Lady Gaga on 'A Star Is Born': "I Gave Something I Don't Always Give" | Close Up

Lady Gaga joins Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about 'A Star Is Born,' her early aspirations as an actress, and more.

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Tyra Banks Talks New Movie 'Lifesize 2', New Book 'Perfect is Boring' and Spits Bars

Tyra Banks is the author of a new book, Perfect is Boring: 10 Things My Crazy, Fierce Mama Taught Me about Beauty, Booty, and Being a Boss. She stopped by Sway In The Morning to talk about it.

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Ellen Pompeo Gina Rodriguez Gabrielle Union Emma Roberts for Women in Television 2018

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Regina King on Deciding to Work With Barry Jenkins on 'If Beale Street Could Talk' | Close Up

Regina King joins Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about her decision to work on 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' praise for directory Barry Jenkins, and more.

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How Can You Be Certain In Uncertainty? | Pastor Godman Akinlabi

If you want to experience certainty in uncertainty, you must Have faith in the 'Certain God'. Have faith in his power and remember past victories.

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Simi Drey Flauns Sexy Bikini Body in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Nigerian media diva Simi Drey aka  Duchess of Ibadan  She captioned;Girls just wanna have sun ☀️
#TheDuchess #SimiDrey #NigeriasSweetheart

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An Instagram Influencer 'Blackfishing'

Real fam, what are your thoughts on "blackfishing"?

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Idris Elba, Sexiest Man Alive 2018, On His Celebrity Crush, Life As A Dad & More (FULL) | PeopleTV

He’s an actor, a DJ, a pro kickboxer — and now, he’s People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Idris Elba opens up about his awkward childhood years, how he stays in such amazing shape, and life as a doting dad.

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Glenn Close on Why 'The Wife' Took 14 Years to Make | Close Up

Glenn Close joins Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about 'The Wife,' its lengthy journey to production, and more.

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Ariel Winter from Modern Family Talks Fame, Relationships and Raps Cardi B

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Yes, Girl Podcast: Tisha Campbell & Tichina Arnold On 30-plus Years Of Friendship

On the latest episode of our ESSENCE Yes, Girl! podcast, our favorite BFFs get candid about navigating the industry together for the past 30-plus years.

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What Happened To J-Kwon After His Monster Hit “Tipsy” | #FindingJKwon

What happens to a 17-year-old rapper who makes a monster hit like 2004’s “Tipsy?” From sleeping in a car at 12, to mooning L.A. Reid, to child support conspiracies, to random shoutouts from Kanye West, J-Kwon’s life has been a wild ride.

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@DSTV will show Beyoncé and Jay-Z show will only have 25 minutes of live performance.

 According to a television operator, the Beyoncé and Jay-Z show will only have 25 minutes of live performance. The rest will only be for "whoever is in the stadium". rs More information coming soon! Stay connected on

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Are You An Asset or A Liability In Your Relationship? | Pastor Godman Akinlabi

The Elevation Church (TEC) has been set up by God to develop its members as witnesses of Christ while empowering them to achieve the highest levels of distinction and greatness in life.

To us at TEC greatness primarily means service. As Jesus said in Mark 9:35, whoever wants to be great in God’s kingdom must first learn to be the servant of all.

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Ashley Everett Visits Lion & Safari Park

Ashley Everett is in South Africa for the Mandela concert. She visited Lion & Safari Park,she played with the cubs...so cute.

Ashley Everett is the lead backup dancer and dance captain for Beyoncé. She captioned; Africa ❤️

 

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Big sister duties! Today’s lesson: Bottle holding.

 Luna Stephens feed brother Miles Stephen 🍼 via @chrissyteigen 

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Rio Ferdinand says Chelsea star, Didier Drogba as the toughest African opponent he encountered in the English Premier League + praises Austin Okocha

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand who is in Lagos on a three-day promotion programme courtesy Guinness Nigeria has described former Chelsea star, Didier Drogba as the toughest African opponent he encountered in the English Premier League.

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Speaking at Guinness’ corporate headquarters in Ikeja yesterday, Ferdinand revealed Drogba was an exceptional African footballer. 

The former Manchester United central defender listed Cameroonian Samuel Etoo Fils as another great player from the continent.

