Thursday 31 December 2015

Sex Scandal: Bill Cosby's Bail Set at $1 Million

Sex Scandal: Bill Cosby's Bail Set at $1 Million

 Bill Cosby Arraigned on Sexual Assault Charge, Bail Set at $1 Million

Bill Cosby appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, where he was formally arraigned on one charge of aggravated indecent assault. The charge is considered a second degree felony and carries a maximum penalty of 5-10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

The 78-year-old appeared somber, wearing a gray sweater and holding a cane as he arrived via a black SUV for the arraignment. He was accompanied by a woman who appeared to be his lawyer, Monique Pressley, and shook his head when asked by reporters if he'd like to say anything. At one point, Cosby tripped over a curb on his way inside the courthouse. His wife, Camille Cosby, did not accompany him to court.

Video cameras were not allowed inside, where Cosby's passport was turned over. Cosby's bail was set at $1 million. He was required to post 10 percent of that amount to be set free.
Prosecutors in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, announced the charge early Wednesday morning, shortly before the statute of limitations on an alleged 2004 incident was to have run out.
 
Former Temple employee Andrea Constand alleges that the comedian drugged and violated her at his mansion in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, more than a decade ago. According to authorities, the charges filed on Wednesday are a result of new information that came to light beginning in July 2015, when a federal judge unsealed a 2015 deposition in the case.

After determining the statute of limitations regarding the potential criminal offense had not yet expired -- which is 12 years -- an investigation was reopened.

In March 2005, Constand filed civil charges against Cosby. Thirteen unidentified women agreed to serve as Jane Doe witnesses to testify that they too were sexually assaulted by Cosby, but the case was settled out of court for an unspecified amount in November 2006, and the 13 witnesses didn't get the chance to take the stand.

According to court documents obtained by ET in June, Cosby admitted that he obtained Quaaludes to give to women that he was looking to have sex with in the 2005 deposition in Constand's case.
This will mark the first criminal charges against Cosby, after more than 50 women have accused him of drugging and/or sexually assaulting them. He has denied all wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, Cosby's attorney said that the embattled star was taking legal action against several women who have accused him of sexual misconduct. Pressley referred to the women's allegations as "malicious, opportunistic and false and defamatory."

On Wednesday, Cosby's attorneys gave a statement to ET, saying, "The charge by the Montgomery County District Attorney's office came as no surprise, filed 12 years after the alleged incident and coming on the heels of a hotly contested election for this county's DA during which this case was made the focal point.

Make no mistake, we intend to mount a vigorous defense against this unjustified charge and we expect that Mr. Cosby will be exonerated by a court of law."

Teens Stripped Naked For Stealing In Delta State (See Photo)

Teens Stripped Naked For Stealing In Delta State (See Photo)


image

Two young chaps, Onyi a.k.a Alhaji (right) and his friend (left) saw the other side of the youths in Illah community, Delta state, after they stole chairs and couch from a well known business man in Umuogbu Village in Illah.

See the stolen items displayed in the photo above. They were Stripped naked publicly with residents making fun of them. Though they were not beaten by the mob, they were later released and instructed to apologise to the owner.

11 Questions Okonjo-Iweala Must Answer On $5bn Abacha Loot – SERAP

11 Questions Okonjo-Iweala Must Answer On $5bn Abacha Loot – SERAP


11 Questions Okonjo-Iweala Must Answer On $5bn Abacha Loot – SERAP




The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has rejected the accusation of political agenda by the immediate-past Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, saying that “the issue of how over $5 billion recovered Abacha loots were spent under her watch deserves serious attention”

In a statement on Sunday by SERAP executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said that, “By making unfounded allegations against SERAP, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala has provided little more than an unhelpful distraction, which can only serve to undermine genuine efforts to promote transparency and accountability in Nigeria, the country that she claims to love so dearly”.

Last week, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala described the call by SERAP for her probe over the spending of the Abacha loot as a politically-sponsored action; that SERAP is compromised; that SERAP is a tool for reprehensible, corrupt vested interests; and that the returned Abacha loot was properly appropriated and channelled into roads, electricity, education, water and health across all six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

The response by the organisation reads in part: “As a public trust, SERAP has an important role to play in revealing the discrepancies between the World Bank documents and the clear lack of access of millions of Nigerians to quality education, adequate healthcare, clean water, safe roads and regular electricity supply during the period covered by the documents”.

