Nicki Minaj Confirms Super Bowl Hype, "Rehearsals W/ The Queen

Young Money's Nicki Minaj is heading in the same direction as the New York Giants and New England Patriots after recently confirming Super Bowl halftime performance speculation.

Super Bowl rehearsals w/the Queen ;) ----> RT @HumbleNika: @NICKIMINAJ what does your agenda contain today Nic? :)," she tweeted January 27th. (Nicki Minaj's Twitter)

Drake Gets Puck'd Up In Canada, "This Is One Of The Greatest Honors I've Ever Received

Young Money star Drake took some time away from the recording studio this past weekend by performing at the annual NHL All-Star Game in Canada.

Drake wore his Canadian pride on his sleeve while attending the 2012 NHL All-Star Game at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday (Jan. 29). Sporting a custom NHL jersey with his name on it, the

The Father of India's children: Nearly 500 young boys dress as Mahatma Gandhi in record-breaking peace march to honour civil rights leader

 Dressed in matching skin-coloured caps, round spectacles and grey moustaches, these young children are taking part in a lookalike record attempt like no other.

Record: The 485 boys who dressed as peace icon Mahatma Gandhi represented the biggest number ever

The 485 children donned matching outfits in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic Indian spiritual leader who was assassinated 64 years ago to the day.

Not for the faint-hearted: Thousands take part in annual 'Tough Guy' challenge

If your idea of exercise is a brisk walk round the park or the occasional run for a bus then this probably isn't the event for you.

Glutton for punishment: A competitor wades through water obstacle during this year's Tough Guy Challenge endurance race in Perton, Staffordshire

But if being burnt, bruised, scratched, slashed, electrocuted and caked in mud from head to toe seems like an acceptable way to spend a Sunday afternoon, then the Tough Guy challenge could be just what you've been waiting for.

Crystals are a girls' best friend! Rihanna splashes out £100,000 on Marilyn Monroe artwork

t's a hard life, being so rich you don't know what to do with your money.

Too cool for school: Rihanna attended the premiere of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil last week

But Rihanna has found a worthy cause for £100,000 of her finest sterling - after she bought a portrait of Marilyn Monroe made out of 65,000 crystals.

Boxer Amir Khan introduces his knockout fiancée Faryal at £150,000 engagement party... held at Bolton Wanderers Reebok stadium

Amir Khan has certainly scored a knockout. The boxer had an enormous smile on his face last night, and one look at his stunning fiancée shows why.

Wife to be: Amir Khan became formally engaged to Faryal Makhdoom at the couple's lavish party last night at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton

Khan, 25, and 20-year-old Faryal Makhdoom revealed their plans to marry earlier this month, and made it official this weekend by exchanging rings in front of 1,000 of their nearest and dearest at a lavish engagement party.

Snagging the prize for the cutest couple? Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt kiss their way through the SAG Awards

They are one of the most famous couples in the world.
And though their romance has been very public from the start, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt don't usually indulge in public displays of affection.
So it was a huge surprise when the pair shared a series of tender kisses on the red carpet at last night's Screen Actors Guild awards.

Passionate kiss: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt enjoyed an amorous evening at the Screen Actors Guild Awards 

Later, as they sat at a table during the ceremony, it was clear their attention was only for each other.

Kudirat Abiola murder: Al-Mustapha, Shofolahan know fate today

AGOS — Embattled former Chief Security Officer, CSO, to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamzat Al-Mustapha and a protocol officer in the MKO Abiola campaign organisation, Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, will know their fate today, as a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, will give judgment in the conspiracy to murder and murder charge preferred against them.
Trial judge is Justice Mojisala Dada.

Jonathan decries poor ratings of Nigerian varsities

ENUGU—PRESIDENT  Goodluck Jonathan weekend decried the poor African and international ranking of Nigerian universities, saying older universities, particularly the University of Nigeria, must endeavour to change the situation.
Jonathan stated that the recent ratings which indicated that “no Nigerian university is among the top 10 providers of tertiary institutions in Africa, not to mention globally” was unacceptable.
He declared that Nigeria “cannot be a great nation on the back of poorly trained youth. It is for this reason that the transformation of our nation must start in the classrooms”.
In the speech read on his behalf by Education Minister, Prof Ruqqayatu Rufai, at the 41st convocation of University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, the President charged the universities to lead in fresh thinking that would align their curricula with modern reality to produce graduates with an entrepreneurial mind-set.
Jonathan said the transformation programme of the Federal Government mirrored the values of the founding fathers of the University of Nigeria now in its 52nd year.
“There is no doubt that the University has been a transformational force in the evolution of our country. The Founding Father’s vision was for a united, strong and prosperous Nigeria. These values underline our present transformation initiatives,” the President said.