He paid glowing tribute to former Nigerian stars like Sunday Oliseh, Rashidi Yekini,  Austin Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu.

“Growing up in England there were always Nigerians around me. But (Austin) Okocha was something else. Followed his game from PSG till when he came over to the Premiership with Bolton Wanderers. 

“We used to share videos of his games to watch so as to learn one thing or two from his bundle of skills. Same with (Nwankwo) Kanu. 

These exceptional Nigerian players had huge influence on black players in the UK,” commented Ferdinand while fielding questions from reporters

He said he was happy to be part of the Guinness project because Nigeria’s passion for the game was huge and infectious. “ Your passion is exceptional for football same as your culture and music that is all over the world now.”

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I succumbed to pretending to be engaged in order to get an apartment. – Actress Teniola

Nigerian actress Teniola A. Aladese, has revealed that she pretended to be engaged in order to get an apartment in Lagos state.

She wrote about how she had to lie that she was engaged so as to get an apartment.


 She also claimed that landlords discriminate based on tribe when billing for rent.

She wrote;

House Hunting in Lagos. Today, I succumbed to pretending to be engaged in order to get an apartment. I had gotten tired of not getting an apartment because some landlords have chosen to regard me as the ‘Irresponsible single woman’.
And I had lost out on good apartments in good locations owing to this reason. Check this. You are a single independent woman. You have a job.
You can pay your rent. But hey, they don’t want you because you are single and they think you may live irresponsibly and bring various men to their house… Whose business is that anyway? A few houses/landlords I’ve gone to had issues with me at first because they thought I was Igbo (A lot of people think I look Igbo).
An agent even had me speak Yoruba to him and a little bit of Ondo to prove that I am Yoruba. An agent also had me know that a landlord had set a certain rent fee for a Yoruba tenant and an entirely different fee (N100,000 higher!) for someone of another tribe.
Who does that?! Who else has gone through hell to find an apartment in Lagos? Please share. And yes, I’m still on the quest to finding an apartment in Lagos.😌 JUICY COMMENTS 😌 ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ next... FOLLOW ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ Instagram - kemikingblog Facebook - jaiyeorie Weddings - jaiyeorieweddings Advertise/ send gist to us - jaiyenews@gmail.com ... spill TEA ☕ Easy on Shade #jaiyeorie

Rio Ferdinand meets Nigeria fans ,Soldiers and members of the press.

ManuU Rio Ferdinand meets Nigeria fans ,soldiers and members of the press.It so cute how he stormed the street to meet the locale. He stopped by the stadium to watch a match or scout.

 

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Basketmouth Meets Rio Ferdinand

Rio meets with Guinness Nigeria and members of the press.

 

He captioned;I wish I wasn’t holding that mic....now i can’t use the caption “just chilling” with @rioferdy5 @ the @guinnessngr #BlackPass #32  

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Rio Ferdinand In Lagos, To Search For Young Talents (Photos)

Football legend and former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on a three-day visit.

The visit will run from Thursday, November 29, to Sunday, December 2.

Retired international  Rio Ferdinand arrived in Lagos for a series of events organized by Guinness, as he played the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, in Lagos, and received a great reception from football enthusiasts. He was well received by Guinness Nigeria officials and football fans, signed a couple of autographs upon arrival, will join Guinness Nigeria's efforts to find and celebrate Nigerian football fans which are Made of More.

The 40-year-old and the ex-Red devils center-back is no stranger to Nigeria, as in 2008 he met the traditional ruler of Lagos, King Rilwan Akiolu, during a visit and was bestowed with the title of “Chief Fiwagboye”.

During the ceremony at his palace in Lagos, King Akiolu told the former England defender that Fiwagboye literally means “character maketh wealth.”

“To be honest, I was a little embarrassed to be named a Chief, I’m not sure I’m worthy but it is something to be proud of really,” Ferdinand said at the time.

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7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Alaska

On Friday, a  7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked Anchorage, Alaska largest city violently shook homes and businesses and knocking out power to some residents.


The quake was located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Anchorage and struck at 8:29 am local time (1729 GMT), the US Geological Survey said. The city’s police department said it had caused “major infrastructure damage to Anchorage.”