“If she truly loves Nigeria, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala should have come out to say exactly how the over $5 billion of Abacha loot was spent under her watch. Trying to dodge responsibility for the spending of our commonwealth or attacking SERAP that is trying to get to the bottom of what happened to the funds is a betrayal of that love. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala should not be immune from accountability for what happened to Abacha recovered loot just because she is no longer in government”.

“If the aim of these allegations is to bully us into stopping our work to seek accountability on the spending of over $5 billion recovered Abacha loot, then it has failed, as SERAP will never back down in its pursuit of justice in the face of such attack”.

“These new allegations echo those that Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala made against us in March to divert attention from SERAP freedom of information suit on the spending of N30 trillion by the former government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

SERAP has fully responded to these allegations. SERAP’s credibility is exemplified by the fact of several awards it has received nationally and internationally including nomination for the UN civil society award in 2008; nomination for the Ford Foundation Jubilee Transparency Award for 2011, and the Wole Soyinka Anti-Corruption Defender Award SERAP received in 2014”.

“As we continue to study the documents received from the World Bank, we have identified 11 questions that Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to answer as a matter of priority”.

1. “The World Bank confirmed that of the 51 projects reviewed, 23 were described as “completed”, 26 were at various stages of completion, and 2 were described as “abandoned”. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to show us evidence of the 23 projects allegedly completed, and whether the 26 projects where actually completed; and what became of the 2 abandoned projects”.

2. “The World Bank confirmed that 6 out of 8 health centres reviewed pertained to physical infrastructure but were not completed. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain why these projects were not completed on time, and whether in fact they were completed at all; as well as location of completed projects”.

“Nigerians would also like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain the letter she wrote to the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria January 9, 2005 that of the 174 health centres built with Abacha funds, 138 were fully functional and that remaining 36 were expected to be commissioned in January 2005. Nigerians would appreciate it if Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala could identify and name all the health centres mentioned in her letter”.

3. “As regards power projects, the World Bank confirmed that payments by government to contractors could not be verified “because in most cases contact information for contractors was not available,” and that 10 of the 18 power projects pertained to physical electrical installations. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to identify and name the 10 installations, and to provide contact details of the contractors that executed the projects”.

4. “The World Bank confirmed that most of the recovered funds were used to repay domestic borrowing. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain how much exactly was involved as a part of 2004 annual budget execution in anticipation of the repatriation of the looted funds in 2004, as well as repayment terms of the funds and from which banks”.

5. “The World Bank confirmed that the government opened a special US dollar account for recovered funds with the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, to which various transfers of Abacha loot were made. The World Bank also confirmed that some $50 million was received before 2005 which was kept in the special account. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain how much was left in the account by the time she left office in May”.

6. “The World Bank confirmed that the data on inflows of recovered funds are broadly identical but that there was one material discrepancy, which was unexplained. The Bank also said the information it received from the government ‘does not contain a reference to the transfer of $5.2 mn in August of 2006.’ Nigerians would like Mrs Okonjo-Iweala to explain the material discrepancy, and why the transfer of $5.2 mn was not disclosed to the Bank”.

7. “The World Bank confirmed that Abacha returned loot was used as source of 2005 budget deficit financing, and that the funds were directed to co-financing of capital expenditure and balancing the 2005 budget. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain exactly the capital expenditure involved”.

8. “The World Bank confirmed that the Abacha funds were used to provide additional financing for the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program in the amount of NGN24.25 bn to support basic education throughout the country. This amount was fully disbursed and fully utilized. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to identify the number and location of schools which benefited from these funds at the time”.

9. “The World Bank confirmed that there were problems with collecting project-related information because of under-developed reporting and accounting standards, and absence of properly set-up databases for sectoral project portfolios; and weak administrative capacity in the ministry of finance. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain why this was the case under her watch”.

10. “The World Bank confirmed that 13 road projects were completed including 3 of the largest road and bridge projects in each geo-political zone. Also, the Bank regretted that it was not possible to interview many contractors in order to obtain independent confirmation of amounts spent on individual projects, and record their comments on project status. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain exactly happened, and to identify unconfirmed individual projects, including the largest roads and bridges completed”.

