WELCOME TO POPOOLA'S BLOG : 2014

14 December 2014

Pope Francis didn't make pets in heaven comment

Vatican City - It was a heartwarming story for legions of pet owners and animal lovers around the world.

Pope Francis, talking to a distraught boy whose pet had died, declared there was a place in heaven for the creatures we share our lives with. His comment was reported this week by many news media outside Italy, with dozens of articles in the United States. It was veritable catnip to social media.

However, it turned out the pope had not made the comment.

Lagos - A double bomb attack that killed 31 people in a crowded market in the central Nigerian city of Jos was likely to have been carried out by Boko Haram, the state government said on Friday.

"It's an extension of the terrorist acts that have been penetrating all states and cities," Pam Ayuba, spokesman for the Plateau state governor Jonah Jang, told AFP by telephone.

The blasts happened at about 18:00 on Thursday at a makeshift market near the Terminus bus station, not far from the site of a previous attack in May that left at least 118 dead.

Twin bomb blasts have rocked Jos

Abuja - Twin bomb blasts on Thursday rocked Jos, the capital of Plateau state in north-central Nigeria, killing at least 31 people, the newspaper Vanguard reported.

Reports said the bombs exploded at a makeshift market near a busy motor park and a fast food restaurant.

"The bodies recovered so far are 31, but rescue workers are at the scene and the figures may change," Vanguard quoted a spokesman for Plateau state governor as saying.

Yola - Dauda Bello came face-to-face with Boko Haram militants but managed to escape their hail of bullets, fleeing to safety after a marathon drive on a brutal mountain road.

"It was terrible... [Boko Haram] was firing in every direction," he told AFP in Yola, the capital of northeast Nigeria's Adamawa state, where he fled from the town of Mubi in late October.

Bello is just one of more than 1.5 million Nigerians forced from their homes by the raging Islamist insurgency, which has left 13 000 dead since 2009 and raised fears of a humanitarian crisis.

Sierra Leone doctors die of Ebola

Freetown — Two more Sierra Leonean doctors have died from Ebola, further depleting the West African country's ability to respond to the devastating outbreak, health officials said on Saturday.

The deaths bring the number of Sierra Leonean doctors killed by Ebola to nine. The disease is spread through the bodily fluids of people showing symptoms and people who have died of the disease. Because transmission requires close contact with those fluids, health workers are among the most at risk of contracting it and hundreds have become infected in this outbreak.

Los Angeles - Khloe Kardashian and French Montana have split for a second time.

The 30-year-old reality star is said to have called time on her on/off romance with the rapper, who she split from in September after eight months of dating before reuniting in November.

A source told Us Weekly: "Khloe just wasn't ready after Lamar and it was getting too serious."

Abuja - Nigeria on Friday said that a decision to cancel US training of its soldiers to fight Boko Haram was a logistical, not a political decision.

The US Embassy in Abuja announced on Monday that the Nigerian government had halted a training programme of an army battalion, which would have developed into a unit to take on the militants.

Los Angeles - Kim Kardashian West's wedding photo has become the most liked Instagram post.

The shot of the reality TV star and her husband, rapper Kanye West, has made history on the social media site after a photograph of them sharing a smooch while tying the knot in Florence, Italy, on May 24 attracted a huge 2.4 million 'likes'.

Lagos - A coroner on Friday put on hold an inquest into the deaths of 116 people in a church building collapse in Nigeria's commercial hub after hearing an application to suspend proceedings.

The inquest in the city has been hearing from witnesses involved in the investigation into the 12 September tragedy at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

Mugabe alleges US plot against himHarare - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has accused his vice president of plotting with the United States Embassy in the country to remove him.

Speaking at the ruling party Zanu-PF's annual conference on Saturday, Mugabe said Joice Mujuru has attended secret meetings at the embassy in Harare.

Nigeria detains Russian cargo plane

Kano - Nigeria detained a Russian cargo plane and its French-speaking crew on Saturday after it made an unauthorised landing in the northern city of Kano with military hardware bound for neighbouring Chad, a security source said. An air force spokesperson confirmed the plane had been detained but gave no further details.

The plane had been travelling from Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, to the Chadian capital N'Djamena but was forced to make an emergency landing in Kano because N'Djamena airport was closed, the security source said.

Abuja - Gunmen broke into a prison in the central Nigerian city of Minna, freeing around 200 inmates, a police spokesperson and security sources said.

The sources said the gunmen stormed the facility late on Saturday in Niger state, near to the capital Abuja. Islamist sect Boko Haram and al Qaeda-linked group Ansaru have been behind several prison raids in recent years, although it was unclear whether they had anything to do with this one.

Below is a press statement from the office of former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu...