“Many homes and buildings are damaged. Many roads and bridges are closed. Stay off the roads if you don’t need to drive” the police department said in a statement.
The Anchorage Daily News, reported that the Glenn Highway had closed north of Eagle River because of damage, and an onramp at the interchange of International Airport Road and Minnesota Boulevard collapsed.

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Popular Gospel Singers, Eben And Wife, Jahdiel Celebrate Wedding Anniversary

 Eben and wife, Jahdiel are celebrating their wedding anniversary today. They took to their instagram pages to pen lovely messages to each other.
Eben got married to his lovely wife, Jahdielin 2013 and their union is blessed with a son named Smashley.


Eben wrote;
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO US!!!
���������.
This woman is a blessing to my life and ministry!!!!
Loving,caring ,supportive and forgiving!!!
Helpful,resourceful and joyful!!!
Fun filled,fulfilled and insightful!!!
Jahdiel wrote;


HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO US @eben_rocks …���� ������It’s been grace all the way. I’m married to my best friend.. God has blessed us beyond measure. Our kids are growing in the knowledge and wisdom of the lord. We are taking territories for Christ. Thank you so much Lord Jesus, Thank you so much Lord Jesus, Thank you so much Lord Jesus. We thank you, we thank you , we thank you ��

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#GilbertArenas says he “won” the settlement over a sex tape claim

Gilbert Arenas  “won” the settlement over a sex tape claim and says his accuser ended up having to pay him. We’re sure he’ll keep us updated on if and when he actually receives the bag.

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Gay Men Make Passes At Me Because Of The Way I Dress In My Skits – Bello K

 Instagram comedian Bello Kreb in a new interview with Saturday Punch has opened up on his journey into the entertainment scene.

Read excerpts below;
How did comedy start for you?
I started in the church; that was where I met my colleague, Josh 2 Funny. I love acting; so joined a drama group in church. My colleague and I used to perform in churches, sometimes we would get paid and at other times, we wouldn’t get paid. I have tried different arts in the past. I used to be a dancer but I broke my right shoulder in the process. After some time, I went into music. I used to rap but later discovered that music was not for me.
When did you make your first skit?
My first skit was done in a mall around 2015. My friend recorded the video for me, using my phone, and it was silent comedy. The video only got 16 views.
Did this discourage you?
I wasn’t discouraged at all; I didn’t feel bad because I was living my dream.
Is comedy your full-time job?Yes, presently comedy is my full-time job; but I have plans of venturing into some other things in future.
What inspires the content of your videos?
Basically, the situation around me influences the contents of my videos.  My kind of comedy is more like silent comedy. I don’t have to talk to make people laugh. It is a type of comedy that has to do with your facial expressions.
What are the efforts you put into making your skits?
Whenever Josh and I are shooting a skit, we just get dressed without having anything in mind. We brainstorm until an interesting idea comes up. However, when I want to shoot my own videos, I brainstorm before the production day.  I want to give credit to Tunde Ednut and Josh 2 Funny; they inspire me. We use professional cameras and phones to record our skits.
You often do skits with Josh 2 Funny; some people see you as a sidekick, does this bother you?
It doesn’t bother me at all; it doesn’t stop me from doing what I want to do for myself. People may see me as his sidekick; but Josh doesn’t see me that way, he sees me as his colleague and friend. We work together.
How did you guys meet?

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Angela Bassett Is Cover Star For Gio

Gio is visual journal of the finer things. Angela Bassett speaks on her career defining moments,family .

interview by { Bekah Wright
Edited by { Bonnie Davidson
Photography by { John Russo

Gratitude.

Read excerpts:

It emanates from Angela Bassett, especially when she reflects on family and career. The Academy Award nominee, four-time Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner sounds as joyful about an RV trip through the desert with husband, actor Courtney B. Vance, and their 12-year-old twins, Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah, as she does about a robust slate of upcoming television and film projects. 

Bassett has little downtime between projects. This season, she returns as Police Sergeant Athena Grant in the second season of FOX’s 9-1-1, a one-hour drama in which she is both star and executive producer; and gives voice to a cherry-red Plymouth Satellite named Shatter in Bumblebee, the new Transformers movie. Also on her lineup is the new Netflix Originals film Otherhood, which taps both her acting and executive producing skills.