11. “ The World Bank confirmed that no special arrangements were made for project selection and monitoring. According to the Bank, ‘Given the weakness of general budget reporting systems at the moment, this decision greatly undermined the opportunity for tracking the returned Abacha funds and analysis of their utilization’. Nigerians would like Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala to explain why this was the case under her watch”.

Embattled Speaker Kogi Assembly sues for peace

Embattled Speaker Kogi Assembly sues for peace


Lawal-Momoh


                                                                                                         
The embattled Speaker of Kogi Assembly, Rt (Hon) Momoh-Jimoh Lawal made the call for peace on the floor of the House during the presentation of the 2016 Budget by the state Governor, Capt. Idris Wada on Tuesday.

The Speaker described the members as elder statesmen and patriots who should not sacrifice the interest of the state on the altar of selfish interests.

“As elder statesmen and patriots, I wish to appeal that we sheath our swords and close ranks to move the state forward. As members of one house and one family, we cannot do without having misunderstanding among ourselves.

“What we must always guide against is a situation where we allow rancour and bitterness to linger on and our differences unresolved.
Lawal added “As trustees and representatives of the people, much is expected of us by the electorate. We cannot afford to sacrifice the interest of the state at the altar of personal and selfish interests.

“Rather than bickering here and there and heating up the polity, we should rather unite and work together to ensure that the unity of the state is maintained.”

He said that it was time to unite rather than divide describing the state as a collective patrimony and urged members to guard against being used by external forces to jeopardise the peace and stability of the state.

On the 2016 budget presented by the governor to 10 of the 25-member House, Lawal said that members present formed a quorum, and the bill would undergo necessary legislative process before passage.

President Buhari’ll not shield APC members who misuse security votes —Lai Mohammed

President Buhari’ll not shield APC members who misuse security votes —Lai Mohammed


LAI
 
 
The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed has said that any high profile member of the ruling APC involved in the alleged misuse of security funds, will not be shielded by the Federal Government.
 At a session with media men in Lagos, yesterday, the minister cited the administration’s unwillingness to risk the lives of the kidnapped Chibok girls for the restraint in taking the final blow to the Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa forest.

While calling on the media not to glamourise the insurgents in their activities, Mohammed defended the administration’s proposals to expend N3.6 billion on the purchase of BMW cars in fiscal 2016.

Daring the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to move beyond speculations to name any APC member involved in the alleged misuse of security funds, the minister said calls by the PDP to constitute a truth commission to probe the utilisation of security funds were unnecessary given that all the confessions made by those involved in the alleged deal were undisputed.

“We do not see the nexus between the revelation coming out now and a truth commission,” Mohammed said, adding that the call by the PDP on the president to reveal the source of his campaign fund was wrongly directed.

He said: “What the PDP is looking for is just distractions. If there is any allegation against any member of the APC, make the allegation open. All we are hearing are whispers. If there is evidence provide them in the open.”

On purchase of BMW cars
Mohammed also restated the determination of the Buhari administration to maintain the path of frugality as he dismissed insinuations that the proposal to purchase N3.6 billion worth of cars was misdirected. He said the proposal could have been meant for the Conference Visitors Unit, which is responsible for shepherding visiting foreign leaders.

“It is quite possible that some of the BMW cars being referred to are for the use of the VIPs. What I can assure you is that this government is very prudent in its spending. I can tell you that no minister bought a new car, all of us inherited the cars used by our predecessors. This is the last government that you can accuse of extravagance,” the minister said.

Why we’ve not brought back Chibok girls
Mohammed also reaffirmed that the military has realised its objective of suppressing the insurgency, saying that most of the area occupied by the insurgents have been liberated.

He said that the remaining two local government areas under the control of the insurgents were in the thick of the Sambisa Forest as he disclosed that the military was being cautious because of the kidnapped girls from Chibok and other victims of the insurgents that may suffer collateral damage.

Noting that the insurgents were now contained to attack soft targets such as markets, motor parks, mosques, churches and entertainment centres, killing innocent men, women and children, he said:
“Not unexpectedly, the dying and desperate insurgents have carried out some attacks on soft targets in the North-East during this festive season.

“This is cowardly, dastardly and condemnable. We commiserate with the state governments and the families of those who died or were injured in the attacks which, as I said earlier, are like the death pangs of a dying horse.

