposterous and shows lack of concern and
respect for peace and tranquility.
So much as the Nigerian Army has reported the matter before the
appropriate agencies and action is being taken, it would not sit back
and allow some mischievous elements in the society to further create
unnecessary tension and disaffection in the society.
This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse their privileged position to mislead the public, create disaffection.
This attitude will not be tolerated where people abuse their privileged position to mislead the public, create disaffection.
Therefore, Nigerians and indeed all well meaning people are please
enjoined to be patient and await the outcome of the various enquiries
instituted by various government and Non-governmental agencies.
Additionally, Doctor Abdullahi Danladi and like minded individuals
should be warned to desist from telling lies and misrepresentation of
facts capable of misleading the general public"
Technically we have won the war against Boko Haram - Pres. Buhari
Technically we have won the war against Boko Haram - Pres. Buhari
President Buhari says that his government has technically won the war against Boko Haram. He said this in an interview with BBC
"I assure you we haven't failed. Adamawa state, Yobe state are free from Boko Haram. Borno state which is there base, I think they have two to three local government. Boko Haram has reverted to using IEDs Improvised Explosive Device, indoctrinating young girls from 15 years and below to go and explode it in churches, mosques, market places, motorparks.
They have now been reduced to that but articulated conventional attacks on centers of communication and population in towns and so on, they are no longer capable of doing that effectively. So I think technically we have won the war because people are going back to their neighborhoods. We have our committees on the ground liaising with Local governments. People are going back. Our major problem now is rehabilitation because over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons, repairing the infrastructures, schools, health centers...the number of bridges blown..that is what we are facing now. But Boko Haram as an organized fighting force, I assure you that we have dealt with them"he said
When
asked what his opinion is about Nigerians criticizing him for always
blaming the last government instaed of focusing on how to make the
country better, he said
"I think they are
being unfair. Boko haram was effective on 16 local government areas
before in the three states. Borno Yobe and Adamawa. Yobe and Adamawa are
absolutely free and there are about three local governments were Boko
Harams are there and I have told you they cannot marshal forces and
attack towns or military installation as they did in Maiduguri before. I
don't think this is mere talking. We have moved Service Chiefs, we
re-organized the military. We have got some hardware for them and we
have gotten retraining from the British, Americans and with the French. A
lot of is being done"he said
Listen to the interview here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/ programmes/p03cxhw9?ocid= socialflow_facebook
Khloe Kardashian shows off nipples covered in body paint
Khloe Kardashian shows off nipples covered in body paint
Man U coach Van Gaal storms out of press conference when asked about his future.
Man U coach Van Gaal storms out of press conference when asked about his future.
United travel to Stoke on Boxing Day before taking on Chelsea at Old Trafford two days later. Read the interview session below...
Q: Arsene Wenger says it’s been disrespectful?
Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? That’s what I’m wondering. I think I was already sacked, I read. I have been sacked.
My colleague was here already. What do you think happens with my wife or my kids? Or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? Or my friends? What do you think? They have called me a lot of times and also Arsene Wenger is saying something about that. So you think that I want to talk with the media now. I am here only because of the Premier League rules. I have to talk with you. But I can only see when I say something that you use my words in your context. And I
want to say only I have tried to lift the confidence of my players. I have done everything this week.
I held meetings with the players with my members of staff, I hold a Christmas lunch, I did a speech and I feel the warmth and support of everybody in Carrington, this AON training complex.
But I didn’t feel that in the media and of course I can imagine that you can write about that subject. We are not in a good position but four weeks ago we were first in the Premier League and in four weeks’ time we can be back in that position again.
Q: Manchester United is a huge club, is the speculation inevitable?
No I don’t think that you can do that because you have to stick by the facts and when I get calls off Alex Ferguson and David Gill and Ed Woodward because you are creating something that is not good, what is not being the facts, now I have to answer questions. I don’t think I want to do it. I only say now I am focussed on Stoke City, I help my players. I wish you a Merry Christmas and also maybe a Happy New Year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye.
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