PICCONN

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Finally, Uruguay's President Signs Bill Legalizing Marijuana

English: José Mujica, Frente Amplio candidate....

Uruguay officially became the first country to legalize marijuana on Monday night, when President Jose Mujica quietly signed a bill passed by the legislature two weeks ago. Regulators have until April 9 to write the rules for the new distribution system, which will include sales at pharmacies (up to 40 grams a month per consumer) and joint cultivation by nonprofit cannabis clubs. But as of Tuesday, it is legal for each household to grow up to six plants and harvest up to 480 grams (a bit more than a pound) annually.

[Forbes] LAGOS — At the first glance, Nigeria does not appear particularly alluring to international investors. The country’s important oil industry is in the doldrums with crude production stagnating at around 2 million barrels per day. Oil investment is held back by the failure to pass a key reform bill. Pervasive theft of crude oil is nibbling away at onshore oil pipelines as well as export figures. Previously a major crude oil exporter to the US, Nigeria’s share of US oil imports has dropped 11 to 5 percent in the last year.

”A child born today will grow up with no conception of privacy at all,” Edward Snowden warned Wednesday in a message broadcast to U.K. television viewers.

”They’ll never know what it means to have a private moment to themselves, an unrecorded, unanalyzed thought,” said Snowden, famous for leaking documents from the U.S. National Security Agency that reveal just how much of what we say, write and do is already recorded and analyzed.

”That’s a problem because privacy matters. Privacy is what allows us to determine who we are, and who we want to be,” Snowden said in “video message” recorded for Channel 4, a commercially funded public service broadcaster owned by the U.K. government.

According to a shocking report by National Daily Newspaper, a 7-month pregnant factory worker was beaten so badly by her Lebanese boss that she lost her baby.

Workers in a Lagos based packaging and printing company, Toppan Packaging Company Limited located on Ladipo Oluwole in Ikeja Industrial Estate could not believe what they witnessed on Friday the 13th December 2013.

When the shift manager, a Lebanese; Kaveh Noine beat up the Cleaning Unit Supervisor Mrs. Alice Ossai in their presence, due to what he deemed negligence on her part, his grouse, a portion of the factory is littered with dirt and she failed in her responsibility to rein in her team to keep the factory floor spick and span.

Beyonce won 2013. We all know this. But to end her year on the highest note possible, Beyonce teamed up with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help Taylon Davis, 12, fulfil her dying wish to dance with her.

Beyonce invited Taylon and her mother Marie to Las Vegas for her Mrs. Carter Show and documented it all on her site. In the video, Taylon is clearly overcome with emotion as Beyonce approaches her and they dance to ‘Survivor’ together, how appropriate?

Iyanya is one of those Nigerian artistes whose year 2013 was absolutely fantastic.

The Kurere Master got several multi-million naira deals, had sold-out concerts in Nigeria and abroad.

The co-owner of MMMG, and his crew got together for an all-white boat cruise, which set sail at the Lekki waterways to Ilase private beach, Lagos.

Celebrities at the Mandela Walk to Freedom Premiere

Idris Elba is counting his blessings this Christmas after walking away from a nasty car wreck unscathed.

According to The Sun, the Mandela actor flipped his car while shooting a racing documentary, Idris Elba: King of Speed, in Finland. The actor sped over an embankment and overturned his vehicle, fortunately he was not hurt.

Should a plus-size Barbie exist?? New image of bigger Barbie sparks debate!

Fostering a healthy body image is all the rage in the fashion industry these days!
For instance, major modeling agencies are now acceptingmodels outside of their usual 5’10” - size 2 range, Tyra Banks has taken issue with the plus-size label, and models of all shapes and sizes have begun to grace high-fashion runways.
So is it time for the traditional Barbie doll to make a change as well?
With many young girls looking to Barbie’s curves and itty-bitty waist for an unhealthy source of thinspiration, many are saying yes.
A Facebook page dedicated to Plus Size Modeling recently posted a photo (above) asking followers if they would like to see bigger barbies in stores, and the response was decidedly mixed!
The responses ranged from:

"No one is naturally fat for gods sake, that's sending the message to girls that it's ok to look like this and be unhealthy.. How about we stop obsessing about being overweight and teach our children to eat healthy and get out and play…"

To:

It isn't new how people criticize and discriminate religions, tribes, country, colour and others, Group CEO, Richard Branson, just wrote something in one of his social media page that people should be allowed to love whoever they want which is true, and In support rapper eLDee wrote;

MUST WATCH! Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix (Sweetest Rendition Ever!)