“These attacks are part of the propaganda that has been launched by Boko Haram and their fellow terrorists, ISIS, to seek to remain relevant in the face of massive routing by our gallant troops, and to also discredit our committed and patriotic troops. But the attacks do not shake our resolve a bit, in our determined quest to rid our nation of terrorists and ensure the security of our citizens.

“The fact that Boko Haram has continued to carry out attacks on soft targets is not an indication that they still have capacity. As I have said many times, the attacks will not end with the expiration of the deadline, since insurgencies are not conventional warfares in which the guns could be silenced with an armistice. But I also said that the attacks will taper off with time, with better awareness among the citizenry and enhanced intelligence gathering by the security agencies.”


Akwa-Ibom State Assembly elects first female Deputy Speaker

Akwa-Ibom State Assembly elects first female Deputy Speaker

 
 
History was made yesterday as Mrs. Felicia Bassey, representing Okobo state constituency and Chair Person, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare Matters, was elected as the first Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

In a statement released yesterday in Uyo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Kufre Okon, said Bassey emerged the first female Deputy Speaker during Tuesday’s plenary, to replace the former Deputy Speaker, Mr. Effiong Bassey, representing Oron/Udung Uko state constituency, whose election was nullified last week by the Appeal Court in Abuja.

The Speaker, Mr. Onofiok Luke, who administered the oath of office on the new Deputy Speaker encouraged  her to live up to the expectation of the sixth Assembly while discharging her legislative duties.

The statement added that other members said that the position was well deserved, and expressed confidence in her ability to discharge the functions of the office to its fullest potentials.

Amazing! Toke Makinwa's top 9 photos on IG got over 3.3 million likes

Amazing! Toke Makinwa's top 9 photos on IG got over 3.3 million likes

 
 
Toke Makinwa got several million likes on her top 9 photos. Wow!

Wednesday 30 December 2015

Chelsea Has Improved Since Mourinho’s Departure – John Mikel Obi

Chelsea Has Improved Since Mourinho’s Departure – John Mikel Obi


milek-obi--chelsea 


Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, believes the defending champions have improved since former Coach Jose Mourinho’s departure from Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho was sacked by the club earlier in December following a dismal run of form which saw the champions lose nine of their 16 Premier League matches.

Mikel says: “It was a collective thing the players and the manager were not performing. Jose Mourinho led the blues to title glory last season but left the Bridge with the club 16th in the league.

“we have moved on from that and the atmosphere has improved since the change of manager”.
Chelsea will travel to Selhurst Park for the weekend clash against Crystal Palace

 

Senator Dino Melaye Tears PDP Membership Card, Constitution

Senator Dino Melaye Tears PDP Membership Card, Constitution

dino melaye
Melaye
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was the first to publicly tear his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) membership card prior to the 2015 general election, of which other politicians resorted to doing same. This is appalling!

The latest one was done by Senator Dino Melaye (APC – Kogi West) who tore the PDP membership card of the immediate past commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Paul Adah.
This occurred on Tuesday at a rally held at the APC ward secretariat in Ohong-Begiadang community of the Obudu Local Government Area.

It was also used as an event welcoming Adah and other political bigwigs into the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State.

According to The Punch, Melaye did not stop there; he equally tore a copy of the constitution of the PDP.
He assured supporters of the party to keep calm, as the party was poised to wrest power from the PDP in the state.

Also, he said that no election in the state would favour the PDP, stating that the APC in the state had become bolstered by the defection of the new party memebrs.


Singer Flavour denies being married to Sandra Okagbue

Singer Flavour denies being married to Sandra Okagbue

 
 
Singer Flavour Nabania has come denying being married to first babymama, Sandra Okagbue. It was rumoured that the dowry payment of Sandra by the highlife singer happened on Monday December 28 but he (Flavour) says this is not true!

ISIS releases 15 rules handbook showing how captured sex slaves should be treated

ISIS releases 15 rules handbook showing how captured sex slaves should be treated

 
 
This document contains rules on how ISIS members are to treat women captured as sex slaves.
The dreaded terrorist organization captures women and then give them out to their fighters as rewards and incentives, of which the women are raped repeatedly, sometimes by more than one person. Far from trying to conceal the practice, Islamic State has boasted about it and established a department of 'war spoils' to manage slavery. This was issued far back as January 29, 2015. Read below:


It begins: "One of the graces which Allah has bestowed up the State of Caliphate is the conquest of large surface areas of the country and one of the inevitable consequences of jihad is that women and children of infidels will become captives of Muslims. "Consequently, it is necessary to clarify some rules pertaining to captured prisoners to avoid any violations in dealing with them."
  1. 1.It is not permissible for the owner of a female captive to have intercourse with her until after she has had menstrual cycle and becomes clean.
  2. 2.If she does not menstruate and is pregnant, he is not allowed to have intercourse with her until after she has given birth.
  3. 3.It is not permissible to cause her to abort if she is pregnant.
  4. 4.If the owner of a female captive releases her, only he can have intercourse with her and he cannot allow someone else to have intercourse with her.
  5. 5.If the owner of a female captive, who has a daughter suitable for intercourse, has sexual relations with the latter, he is not permitted to have intercourse with her mother and she is permanently off limits to him. Should he have intercourse with her mother then he is not permitted to have intercourse with her daughter and she is to be off-limits to him.
  6. 6.The owner of two sisters is not allowed to have intercourse with both of them; rather he may only have intercourse with just one. The other sister is to be had by him, if he were to relinquish ownership of the first sister by selling her, giving her away or releasing her.
  7. 7.If the female captive is owned by a father, his son cannot have intercourse with her and vice-versa. Moreover, intercourse with his wife’s female captive is also not permissible.
  8. 8.If a father had intercourse with his female captive then gave her away or sold her to his son, he is no longer permitted to have intercourse with her.
  9. 9.If the female captive becomes pregnant by her owner, he cannot sell her and she is released after his death.
  10. 10.If the owner releases his female captive then he is not permitted to have intercourse with her afterwards because she has become free and is no longer his property.
  11. 11.If two or more individuals are involved in purchasing a female captive, none of them are permitted to have sex with her because she is part of a joint ownership.
  12. 12.It is not permissible to have intercourse with a female captive during her menstrual cycle.
  13. 13.It is not permissible top have anal sex with a female captive.
  14. 14.The owner of a female captive should show compassion towards her, be kind to her, not humiliate her and not assign her work she is unable to perform.
  15. 15.The owner of a female captive should not sell her to an individual whom he knows will treat her badly or do unto her what Allah has forbidden.

Photos of Abuja market gutted by fire

Photos of Abuja market gutted by fire 

 
 
An Abuja market situated at Area 1, Open market ‎by shopping complex. Garki, was gutted by fire this morning at about 2:30am. See more photos below



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rob Kardashian Is Suffering From Diabetes

Rob Kardashian Is Suffering From Diabetes


TMZ

Tuesday 29 December 2015

Absence of serotonin alters development, function of brain circuits


Absence of serotonin alters development, function of brain circuits



 

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have created the first complete model to describe the role that serotonin plays in brain development and structure. Serotonin, also called 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT], is an important neuromodulator of brain development and the structure and function of neuronal (nerve cell) circuits.

"Our goal in the project was to close the gap in knowledge that exists on role of serotonin in the brain cortex, particularly as it concerns brain circuitry, its electrical activity and function," said Roberto Fernández Galán, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "For the first time, we can provide a complete description of an animal model from genes to behavior--including at the level of neuronal network activity, which has been ignored in most studies to date."

Dr. Galán and his team used high-density multi-electrode arrays in a mouse model of serotonin deficiency to record and analyze neuronal activity. The study supports the importance of the serotonin which is specified and maintained by a specific gene, the Pet-1 gene -- for normal functioning of the neurons, synapses and networks in the cortex, as well as proper development of brain circuitry. Serotonin abnormalities have been linked to autism and epilepsy, depression and anxiety.

By more fully elucidating the role of serotonin in the brain, this study may contribute to a better understanding of the development or treatment of these conditions.

"By looking at the circuit level of the brain, we now have new insight into how the brain becomes wired and sensitive to changing serotonin levels." added Dr. Galán.

Do you think metal particles could be the clean fuel of the future?


Do you think metal particles could be the clean fuel of the future?

 
Stabilized flames of different metal powders burn with air, compared to a methane-air flame.

Can you imagine a future where your car is fueled by iron powder instead of gasoline?
Metal powders, produced using clean primary energy sources, could provide a more viable long-term replacement for fossil fuels than other widely discussed alternatives, such as hydrogen, biofuels or batteries, according to a study in the Dec. 15 issue of the journal Applied Energy.