Most of her characters are undeniably strong. Consider her power in films including What’s Love Got to Do With It, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Black Panther; and in TV movies, such as The Rosa Parks Story and Betty and Coretta. Perhaps that strength reflects less on her acting skills than on her inner life. In the words of Queen Ramonda, her Black Panther persona, “Show them who you are.” Clearly, Bassett shows us she is captivating, passionate and downright authentic.

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#AngelaBassett #DanaiGurira #LupitaNyongo #LetitiaWright - and #CardiB are 2/4 of the covers of #EntertainmentWeekly’s Entertainers of the Year issue.

 

The women of blackpanther are four of our Entertainers of the Year. - Angela Bassett Danai Gurira Lupita Nyongo Letitia Wright - and Cardi B are 2/4 of the covers of #EntertainmentWeekly’s Entertainers of the Year issue.#BlackPanther's superpowers are enhanced by the dynamic and brilliant Wakandan women who are empowered by their culture—and now inspire ours.  Cardi B has had a stellar year. 👏 Her debut studio album is certified double platinum and we're naming her one of our Entertainers of the Year.

 

 

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#JheneAiko opens up about healing while in #Hawaii.

You never know  everything a person is going through.

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I Breathe Through My Anus – Princess Shyngle To Haters

 Ghana-based Gambian actress, Princess Shyngle gained major popularity due to her incredibly tiny waist.

She took to her social media pages to share new photos of her waist and of course got many talking. A troll  in her comment section unable to hold back her thoughts asked Shyngle how she breathes and the actress’ response was epic. Read the exchanges below;

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‘This Is How We Can Eradicate Ugly People’- Lil Duval

 Lil Duval, who rose to fame in 2005 when he became a finalist on BET’s comedy competition series Coming to the Stage, took to Instagram to share his theory on how to eradicate ugly people.

According to him; “to ensure there are no ugly people in the world, beautiful women need to have sex and make babies and not leave that to “ugly bitches”.

He later went out to stress that we cannot allow ugly people to take over the world. 

Ouch that mean...

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I Am Not A serious Musician To My Son – Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

Nollywood actress Omotola Jalde-Ekeinde delved into music a couple of years ago when she released her debut album ‘Gba’ and "Me Myself and Eyes'' has opened up on reason nothing has been heard from her since then. Omotola who has a son who is a song producer also opened up on her relationship with him as an artiste. According to her, he does not see her as a serious artiste. 

Did I tell anyone that I have retired from music?

 I hope to do a song with my son but he is very stubborn. He has his own way of doing things. I hope that in future, we can collaborate;

 I have a certain kind of music that I do, I like rock and soft rock. He is still young and he is experimenting.“He is doing a lot of stuff. Obviously, he is enjoying himself because he is a ‘rave at the moment’ and maybe he is thinking that I have not ‘blown’ as a musician. I hope to prove myself in the music industry even more than my song, Gba, did. In future when I have built my own place, I would love to perform on stage instead of being commercial-oriented. I enjoy playing on stage more; I enjoy recording and performing. I hope to get there and do that so that people like my son can take me more seriously. My son knows that I am very good when it comes to music but he says, ‘It is not me you would use to blow.’”

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde you are not a serious musician...you need good team of writers and voice training, current producers..

Photo Credit: Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

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Your Breasts Are No Longer Fine – Stella Dimoko Korkus Drags Cossy Orjiakor

Cossy Orjiakor worried the people's timeline on yesterday's social networks with a snapshot of self showing his huge breasts in a plunging neckline dress, blogger Stella Dimorkokorkus has reacted.


According to Stella, Cossy's breasts are no longer good and they have to start covering them.


The commentwas made jokingly and Cossy seemed to get the joke, as he also responded.

 

Photo Credit: Getty

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Beyonce Knowles slays in Tongoro Studio Zanzi Set and Jay Z touchdown South Africa ahead of the Global Citizen Festival. + videos

Beyonce Knowles and her family was seen at the Lanseria Airport Thursday afternoon as they arrived the country. 

Beyonce slayed a Tongoro Studio Zanzi Set floral gown, shades and gold hoop earrings for her trip into SA.


She kept her feet comfy in white sneakers as she smiled her way out of the airport.

 Jay Z rocked an all-black ensemble as he was pictured carried little Rumi.