For a while now, I have noticed and read many published political stories on Lagos politics in particular and the personalities involved that are either concerted, unsubstantiated, pure conjectures or outright falsehood. In this instance, I reference a recent story ran by a major newspaper concerning my successor and me.

Tracy Morgan is still fighting the road to recovery

Los Angeles - Tracy Morgan is still "fighting to get better" following his car crash in New Jersey in June.

The former 30 Rock star, who suffered brain injuries, a broken femur, broken nose and broken ribs when a Walmart truck smashed into the limo bus in which he was travelling in with friends in New Jersey, is trying to get back to the person he once was.

Los Angeles - Rosamund Pike is in talks to star in The Mountain Between Us.

The Gone Girl actress is said to have entered into early negotiations to appear in the Fox 2000 and Chernin

Entertainment adaptation of Charlie Martin's novel, which follows two plane crash victims as they attempt to survive in the mountains.

Nicki Minaj looks smoking hot on her latest mag cover

Los Angeles - Another week, and another magazine with Nicki Minaj on the cover.
Seems like nothing can stop this high flying mega star who seems to be very much in demand of late.

Los Angeles - Angelina Jolie plans to star in "a few more" movies.

The 39-year-old star, who previously revealed she wants to focus on directing and her humanitarian work in the future, says she isn't ready to retire from the big screen just yet.

Discussing her future acting plans, she said: "I'll do a few more."

Ex-pop star Gary Glitter denies child sex charges

London - Former British pop star Gary Glitter denied a string of sex offences against three underage girls as he appeared in a London court on Tuesday and will face trial in January.

The 1970s glam rocker faces a total of 10 charges related to the alleged crimes committed between 1975 and 1980.

The 70-year-old, whose real name is Paul Gadd, spoke to enter not guilty pleas at the Southwark Crown Court.

Los Angeles - Bono cheated death on Wednesday when a door fell off the private jet he was travelling in.

The U2 frontman was on board a Learjet 60 D-CGEO with four friends flying from Dublin, Ireland to Berlin, Germany when the tailgate of the plane became detached at 8 000ft, but the party - which did not include the rest of the group - didn't realise what had happened until they landed.

Argentina judge summons Justin Bieber for questioning over alleged attack

Buenos Aires - An investigative judge in Argentina is summoning Justin Bieber for questioning.

Bieber has been accused of sending bodyguards to attack a photographer outside a Buenos Aires nightclub during a South American tour last year.

Judge Facundo Cubas asked Interpol on Thursday to use all "necessary means" to notify the singer that he has 60 days to appear before the court in Argentina. The judge says that if Bieber fails to comply, an international arrest order will be issued.

Los Angeles - A lawyer for Bill Cosby says the comedian will not dignify "decade-old, discredited" allegations of sexual abuse with any comment.

In a statement released to The Associated Press and posted online, attorney John P Schmitt said the fact that the allegations are being repeated does not make them true.
He doesn't intend to "dignify" the allegations with a comment.

Los Angeles - Kim Kardashian West has reportedly banned sugar from her daughter's diet.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, who is married to rapper Kanye West, is said to have created a list of "forbidden foods" for their 16-month-old toddler, North, and has worked out a daily organic menu with a chef.

A source said: "Sugar is at the top of Kim's list of forbidden foods. She thinks dessert is just a recipe for disaster.

Los Angeles - Christopher Nolan will never make a comedy film.

The acclaimed director has revealed that he doesn't think he is cut out for the genre because it is so difficult to make people laugh. The filmmaker explained: "I would try anything, I think, except comedy or romantic comedy, those are very tough genres to work in."

David Beckham voted Britain's favourite tattooed star and we couldn't agree with them more!

Los Angeles - David Beckham has been voted the UK's favourite tattooed celebrity.

The retired soccer star is at the head of the leaderboard with songstress Rihanna in second place and Angelina Jolie coming a close third.

Tarzan and Jane Porter face a mercenary army dispatched by the evil CEO of Greystoke Energies, a man who took over the company from Tarzan's parents, after they died in a plane crash.

What we thought:

Tarzan 3D will be a trill to watch for fans of the story that has been told and retold time and time again through series and theatre releases alike.

Los Angeles - Kim Kardashian West doesn't think she'd exist without social media.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star believes the popularity of the show has "evolved" through the family's presence on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Cape town - In her latest movie Anne Hathaway grieves for her brother and falls for a hot folk singer.
This is the title of the film: Song One
This is the who will be starring in the movie: Johnny Flynn, Mary Steenburgen, Steve Antonucci, Al Thompson, Stefano Villabona and Walter DeForest.

Los Angeles - Gillian Anderson says there's a "possibility" a third X-Files film will be made.