"Technologies to generate clean electricity -- primarily solar and wind power -- are being developed rapidly; but we can't use that electricity for many of the things that oil and gas are used for today, such as transportation and global energy trade," notes McGill University professor Jeffrey Bergthorson, lead author of the new study.

"Biofuels can be part of the solution, but won't be able to satisfy all the demand; hydrogen requires big, heavy fuel tanks and is explosive, and batteries are too bulky and don't store enough energy for many applications," says Bergthorson, a mechanical engineering professor and Associate Director of the Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design at McGill. "Using metal powders as recyclable fuels that store clean primary energy for later use is a very promising alternative solution."

The Applied Energy paper, co-authored by Bergthorson with five other McGill researchers and a European Space Agency scientist in the Netherlands, lays out a novel concept for using tiny metal particles -- similar in size to fine flour or icing sugar -- to power external-combustion engines.

Unlike the internal-combustion engines used in gasoline-powered cars, external-combustion engines use heat from an outside source to drive an engine. External-combustion engines, modern versions of the coal-fired steam locomotives that drove the industrial era, are widely used to generate power from nuclear, coal or biomass fuels in power stations.

The idea of burning metal powders is nothing new -- they've been used for centuries in fireworks, for instance. Since the mid-20th century, they've also been used in rocket propellants, such as the space shuttle's solid-fuel booster rockets. But relatively little research has been done in recent decades on the properties of metal flames, and the potential for metal powders to be used as a recyclable fuel in a wide range of applications has been largely overlooked by scientists.

The idea put forward by the McGill team takes advantage of an important property of metal powders: when burned, they react with air to form stable, nontoxic solid-oxide products that can be collected relatively easily for recycling -- unlike the CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels that escape into the atmosphere.

Using a custom-built burner, the McGill researchers demonstrated that a flame can be stabilized in a flow of tiny metal particles suspended in air. Flames from metal powders "appear quite similar" to those produced by burning hydrocarbon fuels, the researchers write. "The energy and power densities of the proposed metal-fueled heat engines are predicted to be close to current fossil-fueled internal combustion engines, making them an attractive technology for a future low-carbon society."

Iron could be the primary candidate for this purpose, according to the study. Millions of tons of iron powders are already produced annually for the metallurgy, chemical and electronic industries. And iron is readily recyclable with well-established technologies, and some novel techniques can avoid the carbon dioxide emissions associated with traditional iron production using coal.

While laboratory work at McGill and elsewhere has shown that the use of metal fuels with heat engines is technically feasible, no one has yet demonstrated the idea in practice. The next step toward turning the lab findings into usable technology, therefore, will be "to build a prototype burner and couple it to a heat engine," Bergthorson says.

"Developing metal recycling processes that don't involve CO2 emissions is also critical."
Co-author David Jarvis, head of strategic and emerging technologies at the European Space Agency, adds: "We are very interested in this technology because it opens the door to new propulsion systems that can be used in space and on earth. 

The shift away from fossil fuels for vehicle propulsion is a clear trend for the future. While not perfected and commercialized today, the use of low-cost metallic fuels, like iron powder, is a worthy alternative to petrol and diesel fuels. If we can demonstrate, for the first time, an iron-fueled engine with almost zero CO2 emissions, we believe this would then trigger even more innovation and cost reduction in the near future."

Research on metal combustion at McGill has been funded over the past 20 years by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canadian Department of National Defence, the U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the European Space Agency, Martec Ltd. (Halifax, NS), and the Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design.

Kendall Jenner makes a startling health confession

Kendall Jenner makes a startling health confession

Image result for picture of kendall jenner

The reality star reveals that she was hospitalized for exhaustion earlier this year. 
"I was definitely a wake-up call that I needed to take better care of myself. I want to enjoy being home a little bit more," says the star of her plans for 2016. 

Donald Trump's Daughter Ivanka Trump Stuns in New Photoshoot, Admits She Doesn't Always Agree With Dad

Donald Trump's Daughter Ivanka Trump Stuns in New Photoshoot, Admits She Doesn't Always Agree With Dad

Ivanka Trump definitely has that pregnancy glow.
The 34-year-old businesswoman covers the latest issue of Town & Country, looking gorgeous in a fitted black gown that shows off her burgeoning baby bump. Ivanka announced she's expecting her third child with her husband, real estate developer Jared Kushner, in September. In the new interview, Ivanka talks candidly about her father, 69-year-old Donald Trump, and his controversial presidential run.