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Beyoncé chegando na África do Sul com Sir, Rumi, Blue e Jay-Z

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Ini Dima-Okojie, Mimi Onalaja, Omawumi storm at Waje’s ‘Red Velvet’ album Listening and Art Exhibition

 Its been 5 years So Inspired crooner released an album to her teeming fans.
Slimmer Waje had her album listening party and exclusive art exhibition for her sophomore album titled “Red Velvet”.Waje your outfit ..your killer legs

Red Velvet is a mix of the singer’s diverse styles, streamlined and tailored around the central theme of love.

At the event are Ini Dima-Okojie, Mimi Onalaja, bestie Omawumi and more

See first photos below:

Ini Dima-Okojie

Jennifer Alegieuno

Mimi Onalaja and Omawumi

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Agbani Darego Shares 1st Post-Baby Photo Since Welcoming Her Son

Agbani Darego has shared her first photo since welcoming her son with her husband Ishaya Danjuma.
The former Miss World took to her Instagram to make a surprise announcement about the arrival of her son.
“It’s only been a month with my baby boy, and it has been nothing short of amazing,” said the proud mum, adding, “My heart has never been so full! Mommy, Daddy and Baby Danjuma are doing great, and are thankful for all the love we have received.”
Now, the new mum is in Christmas mood.
Posting on her Instagram, she shared the photo which shows her posing in front of an adorned door. “It’s starting to feel like Christmas,” said Darego of the photo which shows the array of festive flowers and trees.
See the photos below.

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Jay-Z denies taking shot at Kanye West on Meek Mill's new album

Jay-Z, denies he took shot at  Kanye West.
The hip-hop mogul who featured on Meek Mill's new song "What's Free" with Rick Ross was believed to have taken a swipe at Kanye West.

In the track off Meek's new album ' Championships', Jay-Z raps:

"No red hat, don't Michael and Prince me and Ye / They separate you when you got Michael and Prince's DNA / I ain't one of these house n***as you bought / My house like a resort, my house bigger than yours."

It was assumed that he almost-compared West's wife Kim Kardashian with his own wife, Beyonce:

"My spo– c'mon man, my route better, of course," he raps in the song.

The Reasonable Doubt rapper has denied throwing shots at Kanye West, saying his line in 'What's Free' meant don't pit me against my brothers no matter what our differences are.
He wrote on Twitter:

'The line clearly meant don’t pit me against my brothers no matter what our differences are (red hat) now go pick up Meek album . Drake and Meek on there together.'

 

 

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It’s time for women to rise above the ‘weaker sex’ tag - Governor Ambode

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 National Women’s Summit of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA) , Ambode urged women to rise above all forms of discriminations and ‘weaker sex’ tag and truly play their role as change agents, saying such was necessary to transform Nigeria starting from the family unit.

 Governor Ambode said it was important for the Nigerian women to recognize the fact that the world was changing, and that they must use their influence to bring about positive change that would in turn cascade into every strata of the society.

According to the Governor, “the world is changing everyday and women are now in the forefront of things. Women are now agents of change and are no longer referred to as the “weaker sex”.

“So, they must never see themselves as oppressed or discriminated against. Every woman can be an agent of change. The society is built on a small unit called the family where the woman has great influence.
“From the family unit, every woman can initiate or spark change which can cascade upwards to every level and every sector of the nation. With focus, determination and perseverance, you can transform yourselves, your families, your communities and our country, against all odds.
“There will always be odds facing us; odds against our aspirations, our dreams, our objectives. But we cannot use these as excuses. The world we live in today does not take excuses. The world does not recognize efforts but results. So, against all odds, we must push forward, with a strong desire, and determination to succeed.
“I know our women face a lot of odds. Different, difficult challenges come your way every day. But my message to you today; and I am sure that is the message of this Summit, is that you can overcome all the challenges and triumph in all your endeavours,” Governor Ambode said.

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'I discovered her on Instagram' - Tyra Banks fires back at Winnie Harlow's shade about America's Next Top Model (Video)

 

Tyra Banks, clapped back at Canadian supermodel Winnie Harlow for saying hit reality series America's Next Top Model did nothing for her career.

In May, Harlow was asked about her career, and she said, 'I really started after the show, cause that didn't really do anything for my career.'
'It doesn't do anything for any model's career, realistically,' Harlow added.