The 46-year-old actress played FBI agent Dana Scully in the original sci-fi TV series and its spin-off movies and although the last film came out in 2008 she'd be up for returning to the franchise - which also starred David Duchovny as her partner Fox Mulder.

When asked about the chance of their being another movie or even another TV series, Gillian said: "Yes, there is a possibility. There is always a possibility, it's always a matter of it actually happening - and there's a lot that needs to happen between the idea and actually turning up on set, and I don't unfortunately have any control over that. But would I do it? I would, yes."

Los Angeles - Kim Kardashian West has reportedly banned sugar from her daughter's diet.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, who is married to rapper Kanye West, is said to have created a list of "forbidden foods" for their 16-month-old toddler, North, and has worked out a daily organic menu with a chef.

A source said: "Sugar is at the top of Kim's list of forbidden foods. She thinks dessert is just a recipe for disaster.

"Kim's not trying to slim her toddler down, just keep her healthy. But poor North never gets any treats, which upsets her when she's hanging out with other little kids whose parents let them eat what they want."

Khloe Kardashian aspires to be as adventurous as Kylie Jenner

Los Angeles - Khloe Kardashian "lives through" Kylie Jenner. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star has revealed that she wishes she could be as daring with her hair colour as her 17-year-old step-sister.

Speaking at the launch of Hairfinity, she said: "I love that Kylie changes her hair all the time ... But, especially with Kylie dying her hair and doing all that stuff, I live through her and I wish I could dye my hair all those colours. I don't know if I could pull it off, but I love it."

The 30-year-old television personality also revealed that she "loved" when Kylie died her hair blue just before sister Kim Kardashian was due to marry Kanye West.

Los Angeles - Khloe Kardashian "celebrated life" with French Montana on Sunday night.

The 30-year-old reality star further fuelled speculation she has reunited with the rapper after attending his 30th Birthday Party Powered by CIROC Pineapple in Los Angeles, and gushed about her "baby boy" and the "timeless memories" they have created.

Los Angeles - Bruce Jenner is "not jealous" that Kris Jenner has started dating again.

The 65-year-old former athlete is reportedly couldn't be bothered about the dating profile of his 59-year-old ex-wife, who is currently with Corey Gamble, 33.

A source revealed: "There's no point in feeling jealous. He's not competing with Corey for anything.

Los Angeles - A judge has branded Rihanna's latest stalker a "ticking time bomb".

New York City judge Orlando Marrazzo fears Kevin McGlynn has the potential to become like Mark David Chapman - the man responsible for shooting and killing Beatles' star, John Lennon, in 1980, according to a report by Reuters.

The judge wrote: "He appears to be a ticking time bomb who is wholly fixated on Rihanna, and poses a direct threat of serious physical harm or death to her and anyone around her."

Freeport - A small plane crashed Sunday on approach to the island of Grand Bahama, killing all 9 people on board, the government of the Bahamas said.
The Lear 36 Executive Jet had taken off from the Bahamian capital of Nassau and crashed while attempting to land around 17:00 local time in Freeport, according to a statement from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.

Entertainment

Entertainment news

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg reunite in new film Daddy's Home

Los Angeles - Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are to reunite on Daddy's Home.

The duo starred alongside one another in the 2010 comedy film The Other Guys, which also featured Eva Mendes, and they've got together once again for Paramount Pictures and Red Granite.

The new movie, directed by Sean Anders, tells the story of a mild-mannered radio executive - played by Ferrell, 47 - who wants to be the best possible stepfather to his wife's two children.

However, his ambitions are hindered by the freeloading biological father of the children - played by Wahlberg, 43 - who reappears in their lives.

Los Angeles - Mark Wahlberg is to star in The Six Billion Dollar Man.

The 43-year-old actor will appear on screen as former astronaut Steve Austin, who requires bionic repairs to his body after a suffering a near-fatal crash.

The eagerly-awaited movie - based on the 1972 novel Cyborg by Martin Caidinwill - sees the central character fitted with bionic legs, right arm and left eye, as he works to help the US government.

The novel also spawned TV series The Six Million Dollar Man and popular spin-off The Bionic Woman.

Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) is still struggling to get over a particularly painful breakup that left him depressed, anti-social and professionally adrift, but when he meets and quickly forms a connection with Chantry (Zoe Kazan) at a party he is begrudgingly forced to attend by his roommate, he believes that he has finally found a way out of the darkness and towards the potential of his first real romance in years.

Unfortunately, Zoe is in a happy, committed relationship with her boyfriend of five years, Ben (Rafe Spall). Trying instead to be “just friends” with her, Wallace, is forced to come to terms with whether he can ever really be friends with someone with whom he is hopelessly in love.