"He is running for the highest elective office in this country, and arguably the world," Ivanka says. "It's amazing to see how his message has resonated and what he’s been able to accomplish as a non-politician with a very strong point of view."

"He's my father and I love him and I fully support him," Ivanka adds, although she points out that she's technically not part of his campaign. "I'm always there for him if it's helpful."
Still, Ivanka admits that she doesn't always agree with some of his more controversial behavior.

"Well, I'm his daughter. In a political capacity, I don't [admonish him]," she shares. "It's his campaign. I don't feel that's my role. But I would challenge him as a child. That's what children do. [My daughter] Arabella challenges me every day. People ask me, do I ever disagree with my father? It would be a little strange if I didn't."

Though when it comes to accusations that her father is sexist, Ivanka is his biggest defender.
"You could also list a few comments he's made about men that are unflattering," she says about headline-making comments he's made about Fox anchor Megyn Kelly and about fellow presidential hopeful Carly Fiorina.

"I think he's highly gender-neutral. If he doesn't like someone he'll articulate that, and I think it's also part of what resonates about him. He'll say what he's thinking. I think that's very refreshing, because with most politicians I've witnessed, you have no idea if what's coming out of their mouths is married to their viewpoints."

She would even go so far as to call Donald a feminist.
"He 100 percent believes in equality of gender, so, yes, absolutely -- socially, politically, and economically," she says. "He has confidence in women to do any job that a man can do, and my whole life has been proof of that."

In September, ET caught up with another daughter of a presidential hopeful -- 35-year-old Chelsea Clinton -- who dished on her surprisingly close friendship with Ivanka.

ET

"The Rock" Dwayne Johnson to return to WrestleMania

"The Rock" Dwayne Johnson to return to WrestleMania


One would really think that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had gone full Hollywood but his Instagram handle is still "@therock," He's now back.
He is returning to the WWE and "WrestleMania," and he seems excited. He has three goals, too.

Here's what he wrote on Instagram, "IT'S OFFICIAL: People's Champ is coming home to do 3 things with THE PEOPLE: Set an ALL-TIME attendance record, ELECTRIFY Dallas like never before & make all time #WRESTLEMANIA history. And we have FUN."
"Ok that's four things," he admitted. "But you know what the hell The Rock's sayin'.. . THANK YOU #WWEUniverse! It's always an honor coming home and I wouldn't miss it for the world.#PeoplesChamp4L#MakingElectrifyingHistory#SmackethLaidDownOnThyCandyAsses"


Mike Tyson falls and breaks his back

Mike Tyson falls and breaks his back

 
Former heavyweight champ, Mike Tyson was rolling around on a hoverboard at his home when he slipped, and according to him, he broke his back.

President Buhari holds his first media chat tomorrow December 30

President Buhari holds his first media chat tomorrow December 30

 
 
Buhari will host his first Presidential Media Chat tomorrow Wednesday December 30 by 7pm. A statement by the special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, states that the chat will be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and he will answer questions from a panel of journalists on a broad range of current national issues.

NDLEA: Man arrested at Lagos Airport with cocaine inserted inside his anus

NDLEA: Man arrested at Lagos Airport with cocaine inserted inside his anus

 
 
A 40-year-old man, Ikeh Maxwell Obumneme was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, on 26th December, 2015 by the NDLEA for drug trafficking.

The NDLEA Commander attached to the airport Mr. Hamisu Lawan, who confirmed the arrest revealed that Obumneme was nabbed with substances that tested positive for cocaine inserted in his anus.

According to Lawan, the suspect was arrested on his way from Brazil with the drugs packed in six wraps weighing 120 grammes inserted in his anus. While reiterating the agency's vision to eradicate illicit traficking in narcotics drugs, the Commander said the case is currently under investigation.

Lai Mohammed must explain Borno, Adamawa Boko Haram attacks – Gov Fayose

Lai Mohammed must explain Borno, Adamawa Boko Haram attacks – Gov Fayose

 
 
Read the press statement below...
Governor Ayodele Fayose has described the Sunday and Monday attacks by Boko Haram in Borno and Adamawa States as disheartening and an indictment on the APC-led federal government, saying that the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed must explain to Nigerians how the same Boko Haram that he said had been “technically defeated” could carry out such daring and deadly attacks.