Jonathan didn’t contest AU chairmanship – Presidency

President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked reports in a section of the media that he contested the AU Chairmanship position and lost to President Yayi Boni of Benin Republic at the 18th AU summit held in Addis Ababa.

Man docked for stealing of Policeman’s N30,000

A 28-year-old man, Jamiu Surakat, who allegedly stole N30,000 belonging to a policeman, Sgt. Henry Okon, during the nationwide strike and protests against Federal Government removal of fuel subsidy, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court, Lagos.

Fresh attacks on police stations kill two in Kano

KANO (AFP) – Gunmen have attacked two more police stations in Nigeria’s second city of Kano, killing at least two people amid a wave of escalating violence blamed on Islamists.
One of the attacks occurred at dawn on Monday, setting off a gun battle with police, residents said. On Sunday night, gunmen stormed another police station near a bus station, leaving two civilians dead.
It was not immediately clear who was behind the violence, but Kano, the main northern city in Nigeria, has been targeted in recent weeks by attacks claimed by Islamist group Boko Haram.

Kano, Maiduguri attacked again: 13 killed in Boko Haram, soldiers gun battle

Igbo to kinsmen in the north: Relocate wives, children to south-east
By Tony Edike , AbdulSalam Muhammed & Ndahi Marama
No fewer than 13 people were at the weekend killed in the latest confrontation between the security forces and members of the Boko Haram sect.






The scenes of confrontation were Kano, the capital of Kano State, where 186 people were killed when the sect struck, penultimate Friday, and Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
At the end of the fresh Kano clash, on Friday, one police officer lay dead.

Now that's table service! Pixie Geldof and Eliza Doolittle put on a leggy display during a star-studded shoot for Harper's Bazaar

Pixie Geldof may not be a typical pin-up but she'll garner the interest of a fair few admirers with her latest photoshoot.
T.

Getting a leg up: Pixie Geldof and Eliza Doolittle flash their toned pins in a shoot for Harper's Bazaar which took place at the Luna Rossa restaurant in Notting Hill, west London

he 21-year-old modeled for US magazine Harper's Bazaar recently and took on an entirely more glamorous look than usual.

Fresh twist in Tevez saga as Liverpool offer misfit Carroll in exchange for outcast

Liverpool made a last-ditch attempt to get rid of flop striker Andy Carroll - by offering him to Manchester City in exchange for Carlos Tevez.

Struggling: Andy Carroll (centre) has failed to find his form at Liverpool 

 

The Anfield club made an enquiry about the Argentine forward last week but their offer of a straight swap was immediately rebuffed.

Leave De Gea alone! Owen blasts 'harsh' criticism of United keeper's Anfield show

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has launched a defence of team-mate David De Gea after the Spanish goalkeeper came in for criticism following the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield.

No man's land: David De Gea was helpless to prevent Daniel Agger (top right) heading Liverpool's opening goal against Manchester United on Saturday

De Gea was criticised for Liverpool's two goals, failing to claim the ball when Liverpool defender Daniel Agger shot past him and then unable to get a touch on Dirk Kuyt's rising shot for the late winner.

Arsenal 3 Aston Villa 2: Gunners come from two down to send Villans crashing out

Robin van Persie netted twice from the penalty spot as Arsenal came from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at the Emirates Stadium and book their place in the FA Cup fifth round.

 

Turnaround: Arsenal celebrate after turning the game on its head

Richard Dunne and Darren Bent had put the visitors in command at the break but the Gunners were given a lifeline at the start of the second half when Dunne upended Aaron Ramsey, and Van Persie coolly dispatched the resulting spot-kick.

Djokovic breaks Nadal's heart yet again to retain Australian Open title after six gruelling hours in longest ever grand slam final

Novak Djokovic outlasted Rafael Nadal to retain his Australian Open title in the longest grand slam final of all time.
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Sealed with a kiss: Djokovic with the Australian Open trophy

The Serbian won an epic encounter 5-7 6-4 6-2 6-7(5/7) 7-5 in five hours and 53 minutes, beating the previous record of four hours and 54 minutes set by Ivan Lendl and Mats Wilander at the 1988 US Open.