At that time, Harlow even said that a 'major photographer' named Nick Knight found her photos online, and the shoot she did with him went viral and started her career.

During a recent appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Banks, 45, was asked what she thought about Harlow's comments, with Cohen mentioning she made those comments on his show in May.

'Did she say that? I discovered her on Instagram,' the America's Next Top Model producer said with a smile. 'Well, I discovered her on Instagram, and she's on this show, so what do you think that means?' 

Watch the video below.

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Former U.S secretary of state John Kerry says he's considering running for president in 2020

 John Kerry, has revealed he is considering running for President in 2020.
During “A Conversation With John Kerry” at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum, the 74-year-old from Massachusetts revealed this when asked about a presidential run.
“I’m thinking about how the hell to get out from under that question fast,” Kerry answered when asked if he had been considering a second presidential bid.
He then went on to explain that while he hasn’t been actively considering it, he’s “not taking anything off the table.”
“I’m not taking anything off the table,” he responded. “I haven’t been running around to the most obvious states, laying any groundwork or doing anything.
“Am I going to think about it? Yeah, I’m going to think about it,” he continued.
Kerry contested for the US presidency in 2004, lost to George W. Bush in a tight race, losing by 19 electoral votes.

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US To Manufacture $329 million Worth Super Tucano Combat Aircraft For Nigeria

      

The United States Department of Defence announced it has awarded the contract for the manufacturing of 12 A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force.
The contract was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation, an American aerospace contractor, for an initial sum of $329 million. A clause, described as “undefinitised contract action (UCA)”, was, however, added that the contract sum could be varied, but not exceeding $344.7 million.
A defence contracting explainer said the UCA involves contracts whose terms, specifications, or price are not agreed upon before work commences.6 of the aircraft would be equipped with Forward Looking Infrared System, a technology that senses radiation which is then converted to video output.


This could be because the negotiation of a definitive contract action is not possible in sufficient time to meet the government’s requirements or a government’s interest demands that the contractor be given a binding commitment so that contract performance can begin immediately, and shall be as complete and definite as practicable under the particular circumstances.






As part of the contract for the 12 Super Tucano combat jetliners, the Nigerian Air Force would receive ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment and alternate mission equipment, the U.S. defence department said.


There would also be a contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support, and five field service representatives for OCONUS support for three years, the U.S. Defence Department said.
The aircraft would be built in Jacksonville, Florida, southeastern United States, and is expected to be completed May 2024.
“Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $220,167,735 are being obligated at the time of award,” the department added.
President Muhammadu Buhari placed order for the aircraft in April, following extensive discussions with the U.S. government that led to the relaxing of a moratorium placed on military equipment sales to Nigeria.
Mr Buhari said the procurement would help strengthen Nigeria’s national security, as well as timely end to the Boko Haram war.
The Nigerian government transferred $469.4 million to the U.S. government in April, according to a letter he wrote to the National Assembly.

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Breaking: OPC Founder, Frederick Fasehun is Dead

      

Dr Frederick Fasehun, the founder of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), is dead.
The elder statesman passed away in the early hours of Saturday, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos state.
The octogenarian, it was learnt, was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital on Tuesday, where he remained until his demise.
Fasehun’s death was confirmed by his spokesman, Adeoye Jolaosho.
“It is true, Baba died this morning at the ICU in LASUTH, Ikeja,” he said.

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EFCC Seeks Permanent Forfeiture Of Shagaya’s N1.9bn

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed an application before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos seeking the permanent forfeiture of N1.9bn belonging to business mogul and socialite, Bola Shagaya.

  Two years after Sunday Punch exclusively reported that the EFCC had frozen the bank accounts of Shagaya due to fraudulent activities she allegedly perpetrated in conjunction with Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of the immediate past President.

In an EFCC fact sheet made available to Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the commission said it had been able to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the funds, which have been frozen since 2016, were part of a fraudulent N3.3bn oil deal between Shagaya and Mrs. Jonathan


The commission said it had no intention to prosecute Shagaya but its primary goal was to forfeit the funds to the Federal Government.

Narrating how the alleged fraud took place, the anti-graft agency in an affidavit deposed to by an operative, Musbahu Abubakar, claimed that  Shagaya through her alleged fraudulent activities in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, influenced the fraudulent allocation of kerosene to a firm, Index Petrolube Africa Ltd., with the aid of Mrs. Jonathan.