The Ekiti State governor, who commiserated with the government and people of Borno and Adamawa States, especially those who lost their loved ones in the attacks, said; “in other countries of the world, the government would have taken responsibility for deceiving and misleading the people and apologised.”

In a release issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose asked; “If Boko Haram had indeed been technically defeated as Lai Mohammed made Nigerians to believe, what do we call the Sunday and Monday attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State capital and Madagali, Adamawa State? “Should we say that the ‘technically’ defeated Boko Haram insurgents attacked Borno and Adamawa States, killing close to 100 Nigerians and injuring several others?

“Only Lai Mohammed who told Nigerians that Boko Haram had been technically defeated can tell us what happened and he must have to explain how ‘technically defeated’ insurgents could carry out such deadly attacks.”

Governor Fayose, who urged the APC-led federal government to stop deceiving Nigerians, especially on the Boko Haram insurgency and its anti-corruption fight said; “This governance by deceit must stop. Nigerians deserve to know the truth concerning how they are being governed.”

He challenged the federal government to tell Nigerians how much had been spent on security matters since June, this year, saying; “As it is today, they are just using the anti-corruption fight to shift the attention of Nigerians from their failure to fulfil the promises they made while seeking votes.

They are deceiving Nigerians while diverting Security Vote under the pretence of fighting Boko Haram insurgency. “It has therefore become pertinent that they are told expressly to stop behaving as if they are still the opposition. They should realise that election is over and it is already seven months that they assumed office.”

Unbelievable! Mariah Carey appears in bikini


Unbelievable! Mariah Carey appears in bikini 

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The temperature must have been pushing zero, but that wasn’t going to stop Mariah Carey from taking a Christmas dip while on holiday in Aspen, Colorado. The singer didn’t seem like she was feeling the cold as she showed off her incredible figure in a golden bikini, standing knee deep in a hot tub.

In the snap, which was posted on Boxing Day, she can be seen with snow on her hands. The caption is made up of the following hashtags: “traditions”, “aspen”, “winter moments”, and “sending all my love to lambs.”


The superstar singer has been enjoying a family holiday with her four-year-old twins Morrocan and Monroe. She also thought to have been joined by her ex husband Nick Cannon in time for Chritmas Day.

She’s been keeping fans updated as to what her and the children have been getting up to, including making gingerbread houses, gaving fun in snow, and getting a visit from the big man, Santa Claus himself – which Mariah changed into a Christmas onesie for.


Earlier this month there was speculation Nick may have plans to celebrate Christmas with his ex, after he told Ellen Degeneres that they will “always be family” despite their split. He added: “It’s just so important when, if a marriage does not work out and you have kids, to show them love and not have somebody talking badly about the other person it’s great.”

What’s not known, however, is if Nick got to meet Mariah’s new love, James Packer, who was spotted in Aspen with the singer a week ago. The pair explored the Colorado town together and were also spotted in the VIP section at the World Snow Polo Championship, where they held hands and cosied up together to watch the sporting event.


What’s certain is that this was a great festive season for Mariah, who has always loved Christmas, but this year was looking forward to it more than ever this year, judging by the comments she made on ITV’s Lorraine, a few weeks ago. She said: “Christmas is the best time of the year for me. Even better with having the twins, absolutely, couldn’t be better. [I’m] so excited to have Christmas this year, they really finally understand a little bit more about the holiday. I’m like finally! They’re only four.”


Pregnant CNN Anchor Poppy Harlow Passes Out on Live TV

Pregnant CNN Anchor Poppy Harlow Passes Out on Live TV 

Image result for picture of poppy harlow

CNN anchor Poppy Harlow, who announced her first pregnancy in late November, gave viewers a scare when she passed out live on air on Monday morning while discussing a breaking news story.
Though you do not see Harlow onscreen, you can hear her speech start to slur and a gasp from off-screen:

“For all of you on Twitter, who are asking if I’m OK, thank you so much. I got a little hot and I passed out for a moment,” the 33-year-old explained when she reappeared on air minutes later. “I am fine.”
Harlow reiterated this when she later tweeted that she had been taken to the hospital. “Our little girl due this spring is doing just fine,” she reassured her followers. “Was a scare but we are both ok.”
One possible explanation? According to the Mayo Clinic, changes in the circulation system during pregnancy can lead to lightheadedness and dizziness.