Chris Brown Drops New Single 'Turn Up The Music'

Chris Brown is getting the club banging with "Turn Up the Music." The first single from Brown's upcoming album, Fortune, was released Thursday (January 26), and much like his 2010 hit "Yeah 3x," Brown revisits an electronic-dance sound that is destined to get people in the clubs and on the dance floor.

Young Money's Cory Gunz Arrested With A Loaded Gun

Cory Gunz
His dad, rapper Peter Gunz, confirms report to MTV News: 'To go to a precinct and see your son in handcuffs, it's heartbreaking.'

A Papua New Guinea wedding: Face paint, grass aprons and pigs

It was a wedding I could not pass up - a traditional tribal ceremony in the remote southern highlands of Papua New Guinea and I was invited as family.
Komya village was once home for Moses, the bridegroom. After being abandoned as a child and on the verge of starvation, he was taken in by an Australian couple and ended up in Melbourne.

Travelwise: What is the safest mode of travel?

The Costa Concordia wreck, in which 11 people were killed, dominated headlines this week. (Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press)

It’s often said that driving in a car is more dangerous than flying in a plane, yet when an aeroplane crashes or a ship sinks, the nonstop media coverage that follows makes that claim hard to believe.

UN inspectors visit Iran as nuclear tensions rise

Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have begun a three-day visit to Iran, to try to determine the purpose of the country's nuclear programme.

The visit comes at a time of escalating tension between Tehran and the West over Iran's nuclear activities.
The director general of the IAEA, Yukiya Amano, says Iran needs to engage and answer the agency's questions.
Iran denies that it is trying to develop a nuclear weapon.

Analysis

 

James Reynolds BBC Iran correspondent

Iran denies that it is trying to develop a nuclear weapon.
The head of the IAEA team said they hoped to "resolve all the outstanding issues with Iran" over its nuclear programme.

Chris Brown's New Girlfriend . . .

Chris Brown's New Girlfriend . . .

WOOOOOOW!!! Will Smith's Son JADEN Cut Off His Hair . . . Now He Looks EXACTLY Like His DAD!!!

WOOW!!! Will Smith's Son JADEN Cut Off His Hair . . . Now He Looks EXACTLY Like His DAD!!!

Songstress, Omawumi Re-Brands. Becomes Pastor

If what we are getting from the grapevines are anything to go by, then, Nigerian singer and 'Idols West Africa' runner up, Megbele Omawumi, who is popularly known as Omawumi, may have decided to become a pastor in the household of God.

Enahoro’s widow passes on after battling cancer Enahoro’s widow passes on after battling cancer

BENIN CITY -  Widow of the late frontline nationalist, Mrs Helen Enahoro, Saturday, passed on  at the age of 79.
Vanguard learnt that the  widow passed on in Lagos after a brief illness. It was learnt that  Mrs Enahoro had a protracted battle with cancer.

Omotola rocks the world of widows

The adage that says who feels it knows it, was aptly put to test when screen queen and musician Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde brought succour to some widows in Lagos.
Her mother having been a widow before she passed away ten years ago, Omotsexy as the actor cum musician is more popularly known knows what they go through and with her large heart; she offered to come to the aid of some widows in Lagos.

Omotola

The event tagged “The 20 Widows Makeover” was her way of encouraging widows, who have worked hard to keep the home front in order despite the demise of their spouses. It also aimed at pampering these women and helping them boost their confidence and self esteem.

EFCC to probe sacked governors

* We’ve petitions against them – EFCC
Our reporters
FOR allegedly mismanaging the finances of their states, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will go after some of the five former governors who were sacked by the Supreme Court on Friday.
The commission, at the weekend, disclosed plans to  invite some of the governors to answer questions regarding  management of state finances during their tenure in office amid speculations that some of them may be on their way out of the country to escape investigations by anti_graft agencies.

Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin takes over as AU new chairman

ADDIS ABABA  (AFP) – African Union leaders chose Benin’s President Thomas Boni Yayi Sunday as the 54-member bloc’s new chairman, at a two-day summit hoped to help resolve multiple crises facing the continent.

Liverpool FC launches new racism probe as fan is accused of making 'monkey' gesture

A fan has been accused of making racist gestures during Liverpool's FA Cup victory over Manchester United.

Police are now reviewing footage of the game, which was shown on ITV, and Liverpool has launched its own inquiry after an image of the alleged incident was circulated on the internet.