Little Drummer Boy (Lyrics):

Mmmmmm (2x)

(Avi)
Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum

Zoe Saldana Considers Getting Implants

Zoe Saldana is obsessed over the size of her breasts, so much so that in the January issue ofLucky magazine she admits she's considering getting implants some day.

"You always want what you don't have," she tells the magazine. "My whole life I've been obsessed with breasts. I love them. I don't like fake things, but I wouldn't mind buying myself a pair before I die."

She also says that the pressure to get them is all on her, and that a "real man" would never pressure a woman to surgically change anything about herself.

"When I hear men say, 'I don't want droopy breasts,' I think, I'm sorry, you're not really a man. A man likes a woman as she is," she says. "You know when you meet a real man from the way he talks about a woman. You just go, 'Wow, you're a man.'"

Zoe also says that she likes to look like a strong woman because she doesn't want people to do things for her.

International US rapper, Wale had a chat with MTV Base VJ, Ehiz during his visit to Nigeria last month. The rapper spent a few days hanging out with Nigerian superstars including Dbanj, Don Jazzy, Davido, Olamide and many others. And he sat down with celebrated MTV VJ Ehiz to talk about his relationship with his family, Wizkid, Ice Prince, Olamide, the lingering Dbanj and Don Jazzy feud and how he brought the pair together in one surprise-filled night.

JUSTIN BIEBER: I'M NOT KIDDING ABOUT RETIRING

Justin Bieber is NOT backing off his promise to "retire" after his album drops ... and last night, he proved he means business by reinforcing his retirement plans ON TWITTER!!!

Just one week after he initially announced his upcoming retirement while appearing on an L.A. radio station, Justin issued a Christmas Eve statement saying, "My beloved beliebers I'm officially retiring."

Are you guilty of telling a friend one of these lies?

You'd be hard-pressed to be among a group of ladies with nothing to say regarding your relationship. So if one of your best friends is gabbing more than a "Chatty Cathy" doll, avoid these 5 lies women tell each other about men and dating:

5. "He's probably just busy." When you first started dating, he showed up regularly with flowers and couldn't stop whispering sweet nothings into your ear. But now? You're lucky if he returns your phone calls because he's sooo busy. Your BFF may console you otherwise, but bottom line is we all have the same amount of hours in our day. Break free, girl. There are plenty of fish in the sea who will make time to take your bait no matter when the tide is receding.

The last batch of 2011 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia by Med-View carrier arrived the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos recently.

The first batch of 80 Nigerians to be repatriated from Saudi Arabia arrived at the Nnamid Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, today

The deportees reportedly arrived in the country on board an Ethiopian Airline plane at about noon.

Mr Daniel Obot, the Assistant Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told newsmen at the Airport that the deportees were part of the 508 Nigerians residing illegally in Saudi Arabia.

Lying on her hospital bed, Roona Begum almost appears likes any other two-year-old.

But her appearance today is a drastic transformation to how the toddler looked just a few months ago after her head swelled to twice its size. These dramatic series of images chart her journey which has seen her undergo numerous operations on her skull.

Doctors carried out her latest reconstructive surgery on Friday and the results are clear to see in these pictures taken of Roona at a hospital in New Delhi, India, on Christmas Day.

More photos below:

Steve Martin Fully Explains His 'Offensive' Tweet (ABC News)

Steve Martin felt compelled to explain his offensive tweet from this past weekend.

On Friday night, the actor asked his Twitter followers to "submit your grammar here," and when one user asked, "Is this how you spell lasonia?" Martin responded, "It depends. Are you in an African-American neighborhood or at an Italian restaurant?"

Yesterday, the comedian posted on his website "I am very upset that a tweet I sent out last week has been interpreted by some to be insulting to African Americans … To those who were offended, again, I offer a deep, sincere, and humble apology without reservation."

Martin, 68, had already apologized via Twitter for the "offensive thing I'd done."

Hot & Hippy Ghanaian actress/tv show host Joselyn Dumas added this as her Christmas card caption

May all the Joyfull sweet magics Of Christmas conspire To gladden your hearts And fill every desire..
Wishing all of you an amazing and altogether thrilling Christmas
All my love.....