What we thought:

Cape Town – As if Taylor Swift isn’t awesome enough, her hit song Shake It Off has taken the stage in the best way possible!

A youtuber found an awesome aerobics class made in 1989 (what a coincidence) and replaced its background music with Shake It Off and as you can imagine the result is absolutely amazing!

Los Angeles - Mark Wahlberg has gushed about American football star, Tom Brady's blue eyes.

The pair worked together during the filming for Ted 2 and Mark praised the sports star, revealing that the quarterback put in an ''amazing'' performance.

He said: ''Just shot another movie here [in Boston]. We shot Ted 2. And we have an amazing performance from none other than the greatest quarterback of all time. Tom [Brady] is in the movie.

''He plays himself, but he does an amazing job. Funny, funny moment.

CODA Africa nominated for two All Africa Music Awards

Cape Town - Cape Town-based afro electro music group, CODA Africa, has been nominated for two All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

They have been nominated alongside Goldfish and Mi Casa in the categories Most Promising Artiste in Africa 2014 and Best African-Electro Act 2014.

CODA Africa recently released their new album Disclosure – a collection of songs based on stories divulged by members of the band.

Los Angeles - Kanye and Kim's little toddler, North West, was the cutest little thing for her first Halloween.

The adorable tot spent the day dressed as a skunk. Kim Kardashian West's baby girl and Kourtney Kardashian's daughter Penelope were simply adorable both dressed as black and white stinkers.

Kris Jenner officially has a new boyfriend!

Los Angeles - Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble are officially dating, E! News reported.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians matriarch and the 41-year-old hunk are rumoured to have met in Spain at designer Riccardo Tisci's 40th birthday party back in August in Ibiza.

Since then the sparks have been flying and the couple have taken their relationship to a romantic level.

Daredevil risks his life on live TV

Chicago — Daredevil Nik Wallenda wowed Chicago and the world Sunday with two skyscraper crossings on a tightrope without a safety net or a harness.

Thousands of cheering fans packed the streets around the city's Marina City towers to watch the 35-year-old, heir to the Flying Wallendas' family business, complete the back-to-back walks, including one wearing a blindfold.

As he stepped from the wire after completing the second leg, he tore off his blindfold and waved to the crowd, who erupted in cheers.

London - The Duke of Cambridge learned what it was like to take orders as well as give them during a work experience stint as an odd-job man in an English stately home, news reports said on Monday.

"He spent a week working around the estate and made sausage rolls and mince pies," Chatsworth House head housekeeper Christine Robinson revealed in her memoir.

Los Angeles - Kim Kardashian West is reportedly planning to announce her second pregnancy on an episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians.

The 34-year-old reality TV star - who already has a 16-month-old daughter, North, with her husband, rapper Kanye West - is rumoured to be expecting baby number two and is said to have decided to share the news on an upcoming episode of the show.

Los Angeles - Nicki Minaj has been dubbed "incredibly rude" after turning up six hours late for a photoshoot.

The 31-year-old rapper arrived at 2am to shoot photos for a future issue of Billboard magazine in New York, and has since been blasted by staff for her rude behaviour.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Nicki turned up six hours late - everyone had been waiting all night for her."

New Orleans— Singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill was 45 minutes late — twice — at the Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans.

On the festival's biggest stage, she arrived late on Saturday and when her scheduled time ran out about 30 minutes later, her microphone was turned off, NOLA.com The Times-Picayune reported.

She was finishing Ready or Not when her microphone was cut off and Michael Jackson's Billie Jean was piped into the speakers. She kept singing and gesturing until the lights were dimmed.

Amanda Bynes lashes out on Twitter following her release from psychiatric hold

Los Angeles - Amanda Bynes is set to remain under a conservatorship.

A lawyer claiming to represent the 28-year-old actress, who was released from a psychiatric treatment facility in Pasadena, California on Thursday after being involuntarily committed on 10 October, asked a judge to remove Lynn Bynes' ability to make decisions on the troubled star's behalf on Friday.

But the judge ruled that the Easy A star lacked the capacity to enter into a binding contract or hire a lawyer, so he refused to allow the hearing to go ahead.

Cape Town - This month, Women’s Health celebrates five years of inspiring SA women to look and feel their best, with a special collector’s issue and a sexy free gift.

The issue features well-known TV stars Jeannie D, Gail Mabalane and Jo-Ann Strauss, who have all appeared on the cover of Women’s Health over the past five years.

Launched in 2009, Women’s Health quickly carved out a niche as SA’s favourite healthy-living women’s title and is now the second biggest-selling English women’s monthly, with an average circulation of 58 686 (ABC: Apr-June).

14 December 2014

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