Police stressed it was an isolated incident and said the crowd had been generally well behaved.

Accusation: Merseyside police are looking at TV footage of the FA Cup clash at Anfield

A club statement said: ‘Following today’s game we were made aware of an image being circulated of an incident at this afternoon’s FA Cup fourth-round tie.

Sneak peek: 'I made a mistake!' Kim Kardashian breaks down in tears on season finale of reality show, as she admits she regrets her failed 72-day marriage

Kim Kardashian might want to prepare herself for further backlash after the season finale of her E! show airs.
In a sneak peek from Sunday's episode of Kourtney & Kim Take New York , the 31-year-old reality star reveals that, in less than 72 days, her feelings for ex-husband Kris Humphries changed.
She just 'fell out of love.'

I failed! Kim Kardashian admits she regrets rushing into marriage so quickly

The clip sees the brunette beauty have a breakdown on the finale of Kourtney & Kim Take New York, sobbing uncontrollably to older sister Kourtney.

D’Banj &Mo’hit crew perform @ Live Nation tour

Irving Plaza comes alive on Sunday, February 19, 2012 as head of the Mo’hit clan; D’banjand members of his crew plan an A-list performance to the  grand taste of live and rich Nigerian pop music.

D' banj

The concert put together by Live Nation in collaboration with Mo’Hits, is powered by US loudspeaker company Klipsch and is sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), MTN and Arik Air.

Nigeria may lose AFRIMA hosting right

Nigeria may lose in the bidding for the hosting rights of AFRIMA (All Africa Music Awards) for four years due to increasing security concerns in the country.
This was disclosed yesterday in South Africa by Mrs. Emmanuelle Namun-Biko, director of media and communications, AFRIMA, at the end of a production session to discuss the fine details of the event progression in Pretoria, South Africa.

Shell resumes production after trunkline repairs

LAGOS (AFP) – Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell said Friday it had resumed oil production following the repair of a trunkline in the south, which was reportedly sabotaged last month, a company spokesman said.
“We finished repairs on Nembe Creek Trunkline on January 22 and production resumed on January 23,” Precious Okolobo told AFP.

Phone hacking: UK policeman, four tabloid staff arrested in payments probe

LONDON (AFP) – Detectives investigating the suspected payment of police for information on Saturday arrested a serving policeman and four staff from Britain’s biggest selling daily newspaper, Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun.

Shekau leading Boko Haram from the shadows

KANO (AFP) – Abubakar Muhammad Shekau was once thought to have been killed, but has re-emerged to lead Islamist group Boko Haram from the shadows as it carries out a bloody onslaught in northern Nigeria.

Revealed! How Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola’s supremacy war nearly ruined Ije

Startling facts have emerged concerning how the age-long feud between actress Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde played out during the production of Chineze Anyaene’s multiple award winning movie, “Ïje: The Journey.”
The silent rivalry, HVP gathered nearly ruined the production of the big budget movie.
The movie which ruled the Nigerian box office, grossing over N47 million from six cinemas across the country two years ago starred the two A-list actresses amongst other Nollywood stars.
Sources close to the producer  told HVP that, while the movie was being shot in Los-Angeles,  it was a running battle to get the two heavy-weight actresses to work as a team.
In fact, according to our sources, except for the ceaseless intervention of the cast and crew of the production, none of the two actresses was ready to play a second fiddle to each other.

Genevieve, Chineze and Omotola

The silent rivalry, HVP gathered nearly ruined the production of the big budget movie.
The movie which ruled the Nigerian box office, grossing over N47 million from six cinemas across the country two years ago starred the two A-list actresses amongst other Nollywood stars.

Odera storms Nigeria with Soul Diaspora

Award winning  American  based Nigerian film maker, Odera Ozoka who co-produced the highly funded $2 million film “Ije: The Journey”, starring two of the country’s greatest actresses, Genevieve Nnaji, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, has done it again.

Odera Ozoka

 The young producer has completed work on his $20,000 budget movie, ‘Soul Diaspora’ and it is due to be premiered in the country today, January 28, at the Ozone Cinemas, Yaba, Lagos, with a red carpet starting at 6:30pm.

Ice Prince, others storm London

Come Sunday, 29th January, some of Nigeria’s A-list artistes will be taking London by storm. Showtime gathered this when we stumbled on one of Chocolate City idol, Prince’s tweets on social network, Twitter.