Barrack Obama & First Lady, Michelle are Living Apart

MICHELLE Obama has had enough!
According to a bombshell new report, the First Lady and Barack Obama are sleeping in separate White House bedrooms.
Michelle is also preparing to boot her hubby of 21 years out of their ritzy Chicago home — and seriously discussing divorce.
“The smart money says the marriage is doomed,” a source told the National Enquirer.
“Barack and Michelle have had a rocky go for years and mainly stayed together for their daughters and his political career.
“But now Michelle is mad AS hell. She feels violated in front of the whole world, and screamed at him, ‘I’ve had enough!’
“She’s met with divorce lawyers and told Barack that she wants a life apart from him.
“Michelle will stay in the White House for the rest of Barack’s term for appearances’ sake, but she
made it clear they’ll be leading separate lives.

Neymar will go down in history - Ronaldo

The Selecao legend believes that the Barca star will be one of the greatest South Americans ever if he continues on his current track

Former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has claimed that Neymar will "go down in history" as one of the best Brazilian players ever.

The 21-year-old has shone in 2013 - after signing for the Catalans from Santos in the early summer, he starred as the Selecao stormed to the Confederations Cup title and has subsequently starred for Gerardo Martino's men this season.

It's safe to say Chicago journalists aren't Britney Spears' biggest fans.
In fact, Brit was deemed "the WORST interview of 2013" by a group of leading reporters in the state.
Jamar "J Nice" McNeil of Chicago's B96 The J Showexplained:

"Least favorite interview this year was Britney Spears. She was not at all interested in her own new album, her new single or her Vegas residency show. She wasn’t interested in the interview. Why’d her label make her do this? Waste. I would’ve rather spent that time with a corpse. No, like really. A corpse ‘off gasses,’ might twitch, decomposes, bloats — pretty interesting stuff. Britney Spears? Two words: Nothing there.”

You have to watch this clip…why? Err, because Jim Said So.

Over the past few months, Nollywood superstar Jim Iyke has been filming the second season of his hit reality TV show – Jim Iyke Unscripted in many cities across Africa.

You better grab your arm rests because this Jim Iyke-ride is about to go some extra FUN miles.

In this short preview of show, we can see Jim Iyke and his “BFF” Nadia Buari going shopping, exploring the city and having some us time, and of course, the crazy and fun life of the mega star.

Check it out after the cut...

'Barca are scared of Man City' - Yaya Toure

Barcelona are "scared" of Manchester City based on their storming performances this campaign, according to former Camp Nou midfielder Yaya Toure.

The Ivorian has been a pivotal part of the Blues' ascension to second in the Premier League in 2013-

14 as of Christmas, as well as helping the club to their first appearance in the Champions League knock-out stage.

Manuel Pellegrini's men will face Barca in the last 16 and Toure - who left the Catalans in 2010 - thinks that Gerardo Martino's side fear elimination to the Citizens, whom he thinks will be the biggest team on the planet in a few seasons.

The insider secrets behindBeyoncé’s surprise album just keep coming!
We’re learning more about her earth-shattering song 'Yoncé, including who came up with that stellar nickname!
First thing first, did you SEE the music video?! CLICK HEREto watch maybe the sexiest display of Queen Bey ever!
Now, listen carefully to the background beats. Because banging on that bucket that you hear is Justin Timberlake!
Talent overload!!!
Actually, we EXCLUSIVELY reported about when Beyoncé and her little drummer boy JT got into the studio together over a year ago!
And it was in that studio sesh that 'Yoncé was born!
B recently discussed the moment her new moniker and track title came to life, saying that her producer The Dream coined the nickname while Justin was pounding out the background jam!
Beyonce explained:

The year is gradually coming to an end and no one can deny that 2013 was the year for great, captivating movies.
The Nollywood industry has sure taken a giant leap this year towards making movies with not just unique story-line but with great presentation and impressive production content.
We bring you the top 10 Nollywood movies that has got you all talking this year. If you have not seen any of the movie below then it's time to get yourself a copy and enjoy with your family/friends this festive season as these movies are certainly a MUST WATCH.
Enjoy:

Is Demi Lovato Going to get a Boob Job?

As confident as Demi Lovato seems, it turns out she isn’t totally in love with her lady bits. In fact, she might be joining the ranks of other celebrities who have gone under the knife. During a radio interview at Miami’s Jingle Ball on Friday, Demi was asked to play a little game and pick a random question from a Santa hat. The q read, ”You were picked to give one celebrity plastic surgery. Who would it be and what type of surgery?”

Watch Taylor Swift Being Eternally Adorable

What we have right here is an incredibly precious video of the incredibly precious Taylor Swift, all the way back in 1993. As you can see, she's on a very important phone call with that Britany chick, and as you can also see, this girl was always just the cutest.

Oh, what a darling little Christmas gift, right?