The EFCC said as a result of these alleged fraudulent activities, Shagaya was given a founder’s fee in the sum of N3.3bn by Index Petrolube and its sister company, Autodex Nigeria Ltd., both owned by a lawmaker, Ezeani ThankGod, for the fraudulent allocation of kerosene.



Shagaya paid N1.2bn into the Diamond Bank account of ‘Women for Change Initiative, an NGO owned by Patience of which she (Patience) the sole signatory.

The anti-graft agency said the balance of N1.9bn was kept in the Unity Bank accounts of Shagaya with numbers 0003261118, 0025111493 and 0025092589

It, therefore, stated that the N1.9bn frozen in the accounts of Shagaya be forfeited permanently to the Federal Government since the funds were proceeds of fraudulent activities.

The document read in part, “The commission investigated the unlawful activities of Bola Shagaya and former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, in relation to the allocation of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene) in NNPC in which investigations revealed unlawful proceeds of N3.3bn received by Bola Shagaya in which she made payments totalling N1.2bn to a proxy of Dame Patience Jonathan and retained the sum of N2bn.

“Investigations further revealed that part of the funds amounting to N1.9bn was warehoused in her account domiciled in Unity Bank Plc.

“The team via Suit No FHC/L/OS/1973/16 obtained an order attaching the sum of N1.9bn warehoused in the account of the bank.

“That Bola Shagaya subsequently via Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1004/2017 approached the court seeking an order of court to set aside the interim attachment order in Suit No: FHC/L/OS/1973/16 which the judge dismissed on the grounds of lack of merit.

“From the foregoing, the team seeks approval to forfeit the said funds in the account to the Federal Government under the forfeiture without conviction plan.”

Punch

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Yahooze Didn’t Promote Internet Fraud - Olu Maintain

11 years ago when Olu Maintain released the hit song, Yahooze; a song many believed glorified Internet fraud.

But in a recent chat, the singer said he was not the one that began the trend. He stressed that his 11-year-old song was not meant to glorify Internet fraud and that the video he shot for the song passed the message across clearly.


“When you create a body of art, people can misinterpret it the way they see fit. I mean, Yahooze is 11 years old and if you watch the video of the song, it was centred around an upcoming artiste that got a million dollar record deal. That was the message I presented with the song. Does the music video in any way represent Internet fraud? The answer is no.

“I cannot be responsible for how people interpret a work of art. It is like a painting, a man would value a painting for millions of dollars but to the other man, it does not make sense. Art should be subjected to everyone’s interpretation. My interpretation of that form of art was made very obvious,” he said.

The Yahooze singer further told Saturday Beats why it was difficult to release another hit song that could rival, Yahooze, saying, “It is a different generation and a different era with a different demography. As an artiste; as you grow, your core demography changes.

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Dino Melaye Appointed PDP Presidential Campaign Spokesperson

Melaye has been appointed Director in charge of Civil Societies/ NGO’S and Campaign Spokesperson in the PDP Presidential Campaign. Dino announced this himself on twitter writing;

''Thank you PDP for my appointment as Director incharge of Civil Societies/ NGO’S and Campaign Spokesperson in the PDP Presidential Campaign. We shall usually overcome. Light will always rejoice over darkness. Power to the People''.

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Ukraine Bans Russian Men Aged 16-60 From Country

Ukrainian officials on Friday temporarily banned all Russian men aged 16 to 60 from entering the country, the latest turn in a crisis between the two neighbors after Russia seized three Ukrainian ships earlier this week.

Russian coast guard ships on Sunday fired on and seized the Ukrainian vessels as they headed toward a contested strait close to Crimea, taking prisoner 24 Ukrainian sailors and triggering an international crisis.

Petro Tsygykal, Ukraine's chief of Border Guard Service, told a security meeting that all Russian males between 16 and 60 will be barred from travelling to Ukraine for the duration of martial law, which Ukraine's parliament voted to introduce on Monday for 30 days in some regions.

"At checkpoints, reinforced control measures are being implemented. Today, the entry of foreigners, especially citizens of the Russian Federation, is limited," Tsygykal said at the meeting, according to a published transcript on the website of Ukraine's presidential office.

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