Kanye West Being Sued For Allegedly Stealing Bound 2 Sample!

Kanye West is causing trouble again, but this time it'll cost him!
Ricky Spicer— the vocalist heard on Bound 2— has filed a lawsuit yesterday in NYC against the rapper for using his pipes on the jam without his permission.
YUP! While it was originally recorded over 40 years ago as part of the old school soul group the Ponderosa Twins Plus One, Ricky and his legal team are requesting Kanye pay up or cease-and-desist any trace of his vocals on the track.
The paperwork states:

"Mr. Spicer's voice is sampled exactly as he recorded it and his voice… is heard several times."

The self-proclaimed god has yet to respond, but he better get that checkbook ready quick!
Guess even Yeezus has to ask for authorization before using someone else's work!
Listen to the two versions and compare the OBVIOUSsimilarities yourself (below)!!!

Kelechukwu and M.I. Abaga may to clap for themselves, as it looks like the two rappers have put aside their long running feud in the interest of peace and collaboration.

The rappers have been spotted on stage in Port Harcourt recently rocking the crowd in a joint performance.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

“Arsenal like to cry, it’s a tradition” – Mourinho blasts Gunners forwhining over tackles

Jose Mourinho has branded Arsenal cry babies following an ill-tempered goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger was upset his side were denied a penalty after Willian appeared to trip Theo Walcott in the box, while John Mikel Obi escaped a red card for catching Mikel Arteta’s ankle in a bruising clash.

The result means Liverpool top the Barclays Premier League at Christmas for the first time since 2008, with Arsenal second on goal difference after leading for three months and Chelsea fourth.

But Mourinho, who maintained his unbeaten record against the Gunners, blasted Arsenal.

‘You know, they like to cry,’ said the Chelsea boss. ‘That’s tradition. But I prefer to say, and I was telling it to the fourth official, that English people — Frank Lampard, for example — would never provoke a situation like that. Players from other countries, especially some countries, have that in their blood.

U.S. Richard Branson slams Uganda's anti-gay bill

(CNN) -- The U.S. government and business tycoon Richard Branson led a growing chorus of voices around the world Tuesday slamming Uganda's new anti-gay bill, which would make some gay acts punishable by life in prison.

The bill, which in its original form prescribed the death penalty for cases of "aggravated homosexuality" -- for instance if someone is infected with HIV -- reduced the penalty to life imprisonment before the vote.

Clauses that criminalize the "promotion" of homosexuality could cause activists and even doctors treating gay patients with HIV to face prison time.

Juliet Ibrahim might not have starred in many movies in 2013, but fortunately for her, the latest movie titled ‘Rain’ in which she featured in early this year, has been released onto the market for sale.

The movie, which featured movie stars like Dan Tei Mensah, Eddie Nartey, Niki Samonas, George Dickman and others, is said to be a very educative movie but, with lots of hardcore and graphic scenes; Juliet Ibrahim lustfully playing a lesbian role as she kisses Niki Samonas, whilst Eddie Nartey played a gay role with his partner being George Dickman.

You can click below to watch the 5 minutes trailer or get a copy of the movie if you are a Juliet Ibrahim fan.

Recently, an offensive tweet from a PR executive on her way to Africa sparked a social media firestorm. By the time she landed, her employer, Barry Diller's IAC, had deleted her from the company website. Twitter may limit you to 140 characters, but that’s more than enough room to stick your foot in your mouth.

1. TAYLOR PALMISANO

Image: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao believes that Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The Colombia international is a huge admirer of both players, having played alongside them in La Liga for two years before leaving Atletico Madrid for Monaco during the summer.

However, as far as Falcao is concerned, the Portugal international is the slightly superior talent.

“Messi and Cristiano are the two most important players in the world today but, for me, Ronaldo is the best,” the 27-year-old striker told El Tiempo.

PHOTOS: SUBARU LEGACY CONCEPT CAR IS STUNNING

PHOTOS after the cut..

Miley Cyrus takes a hands-on approach in the provocative video for “Adore You,” the third single off her album Bangerz. In the latest teaser (she previously posted clips on Instagram), the 21-year-old singer touches her body while wearing only a bra and panties and running her hands through her hair.

The ballad, written and produced by Stacy Barthe and Oren Yoel, follows her Mike WiLL Made It-produced banger “We Can’t Stop” and No. 1 single “Wrecking Ball.”

The full “Adore You” video will premiere on Thursday, December 26, at 10 a.m. EST.

Sneak a peek into Miley’s most intimate video yet.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

1. TAYLOR PALMISANO